10 Interesting Facts About Elihu in the Bible

Elihu is a lesser-known figure in the Bible, yet his words fill six entire chapters in the Book of Job. He appears suddenly and speaks with boldness, offering a fresh perspective on suffering and God's justice. Let’s explore 10 interesting facts about Elihu, supported by Scripture.

1. Elihu Was the Son of Barachel the Buzite

Elihu is introduced with a detailed lineage that connects him to a specific people group.

“So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. Then Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, burned with anger.” — Job 32:1–2

Elihu’s lineage matters. He’s from Buz, a descendant of Nahor, Abraham’s brother (Genesis 22:21). This ties Elihu to a noble, eastern heritage.

2. He Waited to Speak Because He Was Young

Unlike Job’s other friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—Elihu held his tongue until they had finished. He showed respect for age before challenging them.

“I am young in years, and you are aged; therefore I was timid and afraid to declare my opinion to you.” — Job 32:6

This humility contrasts sharply with the bold tone he adopts once he begins.

3. Elihu Becomes Angry—At Everyone

Elihu’s speech is sparked by anger. But it’s not just at Job; it’s also at the three friends.

“He burned with anger at Job because he justified himself rather than God. He burned with anger also at Job’s three friends because they had found no answer, although they had declared Job to be in the wrong.” — Job 32:2–3

Elihu criticizes Job for self-righteousness and the friends for having no true wisdom.

4. Elihu’s Name Means ‘He is My God’

The name Elihu (אֵלִיהוּ) is Hebrew and comes from El (God) and hu (he). His name may reflect his role as someone speaking about God's character.

This connects deeply with his message about God’s justice and power.

5. He Claims to Speak by God’s Spirit

Elihu isn’t just offering human opinion. He believes he is moved by the Spirit of God.

“For I am full of words; the spirit within me constrains me. Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent... I must speak, that I may find relief.” — Job 32:18–20

This inspiration gives weight to his words, though not all scholars agree he is divinely endorsed.

6. He Stresses That God Is Just and Merciful

A major theme in Elihu’s speeches is that God is both fair and kind—even in suffering.

“Behold, God is mighty, and does not despise any; he is mighty in strength of understanding.” — Job 36:5

Elihu argues that suffering can be a tool of correction, not just punishment.

7. He Sees Suffering as Instructional

Elihu introduces a new idea: God may use suffering to teach and restore people, not simply to punish.

“He delivers the afflicted by their affliction and opens their ear by adversity.” — Job 36:15

This concept of redemptive suffering stands out from the views of Job’s other friends.

8. He Uses Nature to Describe God’s Power

Elihu paints poetic images of storms, thunder, and rain to explain God’s greatness.

“God thunders wondrously with his voice; he does great things that we cannot comprehend.” — Job 37:5

These images set the stage for God’s appearance in a whirlwind just after Elihu finishes.

9. God Never Rebukes Elihu

Unlike the other friends, Elihu is not mentioned in God’s rebuke at the end of the book.

“After the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite: ‘My anger burns against you and against your two friends, for you have not spoken of me what is right, as my servant Job has.’” — Job 42:7

This silence has led some scholars to believe Elihu’s words were closer to the truth.

10. He Prepares the Way for God to Speak

Elihu’s long speech ends just before God speaks from the whirlwind. It seems intentional.

“At this also my heart trembles and leaps out of its place.” — Job 37:1

His focus on God’s majesty leads directly into God’s divine response in Job 38.

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