Job 32:6

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Elihu {H453} the son {H1121} of Barachel {H1292} the Buzite {H940} answered {H6030} and said {H559}, I am young {H6810}{H3117}, and ye are very old {H3453}; wherefore I was afraid {H2119}, and durst {H3372} not shew {H2331} you mine opinion {H1843}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Elihu the son of Barakh'el the Buzi said: "I am young, and you are old, so I held back from telling you my opinion.

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 32:6 marks the dramatic entrance of Elihu, a previously unmentioned character, who has silently witnessed the protracted and ultimately unresolved theological debate between Job and his three friends. This verse initiates his long-awaited contribution to the discourse, as he humbly acknowledges his youth in stark contrast to the advanced age of the other participants. His opening words convey profound deference to seniority and provide the reason for his prolonged silence, thereby setting the stage for a new, divinely-inspired perspective on the complex issues of human suffering, divine justice, and God's sovereign ways that have thus far eluded satisfactory resolution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 32:6 arrives at a pivotal moment in the book of Job, signaling a significant shift in the narrative. The preceding chapters (Job 3-31) have detailed the exhaustive and increasingly repetitive cycle of arguments between Job and his three companions—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. This extensive dialogue has reached an insurmountable impasse: Job steadfastly maintains his innocence and demands a direct encounter with God, while his friends relentlessly insist that his immense suffering is a direct consequence of his sin, urging him to repent. The KJV's distinctive paragraph mark (¶) preceding this verse emphatically signals a major textual division, introducing a new voice and a fresh perspective precisely when the established characters have exhausted their arguments and fallen into silence. Elihu's sudden appearance and his immediate explanation for his prior reticence (as further elaborated in [Job 32:7](/job/32-7 "Job 32:7 - Elihu Explains His Silence")) create a dramatic pause, preparing the reader for a different, and ultimately more profound, approach to the theological dilemma.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, age was profoundly revered, and wisdom was intrinsically linked with experience and longevity. Elders typically held positions of authority and were considered the primary custodians of knowledge and insight, making it culturally inappropriate for a younger individual to interrupt or contradict them. Elihu's opening declaration, acknowledging his youth ("I am young") and the advanced age of his audience ("ye are very old"), perfectly reflects this deep-seated cultural norm of deference to one's elders. His identification as "Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite" further anchors him within a specific lineage and geographical context. Buz was a son of Nahor, Abraham's brother, as recorded in [Genesis 22:21](/genesis/22-21 "Genesis 22:21 - Buz, Son of Nahor"), suggesting a distant tribal or familial connection to the broader Abrahamic tradition. This lineage might imply a shared foundational understanding of God, even if Elihu's specific theological insights ultimately diverge from those of Job's friends.
* **Key Themes:** Elihu's dramatic entrance introduces and develops several crucial themes within the book of Job. Firstly, it prominently highlights the theme of **respect for elders and humility**, as Elihu initially defers to the older men, demonstrating a culturally appropriate humility before daring to speak. Secondly, his subsequent discourse will fundamentally challenge the conventional wisdom that age alone confers understanding, thereby introducing the profound theme of **the true source of wisdom**. Elihu will powerfully argue that genuine wisdom originates not merely from accumulated years or human experience, but directly from the Spirit of God (as he explicitly states in [Job 32:8](/job/32-8 "Job 32:8 - The Spirit of God Gives Understanding")). This sets the stage for a divine perspective that transcends human limitations and biases. Finally, Elihu's arrival signifies the much-needed introduction of a **new perspective** into the stagnant and repetitive debate. He aims to correct both Job's self-righteousness and his friends' rigid, flawed theology, offering a more nuanced and ultimately more accurate understanding of God's sovereignty, justice, and the often mysterious purpose of suffering, thereby breaking the theological deadlock that has gripped the narrative for many chapters.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **young (Hebrew, _tsâʻîyr'_):** From צָעַר, meaning "little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble; least, little (one), small (one), [phrase] young(-er, -est)." Elihu's self-description as "young" (tsa'iyr) directly contrasts with the "very old" (yashish) status of Job and his friends. This term underscores his perceived social inferiority within the ancient cultural context, where age was synonymous with wisdom and authority. His use of this word highlights his humility and the societal expectation that he should remain silent in the presence of his seniors, setting up the dramatic tension of his eventual decision to speak.
* **afraid (Hebrew, _zâchal'_):** A primitive root, meaning "to crawl; by implication, to fear; be afraid, serpent, worm." Elihu's declaration that he "was afraid" (zâchal) to speak out of turn conveys a deep sense of respectful apprehension or intimidation. This fear is not merely personal timidity but a recognition of the cultural gravity of interrupting or contradicting elders. It emphasizes his adherence to social protocol, indicating that his prior silence was a conscious act of deference rather than a lack of opinion.
* **opinion (Hebrew, _dêaʻ'_):** From יָדַע, meaning "knowledge; knowledge, opinion." Elihu's statement that he "durst not shew you mine opinion" reveals that he possessed a distinct viewpoint throughout the preceding discussions. The word "opinion" (dêaʻ) here refers to his considered judgment or knowledge on the matters at hand. His initial suppression of this opinion, despite having one, further highlights his profound respect for the older men and the cultural norms that dictated when and how a younger person might contribute to such a weighty debate.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said,"**: This opening clause dramatically introduces a new, previously unmentioned character into the narrative. The KJV's distinctive paragraph mark (¶) serves as a visual cue, drawing immediate attention to Elihu's significant and distinct arrival. His full patronymic ("son of Barachel the Buzite") lends him credibility and situates him within a specific lineage and community, indicating that he is not a random observer but a person of identifiable standing. The verb "answered" implies that he has been attentively listening to the preceding arguments and is now prepared to respond to the theological stalemate.
* **"I [am] young, and ye [are] very old;"**: This is Elihu's immediate and striking self-introduction, establishing a clear and deliberate contrast between himself and his audience. He explicitly acknowledges the significant age disparity, which in ancient cultures was directly correlated with wisdom, experience, and authority. This statement serves as a humble justification for his prolonged prior silence and an explanation for his initial hesitation to intervene in such a profound theological discussion among his elders.
* **"wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion."**: This final clause explains the direct consequence of the perceived age difference and the cultural norms. Elihu confesses to being "afraid" (or more accurately, respectfully hesitant or intimidated) to express his views. The phrase "durst not shew you mine opinion" highlights his deference to the elders, indicating that he possessed a well-formed opinion but refrained from sharing it out of profound respect for social protocol and the perceived superior wisdom of his seniors. This sets up the dramatic tension for his subsequent, bold declaration that he must now speak.

