Bursting at the Seams: Phonetic Rhetoric in the Speeches of Elihu

Abstract

This study explores the abundant ‘phonetic rhetoric’—or, language that depicts the expression and reception of words about words—in the Elihu Speeches (Job 32-37). This phonetic rhetoric frames nearly all of Elihu’s speech, and constitutes approximately one quarter of his language. An analysis of this rhetorical feature contributes to the ongoing debates about the place of Elihu in the book of Job, and to the interpretation of his character. It suggests that the Elihu Speeches climax the painful ordeal of Job following the rounds of dialogue with his companions. Furthermore, Elihu’s phonetic rhetoric depicts his character as oblivious to his own verbosity and the impact of his words vis-àvis Job’s desire to hear from God.