Job 32:7
Job 32:7 in Multiple Translations
I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.
I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
I said, Days should speak, And multitude of years should teach wisdom.
I said to myself, It is right for the old to say what is in their minds, and for those who are far on in years to give out wisdom.
I told myself, ‘Those who are older should speak—those who are elderly should teach wisdom.’
For I said, The dayes shall speake, and the multitude of yeeres shall teach wisedome.
I said: Days do speak, And multitude of years teach wisdom.
I said, ‘Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’
I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.
For I hoped that greater age would speak, and that a multitude of years would teach wisdom.
I thought, ‘Let those [PRS] who are much older speak, because older people should be able to say things that are wise.’
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 32:7
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 32:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָ֭מַרְתִּי
יָמִ֣ים
יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ
וְ/רֹ֥ב
שָׁ֝נִ֗ים
יֹדִ֥יעוּ
חָכְמָֽה
אָ֭מַרְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
יָמִ֣ים
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp
יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
וְ/רֹ֥ב
rôb
H7230
abundance
Conj | N-cs
שָׁ֝נִ֗ים
shâneh
H8141
year
N-fp
יֹדִ֥יעוּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
חָכְמָֽה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 32:7
אָ֭מַרְתִּי
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
יָמִ֣ים
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-3mp
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
וְ/רֹ֥ב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
Conj | N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
שָׁ֝נִ֗ים
shâneh
H8141
"year"
N-fp
This word also means a year, like when Abraham was 100 years old in Genesis 21. It is used to describe a period of time, age, or a lifetime.
Definition: 1) year 1a) as division of time 1b) as measure of time 1c) as indication of age 1d) a lifetime (of years of life) Aramaic equivalent: she.nah (שְׁנָה "year" H8140)
Usage: Occurs in 647 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] whole age, [idiom] long, [phrase] old, year([idiom] -ly). See also: Genesis 1:14; Genesis 47:28; Numbers 7:35.
יֹדִ֥יעוּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp
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.
חָכְמָֽה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
Study Notes — Job 32:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 32:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 32:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 32:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 32:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 32:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 32:7
- Cambridge Bible on Job 32:7
- Barnes' Notes on Job 32:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 32:7
- Sermons on Job 32:7
Context — Elihu Rebukes Job’s Friends
5But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled.
6So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know.
7I thought that age should speak, and many years should teach wisdom.
8But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding. 9It is not only the old who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 16:31 | Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is attained along the path of righteousness. |
| 2 | Job 12:12 | Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life. |
| 3 | Hebrews 5:12 | Although by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to reteach you the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food! |
| 4 | Proverbs 1:1–4 | These are the proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel, for gaining wisdom and discipline, for comprehending words of insight, and for receiving instruction in wise living and in righteousness, justice, and equity. To impart prudence to the simple and knowledge and discretion to the young, |
| 5 | Job 8:8–10 | Please inquire of past generations and consider the discoveries of their fathers. For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow. Will they not teach you and tell you, and speak from their understanding? |
| 6 | Psalms 34:11–12 | Come, children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Who is the man who delights in life, who desires to see good days? |
| 7 | 1 Kings 12:6–8 | Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. |
Job 32:7 Summary
This verse means that Elihu initially thought that older people would have more wisdom to share because of their age and experience (like in Job 12:12). However, he came to realize that true understanding and wisdom come from God, not just from being old (as seen in Job 28:28 and Psalms 111:10). This reminds us that we should not just look to people's age or experience for guidance, but rather seek to understand and apply God's wisdom in our lives. We can learn from Elihu's humility and willingness to listen to and learn from others, regardless of their age or background.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Elihu mean by saying 'age should speak' in this verse?
Elihu is expressing his initial assumption that older, more experienced people would have more wisdom to share, as seen in the way he waited for the older men to speak before sharing his thoughts (Job 32:6, Proverbs 16:31).
Is Elihu saying that only old people can be wise?
No, Elihu is not saying that only older people can be wise, but rather that he initially thought this to be the case, before realizing that true understanding comes from the 'breath of the Almighty' (Job 32:8, Job 9:4).
How does this verse relate to the concept of wisdom in the Bible?
This verse highlights the biblical theme that true wisdom comes from God, not just from human experience or age (Job 28:28, Proverbs 1:7, Psalms 111:10).
What can we learn from Elihu's humility in this verse?
