Job 32:9
Job 32:9 in Multiple Translations
It is not only the old who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice.
Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
It is not the great that are wise, Nor the aged that understand justice.
It is not the old who are wise, and those who are full of years have not the knowledge of what is right.
It is not the old who are wise, or the elderly who know what is right.
Great men are not alway wise, neither doe the aged alway vnderstand iudgement.
The multitude are not wise, Nor do the aged understand judgment.
It is not the great who are wise, nor the aged who understand justice.
Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.
They that are aged are not the wise men, neither do the ancients understand judgment.
It is not people becoming old that enables them to be wise; not all old people understand what is right.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 32:9
BAB
Word Study
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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 32:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לֹֽא
רַבִּ֥ים
יֶחְכָּ֑מוּ
וּ֝/זְקֵנִ֗ים
יָבִ֥ינוּ
מִשְׁפָּֽט
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
רַבִּ֥ים
rab
H7227
many
Adj
יֶחְכָּ֑מוּ
châkam
H2449
be wise
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וּ֝/זְקֵנִ֗ים
zâqên
H2205
old
Conj | Adj
יָבִ֥ינוּ
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
מִשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
justice
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 32:9
לֹֽא
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.
רַבִּ֥ים
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
יֶחְכָּ֑מוּ
châkam
H2449
"be wise"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To be wise means to have good judgment and act intelligently, as described in the Bible. This word is used in Proverbs and other books to encourage people to seek wisdom and make wise decisions, like King Solomon.
Definition: 1) to be wise 1a) (Qal) to be or become wise, act wisely 1b) (Piel) to make wise, teach wisdom, instruct 1c) (Pual) to be made wise 1d) (Hiphil) to make wise 1e) (Hithpael) to show oneself wise, deceive, show one's wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding, teach wisdom, be (make self, shew self) wise, deal (never so) wisely, make wiser. See also: Exodus 1:10; Proverbs 13:20; Psalms 19:8.
וּ֝/זְקֵנִ֗ים
zâqên
H2205
"old"
Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means old or elderly, as in the case of the elderly men who appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:11. It can also refer to those in positions of authority, like the elders who helped Moses in Exodus 24:1. The term is used to describe respect and leadership.
Definition: : old 1) old 1a) old (of humans) 1b) elder (of those having authority) Also means: za.qen (זָקֵן ": elder" H2205)
Usage: Occurs in 171 OT verses. KJV: aged, ancient (man), elder(-est), old (man, men and...women), senator. See also: Genesis 18:11; 1 Samuel 28:14; Psalms 105:22.
יָבִ֥ינוּ
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
מִשְׁפָּֽט
mishpâṭ
H4941
"justice"
N-ms
Mishpat means justice or judgment, and is often used to describe God's righteous judgment, as well as human laws and decisions, in books like Deuteronomy and Isaiah.
Definition: : judgement/punishment 1) judgment, justice, ordinance 1a) judgment 1a1) act of deciding a case 1a2) place, court, seat of judgment 1a3) process, procedure, litigation (before judges) 1a4) case, cause (presented for judgment) 1a5) sentence, decision (of judgment) 1a6) execution (of judgment) 1a7) time (of judgment) 1b) justice, right, rectitude (attributes of God or man) 1c) ordinance 1d) decision (in law) 1e) right, privilege, due (legal) 1f) proper, fitting, measure, fitness, custom, manner, plan
Usage: Occurs in 406 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] adversary, ceremony, charge, [idiom] crime, custom, desert, determination, discretion, disposing, due, fashion, form, to be judged, judgment, just(-ice, -ly), (manner of) law(-ful), manner, measure, (due) order, ordinance, right, sentence, usest, [idiom] worthy, [phrase] wrong. See also: Genesis 18:19; 1 Kings 2:3; Psalms 1:5.
Study Notes — Job 32:9
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 32:9 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 32:9
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 32:9
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 32:9
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 32:9
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 32:9
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 32:9
- Cambridge Bible on Job 32:9
- Barnes' Notes on Job 32:9
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 32:9
- Sermons on Job 32:9
Context — Elihu Rebukes Job’s Friends
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.
10Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I too will declare what I know.’ 11Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 11:25 | At that time Jesus declared, “I praise You, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. |
| 2 | Job 12:20 | He deprives the trusted of speech and takes away the discernment of elders. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 4:13 | Better is a poor but wise youth than an old but foolish king who no longer knows how to take a warning. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 1:26–27 | Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. |
| 5 | 1 Corinthians 2:7–8 | No, we speak of the mysterious and hidden wisdom of God, which He destined for our glory before time began. None of the rulers of this age understood it. For if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. |
| 6 | John 7:48 | “Have any of the rulers or Pharisees believed in Him? |
| 7 | James 2:6–7 | But you have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the noble name by which you have been called? |
| 8 | Jeremiah 5:5 | I will go to the powerful and speak to them. Surely they know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God.” But they too, with one accord, had broken the yoke and torn off the chains. |
Job 32:9 Summary
This verse, Job 32:9, reminds us that wisdom and understanding are not just for older people. According to Job 32:8, it is the 'breath of the Almighty' that gives us understanding, regardless of our age. This means that anyone can seek wisdom from God and gain a deeper understanding of His justice, as encouraged by Psalm 119:99. By seeking God's wisdom and guidance, we can all grow in our understanding of Him and His ways, no matter how old we are (Proverbs 9:10).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Job 32:9?
The main point of Job 32:9 is that wisdom and understanding are not limited to the elderly, as stated in the verse 'It is not only the old who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice.' This is reinforced by the preceding verse, Job 32:8, which notes that 'there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.'
Is age a factor in gaining wisdom according to this verse?
