Job 32:2
New International Version
But Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.

New Living Translation
Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the clan of Ram, became angry. He was angry because Job refused to admit that he had sinned and that God was right in punishing him.

English Standard Version
Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger. He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God.

Berean Standard Bible
This kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram. He burned with anger against Job for justifying himself rather than God,

King James Bible
Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.

New King James Version
Then the wrath of Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was aroused against Job; his wrath was aroused because he justified himself rather than God.

New American Standard Bible
But the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned against Job; his anger burned because he justified himself before God.

NASB 1995
But the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram burned; against Job his anger burned because he justified himself before God.

NASB 1977
But the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram burned; against Job his anger burned, because he justified himself before God.

Legacy Standard Bible
But the anger of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned; against Job his anger burned because he was proving himself righteous before God.

Amplified Bible
But Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became indignant. His indignation was kindled and burned and he became upset with Job because he justified himself rather than God [and even expressed doubts about God’s character].

Christian Standard Bible
Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite from the family of Ram became angry. He was angry at Job because he had justified himself rather than God.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite from the family of Ram became angry. He was angry at Job because he had justified himself rather than God.

American Standard Version
Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.

Contemporary English Version
Elihu from Buz was there, and he had become upset with Job for blaming God instead of himself.

English Revised Version
Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then Elihu, son of Barachel, a descendant of Buz from the family of Ram, became very angry with Job because Job thought he was more righteous than God.

Good News Translation
But a bystander named Elihu could not control his anger any longer, because Job was justifying himself and blaming God. (Elihu was the son of Barakel, a descendant of Buz, and belonged to the clan of Ram.)

International Standard Version
But then Barachel's son Elihu from Buz, one of Ram's descendants, got really angry. He was furious with Job because he had been declaring himself righteous instead of vindicating God.

Majority Standard Bible
This kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram. He burned with anger against Job for justifying himself rather than God,

NET Bible
Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry. He was angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God.

New Heart English Bible
Then the wrath of Elihu the son of Barakel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled against Job. His wrath was kindled because he justified himself rather than God.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.

World English Bible
Then the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled against Job. His wrath was kindled because he justified himself rather than God.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite burns, of the family of Ram; his anger has burned against Job, because of his justifying himself more than God;

Young's Literal Translation
and burn doth the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram; against Job hath his anger burned, because of his justifying himself more than God;

Smith's Literal Translation
And the anger of Elihu will kindle, son of Barachel the Buzite, from the family of Ram: against Job was, his anger kindled, for his justifying his soul above God.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Eliu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram, was angry and was moved to indignation : now he was angry against Job, because he said he was just before God.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Eliu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram, was angry and indignant. But he was angry against Job because he described himself to be just in the presence of God.

New American Bible
But the anger of Elihu, son of Barachel the Buzite, of the clan of Ram, was kindled. He was angry with Job for considering himself rather than God to be in the right.

New Revised Standard Version
Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became angry. He was angry at Job because he justified himself rather than God;
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was angry; so his wrath against Job kindled, because he justified himself more than God.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Elihu son of Barakiel, the Buzite, from the generation of Ramun, his anger was provoked against Job, for he justified himself more than God
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram; against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Then Elius the son of Barachiel, the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram, of the country of Ausis, was angered: and he was very angry with Job, because he justified himself before the Lord.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Elihu Rebukes Job's Three Friends
1So these three men stopped answering Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2This kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram. He burned with anger against Job for justifying himself rather than God, 3and he burned with anger against Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him.…

Cross References
Romans 3:19-20
Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. / Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin.

James 1:19-20
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, / for man’s anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires.

Proverbs 18:17
The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.

Isaiah 64:6
Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.

Romans 10:3
Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.

Luke 18:9-14
To some who trusted in their own righteousness and viewed others with contempt, He also told this parable: / “Two men went up to the temple to pray. One was a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. / The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed, ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—swindlers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. ...

Philippians 3:9
and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.

Matthew 5:20
For I tell you that unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Romans 4:2
If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God.

Galatians 2:16
know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have believed in Christ Jesus, that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by works of the law, because by works of the law no one will be justified.

Isaiah 5:21
Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight.

Proverbs 26:12
Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Ecclesiastes 7:16
Do not be overly righteous, and do not make yourself too wise. Why should you destroy yourself?

Romans 2:1
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on another. For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

Matthew 23:28
In the same way, on the outside you appear to be righteous, but on the inside you are full of hypocrisy and wickedness.


Treasury of Scripture

Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the kindred of Ram: against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God.

kindled

Psalm 69:9
For the zeal of thine house hath eaten me up; and the reproaches of them that reproached thee are fallen upon me.

Mark 3:5
And when he had looked round about on them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, he saith unto the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it out: and his hand was restored whole as the other.

Ephesians 4:26
Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:

Buzite

Genesis 22:21
Huz his firstborn, and Buz his brother, and Kemuel the father of Aram,

because

Job 10:3
Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?

Job 27:2
As God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul;

Job 34:5,6,17,18
For Job hath said, I am righteous: and God hath taken away my judgment…

himself.

