Job 32:16

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

فٱنتَظَرتُ لأَنَّهم لم يَتَكَلَّموا وتَوَقَّفوا فلم يُجيبوا مِن بَعدُ.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Elihu is speaking and expressing his frustration because Job and his friends have stopped talking and are not responding to each other anymore. Elihu waits, but there is no further conversation, so he decides to speak.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're playing a game where everyone takes turns to talk. But then suddenly, everyone stops talking and just stands there. That's how Elihu felt. He waited for a long time, but no one said anything more, so he decided to speak up.

Historical Background

The book of Job was likely written by an unknown author during the Patriarchal period, around 2000-1500 B.C.E. It was written to an audience of Israelites, who would have been familiar with the cultural practices and theological themes discussed in the book, including the nature of suffering and divine justice.

Living It Out Today

In modern life, this verse can be applied to situations where silence can make things worse. For example, if a group of friends are avoiding a difficult conversation, someone might need to step in and break the silence to resolve the issue.

Topics

• silence
• conversation
• waiting
• frustration
• speaking up
• divine justice

Related Verses

• Ecclesiastes 3:7
• Proverbs 17:27
• Luke 2:46
• James 1:19
• Ephesians 4:29

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Elihu wait before speaking?

Elihu waited because he was young and respectful of Job and his friends. He wanted to ensure he had a chance to listen to their arguments before offering his own perspective.

What does this verse teach about silence?

This verse teaches that silence can sometimes be uncomfortable and can prevent issues from being resolved. It suggests that sometimes it is necessary to break the silence to move forward.

How does Elihu's decision to speak apply to today?

In modern settings, Elihu's decision to speak up when others have stopped can be seen as a lesson in leadership and initiative. It shows that in some situations, speaking up can be the right thing to do.

What is the significance of Elihu's patience?

Elihu's patience highlights the importance of listening and understanding before jumping into a conversation. It shows that patience and careful consideration can lead to more thoughtful contributions.