Job 32 21

Job 32:21 kjv

Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person, neither let me give flattering titles unto man.

Job 32:21 nkjv

Let me not, I pray, show partiality to anyone; Nor let me flatter any man.

Job 32:21 niv

I will show no partiality, nor will I flatter anyone;

Job 32:21 esv

I will not show partiality to any man or use flattery toward any person.

Job 32:21 nlt

I won't play favorites
or try to flatter anyone.

Job 32 verses

Job 32 21 Meaning

Job 32:21 is Elihu's declarative statement of his resolve to speak with absolute impartiality and honesty. Before delivering his lengthy discourse, he sets a foundational principle: he will neither show favoritism (accept any man's person) nor use insincere or excessive praise (give flattering titles) toward anyone, regardless of their status. This commitment signifies his intention to deliver unvarnished truth, distinct from the biased arguments he felt were presented by Job and his three friends.

Job 32 21 Context

Job chapter 32 introduces Elihu, a new and younger character who has been observing the entire dialogue between Job and his three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar). Elihu waited until the older men had finished their arguments, feeling frustration at their inability to adequately answer Job and Job's self-justification. The preceding verses (Job 32:1-5) describe his rising anger at all parties. He believes the Spirit of God gives understanding (Job 32:8) and that true wisdom does not belong solely to the aged. Before he begins his long and complex speech (spanning chapters 32-37), Job 32:21 serves as a critical preamble, a declaration of intent. It is Elihu establishing his ethos and credibility by promising absolute impartiality and sincerity, distinguishing himself from the previous, ultimately unhelpful, arguments. This verse sets the stage for a speech he views as delivered under divine inspiration and therefore beyond human bias.

Job 32 21 Word analysis

• Let me not: This phrasing in the King James Version (KJV) introduces Elihu's strong personal declaration. While the KJV uses "I pray you" later which isn't present in all translations, the initial "Let me not" or simply "I will not" in Hebrew, emphasizes a firm resolve and intention not to act in a certain way. It marks a foundational principle for his discourse.
• I pray you: This phrase in the KJV, לֹא־אֶשָּׂא (lo-eśa'), doesn't literally translate as "I pray you." It more directly means "I will not lift up" or "I will not take up." The KJV translators might have added "I pray you" to soften the bluntness of Elihu's self-assertion or to convey a sense of solemnity, as if seeking divine approval for his impartiality, though the Hebrew text indicates a direct, determined statement of his intent.
• accept any man's person: The Hebrew phrase is אֶשָּׂא פְנֵי־אִישׁ (eśa' pəney-ʾîš), literally "lift up the face of a man." This is a significant Hebrew idiom meaning "to show partiality," "to have respect of persons," "to favor," or "to accept based on appearance/status rather than merit or truth." It implies being swayed by someone's social standing, wealth, influence, or power, leading to a biased judgment. This idiom is commonly used in legal or judicial contexts in the Old Testament to describe improper judgment (e.g., Deut 1:17, Prov 24:23). Elihu vows to speak truth irrespective of who he is addressing, be it Job, the older friends, or even potentially God's own previous statements from their flawed understanding.
• neither let me give flattering titles unto any man: The Hebrew is וְאֶל־אִישׁ לֹא אֲכַנֶּה (wə-ʾel-ʾîš loʾ ʾăkhannêh), meaning "and to a man I will not give a nickname/title" or "I will not flatter." The verb כַּנֶּה (kaneh) implies addressing someone with exaggerated honor, using obsequious language, or bestowing an unearned or insincere title for the purpose of currying favor, manipulation, or to avoid offending them. It signifies speaking with falsehood or sycophancy rather than plain, honest truth. Elihu explicitly rejects this, asserting that his speech will be direct, truthful, and free from deceitful compliments.

Job 32 21 Bonus section

• A contrast to human judgment: Elihu's declaration stands in stark contrast to the common human tendency to judge based on external appearances, social status, or personal gain. He implicitly criticizes the previous speakers for their partiality or fear of upsetting traditional theological stances.
• Foreshadowing divine speech: Elihu's commitment to impartiality and non-flattery somewhat foreshadows the manner in which God Himself speaks to Job out of the whirlwind. God does not flatter Job, nor does He show partiality; instead, He delivers direct, challenging truths that put Job in his rightful place.
• The urgency of conviction: Elihu's language throughout Job 32 (e.g., "I am full of words," "the spirit within me presses me") indicates that his declaration in verse 21 is not merely a polite formality, but a deep-seated conviction born of a spiritual burden to speak truthfully and justly.
• Ethical foundation for prophetic utterance: This verse provides an important ethical framework for anyone claiming to speak on behalf of God or to deliver a message of truth. True divine communication, whether prophetic or instructional, must be free from human biases, flattery, and fear.

Job 32 21 Commentary

Job 32:21 is a crucial ethical declaration from Elihu, setting the stage for his intervention in the theological debate. It acts as Elihu's personal preamble, a self-imposed ethical guideline for his impending speech. By vowing not to "accept any man's person" and to avoid "flattering titles," Elihu promises absolute impartiality and unvarnished truthfulness. This distinguishes him from Job's friends, whom he views as having unfairly condemned Job, and from Job himself, whom he perceives as overly justifying himself. Elihu positions himself as an honest broker, one who will speak truth irrespective of social standing, wealth, or power, echoing the divine standard of justice that "shows no partiality." His motivation, articulated in the preceding verses, stems from a divine compulsion—the "Spirit within" him—which drives him to speak without fear of man or desire for human approval. This declaration prepares the audience for a speech that might be uncomfortable or direct, as it will prioritize truth over politeness or personal advantage. It underscores a key biblical principle: righteous judgment and communication must be devoid of favoritism and deceit.