Translations
Modern
For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me.
Traditional
For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.
Literal
For I am full of words; the spirit in my belly presses me.
Latin
Plenus sum enim sermonibus, et coarctat me spiritus uteri mei.
Original
Hebrew
English
For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me.
Notes
The 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).
After three rounds of speeches between Job and his friends, a new voice speaks. Elihu, a young man, has listened to everything the others said.
Events
- Job's Trialc. 1650 BC