But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand.
English Standard Version (ESV)
While we might assume wisdom only comes with age, Elihu reveals it's God's Spirit, the "breath of the Almighty," that truly grants understanding. This divine breath, bestowed by God, is the real source of insight, not necessarily years of experience.
But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Elihu, a younger man, has been listening to the intense debate between Job and his three friends, growing increasingly frustrated by their arguments. After remaining silent for a long time, he finally speaks up, asserting that wisdom doesn't solely belong to the aged or experienced, but is a divine gift that can be given to anyone, regardless of age, by the Spirit of the Almighty. He believes this divine inspiration allows him to understand the situation and speak with understanding, even though he's young.
Elihu is about to challenge Job and his friends, but he's not just relying on his own intellect. He points to something deeper, something divine.
Elihu starts by saying, 'But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand.' This isn't just talking about the human spirit as a separate entity. The commentary notes that the phrase 'breath of the Almighty' is a direct echo of Genesis 2:7, where God 'breathed into his nostrils the breath of life.' This connects our ability to understand directly to God's creative act. It’s God’s breath, His very life-giving power, that sparks understanding within us. This divine 'breath' isn't just about physical life; it's the source of our intellect, our reason, and our capacity to grasp spiritual truths.
Job's friends, older and experienced, had failed to bring true understanding. Elihu, much younger, insists wisdom isn't merely about years.
Elihu's statement directly challenges the prevailing wisdom of his day, which often associated true understanding solely with advanced age and experience. He makes it clear that while age might bring experience, genuine insight comes from a higher source. 'The inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.' This means that God, in His sovereignty, bestows understanding. It's not earned solely through human effort or intellect, nor is it guaranteed by simply being older. God can grant profound insight to anyone, regardless of age or status, through His Spirit. Elihu is essentially saying that his youth doesn't disqualify him from speaking truth because the capacity for understanding he possesses is a divine gift, not a product of his years.
Ask a follow-up
Understand the original words
ruach · Hebrew Noun
The immaterial part of a human being; often denotes the life-force, the seat of intellect, emotions, and the capacity to interact with the Divine.
neshamah · Hebrew Noun
Literally 'life-breath' or 'wind'; in this context, it refers to the divine animating power that God imparts to humanity, enabling rational thought and spiritual understanding.
Shaddai · Hebrew Proper Noun
A primary title for God (Shaddai), emphasizing His absolute power, sufficiency, and role as the sovereign sustainer of all existence.
bin · Hebrew Verb
The quality of possessing sound judgment, moral discernment, and the ability to distinguish truth from error; it is often presented as a gift from God.
This passage directly links the 'breath of the Almighty' to the creation of man, suggesting that understanding itself is a divine impartation, just as life was breathed into Adam.
Proverbs 2:6This verse states that 'the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding,' echoing Elihu's assertion that true understanding originates from God, not solely from human effort or age.
John 1:9This verse speaks of 'the true light that gives light to everyone,' paralleling the idea that divine inspiration from the Almighty is the source that illuminates the human spirit and grants understanding.
1 Corinthians 2:10-12Paul explains that 'the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God,' showing how divine understanding is revealed through God's Spirit to believers, mirroring Elihu's point about a divine source of insight.
Romans 8:16This verse mentions that 'the Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God,' highlighting the intimate connection and internal testimony that God's Spirit provides, which is a form of divine understanding and assurance given to us.
clarkeJob 32:8: "But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding."
But there is a spirit in man - Mr. Good translates: - "But surely there is an afflation in mankind, And the inspiration of the Almighty actuateth them." Coverdale, thus: - Every man (no doute) hath a mynde; but it is the inspyracion of the Almightie that geveth understondinge. I will now offer my own opinion, but first give the original text: רוח היא באנוש ונשמת שדי תבינם ruach hi beenosh…
wesleyJob 32:8: "But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding."
32:8 Spirit - The spirit of God. Giveth - To whom he pleaseth.
While we might assume wisdom only comes with age, Elihu reveals it's God's Spirit, the "breath of the Almighty," that truly grants understanding. This divine breath, bestowed by God, is the real source of insight, not necessarily years of experience.
Elihu, a younger man, has been listening to the intense debate between Job and his three friends, growing increasingly frustrated by their arguments. After remaining silent for a long time, he finally speaks up, asserting that wisdom doesn't solely belong to the aged or experienced, but is a divine gift that can be given to anyone, regardless of age, by the Spirit of the Almighty. He believes this divine inspiration allows him to understand the situation and speak with understanding, even though he's young.
Elihu, a younger man, has been listening to the intense debate between Job and his three friends, growing increasingly frustrated by their arguments. After remaining silent for a long time, he finally speaks up, asserting that wisdom doesn't solely belong to the aged or experienced, but is a divine gift that can be given to anyone, regardless of age, by the Spirit of the Almighty. He believes this divine inspiration allows him to understand the situation and speak with understanding, even though he's young.
"But it is the spirit in man, the breath of the Almighty, that makes him understand." — While we might assume wisdom only comes with age, Elihu reveals it's God's Spirit, the "breath of the Almighty," that truly grants understanding. This divine breath, bestowed by God, is the real sour…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026