Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said: “I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful, not daring to tell you what I know. New Living Translation Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said, “I am young and you are old, so I held back from telling you what I think. English Standard Version And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said: “I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you. Berean Standard Bible So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know. King James Bible 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. New King James Version So Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, answered and said: “I am young in years, and you are very old; Therefore I was afraid, And dared not declare my opinion to you. New American Standard Bible So Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite spoke out and said, “I am young in years and you are old; Therefore I was shy and afraid to tell you what I think. NASB 1995 So Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite spoke out and said, “I am young in years and you are old; Therefore I was shy and afraid to tell you what I think. NASB 1977 So Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite spoke out and said, “I am young in years and you are old; Therefore I was shy and afraid to tell you what I think. Legacy Standard Bible So Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, “I am young in years and you are old; Therefore I was shy and afraid to tell you my knowledge. Amplified Bible Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite said, “I am young, and you are aged; For that reason I was anxious and dared not tell you what I think. Christian Standard Bible So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite replied: I am young in years, while you are old; therefore I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know. Holman Christian Standard Bible So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite replied: I am young in years, while you are old; therefore I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know. American Standard Version And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; Wherefore I held back, and durst not show you mine opinion. Contemporary English Version and he said to them: I am much younger than you, so I have shown respect by keeping silent. English Revised Version And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I held back, and durst not shew you mine opinion. GOD'S WORD® Translation So Elihu, son of Barachel, the descendant of Buz, replied [to Job], "I am young, and you are old. That's why I refrained from speaking and was afraid to tell you what I know. Good News Translation and began to speak. I am young, and you are old, so I was afraid to tell you what I think. International Standard Version Barachel's son Elihu from Buz responded and said: I'm younger than you are. Because you're older, I was terrified to tell you what I know. NET Bible So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite spoke up: "I am young, but you are elderly; that is why I was fearful, and afraid to explain to you what I know. New Heart English Bible Elihu the son of Barakel the Buzite answered, "I am young, and you are very old; Therefore I held back, and did not dare show you my opinion. Webster's Bible Translation 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 show you my opinion. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleSo Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know. World English Bible Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered, “I am young, and you are very old. Therefore I held back, and didn’t dare show you my opinion. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite answers and says: “I [am] young in days, and you [are] aged; Therefore I have feared, "" And am afraid of showing you my opinion. Young's Literal Translation And Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite answereth and saith: -- Young I am in days, and ye are age Therefore I have feared, And am afraid of shewing you my opinion. Smith's Literal Translation And Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite will answer and say, I few for days, and ye old men; for this I was afraid, and I shall fear showing you my knowledge. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen Eliu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said : I am younger in days, and you are more ancient; therefore hanging down my head, I was afraid to shew you my opinion. Catholic Public Domain Version And so Eliu the son of Barachel the Buzite responded by saying: I am younger in years, and you are more ancient; therefore, I kept my head low, for I was afraid to reveal to you my opinion. New American Bible So Elihu, son of Barachel the Buzite, answered and said: I am young and you are very old; therefore I held back and was afraid to declare to you my knowledge. New Revised Standard Version Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite answered: “I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, Because I am younger than you in days and you are old, therefore I was afraid, and did not dare to show you my knowledge. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Elihu, son of Barakiel the Buzite answered, and he said: “Because I am lesser than you in days, and you are Elders, because of this I was afraid and I was shaken to show you my knowledge OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said: I am young, and ye are very old; Wherefore I held back, and durst not declare you mine opinion. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Elius the Buzite the son of Barachiel answered and said, I am younger in age, and ye are elder, wherefore I kept silence, fearing to declare to you my own knowledge. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Elihu Rebukes Job's Three Friends…5But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled. 6So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know. 7I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.