King James Version

What Does Job 32:21 Mean?

Job 32:21 in the King James Version says “Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.” — study this verse from Job chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.”

Job 32:21 · KJV

Prayer

Context

19

Behold, my belly is as wine which hath no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles. hath: Heb. is not opened

20

I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer. be: Heb. breathe

21

Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

22

For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.

Read Job 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person (אַל־נָא אֶשָּׂא פְנֵי־אִישׁ, al-na esa pene-ish)—The idiom "lift up face" (nasa panim) means to show partiality or favoritism (Leviticus 19:15, Deuteronomy 1:17). Elihu declares impartiality—he won't flatter Job because of status. The phrase neither let me give flattering titles unto man (וְאֶל־אָדָם לֹא אֲכַנֶּה) uses kanah (כָּנָה), meaning "to surname, give honorific titles." Elihu refuses obsequious speech. This echoes James 2:1-9's condemnation of partiality: "My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ... with respect of persons."

Elihu's claim to impartiality is admirable but potentially arrogant—declaring one's own objectivity often betrays subjectivity. True impartiality requires divine perspective (1 Samuel 16:7, "man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart"). The gospel reveals ultimate impartiality: God shows no favoritism (Romans 2:11, Galatians 2:6), judging each according to works, but offering grace equally to all who believe. Christ's cross levels all distinctions—no room for partiality or flattery.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures highly valued honor, deference to superiors, and elaborate titles. Court officials used extensive honorifics. Prophets challenged this by speaking God's word regardless of human power (Jeremiah 1:7-8, Ezekiel 2:6). Elihu's refusal of flattery aligns with prophetic tradition—speaking truth over maintaining social harmony. His youth makes this bolder, as cultural norms expected deference to elders.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can we speak truth while maintaining appropriate respect for authority?
  2. What is the difference between godly respect and sinful flattery?
  3. How does the gospel's leveling effect (Galatians 3:28) challenge cultural hierarchies?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אַל1 of 9
H408

not (the qualified negation, used as a deprecative); once (job 24:25) as a noun, nothing

נָ֭א2 of 9
H4994

'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction

אֶשָּׂ֣א3 of 9

“Let me not I pray you accept”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

פְנֵי4 of 9

“person”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אִ֑ישׁ5 of 9

“any man's”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

וְאֶל6 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

אָ֝דָ֗ם7 of 9

“unto man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

לֹ֣א8 of 9
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֲכַנֶּֽה׃9 of 9

“neither let me give flattering titles”

H3655

to address by an additional name; hence, to eulogize

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 32:21 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 32:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 19:15Job 13:82 Samuel 14:20Acts 12:22-23Deuteronomy 1:17Matthew 22:16

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