Job 32:2
Then was kindled the wrath 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.
Original Language Analysis
חָרָ֣ה
Then was kindled
H2734
חָרָ֣ה
Then was kindled
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
1 of 15
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
אַפּ֑וֹ
the wrath
H639
אַפּ֑וֹ
the wrath
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
2 of 15
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
אֱלִיה֣וּא
of Elihu
H453
אֱלִיה֣וּא
of Elihu
Strong's:
H453
Word #:
3 of 15
elihu, the name of one of job's friends, and of three israelites
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
4 of 15
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
מִמִּשְׁפַּ֪חַ֫ת
of the kindred
H4940
מִמִּשְׁפַּ֪חַ֫ת
of the kindred
Strong's:
H4940
Word #:
7 of 15
a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people
חָרָ֣ה
Then was kindled
H2734
חָרָ֣ה
Then was kindled
Strong's:
H2734
Word #:
10 of 15
to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy
אַפּ֑וֹ
the wrath
H639
אַפּ֑וֹ
the wrath
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
11 of 15
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
עַֽל
H5921
עַֽל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 15
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
צַדְּק֥וֹ
because he justified
H6663
צַדְּק֥וֹ
because he justified
Strong's:
H6663
Word #:
13 of 15
to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
Cross References
Genesis 22:21Huz his firstborn, and Buz his brother, and Kemuel the father of Aram,Job 27:5God forbid that I should justify you: till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me.Job 40:8Wilt thou also disannul my judgment? wilt thou condemn me, that thou mayest be righteous?Job 35:2Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?
Historical Context
Ancient respect for elders meant younger men typically waited to speak. Elihu's anger overcomes this protocol, revealing passion without full wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
- When does seeking vindication become self-justification?
- How does youthful certainty sometimes miss suffering's complexity?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Elihu's anger is introduced: 'against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.' This accusation misunderstands Job - he seeks vindication, not self-justification. Elihu represents youthful certainty that misses nuance.