According to Job 32:9, age is not the sole determining factor in gaining wisdom, as it says 'It is not only the old who are wise, or the elderly who understand justice.' This idea is also supported by Psalm 119:99, which says 'I have more insight than all my teachers, for I meditate on your statutes.'
How does this verse relate to other biblical teachings on wisdom?
This verse aligns with other biblical teachings that emphasize the importance of seeking wisdom from God, such as Proverbs 9:10, which states 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.'
What is the implication of this verse for younger believers?
The implication of Job 32:9 for younger believers is that they should not feel inferior or less capable of understanding spiritual truths simply because of their age, as 1 Timothy 4:12 encourages younger believers to 'set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, and in purity.'
Reflection Questions
- In what ways have I assumed that age is a primary factor in determining wisdom, and how can I adjust my perspective to align with Job 32:9?
- How can I cultivate a deeper understanding of God's justice and wisdom, regardless of my age or experience?
- What are some ways that I can seek wisdom from God, as encouraged by Proverbs 9:10, and apply it to my life?
- How can I use my unique experiences and perspectives to contribute to the discussion of spiritual truths, as encouraged by Job 32:10?
Gill's Exposition on Job 32:9
Great men are not [always] wise,.... Men of grandeur and dignity, as Job's friends might be, the rich, the honourable, and noble; the apostle is thought to refer to this, at least to express the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 32:9
Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand judgment. Great - rather, old (Job 32:6). so the Hebrew in Genesis 25:13, "Greater, less," for the older, the younger. Judgment - what is right.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 32:9
Great men, i.e. men of eminency for age or learning, or dignity and power, such as Job’ s three friends seem to have been. Judgment; what is just and right; or the judgment of God, and the methods and reasons of his administrations.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 32:9
Job 32:9 Great men are not [always] wise: neither do the aged understand judgment.Ver. 9. Great men are not always wise] Rabbis are not the grandees of the earth; they who seem to be somewhat, Galatians 2:6, and take it ill if they be not so accounted, these are not always wise, or these are none of the wisest. Non sunt sapientes magistri, so Brentius reads it. Our masters ( ut sunt magistri nostri Parisienses) have not engrossed all the wisdom. And why? Spiritus non est alligatus Rabbinorum authoritati, et magistrorum nostrorum capitiis, &c.: the spirit of knowledge, and of the fear of the Lord, is in nowise bound to such, nor are his gifts held captive by any, but freely distributed according to the good pleasure of his will, who worketh all, and in all. Paphnutius was wiser than the whole council; John Wycliffe, than the University of Oxford; Daniel, than all the magicians of Babylon, Patres legendi cum venia. Fathers of reading with favour. Augustine, being oppressed with the authority of the Fathers, saith, he regardeth not Quis, but Quid; who speaketh a thing, but what he speaketh. Neither do the aged understand judgment] Prudence is not proper to old age; and though knowledge be the daughter of time, it doth not always happen that the most aged are the most learned.
Wisdom doth not ever lean upon a staff nor look through spectacles. Experience giveth us to see both old fools and young wise men, some of each sort. When the State of Venice once sent two young men ambassadors to the Emperor Frederick IV, and he, being offended at their age, refused to admit them; they bid him to know, That if the Venetians had valued men by their gravity and well grown beards as the only wise men, they would, doubtless, have sent on their embassy a pair of well bearded goats: for, Si prolixa facit sapientem barba, quid obstat Barbatus possit quin caper esse Plato?
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 32:9
(9) Great men are not always wise.—That is, old men. He had just before said that he was “little in days” (Job 32:6); or it may be used in the sense of number, many, or multitudes. (Comp. what Job himself said, Job 12:2 : “No doubt because ye are a people wisdom will die with you.”)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 32:9
Verse 9. Great men are not always wise] This is a true saying, which the experience of every age and every country increasingly verifies. And it is most certain that, in the case before us, the aged did not understand judgment; they had a great many wise and good sayings, which they had collected, but showed neither wisdom nor discretion in applying them.
Cambridge Bible on Job 32:9
9. Great men] Or, old men—great in age, as the parallel in the second clause explains; cf. Genesis 25:23 (lit. the greater shall serve the less).
Barnes' Notes on Job 32:9
Great men are not always wise - Though wisdom may in general be looked for in them, yet it is not universally true. Great men here denote those who are distinguished for rank, age, authority.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 32:9
9. Great men are not… wise — Literally, not the great are wise, that is, (according to the Septuagint,) “the great in years.” Old age does not necessarily imply wisdom.
Sermons on Job 32:9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Be Filled With the Holy Spirit - Part 2 by Jackie Pullinger | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Acts 1:4-8 and emphasizes the importance of waiting for the gift of the Holy Spirit. He mentions that although some may already feel they hav |
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(John - Part 13): Nicodemus - the Need for Utter Sincerity Before God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the speaker criticizes religious discussion groups, stating that they often engage in superficial conversations without truly connecting with God. He emphasizes the |
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Attributes of God (Series 2): The Omniscience of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher uses the analogy of a cracked piece of glass being transformed into a beautiful piece of art to illustrate how God can turn our brokenness into somethi |
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(John - Part 32): If Any Man Will Do His Will, He Shall Know by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of complete self-renunciation and obedience to God's will in order to truly know and understand the truth. He warns against m |
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His Infinitude - Part 2 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the belief that God created the beautiful wonders of nature, such as sunsets, with joy and intention. The preacher supports this belief by r |
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What to Forget and What to Remember by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being born again in order to enter God's kingdom. He shares the story of D.L. Moody, a renowned evangelist, who preached th |
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Physicians of No Value by B.B. Caldwell | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of evangelism and spreading the word of God. He criticizes those who have been brainwashed and have become false teachers, le |