Bear with me a little, and I will show you: Bear translates a word which normally means “surround” as in Revised Standard Version footnote to Judges 20.43; Psalm 22.12; Habakkuk 1.4. Here the sense is understood as used in the Aramaic and Syriac versions, “to wait or to be patient.” A little refers to length of time, or as Good News Translation says, “a little longer.” Show refers here to presenting evidence that will convince Job. Therefore a more appropriate term is “teach, convince, enlighten, explain.”

For I have yet something to say on God’s behalf is literally “for there are still words for God.” This line gives the reason why Job should be patient with Elihu. The “words” which Elihu refers to are his own, which he wishes to speak on God’s behalf, as God’s spokesman. In line a Good News Translation has supplied “listen” and made line b the object of “listen.” To speak on God’s behalf means “in the place of God,” “for God’s cause,” or “as the one who speaks for God.” Verse 2 may also be expressed “Wait a little longer and I will help you to understand, because I still have things to say as God’s spokesman” or “… and I will tell you what God wants you to hear.”

Quoted with permission from Reyburn, Wiliam. A Handbook on Job. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1992. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .