Job 32:1
So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.
Original Language Analysis
וַֽיִּשְׁבְּת֡וּ
ceased
H7673
וַֽיִּשְׁבְּת֡וּ
ceased
Strong's:
H7673
Word #:
1 of 11
to repose, i.e., desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific)
שְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת
So these three
H7969
שְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת
So these three
Strong's:
H7969
Word #:
2 of 11
three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice
הָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים
men
H582
הָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים
men
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
מֵעֲנ֣וֹת
to answer
H6030
מֵעֲנ֣וֹת
to answer
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
5 of 11
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 11
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
8 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
ה֖וּא
H1931
ה֖וּא
Strong's:
H1931
Word #:
9 of 11
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom dialogues typically featured multiple speakers presenting viewpoints. Elihu's delayed entrance is literarily significant—he represents a younger generation waiting respectfully before speaking (32:4). His name means "He is my God," suggesting theological focus. Unlike Job's three friends who are from regions associated with Edomite wisdom (Uz, Teman, Shuah), Elihu is from Buz—Abraham's family line (Genesis 22:21), suggesting closer covenant connections.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the phrase "righteous in his own eyes" challenge our self-perception versus God's evaluation?
- What is the relationship between defending our integrity and maintaining humility before God?
- How does Elihu's respectful waiting before speaking model proper discourse in theological disagreement?
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Analysis & Commentary
The narrative introduces Elihu: "So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes." The phrase "righteous in his own eyes" (tsaddiq be'enav, צַדִּיק בְּעֵינָיו) is crucial—it can mean either
The ambiguity is deliberate. Elihu will argue that Job's self-justification, though understandable, requires correction. From a Reformed perspective, this introduces a critical distinction: objective righteousness before God versus subjective perception of righteousness. Romans 3:23 declares "all have sinned," yet Romans 4:5 says God "justifieth the ungodly." The tension Job embodies—genuine righteousness (1:8) yet human imperfection requiring humility—anticipates the gospel paradox: we are simultaneously simul justus et peccator (righteous yet sinner). Elihu's entrance signals a new voice that will bridge the friends' legalism and Job's defensiveness.