Job 32 22

Job 32:22 kjv

For I know not to give flattering titles; in so doing my maker would soon take me away.

Job 32:22 nkjv

For I do not know how to flatter, Else my Maker would soon take me away.

Job 32:22 niv

for if I were skilled in flattery, my Maker would soon take me away.

Job 32:22 esv

For I do not know how to flatter, else my Maker would soon take me away.

Job 32:22 nlt

For if I tried flattery,
my Creator would soon destroy me.

Job 32 verses

Job 32 22 Meaning

Elihu declares his inability or refusal to engage in flattery or to bestow excessive, untrue, or deifying praise upon any human being. He states that should he do so, his Creator, the Sovereign God who fashioned him, would swiftly bring an end to his life. This highlights his conviction that such insincere praise is a grave offense against the truthful character of God and God's exclusive claim to ultimate honor, and thus would incur divine judgment.

Job 32 22 Context

Job 32 marks a shift in the book, introducing Elihu, a younger man who has remained silent, listening to the prolonged discourse between Job and his three friends. Elihu claims to be "full of words" and compelled by "the Spirit of God" (32:18-19) to speak, believing that both Job and his friends have erred in their arguments. He expresses his indignation, not only at Job for justifying himself more than God but also at Job's friends for failing to adequately answer Job yet condemning him. Elihu positions himself as one who will speak without partiality or fear of man, standing squarely for God's righteousness and wisdom. Verses 21-22 explicitly state his resolve to be impartial and free from flattery, contrasting his approach with the human tendency to favor powerful or eloquent individuals. He sees flattery as a serious transgression against God, hence the stark warning of divine judgment on himself should he engage in it. This preamble sets the tone for Elihu's extensive and assertive monologue (chapters 32-37), which reasserts God's majesty, wisdom, and sovereign dealings with humanity, particularly through affliction as a means of discipline and revelation, rather than solely as punishment for specific sin.

Job 32 22 Word analysis

• For (כִּ֣י - ki): A conjunction meaning "because," "for," or "indeed." It introduces the reason or justification for Elihu's preceding declaration (32:21) that he will not show partiality or flatter any man. It signifies the principle underlying his speech.
• I know not (לֹ֤א יָדַ֙עְתִּי֙ - lo yādaʿtî): Literally "not I know." Yadaʿ means "to know," "to understand," or "to be acquainted with." Here, it expresses more than a lack of information; it conveys Elihu's profound refusal or inability to engage in such conduct, implying an ethical and spiritual impossibility. It's an expression of his integrity rooted in a moral and divine understanding, indicating that his nature or his devotion to God precludes such actions.
• to give flattering titles (לְכַנּוֹת־תֹּ֑אשׁ - lekhannōt-tōʾaš): This is a crucial phrase.
  • לְכַנּוֹת (lekhannōt): Infinitive construct of the verb kanah, meaning "to title," "to surname," "to call by name," but often extending to "to flatter" or "to eulogize." It signifies giving a name or an appellation that may be undeserved or excessively praising.
  • תֹּאשׁ (tōʾaš): This noun is singular and can be difficult to translate precisely. Possible meanings include "folly," "wickedness," "emptiness," "a fool," or "vanity." In context, it strongly implies "that which is empty, vain, or false praise" (e.g., attributing divine-like wisdom or faultless virtue to a human). Thus, "to flatter" in this context is to engage in speaking something vain, foolish, or falsely exalted about a human being, potentially even assigning them attributes proper only to God. It indicates speaking "to no good purpose" or "wickedly."
• in so doing / else (וּבְגַלְמָנִ֥י - ûḇəḡal'mānî): The Hebrew preposition ûb ("and in/when/if") with galmaniy, derived from the root galam, which means "to wrap up," "to fold," "to enclose." In a derived sense, it can mean "to be veiled," "to act falsely or deceitfully," or "to behave foolishly/ignorantly." It is often interpreted as "if I were to be deceitful/flattering/foolish in my praise." The KJV's "in so doing" or the ESV's "else" or "otherwise" captures the conditional, consequential nature, implying "if I were to act deceptively with empty praise." It's not necessarily "soon" but points to the inevitable outcome if such a deceitful action were taken.
• my Maker (עֹשִֽׂי - ʿōsî): Literally "my maker," from the verb ʿāsah, "to make," "to do," "to fashion," "to create." This term for God emphasizes His sovereign role as Creator and Giver of life. By calling God "my Maker," Elihu underscores the intimate relationship of creature to Creator and the Creator's absolute authority over his very existence. This personal identification highlights the offense of flattery: it misappropriates glory that belongs only to the One who makes.
• would soon take me away (יִקָּחֵ֖נִי - yiqqāḥēnî): From the verb lāqaḥ, meaning "to take," "to seize," "to receive." This phrase unequivocally refers to God taking Elihu's life, implying a swift divine judgment by means of death. The word "soon" is an interpretive addition in some translations, implying the immediate and certain consequence of God's judgment against flattery; it is the inevitable outcome rather than a time marker. It demonstrates Elihu's conviction regarding the severity of the offense.

