Job 32:22
Job 32:22 in Multiple Translations
For I do not know how to flatter, or my Maker would remove me in an instant.
For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.
For I know not to give flattering titles; Else would my Maker soon take me away.
For I am not able to give names of honour to any man; and if I did, my Maker would quickly take me away.
I don't know how to flatter, and if I did my Creator would soon destroy me.”
For I may not giue titles, lest my Maker should take me away suddenly.
For I have not known to give flattering titles, In a little doth my Maker take me away.
For I don’t know how to give flattering titles, or else my Maker would soon take me away.
For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing , my Maker would soon take me away.
For I know not how long I shall continue, and whether after a while my Maker may take me away.
I really do not know how to flatter people; and if I did that, God would soon get rid of me.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 32:22
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 32:22 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֤י
לֹ֣א
יָדַ֣עְתִּי
אֲכַנֶּ֑ה
כִּ֝/מְעַ֗ט
יִשָּׂאֵ֥/נִי
עֹשֵֽׂ/נִי
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יָדַ֣עְתִּי
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
אֲכַנֶּ֑ה
kânâh
H3655
to flatter
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
כִּ֝/מְעַ֗ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
little
Prep | N-ms
יִשָּׂאֵ֥/נִי
nâsâʼ
H5375
to lift
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
עֹשֵֽׂ/נִי
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal | Suff
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 32:22
כִּ֤י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
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.
יָדַ֣עְתִּי
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
אֲכַנֶּ֑ה
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.
כִּ֝/מְעַ֗ט
mᵉʻaṭ
H4592
"little"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word means something is small or little in amount, like a few people or a short time. It appears in various Bible translations as almost, few, or small. In the Bible, it often describes something that is limited or lacking.
Definition: 1) littleness, few, a little, fewness 1a) little, small, littleness, fewness, too little, yet a little 1b) like a little, within a little, almost, just, hardly, shortly, little worth
Usage: Occurs in 92 OT verses. KJV: almost (some, very) few(-er, -est), lightly, little (while), (very) small (matter, thing), some, soon, [idiom] very. See also: Genesis 18:4; Job 15:11; Psalms 2:12.
יִשָּׂאֵ֥/נִי
nâsâʼ
H5375
"to lift"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
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.
עֹשֵֽׂ/נִי
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal | Suff
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
Study Notes — Job 32:22
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 32:22 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 32:22
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 32:22
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 32:22
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 32:22
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 32:22
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 32:22
- Cambridge Bible on Job 32:22
- Barnes' Notes on Job 32:22
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 32:22
- Sermons on Job 32:22
Context — Elihu Rebukes Job’s Friends
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 | Psalms 12:2–3 | They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue. |
| 2 | 1 Thessalonians 2:5 | As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness! |
| 3 | Proverbs 29:5 | A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. |
| 4 | Job 17:5 | If a man denounces his friends for a price, the eyes of his children will fail. |
| 5 | Galatians 1:10 | Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ. |
Job 32:22 Summary
[Job 32:22 means that Job is committed to telling the truth, even if it's hard, and he doesn't know how to say things just to make people happy. He wants to please God, his Maker, and be honest in all his words, as we are also called to do in Ephesians 4:25. Job is saying that if he did know how to flatter, God would be displeased with him, because flattery is not truthful or sincere. This reminds us to always speak the truth in love, as taught in Psalm 15:1-2, and to be people of integrity in our words and actions.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to flatter someone in the context of Job 32:22?
In this verse, flattering refers to speaking insincerely or excessively to gain favor, as seen in Proverbs 26:28, which warns against the dangers of flattery. Job is stating that he does not know how to engage in such behavior.
Why does Job say his Maker would remove him in an instant if he knew how to flatter?
Job is acknowledging that if he were capable of flattery, it would be a sign of dishonesty and a lack of integrity, which would be displeasing to God, as seen in Psalm 51:6, where David asks God to create in him a clean heart.
