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Job 32:16

Job 32:16 in Multiple Translations

Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply?

When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

And shall I wait, because they speak not, Because they stand still, and answer no more?

And am I to go on waiting while they have nothing to say? while they keep quiet and give no more answers?

Should I continue to wait since you're no longer talking, just standing there saying nothing?

When I had wayted (for they spake not, but stood still and answered no more)

And I have waited, but they do not speak, For they have stood still, They have not answered any more.)

Shall I wait, because they don’t speak, because they stand still, and answer no more?

When I had waited, (for they spoke not, but stood still, and answered no more;)

Therefore because I have waited, and they have not spoken: they stood, and answered no more:

But because you do not speak, I certainly will not wait any longer [RHQ]; you merely stand there and do not reply any more.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Job 32:16

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Job 32:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְ֭/הוֹחַלְתִּי כִּי לֹ֣א יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ כִּ֥י עָ֝מְד֗וּ לֹא עָ֥נוּ עֽוֹד
וְ֭/הוֹחַלְתִּי yâchal H3176 to wait Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
כִּי kîy H3588 for Conj
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 not Part
יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
כִּ֥י kîy H3588 for Conj
עָ֝מְד֗וּ ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Qal-Perf-3cp
לֹא lôʼ H3808 not Part
עָ֥נוּ ʻânâh H6030 to dwell V-Qal-Perf-3cp
עֽוֹד ʻôwd H5750 still Adv
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 32:16

וְ֭/הוֹחַלְתִּי yâchal H3176 "to wait" Conj | V-Hiphil-1cs
To wait or be patient is the meaning of this verb, used to describe hoping or trusting in something, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : wait[for_time] 1) to wait, hope, expect 1a) (Niphal) to wait 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait, await, tarry 1b2) to wait for, hope for 1c) (Hiphil) to wait, tarry, wait for, hope for Also means: ya.chal (יָחַל ": hope" H3176H)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, have, make to) hope, be pained, stay, tarry, trust, wait. See also: Genesis 8:12; Psalms 69:4; Psalms 31:25.
כִּי kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
לֹ֣א lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
כִּ֥י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
עָ֝מְד֗וּ ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
לֹא lôʼ H3808 "not" Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
עָ֥נוּ ʻânâh H6030 "to dwell" V-Qal-Perf-3cp
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
עֽוֹד ʻôwd H5750 "still" Adv
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.

Study Notes — Job 32:16

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,
2 Job 13:5 If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!
3 Amos 5:13 Therefore, the prudent keep silent in such times, for the days are evil.
4 Proverbs 17:28 Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.

Job 32:16 Summary

In Job 32:16, Elihu is waiting for the right moment to speak to Job, now that his friends have stopped talking. This verse teaches us the importance of waiting for the right time to share our thoughts and ideas, as seen in Ecclesiastes 3:7. By waiting, we can show respect to others and share our words more wisely, as advised in Proverbs 18:13. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can apply this lesson to our own conversations and interactions with others, and how we can use our words to bring wisdom and guidance to those around us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of Job 32:16?

In Job 32:16, Elihu is waiting for the right moment to speak, now that Job's friends have fallen silent, as mentioned in Job 32:15, where it says 'Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them.'

Why does Elihu wait for Job's friends to finish speaking before he interjects?

Elihu waits for Job's friends to finish speaking to show respect, as seen in Proverbs 18:13, which says 'If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.'

What does Elihu mean by 'Must I wait, now that they are silent'?

Elihu is essentially saying that now is the perfect time for him to speak, since Job's friends have stopped talking, as mentioned in Job 32:15, and he can provide a fresh perspective on the situation, as he mentions in Job 32:17, 'I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know.'

How does this verse relate to our own conversations and interactions with others?

This verse reminds us to wait for the right moment to speak, as advised in Ecclesiastes 3:7, which says 'a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak.'

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in my life when I should have waited to speak, and how can I apply that lesson to my current relationships?
  2. How can I, like Elihu, prepare myself to speak wisely and at the right moment, as encouraged in Proverbs 15:28, which says 'The heart of the righteous studies how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things.'
  3. What are some ways I can show respect to others by waiting for them to finish speaking before I respond, as seen in James 1:19, which says 'Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry.'
  4. How can I use my words to bring wisdom and guidance to those around me, as Elihu attempts to do in the book of Job?

Gill's Exposition on Job 32:16

When one had waited,.... To observe whether they would make any reply to what he had said, or any objection to his engaging in the controversy: for they spake not; were as mute as fishes: but stood

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 32:16

When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;) No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 32:16

Which he repeats as a strange and unreasonable thing, that they should be silent when they had such obligations to speak for the vindication both of God’ s justice, and of their own truth and reputation.

Trapp's Commentary on Job 32:16

Job 32:16 When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, [and] answered no more;)Ver. 16. When I had waited, for they spake not, but stood still] Or, Seeing I have waited, but they have not spoken, &c. Nothing appears but a dumb show, a deep silence, such as Elihu much marvelled at, and therefore setteth it forth in many words, all to one purpose. See Job 32:15.

Ellicott's Commentary on Job 32:16

(16) When I had waited.—Or, as some render it, “And shall I wait because they speak not?” But they stand still and make no further reply.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 32:16

Verse 16. When I had waited] I waited to hear if they had any thing to reply to Job; and when I found them in effect speechless, then I ventured to come forward.

Cambridge Bible on Job 32:16

15–22. Turning from the three friends Elihu seems to speak in soliloquy and present to his own mind the singular situation: the three friends are discomfited before Job and reduced to silence; this should not be; therefore he will express his convictions. His breast is filled with thoughts and emotions that will not be repressed: he must speak, that he may find relief. And he will speak fearlessly and in sincerity, not regarding the person of any man.

Whedon's Commentary on Job 32:16

16. When I had waited — This may be regarded as a question. Should I wait because they speak not, because they stand still? etc.

Sermons on Job 32:16

SermonDescription
Jackie Pullinger God Uses Foolish Things - Part 1 by Jackie Pullinger The sermon transcript provided is not coherent and does not contain any clear message or topic. It seems to be a jumble of unrelated thoughts and statements. There is no mention of
Charles Stanley Children by Charles Stanley In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that while parents have a responsibility to teach and guide their children in their faith, ultimately each child must develop their own belie
David Wilkerson The Restraining Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Nabal from the Bible. David sends his men to Nabal's house during shearing time to ask for provisions for his hungry a
Richard Wurmbrand 1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 1 by Richard Wurmbrand This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God and each other, highlighting a personal story of enduring love and faithfulness through trials. It delves into the concept
David Wilkerson Learning How to Encourage Yourself in the Lord by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not allowing bitterness, anger, or jealousy to rob one's fellowship with God. He shares how he prays for the Holy Spirit t
David Wilkerson The Healing of the Home by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of using a soft answer to turn away wrath and bring healing to the home. He criticizes those who rely on loudness as a badge
Milton Green (Fury of Fire) 11 - the Mark of God or the Mark of the Beast by Milton Green In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of receiving revelation from the Word of God and being willing to challenge old traditions and wrong teachings. The speaker wa

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