Words-group analysis:

• "For I know not to give flattering titles": This opening phrase sets the tone for Elihu's integrity and his divine mandate. It signifies that flattery is not merely something he refrains from, but something fundamentally contrary to his knowledge and reverence for God. The inclusion of tōʾaš (folly/vanity) means the "flattering titles" are not just over-the-top praise, but inherently empty, false, and potentially blasphemous, attributing to humans what belongs to God.
• "in so doing my Maker would soon take me away": This second part underscores the gravity of flattery in Elihu's theology. He believes that giving undue or false praise to a human is an affront so serious that it warrants immediate divine judgment, implying God's jealous nature regarding His own glory and truth. The Creator has absolute authority over life, and misdirected praise provokes this ultimate judgment. This fear of God guides Elihu's resolve to speak only truth.

Job 32 22 Bonus section

The concept of "flattery" (lekhannot-to'ash) as vain or false praise also links to the biblical prohibition against bearing false witness or swearing falsely by God's name. Flattery, when it involves assigning undue honor or attributing qualities (especially wisdom, truth, or justice beyond human capacity) to another, is a perversion of truth. In a theological debate like the one in Job, Elihu sees such distorted speech as a profound offense because it directly challenges God's ultimate truth and righteousness. Elihu's willingness to invoke immediate divine death as the consequence reveals a view that flattery is not a minor sin but one that affronts God's holiness and supremacy, warranting direct and decisive intervention from the sovereign Creator who grants and takes away life. His resolute stance underscores a robust biblical principle that true piety requires speaking the truth in every circumstance, especially when representing or honoring God.

Job 32 22 Commentary

Job 32:22 is a declaration of profound theological conviction by Elihu, serving as a powerful preamble to his arguments. He states that he cannot and will not engage in flattery because such an act would directly offend God, his "Maker," who would consequently "take him away," meaning swiftly end his life. This statement underscores several critical biblical truths:

Firstly, it highlights the seriousness of flattery from God's perspective. In a cultural context where flattery was often used for social gain or to curry favor, Elihu portrays it not merely as impolite but as a grave moral and spiritual offense. The "flattering titles" are likely not just exaggerated compliments, but "vain" or "empty" praise (to'ash), implying that they might ascribe qualities, wisdom, or honor to a human that belongs solely to God. This elevates flattery to a potential form of idolatry or usurpation of divine prerogative.

Secondly, it emphasizes God's absolute sovereignty and claim to exclusive glory. By identifying God as "my Maker," Elihu grounds his inability to flatter in the fundamental reality of God as the Creator and Sustainer of life. All praise, all honor, and all truth ultimately derive from and belong to Him. To offer such unreserved praise to a human is to detract from the divine, prompting a divine response of judgment. This reflects the deep theological truth that God shares His glory with no one (Isa 42:8, 48:11).

Finally, Elihu's statement demonstrates his profound fear of God and his commitment to integrity. He prioritizes pleasing his Maker over pleasing men, showcasing a radical commitment to truthfulness that transcends the common human desire for acceptance or avoiding conflict. His fear of God's swift judgment overrides any temptation to engage in insincere speech. This sets Elihu apart from Job's friends, whom he criticizes for not having "found an answer" to Job, perhaps implying they held back due to reverence or fear of Job, something Elihu is unwilling to do. He positions himself as one speaking truth for truth's sake, in reverence to the one true God.

Practical Application Examples:

• For believers: It serves as a stark reminder against hypocrisy and insincere praise in all relationships. It challenges Christians to speak truthfully and with integrity, avoiding language that seeks to manipulate or gain favor by deifying or excessively praising others.
• For leaders: Those in positions of authority or influence should be wary of flattery directed at them, understanding that it often conceals ulterior motives or elevates humans beyond their rightful place, distracting from God's glory.
• In spiritual discernment: The verse aids in discerning those who speak truthfully versus those who flatter for gain, urging a critical ear for sincere words rather than smooth ones.