Job 32:4

Authorized King James Version

Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וֶֽאֱלִיה֗וּ
Now Elihu
elihu, the name of one of job's friends, and of three israelites
#2
חִכָּ֣ה
had waited
properly, to adhere to; hence, to await
#3
אֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#4
אִ֭יּוֹב
till Job
ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience
#5
בִּדְבָרִ֑ים
had spoken
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#6
כִּ֤י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#7
זְֽקֵנִים
because they were elder
old
#8
הֵ֖מָּה
they (only used when emphatic)
#9
מִמֶּ֣נּוּ
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
#10
לְיָמִֽים׃
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Job. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Job Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection