Old Testament
Job 32:19
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Look, my belly is like wine that has no vent; it is ready to burst like new wineskins.
Compare translations
Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
What Job 32:19 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job's friend Elihu expresses a strong internal pressure to speak. He compares his feelings to wine that has not been allowed to breathe, suggesting that he has important thoughts and insights that are building up inside him. Just as wine needs to be vented to prevent bursting, Elihu feels that he must share his wisdom before it overwhelms him. This metaphor illustrates the urgency and intensity of his desire to communicate, indicating that he believes he has valuable contributions to make to the discussion about suffering and righteousness. Elihu's statement highlights the importance of expressing thoughts and emotions rather than keeping them bottled up, as doing so can lead to frustration and a sense of impending explosion. His eagerness to speak also sets the stage for the wisdom he is about to share, emphasizing the need for open dialogue in times of distress.
How to apply Job 32:19 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of expressing our thoughts and feelings rather than keeping them bottled up. When we feel overwhelmed, it can be helpful to share our insights with others. Open communication can lead to understanding and support, especially during difficult times.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Job's story: Elihu Speaks (Job 32:1–37:24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Job
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Beersheba
Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 32:19
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 32:19
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 32:19 mean?
In Job 32:19, Elihu expresses a strong need to speak, comparing his feelings to wine that hasn't been vented. This metaphor illustrates his urgency to share important insights before he feels overwhelmed.
What is the significance of wine in Job 32:19?
The wine in Job 32:19 symbolizes Elihu's pent-up thoughts and emotions. Just as wine needs to breathe to avoid bursting, Elihu feels he must express his wisdom to prevent internal pressure from building up.
How does Job 32:19 relate to communication?
Job 32:19 emphasizes the necessity of open communication, especially when feeling overwhelmed. Elihu's metaphor suggests that sharing thoughts can prevent frustration and lead to understanding.
What themes are present in Job 32:19?
Key themes in Job 32:19 include communication, inner turmoil, wisdom, urgency, and the expression of thoughts. These themes reflect the importance of sharing insights during challenging times.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.