King James Version

What Does Job 32:4 Mean?

Job 32:4 in the King James Version says “Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he. waited: Heb. expected Job in words elder: Heb...” — study this verse from Job chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Job 32:4 · KJV

Context

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

5

When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled.

6

And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young , and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion. young: Heb. few of days durst: Heb. feared

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he (וֶאֱלִיהוּא חִכָּה אֶת־אִיּוֹב בִּדְבָרִים כִּי זְקֵנִים הֵמָּה מִמֶּנּוּ לְיָמִים, ve'Elihu chikkah 'et-'Iyyov bidvarim ki zeqenim hemmah mimmennu leyamim)—the verb chakah means to wait, tarry, or delay. Zaqen means elder, with yamim (days, years) emphasizing advanced age. Elihu's patience demonstrates cultural respect for age and wisdom.

This verse introduces Elihu, the fourth counselor who has remained silent through 31 chapters while Job's three friends failed to convince him. The emphasis on waiting reveals ancient honor codes: younger men deferred to elders in public discourse. Elihu's restraint contrasts with modern culture's dismissal of age and authority. Yet verse 7 shows Elihu believed age should bring wisdom—his disappointment at the elders' failure prompts his speech. The New Testament similarly commands respect for elders (1 Timothy 5:1) while acknowledging that age alone doesn't guarantee wisdom (Job 32:9).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Elihu's name means 'He is my God,' likely identifying him as a worshiper of YHWH. His lineage (Buzite of the family of Ram, 32:2) connects him to Abraham's family (Genesis 22:21, Buz was Nahor's son). Unlike Job's three friends from distant regions, Elihu may have been younger kin or local. Ancient Near Eastern protocol strictly governed speaking order in assemblies, with age determining precedence. Elihu's speech (chapters 32-37) has been controversial—some scholars view it as interpolation, others as divinely inspired preparation for God's response.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does modern culture's disregard for age and experience conflict with biblical wisdom that honors elders?
  2. When is it appropriate to speak after patiently listening, and when should we continue in silence?
  3. What does Elihu's respectful waiting teach about humility and propriety in theological discourse?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 10 words
וֶֽאֱלִיה֗וּ1 of 10

“Now Elihu”

H453

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

חִכָּ֣ה2 of 10

“had waited”

H2442

properly, to adhere to; hence, to await

אֶת3 of 10
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אִ֭יּוֹב4 of 10

“till Job”

H347

ijob, the patriarch famous for his patience

בִּדְבָרִ֑ים5 of 10

“had spoken”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

כִּ֤י6 of 10
H3588

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

זְֽקֵנִים7 of 10

“because they were elder”

H2205

old

הֵ֖מָּה8 of 10
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

מִמֶּ֣נּוּ9 of 10
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

לְיָמִֽים׃10 of 10
H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

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 32:4 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 32:4 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 32:11-12Proverbs 18:13

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