Job 33:4

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

The Spirit {H7307} of God {H410} hath made {H6213} me, and the breath {H5397} of the Almighty {H7706} hath given me life {H2421}.

It is the Spirit of God that made me, the breath of Shaddai that gives me life.

The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life.

The Spirit of God hath made me, And the breath of the Almighty giveth me life.

Commentary

Job 33:4 is a profound declaration by Elihu, one of the younger interlocutors in the Book of Job. In this verse, Elihu asserts the divine source of his own existence and, by extension, the source of all human life and understanding. It sets the stage for his subsequent arguments, grounding his authority in God's creative power.

Context of Job 33:4

Elihu enters the dialogue in the Book of Job after Job and his three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) have exhausted their arguments. Elihu presents himself as a younger man who has waited patiently, but now feels compelled to speak, believing he has a fresh perspective given by God. His opening remarks in Chapter 32 criticize both Job for justifying himself and the friends for failing to adequately answer Job. In Chapter 33, he begins to address Job directly, emphasizing that he, too, is a man formed by God, which allows him to speak without intimidation, yet with humility.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Creation and Sovereignty: The verse unequivocally states that God is the ultimate Creator of human life. Elihu attributes his very existence to the "Spirit of God" and the "breath of the Almighty," emphasizing God's absolute power and control over life. This theme is foundational to biblical understanding of humanity's origin.
  • The Breath of Life: The imagery of God's "breath" imparting life is a recurring motif in Scripture, most notably in the creation account of Adam. It signifies the divine spark that animates human beings, distinguishing them from other creatures and connecting them directly to their Maker.
  • Source of Wisdom and Understanding: While primarily about physical life, Elihu's statement also subtly implies that his ability to speak wisely and understand spiritual matters comes from the same divine source. Just as God gave him life, God also imparts insight and discernment.

Linguistic Insights

The parallelism in this verse is significant:

  • "The Spirit of God" translates from the Hebrew ruach Eloah (ืจื•ึผื—ึท ืึฑืœื•ึนื”ึทึผ). Ruach can mean wind, breath, or spirit, and here it denotes the active, life-giving power of God. Eloah is a majestic singular term for God.
  • "The breath of the Almighty" comes from nishmat Shaddai (ื ึดืฉึฐืืžึทืช ืฉึทืื“ึทึผื™). Nishmat specifically refers to breath, often the 'breath of life,' while Shaddai is a powerful name for God, often translated as "Almighty" or "All-Sufficient," highlighting His omnipotence and provision.

The use of both "Spirit" and "breath" reinforces the singular, divine act of creation, showing that God's very essence is the source of life.

Related Scriptures

This verse resonates strongly with other biblical passages that speak to God's role as Creator and life-giver:

Practical Application

Job 33:4 offers several profound applications for contemporary believers:

  • Humility and Dependence: Recognizing that our very existence is a gift from God should foster humility and a deep sense of dependence on Him. We are not self-made but divinely created.
  • Value of Life: This verse underscores the sanctity of human life. Every individual, regardless of circumstance, carries the divine imprint of God's creative act.
  • Seeking Divine Wisdom: Just as Elihu claimed his understanding came from the Almighty, we are reminded that true wisdom and spiritual insight ultimately derive from God and His Spirit.

This powerful statement serves as a reminder of God's intimate involvement in our lives, from conception to the breath we take each moment.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Job 32:8 (29 votes)

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

  • Genesis 2:7 (26 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 27:3 (21 votes)

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

  • 1 Corinthians 15:45 (18 votes)

    And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam [was made] a quickening spirit.

  • Job 10:12 (16 votes)

    Thou hast granted me life and favour, and thy visitation hath preserved my spirit.

  • Psalms 33:6 (12 votes)

    By the word of the LORD were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.

  • Romans 8:2 (11 votes)

    For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death.