Job 32:21
Job 32:21 in Multiple Translations
I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man.
Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.
Let me not, I pray you, respect any man’s person; Neither will I give flattering titles unto any man.
Let me not give respect to any man, or give names of honour to any living.
I will not take sides, and I'm not going to flatter anyone.
I will not now accept the person of man, neyther will I giue titles to man.
Let me not, I pray you, accept the face of any, Nor unto man give flattering titles,
Please don’t let me respect any man’s person, neither will I give flattering titles to any man.
Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles to man.
I will not accept the person of man, and I will not level God with man.
I will speak fairly, not favoring any of you, and I will not try to flatter anyone.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 32:21
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 32:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
נָ֭א
אֶשָּׂ֣א
פְנֵי
אִ֑ישׁ
וְ/אֶל
אָ֝דָ֗ם
לֹ֣א
אֲכַנֶּֽה
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
נָ֭א
nâʼ
H4994
please
Part
אֶשָּׂ֣א
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-1cs
פְנֵי
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Conj | Prep
אָ֝דָ֗ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אֲכַנֶּֽה
kânâh
H3655
to flatter
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Job 32:21
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
נָ֭א
nâʼ
H4994
"please"
Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
אֶשָּׂ֣א
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to lift or raise something, and it's used in many ways, like lifting a burden or raising someone's status. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah, often talking about God lifting people up. It's about supporting or carrying something or someone.
Definition: : raise/take_up 1) to lift, bear up, carry, take 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lift, lift up 1a2) to bear, carry, support, sustain, endure 1a3) to take, take away, carry off, forgive 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be lifted up, be exalted 1b2) to lift oneself up, rise up 1b3) to be borne, be carried 1b4) to be taken away, be carried off, be swept away 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to lift up, exalt, support, aid, assist 1c2) to desire, long (fig.) 1c3) to carry, bear continuously 1c4) to take, take away 1d) (Hithpael) to lift oneself up, exalt oneself 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to cause one to bear (iniquity) 1e2) to cause to bring, have brought
Usage: Occurs in 609 OT verses. KJV: accept, advance, arise, (able to, (armor), suffer to) bear(-er, up), bring (forth), burn, carry (away), cast, contain, desire, ease, exact, exalt (self), extol, fetch, forgive, furnish, further, give, go on, help, high, hold up, honorable ([phrase] man), lade, lay, lift (self) up, lofty, marry, magnify, [idiom] needs, obtain, pardon, raise (up), receive, regard, respect, set (up), spare, stir up, [phrase] swear, take (away, up), [idiom] utterly, wear, yield. See also: Genesis 4:13; Numbers 4:2; 1 Samuel 14:3.
פְנֵי
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אִ֑ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
וְ/אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אָ֝דָ֗ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אֲכַנֶּֽה
kânâh
H3655
"to flatter"
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give a flattering title or surname, often used to praise someone excessively. It appears in books like Isaiah and Job, where it is used to describe false praise. It is often translated as 'give flattering titles' in English Bibles.
Definition: 1) to title, surname, be surnamed, give an epithet or cognomen, give a flattering title 1a) (Piel) to call by name, give a title, betitle
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: give flattering titles, surname (himself). See also: Job 32:21; Isaiah 44:5; Isaiah 45:4.
Study Notes — Job 32:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 32:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 32:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 32:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 32:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 32:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 32:21
- Cambridge Bible on Job 32:21
- Barnes' Notes on Job 32:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 32:21
- Sermons on Job 32:21
Context — Elihu Rebukes Job’s Friends
19Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin.
20I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond.
21I will be partial to no one, nor will I flatter any man.
22For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Leviticus 19:15 | You must not pervert justice; you must not show partiality to the poor or favoritism to the rich; you are to judge your neighbor fairly. |
| 2 | Job 13:8 | Would you show Him partiality or argue in His defense? |
| 3 | Matthew 22:16 | They sent their disciples to Him along with the Herodians. “Teacher,” they said, “we know that You are honest and that You teach the way of God in accordance with the truth. You seek favor from no one, because You pay no attention to external appearance. |
| 4 | Job 13:10 | Surely He would rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 16:19 | Do not deny justice or show partiality. Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous. |
| 6 | 2 Samuel 14:20 | Joab your servant has done this to bring about this change of affairs, but my lord has wisdom like the wisdom of the angel of God, to know everything that happens in the land.” |
| 7 | Acts 24:2–3 | When Paul had been called in, Tertullus opened the prosecution: “Because of you, we have enjoyed a lasting peace, and your foresight has brought improvements to this nation. In every way and everywhere, most excellent Felix, we acknowledge this with all gratitude. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 14:17 | And now your servant says, ‘May the word of my lord the king bring me rest, for my lord the king is able to discern good and evil, just like the angel of God. May the LORD your God be with you.’” |
| 9 | Acts 12:22–23 | And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!” Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died. |
| 10 | Deuteronomy 1:17 | Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.” |
Job 32:21 Summary
In Job 32:21, we see that being partial to no one and not flattering anyone means treating everyone with respect and fairness, regardless of who they are. This is a key principle of fairness and justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:17. By not flattering anyone, we can maintain a genuine and sincere relationship with God and with others, as seen in Psalm 51:6. We can apply this principle in our daily lives by being honest and direct, yet kind and compassionate, as taught in Ephesians 4:15 and Colossians 3:9-10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be partial to no one in Job 32:21?
Being partial to no one means not showing favoritism or bias towards any individual, which is a key principle of fairness and justice, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:17 and Proverbs 24:23-25.
Why is it important for us to not flatter anyone, as stated in Job 32:21?
Flattery can be a form of manipulation, and it can lead to dishonesty and insincerity, which is contrary to the biblical values of honesty and integrity, as emphasized in Colossians 3:9-10 and Ephesians 4:25.
