Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version If you have anything to say, answer me; speak up, for I want to vindicate you. New Living Translation But if you have anything to say, go ahead. Speak, for I am anxious to see you justified. English Standard Version If you have any words, answer me; speak, for I desire to justify you. Berean Standard Bible But if you have something to say, answer me; speak up, for I would like to vindicate you. King James Bible If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee. New King James Version If you have anything to say, answer me; Speak, for I desire to justify you. New American Standard Bible “Then if you have anything to say, answer me; Speak, for I would take pleasure in justifying you. NASB 1995 “Then if you have anything to say, answer me; Speak, for I desire to justify you. NASB 1977 “Then if you have anything to say, answer me; Speak, for I desire to justify you. Legacy Standard Bible Then if you have any speech, respond to me; Speak, for I desire to prove you righteous. Amplified Bible “If you have anything to say, answer me; Speak, for I desire to justify you. Christian Standard Bible But if you have something to say, answer me; speak, for I would like to justify you. Holman Christian Standard Bible But if you have something to say, answer me; speak, for I would like to justify you. American Standard Version If thou hast anything to say, answer me: Speak, for I desire to justify thee. Contemporary English Version though I would gladly listen to anything you say that proves you are right. English Revised Version If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee. GOD'S WORD® Translation If you have a response, answer me. Speak, because I'd be happy if you were right. Good News Translation But if you have something to say, let me hear it; I would gladly admit you are in the right. International Standard Version If you have anything to say, answer me; speak up, because I'd be happy to vindicate you. NET Bible If you have any words, reply to me; speak, for I want to justify you. New Heart English Bible If you have anything to say, answer me. Speak, for I desire to justify you. Webster's Bible Translation If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut if you have something to say, answer me; speak up, for I would like to vindicate you. World English Bible If you have anything to say, answer me. Speak, for I desire to justify you. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIf there are words—answer me, "" Speak, for I have a desire to justify you. Young's Literal Translation If there are words -- answer me, Speak, for I have a desire to justify thee. Smith's Literal Translation If there be words, turn back to me: speak, for I desired to justify thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut if thou hast any thing to say, answer me, speak : for I would have thee to appear just. Catholic Public Domain Version Yet, if you have anything to say, answer me and speak, for I want you to be treated justly. New American Bible If you have anything to say, then answer me. Speak out! I should like to see you justified. New Revised Standard Version If you have anything to say, answer me; speak, for I desire to justify you. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIf you have anything to say, answer me; for I desire that you may be justified. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated If you have words, bring them to me, because it is desired that you be innocent OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917If thou hast any thing to say, answer me; Speak, for I desire to justify thee. Brenton Septuagint Translation If thou hast words, answer me: speak, for I desire thee to be justified. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Elihu Rebukes Job…31Pay attention, Job, and listen to me; be silent, and I will speak. 32But if you have something to say, answer me; speak up, for I would like to vindicate you. 33But if not, then listen to me; be quiet, and I will teach you wisdom.”… Cross References Proverbs 18:13 He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him. Proverbs 15:28 The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil. James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, Proverbs 18:2 A fool does not delight in understanding, but only in airing his opinions. Proverbs 15:23 A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word! 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 25:11 A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver. Matthew 10:19-20 But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Proverbs 18:15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks it out. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. Proverbs 1:5 let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel Luke 12:11-12 When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. / For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.” Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. Proverbs 12:18 Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Treasury of Scripture If you have anything to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify you. Job 15:4,5 Yea, thou castest off fear, and restrainest prayer before God… Job 21:27 Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me. Job 22:5-9 Is not thy wickedness great? and thine iniquities infinite? … Jump to Previous Cleared Desire Free Judged Justify Sin Speak Want WordsJump to Next Cleared Desire Free Judged Justify Sin Speak Want WordsJob 33 1. Elihu offers himself instead of God to reason with Job8. He excuses God from giving man an account of his ways, by his greatness 14. God calls man to repentance by visions, by afflictions, and by his ministry 31. He incites Job to attention But if you have something to say This phrase invites dialogue and suggests openness to hearing another perspective. In the context of the Book of Job, Elihu is speaking to Job, offering him a chance to respond. This reflects the broader biblical theme of seeking wisdom and understanding through conversation, as seen in Proverbs 18:13, which emphasizes the importance of listening before responding. The cultural context of ancient Near Eastern societies valued discourse and debate as a means of uncovering truth. answer me speak up for I would like to vindicate you Persons / Places / Events 1. ElihuA young man who speaks to Job and his friends. He is not one of the three friends who initially came to comfort Job but offers a different perspective on Job's suffering. 