Job 32:1

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he [was] righteous in his own eyes.

Complete Jewish Bible:

So these three men stopped trying to answer Iyov, because he remained convinced of his own righteousness.

Berean Standard Bible:

So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

American Standard Version:

So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

So these three{H7969} men{H582} ceased{H7673} to answer{H6030} Job{H347}, because he was righteous{H6662} in his own eyes{H5869}.

Cross-References (KJV):

Job 33:9

  • I am clean without transgression, I [am] innocent; neither [is there] iniquity in me.

Job 10:7

  • Thou knowest that I am not wicked; and [there is] none that can deliver out of thine hand.

Job 10:2

  • I will say unto God, Do not condemn me; shew me wherefore thou contendest with me.

Job 6:29

  • Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my righteousness [is] in it.

Job 13:15

  • Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

Job 31:1

  • ¶ I made a covenant with mine eyes; why then should I think upon a maid?

Job 31:40

  • Let thistles grow instead of wheat, and cockle instead of barley. The words of Job are ended.

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Commentary for Job 32:1

Job 32:1 serves as a pivotal transition in the Book of Job, marking the end of the first cycle of speeches between Job and his three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. These friends have been attempting to convince Job that his suffering must be a result of some hidden sin, as they adhere to a strict retributive justice view where good is rewarded and evil is punished. However, Job maintains his innocence and challenges their perspectives, asserting his righteousness despite his afflictions. The verse states, "So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he [was] righteous in his own eyes."

The historical context of the Book of Job is somewhat uncertain, with estimates placing its composition anywhere from the patriarchal period (around the time of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob) to the post-exilic period (after the return from Babylonian captivity). Its themes are universal and timeless, addressing the age-old question of why the righteous suffer. The dialogue between Job and his friends reflects ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, where the search for understanding human suffering and the nature of divine justice is central.

In this verse, the three friends are silenced not by a resolution of the debate but by their frustration with Job's unwavering stance on his own righteousness. They are unable to refute his claim, which indirectly challenges the simplistic theology they have been espousing. This sets the stage for the entrance of a new character, Elihu, who will offer his own perspective on the matter before God himself speaks in the latter chapters of the book.

The themes of Job 32:1 include the limits of human wisdom in comprehending the ways of God, the tension between divine justice and human suffering, and the complex nature of righteousness. Job's insistence on his innocence raises profound questions about the nature of virtue and the human capacity for self-assessment. The verse underscores the importance of humility and the recognition that human understanding is finite, ultimately preparing the reader for the divine revelation that will come later in the narrative.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

  1. Strong's Number: H7969
    There are 381 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שָׁלוֹשׁ
    Transliteration: shâlôwsh
    Pronunciation: shaw-loshe'
    Description: or שָׁלֹשׁ; masculine שְׁלוֹשָׁה; or שְׁלֹשָׁה; a primitive number; three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice; [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare שָׁלִישׁ.
  2. Strong's Number: H582
    There are 648 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אֱנוֹשׁ
    Transliteration: ʼĕnôwsh
    Pronunciation: en-oshe'
    Description: from אָנַשׁ; properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified אָדָם); hence,; a man in general (singly or collectively); another, [idiom] (blood-) thirsty, certain, chap(-man); divers, fellow, [idiom] in the flower of their age, husband, (certain, mortal) man, people, person, servant, some ([idiom] of them), [phrase] stranger, those, [phrase] their trade. It is often unexpressed in the English versions, especially when used in apposition with another word. Compare אִישׁ.
  3. Strong's Number: H7673
    There are 67 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: שָׁבַת
    Transliteration: shâbath
    Pronunciation: shaw-bath'
    Description: a primitive root; to repose, i.e. desist from exertion; used in many implied relations (causative, figurative or specific); (cause to, let, make to) cease, celebrate, cause (make) to fail, keep (sabbath), suffer to be lacking, leave, put away (down), (make to) rest, rid, still, take away.
  4. Strong's Number: H6030
    There are 317 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עָנָה
    Transliteration: ʻânâh
    Pronunciation: aw-naw'
    Description: a primitive root; properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, announce; give account, afflict (by mistake for עָנָה), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for עָנָה), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also בֵּית עֲנוֹת, בֵּית עֲנָת.
  5. Strong's Number: H347
    There are 2478 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: אִיּוֹב
    Transliteration: ʼÎyôwb
    Pronunciation: ee-yobe'
    Description: from אָיַב; hated (i.e. persecuted); Ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience; Job.
  6. Strong's Number: H6662
    There are 197 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: צַדִּיק
    Transliteration: tsaddîyq
    Pronunciation: tsad-deek'
    Description: from צָדַק; just; just, lawful, righteous (man).
  7. Strong's Number: H5869
    There are 830 instances of this translation in the Bible
    Lemma: עַיִן
    Transliteration: ʻayin
    Pronunciation: ah'-yin
    Description: probably a primitive word; an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape); affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves).