Job 32:4
Job 32:4 in Multiple Translations
Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he.
Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.
Now Elihu had waited to speak unto Job, because they were elder than he.
Now Elihu had kept quiet while Job was talking, because they were older than he;
Elihu had waited for the other three to speak with Job since they were older than he was.
(Now Elihu had wayted til Iob had spoken: for they were more ancient in yeeres then he)
And Elihu hath waited earnestly beside Job with words, for they are older than he in days.
Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were older than he.
Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken because they were older than he.
So Eliu waited while Job was speaking, because they were his elders that were speaking.
Elihu was younger than the others, so he waited until they had finished speaking before he replied to Job.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 32:4
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 32:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וֶֽ/אֱלִיה֗וּ
חִכָּ֣ה
אֶת
אִ֭יּוֹב
בִּ/דְבָרִ֑ים
כִּ֤י
זְֽקֵנִים
הֵ֖מָּה
מִמֶּ֣/נּוּ
לְ/יָמִֽים
וֶֽ/אֱלִיה֗וּ
ʼĔlîyhûw
H453
Elihu
Conj | N-proper
חִכָּ֣ה
châkâh
H2442
to wait
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אִ֭יּוֹב
ʼÎyôwb
H347
Job
N-proper
בִּ/דְבָרִ֑ים
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-mp
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
זְֽקֵנִים
zâqên
H2205
old
Adj
הֵ֖מָּה
hêm
H1992
they(masc.)
Pron
מִמֶּ֣/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
לְ/יָמִֽים
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 32:4
וֶֽ/אֱלִיה֗וּ
ʼĔlîyhûw
H453
"Elihu"
Conj | N-proper
Elihu was a friend of Job who spoke up to correct him and his other friends, his name meaning 'He is my God'.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Job.32.2; son of: Barachel (H1292) § Elihu = "He is my God" 1) the younger man who rebuked Job and his three friends 2) an Ephraimite, Samuel's great grandfather 3) a Manassite warrior chief for David 4) son of Shemaiah and Korhite gatekeeper 5) David's brother
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: Elihu. See also: 1 Samuel 1:1; Job 32:4; Job 36:1.
חִכָּ֣ה
châkâh
H2442
"to wait"
V-Piel-Perf-3ms
To wait patiently is what this Hebrew word means, as when David waited for God's deliverance in the Psalms. It involves trusting and expecting God's help, like when the prophet Isaiah encouraged the Israelites to wait on God.
Definition: 1) to wait, wait for, await 1a) (Qal) to wait for 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait, tarry 1b2) to wait (in ambush) 1b3) to wait for, long for
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: long, tarry, wait. See also: 2 Kings 7:9; Isaiah 8:17; Psalms 33:20.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
אִ֭יּוֹב
ʼÎyôwb
H347
"Job"
N-proper
Job was a patriarch famous for his patience and is the subject of the book of Job, which explores his struggles and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Job.1.1 Also named: Iōb (Ἰώβ "Job" G2492) § Job = "hated" a patriarch, the subject of the book of Job
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Job. See also: Job 1:1; Job 32:3; Ezekiel 14:20.
בִּ/דְבָרִ֑ים
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
כִּ֤י
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.
זְֽקֵנִים
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
הֵ֖מָּה
hêm
H1992
"they(masc.)"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to refer to a group of men, emphasizing that it is specifically them. It is often translated as 'they' or 'them' in the Bible, and appears in books like Exodus and Isaiah.
Definition: they, these, the same, who
Usage: Occurs in 524 OT verses. KJV: it, like, [idiom] (how, so) many (soever, more as) they (be), (the) same, [idiom] so, [idiom] such, their, them, these, they, those, which, who, whom, withal, ye. See also: Genesis 3:7; Deuteronomy 19:17; 2 Kings 1:18.
מִמֶּ֣/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
לְ/יָמִֽים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
Study Notes — Job 32:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 32:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 32:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 32:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 32:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 32:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 32:4
- Cambridge Bible on Job 32:4
- Barnes' Notes on Job 32:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 32:4
- Sermons on Job 32:4
Context — Elihu Rebukes Job’s Friends
2This kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram. He burned with anger against Job for justifying himself rather than God,
3and he burned with anger against Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.
4Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he.
5But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled. 6So 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.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 32:11–12 | Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words, I paid you full attention. But no one proved Job wrong; not one of you rebutted his arguments. |
| 2 | Proverbs 18:13 | He who answers a matter before he hears it— this is folly and disgrace to him. |
Job 32:4 Summary
This verse shows that Elihu, a younger man, waited to speak to Job because he wanted to show respect to the older men who were already talking. This teaches us to be humble and respectful, even when we have something important to say, as seen in Proverbs 15:1. Elihu's patience and respect for his elders are good examples for us to follow, and remind us that God values humility and wisdom, as seen in James 1:5. By waiting for the right moment to speak, Elihu was able to share his thoughts and provide a new perspective on Job's situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Elihu wait to speak to Job?
