Job 32:17

KJV

[I said], I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion.

KJV (with Strong's)

I said, I will answer {H6030} also my part {H2506}, I also will shew {H2331} mine opinion {H1843}.

Complete Jewish Bible

No, I will now give my answer; I too will express my opinion.

Berean Standard Bible

I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know.

American Standard Version

I also will answer my part, I also will show mine opinion.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 32:17 marks the dramatic entrance of Elihu, a younger man who has patiently observed the protracted and often contentious debate between Job and his three friends. Having listened intently to their arguments and Job's responses, Elihu can no longer contain his conviction and declares his intention to articulate his own perspective, believing he possesses a unique and divinely-inspired insight that will provide a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of God's justice and Job's suffering than previously offered.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a pivotal transition, immediately following Elihu's initial introduction and his expressed frustration with both Job and his three friends for their perceived failure to resolve the theological dilemma (Job 32:1-6). For the preceding 29 chapters, the narrative has been dominated by the cyclical arguments of Job, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, each attempting to reconcile Job's suffering with divine justice. Elihu's declaration here sets the stage for his extensive speeches, which span from [Job 32](/job/32 "Job 32 - Elihu's Introduction") through [Job 37](/job/37 "Job 37 - Elihu's Final Discourse"), serving as a crucial interlude before God's direct intervention and response to Job in [Job 38:1](/job/38-1 "Job 38:1 - God Answers Job from the Whirlwind"). Elihu presents himself as a fresh voice, promising to offer a more profound and accurate understanding, thereby moving the discourse forward.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the ancient Near East, likely during a patriarchal period, where wisdom was highly valued, and respect for elders was a deeply ingrained cultural norm. Elihu's initial silence, as noted in [Job 32:4](/job/32-4 "Job 32:4 - Elihu Waits to Speak"), demonstrates this deference to the older, more established voices. However, his subsequent declaration to speak, despite his youth, challenges this convention, suggesting a conviction that truth and wisdom are not solely the domain of age. The entire book grapples with the fundamental theological problem of suffering (theodicy) and the nature of divine justice, themes central to ancient Near Eastern thought. Elihu's claim to speak from a place of divine inspiration ([Job 32:8](/job/32-8 "Job 32:8 - Elihu's Claim of Spirit-Given Understanding")) reflects a common belief in the direct communication of divine wisdom, even if his specific interpretation is later shown to be incomplete.

* **Key Themes:** Elihu's declaration in [Job 32:17](/job/32-17 "Job 32:17 - Elihu Declares His Intention to Speak") powerfully introduces several key themes. First, there is the **impulsion to speak**, driven by a deep conviction that he must contribute to the discourse, believing that wisdom is not exclusive to the aged, as he later states in [Job 32:9](/job/32-9 "Job 32:9 - Elihu on Wisdom and Age"). Second, Elihu promises a **new perspective**, implying that the previous speakers have failed to adequately address Job's plight or defend God's righteousness, and he feels compelled to bring clarity where he perceives confusion and error. Third, his initial **patience and restraint** are highlighted; he waited respectfully for the elders to conclude their arguments, demonstrating a virtue of careful listening before offering his own, what he believes to be, divinely-prompted insights.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Answer (Hebrew, _ʿānāh_):** This verb, meaning "to answer, respond, testify," indicates Elihu's intent to engage directly with the arguments that have been presented. It suggests he is not merely adding to the noise but is providing a direct counter-argument or a more complete resolution to the questions raised by Job and his friends. It implies a sense of responsibility to address the core issues of the debate.
* **Shew (Hebrew, _ḥāvāh_):** Meaning "to declare, make known, explain, articulate," this verb emphasizes Elihu's desire to express his understanding clearly and comprehensively. It suggests a more active and didactic role than simply "answering." He intends to reveal or expound upon a truth that he believes has been overlooked or misunderstood by the previous speakers.
* **Opinion (Hebrew, _dēʿāh_):** While the KJV translates the second clause as "I also will shew mine opinion," the Hebrew behind "mine opinion" is _dēʿāh_, which more broadly means "knowledge, understanding, insight." Elihu is not merely offering a subjective viewpoint but claims to possess a deeper, more accurate knowledge or insight into the divine ways, which he is now compelled to articulate. The first clause's "my part" (חֶלְקִי, _ḥelqî_) also suggests his portion or contribution to the discussion, implying his right to a voice.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[I said], I will answer also my part":** This clause reveals Elihu's deliberate and resolute intention to participate in the theological debate. The introductory "I said" (implied in the KJV, explicit in some translations) underscores his conscious decision to break his silence. He claims his "part" or "portion" in the discourse, asserting his right and responsibility to contribute, having patiently observed the shortcomings of the previous arguments. It signifies his entrance as a new, active participant.
* **"I also will shew mine opinion":** This second clause clarifies the nature of Elihu's intended contribution. He promises not just to respond but to "shew" or "declare" his understanding and knowledge (_dēʿāh_). This implies a desire to articulate a comprehensive and insightful perspective that he believes has been missing. It is a confident declaration that he possesses a unique and valuable insight to impart, aiming to bring clarity and resolution to the complex issues of suffering and divine justice.

