Albert Barnes Commentary Job 34:1

"Moreover Elihu answered and said," — Job 34:1 (ASV)

Furthermore, Elihu answered and said - That is, evidently, after a pause to see if Job had anything to reply. The word answered in the Scriptures often means “to begin a discourse,” though nothing had been said by others; see Job 3:2; Isaiah 14:10; Zechariah 1:10; Zechariah 3:4; Zechariah 4:11–12. Sometimes it is used with reference to a subject, meaning that one replied to what could be suggested on the opposite side. Here it may be understood either in the general sense of beginning a discourse, or more probably as replying to the sentiments Job had advanced in the debate with his friends.