Job 27:3

All the while my breath [is] in me, and the spirit of God [is] in my nostrils;

All the while {H5750} my breath {H5397} is in me, and the spirit {H7307} of God {H433} is in my nostrils {H639};

that as long my life remains in me and God's breath is in my nostrils,

as long as my breath is still within me and the breath of God remains in my nostrils,

(For my life is yet whole in me, And the spirit of God is in my nostrils);

Commentary

Job 27:3 is a profound declaration from Job, made during his final discourse where he steadfastly defends his integrity and faithfulness amidst immense suffering. This verse underscores his unwavering resolve and his understanding of the very source of his life.

Context

In Job chapters 27-31, Job delivers his concluding argument, responding to the accusations and counsel of his three friends. Despite the overwhelming pain and the theological pressure to admit guilt, Job firmly maintains his innocence before God. Verse 3 serves as a foundational statement for his subsequent declarations, asserting that as long as he lives, sustained by God's own breath, he will speak truthfully and uphold his righteousness. This forms part of his powerful defense against the idea that his suffering is direct punishment for hidden sin, a core tenet of his friends' arguments.

Key Themes

  • Divine Source of Life: The most prominent theme is the direct attribution of life itself to God. Job acknowledges that his very breath is a gift from the "Spirit of God," highlighting humanity's absolute dependence on the Creator for existence. This resonates with the biblical account of God breathing life into Adam.
  • Unwavering Integrity: By prefacing his declarations with "All the while my breath is in me," Job emphasizes his commitment to speaking truth and maintaining his uprightness as long as he lives. It is a vow of steadfastness, indicating that his suffering has not broken his moral compass or his faith.
  • Human Vulnerability and Divine Sustenance: The verse subtly highlights the fragile nature of human life ("my breath is in me") and contrasts it with the powerful, sustaining presence of God's Spirit. Even in his weakened state, Job recognizes that his continued existence is a testament to God's ongoing, active presence.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "spirit of God" in Hebrew is ruach Eloah (רוּחַ אֱלוֹהַּ). The term ruach is rich in meaning, encompassing "wind," "breath," and "spirit." In this context, it powerfully conveys the life-giving force emanating directly from God. The phrase "in my nostrils" is a vivid, anthropomorphic image, commonly used in ancient Near Eastern thought and the Bible to describe the point of entry for life's breath, emphasizing the intimate connection between God's spirit and human vitality. This concept is echoed in other parts of Job, such as Job 33:4, where Elihu states, "The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life."

Practical Application

Job 27:3 invites us to reflect on the miraculous nature of our existence. Recognizing that every breath is a gift from God can foster profound gratitude and a deeper sense of purpose. Like Job, even in times of trial or suffering, we can draw strength from the knowledge that the very "Spirit of God" sustains us. This understanding should motivate us to live with integrity, speak truth, and faithfully pursue righteousness for "all the while" we have breath, just as Job committed to doing.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 2:7 (8 votes)

    And the LORD God formed man [of] the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.

  • Job 33:4 (6 votes)

    The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.

  • Isaiah 2:22 (5 votes)

    Cease ye from man, whose breath [is] in his nostrils: for wherein is he to be accounted of?

  • Job 32:8 (5 votes)

    But [there is] a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

  • Acts 17:25 (4 votes)

    Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;