2. Job The central figure of the Book of Job, a man who experiences immense suffering and seeks to understand the reasons behind it. 3. Job's Friends Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are part of the larger dialogue. They initially come to comfort Job but end up arguing with him about the reasons for his suffering. 4. God The ultimate judge and source of wisdom, whose perspective is sought throughout the dialogues in the Book of Job. 5. The Dialogue The ongoing conversation between Job, his friends, and Elihu, which seeks to explore the nature of suffering and divine justice. Teaching Points The Importance of ListeningElihu's invitation to Job to speak underscores the value of listening to others before forming judgments. In our interactions, we should prioritize understanding over speaking. Seeking Vindication Elihu expresses a desire to vindicate Job, which reflects a compassionate approach to conflict resolution. We should aim to understand and support others rather than condemn them. Open Dialogue The verse encourages open and honest communication. In our relationships, fostering an environment where people feel safe to express themselves is crucial. Humility in Discourse Elihu's approach demonstrates humility, as he is willing to hear Job's perspective. We should approach discussions with a willingness to learn and be corrected. God's Justice and Wisdom The broader context of Job reminds us that human understanding is limited, and we must trust in God's ultimate justice and wisdom. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Job 33:32?2. How does Job 33:32 encourage us to speak up for righteousness today? 3. What does Elihu's invitation to "speak" teach about listening in conversations? 4. How can we apply Elihu's approach to resolving conflicts in our lives? 5. What other scriptures emphasize the importance of clear communication and understanding? 6. How does Job 33:32 inspire us to seek truth in difficult discussions? 7. How does Job 33:32 challenge the concept of divine justice? 8. What does Job 33:32 reveal about God's communication with humanity? 9. How does Job 33:32 fit into the broader theme of suffering in the Book of Job? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 33? 11. In the context of Job 33 as a whole, why should readers trust Elihu's self-proclaimed divine insight when there is no independent confirmation of his authority? 12. Who is Elihu in the Bible? 13. Job 32:16-22 - Are there any textual or historical clues suggesting this chapter might be a later insertion, potentially creating inconsistencies within the book? 14. 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? What Does Job 33:32 Mean But if you have something to say“ But if you have something to say ” (Job 33:32) shows Elihu pausing to invite Job’s response. He is confident in God’s justice yet stays teachable, modeling: • Humble dialogue—Proverbs 18:13 warns against answering before listening. • Respect for a suffering brother—Romans 12:10 urges honoring one another. • Openness to truth—James 1:19 reminds us to be “quick to listen.” Elihu’s pause confirms that truth is never threatened by honest questions. answer me Inviting Job to “ answer me ” underlines accountability. Biblical faith welcomes testing and examination: • 1 Peter 3:15 urges believers to be “ready to make a defense.” • Isaiah 1:18—“Come now, let us reason together.” • Acts 17:11 praises Bereans for examining the Scriptures daily. A sincere believer invites scrutiny because God’s Word stands firm (Psalm 119:89). speak up The call to “ speak up ” encourages honest expression, not suppressed doubt: • Ephesians 4:15: “speaking the truth in love.” • Psalm 62:8 urges pouring out our hearts before Him. • Proverbs 27:17 shows that sharpening happens through open exchange. Elihu wants Job’s voice at the table so that conversation, not accusation, drives the search for understanding. for I would like to vindicate you Elihu’s motive is restorative: “ for I would like to vindicate you .” He seeks to clear Job, not condemn him: • Proverbs 18:17 highlights fair hearing before judgment. • Romans 8:33 points to God as the One who justifies. • Galatians 6:1 calls the spiritual to restore the stumbling gently. By aiming at vindication, Elihu reflects God’s heart to defend the righteous (Psalm 37:5–6). summary Job 33:32 records Elihu’s gracious pause: inviting Job’s thoughts, welcoming honest dialogue, urging a candid reply, and expressing a desire to see Job vindicated. True biblical counsel listens first, speaks truthfully, and always seeks the hearer’s restoration, echoing the just and compassionate character of God revealed throughout Scripture. (32) I desire to justify thee.--He wishes to justify Job before his friends, that is, to maintain that his afflictions are not on account of past sin, but as a preservative against possible future defection. This being so, he considers that Job's case may justly be defended, and Job himself vindicated against his friends.Verse 32. - If thou hast anything to say, answer me. Nevertheless, i.e., if there is really anything that thou wouldst fain urge on thine own behalf at this point, speak - I am ready to hear - for I dare to justify thee; i.e. "I am anxious, if possible, or so far as possible, to defend and justify thy conduct." Then, probably, Elihu made a pause, to allow of Job's speaking; but, as the patriarch kept silence, he continued. |
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