Job 32:6

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּ֤עַן׀
answered
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,
#2
אֱלִיה֖וּא
And Elihu
elihu, the name of one of job's friends, and of three israelites
#3
בֶן
the son
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#4
בַּֽרַכְאֵ֥ל
of Barachel
barakel, the father of one of job's friends
#5
הַבּוּזִ֗י
the Buzite
a buzite or descendant of buz
#6
וַיֹּ֫אמַ֥ר
and said
to say (used with great latitude)
#7
צָ֘עִ֤יר
I am young
little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble
#8
אֲנִ֣י
i
#9
לְ֭יָמִים
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
#10
וְאַתֶּ֣ם
thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you
#11
יְשִׁישִׁ֑ים
and ye are very old
an old man
#12
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#13
כֵּ֖ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#14
זָחַ֥לְתִּי
wherefore I was afraid
by implication, to fear
#15
וָֽאִירָ֓א׀
and durst
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
#16
מֵחַוֺּ֖ת
not shew
properly, to live; by implication (intensively) to declare or show
#17
דֵּעִ֣י
you mine opinion
knowledge
#18
אֶתְכֶֽם׃
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

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