32:22 for I do not know how to give honorary titles, 1
if I did, 2 my Creator would quickly do away with me. 3
32:21 I will not show partiality to anyone, 4
nor will I confer a title 5 on any man.
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.”
4 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.
5 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.