King James Version

What Does Job 32:22 Mean?

Job 32:22 in the King James Version says “For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.” — study this verse from Job chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 32:22 · KJV

Context

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
For I know not to give flattering titles (כִּי לֹא יָדַעְתִּי אֲכַנֶּה, ki lo yadati akanneh)—The verb yada (יָדַע, "to know") indicates ability or practice. Elihu claims he doesn't know how to flatter—it's foreign to his character. The phrase in so doing my maker would soon take me away (כִּמְעַט יִשָּׂאֵנִי עֹשֵׂנִי) uses oseni (עֹשֵׂנִי, "my Maker") and nasa (נָשָׂא, "to lift up, take away," here meaning remove or destroy). Elihu fears divine judgment for flattery—recognizing God judges false speech (Proverbs 6:16-19, "a lying tongue" among things God hates).

Elihu's invocation of the Maker echoes Job 4:17, 35:10, 36:3. Accountability to the Creator forbids manipulative speech. This aligns with the ninth commandment against false witness (Exodus 20:16) and Jesus's warning: "every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account" (Matthew 12:36). The gospel transforms speech: from flattery or condemnation to edification (Ephesians 4:29). Speaking truth in love (Ephesians 4:15) navigates between flattery and harshness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Divine judgment for false speech is a consistent biblical theme. Prophets who flattered kings faced judgment (1 Kings 22:23, Jeremiah 5:31). The wisdom tradition values truthful speech (Proverbs 12:22, 16:13). Elihu's fear of his Maker reflects covenant theology—God's omniscience means no secret flattery escapes notice. This accountability shaped ancient Israelite ethics, distinguishing them from cultures where flattery was political necessity.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does accountability to our Maker constrain our speech?
  2. What forms does flattery take in modern Christian contexts?
  3. How can we cultivate speech that is both truthful and gracious (Colossians 4:6)?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
כִּ֤י1 of 7
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

לֹ֣א2 of 7
H3808

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

יָדַ֣עְתִּי3 of 7

“For I know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

אֲכַנֶּ֑ה4 of 7

“not to give flattering titles”

H3655

to address by an additional name; hence, to eulogize

כִּ֝מְעַ֗ט5 of 7

“would soon”

H4592

a little or few (often adverbial or comparative)

יִשָּׂאֵ֥נִי6 of 7

“take me away”

H5375

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

עֹשֵֽׂנִי׃7 of 7

“in so doing my maker”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

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 32:22 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 32:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 12:2-3Proverbs 29:51 Thessalonians 2:5Galatians 1:10Job 17:5

Test Your Knowledge

Job 32 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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