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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 32:16 Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/32-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/18_Job_32_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 32:16 - Elihu Rebukes Job's Three Friends" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/32-16.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/32-16.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/32.htm">Chapter 32</a> > Verse 16</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad16.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/32-15.htm" title="Job 32:15">◄</a> Job 32:16 <a href="/job/32-17.htm" title="Job 32:17">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/32.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/32.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/32.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Should I continue to wait, now that you are silent? Must I also remain silent?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/32.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And shall I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand there, and answer no more?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/32.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/32.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, <i>and</i> answered no more;)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/32.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And I have waited, because they did not speak, Because they stood still <i>and</i> answered no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/32.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Should I wait, because they are not speaking, Because they have stopped <i>and</i> no longer answer?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/32.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Shall I wait, because they do not speak, Because they stop and no longer answer?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/32.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“And shall I wait, because they do not speak, Because they stop <i>and</i> answer no more?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/32.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Shall I wait, because they do not speak, Because they stand <i>still and</i> no longer answer?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/32.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“And shall I wait, because they say nothing, But stand still and say no more?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/32.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Should I continue to wait now that they are silent, now that they stand there and no longer answer?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/32.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Should I continue to wait now that they are silent, now that they stand there and no longer answer? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/32.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And shall I wait, because they speak not, Because they stand still, and answer no more?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/32.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But am I to remain silent, just because you have stopped speaking? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/32.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And shall I wait, because they speak not, because they stand still, and answer no more?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/32.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Should I wait because they don't speak, because they stand there and don't have any more answers?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/32.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Shall I go on waiting when they are silent? They stand there with nothing more to say. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/32.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Shall I continue to wait, since they're no longer talking? After all, they're only standing there; they're no longer responding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/32.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/32.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And I have waited. But because they do not speak, because they stand there and answer no more, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/32.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Shall I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand still, and answer no more?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/32.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />When I had waited, (for they spoke not, but stood still, and answered no more;)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/32.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Shall I wait, because they don’t speak, because they stand still, and answer no more? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/32.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And I have waited, but they do not speak, "" For they have stood still, "" They have not answered anymore.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/32.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And I have waited, but they do not speak, For they have stood still, They have not answered any more.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/32.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And I waited, (for they will not speak, for they stood, they answered no more:)<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/32.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Therefore because I have waited, and they have not spoken : they stood, and answered no more : <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/32.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, because I have waited and they have not been speaking, for they stood firm and did not respond at all,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/32.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Must I wait? Now that they speak no more, and have ceased to make reply, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/32.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />And am I to wait, because they do not speak, because they stand there, and answer no more?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/32.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />They did not speak; they stood still, and answered him no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/32.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because they were not speaking, therefore they rose up and they did not answer him again<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/32.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And shall I wait, because they speak not, Because they stand still, and answer no more?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/32.