Old Testament
Job 32:6
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And Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, "I am young, and you are very old; therefore I was afraid, and did not dare to show you my opinion.
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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.
What Job 32:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Elihu, a younger man, speaks up in the dialogue among Job and his older friends. He acknowledges the age difference and expresses his hesitation to share his thoughts due to respect for their wisdom and experience. Elihu's statement highlights a common cultural norm where younger individuals often defer to the older generation. However, his reluctance also sets the stage for him to eventually share his insights, which he believes are important. Elihu's perspective is significant because it introduces a fresh viewpoint in the discussion about suffering and divine justice, contrasting with the opinions of Job's older friends. This moment reflects the tension between youth and age, wisdom and inexperience, and the importance of voicing one's thoughts despite fears of judgment. Elihu's eventual contributions will challenge the established views and offer a new understanding of God's ways, emphasizing that wisdom can come from unexpected sources.
How to apply Job 32:6 to your life
This verse encourages us to value the perspectives of younger individuals, reminding us that wisdom can come from any age. It also teaches the importance of respectfully sharing our thoughts, even when we feel intimidated by those with more experience. Everyone's voice matters.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Illustrated scene from Job's story: Elihu Speaks (Job 32:1–37:24)
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Job
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Job 32:6
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 32:6 mean?
In Job 32:6, Elihu, a younger man, expresses his hesitation to share his thoughts in front of older friends due to their age and wisdom. He acknowledges the cultural norm of respecting elders while indicating that he has important insights to contribute.
What is the significance of Elihu's youth in Job 32:6?
Elihu's youth highlights the theme of youth versus age in the dialogue. His acknowledgment of being young shows his respect for the older friends, but it also sets the stage for him to present a fresh perspective on the issues being discussed.
What does Elihu mean by being afraid to show his opinion in Job 32:6?
Elihu's fear to express his opinion reflects a common cultural respect for elders, where younger individuals often feel intimidated. This moment illustrates the tension between deference to age and the need to voice one's thoughts.
How does Job 32:6 relate to the theme of wisdom?
Job 32:6 introduces the idea that wisdom can come from unexpected sources, as Elihu, despite being young, believes he has valuable insights to share. This challenges the notion that only the elderly possess wisdom.
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