Job 32

Elihu's First Speech: I Will Speak

1 So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteousRighteous: צַדִּיק (Tzaddik). The Hebrew tzaddik (צַדִּיק) describes one who is righteous, just, or lawful—conforming to God's standard. From the root tzedek (צֶדֶק), meaning righteousness or justice. in his own eyes. Parallel theme: Job 10:7, 33:9

2 Then was kindled the wrathWrath: אַף (Aph). The Hebrew aph (אַף) literally means 'nose' or 'nostrils,' idiomatically expressing wrath or anger—God's righteous indignation against sin. Yet God is 'slow to anger' (Exodus 34:6) and 'abundant in mercy.' of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. Righteousness: Job 27:5, 35:2, 40:8. Parallel theme: Genesis 22:21

3 Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job. Parallel theme: Job 8:6

4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.

5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.

6 And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion. Parallel theme: Job 15:10, 1 Timothy 5:1, 1 Peter 5:5

7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. Parallel theme: Job 12:12, Proverbs 16:31

8 But there is a spiritSpirit: רוּחַ (Ruach). The Hebrew ruach (רוּחַ) means spirit, wind, or breath—invisible but powerful. It describes both the Holy Spirit and the human spirit. God's Spirit gives life and empowers His people. in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. Spirit: Job 33:4, Ecclesiastes 2:26, 1 Corinthians 12:8. Parallel theme: Job 35:11, 38:36, 1 Kings 3:12, 3:28, Proverbs 2:6, 2 Timothy 3:16, James 1:5 +5

9 Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgmentJudgment: מִשְׁפָּט (Mishpat). The Hebrew mishpat (מִשְׁפָּט) means judgment or justice—God's righteous decisions and ordinances. God is the Judge of all the earth who 'shall do right' (Genesis 18:25), executing perfect justice.. Parallel theme: Job 12:20, Ecclesiastes 4:13, Matthew 11:25

10 Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.

11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.

12 Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:

13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: GodGod: אֱלֹהִים (Elohim). The Hebrew Elohim (אֱלֹהִים) is a plural form denoting majesty and fullness of deity. Though grammatically plural, it takes singular verbs when referring to the one true God, suggesting the Trinity's plurality within unity. thrusteth him down, not man. Parallel theme: Jeremiah 9:23

14 Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches.

15 They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking.

16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

17 I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

18 For I am full of matter, the spiritSpirit: רוּחַ (Ruach). The Hebrew ruach (רוּחַ) means spirit, wind, or breath—invisible but powerful. It describes both the Holy Spirit and the human spirit. God's Spirit gives life and empowers His people. within me constraineth me. Parallel theme: Psalms 39:3, Acts 4:20

19 Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles. Parallel theme: Matthew 9:17

20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer. Parallel theme: Job 21:3

21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. Parallel theme: Job 13:8, 13:10, 34:19, Leviticus 19:15, Deuteronomy 1:17, 16:19, 2 Samuel 14:17, 14:20, Proverbs 24:23, Matthew 22:16 +5

22 For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.