But there is a spirit in a manThis phrase highlights the belief that humans possess an immaterial aspect, often referred to as the spirit. This concept is consistent with the creation account in
Genesis 2:7, where God breathes life into Adam, indicating that humans are more than just physical beings. The spirit is seen as the seat of consciousness and moral understanding, distinguishing humans from animals. This aligns with the biblical view that humans are created in the image of God (
Genesis 1:27), possessing a unique capacity for relationship with Him.
the breath of the Almighty
The "breath of the Almighty" refers to the divine origin of human life and wisdom. In Hebrew, the word for breath, "ruach," is also translated as spirit, indicating a close relationship between God's spirit and human life. This phrase underscores the belief that true wisdom and understanding come from God. It echoes the creation narrative where God's breath imparts life, suggesting that divine inspiration is necessary for true insight. This concept is further supported by scriptures such asProverbs 2:6, which states that the Lord gives wisdom.
that gives him understanding
Understanding, in this context, is not merely intellectual knowledge but a deeper, spiritual insight that aligns with God's will. This understanding is seen as a gift from God, emphasizing human dependence on divine revelation for true wisdom. The Book of Job frequently contrasts human wisdom with divine wisdom, highlighting the limitations of human understanding without God's guidance. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, where the Holy Spirit is described as the one who leads believers into all truth (John 16:13). The phrase suggests that spiritual discernment is a result of divine influence, not human effort alone.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
ElihuA young man who speaks in
Job 32, offering a fresh perspective after Job's three friends have failed to provide satisfactory answers to Job's suffering. Elihu emphasizes the role of God's spirit in granting wisdom.
2.
JobThe central figure of the Book of Job, a man who experiences immense suffering and seeks understanding of his plight.
3.
The Almighty (God)Referred to as the source of the spirit and understanding in humans, highlighting His sovereignty and role as the giver of wisdom.
4.
The Friends of JobEliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who have attempted to explain Job's suffering but have been unable to provide true insight.
5.
The Spirit in ManRefers to the human spirit, which, according to Elihu, is enlightened by the breath of the Almighty, indicating a divine source of wisdom.
Teaching Points
Divine Source of WisdomTrue understanding and wisdom come from God, not merely human intellect or experience. We should seek God's guidance in all matters.
Humility in LearningRecognize that age and experience do not automatically confer wisdom. Be open to learning from others, regardless of their age or status.
The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in imparting wisdom and understanding to believers. Cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit through prayer and study of the Word.
Dependence on GodIn times of confusion or suffering, rely on God for clarity and insight. Trust that He will provide understanding in His time.
Active ListeningLike Elihu, be willing to listen before speaking. Consider the perspectives of others and seek God's wisdom before offering advice or judgment.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 32:8?
2.How does Job 32:8 emphasize the role of the Holy Spirit in wisdom?
3.What does "breath of the Almighty" suggest about divine inspiration in Job 32:8?
4.How can we seek God's wisdom in our daily decision-making processes?
5.Compare Job 32:8 with Proverbs 2:6 on the source of wisdom.
6.How can we discern if our understanding aligns with the "spirit in a man"?
7.How does Job 32:8 define the source of true understanding and wisdom?
8.What role does the "breath of the Almighty" play in human intelligence according to Job 32:8?
9.How does Job 32:8 challenge the idea that wisdom comes solely from age or experience?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 32?
11.Job 32:8 – Does the statement that “the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding” conflict with scientific explanations of human intellect?
12.Why does brain damage affect religious beliefs?
13.What defines the concept of the divine spark?
14.How do you define me?What Does Job 32:8 Mean
But– Elihu has just listened to older men fail to answer Job; the word “But” signals a decisive shift from human reasoning to divine reality (Job 32:6-7).
– Scripture often uses “but” to mark God’s intervention when human wisdom runs out—seePsalm 73:26;Ephesians 2:4.
– The verse invites us to stop trusting mere opinion and look to what God Himself supplies.
there is a spirit in a man– Every person possesses an immaterial spirit given by God at creation (Genesis 2:7;Zechariah 12:1;Ecclesiastes 12:7).
– This inner spirit is what distinguishes humanity from animals (Job 12:10).
– Because we are created in God’s image, our spirit is designed to commune with Him (1 Corinthians 2:11;Romans 8:16).
– The statement underscores personal accountability: each individual already has the God-given capacity to perceive truth.
the breath of the Almighty– “Breath” pictures both life and divine enablement. FromGenesis 2:7 onward, God’s breath animates and empowers.
– It is the same life-giving force praised inPsalm 33:6 and affirmed inActs 17:25.
– Jesus echoed this when He “breathed on them and said, ‘Receive the Holy Spirit’” (John 20:22).
– The phrase unites God’s transcendence (“Almighty”) with His intimate nearness; He personally imparts what we need.
that gives him understanding– True insight is a gift, not a human achievement (Proverbs 2:6;Daniel 2:21).
– The Spirit clarifies God’s ways even amid suffering, as Job will discover (Job 38-42).
– New-covenant believers experience this promise through the indwelling Spirit who “will teach you all things” (John 14:26;1 John 2:27).
– Practical implications:
• Seek the Lord first when confused (James 1:5).
• Test every human opinion against His Word (Acts 17:11).
• Expect the Spirit to illuminate Scripture so you can apply it (Psalm 119:18;1 Corinthians 2:12-14).
summaryJob 32:8 reminds us that while people may speak at length, only the Spirit God breathed into us—and His own living breath—can grant real understanding. The verse calls us to look past mere human wisdom and rely on the Almighty who empowers our spirit, opens our eyes, and leads us into truth through His infallible Word.
(8)
But there is a spirit in man.--Rather,
But it is the spirit in man.And the inspiration of the Almighty.--Rather,And the breath of the Almighty that giveth them understanding.It is the expression used in the Mosaic narrative of the origin of man, and may perhaps show acquaintance on the part of the writer with that narrative (Genesis 2:7). Elihu means to say that it is not years so much as the spirit and illumination of the Almighty that maketh a man pre-eminent in wisdom.
Verse 8. -
But there is a spirit in man. But, after all, it is not mere age and experience that make men wise and able to teach others. "There is a spirit in man" (see
Genesis 2:7); and it is according as this spirit is or is not enlightened from on high that men speak words of wisdom or the contrary.
The inspiration of the Almighty - this it is, which -
giveth them understanding. And such inspiration it is in the power of God to bestow, as he pleases, on the old or on the young, on the great of the earth, or on those of small reputation. Hence Elihu's conclusion -
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Butאָ֭כֵן(’ā·ḵên)Adverb
Strong's 403:Firmly, surely, but[there is]הִ֣יא(hî)Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, area spiritרֽוּחַ־(rū·aḥ-)Noun - common singular
Strong's 7307:Wind, breath, exhalation, life, anger, unsubstantiality, a region of the sky, spiritin a man,בֶאֱנ֑וֹשׁ(ḇe·’ĕ·nō·wōš)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 582:Man, mankindthe breathוְנִשְׁמַ֖ת(wə·niš·maṯ)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5397:A puff, wind, angry, vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect, an animalof the Almighty,שַׁדַּ֣י(šad·day)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7706:The Almightythat gives him understanding.תְּבִינֵֽם׃(tə·ḇî·nêm)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular | third person masculine plural
Strong's 995:To separate mentally, understand
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OT Poetry: Job 32:8 But there is a spirit in man (Jb) 