How can we apply the principle of not being partial to anyone in our daily lives?
We can apply this principle by treating everyone with respect and fairness, regardless of their social status, background, or position, as taught in James 2:1-9 and Acts 10:34-35.
What is the relationship between not flattering anyone and our relationship with God?
Not flattering anyone is a sign of humility and a desire to please God, as stated in Job 32:22, and it helps us to maintain a genuine and sincere relationship with Him, as seen in Psalm 51:6 and John 4:24.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I may be showing partiality to certain individuals in my life, and how can I change this?
- How can I balance being honest and direct with being kind and compassionate towards others, as seen in Ephesians 4:15?
- What are some common forms of flattery that I may be using unintentionally, and how can I replace them with genuine and sincere communication?
- How can I cultivate a heart of humility and a desire to please God, rather than seeking to impress or flatter others?
Gill's Exposition on Job 32:21
Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person,.... Neither the person of Job, because of his poverty and affliction, indulging too much to pity and commiseration, and affecting to get a good name
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 32:21
Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. 'May I never accept,' etc.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 32:21
Do not expect that I should out of fear or respect to any of you speak partially, but bear with my free and plain dealing with you all. As I shall not censure and reproach Job as a hypocrite or profane person, which you have done; so neither shall I flatter him, but faithfully reprove him for his exorbitant speeches of God.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 32:21
Job 32:21 Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’ s person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man. Ver. 21. Let me not, I pray you, accept any man’ s person] q.d. This leave you must give me, or at least wise I must take it, since my life lieth upon it to be impartial and plain dealing, laying the blame where it lights, and sparing the pains of pleasing and parasitical poems of oratorical and rhetorical insinuations. Nihil loquar ad gratiam, &c. I shall know no man after the flesh in this business, nor look on any face. If Job found this fault with his other three friends, Job 13:7, he shall have no cause so to do with me; but, as a right moderator, I will hear arguments speak, and not persons; I will shut out my friend, or my senior, and speak the truth in love. Diem hominis non desideravi, saith Jeremiah, Jeremiah 17:16. And, if I yet please men, I am no more the servant of Christ, Galatians 1:10; Neither let me give flattering titles] Praenomen aut cognomen, those that seem to be somewhat, whatsoever they be, it shall make no matter to me; God accepteth no man’ s person, Galatians 2:6. I shall call a spade a spade, tell every one their own without circumlocution, and not soothe or smooth up any man (though never so great) in his sinful practices.
Semper Augustus is a title still given to the German emperors. But Sigismund, once emperor, when a fellow flattered him above measure, and extolled him to the skies, gave the flatterer a good box on the ear, and when he asked, Why smite you me? he answered, Why clawest thou me?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 32:21
Verse 21. Let me not - accept any man's person] I will speak the truth without fear or favour. Neither let me give flattering titles] I will not give epithets to any man that are not descriptive of his true state. I will not beguile him by telling him he is what he is not. אכנה acanneh, from כנה canah, is generally supposed to signify to surname, to put a name to or upon a name, as the French word surnom implies. It means to give proud titles to persons who are worthless. It is well known that the Arabs make court to their superiors by carefully avoiding to address them by their proper names, instead of which they salute them with some title or epithet expressive of respect. - SCOTT. See below. Titles expressive of office, ecclesiastical, civil, or military, are always proper, and never forbidden, because they serve for distinction; but the Asiatic titles are in general bombastically and sinfully complimentary. The reader will find several specimens at the end of this chapter. See Clarke on Job 32:22.
Cambridge Bible on Job 32:21
21. neither let me give] Rather, neither will I give flattery. The words express the speaker’s resolution to be sincere and fearless, to have regard to the question itself solely, and not to allow himself to be influenced by respect to the persons interested in it. Elihu does not refer here to impartiality between Job and the three friends. There is no allusion to the friends. He speaks generally, saying that he will have respect to truth only; comp. the language, ch. Job 33:3, Job 34:2-4. Coverdale goes far enough when he renders: “no man wil I spare.” Hitzig oversteps the line when he says that Elihu “intimates his intention of being rude to Job.”
Barnes' Notes on Job 32:21
Let me not, I pray you - This is not to be regarded as an address to them, or a prayer to God, but as an expression of his determination.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 32:21
21. Accept any man’s person. — See note Job 13:8. Young as he is, Elihu will regard no one, but strive to be impartial.
Sermons on Job 32:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Clergy: From God or Man? by Stan Thompson | Stan Thompson challenges the traditional clergy-laity system by emphasizing the importance of following God's Word over man-made traditions and denominational teachings. He highlig |
|
God’s War on Poverty and Riches by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon titled "God's War on Poverty and Riches," Dr. J. Vernon McGee discusses the concept of poverty and riches from a biblical perspective. He highlights that God is not |
|
Epistle 367 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the necessity of living a life of righteousness and holiness, as it is essential for seeing God and maintaining peace within a community. He warns that unholi |
|
(Basics) 39. Jesus Was Unpopular by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of following the example of Jesus in living a holy life. Jesus' humility and holiness are highlighted as characteristics that |
|
How to Prepare the Way for a Christ Awakening by David Bryant | In this sermon, the speaker encourages listeners to develop a daily habit of focusing on Jesus and sharing about Him with others. He suggests keeping a diary to record any insights |
|
The Sin Sick Soul and the Great Physician by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches about the need for a great Physician for those who are spiritually sick, drawing parallels from how Jesus dealt with cavilers and critics in the Bible. He emp |
|
Homily 70 on Matthew by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches about the Pharisees' attempt to entangle Jesus in His words, highlighting their wicked intentions and hidden craftiness. Despite their flattery and deceitf |