King James Version

What Does Job 32:6 Mean?

Job 32:6 in the King James Version says “And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young , and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, an...” — study this verse from Job chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Job 32:6 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

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

7

I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

8

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

Read Job 32 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Elihu explains his hesitation: "I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion." The Hebrew yare (יָרֵא, "afraid") and gur (גּוּר, "durst not") express reverence and trepidation. Ancient culture valued age and experience (Leviticus 19:32). Yet Elihu will argue that wisdom doesn't automatically come with age—it's a gift of the Spirit (verse 8). This tension between honoring tradition and recognizing that truth isn't bound by seniority appears throughout Scripture. From a Reformed perspective, this models proper humility while maintaining commitment to truth. Paul instructs Timothy, "Let no man despise thy youth" (1 Timothy 4:12), affirming that God can speak through the young. Elihu's respectful yet confident approach balances deference to elders with boldness to speak truth. His testimony encourages younger believers to contribute to theological discourse while maintaining appropriate humility.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern societies were gerontocracies—elders held authority in wisdom and governance. Proverbs repeatedly extols learning from the aged (Proverbs 16:31, 20:29). Yet Scripture also records young people receiving divine revelation (Samuel, Jeremiah, Daniel). Elihu represents the tension between cultural norms of age-based authority and theological conviction that wisdom is divinely granted regardless of age.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can younger believers contribute to theological discussions while honoring their elders?
  2. What is the proper relationship between respecting tradition and pursuing truth that may challenge conventional wisdom?
  3. How does Elihu's example inform intergenerational dialogue in the church today?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 18 words
וַיַּ֤עַן׀1 of 18

“answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אֱלִיה֖וּא2 of 18

“And Elihu”

H453

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

בֶן3 of 18

“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

בַּֽרַכְאֵ֥ל4 of 18

“of Barachel”

H1292

barakel, the father of one of job's friends

הַבּוּזִ֗י5 of 18

“the Buzite”

H940

a buzite or descendant of buz

וַיֹּ֫אמַ֥ר6 of 18

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

צָ֘עִ֤יר7 of 18

“I am young”

H6810

little; (in number) few; (in age) young, (in value) ignoble

אֲנִ֣י8 of 18
H589

i

לְ֭יָמִים9 of 18
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

וְאַתֶּ֣ם10 of 18
H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

יְשִׁישִׁ֑ים11 of 18

“and ye are very old”

H3453

an old man

עַל12 of 18
H5921

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

כֵּ֖ן13 of 18
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

זָחַ֥לְתִּי14 of 18

“wherefore I was afraid”

H2119

by implication, to fear

וָֽאִירָ֓א׀15 of 18

“and durst”

H3372

to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten

מֵחַוֺּ֖ת16 of 18

“not shew”

H2331

properly, to live; by implication (intensively) to declare or show

דֵּעִ֣י17 of 18

“you mine opinion”

H1843

knowledge

אֶתְכֶֽם׃18 of 18
H853

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

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 32:6 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 32:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 15:101 Timothy 5:1Titus 2:61 Peter 5:5Leviticus 19:321 Samuel 17:28-30

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