Job 33 8

Job 33:8 kjv

Surely thou hast spoken in mine hearing, and I have heard the voice of thy words, saying,

Job 33:8 nkjv

"Surely you have spoken in my hearing, And I have heard the sound of your words, saying,

Job 33:8 niv

"But you have said in my hearing? I heard the very words?

Job 33:8 esv

"Surely you have spoken in my ears, and I have heard the sound of your words.

Job 33:8 nlt

"You have spoken in my hearing,
and I have heard your very words.

Job 33 verses

Job 33 8 Meaning

Job 33:8 opens Elihu's first direct address to Job, emphasizing his careful and personal attentiveness to Job's previous statements. Elihu declares that he heard Job's words clearly and distinctly, asserting his direct witness to Job's discourse. This verse establishes Elihu's factual basis for the counsel he is about to offer, presenting himself as a listener who truly understood the accusations and sentiments Job expressed. It highlights the importance of active listening and accountability for one's speech within a dialogue.

Job 33 8 Context

Job 33:8 is part of Elihu’s first major speech in the book of Job, following the silence of Job’s three friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar), who had no further arguments against Job’s strong self-justifications. Elihu, a younger observer, steps forward, having previously restrained himself. He claims to have waited patiently and listened carefully to the entire dialogue between Job and his friends. This specific verse establishes Elihu's personal qualification to speak; he asserts he is not acting on hearsay but on a direct, attentive hearing of Job's very words. He aims to present a new, God-centered perspective on suffering and God's justice, believing both Job and his friends have fallen short in their understanding. The historical and cultural context values careful oratory, deep theological discussion, and the role of wise counsel, setting the stage for Elihu’s entrance as someone who claims to possess discerning wisdom beyond the elder counselors.

Job 33 8 Word analysis

• אָכֵן (Akhen): This Hebrew word means "surely," "indeed," "truly," or "of a truth." It is a strong affirmation, underscoring the certainty and veracity of Elihu's claim. It emphasizes that what follows is an undeniable fact that Elihu holds Job accountable for.
• אָמַרְתָּ (amarta): "you have spoken" or "you have said." This is a form of the Hebrew verb `אָמַר` (amar), meaning "to say" or "to speak." It is in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action, specifically, Job's previous utterances.
• בְאָזְנָי (be'oznay): This phrase translates to "in my hearing" or "in my ears." The `בְ` (be-) prefix means "in" or "by," and `אָזְנָי` (oznay) is the dual form of `אֹזֶן` (ozen), meaning "ear." The use of the dual form of "ear" stresses the direct, personal, and complete nature of Elihu's perception—he heard it with both ears, without intermediary or misunderstanding.
• וְקוֹל (vekol): "and the sound/voice of." The `וְ` (ve-) means "and," connecting this phrase. `קוֹל` (qol) means "voice," "sound," or "noise." Here, it refers not just to individual words, but the audible expression and the collective "voice" or tenor of Job's discourse. It encompasses the implications and nuances beyond just the lexical meaning.
• מִלִּין (milin): "words." This is a plural form often associated with Aramaic influence or Aramaizing Hebrew, as found frequently in the book of Job. It refers to utterances, statements, or a body of speech, suggesting the entire substance of Job's arguments and complaints.
• אָנִי (ani): "I." This is the first-person singular pronoun. Its inclusion here is emphatic, underscoring Elihu's personal responsibility for what he heard and emphasizing his individual perspective, distinct from Job’s friends. It serves to highlight Elihu himself as the active, attentive hearer.
• אֶשְׁמָע (eshma'): "I heard" or "I was hearing." This is from the verb `שָׁמַע` (shama'), "to hear," "to listen," or "to obey." While `amarta` ("you spoke") is perfect, `eshma'` is imperfect, suggesting an ongoing, receptive process of listening that encompassed the duration of Job's speeches. It emphasizes the active engagement and continued awareness Elihu has of what Job uttered.

• "אָכֵן אָמַרְתָּ בְאָזְנָי" ("Surely you have spoken in my hearing"): This phrase functions as a direct and firm assertion of fact. Elihu states unequivocally that Job’s words were heard personally and distinctly by him. It serves to remove any doubt about Elihu's right to respond, establishing his ground through verifiable direct experience.
• "וְקוֹל מִלִּין אָנִי אֶשְׁמָע" ("And I have heard the sound of your words"): This part reinforces the first phrase, emphasizing both the "sound" (`qol`)—implying not just the lexical content but the tone, emotion, and force—and the "words" (`milin`) as a collective body of Job's discourse. The emphatic "I" (`ani`) positions Elihu as a responsible and attentive auditor. It highlights that Elihu truly internalized and recognized the nature of Job’s complaints and arguments.

Job 33 8 Bonus section

Elihu's choice of language in Job 33:8 reflects his intent to present himself as a discerning and patient mediator. The specific use of "in my hearing" (בְאָזְנָי) using the dual form for ears, is a vivid image conveying directness and clarity, akin to a legal testimony. It’s not just "I heard," but "I heard with my own two ears," removing ambiguity. This emphasis on having personally and precisely heard Job's complaints sets up Elihu as a trustworthy interpreter of the divine ways, distinguishing himself from the previously silenced friends. The Book of Job itself is an extended exercise in listening and interpreting difficult words—those of sufferers, counselors, and ultimately, God. Elihu, from the outset, stakes his claim on superior hearing, preparing the ground for his revelation of God's redemptive discipline rather than punitive judgment.

Job 33 8 Commentary

Job 33:8 is foundational to Elihu’s intervention. It begins his first speech by immediately establishing his credibility as an attentive listener to Job's entire dialogue. By asserting, "Surely you have spoken in my hearing, and I have heard the sound of your words," Elihu signifies that his ensuing argument is not based on conjecture or hearsay but on direct, personal observation of Job's complaints and theological challenges. He doesn't merely acknowledge Job's utterances; he stresses having absorbed "the sound of your words," which implies he apprehended the very essence, implications, and potentially the accusatory tone, of Job's discourse against God. This meticulous listening stands in contrast to Job’s three friends, who are implied to have misunderstood or misinterpreted Job. Elihu, through this direct engagement, presents himself as someone prepared to offer a fresh perspective that respects what Job said, yet corrects Job's erroneous conclusions about God's justice. The verse subtly underscores the scriptural value of giving a fair hearing before responding, as well as the significant accountability associated with every spoken word before both men and God.