King James Version
What Does Job 33:32 Mean?
“If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee.”
Job 33:32 · KJV
Context
30
To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.
31
Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.
32
If thou hast any thing to say, answer me: speak, for I desire to justify thee.
33
If not, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I shall teach thee wisdom.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryIf thou hast any thing to say, answer me (אִם־יֶשׁ־מִלִּין הֲשִׁיבֵנִי, im-yesh-millin hashiveni)—The noun millah (מִלָּה, word, speech) and verb shuv (שׁוּב, Hiphil "to answer, respond") invite Job to reply if he has legitimate response. The phrase speak, for I desire to justify thee (דַּבֵּר כִּי־חָפַצְתִּי צַדְּקֶךָּ, dabber ki-chaphatzti tzaddeqekha) uses chaphetz (חָפֵץ, "to delight in, desire") and tsadaq (צָדַק, Piel "to justify, declare righteous"). Elihu claims benevolent intent—he wants to vindicate Job if possible, not condemn him. This sets Elihu apart from the three friends who presumed Job's guilt.
Elihu's desire to justify anticipates God's own vindication of Job (42:7-8). Yet only God can truly justify (Romans 3:26, 8:33). Elihu's offer, though sincere, is inadequate—human wisdom cannot justify before God. This points to gospel truth: justification comes not by human arguments or defense but by faith in Christ (Romans 5:1, Galatians 2:16). God justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5), not based on our defense but on Christ's righteousness imputed to believers.
Elihu's desire to justify anticipates God's own vindication of Job (42:7-8). Yet only God can truly justify (Romans 3:26, 8:33). Elihu's offer, though sincere, is inadequate—human wisdom cannot justify before God. This points to gospel truth: justification comes not by human arguments or defense but by faith in Christ (Romans 5:1, Galatians 2:16). God justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5), not based on our defense but on Christ's righteousness imputed to believers.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient legal settings featured advocates attempting to justify defendants. The Hebrew tsadaq is forensic language—declaring righteous in legal context. Elihu adopts advocate role, unlike Job's friends who functioned as prosecutors. This reflects ancient Near Eastern justice systems where skilled advocates could mean difference between condemnation and acquittal. Yet ultimate vindication required divine intervention—earthly courts were fallible.
Reflection Questions
- How does Elihu's inability to justify Job point to our need for Christ's advocacy?
- What is the relationship between human vindication and divine justification?
- How does Christ's role as Advocate (1 John 2:1) fulfill what Elihu attempted?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsאִם1 of 8
H518used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יֵשׁ2 of 8
“If thou hast”
H3426there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
הֲשִׁיבֵ֑נִי4 of 8
“answer”
H7725to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
דַּ֝בֵּ֗ר5 of 8
“me speak”
H1696perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
כִּֽי6 of 8
H3588(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חָפַ֥צְתִּי7 of 8
“for I desire”
H2654properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
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 33:32 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 33:32 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge