Job 32:16
When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)
Original Language Analysis
וְ֭הוֹחַלְתִּי
When I had waited
H3176
וְ֭הוֹחַלְתִּי
When I had waited
Strong's:
H3176
Word #:
1 of 9
to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ
for they spake
H1696
יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ
for they spake
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
4 of 9
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
כִּ֥י
H3588
כִּ֥י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עָ֝מְד֗וּ
not but stood still
H5975
עָ֝מְד֗וּ
not but stood still
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
6 of 9
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern protocols dictated speaking order, but also recognized that when elders failed, others must step forward. Elihu's careful observation of the friends' complete silence justifies his intervention. The phrase 'stood still' suggests they've not only stopped speaking but ceased mental struggle—they have no more arguments. This provides Elihu both opportunity and responsibility to offer better theological perspective.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance respect for spiritual elders with responsibility to speak truth when they remain silent?
- When is it appropriate to enter a discussion that others have abandoned or cannot resolve?
- What does Elihu's patient observation teach about discerning the right time to contribute to theological discourse?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;) (וְהוֹחַלְתִּי כִּי־לֹא יְדַבֵּרוּ כִּי עָמְדוּ לֹא־עָנוּ עוֹד, veHochalti ki-lo yedabberu ki 'amadu lo-'anu 'od)—yachal means to wait, hope, or tarry; dabar is to speak; 'amad means to stand, stand still, or stop; 'anah is to answer. The triple negatives (not speak, stood still, no more answered) emphasize complete cessation of the friends' arguments.
Elihu's patience reaches its limit not when debate becomes heated but when it ceases entirely. He waited respectfully for the elders to exhaust their wisdom, but their silence signals opportunity—and obligation—for him to contribute. This demonstrates a principle: younger believers should respect elders but not allow theological error or inadequate answers to go unchallenged when elders themselves fall silent. Paul rebuked Peter publicly when necessary (Galatians 2:11). Apollos needed Priscilla and Aquila's correction (Acts 18:26). Truth-seeking requires both respect for authority and courage to speak when silence would harm.