Job 32:6 So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: "I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know.

◄ Job 32:6 ►

New International Version
So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said: “I am young in years, and you are old; that is why I was fearful, not daring to tell you what I know.

New Living Translation
Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite said, “I am young and you are old, so I held back from telling you what I think.

English Standard Version
And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said: “I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you.

Berean Standard Bible
So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
So Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, answered and said: “I am young in years, and you are very old; Therefore I was afraid, And dared not declare my opinion to you.

New American Standard Bible
So Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite spoke out and said, “I am young in years and you are old; Therefore I was shy and afraid to tell you what I think.

NASB 1995
So Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite spoke out and said, “I am young in years and you are old; Therefore I was shy and afraid to tell you what I think.

NASB 1977
So Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite spoke out and said, “I am young in years and you are old; Therefore I was shy and afraid to tell you what I think.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, “I am young in years and you are old; Therefore I was shy and afraid to tell you my knowledge.

Amplified Bible
Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite said, “I am young, and you are aged; For that reason I was anxious and dared not tell you what I think.

Christian Standard Bible
So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite replied: I am young in years, while you are old; therefore I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite replied: I am young in years, while you are old; therefore I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know.

American Standard Version
And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; Wherefore I held back, and durst not show you mine opinion.

Contemporary English Version
and he said to them: I am much younger than you, so I have shown respect by keeping silent.

English Revised Version
And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old; wherefore I held back, and durst not shew you mine opinion.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Elihu, son of Barachel, the descendant of Buz, replied [to Job], "I am young, and you are old. That's why I refrained from speaking and was afraid to tell you what I know.

Good News Translation
and began to speak. I am young, and you are old, so I was afraid to tell you what I think.

International Standard Version
Barachel's son Elihu from Buz responded and said: I'm younger than you are. Because you're older, I was terrified to tell you what I know.

Majority Standard Bible
So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: ?I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know.

NET Bible
So Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite spoke up: "I am young, but you are elderly; that is why I was fearful, and afraid to explain to you what I know.

New Heart English Bible
Elihu the son of Barakel the Buzite answered, "I am young, and you are very old; Therefore I held back, and did not dare show you my opinion.

Webster's Bible Translation
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 show you my opinion.

World English Bible
Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered, “I am young, and you are very old. Therefore I held back, and didn’t dare show you my opinion.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite answers and says: “I [am] young in days, and you [are] aged; Therefore I have feared, "" And am afraid of showing you my opinion.

Young's Literal Translation
And Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite answereth and saith: -- Young I am in days, and ye are age Therefore I have feared, And am afraid of shewing you my opinion.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite will answer and say, I few for days, and ye old men; for this I was afraid, and I shall fear showing you my knowledge.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
Then Eliu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said : I am younger in days, and you are more ancient; therefore hanging down my head, I was afraid to shew you my opinion.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so Eliu the son of Barachel the Buzite responded by saying: I am younger in years, and you are more ancient; therefore, I kept my head low, for I was afraid to reveal to you my opinion.

New American Bible
So Elihu, son of Barachel the Buzite, answered and said: I am young and you are very old; therefore I held back and was afraid to declare to you my knowledge.

New Revised Standard Version
Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite answered: “I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, Because I am younger than you in days and you are old, therefore I was afraid, and did not dare to show you my knowledge.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Elihu, son of Barakiel the Buzite answered, and he said: “Because I am lesser than you in days, and you are Elders, because of this I was afraid and I was shaken to show you my knowledge

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said: I am young, and ye are very old; Wherefore I held back, and durst not declare you mine opinion.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Elius the Buzite the son of Barachiel answered and said, I am younger in age, and ye are elder, wherefore I kept silence, fearing to declare to you my own knowledge.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Elihu Rebukes Job's Three Friends
…5But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled. 6So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know. 7I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Job 12:12
Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life.

Job 15:10
Both the gray-haired and the aged are on our side—men much older than your father.

Job 29:8
the young men saw me and withdrew, and the old men rose to their feet.