Elihu's humility in waiting for the older men to speak and his willingness to learn from them is a good example for us to follow, as seen in the Bible's teaching to 'listen to advice and accept instruction' (Proverbs 19:20, Proverbs 12:1).
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I have assumed that age or experience is the primary factor in determining wisdom?
- How can I, like Elihu, recognize the importance of listening to and learning from others, regardless of their age or background?
- In what ways can I seek to understand and apply the 'breath of the Almighty' in my own life, as a source of true wisdom and guidance?
- How does this verse challenge or reinforce my current understanding of the relationship between age, experience, and wisdom?
Gill's Exposition on Job 32:7
I said, days should speak,.... That is, men of days, of many days, who have lived many days and years in the world: man in common is but of few days, even the most that men arrive to are but few; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 32:7
I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom. Days - i:e., the aged (Job 15:10).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 32:7
Days, i.e. multitude of days, by comparing the next clause of the verse. Or men of days, i.e. of many days or years, old men. Should speak, to wit, wisely and pertinently, as the next words limit it. Should teach wisdom; should instruct us that are younger in the paths of wisdom, and concerning the wise counsels and ways of God, about which the present controversy lay.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 32:7
Job 32:7 I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.Ver. 7. I said, Days should speak] This seems to have been a proverb in those days; and it ran much in Elihu’ s mind. We use to say, that at meetings young men should be mutes, and old men vowels. Of Arsatius, who succeeded Chrysostom in the see of Constantinople, it is recorded (but nothing to his commendation) that at eighty years of age he was as eloquent as a fish and as nimble as a frog. And multitude of years should teach wisdom] Heb. Should make known wisdom; sc. such as consisteth in the knowledge of God and of his will, of ourselves and of our duties. This is far beyond all that of the heathen sages, of the seven wise men of Greece, of Archimedes of Syracuse, who had a name in fame, saith Plutarch, not of human, but of a kind of divine wisdom. So had Socrates, so had Apollonius, of whom Philostratus saith, that he was non doctus, sed natus sapiens, not taught, but born a wise man, ουκανθρωπινηςαλλαδαιμονιουτινοςσυνεσεως (Plut.). These all were the world’ s wizards; and what they came, to see Romans 1:21-23 1 Corinthians 1:11 Lactantius truly telleth us (Instit. 1. 3, c. 30), in the name of the whole community of Christians, that all the wisdom of a man consisteth in this, to know God and worship him aright. And that these seniors should have taught and notified such wisdom Elihu had well hoped: but it proved otherwise.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 32:7
Verse 7. Days should speak] That is, men are to be reputed wise and experienced in proportion to the time they have lived. The Easterns were remarkable for treasuring up wise sayings: indeed, the principal part of their boasted wisdom consisted in proverbs and maxims on different subjects.
Cambridge Bible on Job 32:7
6–10. Elihu, being a youth, shrank from interfering in a dispute in which aged men were engaged; but he perceived that wisdom did not always accompany grey hairs; it is a gift of God, and, conscious of possessing it, he desires now to be heard.
Barnes' Notes on Job 32:7
I said, Days should speak - The aged ought to speak. They have had the advantage of long observation of the course of events; they are acquainted with the sentiments of past times; they may have had
Whedon's Commentary on Job 32:7
7. Days should speak — See Sermon by Paley, in loc., on “The Advantages of Old Age.”
Sermons on Job 32:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 3. the Message of Elihu by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Job and its various chapters. He highlights how Job's friends were amazed and stopped speaking, allowing Job to finally have a ch |
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Message 11 by George Verwer | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the practical wisdom found in the book of Proverbs. He emphasizes the importance of hard work and warns against mere talk that leads to pove |
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Locks & Keys by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of the Logos in biology and how it relates to the teaching of biology in schools. He encourages the audience, particularly those i |
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Beautiful Old Age by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the significance of living a meaningful and virtuous life to ensure a beautiful old age. He illustrates that old age is the culmination of our earlier years, |
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On Growing Old Successfully by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the importance of growing old successfully, warning that old age carries its own unique perils, just as youth does. He illustrates how many individuals who s |
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Dangerous Mindsets by Arthur John Gossip | Arthur John Gossip emphasizes the importance of gratitude and respect for the sacrifices of those who came before us, highlighting the tendency of some to be pessimistic and consta |
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Old Age - 2 Cor. 4:16 by Bernard Fell | Bernard Fell reflects on the aging process, likening the physical decay of our bodies to a crumbling house, but emphasizes the renewal of the inward man day by day through Christ l |