Job 32:6

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Job 32:6 KJV introduces Elihu, a new character in the unfolding drama of Job's suffering. After Job and his three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) have concluded their lengthy arguments, Elihu, who has been silently observing, finally speaks. This verse marks his humble and cautious entry into the debate, acknowledging his youth in contrast to the advanced age of Job and his companions.

Context

The preceding chapters detail the exhaustive dialogue between Job and his three friends, who insist that Job's suffering must be a consequence of his sin, and Job's steadfast defense of his innocence. Elihu, described as "Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite," has evidently been present throughout these exchanges, listening intently. His opening statement in Job 32:6 explains his prior silence: he was deferring to the wisdom and experience of his elders. The KJV's use of the paragraph mark (¶) often signals a significant shift or new speaker, clearly indicating Elihu's distinct arrival on the scene, preparing the reader for a fresh perspective on the complex questions of justice and suffering.

Key Themes

  • Respect for Elders and Humility: Elihu’s initial words reveal a deep respect for seniority, a common cultural value in ancient times. He admits his hesitation to speak due to his younger age, demonstrating humility and adherence to social protocol.
  • The Source of Wisdom: While acknowledging age, Elihu's subsequent speeches will challenge the notion that wisdom resides solely with the aged, pointing instead to God as the ultimate source of understanding (as he elaborates in Job 32:8). This verse sets the stage for his argument that divine inspiration, not merely human experience, is the key to true insight.
  • A New Perspective: Elihu’s entrance signifies a fresh voice in the theological discourse, one that seeks to correct both Job and his friends, offering a more nuanced perspective on God’s justice and human suffering that had not been fully explored.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "durst not shew you mine opinion" uses the archaic verb "durst," which is the past tense of "dare." It emphasizes Elihu's profound reluctance and the social pressure he felt. He literally "dared not" express his thoughts, implying a sense of impropriety or boldness in speaking out of turn to his seniors. Elihu's lineage as a "Buzite" connects him geographically; Buz was a son of Nahor, Abraham's brother (Genesis 22:21), suggesting a distant familial or tribal connection to the region.

Practical Application

Job 32:6 offers several insights for modern life:

  • Value of Listening: Elihu's long silence before speaking highlights the importance of patient listening and careful observation before offering one's perspective, especially in complex discussions.
  • Wisdom Beyond Age: While respecting elders is vital, this verse, especially in light of Elihu's subsequent contributions, reminds us that wisdom is not exclusive to age. God can grant understanding to anyone, regardless of their years, as seen in Solomon's prayer for an understanding heart.
  • Courage to Speak Truth Respectfully: Elihu's eventual decision to speak, despite his initial apprehension, encourages us to share truth and insight respectfully, even when it means challenging established views, provided it is done with humility and a desire for truth.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.

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