Job 36:2

KJV

Suffer me a little, and I will shew thee that [I have] yet to speak on God's behalf.

KJV (with Strong's)

Suffer {H3803} me a little {H2191}, and I will shew {H2331} thee that I have yet to speak {H4405} on God's {H433} behalf.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Bear with me a little, and I will show you that there is more to say on God's behalf.

Berean Standard Bible

“Bear with me a little longer, and I will show you that there is more to be said on God’s behalf.

American Standard Version

Suffer me a little, and I will show thee; For I have yet somewhat to say on God’s behalf.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 36:2 captures Elihu's earnest and confident appeal for a patient hearing as he prepares to deliver his extensive discourse. Having carefully observed the prolonged and often misdirected exchanges between Job and his three friends, Elihu asserts his unique position and perceived divine mandate to articulate a comprehensive and accurate defense of God's character, justice, and wisdom, believing his forthcoming insights are essential to resolve the theological impasse and offer a more profound understanding of divine providence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate opening of Elihu's final major speech, spanning [Job 36](/job/36 "Job 36 - Elihu's Final Discourse") and [Job 37](/job/37 "Job 37 - Elihu's Description of God's Power"). It follows his initial, more general introduction in [Job 32-35](/job/32-35 "Job 32-35 - Elihu's Initial Speeches"), where he explained his rationale for speaking despite his youth. Elihu's discourse is strategically placed as the concluding human voice in the entire debate, directly preceding God's dramatic intervention from the whirlwind in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech"). His plea for a patient hearing in this verse underscores the gravity and perceived importance of his impending words, setting the stage for his most developed theological arguments concerning God's justice, the purpose of suffering, and divine sovereignty, which he believes will correct the errors of both Job's accusations and his friends' simplistic retribution theology.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the land of Uz, generally understood to be during the patriarchal period, a time marked by a strong emphasis on wisdom, oral tradition, and communal deliberation. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, advanced age typically conferred authority, wisdom, and the right to speak, as Elihu himself acknowledges in [Job 32:6-7](/job/32-6-7 "Job 32:6-7 - Elihu's Deference to Age and Claim to Inspiration"). Therefore, Elihu's bold assertion to speak, despite his relative youth compared to the other interlocutors, is a significant cultural departure. He justifies this departure by claiming divine inspiration, positioning himself as a divinely sanctioned messenger. The concept of speaking "on God's behalf" or "for God" was a weighty claim in this cultural milieu, implying a prophetic or divinely appointed role, which would have commanded careful attention from a society that valued direct communication from the divine.
* **Key Themes:**
* **Divine Sovereignty and Justice:** Elihu's overarching goal throughout his discourse is to vindicate God's character and demonstrate His absolute justice and sovereignty. He challenges the simplistic retribution theology of Job's friends, who insisted Job's suffering was solely due to sin, and also Job's accusations of divine injustice. Elihu argues that God is just in all His ways, even in seemingly inexplicable suffering, as he later states, "Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom" ([Job 36:5](/job/36-5 "Job 36:5 - God's Might and Wisdom")). He seeks to portray God as both just and compassionate, working for the good of His creation even through affliction.
* **The Pedagogical Purpose of Suffering:** A distinctive and significant contribution of Elihu's speech is his introduction of suffering as a disciplinary or refining tool, rather than solely punitive. He suggests that God uses affliction to teach, correct, and draw individuals closer to Himself, offering a pathway to repentance and spiritual growth. This is clearly articulated in his explanation of dreams and chastisement in [Job 33:16-18](/job/33-16-18 "Job 33:16-18 - Suffering as Discipline and Revelation"), where he describes how God uses various means to turn people from their pride and preserve them from destruction. This theme provides a more nuanced understanding of God's interaction with humanity in the face of adversity.
