Job 32:18

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;
• English Standard Version (ESV)For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me.
• New King James Version (NKJV)For I am full of words; The spirit within me compels me.

Context of Job 32:18

16And I have waited. But because they do not speak, because they stand there and answer no more, 17I too will answer my part, I too will explain what I know. For I am full of words, and the spirit within me constrains me. 19Inside I am like wine which has no outlet, like new wineskins ready to burst! 20I will speak, so that I may find relief; I will open my lips, so that I may answer.

Job 32:18 word by word

כִּ֭י מָלֵ֣תִי מִלִּ֑ים הֱ֝צִיקַ֗תְנִי ר֣וּחַ בִּטְנִֽי׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• For I am fullמָלֵאmâlê' mâlâ' · to fillH4390
• of matterמִלָּהmillâh milleh · speechH4405
• the spiritרוּחַrûach · spiritH7307
• withinבֶּ֫טֶןbeţen · belly: bodyH990
• me constrainethצוּקtsûq · to pressH6693

Cross-references for Job 32:18

• Psalms 39:3my anxiety intensified. As I thought about it, I became impatient. Finally I spoke these words:
• Jeremiah 20:9Sometimes I think, “I will make no mention of his message. I will not speak as his messenger any more.” But then his message becomes like a fire locked up inside of me, burning in my heart and soul. I grow weary of trying to hold it in; I cannot contain it.
• Ezekiel 3:14A wind lifted me up and carried me away. I went bitterly, my spirit full of fury, and the hand of the Lord rested powerfully on me.
• Acts 4:20for it is impossible for us not to speak about what we have seen and heard.”
• 2 Corinthians 5:13For if we are out of our minds, it is for God; if we are of sound 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

• Constrain
• Elihu
• Understanding
• Elihu (2)
• Job, Book of
• Matter

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