Job 32:6
And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.
Original Language Analysis
וַיַּ֤עַן׀
answered
H6030
וַיַּ֤עַן׀
answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 18
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
אֱלִיה֖וּא
And Elihu
H453
אֱלִיה֖וּא
And Elihu
Strong's:
H453
Word #:
2 of 18
elihu, the name of one of job's friends, and of three israelites
בֶן
the son
H1121
בֶן
the son
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
3 of 18
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
בַּֽרַכְאֵ֥ל
of Barachel
H1292
בַּֽרַכְאֵ֥ל
of Barachel
Strong's:
H1292
Word #:
4 of 18
barakel, the father of one of job's friends
צָ֘עִ֤יר
I am young
H6810
צָ֘עִ֤יר
I am young
Strong's:
H6810
Word #:
7 of 18
little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble
לְ֭יָמִים
H3117
לְ֭יָמִים
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
9 of 18
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
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
12 of 18
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֖ן
H3651
כֵּ֖ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
13 of 18
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
וָֽאִירָ֓א׀
and durst
H3372
וָֽאִירָ֓א׀
and durst
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
15 of 18
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
Cross References
Job 15:10With us are both the grayheaded and very aged men, much elder than thy father.1 Timothy 5:1Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern societies were gerontocracies—elders held authority in wisdom and governance. Proverbs repeatedly extols learning from the aged (Proverbs 16:31, 20:29). Yet Scripture also records young people receiving divine revelation (Samuel, Jeremiah, Daniel). Elihu represents the tension between cultural norms of age-based authority and theological conviction that wisdom is divinely granted regardless of age.
Questions for Reflection
- How can younger believers contribute to theological discussions while honoring their elders?
- What is the proper relationship between respecting tradition and pursuing truth that may challenge conventional wisdom?
- How does Elihu's example inform intergenerational dialogue in the church today?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Elihu explains his hesitation: "I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion." The Hebrew yare (יָרֵא, "afraid") and gur (גּוּר, "durst not") express reverence and trepidation. Ancient culture valued age and experience (Leviticus 19:32). Yet Elihu will argue that wisdom doesn't automatically come with age—it's a gift of the Spirit (verse 8). This tension between honoring tradition and recognizing that truth isn't bound by seniority appears throughout Scripture. From a Reformed perspective, this models proper humility while maintaining commitment to truth. Paul instructs Timothy, "Let no man despise thy youth" (1 Timothy 4:12), affirming that God can speak through the young. Elihu's respectful yet confident approach balances deference to elders with boldness to speak truth. His testimony encourages younger believers to contribute to theological discourse while maintaining appropriate humility.