KJV ORIGINAL
Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Look, my stomach feels like wine that has no way to escape; it's ready to burst like new wineskins.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Elihu is saying he feels so full of words and urgent thoughts that he's about to burst if he doesn't speak them out.
📚 Historical Context
This is Elihu, a younger man who has been listening to Job's debate with his three older friends about suffering and God's justice. In ancient times, wine was stored in animal skin bottles that would expand under pressure and could burst if overfilled or if the fermentation process created too much pressure. Elihu uses this vivid imagery to describe how he feels compelled to speak after listening to the lengthy discussions.
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.
Share or Save