Job 32:20

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 32:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “I will speak, that I may be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

I will speak, that I may be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer.
Job 32:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 32

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20I will speak, that I may be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“I will speak, that I may be refreshed, etc.] That his mind might be made easy; the matter it was full of lay with much weight upon it, pressed him hard, and gave him pain; and therefore he determines to speak his mind, and disburden himself: so a minister of the word speaks sometimes to the refreshment of others, the Gospel being a word in season to weary souls, bread to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, even wine to them that are of an heavy heart; and especially it is refreshing when the love of God is shed abroad in the heart through it, and the presence of God is enjoyed under it; and sometimes he speaks to the refreshment of himself with others, ( <451532>Romans 15:32); and whether it…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“refreshed--literally, "that there may be air to me" (Sa1 16:23).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I will speak, that I may be refreshed - Margin, “breathe.” The meaning is, that he would then have room to breathe again; he would feel relieved. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I will speak: Job 13:13, Job 13:19, Job 20:2, Job 21:3 be refreshed: Heb. breathe I will open: Pro 8:6, Pro 8:7 Job 32:21”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification