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Now Elihu had waited before speaking[a] to Job, because the others[b] were older than he was. But when Elihu saw[c] that the three men had no further reply,[d] he became very angry.

Elihu Claims Wisdom

So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite spoke up:[e]

“I am young,[f] but you are elderly;
that is why I was fearful,[g]
and afraid to explain[h] to you what I know.

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Footnotes

  1. Job 32:4 tc This reading requires repointing the word בִּדְבָרִים (bidevarim, “with words”) to בְּדַבְּרָם (bedabberam, “while they spoke [with Job]”). If the MT is retained, it would mean “he waited for Job with words,” which while understandable is awkward.
  2. Job 32:4 tn Heb “they”; the referent (the other friends) has been specified in the translation for clarity.
  3. Job 32:5 tn The first clause beginning with a vav (ו) consecutive and the preterite can be subordinated to the next similar verb as a temporal clause.
  4. Job 32:5 tn Heb “that there was no reply in the mouth of the three men.”
  5. Job 32:6 tn Heb “answered and said.”
  6. Job 32:6 tn The text has “small in days.”
  7. Job 32:6 tn The verb זָחַלְתִּי (zakhalti) is found only here in the OT, but it is found in a ninth century Aramaic inscription as well as in Biblical Aramaic. It has the meaning “to be timid” (see H. H. Rowley, Job [NCBC], 208).
  8. Job 32:6 tn The Piel infinitive with the preposition (מֵחַוֹּת, mekhavvot) means “from explaining.” The phrase is the complement: “explain” what Elihu feared.

Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.

When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.

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.

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Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because they were older than he. And when Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, he burned with anger.

And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said:

“I am young in years,
    and you are (A)aged;
therefore I was timid and afraid
    to declare my opinion to you.

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