Job 32:16
New International Version
Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply?

New Living Translation
Should I continue to wait, now that you are silent? Must I also remain silent?

English Standard Version
And shall I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand there, and answer no more?

Berean Standard Bible
Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply?

King James Bible
When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

New King James Version
And I have waited, because they did not speak, Because they stood still and answered no more.

New American Standard Bible
“Should I wait, because they are not speaking, Because they have stopped and no longer answer?

NASB 1995
“Shall I wait, because they do not speak, Because they stop and no longer answer?

NASB 1977
“And shall I wait, because they do not speak, Because they stop and answer no more?

Legacy Standard Bible
Shall I wait, because they do not speak, Because they stand still and no longer answer?

Amplified Bible
“And shall I wait, because they say nothing, But stand still and say no more?

Christian Standard Bible
Should I continue to wait now that they are silent, now that they stand there and no longer answer?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Should I continue to wait now that they are silent, now that they stand there and no longer answer?

American Standard Version
And shall I wait, because they speak not, Because they stand still, and answer no more?

Contemporary English Version
But am I to remain silent, just because you have stopped speaking?

English Revised Version
And shall I wait, because they speak not, because they stand still, and answer no more?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Should I wait because they don't speak, because they stand there and don't have any more answers?

Good News Translation
Shall I go on waiting when they are silent? They stand there with nothing more to say.

International Standard Version
Shall I continue to wait, since they're no longer talking? After all, they're only standing there; they're no longer responding.

Majority Standard Bible
Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply?

NET Bible
And I have waited. But because they do not speak, because they stand there and answer no more,

New Heart English Bible
Shall I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand still, and answer no more?

Webster's Bible Translation
When I had waited, (for they spoke not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

World English Bible
Shall I wait, because they don’t speak, because they stand still, and answer no more?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And I have waited, but they do not speak, "" For they have stood still, "" They have not answered anymore.)

Young's Literal Translation
And I have waited, but they do not speak, For they have stood still, They have not answered any more.)

Smith's Literal Translation
And I waited, (for they will not speak, for they stood, they answered no more:)
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore because I have waited, and they have not spoken : they stood, and answered no more :

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, because I have waited and they have not been speaking, for they stood firm and did not respond at all,

New American Bible
Must I wait? Now that they speak no more, and have ceased to make reply,

New Revised Standard Version
And am I to wait, because they do not speak, because they stand there, and answer no more?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
They did not speak; they stood still, and answered him no more.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Because they were not speaking, therefore they rose up and they did not answer him again
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And shall I wait, because they speak not, Because they stand still, and answer no more?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I waited, (for I had not spoken,) because they stood still, they answered not.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Elihu Rebukes Job's Three Friends
15Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them. 16Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply? 17I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know.…

Cross References
Proverbs 18:13
He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.

James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

Proverbs 29:20
Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Ecclesiastes 5:2
Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.

Proverbs 15:28
The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.

James 3:1-2
Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. / We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

Matthew 12:36-37
But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Proverbs 17:27-28
A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.

Ecclesiastes 3:7
a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,

James 1:26
If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

1 Peter 3:15
But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,

Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

Colossians 4:6
Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.


Treasury of Scripture

When I had waited, (for they spoke not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

Job 13:5
O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom.

Proverbs 17:28
Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

Amos 5:13
Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it is an evil time.

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Answers Longer Quiet Silent Speak Stand Stood Stop Wait Waited Waiting
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Answers Longer Quiet Silent Speak Stand Stood Stop Wait Waited Waiting
Job 32
1. Elihu is angry with Job and his three friends
6. Because wisdom comes not from age, he excuses the boldness of his youth
11. He reproves them for not satisfying Job
16. His zeal to speak














Must I wait
The phrase "Must I wait" reflects Elihu's sense of urgency and impatience. In the Hebrew text, the word used here can be understood as a call to action, suggesting that Elihu feels compelled to speak. This urgency is rooted in his belief that truth and wisdom should not be delayed. Elihu, a younger man, has been waiting respectfully for the older men to finish their discourse. His waiting signifies a deep respect for tradition and the wisdom of elders, yet it also highlights his conviction that he has something valuable to contribute. This moment is a turning point where Elihu transitions from a listener to a speaker, emphasizing the importance of speaking truth when the opportunity arises.

now that they are silent
The silence of Job's friends marks a significant moment in the narrative. Their inability to provide satisfactory answers to Job's suffering leaves a void that Elihu feels called to fill. The Hebrew root for "silent" conveys a cessation of speech, indicating that the friends have exhausted their arguments. This silence can be seen as an acknowledgment of their limitations in understanding God's ways. Elihu perceives this silence as an opportunity to offer a fresh perspective, suggesting that sometimes new voices are needed to break through the noise of conventional wisdom.

now that they stand
The image of the friends standing suggests a posture of readiness or anticipation. In ancient Near Eastern culture, standing could indicate respect or the readiness to receive instruction. Here, it may imply that the friends are at a loss, waiting for someone else to provide insight. Elihu sees their standing as an invitation to step forward and share his understanding. This moment underscores the idea that God can use unexpected individuals to bring clarity and wisdom, challenging the status quo and encouraging believers to be open to new insights.

and no longer reply
The phrase "and no longer reply" highlights the finality of the friends' arguments. Their silence is not just a pause but an admission of defeat in the face of Job's questions. This cessation of dialogue opens the door for Elihu to present his case. In the broader scriptural context, this moment serves as a reminder that human wisdom has its limits and that divine wisdom often comes from unexpected sources. Elihu's forthcoming speech is a testament to the belief that God can speak through anyone, regardless of age or status, to reveal His truth and purpose.

(16) When I had waited.--Or, as some render it, "And shall I wait because they speak not?" But they stand still and make no further reply.

Verse 16. - When I had waited (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more); rather, as in the Revised Version, and shall 1 wait because they speak not, because they stand still and answer no more? Am I to wait until they shall have recovered themselves, and found something to answer? Surely this is not necessary. Neither courtesy nor etiquette prescribes it. Especially when I have waited so long, and have so much to say, and am so exceedingly anxious to say it (see vers. 18-20). Elihu shows all the impatience and ardour of a young speaker (see ver. 6), and feels the confidence that young men so often feel in the wisdom and persuasiveness of their words (comp. Job 33:1-6).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Must I wait
וְ֭הוֹחַלְתִּי (wə·hō·w·ḥal·tî)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3176: To wait, to be patient, hope

now that
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they are silent,
לֹ֣א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

now that
כִּ֥י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

they stand
עָ֝מְד֗וּ (‘ā·mə·ḏū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

and no
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

longer
עֽוֹד׃ (‘ō·wḏ)
Adverb
Strong's 5750: Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more

reply?
עָ֥נוּ (‘ā·nū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond


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OT Poetry: Job 32:16 Shall I wait because they don't speak (Jb)
Job 32:15
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