Religious Commentaries on Job 32:8

"But there is a spirit in man, And the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding." — Job 32:8

This comprehensive study explores theological perspectives on Job 32:8 throughout history, examining how various scholars and commentators have interpreted this profound verse about divine wisdom and human understanding.

Early Commentaries

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

Ellicott suggests that the correct reading of Job 32:8 is "But it is the spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty that giveth them understanding." He connects this to Genesis 2:7, where God breathes life into man. Elihu means to say that it is not years so much as the spirit and illumination of the Almighty that makes a person pre-eminent in wisdom.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

Barnes interprets "spirit in man" as referring to a spirit imparted from above—a Spirit from the Almighty. He argues that this spirit is distinct from material organs and implements, being their owner and master. This spirit gives humans the power of progress, abstract reasoning, and moral discernment that distinguishes them from animals.

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

Henry emphasizes that Elihu professes to speak by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. He notes that God gives wisdom as He pleases, which encouraged Elihu to state his opinion despite his youth. Through attention to God's word and dependence on the Holy Spirit, young people may become wiser than the aged.

Modern Theological Interpretations

Charles H. Parkhurst's Interpretation

Parkhurst reads the text as "There is a spirit in man, and the in-spirit-ing of the Almighty giveth them understanding." He describes the spirit in man as "that special apartment of his nature which has been contrived and fitted for personal intercourse between him and God." He compares this spirit to lungs that receive the "inbreathing of God," establishing our religious possibilities.

Parkhurst argues that the first work of divine inspiration is to create fresh personal vigor and spiritual animation. He suggests that character cannot be constructed but must grow from a divinely animated principle at its core.

W.F. Adeney's Commentary

Adeney interprets Elihu's statement as a "great and daring thought" that turns from the dogmas of the ancients to the present Divine inspiration. He argues that God does not only teach indirectly through prophets but has placed His witness in the human heart through conscience and reason.

Adeney sees this inspiration as available to all people, not just prophets or kings. It manifests in various forms—artistic skill, physical strength, scientific insight, and religious understanding. He connects this to Joel's prophecy (Joel 2:28) about God's Spirit being poured out on all flesh, which Peter claimed was fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2:16-18).

David Platt's Perspective

In a modern interpretation, David Platt emphasizes that Job 32:8 reminds us that God is the Creator and Giver of wisdom. He connects this to Job 28 and the picture of wisdom there, noting that God is the Author and Creator of wisdom who gives it generously to all who ask (referencing James 1).

Theological Themes

Divine Source of Wisdom

A consistent theme across commentaries is that true wisdom and understanding come from God rather than from human experience or age. This challenges the common assumption that wisdom necessarily accumulates with years.

Universal Accessibility

Many commentators emphasize that divine inspiration is potentially available to all people, regardless of age, status, or education. This democratizes wisdom, making it dependent on divine gift rather than human achievement.

Spirit as Divine Gift

The commentaries generally agree that the "spirit" mentioned in Job 32:8 is not merely a human faculty but a divine gift or presence. This reflects a theological understanding of human nature as dependent on divine grace for its highest functions.

Connection to Creation

Several commentators connect Job 32:8 to the creation narrative in Genesis, where God breathes life into Adam. This suggests that divine inspiration is a continuation of the creative act, with God continuing to breathe understanding into human beings.

Interpretive Controversies

Nature of the Spirit

Commentators differ on whether the "spirit in man" refers to:

• A human faculty created by God but distinct from divine inspiration
• The divine Spirit dwelling within humans
• A combination of human capacity and divine activity

Elihu's Role

There are differing views on Elihu's role in the Book of Job:

• Some see him as offering genuine divine wisdom that corrects both Job and his friends
• Others view him as presumptuous, claiming divine inspiration without truly having it
• Some interpret him as a transitional figure preparing for God's direct speech

These interpretive differences reflect broader theological questions about the relationship between human wisdom and divine revelation, and about how to discern genuine divine inspiration.

Conclusion

Job 32:8 stands as a powerful testament to the divine source of true wisdom and understanding. The verse reminds us that genuine insight comes not from human achievement or accumulated years, but from the breath of the Almighty—a gift freely given to those who seek it with humble hearts.