Elihu אֱלִיהוּ

Male H0453K 1 book

A young man who spoke to Job.

Biography

Elihu is a character in the Book of Job who speaks to Job and his three friends after they had finished their dialogue (Job.32-37). He is described as a young man from the family of Ram, and he became angry with Job for justifying himself rather than God and with Job's friends for not finding an answer to Job's complaints (Job.32.2-3). Elihu waited to speak until after the older men had finished, showing respect for their age (Job.32.4-6). In his speeches, Elihu emphasizes God's justice, sovereignty, and wisdom, arguing that God uses suffering to discipline and purify people (Job.33-37). He also asserts that God is greater than human understanding and that people should submit to His will (Job.36-37). After Elihu's speech, God Himself addresses Job out of the whirlwind (Job.38.1). The Bible does not provide any further information about Elihu's life or background.

Family

In Scripture

1 biblical book
Job 5 verses
  • Job 32:2

    "Then the wrath of Elihu the son of Barachel, the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled against Job. His wrath was kindled because he justified himself rather than God."

  • Job 32:4

    "Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job, because they were elder than he."

  • Job 32:5

    "When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled."

  • Job 32:6

    "Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered, “I am young, and you are very old; Therefore I held back, and didn’t dare show you my opinion."

  • Job 34:1

    "Moreover Elihu answered,"

Names & Aliases

Form Language Script Strong's
Named Hebrew אֱלִיהוּ H0453K