Job 32:4 Meaning and Explanation
“Now Elihu had waited till Job had spoken, because they were elder than he.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Elihu had held his tongue until now out of respect for his elders.
What Does Job 32:4 Mean?
The narrator pauses to explain Elihu's long silence. He had not interrupted because the other men were older, and custom gave their years the right to speak first. His restraint was a form of honor, not timidity.
Here is wisdom worth keeping: there is a time to be silent and a time to speak, and the patient soul waits for it. Elihu's deference to age reflects the reverence Scripture asks us to show one another. Yet his coming words will also show that honor for elders does not mean truth must wait forever. Both patience and courage have their season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Job 32:4
What does Job 32:4 mean?
Elihu had held his tongue until now out of respect for his elders.