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I waited, (for I had not spoken,) because they stood still, they answered not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/32-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=4938" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/32.htm">Elihu Rebukes Job's Three Friends</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3176.htm" title="3176: wə·hō·w·ḥal·tî (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjPerf-1cs) -- To wait, await. A primitive root; to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope.">Must I wait,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">now that</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">they are silent,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: yə·ḏab·bê·rū (V-Piel-Imperf-3mp) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">now that</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ‘ā·mə·ḏū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">they stand</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">and no</a> <a href="/hebrew/5750.htm" title="5750: ‘ō·wḏ (Adv) -- Or rod; from uwd; properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially, again, repeatedly, still, more.">longer</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ‘ā·nū (V-Qal-Perf-3cp) -- To answer, respond.">reply?</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Proverbs 18:13</a></span><br />He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-20.htm">Proverbs 29:20</a></span><br />Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:2</a></span><br />Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-1.htm">James 3:1-2</a></span><br />Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. / We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></span><br />When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27-28</a></span><br />A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7</a></span><br />a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a></span><br />If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-15.htm">1 Peter 3:15</a></span><br />But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you. But respond with gentleness and respect,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">When I had waited, (for they spoke not, but stood still, and answered no more;)</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/13-5.htm">Job 13:5</a></b></br> O that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it should be your wisdom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/proverbs/17-28.htm">Proverbs 17:28</a></b></br> Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: <i>and</i> he that shutteth his lips <i>is esteemed</i> a man of understanding.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/amos/5-13.htm">Amos 5:13</a></b></br> Therefore the prudent shall keep silence in that time; for it <i>is</i> an evil time.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/32-15.htm">Answers</a> <a href="/job/32-15.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/job/32-4.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/job/31-34.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/job/32-7.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/job/30-28.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/job/31-34.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/job/13-21.htm">Stop</a> <a href="/job/31-9.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/job/32-11.htm">Waited</a> <a href="/job/32-11.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/33-13.htm">Answers</a> <a href="/job/32-18.htm">Longer</a> <a href="/job/33-31.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/job/33-31.htm">Silent</a> <a href="/job/32-20.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/job/33-5.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/psalms/1-1.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/job/37-14.htm">Stop</a> <a href="/job/35-14.htm">Wait</a> <a href="/psalms/25-5.htm">Waited</a> <a href="/job/35-14.htm">Waiting</a><div class="vheading2">Job 32</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/32-1.htm">Elihu is angry with Job and his three friends</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/32-6.htm">Because wisdom comes not from age, he excuses the boldness of his youth</a></span><br><span class="reftext">11. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/32-11.htm">He reproves them for not satisfying Job</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/32-16.htm">His zeal to speak</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/32.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/32.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Must I wait</b><br>This phrase reflects Elihu's impatience and eagerness to speak. In the context of the Book of Job, Elihu is a younger man who has waited respectfully for the older friends of Job to finish their discourse. His question suggests a sense of urgency and a belief that he has something important to contribute. This can be seen as a reflection of the biblical principle that wisdom is not solely the domain of the elderly, as seen in <a href="/1_timothy/4-12.htm">1 Timothy 4:12</a>, where Paul encourages Timothy not to let anyone look down on him because of his youth.<p><b>now that they are silent</b><br>The silence of Job's friends indicates that they have exhausted their arguments and have no further answers to Job's suffering. This silence can be seen as a moment of transition in the narrative, where human wisdom has reached its limits. In the broader biblical context, silence often precedes divine revelation or intervention, as seen in <a href="/1_kings/19-12.htm">1 Kings 19:12</a>, where God speaks to Elijah in a gentle whisper after a period of silence.<p><b>now that they stand</b><br>The imagery of standing can imply readiness or a pause in action. In ancient Near Eastern culture, standing was often a posture of respect and attentiveness, especially in the presence of someone of higher status or authority. This could suggest that Job's friends are in a state of anticipation, perhaps waiting for a new perspective or insight to be offered.<p><b>and no longer reply</b><br>The inability of Job's friends to reply further underscores the limitations of human understanding in the face of divine mysteries. This moment highlights the theme of the inadequacy of human wisdom, a recurring motif in the wisdom literature of the Bible, such as <a href="/proverbs/3-5.htm">Proverbs 3:5</a>, which advises trusting in the Lord rather than one's own understanding. It also sets the stage for Elihu's speech, which serves as a prelude to God's own response to Job.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/elihu.htm">Elihu</a></b><br>A young man who speaks after Job's three friends have finished their discourse. He is introduced in <a href="/bsb/job/32.htm">Job 32</a> and is characterized by his youthful zeal and desire to offer a fresh perspective on Job's suffering.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>The central figure of the book, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering. His dialogues with his friends form the bulk of the book.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_three_friends.htm">Job's Three Friends</a></b><br>Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who have attempted to explain Job's suffering through traditional wisdom, suggesting that it is a result of sin.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_setting.htm">The Setting</a></b><br>The dialogues take place in the land of Uz, where Job resides. The setting is a gathering where Job and his friends engage in a series of debates about the nature of suffering and divine justice.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_silence.htm">The Silence</a></b><br>The moment of silence from Job's friends, which prompts Elihu to speak. This silence signifies the exhaustion of their arguments and the failure to provide Job with satisfactory answers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_value_of_patience_in_dialogue.htm">The Value of Patience in Dialogue</a></b><br>Elihu demonstrates the importance of waiting and listening before speaking. In our conversations, especially on complex issues, patience allows us to understand others fully before contributing our perspective.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_youthful_zeal_in_wisdom.htm">The Role of Youthful Zeal in Wisdom</a></b><br>Elihu, though young, offers a fresh perspective. This teaches us that wisdom is not confined to age and that young believers can provide valuable insights when guided by the Spirit.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_speaking_up.htm">The Importance of Speaking Up</a></b><br>Elihu's decision to speak after the silence of Job's friends shows the importance of contributing to discussions when we believe we have something valuable to add, especially when others have exhausted their insights.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_need_for_humility_in_discourse.htm">The Need for Humility in Discourse</a></b><br>While Elihu is eager to speak, his approach should remind us to maintain humility, recognizing that our understanding is limited and that we should seek God's wisdom above all.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_32.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 32</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/job_32_16-22__later_insertion_clues.htm">Job 32:16-22 - Are there any textual or historical clues suggesting this chapter might be a later insertion, potentially creating inconsistencies within the book?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_god_silent_if_job's_pleas_lack_merit.htm">In light of Job 35:16, why would a merciful God remain silent if Job's pleas are without merit, given other scriptures showing God responding to human need?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_elihu_suddenly_introduced.htm">Job 32:1-5 - Why does the text abruptly introduce a new character (Elihu) who wasn't mentioned before, and is this consistent with the earlier chapters?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_god_silent_during_job's_suffering.htm">Why does an all-powerful God remain silent throughout Job's suffering, as implied in Job 19:7-10, and allow such extreme torment?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/32.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) <span class= "bld">When I had waited.</span>--Or, as some render it, "And shall I wait because they speak not?" But they stand still and make no further reply.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/32.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">When I had waited</span> (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more); rather, as in the Revised Version, <span class="accented">and shall</span> 1 <span class="accented">wait</span> <span class="accented">because they speak not</span>, <span class="accented">because they stand still</span> <span class="accented">and answer no more? <span class="cmt_word"></span>Am I to wait until they shall have recovered themselves, and found something to answer?</span> Surely this is not necessary. Neither courtesy nor etiquette prescribes it. <span class="cmt_word">Especially when I have waited so long, and have so much to say, and am so exceedingly anxious to say it</span> (see vers. 18-20). Elihu shows all the impatience and ardour of a young speaker (see ver. 6), and feels the confidence that young men so often feel in the wisdom and persuasiveness of their words (comp. <a href="/job/33-1.htm">Job 33:1-6</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/32-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Must I wait</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֭הוֹחַלְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(wə·hō·w·ḥal·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3176.htm">Strong's 3176: </a> </span><span class="str2">To wait, to be patient, hope</span><br /><br /><span class="word">now that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they are silent,</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">now that</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(kî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they stand</span><br /><span class="heb">עָ֝מְד֗וּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·mə·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and no</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">longer</span><br /><span class="heb">עֽוֹד׃</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·wḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5750.htm">Strong's 5750: </a> </span><span class="str2">Iteration, continuance, again, repeatedly, still, more</span><br /><br /><span class="word">reply?</span><br /><span class="heb">עָ֥נוּ</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·nū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/32-16.htm">Job 32:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/32-16.htm">Job 32:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/32-16.htm">Job 32:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/32-16.htm">Job 32:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/32-16.htm">Job 32:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/32-16.htm">Job 32:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/32-16.htm">Job 32:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/32-16.htm">Job 32:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/32-16.htm">Job 32:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/32-16.htm">Job 32:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/32-16.htm">OT Poetry: Job 32:16 Shall I wait because they don't speak (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/32-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 32:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 32:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/32-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 32:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 32:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>