Job 32:20

KJV

I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will speak {H1696}, that I may be refreshed {H7304}: I will open {H6605} my lips {H8193} and answer {H6030}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I must speak, to find relief; I will open my lips and answer.

Berean Standard Bible

I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond.

American Standard Version

I will speak, that I may be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 32:20 marks the pivotal entrance of Elihu, a previously silent observer, into the profound theological discourse between Job and his three friends. This verse powerfully encapsulates Elihu's overwhelming internal compulsion to articulate his perspective, signaling his deep conviction that he possesses a unique, divinely-informed insight essential for clarifying the complex issues of human suffering and divine justice. His declaration is not merely a desire to speak, but a profound, almost physical, need to release the accumulated thoughts and understanding that have been building within him, promising a fresh, comprehensive, and insightful contribution to the stagnant and circular debate.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Elihu's dramatic appearance and declaration in [Job 32](/job/32 "Job 32 - Elihu's Introduction") fundamentally alter the narrative trajectory of the book. For 29 chapters, Job and his three interlocutors—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—have engaged in an increasingly acrimonious and repetitive debate, with Job steadfastly maintaining his innocence and the friends rigidly asserting his sin as the sole cause of his suffering. Elihu, introduced as a younger man who has patiently awaited the conclusion of his elders' arguments, now erupts with indignation, frustrated by both Job's self-justification and the friends' inability to provide a satisfactory theological resolution ([Job 32:2-3](/job/32-2-3 "Job 32:2-3 - Elihu's Anger and Frustration")). His preceding verse, [Job 32:19](/job/32-19 "Job 32:19 - Elihu's Inner Compulsion Described"), employs the vivid metaphor of new wine bursting wineskins to describe his intense internal pressure, rendering [Job 32:20](/job/32-20 "Job 32:20 - Elihu's Declaration to Speak") as the climactic statement of his resolute intention to speak and thereby alleviate this spiritual and intellectual burden.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, societal norms placed immense value on respect for elders, dictating that younger individuals generally remained silent in the presence of their seniors, especially during serious deliberations or judicial proceedings. Elihu's prolonged silence, explicitly noted in [Job 32:4](/job/32-4 "Job 32:4 - Elihu's Observance of Custom"), demonstrates his adherence to this deeply ingrained cultural custom. His eventual, bold decision to speak, despite his youth, profoundly underscores the extraordinary internal pressure and conviction he feels. His subsequent claim to speak with divine insight, rather than mere human wisdom, would have been perceived as a significant and audacious assertion, challenging the established hierarchy of discourse and implying a prophetic or divinely-sanctioned authority for his impending words.
* **Key Themes:** Elihu's forceful declaration introduces several crucial theological and narrative themes. Firstly, it highlights **The Compulsion to Speak Truth**, portraying a profound internal burden to articulate what one believes to be God's perspective, akin to a prophetic calling that cannot be suppressed. Secondly, the phrase "that I may be refreshed" underscores the theme of **Relief Through Expression**, suggesting that the articulation of deeply held convictions is not solely for the benefit of the listener but also for the speaker's own spiritual, emotional, and intellectual well-being. Elihu feels "full of words" and "pent up" ([Job 32:18](/job/32-18 "Job 32:18 - Elihu's Inner Turmoil")), and speaking is presented as a necessary, almost therapeutic, release. Finally, Elihu's entrance signals the arrival of **A New Voice of Wisdom**, one that critiques the limited and often flawed theology of both Job and his friends. He introduces a more nuanced understanding of suffering as potentially disciplinary or instructional, designed to draw humanity closer to God, a perspective that bridges the gap between Job's complaints and the friends' rigid retribution theology, as seen in his later discourse in [Job 33:14-30](/job/33-14-30 "Job 33:14-30 - Elihu's Explanation of God's Communication").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Speak (Hebrew, _dâbar'_):** This primitive root, H1696, primarily signifies "to speak" or "to arrange," often used figuratively of words. While seemingly straightforward, Elihu's choice of _dâbar_ here implies a deliberate, weighty utterance, not casual conversation. It is the language often associated with divine communication, prophecy, and authoritative declaration. For Elihu, this is not mere chatter but a compelled pronouncement, a message he feels appointed to deliver, suggesting a profound internal arrangement of thought that must now be uttered.
* **Refreshed (Hebrew, _râvach'_):** Derived from H7304, this root means "to breathe freely" or "to revive," and by implication, "to have ample room." Elihu's desire to be "refreshed" speaks to a deep, almost physical, need for release from the internal pressure of unexpressed words. It implies that the act of speaking will provide him with spiritual and intellectual breathing room, alleviating the burden of his pent-up thoughts and bringing a sense of expansion and relief, much like finding ample space after being confined.
* **Open (Hebrew, _pâthach'_):** This primitive root, H6605, means "to open wide" (literally or figuratively), and specifically "to loosen" or "begin." When Elihu declares, "I will open my lips," it is a direct and forceful intention to initiate speech, to unseal what has been contained. This act of opening is presented as a necessary loosening of the internal constraint, allowing the words to break forth and have vent, signifying a decisive commencement of his long-awaited contribution to the debate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will speak":** This opening declaration is emphatic, resolute, and deeply personal. After a prolonged period of respectful silence, Elihu asserts his unshakeable intention to break that silence. It is a statement of profound resolve, indicating that his forthcoming words are not accidental or impulsive, but the culmination of an intense internal conviction that has reached an unavoidable breaking point, compelling him to articulate his perspective.
* **"that I may be refreshed":** This crucial clause unveils the profound personal motivation behind Elihu's impending speech. The act of speaking is presented as a necessary spiritual and emotional exhalation, a vital release that will bring him relief from the overwhelming internal burden of unexpressed thoughts and insights. It powerfully highlights the therapeutic and clarifying power of articulating one's deeply held convictions, especially when they are perceived as divinely inspired or critically important for the current situation.
* **"I will open my lips and answer":** This phrase functions as a powerful synonymous parallelism to "I will speak," reiterating and intensifying Elihu's determined intent. "Open my lips" is a common idiomatic expression for beginning to speak, signifying a deliberate and conscious act of utterance. The addition of "and answer" clearly indicates that his speech is a direct, considered response to the preceding arguments, aiming not merely to add to the discourse but to provide a resolution or a superior perspective where others have demonstrably failed.