Job 30:1
“But now they mock me, men younger than I am, whose fathers I would have refused to put with my sheep dogs.

1 Timothy 4:12
Let no one despise your youth, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity.

1 Kings 3:7
And now, O LORD my God, You have made Your servant king in my father David’s place. But I am only a little child, not knowing how to go out or come in.

Ecclesiastes 4:13
Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take a warning.

Proverbs 20:29
The glory of young men is their strength, and gray hair is the splendor of the old.

1 Corinthians 16:11
No one, then, should treat him with contempt. Send him on his way in peace so that he can return to me, for I am expecting him along with the brothers.

Psalm 119:99-100
I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. / I discern more than the elders, for I obey Your precepts.

1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Samuel 17:33
But Saul replied, “You cannot go out against this Philistine to fight him. You are just a boy, and he has been a warrior from his youth.”

Jeremiah 1:6-7
“Ah, Lord GOD,” I said, “I surely do not know how to speak, for I am only a child!” / But the LORD told me: “Do not say, ‘I am only a child.’ For to everyone I send you, you must go, and all that I command you, you must speak.

Titus 2:6-7
In the same way, urge the younger men to be self-controlled. / In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,

Proverbs 1:4
To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young,

Treasury of Scripture

And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and you are very old; why I was afraid, and dared not show you my opinion.

I am

Leviticus 19:32
Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.

Romans 13:7
Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour.

1 Timothy 5:1
Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren;

young.

Job 15:10
With us are both the grayheaded and very aged men, much elder than thy father.

durst not.

Job 15:7
Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills?

1 Samuel 17:28-30
And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spake unto the men; and Eliab's anger was kindled against David, and he said, Why camest thou down hither? and with whom hast thou left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know thy pride, and the naughtiness of thine heart; for thou art come down that thou mightest see the battle…

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Afraid Age Barachel Barakel Buzite Dare Daring Declare Durst Elihu Fear Fearful Held Kept Opinion Putting Shew Shewing Show Shy Think Wherefore Young

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Afraid Age Barachel Barakel Buzite Dare Daring Declare Durst Elihu Fear Fearful Held Kept Opinion Putting Shew Shewing Show Shy Think Wherefore Young

Job 32

1. Elihu is angry with Job and his three friends
6. Because wisdom comes not from age, he excuses the boldness of his youth
11. He reproves them for not satisfying Job
16. His zeal to speak

Berean Study Bible

So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared
Elihu, whose name means "He is my God" in Hebrew, is introduced here as the son of Barachel, which means "God blesses." The mention of his lineage as a Buzite connects him to the family of Buz, a nephew of Abraham, suggesting a heritage of wisdom and reverence for God. This introduction sets the stage for Elihu's role as a young but divinely inspired voice in the discourse. His declaration marks a shift in the narrative, as he steps forward with a boldness that belies his youth, indicating a divine prompting rather than mere human confidence.

I am young in years
The Hebrew word for "young" here is "צָעִיר" (tsa'ir), which emphasizes not just youth but also inexperience. Elihu's acknowledgment of his youth is a sign of humility and respect for the elders present. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, age was synonymous with wisdom, and the young were expected to listen and learn. Elihu's admission of his youth sets a tone of humility and respect, yet it also foreshadows the wisdom that God can impart regardless of age.

while you are old
The term "old" in Hebrew is "יָשִׁישׁ" (yashish), which conveys not only age but also the expectation of accumulated wisdom and experience. Elihu's reference to the age of his listeners is a nod to the cultural norm that values the insights of the elderly. This acknowledgment serves to honor the traditional wisdom of Job and his friends, even as Elihu prepares to offer a fresh perspective. It highlights the tension between traditional wisdom and new revelation, a theme that resonates throughout the book of Job.

therefore I was timid and afraid
The words "timid" and "afraid" reflect Elihu's initial hesitation, rooted in the Hebrew words "זָחַל" (zachal) and "פָּחַד" (pachad), respectively. These terms convey a deep respect and reverence for the elders, as well as a fear of overstepping cultural boundaries. Elihu's fear is not of man, but of speaking out of turn or without divine sanction. This fear underscores the gravity of speaking on matters of divine justice and human suffering, themes central to the book of Job.

