Job 32:22
For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(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 #:
2 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדַ֣עְתִּי
For I know
H3045
יָדַ֣עְתִּי
For I know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
3 of 7
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
אֲכַנֶּ֑ה
not to give flattering titles
H3655
אֲכַנֶּ֑ה
not to give flattering titles
Strong's:
H3655
Word #:
4 of 7
to address by an additional name; hence, to eulogize
כִּ֝מְעַ֗ט
would soon
H4592
כִּ֝מְעַ֗ט
would soon
Strong's:
H4592
Word #:
5 of 7
a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)
Historical Context
Divine judgment for false speech is a consistent biblical theme. Prophets who flattered kings faced judgment (1 Kings 22:23, Jeremiah 5:31). The wisdom tradition values truthful speech (Proverbs 12:22, 16:13). Elihu's fear of his Maker reflects covenant theology—God's omniscience means no secret flattery escapes notice. This accountability shaped ancient Israelite ethics, distinguishing them from cultures where flattery was political necessity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does accountability to our Maker constrain our speech?
- What forms does flattery take in modern Christian contexts?
- How can we cultivate speech that is both truthful and gracious (Colossians 4:6)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For I know not to give flattering titles (כִּי לֹא יָדַעְתִּי אֲכַנֶּה, ki lo yadati akanneh)—The verb yada (יָדַע, "to know") indicates ability or practice. Elihu claims he doesn't know how to flatter—it's foreign to his character. The phrase in so doing my maker would soon take me away (כִּמְעַט יִשָּׂאֵנִי עֹשֵׂנִי) uses oseni (עֹשֵׂנִי, "my Maker") and nasa (נָשָׂא, "to lift up, take away," here meaning remove or destroy). Elihu fears divine judgment for flattery—recognizing God judges false speech (Proverbs 6:16-19, "a lying tongue" among things God hates).
Elihu's invocation of the Maker echoes Job 4:17, 35:10, 36:3. Accountability to the Creator forbids manipulative speech. This aligns with the ninth commandment against false witness (Exodus 20:16) and Jesus's warning: "every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account" (Matthew 12:36). The gospel transforms speech: from flattery or condemnation to edification (Ephesians 4:29). Speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) navigates between flattery and harshness.