King James Version
What Does Job 35:1 Mean?
“Elihu spake moreover, and said,”
Job 35:1 · KJV
Context
1
Elihu spake moreover, and said,
2
Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?
3
For thou saidst, What advantage will it be unto thee? and, What profit shall I have, if I be cleansed from my sin? if: or, by it more than by my sin
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryElihu spake moreover, and said—This brief verse introduces Elihu's third speech (chapters 35-37). The name Elihu (אֱלִיהוּא) means 'He is my God' or 'My God is He,' theologically significant as this young sage attempts to vindicate God's justice. The term va-ya'an (וַיַּעַן), 'and he answered,' suggests Elihu responds to Job's previous arguments.
Elihu represents a fourth perspective beyond Job's protests, his three friends' retribution theology, and God's eventual answer. His speeches (chapters 32-37) receive no divine rebuke (unlike Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar in 42:7), suggesting partial theological validity. Yet God doesn't commend Elihu either, simply bypassing him to address Job directly. This transitional positioning makes Elihu's role debated—is he the book's hero or another inadequate counselor?
The verse's simplicity belies its importance: Elihu will emphasize God's transcendence (chapter 35), His use of suffering as discipline (chapter 36), and His sovereignty over creation (chapter 37), preparing for Yahweh's whirlwind theophany. His pedagogy—teaching through questions about creation—previews God's method in chapters 38-41.
Elihu represents a fourth perspective beyond Job's protests, his three friends' retribution theology, and God's eventual answer. His speeches (chapters 32-37) receive no divine rebuke (unlike Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar in 42:7), suggesting partial theological validity. Yet God doesn't commend Elihu either, simply bypassing him to address Job directly. This transitional positioning makes Elihu's role debated—is he the book's hero or another inadequate counselor?
The verse's simplicity belies its importance: Elihu will emphasize God's transcendence (chapter 35), His use of suffering as discipline (chapter 36), and His sovereignty over creation (chapter 37), preparing for Yahweh's whirlwind theophany. His pedagogy—teaching through questions about creation—previews God's method in chapters 38-41.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Elihu appears suddenly in Job 32:2 after the three friends' failed arguments, identified as 'the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram.' Buz was Nahor's son (Genesis 22:21), making Elihu possibly Aramean. His youth (32:6-7) contrasts with the elderly friends, representing a fresh generational perspective. The four-speech structure (chapters 32-37) surpasses the three friends' three-speech cycle, suggesting superior insight. Ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions valued both aged experience and youthful zeal, creating tension Elihu embodies.
Reflection Questions
- How do we discern between partially helpful counsel and fully adequate theological answers?
- What does Elihu's position—neither rebuked nor commended by God—teach about human attempts to explain divine ways?
- When serving as counselors to the suffering, how can we avoid both the friends' error (false accusations) and Elihu's limitation (theological correctness without divine presence)?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 3 wordsוַיַּ֥עַן1 of 3
“spake”
H6030properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
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 35:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.