Job 36:2
Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that I have yet to speak on God's behalf.
Original Language Analysis
כַּתַּר
Suffer
H3803
כַּתַּר
Suffer
Strong's:
H3803
Word #:
1 of 8
to enclose; hence (in a friendly sense) to crown, (in a hostile one) to besiege; also to wait (as restraining oneself)
וַאֲחַוֶּ֑ךָּ
and I will shew
H2331
וַאֲחַוֶּ֑ךָּ
and I will shew
Strong's:
H2331
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, to live; by implication (intensively) to declare or show
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
5 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 Near Eastern legal proceedings included advocates who spoke on behalf of absent parties. Elihu assumes this forensic role, acting as God's defense attorney in Job's lawsuit against divine justice. His request for patience reflects wisdom literature's emphasis on careful listening before speaking (Proverbs 18:13). The cultural context valued lengthy deliberation—truth emerged through extended dialogue, not quick answers. Elihu's youthful zeal contrasts with the friends' weary repetition, bringing fresh energy to the theological debate.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you needed to ask others to 'bear with you' while you explain a difficult theological truth?
- What does it mean to speak 'on God's behalf' without claiming to speak AS God?
- How can we balance theological boldness with humble recognition of our limited understanding?
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Analysis & Commentary
Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee—The verb כַּתַּר (kattar, "suffer/bear with") requests patience, literally meaning "surround" or "wait around." Elihu asks Job to endure one more speech. The phrase I have yet to speak on God's behalf uses לֶאֱלוֹהַּ (le'eloah), emphasizing Elihu's role as theodicy's defender—one who vindicates God's justice against Job's complaints.
This verse reveals Elihu's theological boldness: he claims to speak FOR God, not merely ABOUT God. While presumptuous on the surface, chapters 32-37 receive no divine rebuke (unlike the three friends in 42:7), suggesting Elihu's theology, though incomplete, moves in the right direction. His assertion "I have yet to speak" implies the three friends left crucial aspects of God's character unexplained. Paul echoes this advocacy role in Romans 3:4-6, defending God's righteousness against human accusations.