Text -- Job 32:20-22 (NET)

32:20 I will speak, so that I may find relief; I will open my lips, so that I may answer. 32:21 I will not show partiality to anyone, nor will I confer a title on any man. 32:22 for I do not know how to give honorary titles, if I did, my Creator would quickly do away with me.

Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Job 32:20

¹ tn The cohortative expresses Elihu’s resolve to speak.

NET Notes: Job 32:21

¹ tn The idiom is “I will not lift up the face of a man.” Elihu is going to show no favoritism, but speak his mind.

² tn The verb means “to confer an honorary title; to give a mark of distinction,” but it is often translated with the verb “flatter.” Elihu will not take sides, he will not use pompous titles.

NET Notes: Job 32:22

¹ tn The construction uses a perfect verb followed by the imperfect. This is a form of subordination equivalent to a complementary infinitive (see GKC 385-86 §120.c).

² tn The words “if I did” are supplied in the translation to make sense out of the two clauses.

³ tn Heb “quickly carry me away.”