Elihu waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he, showing respect for his elders, as seen in Leviticus 19:32 where it says to rise in the presence of the elderly.
What can we learn from Elihu's patience?
We can learn the importance of humility and respect for others, especially those in positions of authority or older in age, as taught in Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 5:5.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Job?
This verse marks a turning point in the book of Job, as Elihu's speech will provide a new perspective on Job's suffering, highlighting God's sovereignty and wisdom, as seen in Job 28:28 and Psalm 111:10.
What does this verse teach us about leadership and authority?
This verse teaches us that leadership and authority are not solely based on age, but also on wisdom, humility, and a willingness to listen, as seen in Proverbs 11:2 and 1 Timothy 4:12.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I need to show respect to those older or in positions of authority?
- How can I balance humility with the need to share my thoughts and opinions, as Elihu did in this verse?
- What can I learn from Elihu's example about waiting for the right moment to speak, and how can I apply this to my own life?
- How does this verse challenge or reinforce my current understanding of respect, authority, and leadership?
Gill's Exposition on Job 32:4
Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken,.... Made an end of speaking, until he had thus expressed himself, "the words of Job are ended", Job 31:40: and waited likewise until his three friends had
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 32:4
So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. Prose (poetry begins with "I am young," Job 32:6). Verse 1. Because ... - and because they could not proves to him that he was unrighteous.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 32:4
Elihu had waited with patience, as the word notes. Till Job; add, and his three friends, as appears from the following words. It is a synecdoche, whereof instances have been given before. They were elder than he; and therefore he expected more satisfaction from them, and gave them the precedency in the discourse; wherein he showed his prudence and modesty.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 32:4
Job 32:4 Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they [were] elder than he.Ver. 4. Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken] Yea, though his speech was very long, yet he heard him out, though himself were with child to speak. Broughton rendereth it, waited to speak with Job; he would not thrust in till they had all done their discourses. This was his modesty, though a man of singular abilities. Raram facit virtus cum scientia mixturam. To blame then surely was Gregory, for thinking so ill and writing so harshly of this good young man, as if he had been proud and arrogant; descanting to that purpose upon his name, country, and kindred. Because they were elder than he] And therefore ought of right to have the precedence of speech; though it appeareth, by all that followeth, that in this controversy he saw further into it, judged righter, and rebuked Job with more gravity and wisdom, than any of them; so that Job was fully convinced, and made no reply at all; no more than Jonah did when God set him down, Job 4:11 : so forcible are right words.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 32:4
(4) Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken.—Literally, Had waited in words for or regarding Job; that is, as some understand it, had waited to speak unto Job, or, more probably, had waited till the argument was closed to declare his opinion with reference to Job. The line taken by Elihu is an intermediate one, and is neither that of Job nor his friends. He admits the integrity of Job—or, at least, he does not deny it—although he uses very strong expressions as to the course which Job has adopted (Job 34:7-9; Job 34:35-37); but he considers that the Divine afflictions have a disciplinary object, and that they may be sent because God has discerned the seeds of unfaithfulness and defection in the sufferer; and this may serve to explain their purpose in the case of Job. He has very lofty ideas of the righteousness of God (Job 34:10, &c.), and of His power and majesty (Job 37:22). He holds that with regard to the Almighty we cannot find Him out, but that we may safely trust His mercy and His justice. This is the position to which he leads Job when the Lord answers him out of the whirlwind.
Cambridge Bible on Job 32:4
4. waited till Job had spoken] Rather, waited to speak unto Job, lit. waited for Job with words. Elihu had waited (till the friends spoke) prepared to address Job, as he now does.
Barnes' Notes on Job 32:4
Now Elihu had waited - Margin, as in Hebrew, expected Job in words. The meaning is plain, that he had waited until all who were older than himself had spoken.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 32:4
4. Waited till Job had spoken — Elihu had modestly stood in the background and “awaited Job with words.” Kitto (Pictorial Bible) tells us, that “at the present time, in Arabia, every one that pleases
Sermons on Job 32:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Now Elihu Had Waited Till Job Had Spoken by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches on the importance of modesty and honoring elders, emphasizing that God notices and blesses those who remain humble and honest. He compares the growth of fruit |
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Election by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of turning Scripture into practical discourse under the influence of God's Spirit. He encourages the audience to set aside th |
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1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 2 by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon emphasizes the importance of giving and listening, drawing from the story of St. Louis and the significance of prayer amidst distractions. It highlights the value of li |
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Listening, Unburdening & Worshipping - Part 3 by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice through the Holy Spirit to make decisions in life, both in ministry and personal choices. It highlights the signif |
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The Power of the Tongue by Peter Maiden | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the power of the tongue and its potential for both life and death. He urges listeners to speak truthfully and to restrain themselves in conve |
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Guarding Unity of the Flock by Colin Anderson | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of unity and harmony in the local church. He begins by using the analogy of an orchestra in the pit, highlighting how they are |
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Why Gcowe 97 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of new emerging missionaries from sending countries in evangelizing the world. They emphasize the need for more research, liste |