to declare my opinion to you
The phrase "declare my opinion" uses the Hebrew "דֵּעָה" (dea), meaning knowledge or opinion. Elihu's use of this term suggests that he is not merely offering a personal viewpoint but is sharing insights he believes are divinely inspired. His declaration is not an act of arrogance but of obedience to a higher calling. Elihu's willingness to speak despite his initial fear reflects a conviction that truth must be spoken, even when it challenges established norms. This sets the stage for his subsequent speeches, which aim to bring clarity and divine perspective to the suffering of Job.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(6) I am young.--The way in which Elihu comes forward is very interesting, and full of character. It gives us also a picture of the times and habits.

Pulpit Commentary

Verses 6-22. - The speech of Elihu now begins. In the present chapter, after a short apologetic exordium, excusing his youth (vers. 6-9), he addresses himself exclusively to Job's friends. He has listened attentively to them, and weighed their words (vers. 11, 12). but has found nothing in them that confuted Job. They had not "found wisdom" - they had not "vanquished Job" - at the last they had been "amazed, and had not had a word more to say" (vers. 13-16). Elihu, therefore, will supply their deficiency; he has kept silence with difficulty, and is full of thoughts, to which he would fain give utterance (vers. 17-20). In all that he says he will show no favouritism - he will "accept no man's-person," "give no flattering titles," but express sincerely what he believes (vers. 21, 22). Verse 6. - And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I am young, and ye are very old. We can only guess at the exact ages of Job and his friends. From the fact that God at the last "gave Job twice as much as he had before" (Job 42:10), and the further fact that he lived, after he had recovered his prosperity, a hundred and forty years (Job 42:16), it has been conjectured that he was seventy years of age at the time of his conference with his friends, and that he died at the age of two hundred and ten. But this clearly is quite uncertain. He may not have been much more than fifty when his calamities fell upon him. If this were so, the age of his friends need not have exceeded from sixty to seventy. Perhaps Elihu was himself not more than thirty. Wherefore I was afraid, and durst not show you mine opinion; rather, I held back and was afraid to utter what I knew in your presence. Elihu would have been thought unduly pushing and presumptuous if he had ventured to come forward until his seniors had ended their colloquy.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

So Elihu
אֱלִיה֖וּא (’ĕ·lî·hū)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 453: Elihu -- 'He is (my) God', five Israelites

son
בֶן־ (ḇen-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1121: A son

of Barachel
בַּֽרַכְאֵ֥ל (ba·raḵ·’êl)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1292: Barachel -- 'El does bless', the father of one of Job's friends

the Buzite
הַבּוּזִ֗י (hab·bū·zî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 940: Buzite -- a Buzite

declared:
וַיַּ֤עַן ׀ (way·ya·‘an)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond

“I
אֲנִ֣י (’ă·nî)
Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589: I

am young
צָ֘עִ֤יר (ṣā·‘îr)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6810: Little, insignificant, young

in years,
לְ֭יָמִים (lə·yā·mîm)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

while you
וְאַתֶּ֣ם (wə·’at·tem)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - second person masculine plural
Strong's 859: Thou and thee, ye and you

are old;
יְשִׁישִׁ֑ים (yə·šî·šîm)
Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 3453: An old man

that is why
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

I was timid
זָחַ֥לְתִּי (zā·ḥal·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 2119: To shrink back, crawl away

and afraid
וָֽאִירָ֓א ׀‪‬ (wā·’î·rā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 3372: To fear, to revere, caus, to frighten

to tell you
מֵחַוֺּ֖ת (mê·ḥaw·wōṯ)
Preposition-m | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2331: To live, to declare, show

what I know.
דֵּעִ֣י (dê·‘î)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1843: Knowledge, opinion

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OT Poetry: Job 32:6 Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite (Jb)