Job 32:17
I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.
Original Language Analysis
אַעֲנֶ֣ה
I said I will answer
H6030
אַעֲנֶ֣ה
I said I will answer
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 8
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,
אַף
H637
אַף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
2 of 8
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
אֲחַוֶּ֖ה
I also will shew
H2331
אֲחַוֶּ֖ה
I also will shew
Strong's:
H2331
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to live; by implication (intensively) to declare or show
Historical Context
Elihu's speeches (chapters 32-37) occupy unique space in Job's structure. Unlike the three friends whom God rebukes (42:7), Elihu receives no divine comment—neither condemnation nor explicit approval. Some scholars view him as preparation for God's speeches, offering more sophisticated theology than the friends while still falling short of divine wisdom. Others see him as prophet-like figure introducing key themes God will develop. His role remains debated, but his commitment to contribute rather than remain silent stands clear.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance confidence in offering your perspective with humility about the limits of your knowledge?
- When is silence more appropriate than speaking, and when does responsibility require us to contribute even if others haven't asked?
- What does Elihu's example teach about participating in theological discussions—neither arrogantly claiming final answers nor passively withholding helpful perspective?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion (אֲעֶנֶּה־אַף־אָנִי חֶלְקִי אֲחַוֶּה־דֵּעִי גַּם־אָנִי, 'e'enneh-'af-'ani chelqi 'achavveh-de'i gam-'ani)—'anah means to answer or respond; cheleq is part, portion, or share; chavah means to declare or show; de'ah is knowledge or opinion. The repeated 'I also' ('af-'ani, gam-'ani) emphasizes Elihu's determination to contribute.
Elihu commits to answer his 'part' (cheleq)—not claiming exhaustive knowledge but offering his contribution to understanding Job's situation. The word 'opinion' (de'ah) shows appropriate humility; he's not claiming divine revelation but offering his perspective shaped by observation and reflection. This balance between confidence and humility characterizes wise speech: bold enough to contribute, humble enough to acknowledge limitations. Solomon sought wisdom to judge God's people (1 Kings 3:9); Paul commanded teaching sound doctrine (Titus 2:1); yet both acknowledged that human knowledge is partial (1 Corinthians 13:9).