#### Literary Devices
Job 32:17 employs several literary devices that enhance its dramatic impact and thematic significance. **Assertion** is prominent, as Elihu confidently declares his intention to speak, breaking a long silence and challenging the established order of the debate. This is coupled with a subtle form of **Dramatic Irony**, as Elihu believes he holds the key to the theological puzzle, yet the reader knows that God Himself will ultimately provide the definitive answer, surpassing any human wisdom. The verse also functions as a moment of **Foreshadowing**, signaling the shift in the narrative from the friends' arguments to Elihu's extensive speeches, which will lead directly into God's climactic appearance. Elihu's language, though respectful in its initial deference, carries an underlying tone of **Self-Importance** and a conviction in his own superior insight, which is a key characteristic of his persona throughout his discourse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Elihu's declaration to speak, rooted in his conviction that he possesses a unique and necessary understanding, highlights the theological theme of divine revelation and the human capacity (or limitation) to grasp God's ways. While Elihu claims inspiration, his words, like those of Job and his friends, ultimately fall short of fully comprehending God's intricate purposes. This underscores the profound truth that true wisdom and understanding ultimately come from God alone, often revealed in unexpected ways. It also raises questions about the role of human discourse in theological matters—is it to exhaust all human arguments before God speaks, or to humbly seek His truth? Elihu's earnest desire to set the record straight, even if flawed, reflects a universal human longing for clarity and justice in the face of suffering.

* [Proverbs 18:13](/proverbs/18-13 "Answering Before Listening")
* [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak")
* [1 Timothy 4:12](/1_timothy/4-12 "Do Not Let Anyone Despise Your Youth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 32:17 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers regarding communication, humility, and the pursuit of truth. Elihu's initial patience in listening, despite his strong convictions, models the virtue of restraint and respect for others' voices. In a world often characterized by quick judgments and immediate responses, Elihu reminds us of the importance of truly hearing and processing before speaking. However, his subsequent decision to speak, driven by a deep internal conviction and a perceived divine prompting, also challenges us to consider when it is our responsibility to contribute to a conversation, especially when we believe truth is being obscured or injustice is being perpetuated. It encourages us to cultivate discernment, ensuring our contributions are not merely for self-expression but are aimed at clarifying, edifying, and pointing towards deeper truths, always with humility and a recognition that our understanding is partial.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When is it appropriate to break silence and speak up, even if it means challenging established voices or opinions?**
* **How can we discern between a personal desire to be heard and a genuine, Spirit-prompted conviction to share truth?**
* **What role does patient listening play in our ability to offer truly insightful and helpful contributions to discussions?**
* **How can we balance respect for those with more experience or authority with the courage to share a fresh or different perspective?**

### FAQ

**Why did Elihu wait so long to speak, and what does his declaration in Job 32:17 signify?**

Answer: Elihu's prolonged silence, noted in [Job 32:4](/job/32-4 "Elihu Waits to Speak"), was primarily out of respect for the age and wisdom of Job and his three friends. It was a cultural norm to defer to elders. His declaration in [Job 32:17](/job/32-17 "Elihu Declares His Intention to Speak") signifies that he has reached his limit of patience, believing that the previous speakers have failed to adequately answer Job or defend God's righteousness. He feels a strong, almost divine, compulsion to speak, convinced that he possesses a fresh and necessary perspective that has not yet been articulated, as he claims in [Job 32:8](/job/32-8 "Elihu's Claim of Spirit-Given Understanding"). It marks his transition from a silent observer to an active, confident participant in the debate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elihu's earnest desire to "shew mine opinion" and provide a definitive answer to the complexities of suffering and divine justice ultimately points to the perfect and final revelation found in Jesus Christ. While Elihu, a human, could only offer a limited and ultimately flawed perspective, Christ is the very Word of God made flesh, the full embodiment of divine wisdom and truth ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "The Word Was God") and [John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")). He is the ultimate "answer" to humanity's deepest questions about God, suffering, and the path to righteousness. Unlike Elihu, who speaks from a place of human understanding (even if divinely prompted), Jesus speaks with inherent divine authority, for in Him "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")). He is the one through whom God has spoken His final word, surpassing all previous human or prophetic declarations ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "God Has Spoken by His Son")). Elihu's confident assertion, though imperfect, foreshadows the coming of the One who would truly declare God's "opinion" and perfectly reveal His character and purposes to humanity.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.