Is Job saying that he is perfect and never speaks wrongly?
No, Job is not claiming perfection, but rather that he is committed to speaking the truth, even if it is difficult, as seen in Ephesians 4:25, which instructs believers to speak the truth in love.
What can we learn from Job's statement about flattery?
We can learn the importance of honesty and integrity in our speech, as emphasized in Colossians 3:9-10, which teaches us to put away deceitful speech and speak the truth, and in Proverbs 10:32, which highlights the value of truthful lips.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I may be tempted to flatter others in my daily life, and how can I resist this temptation?
- How can I cultivate a commitment to speaking the truth, even when it is difficult or unpopular?
- What are some consequences of engaging in flattery, and how can I avoid them in my relationships with others?
- In what ways can I demonstrate my commitment to honesty and integrity in my speech and actions, as Job does in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Job 32:22
For I know not to give flattering titles,.... He had not been brought up in such a manner, nor taught to use them; he had not been inured to them, nor did he know or approve of them; nor could he in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 32:22
For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away. For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away. Take me away - as a punishment (Psalms 102:24).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 32:22
I have neither skill nor will to flatter Job or any man so as to debauch my conscience, or corrupt the truth, or speak falsely for his sake. If I should be guilty of that sin, God would quickly and sorely punish me for it. Or without this supplement, my Maker will quickly take me away, to wit, out of this world. I dare not flatter any man, because I consider I must shortly die and go to judgment, to give an account of all my words and actions.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 32:22
Job 32:22 For I know not to give flattering titles; [in so doing] my maker would soon take me away.Ver. 22. For I know not to give, &c.] I have as little art in it (it is out of my road) as heart to it. For, In so doing my maker should take me away] i.e. Kill me and send me packing to hell. He would soon snatch me away; he would burn me, as some render it; so dangerous is the sin of flattery. A preacher called Constantine the Great, Blessed, to his face, but he went away with a check. What will God say to such, think we? (Euseb. de Vita Const. l. iv. c. 4.)
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 32:22
(22) In so doing my maker would soon take me away.—Or perhaps the meaning may be, “My Maker will almost have to forgive me:” that is, for being too candid, frank, and straightforward; for speaking too plainly. Some commentators regard Elihu’s character with great disfavour, and consider him to be an empty and arrogant talker, mainly, perhaps, from Job 32:18-19; others accept him as a wise and pious friend of Job, who not only gave him good advice, but perhaps more nearly than any other of the disputants hit the truth about Job’s afflictions. We are probably more right in this latter view, because at the climax of the poem we do not read that Elihu had any share in the condemnation which was passed by God on the three friends of Job. He is not noticed for either praise or blame. It is to be observed that the last eight verses of this chapter are a kind of soliloquy, unlike the former part of it, which was addressed to the friends, or the next chapter, which is addressed to Job.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 32:22
Verse 22. My Maker would soon take me away.] Were I to copy this conduct while under the influence which I now feel, God might justly consume me as in a moment. He is my Maker; he made me to know truth, to tell truth, and to live according to truth; for he is the God of truth: I shall, therefore through his help, speak the TRUTH, the WHOLE TRUTH, and NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH. WE find from the above that vain titles of ceremony, expressive of the most eminent qualities, were given to worthless men, from time immemorial; and no wonder, for hypocrisy entered into man at the same time that sin entered into the world. Of the flattering titles used in the East, I shall give a few specimens from the [Arabic] Kooayid us Sultanet SHAH JEHAN, or, "The Rules observed during the Reign of the Mogul Emperor Shah Jehan." Speaking of the emperor, he is entitled, "The SUN which illuminates the firmament in the universe of royalty and dominion; the MOON, which irradiates the sky of monarchy and felicity; the King who in pomp resembles Gem-sheed. His hand is boundless as the ocean in bestowing bounties, being the key of the gates of kindness and liberality!" Again: - "The Sun of the heaven of prosperity and empire, the SHADOW OF GOD, the Asylum of