Job 33 16

Job 33:16 kjv

Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,

Job 33:16 nkjv

Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction.

Job 33:16 niv

he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings,

Job 33:16 esv

then he opens the ears of men and terrifies them with warnings,

Job 33:16 nlt

He whispers in their ears
and terrifies them with warnings.

Job 33 verses

Job 33 16 Meaning

Job 33:16 speaks to the active and intentional way God communicates with humanity. It explains that God takes specific action to enable individuals to genuinely understand His message (by "opening their ears"). Furthermore, He ensures that this divinely imparted instruction is deeply embedded and made effective within them, making its impact firm and lasting ("seals their instruction"), all for their preservation from ruin.

Job 33 16 Context

Job 33:16 is part of Elihu's third discourse, specifically within his argument (Job 33:14-18) that God speaks to humanity through various means to save them, contrary to Job's assertion that God is silent or indifferent. Elihu maintains that God does not necessarily speak in the way Job expects (direct answers to his accusations). Instead, God communicates in accessible ways, such as dreams and visions (v. 15), to convey instruction. Verse 16 highlights the efficacy of this divine communication: it's not merely speaking, but speaking in a way that truly penetrates and establishes understanding. Elihu aims to explain that God uses discipline, instruction, and even suffering (a theme explored further in Job 33 and 34) not out of arbitrary punishment, but out of a redemptive desire to warn people, turn them from prideful deeds, and prevent their descent into destruction. Historically, dreams were a widely accepted medium for divine communication in the ancient Near East, affirming that God was actively involved in guiding individuals.

Job 33 16 Word analysis

• Then: Connects the action in verse 16 directly to the divine communication methods mentioned in verse 15 (dreams and visions). It signifies the consequential effect of God speaking.
• He opens: From the Hebrew verb galá (גָּלָה), meaning "to uncover, reveal, make bare, disclose." Here, it signifies more than merely speaking words; it denotes an active divine act of removing spiritual impediments or blindness, enabling a person to receive and understand profound truths they previously could not grasp. It points to God granting spiritual perception.
• the ears: Hebrew ozen (אֹזֶן). While physically referring to the auditory organ, in this context, it symbolizes spiritual receptivity and understanding. It refers to a willingness and capacity to hear, discern, and accept divine messages. This spiritual ear is often "dull" (Isa 6:10) or "heavy" (Zech 7:11) apart from God's intervention.
• of men: Encompasses humanity universally. This divine opening of ears is not restricted to a specific group but extends God's corrective instruction broadly to anyone He desires to warn and preserve.
• And seals: From the Hebrew chaṯam (חָתַם), meaning "to seal, shut up, close, authenticate, make complete or permanent." This is a crucial term. It does not imply "sealing off" so no more instruction can enter, but rather sealing in or firmly impressing the instruction. It denotes confirmation, validation, or the firm establishment of the message within the individual. Like a wax seal on a document, it gives the instruction divine authority, finality, and makes it undeniably imprinted and effective, ensuring it cannot be easily removed or disregarded. It makes the discipline stick, leading to a permanent shift or understanding.
• their instruction: Hebrew musar (מוּסָר). This is more than just information; it means "discipline, moral instruction, correction, chastening." It refers to the specific corrective teaching God imparts, designed to guide the individual away from errant ways, often involving a call to repentance and moral improvement. It is purposeful instruction aimed at behavioral change and spiritual growth, stemming from divine wisdom.

Job 33 16 Bonus section

This verse underscores the internal and sovereign work of God in human spiritual awakening. It's not enough for God to merely speak; He also grants the spiritual capacity to hear and understand, and then ensures the message takes root. This counters the notion of purely external revelation, emphasizing an essential divine enablement for true comprehension and transformation. Elihu’s emphasis on God’s gracious discipline is pivotal in shifting the dialogue from Job’s friends’ retributive theology towards a more nuanced understanding of suffering as a redemptive tool. Job 33:16, within its context, posits that divine communication through dreams, visions, and suffering is ultimately purposed to draw humans away from sin and preserve their lives, highlighting God's patient and saving love.

Job 33 16 Commentary

Job 33:16 serves as a powerful declaration by Elihu about God's compassionate nature and His proactive engagement with humanity. God does not remain distant or silent in the face of human pride or waywardness, as Job implies. Instead, He actively intervenes to prevent destruction. The verse portrays a twofold divine action: first, God supernaturally "opens the ears," granting a spiritual sensitivity and receptivity that enables individuals to truly hear and grasp His intended message, particularly His disciplinary wisdom. This isn't just an audible message but a message understood at a deeper, transformative level. Second, God "seals their instruction," which ensures that this imparted truth and discipline is not superficial or fleeting, but deeply imprinted and confirmed within the individual's conscience and understanding. It renders the divine lesson irreversible and inescapable, leading to effective correction. This sealing process aims to secure the individual's redemption, guarding them from destructive paths and the "Pit" (v. 18), aligning God's musar (discipline) with His loving purpose of salvation.