Job 32:20
I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
Original Language Analysis
אֲדַבְּרָ֥ה
I will speak
H1696
אֲדַבְּרָ֥ה
I will speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
1 of 6
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וְיִֽרְוַֽח
that I may be refreshed
H7304
וְיִֽרְוַֽח
that I may be refreshed
Strong's:
H7304
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, to breathe freely, i.e., revive; by implication, to have ample room
אֶפְתַּ֖ח
I will open
H6605
אֶפְתַּ֖ח
I will open
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
4 of 6
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom dialogues typically featured multiple speakers offering perspectives. Elihu's late entrance (absent in chapters 1-31) has puzzled interpreters—some suggest later addition, others see deliberate literary structure. His emphasis on youth deferring to age reflects cultural honor codes (Leviticus 19:32), but also shows how suffering and truth can transcend cultural hierarchies. Elihu waited respectfully (32:4) but ultimately speaks with passionate conviction.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we balance the need to speak truth with the discipline of listening?
- What does Elihu's passionate speech teach about youthful zeal and mature wisdom?
- When is silence appropriate, and when must we speak despite social pressure?
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Analysis & Commentary
I will speak, that I may be refreshed (אֲדַבְּרָה וְיִרְוַח לִי, adabberah ve-yirvach li)—The verb ravach (רָוַח) means "to be wide, spacious, relieved." Elihu feels internal pressure requiring release through speech. The phrase I will open my lips and answer (אֶפְתַּח־שְׂפָתַי וְאֶעֱנֶה) uses patach (פָּתַח, "to open") and anah (עָנָה, "to answer, respond"). Elihu breaks his silence, unable to contain himself longer. This reveals both earnestness and possible pride—he must speak or burst (v. 19).
Elihu's youthful passion contrasts with the three friends' exhausted silence (32:1). Proverbs warns against hasty speech (Proverbs 29:20, "Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him"), yet also values speaking truth (Proverbs 24:26). Elihu's speeches (chapters 32-37) offer theological insights superior to the three friends but still fall short of God's answer (chapters 38-41). This teaches that even earnest theological speech cannot substitute for divine revelation. We need God's Word, not merely human wisdom, however sincere.