the Universe, the splendour of whose instructive front causes light and gladness to the world and to mankind." "The just and vigilant Monarch; the Asylum of Truth, the Refuge of the World; the Diffuser of Light, the Solver of all human difficulties." "The Lord of the Age, who is endowed with such perfect excellence, both in internal and external qualifications, that on all occasions he holds fast the thread of good counsel, prudence, and purity of morals." "The faculty of apprehension is possessed by him in such a degree, that before the matter ha s scarcely obtained utterance he comprehends the purport, and gives answers with the tongue of inspiration." Addresses to Persons of Distinction "Let them convey to the presence of glorious empire, the Sultan, in pomp like Solomon, the centre of the universe, powerful as heaven!" "Let them who kiss the carpet of the palace, in pomp like heaven, convey this letter to his majesty, whose sight is as creative as alchymy, king of kings, the asylum of the world!" "To the exalted presence, which gratifies the desires of all people, the most beneficent of the age, the vizier, protector of the universe, may the Almighty perpetuate his fortune!" "May this letter be dignified in the presence of Naweeb Saheb, diffuser of benefits, of exalted pomp, the respectable, the discriminator of ranks! May his power increase!" "Let them convey this to the perusal of his excellency, conversant in realities and mysteries, the support of excellencies, the cream of his contemporaries, and the cherisher of the poor!" These are a specimen of the flattering titles given in the East to persons in eminent stations.
Cambridge Bible on Job 32:22
22. Elihu is conscious of sincerity; it is not in his nature to flatter. His fear of God also and sense of His rectitude would deter him from such a thing; comp. Job’s language, ch. Job 13:7 seq. These last words and many other things which Elihu says enable us to judge rightly of the part which the author intends him to play. There are some things in his manner of introducing himself and in the way in which he speaks of his own arguments, which seem to offend against modesty and almost shock our sense of decorum. We must not, however, apply Western standards of taste to the East. There was nothing further from the intention of the author of these Chapters than to make Elihu play a ridiculous part. This speaker is meant to offer what the writer judged a weighty contribution to the discussion, and to the vindication of the ways of God to man.
It is just this fact, however, that Elihu is a serious speaker and yet so characterized by mannerisms that raises the question whether the author of such a character possessed the severe taste and high dramatic genius which so conspicuously belong to the author of the other characters; in other words, the question whether these chapters are not the composition of a different writer (see the Introduction).
Barnes' Notes on Job 32:22
For I know not to give flattering titles - I do not know how to flatter. It is not in my character; it has not been my habit.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 32:22
22. Give flattering titles — This expression means to give proud titles to persons who are worthless. (Dr.
Sermons on Job 32:22
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Religious News by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot emphasizes the importance of focusing on spiritual edification rather than being consumed by the gossip and news-mongering prevalent in the religious world. He caution |
|
The Importance of Our Speech by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the critical importance of controlling the tongue and being filled with the Holy Spirit. It highlights how the tongue can either be a source of life or a sou |
|
Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire-Ii Interview: Jim Cymbala by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the decline of Sunday night services and the lack of depth in preaching. He emphasizes the importance of genuine motives and preparation in de |
|
|
Spiritual Fathers by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the preacher discusses how Satan tries to attack believers and how we can learn from this to help ourselves and others. The preacher emphasizes the importance of ma |
|
Epistle 191 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of adhering to the single, true language inspired by the Spirit of God, warning against the confusion and hypocrisy that arises from adopting t |
|
A Letter on "The Praise of Men" by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby addresses the dangers of pride and the misguided praise of men, emphasizing that such flattery can lead to spiritual harm and distract from true communion with Go |
|
Who's Slave Are You? by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of prioritizing our duties to family and church over extracurricular activities. He encourages listeners to lay down their li |