#### Literary Devices
Job 32:6 masterfully employs several literary devices to enhance its dramatic impact and thematic depth. The most prominent is **Contrast**, specifically the stark age difference Elihu highlights between himself ("young") and the other interlocutors ("very old"). This immediate contrast establishes a dynamic where conventional expectations of wisdom (typically residing with the aged) are about to be challenged. There is also a strong element of **Foreshadowing**; Elihu's initial humility and deference, coupled with his eventual decision to speak, subtly foreshadow his unique and corrective role as a new voice in the debate. His stated "fear" of speaking out of turn sets up the dramatic tension for his subsequent, more forceful, and divinely-inspired speeches. Furthermore, the entire scene can be interpreted as a form of **Dramatic Irony**, as the "young" and previously silent Elihu will ultimately offer a more profound and accurate theological perspective than the "old" and supposedly wise friends of Job, whose arguments have proven utterly inadequate. Elihu's direct address to them also utilizes **Apostrophe**, drawing the audience's attention to his distinct and significant entry into the narrative.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Elihu's entrance in Job 32:6 serves as a pivotal moment, fundamentally shifting the theological discourse from human-centered arguments to a more God-centered perspective. His initial humility, acknowledging his youth and deferring to the elders, underscores the ancient and enduring value of respect for seniority. However, his subsequent decision to speak, driven by an inner conviction and divine inspiration, points to a deeper theological truth: that true wisdom is not solely a product of age or human experience, but a sovereign gift from God, often revealed through unexpected channels and voices. Elihu's role foreshadows the ultimate revelation of God's wisdom, which transcends limited human understanding and challenges conventional theological frameworks. His intervention prepares the reader for God's direct address from the whirlwind, emphasizing that divine truth often breaks through human limitations and stalemates, bringing clarity where human reasoning has failed.

