Job 32:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 32:6
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.
Chapter Context
Job 32 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of prayer, wisdom, obedience. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it illustrates divine judgment and mercy in response to human actions. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 32:6
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.
Analysis
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.
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Job 15:10, 1 Timothy 5:1, 1 Peter 5:5