בּוּזִי (bu.zi)
bu.zi
Buzite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The noun buzi, appearing only twice in Scripture, identifies a person from the land or lineage of Buz. It functions as a gentilic adjective, most notably describing Elihu in Job 32:2 and 32:5 as a "Buzite." This term links the young speaker to his ancestry, specifically tracing his line back through Ram to Buz himself.
Lexical sources associate the name with the Hebrew root for contempt or disdain. While the text does not elaborate on the historical reasons for this designation, the etymology suggests a meaning related to being despised or held in low regard. This background adds a subtle layer to Elihu’s character, who enters the debate as a younger figure challenging the established wisdom of his elders.
Because the word occurs so rarely, its primary significance lies in establishing Elihu’s identity within the narrative structure of Job. It serves as a brief genealogical marker that grounds the speaker in a specific tribal or familial context, distinguishing him from the other three friends who are identified by their own names and lands.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Buz appears only twice in the Bible, attached to Elihu in the book of Job. It marks his lineage, tracing him back through Ram to a figure named Buz. While the root word can mean contempt, the text uses it simply as a family identifier. This brief mention grounds Elihu in history, showing that even young voices have a place in God’s story.
Elihu enters the conversation after older, more experienced friends have failed to comfort Job. His youth and specific background remind us that wisdom is not limited by age or status. God hears those who speak with humility, regardless of their lineage or how others might view them.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- the/ Buzite2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַ/בּוּזִי֮1×
- הַ/בּוּזִ֗י1×
Key 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.
This verse introduces Elihu as a Buzite, establishing his family line and setting the stage for his unique perspective in the debate.
-
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.
Here Elihu identifies himself as a Buzite to highlight his youth and respect for the elders, explaining why he waited to speak.