Job 32:21
Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.
Original Language Analysis
אַל
H408
אַל
Strong's:
H408
Word #:
1 of 9
not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing
נָ֭א
H4994
נָ֭א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
2 of 9
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
אֶשָּׂ֣א
Let me not I pray you accept
H5375
אֶשָּׂ֣א
Let me not I pray you accept
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
3 of 9
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
פְנֵי
person
H6440
פְנֵי
person
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 9
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אִ֑ישׁ
any man's
H376
אִ֑ישׁ
any man's
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 9
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
אָ֝דָ֗ם
unto man
H120
אָ֝דָ֗ם
unto man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
7 of 9
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
Cross References
Leviticus 19:15Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honour the person of the mighty: but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.Job 34:19How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.Job 13:8Will ye accept his person? will ye contend for God?Matthew 22:16And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.Job 13:10He will surely reprove you, if ye do secretly accept persons.Proverbs 24:23These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.Deuteronomy 1:17Ye shall not respect persons in judgment; but ye shall hear the small as well as the great; ye shall not be afraid of the face of man; for the judgment is God's: and the cause that is too hard for you, bring it unto me, and I will hear it.Deuteronomy 16:19Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.2 Samuel 14:20To fetch about this form of speech hath thy servant Joab done this thing: and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are in the earth.2 Samuel 14:17Then thine handmaid said, The word of my lord the king shall now be comfortable: for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad: therefore the LORD thy God will be with thee.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures highly valued honor, deference to superiors, and elaborate titles. Court officials used extensive honorifics. Prophets challenged this by speaking God's word regardless of human power (Jeremiah 1:7-8, Ezekiel 2:6). Elihu's refusal of flattery aligns with prophetic tradition—speaking truth over maintaining social harmony. His youth makes this bolder, as cultural norms expected deference to elders.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we speak truth while maintaining appropriate respect for authority?
- What is the difference between godly respect and sinful flattery?
- How does the gospel's leveling effect (Galatians 3:28) challenge cultural hierarchies?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person (אַל־נָא אֶשָּׂא פְנֵי־אִישׁ, al-na esa pene-ish)—The idiom "lift up face" (nasa panim) means to show partiality or favoritism (Leviticus 19:15, Deuteronomy 1:17). Elihu declares impartiality—he won't flatter Job because of status. The phrase neither let me give flattering titles unto man (וְאֶל־אָדָם לֹא אֲכַנֶּה) uses kanah (כָּנָה), meaning "to surname, give honorific titles." Elihu refuses obsequious speech. This echoes James 2:1-9's condemnation of partiality: "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ... with respect of persons."
Elihu's claim to impartiality is admirable but potentially arrogant—declaring one's own objectivity often betrays subjectivity. True impartiality requires divine perspective (1 Samuel 16:7, "man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart"). The gospel reveals ultimate impartiality: God shows no favoritism (Romans 2:11, Galatians 2:6), judging each according to works, but offering grace equally to all who believe. Christ's cross levels all distinctions—no room for partiality or flattery.