* **Human Ignorance vs. Divine Wisdom:** Elihu consistently highlights the vast chasm between finite human understanding and infinite divine wisdom. He positions himself as a conduit for this higher wisdom, contrasting it with the limited and often erroneous perspectives of Job and his friends. This theme underscores the ultimate source of true knowledge and insight, emphasizing that profound understanding of God's ways comes from Him alone, not from human experience or debate. He urges humility before the inscrutable ways of God, a point that foreshadows God's own speeches in [Job 38-41](/job/38-41 "Job 38-41 - God's Speeches from the Whirlwind").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Suffer (Hebrew, _kâthar'_):** From H3803, a primitive root meaning "to enclose," "to crown," "to besiege," or "to wait (as restraining oneself)." In this context, the KJV's "suffer" translates the imperative form, conveying a sense of waiting or enduring patiently. Elihu is not asking for a brief interruption but demanding sustained, quiet, and focused attention from his audience, implying that his forthcoming words are of such profound importance that they warrant complete concentration. It is a command for them to "wait for me" or "be patient with me."
* **little (Hebrew, _zᵉʻêyr'_):** From H2191, meaning "small" or "little." This word qualifies the duration of the requested patience. Elihu is asking for a moment of quiet, focused attention, but the "little" here is ironic or rhetorical, as his ensuing discourse is anything but brief. It serves to politely preface what will be a lengthy and comprehensive theological exposition, suggesting a manageable initial request for attention before the full weight of his message unfolds.
* **speak (Hebrew, _millâh'_):** From H4405, meaning "a word," "a discourse," or "a topic." This term emphasizes the content and nature of Elihu's forthcoming communication. He is not merely offering casual remarks but a structured, significant discourse—a "word" or "matter" that he believes is essential to the theological debate. His intention to "speak on God's behalf" elevates this "word" beyond human opinion, presenting it as divinely inspired truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Suffer me a little":** This opening imperative is Elihu's earnest and direct appeal to Job and the other interlocutors for their patient and undivided attention. Having observed the protracted and often contentious arguments, Elihu now asserts his turn to speak, demanding a respectful and quiet hearing for what he believes will be a decisive and enlightening discourse. It is a call for humility and receptiveness from his audience, indicating his conviction that his words hold unique value.
* **"and I will shew thee":** Elihu expresses strong confidence in his ability to reveal truth, provide clarity, and demonstrate the validity of his arguments. This phrase signifies his intention to explain, prove, or lay bare insights that he believes have eluded the others. It reflects his conviction that he possesses a superior understanding of God's ways and is capable of articulating it persuasively, promising a revelation of divine truth rather than mere human speculation.
* **"that [I have] yet to speak on God's behalf":** This concluding clause reveals the core motivation and self-perceived mandate behind Elihu's intervention. He claims a unique and crucial role as an advocate for God, aiming to vindicate divine justice and wisdom in the face of human questioning and misinterpretation. Unlike Job's friends, who were later rebuked for not speaking rightly about God ([Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God's Rebuke of Job's Friends")), Elihu positions himself as God's true spokesman, believing his words will accurately represent and defend the Almighty, offering a necessary correction to the flawed arguments presented thus far.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary techniques to establish Elihu's authority and set the tone for his speech. **Direct Address** is prominent, as Elihu directly addresses his audience ("Suffer me... I will shew thee"), creating an immediate and personal appeal that demands attention. The phrase "Suffer me a little" functions as a **Rhetorical Appeal** for attention, designed to secure a receptive and patient audience for his lengthy and profound discourse, while also subtly asserting his right to speak. Furthermore, Elihu's assertion to "speak on God's behalf" serves as a powerful form of **Ethos**, where he attempts to establish his credibility and authority by claiming a divine mandate. This claim elevates his forthcoming words above mere human opinion or debate, setting the stage for his subsequent arguments, which he presents as divinely inspired wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Elihu's self-appointed role as God's advocate in Job 36:2 introduces a profound theological theme: the immense responsibility of those who claim to speak for God. It highlights the critical need for humility, accuracy, and divine inspiration when attempting to articulate divine truth, especially concerning complex issues like suffering, justice, and providence. This verse underscores the biblical emphasis on God's absolute sovereignty and infinite wisdom, suggesting that finite human understanding is inherently limited and that true insight comes from a divine source. Elihu's desire to vindicate God's character in the face of human questioning resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's unwavering righteousness, even when His ways are inscrutable to humanity.

* [Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God's Rebuke of Job's Friends")
* [Proverbs 18:13](/proverbs/18-13 "Proverbs 18:13 - Hasty Judgment")
* [Romans 11:33](/romans/11-33 "Romans 11:33 - The Depth of God's Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elihu's earnest plea in Job 36:2 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of patient and attentive listening, especially when engaging with profound spiritual truths or complex theological discussions. In an age characterized by quick judgments, soundbites, and fragmented attention spans, this verse calls us to cultivate humility, to truly "suffer" or wait for others to articulate their perspectives, and to approach God's revelation with reverence and openness. When we ourselves feel compelled to speak "on God's behalf," it challenges us to do so with utmost accuracy, integrity, and a deep reliance on His Spirit, rather than our own limited understanding or biases. It prompts us to consider whether our words truly vindicate God's character or merely reflect our own interpretations, urging us to prioritize His truth above all else and to be careful stewards of divine revelation, ensuring our communication honors Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I truly "suffer a little" and patiently listen to others, especially when discussing spiritual matters or difficult life circumstances, rather than rushing to judgment or interjection?**
* **What does it mean for me to "speak on God's behalf" in my daily life, and how can I ensure my words accurately reflect His character and truth, rather than my own opinions or biases?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate more humility and acknowledge the limits of my own understanding concerning God's ways and purposes, trusting His wisdom above my own?**

### FAQ
**Why does Elihu emphasize "Suffer me a little" so strongly?**

Answer: Elihu emphasizes "Suffer me a little" (KJV) or "Bear with me a little" (ESV) to secure the undivided and patient attention of his audience, particularly Job and his three friends. He has patiently waited for them to conclude their lengthy and often circular arguments, and now he believes he possesses a unique, divinely-inspired perspective that requires a full and uninterrupted hearing. He is not asking for a brief pause but for sustained contemplation of his forthcoming, extensive discourse, which he believes will clarify misconceptions about God's justice and wisdom. He wants to ensure his words are truly heard and considered, unlike the previous exchanges which had devolved into accusations and defensiveness, setting a tone of solemn importance for his contribution.

**What does Elihu mean by "speak on God's behalf"?**

Answer: When Elihu states his intention to "speak on God's behalf," he is asserting his role as an advocate or defender of God's character and actions. He believes that Job and his friends have either misrepresented God or failed to fully grasp His justice and wisdom in the context of suffering. Unlike Job's friends, who were later rebuked by God for not speaking what was right about Him ([Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God's Rebuke of Job's Friends")), Elihu presents himself as a true spokesman for divine righteousness. His aim is to vindicate God's ways, particularly regarding the purpose of suffering and the exercise of divine sovereignty, offering a more nuanced theological perspective than had been presented thus far in the debate. He sees himself as correcting theological errors and upholding God's honor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Elihu's attempt to "speak on God's behalf" is a human endeavor, albeit one he claims is divinely inspired, it ultimately foreshadows the perfect and ultimate Spokesman for God: Jesus Christ. Elihu sought to vindicate God's justice and wisdom through human words and theological discourse, but Christ perfectly revealed the Father, being the [radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory") and the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"). Jesus did not merely speak *on* God's behalf; He *was* God in the flesh, embodying divine wisdom and righteousness. His life, atoning death, and resurrection fully vindicate God's justice, love, and sovereignty, providing the ultimate answer to the problem of suffering and sin, far beyond any human theological discourse. He is the [Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and through His finished work on the cross, God's character is perfectly revealed, His righteous demands are fully met, and a peace that surpasses all understanding is offered to humanity, as promised in [Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "Philippians 4:7 - The Peace of God"). He is the [truth, the way, and the life](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life"), the definitive revelation of God 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.

Cross-References

Job 13:7

Will ye speak wickedly for God? and talk deceitfully for him?

Job 13:8

Will ye accept his person? will ye contend for God?

2 Corinthians 5:20

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech [you] by us: we pray [you] in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God.

Job 21:3

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

Hebrews 13:22

And I beseech you, brethren, suffer the word of exhortation: for I have written a letter unto you in few words.

Ezekiel 2:7

And thou shalt speak my words unto them, whether they will hear, or whether they will forbear: for they [are] most rebellious.

Job 33:6

Behold, I [am] according to thy wish in God's stead: I also am formed out of the clay.