* [Job 32:8](/job/32-8 "Job 32:8 - The Spirit of God Gives Understanding")
* [Proverbs 16:18](/proverbs/16-18 "Proverbs 16:18 - Pride Goes Before Destruction")
* [1 Corinthians 1:27](/1_corinthians/1-27 "1 Corinthians 1:27 - God Chooses the Foolish")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elihu's initial silence, followed by his eventual, respectful intervention in Job 32:6, offers profound and practical insights for contemporary life. It highlights the virtue of patient listening and careful observation, especially in complex or contentious discussions. Like Elihu, we are often called to listen deeply and discern the nuances of a situation before offering our perspective. This verse also challenges the common assumption that wisdom is exclusively tied to age or accumulated experience. While respecting elders and valuing their wisdom is undeniably vital, Elihu's subsequent contribution powerfully reminds us that God can grant insight and understanding to anyone, regardless of their years or perceived status. Therefore, we should cultivate an openness to wisdom from unexpected sources. Finally, Elihu's courage to speak truth respectfully, despite his initial apprehension and the prevailing cultural norms, encourages us to share our Spirit-led convictions with humility and deference, even when they challenge established views. It calls us to discern prayerfully when silence is appropriate out of respect, and when it is necessary to speak up for truth and righteousness, always with a heart for reconciliation and understanding, aiming to honor both God and others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **When faced with complex or contentious discussions, how do I discern when to listen patiently and when to offer my perspective?**
* **In what ways do I tend to associate wisdom only with age or experience, and how might God be challenging that assumption in my life?**
* **How can I cultivate the humility to defer to others, while also finding the courage to speak truth respectfully when I believe it is necessary?**

### FAQ

**Who is Elihu, and why is he introduced so late in the book of Job?**

Answer: Elihu is a new, younger character introduced abruptly in [Job 32](/job/32 "Job 32 - Elihu's First Speech"), after Job and his three friends have exhausted their arguments and reached a theological stalemate. He is identified as "Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite," suggesting a specific lineage and perhaps a connection to the broader Abrahamic family tree (through Buz, son of Nahor, Abraham's brother). His late introduction is highly significant because it signals that the previous human wisdom and theological frameworks have failed to adequately explain Job's suffering or God's justice. Elihu serves as a transitional figure, offering a fresh, more nuanced perspective that bridges the gap between the flawed human arguments and God's eventual direct address from the whirlwind. His youth, in contrast to the older men, highlights the theme that true wisdom comes from God's Spirit, not merely from human experience or age (as he explicitly states in [Job 32:8](/job/32-8 "Job 32:8 - The Spirit of God Gives Understanding")).

**What is the significance of Elihu's "youth" compared to the "old" men he addresses?**

Answer: Elihu's explicit acknowledgment of his youth ("I am young") in contrast to the "very old" Job and his friends is crucial for several reasons. Culturally, it explains his prior silence and initial deference, as speaking out of turn to elders was considered disrespectful in ancient Near Eastern societies. Theologically, it sets the stage for Elihu's profound challenge to the conventional wisdom that age inherently equates to ultimate understanding. His subsequent speeches argue that divine revelation and the Spirit of God are the true sources of wisdom, not merely accumulated years or human experience (as powerfully articulated in [Job 32:8](/job/32-8 "Job 32:8 - The Spirit of God Gives Understanding")). This stark contrast underscores a central theme of the book of Job: that human wisdom, no matter how seasoned, is ultimately limited in comprehending the unfathomable ways of God.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elihu's role in [Job 32:6](/job/32-6 "Job 32:6 - Elihu Begins to Speak"), as a new voice breaking into a stalemated human discourse, subtly foreshadows the ultimate divine intervention and revelation found in Jesus Christ. Elihu, despite his own limitations, offers a more accurate and God-centered perspective than Job's friends, preparing the way for God's own direct voice. In a profound and ultimate sense, Jesus Christ is the quintessential "new voice" and the perfect mediator, who perfectly reveals God's truth and wisdom to humanity, surpassing all human understanding and theological debate. While Elihu spoke with a measure of divine inspiration, Christ is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, the eternal Logos made flesh ([John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word")). He is the one who speaks with unparalleled authority, not as the scribes, but as one who perfectly knows and reveals the Father ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")). Like Elihu's initial humility, Christ "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ Emptied Himself")), yet through His life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection, He fully revealed the Father's character and eternal purposes, bringing ultimate light to the mysteries of suffering and justice in a way no human, not even Elihu, could. He is God's final and complete word, the one through whom all things are understood and fulfilled ([Hebrews 1:1-3](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-3 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")).

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

Job 15:10

With us [are] both the grayheaded and very aged men, much elder than thy father.

1 Timothy 5:1

¶ Rebuke not an elder, but intreat [him] as a father; [and] the younger men as brethren;

1 Peter 5:5

¶ Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all [of you] be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.

Job 15:7

[Art] thou the first man [that] was born? or wast thou made before the hills?

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 Samuel 17:28

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.