… Cross References Job 12:12 Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life. Job 15:10 Both the gray-haired and the aged are on our side—men much older than your father. Job 29:8 the young men saw me and withdrew, and the old men rose to their feet. Job 30:1 “But now they mock me, men younger than I am, whose fathers I would have refused to put with my sheep dogs. 1 Timothy 4:12 Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 1 Kings 3:7 And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in. Ecclesiastes 4:13 Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take a warning. Proverbs 20:29 The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old. 1 Corinthians 16:11 No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers. Psalm 119:99-100 I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. / I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts. 1 Peter 5:5 Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” 1 Samuel 17:33 But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.” Jeremiah 1:6-7 “Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” / But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak. Titus 2:6-7 In the same way, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. / In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity, Proverbs 1:4 To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young, Treasury of Scripture And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and you are very old; why I was afraid, and dared not show you my opinion. I am Leviticus 19:32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD. Romans 13:7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. 1 Timothy 5:1 Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; young. Job 15:10 With us are both the grayheaded and very aged men, much elder than thy father. durst not. Job 15:7 Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills? 1 Samuel 17:28-30 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle… Jump to Previous Afraid Age Barachel Barakel Buzite Dare Daring Declare Durst Elihu Fear Fearful Held Kept Opinion Putting Shew Shewing Show Shy Think Wherefore YoungJump to Next Afraid Age Barachel Barakel Buzite Dare Daring Declare Durst Elihu Fear Fearful Held Kept Opinion Putting Shew Shewing Show Shy Think Wherefore YoungJob 32 1. Elihu is angry with Job and his three friends6. 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 So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: Elihu is introduced as the son of Barachel, a name meaning "God blesses." The mention of his lineage and being a Buzite connects him to the family of Buz, a nephew of Abraham (Genesis 22:21), suggesting a heritage linked to the broader Abrahamic tradition. This introduction sets Elihu apart from Job's three friends, indicating a fresh perspective. His declaration marks a shift in the dialogue, as he enters the conversation with a sense of authority and purpose. I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know. Persons / Places / Events 1. ElihuA young man who enters the dialogue in the Book of Job. He is the son of Barachel the Buzite and is characterized by his youth and boldness in speaking. 2. Barachel The father of Elihu, identified as a Buzite, which indicates his lineage and possibly his geographical origin. 3. The Buzite Refers to the descendants of Buz, who was a nephew of Abraham. This indicates a connection to the broader account of the Hebrew people. 4. Job The central figure of the Book of Job, known for his suffering and the dialogues with his friends about the nature of God and justice. 5. Job's Friends The older men who have been debating with Job about his suffering and the reasons behind it. Elihu addresses them as well. Teaching Points Respect for Elders and WisdomElihu shows respect for the older men by initially hesitating to speak. This teaches the importance of valuing the wisdom that comes with age. Courage to Speak Truth Despite his youth, Elihu eventually speaks up. This encourages believers to have the courage to share their insights and convictions, even when they feel inexperienced. God Uses All Ages Elihu's role in the account demonstrates that God can use people of any age to convey His truth and wisdom. Humility in Dialogue Elihu's approach is initially humble, reminding us to engage in discussions with humility and respect for others' perspectives. The Role of Youth in the Church Elihu's example highlights the valuable contributions that young people can make within the church community. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Job 32:6?2. How does Elihu's youth influence his perspective in Job 32:6? 3. What can we learn about humility from Elihu's approach in Job 32:6? 4. How does Elihu's respect for elders align with biblical teachings on authority? 5. How can we apply Elihu's patience in listening before speaking in our lives? 6. What role does wisdom play in leadership, according to Job 32:6? 7. Why does Elihu emphasize his youth in Job 32:6? 8. How does Elihu's perspective differ from Job's friends in Job 32:6? 9. What is the significance of Elihu's humility in Job 32:6? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 32? 11. Who is Elihu in the Bible? 12. Job 32:1-5 - Why does the text abruptly introduce a new character (Elihu) who wasn't mentioned before, and is this consistent with the earlier chapters? 13. Job 32:2 - Does Elihu's accusation that Job 'justified himself rather than God' conflict with God's earlier testimony that Job was blameless (Job 1:1)? 