King James Version

What Does Job 32:2 Mean?

Job 32:2 in the King James Version says “Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kin... — study this verse from Job chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. himself: Heb. his soul

Job 32:2 · KJV


Context

1

So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. to: Heb. from answering

2

Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. himself: Heb. his soul

3

Also against his three friends was his wrath kindled, because they had found no answer, and yet had condemned Job.

4

Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he. waited: Heb. expected Job in words elder: Heb. elder for days


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Elihu's anger is introduced: 'against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.' This accusation misunderstands Job - he seeks vindication, not self-justification. Elihu represents youthful certainty that misses nuance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient respect for elders meant younger men typically waited to speak. Elihu's anger overcomes this protocol, revealing passion without full wisdom.

Reflection Questions

  1. When does seeking vindication become self-justification?
  2. How does youthful certainty sometimes miss suffering's complexity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
חָרָ֣ה1 of 15

Then was kindled

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

אַפּ֑וֹ2 of 15

the wrath

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

אֱלִיה֣וּא3 of 15

of Elihu

H453

elihu, the name of one of job's friends, and of three israelites

בֶן4 of 15

the son

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

בַּרַכְאֵ֣ל5 of 15

of Barachel

H1292

barakel, the father of one of job's friends

הַבּוּזִי֮6 of 15

the Buzite

H940

a buzite or descendant of buz

מִמִּשְׁפַּ֪חַ֫ת7 of 15

of the kindred

H4940

a family, i.e., circle of relatives; figuratively, a class (of persons), a species (of animals) or sort (of things); by extension a tribe or people

רָ֥ם8 of 15

of Ram

H7410

ram, the name of an arabian and of an israelite

בְּ֭אִיּוֹב9 of 15

against Job

H347

ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience

חָרָ֣ה10 of 15

Then was kindled

H2734

to glow or grow warm; figuratively (usually) to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

אַפּ֑וֹ11 of 15

the wrath

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

עַֽל12 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

צַדְּק֥וֹ13 of 15

because he justified

H6663

to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)

נַ֝פְשׁ֗וֹ14 of 15

himself

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

מֵאֱלֹהִֽים׃15 of 15

rather than God

H430

gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 32:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 32:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study