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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














Then Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite of the family of Ram
This introduction of Elihu is significant as it establishes his lineage and background, which is important in understanding his perspective. The name "Elihu" means "He is my God" in Hebrew, suggesting a deep personal relationship with God. "Barachel" means "God blesses," indicating a heritage of divine favor. The term "Buzite" connects Elihu to the region of Buz, which is mentioned in Genesis 22:21 as a descendant of Nahor, Abraham's brother. This connection implies that Elihu is part of a broader narrative of God's covenant people. The "family of Ram" may refer to a clan or lineage known for wisdom or leadership, as Ram is also a name associated with the genealogy of David (Ruth 4:19). This background sets Elihu apart as a voice of wisdom and authority.

became very angry
The Hebrew word used here for "angry" is "חָרָה" (charah), which conveys a deep, burning indignation. Elihu's anger is not a mere emotional outburst but a righteous indignation that arises from a perceived injustice. In the biblical context, anger is often associated with a zeal for God's honor and truth. Elihu's anger is directed towards the misrepresentation of God's character and justice, which he feels compelled to address. This righteous anger is reminiscent of the prophets who spoke out against the people's unfaithfulness to God.

He was angry with Job
Elihu's anger is specifically directed at Job, not out of personal animosity, but because of Job's stance in the dialogue. Job, in his suffering, has been wrestling with understanding God's justice and has, at times, spoken in ways that seem to challenge God's righteousness. Elihu's concern is that Job's words might lead others to misunderstand God's nature. This highlights the importance of maintaining a reverent and accurate portrayal of God, even in the midst of personal trials.

for justifying himself rather than God
The phrase "justifying himself rather than God" is central to Elihu's critique. The Hebrew root for "justifying" is "צָדַק" (tsadaq), which means to be righteous or to declare righteous. Job, in his defense, has focused on his own integrity and righteousness, which Elihu perceives as overshadowing the need to uphold God's righteousness. This is a pivotal theological point: the priority of God's justice over human vindication. Elihu's perspective is that, regardless of personal suffering or misunderstanding, God's character and justice must remain paramount. This serves as a reminder of the call to trust in God's ultimate wisdom and righteousness, even when circumstances are perplexing or painful.

(2) Because he justified himself rather than God.--See Job 19:6. Job maintained his innocence, and could not understand how his affliction could be reconciled with the justice of God. Yet, at the same time, he declared that God was his salvation (Job 13:16), and that it was impossible for man to be absolutely just with God (Job 9:2; Job 9:28), though at the same time he might hope in His righteousness (Job 23:3 seqq.).

Verse 2. - Then was kindled the wrath of Elihu. The name "Elihu" was not uncommon among the Israelites. It is found among the ancestors of Samuel (1 Samuel 1:1), among the Korhite Levites of the time of David (1 Chronicles 26:7), and as a variant for Eliab, one of David's brothers (1 Chronicles 27:8) The meaning of the word was, "He is my God" (אליהוא). The son of Barachal. Barachel is also a significant name. It means, "Bless, O God," or "God blesses" (בר אל). Both names imply that the new interlocutor belonged to a family of monotheists. The Buzite. "Huz" and "Buz" were brothers, the sons of Nahor, Abraham's brother, by Maleah, the daughter of Haran (Genesis 11:29; Genesis 22:20, 21). Of the kindred of Ram. By "Ram" we are probably to understand "Aram," who was the son of Kemuel, a brother of Huz and Buz. (On the connection of Huz and Buz with the Arabian tribes of Khazu and Bazu, see the comment on Job 1:1.) Against Job was his wrath kindled, because he justified himself rather than God. Elihu was well-intentional; and it is perhaps not surprising that he had been shocked by some of Job's expressions. Job had himself apologized for them (Job 6:26); and certainly they went perilously near taxing God with injustice (see Job 40:8). But it is to be remembered that finally God justifies Job's sayings, while condemning those of his "comforters." "My wrath is kindled," he says to Eliphaz, "against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right as my servant Job hath" (Job 42:7).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
This kindled
וַיִּ֤חַר (way·yi·ḥar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2734: To glow, grow warm, to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

the anger
אַ֨ף ׀ (’ap̄)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire

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

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

of the family
מִמִּשְׁפַּ֪חַ֫ת (mim·miš·pa·ḥaṯ)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4940: A family, circle of relatives, a class, a species, sort, a tribe, people

of Ram,
רָ֥ם (rām)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7410: Two Israelites, also family of Elihu

who burned
חָרָ֣ה (ḥā·rāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2734: To glow, grow warm, to blaze up, of anger, zeal, jealousy

with anger
אַפּ֑וֹ (’ap·pōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 639: The nose, nostril, the face, a person, ire

against Job
בְּ֭אִיּוֹב (bə·’î·yō·wḇ)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 347: Job -- a patriarch

for
עַֽל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

justifying
צַדְּק֥וֹ (ṣad·də·qōw)
Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6663: To be just or righteous

himself
נַ֝פְשׁ֗וֹ (nap̄·šōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5315: A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion

rather than God.
מֵאֱלֹהִֽים׃ (mê·’ĕ·lō·hîm)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 430: gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative


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OT Poetry: Job 32:2 Then the wrath of Elihu the son (Jb)
Job 32:1
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