14. Job 32:6-7 - In a culture valuing elders' wisdom, is the portrayal of a younger man correcting older friends historically or culturally plausible? What Does Job 32:6 Mean So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared:- A formal self-introduction signals respect and accountability, akin to Samuel’s “Here I am; testify against me” (1 Samuel 12:3). - By naming his father and clan, Elihu roots his words in covenant community, echoing Numbers 26:55 where tribal identity affirms legitimacy. - He “declared,” not merely spoke—mirroring how prophets deliver God-given insight (Jeremiah 1:7). Scripture presents this as a genuine, Spirit-directed statement (Job 32:18). I am young in years, - Elihu immediately acknowledges his youth, reflecting the humility urged in 1 Timothy 4:12: “Let no one despise your youth.” - His candor honors Proverbs 20:29: “The glory of young men is their strength.” Youth is not disqualifying when submitted to God’s wisdom (Psalm 119:9). - Job’s narrative shows God can raise unexpected voices—reminding us of David’s anointing while still a shepherd boy (1 Samuel 16:11-13). while you are old; - Elihu accents the elders’ dignity, aligning with Leviticus 19:32: “You shall rise before the gray head.” - Respect for age reflects God’s order of teaching and learning (Deuteronomy 32:7). Wisdom is ordinarily associated with experience (Proverbs 16:31). - Yet Scripture also warns that age alone is not infallible (Ecclesiastes 4:13). Elihu balances reverence and responsibility. that is why I was timid and afraid - His restraint models the “quick to listen, slow to speak” posture of James 1:19. - Fear of speaking improperly before elders shows godly fear, not cowardice (Proverbs 1:7). - Moses hesitated before Pharaoh (Exodus 4:10-13), illustrating that reverent hesitation can precede Spirit-empowered speech. to tell you what I know. - Despite hesitation, truth must be spoken—Ezekiel 33:7 makes the watchman accountable to warn. - “What I know” signals personal conviction illuminated by the Spirit (Job 32:8: “But it is the spirit in a man… that gives him understanding”). - Paul embraces the same duty when he declares, “I believed; therefore I have spoken” (2 Corinthians 4:13), underscoring that knowledge held in silence can become negligence (Luke 12:48). summary Job 32:6 presents Elihu as a young yet Spirit-moved voice who approaches venerable men with humility, reverence, and eventual boldness. His example teaches that while age deserves honor, truth sourced in God carries divine authority regardless of the speaker’s years. Respectful hesitation is commendable, but obedience demands that revealed wisdom be shared for the good of all. (6) I am young.--The way in which Elihu comes forward is very interesting, and full of character. It gives us also a picture of the times and habits.Verses 6-22. - The speech of Elihu now begins. In the present chapter, after a short apologetic exordium, excusing his youth (vers. 6-9), he addresses himself exclusively to Job's friends. He has listened attentively to them, and weighed their words (vers. 11, 12). but has found nothing in them that confuted Job. They had not "found wisdom" - they had not "vanquished Job" - at the last they had been "amazed, and had not had a word more to say" (vers. 13-16). Elihu, therefore, will supply their deficiency; he has kept silence with difficulty, and is full of thoughts, to which he would fain give utterance (vers. 17-20). In all that he says he will show no favouritism - he will "accept no man's-person," "give no flattering titles," but express sincerely what he believes (vers. 21, 22). Verse 6. - And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old. We can only guess at the exact ages of Job and his friends. From the fact that God at the last "gave Job twice as much as he had before" (Job 42:10), and the further fact that he lived, after he had recovered his prosperity, a hundred and forty years (Job 42:16), it has been conjectured that he was seventy years of age at the time of his conference with his friends, and that he died at the age of two hundred and ten. But this clearly is quite uncertain. He may not have been much more than fifty when his calamities fell upon him. If this were so, the age of his friends need not have exceeded from sixty to seventy. Perhaps Elihu was himself not more than thirty. Wherefore I was afraid, and durst not show you mine opinion; rather, I held back and was afraid to utter what I knew in your presence. Elihu would have been thought unduly pushing and presumptuous if he had ventured to come forward until his seniors had ended their colloquy.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew So Elihuאֱלִיה֖וּא (’ĕ·lî·hū) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 453: Elihu -- 'He is (my) God', five Israelites son בֶן־ (ḇen-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1121: A son of Barachel בַּֽרַכְאֵ֥ל (ba·raḵ·’êl) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 1292: Barachel -- 'El does bless', the father of one of Job's friends the Buzite הַבּוּזִ֗י (hab·bū·zî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 940: Buzite -- a Buzite declared: וַיַּ֤עַן ׀ (way·ya·‘an) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6030: To answer, respond “I אֲנִ֣י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular Strong's 589: I am young צָ֘עִ֤יר (ṣā·‘îr) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6810: Little, insignificant, young in years, לְ֭יָמִים (lə·yā·mîm) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3117: A day while you וְאַתֶּ֣ם (wə·’at·tem) Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine plural Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you are old; יְשִׁישִׁ֑ים (yə·šî·šîm) Adjective - masculine plural Strong's 3453: An old man that is why עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against I was timid זָחַ֥לְתִּי (zā·ḥal·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 2119: To shrink back, crawl away and afraid וָֽאִירָ֓א ׀ (wā·’î·rā) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten to tell you מֵחַוֺּ֖ת (mê·ḥaw·wōṯ) Preposition-m | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 2331: To live, to declare, show what I know. דֵּעִ֣י (dê·‘î) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular Strong's 1843: Knowledge, opinion Links Job 32:6 NIVJob 32:6 NLT Job 32:6 ESV Job 32:6 NASB Job 32:6 KJV Job 32:6 BibleApps.com Job 32:6 Biblia Paralela Job 32:6 Chinese Bible Job 32:6 French Bible Job 32:6 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Job 32:6 Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite (Jb) |
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