#### Literary Devices
Job 32:20, particularly when read in conjunction with the preceding verses, employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is the extended **Metaphor** in [Job 32:19](/job/32-19 "Job 32:19 - Elihu's Wine Metaphor"), where Elihu vividly compares himself to "new wine that has no vent" and "new wineskins, ready to burst." This potent imagery conveys the overwhelming, almost violent, internal pressure he feels to speak, making his declaration in [Job 32:20](/job/32-20 "Job 32:20 - Elihu's Declaration") a necessary and urgent act of release. The verse itself skillfully utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism** in the phrases "I will speak" and "I will open my lips and answer." Here, the second phrase does not merely repeat but reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first, emphasizing Elihu's unwavering determination and the profound necessity of his utterance. Furthermore, there is an underlying element of **Dramatic Irony** at play, as Elihu confidently asserts his ability to "answer" and bring "refreshment," yet the ultimate resolution and true refreshment for Job will come not from Elihu's words, but from the direct, sovereign intervention of God Himself from the whirlwind.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Elihu's bursting forth with a profound compulsion to speak truth, "that I may be refreshed," resonates with a deep and enduring theological theme: the burden of divine revelation and the spiritual necessity of its articulation. His experience mirrors that of numerous biblical figures, particularly prophets, who felt an overwhelming internal pressure to deliver God's message, finding no peace or relief until they had spoken. This is not merely an intellectual exercise for Elihu but a deeply spiritual and physical imperative, akin to a burning fire within his bones. His conviction that he possesses a unique insight into God's ways, particularly regarding suffering as a means of instruction, purification, and drawing humanity closer to the divine, positions him as a transitional figure in the book of Job, bridging the inadequate retribution theology of the friends and the ultimate, direct divine revelation. His speech, while not explicitly presented as a direct oracle, carries the weight of a divinely-inspired burden, suggesting that God can indeed use unexpected voices to reveal deeper, more nuanced truths.

* [Jeremiah 20:9](/jeremiah/20-9 "Jeremiah 20:9 - Jeremiah's Burning Bones")
* [Psalm 39:3](/psalms/39-3 "Psalm 39:3 - David's Unspoken Anguish")
* [Acts 4:20](/acts/4-20 "Acts 4:20 - Peter and John's Compulsion to Speak")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elihu's compelling declaration in [Job 32:20](/job/32-20 "Job 32:20 - Elihu's Inner Compulsion") offers profound insights for believers today regarding the nature of truth, conviction, and the sacred act of communication. There are moments in life when we, much like Elihu, experience an overwhelming internal pressure to speak—to articulate a truth, to offer a word of wisdom, to share an insight we believe is crucial for a given situation, or for the spiritual well-being of others. Suppressing such a burden, especially when it feels divinely impressed or aligned with God's character, can indeed lead to spiritual and emotional "suffocation," mirroring Elihu's vivid metaphor of bursting wineskins. This verse encourages us to discern carefully when respectful silence must give way to courageous speech, particularly when we believe we can contribute a perspective that is more aligned with God's truth and grace, or when our own spiritual health and integrity depend on articulating our convictions. Speaking openly, thoughtfully, and with a spirit of humility and love, can be a profound form of release and spiritual refreshment, allowing us to process, to heal, and to participate in God's ongoing work of revelation, reconciliation, and restoration in the world. It reminds us that sometimes, the very act of speaking is not just for the listener, but a vital and necessary part of our own spiritual journey and well-being.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Have you ever felt an overwhelming internal compulsion to speak a truth, similar to Elihu's "bursting" feeling? How did you respond, and what were the consequences of your choice?**
* **What are the potential spiritual, emotional, and relational dangers of consistently suppressing a deeply held conviction that you believe is from God?**
* **In what specific situations might it be important to prioritize speaking for your own "refreshment" or spiritual well-being, even if it feels uncomfortable or challenging?**
* **How can we cultivate the spiritual discernment necessary to distinguish between a genuine, divinely-inspired compulsion to speak and mere personal opinion, frustration, or a desire for self-vindication?**

### FAQ
**Is Elihu's speech considered divinely inspired or just his personal opinion?**

Answer: Elihu's speech in the book of Job is a complex and often debated subject among scholars. While the text does not explicitly state that God inspired his words in the same direct manner as it does for a prophet like Jeremiah, Elihu himself asserts that "the Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life" ([Job 33:4](/job/33-4 "Job 33:4 - Elihu's Claim of Divine Spirit")), and he claims to speak on God's behalf, offering a more nuanced and accurate understanding of God's ways than Job's friends. Many scholars view Elihu as a crucial transitional figure, bridging the limited human wisdom of Job and his friends and the direct divine revelation that follows in the latter chapters. His arguments, particularly regarding suffering as a means of instruction, discipline, and purification, are often seen as moving significantly closer to the truth ultimately revealed by God in [Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38 - God Answers Job")). Therefore, while not a direct divine oracle, his words are presented as having significant theological weight and are distinct from the flawed and rigid arguments of the three friends.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elihu's profound internal compulsion to speak truth, expressed as a need to be "refreshed," and his subsequent role as an "interpreter" or "mediator" ([Job 33:23](/job/33-23 "Job 33:23 - Elihu's Mediator Figure")) who seeks to reveal God's way to humanity, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate Word of God, Jesus Christ. Elihu's intense desire to bring clarity and a deeper understanding of God's character, particularly in the face of suffering and theological confusion, finds its perfect and complete fulfillment in Christ, who is the full, final, and perfect revelation of God. Just as Elihu felt a bursting need to articulate truth, Jesus is the very embodiment of truth, the [Logos made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), through whom God has spoken definitively and exhaustively to humanity in these last days ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1-2 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God's Final Word in Christ")). Elihu's longing for personal "refreshment" through speaking the truth points to Christ as the ultimate source of spiritual refreshment and living water, who declares, "[If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink](/john/7-37 "John 7:37 - Jesus' Invitation to the Thirsty")" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). Furthermore, Elihu's attempt to mediate between Job and God, to explain God's purposes and draw Job closer to Him, is ultimately and perfectly accomplished by Christ, our [one mediator between God and man](/1_timothy/2-5 "1 Timothy 2:5 - Christ, the One Mediator"), who not only speaks truth but *is* the truth, reconciling humanity to God through His perfect life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection ([2_corinthians/5-18-19](/2_corinthians/5-18-19 "2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - God Reconciling the World to Himself")).

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.

Cross-References

Proverbs 8:6

Hear; for I will speak of excellent things; and the opening of my lips [shall be] right things.

Proverbs 8:7

For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips.

Job 21:3

Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on.

Job 13:13

¶ Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak, and let come on me what [will].

Job 20:2

Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for [this] I make haste.

Job 13:19

Who [is] he [that] will plead with me? for now, if I hold my tongue, I shall give up the ghost.