Job 33:32
If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee.
Original Language Analysis
אִם
H518
אִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 8
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יֵשׁ
If thou hast
H3426
יֵשׁ
If thou hast
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
2 of 8
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
מִלִּ֥ין
any thing to say
H4405
מִלִּ֥ין
any thing to say
Strong's:
H4405
Word #:
3 of 8
a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic
הֲשִׁיבֵ֑נִי
answer
H7725
הֲשִׁיבֵ֑נִי
answer
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
4 of 8
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
דַּ֝בֵּ֗ר
me speak
H1696
דַּ֝בֵּ֗ר
me speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
5 of 8
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
6 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
Historical Context
Ancient legal settings featured advocates attempting to justify defendants. The Hebrew tsadaq is forensic language—declaring righteous in legal context. Elihu adopts advocate role, unlike Job's friends who functioned as prosecutors. This reflects ancient Near Eastern justice systems where skilled advocates could mean difference between condemnation and acquittal. Yet ultimate vindication required divine intervention—earthly courts were fallible.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Elihu's inability to justify Job point to our need for Christ's advocacy?
- What is the relationship between human vindication and divine justification?
- How does Christ's role as Advocate (1 John 2:1) fulfill what Elihu attempted?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
If thou hast any thing to say, answer me (אִם־יֶשׁ־מִלִּין הֲשִׁיבֵנִי, im-yesh-millin hashiveni)—The noun millah (מִלָּה, word, speech) and verb shuv (שׁוּב, Hiphil "to answer, respond") invite Job to reply if he has legitimate response. The phrase speak, for I desire to justify thee (דַּבֵּר כִּי־חָפַצְתִּי צַדְּקֶךָּ, dabber ki-chaphatzti tzaddeqekha) uses chaphetz (חָפֵץ, "to delight in, desire") and tsadaq (צָדַק, Piel "to justify, declare righteous"). Elihu claims benevolent intent—he wants to vindicate Job if possible, not condemn him. This sets Elihu apart from the three friends who presumed Job's guilt.
Elihu's desire to justify anticipates God's own vindication of Job (42:7-8). Yet only God can truly justify (Romans 3:26, 8:33). Elihu's offer, though sincere, is inadequate—human wisdom cannot justify before God. This points to gospel truth: justification comes not by human arguments or defense but by faith in Christ (Romans 5:1, Galatians 2:16). God justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5), not based on our defense but on Christ's righteousness imputed to believers.