English Standard Version
Job 32:18
18For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me.
Job 32:18 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.
- New International Version (NIV)For I am full of words, and the spirit within me compels me;
- New King James Version (NKJV)For I am full of words; The spirit within me compels me.
- New Living Translation (NLT)For I am full of pent-up words, and the spirit within me urges me on.
Context of Job 32:18
16And shall I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand there, and answer no more? 17I also will answer with my share; I also will declare my opinion. For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me. 19Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent; like new wineskins ready to burst. 20I must speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer.
Read all of Job 32Job 32:18 word by word
כִּ֭י מָלֵ֣תִי מִלִּ֑ים הֱ֝צִיקַ֗תְנִי ר֣וּחַ בִּטְנִֽי׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Job 32:18
- Psalms 39:3My heart became hot within me. As I mused, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:
- Jeremiah 20:9If I say, "I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name," there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.
- Ezekiel 3:14The Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness in the heat of my spirit, the hand of the Lord being strong upon me.
- Acts 4:20for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard."
- 2 Corinthians 5:13For if we are beside ourselves, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.
Commentaries on Job 32:18
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 18I am full of matter - מלים millim, "I am full of Words," or sayings; i.e., wise sentences, and ancient opinions. The spirit within me constraineth me - How similar to the words of St. Paul! The love of Christ constraineth us. Elihu considered himself under the influence of that Spirit of God which gives understanding, and felt anxiously concerned for the welfare both of Job and his friends.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 18For I am full of matter - Margin, as in Hebrew words.” The three friends of Job had been silenced. They had not one word more to say. Elihu says that the reverse was true of him. He was full of words, and felt constrained to speak. It was not because he forced himself to do it, nor because he did it as a mere matter of duty, but he was so impressed with the subject that it would be a relief for him to give utterance to his views. The spirit within me…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 15-22Verses 15-22 If we are sure that the Spirit of God suggested what we are about to say, still we ought to refrain, till it comes to our turn to speak. God is the God of order, not of confusion. It is great refreshment to a good man, to speak for the glory of the Lord, and to edify others. And the more we consider the majesty of God, as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less shall we sinfully fear or flatter men. Could we set the…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 18-20The length of Elihu’s speech shows he had many words to share (32:1–37:24). Elihu probably believed the spirit (Hebrew ruakh) within him urged him to speak (32:8, 19–20; Psalm 39:3). But the reader might regard him as just full of wind (an alternate meaning of the Hebrew ruakh; see study note on Job 15:2–3). Like Zophar, Elihu needed to speak to find relief (compare 20:2).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1818. "I am full of words," whereas the friends have not a word more to say. the spirit--(Job 32:8; 33:4; Jr 20:9; Ac 18:5).Read the comment
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Job 32
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries