Job 32:16

Job 32:16 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)When I had waited, (for they spake not, but stood still, and answered no more;)
• New International Version (NIV)Must I wait, now that they are silent, now that they stand there with no reply?
• English Standard Version (ESV)And shall I wait, because they do not speak, because they stand there, and answer no more?
• New King James Version (NKJV)And I have waited, because they did not speak, Because they stood still and answered no more.

Context of Job 32:16

14Now Job has not directed his words against me [therefore I have no reason to be offended], Nor will I answer him with arguments like yours. [I speak for truth, not for revenge.] 15“They (Job’s friends) are dismayed and embarrassed, they no longer answer; The words have moved away and failed them,” [says Elihu]. “And shall I wait, because they say nothing, But stand still and say no more? 17I too will give my share of answers; I too will express my opinion and share my knowledge. 18For I am full of words; The spirit within me constrains me.

Job 32:16 word by word

וְ֭הוֹחַלְתִּי כִּי־לֹ֣א יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ כִּ֥י עָ֝מְד֗וּ לֹא־עָ֥נוּ עֽוֹד׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• When I had waitedיָחַלyâchal · to wait: waitH3176
• for they spakeדָבַרdâbar · to speak: speakH1696
• not, but stood stillעָמַד‛âmad · to stand: standH5975
• answeredעָנָה‛ânâh · to answerH6030

Cross-references for Job 32:16

• Job 13:5Oh, that you would be completely silent, And that silence would be your wisdom!
• Proverbs 17:28Even a [callous, arrogant] fool, when he keeps silent, is considered wise; When he closes his lips he is regarded as sensible (prudent, discreet) and a man of understanding.
• Amos 5:13Therefore, he who is prudent and has insight will keep silent at such a [corrupt and evil] time, for it is an evil time [when people will not listen to truth and will disregard those of good character].
• James 1:19Understand this, my beloved brothers and sisters. Let everyone be quick to hear [be a careful, thoughtful listener], slow to speak [a speaker of carefully chosen words and], slow to anger [patient, reflective, forgiving];

Commentaries on Job 32:16

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 16When I had waited - I waited to hear if they had any thing to reply to Job; and when I found them in effect speechless, then I ventured to come forward.Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 15-22Verses 15-22 If we are sure that the Spirit of God suggested what we are about to say, still we ought to refrain, till it comes to our turn to speak. God is the God of order, not of confusion. It is great refreshment to a good man, to speak for the glory of the Lord, and to edify others. And the more we consider the majesty of God, as our Maker, and the more we dread his wrath and justice, the less shall we sinfully fear or flatter men. Could we set the…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 15-16Some translations read, "you are silent, now that you stand and no longer reply." Thus, Elihu addresses Job's friends. The Berean Standard Bible translates they are silent, now that they stand and no longer reply. This interprets Elihu talking to Job about his friends.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1-37Job 32:1-37:24. Speech of Elihu. 1-6. Prose (poetry begins with "I am young"). because, &c.--and because they could not prove to him that he was unrighteous.Read the comment

In the dictionaries

• Constrain
• Elihu
• Understanding
• Elihu (2)
• Job, Book of

Commentaries on Job 32

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings