Job 34 16

Job 34:16 kjv

If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.

Job 34:16 nkjv

"If you have understanding, hear this; Listen to the sound of my words:

Job 34:16 niv

"If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say.

Job 34:16 esv

"If you have understanding, hear this; listen to what I say.

Job 34:16 nlt

"Now listen to me if you are wise.
Pay attention to what I say.

Job 34 verses

Job 34 16 Meaning

Job 34:16 presents Elihu's direct challenge to Job, calling him to shift from self-justifying lament to receptive listening. Elihu urges Job, "If now you have understanding, hear this; listen to the sound of my words." This serves as a conditional invitation, suggesting that if Job truly possesses spiritual insight or wisdom, he ought to attentively heed the message Elihu is about to deliver regarding God's character and justice. It emphasizes the critical need for not just passive hearing, but active, discerning listening to comprehend divine truth.

Job 34 16 Context

Job 34:16 falls within Elihu's third speech (Job 34-37) in the book of Job. By this point, the debate between Job and his three friends has stagnated. Elihu, a younger observer who has waited patiently, now speaks up, criticizing both Job for his presumption in questioning God's justice and the friends for their inability to truly answer Job. Elihu positions himself as one who can offer a fresh perspective rooted in a deeper understanding of God's ways.

In Job 34, Elihu begins by inviting the "men of understanding" to hear him out, before directly addressing Job. He strongly asserts God's absolute righteousness, declaring that God cannot do wrong and always acts justly. His core argument counters Job's accusation that God afflicts the innocent without cause. Elihu explains that God's power and justice are inseparable; He governs creation perfectly, removing none from power arbitrarily. Suffering, Elihu posits, is often disciplinary or corrective, not solely punitive, aiming to turn individuals from pride or error. Verse 16 serves as a pivotal challenge to Job personally, urging him to set aside his own troubled assumptions and truly listen to the truths Elihu presents about God's unerring character. Historically, such debates about divine justice in the face of suffering were common in ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions, and Elihu here represents a defense of traditional theodicy against Job's desperate complaints, subtly polemicizing against the idea of a detached or unfair deity.

Job 34 16 Word analysis

• If now (אִם־נָ֥ה):

  • אִם (ʾim): "If" - introduces a conditional clause. It sets up a premise upon which the following imperative depends.
  • נָא (nāʾ): "Now" or "please" - an interjection requesting immediate attention or polite appeal. It imbues the command with urgency and a plea. The phrase collectively implies, "Since the time is opportune," or "I implore you now."

• you have understanding (בִּינָ֣ה לָּ֑ךְ):

  • בִּינָה (bīnnāh): "understanding," "discernment," "insight," "comprehension." Derived from בִּין (bīn), "to discern, perceive, understand." It denotes not just knowledge, but the capacity to distinguish, interpret, and make sense of information. Elihu challenges Job's assumed understanding by demanding he use it to grasp Elihu's perspective. It highlights the quality of intellectual or spiritual apprehension that Job professes to have, questioning its application in his present state.
  • לָּךְ (lāk): "to you," "for you," indicating possession or belonging.

• hear this (זֹ֑את שְׁמַע):

  • שְׁמַע (shəmaʿ): "Hear," "listen," "obey." This imperative is from שָׁמַע (shamaʿ), a common Hebrew verb signifying not merely auditory perception but also careful attention, comprehension, and often obedience. It implies actively processing and responding to what is said. Elihu calls Job to an engaged form of hearing.
  • זֹאת (zōʾt): "this" - refers to the specific discourse Elihu is about to deliver or has already begun to articulate. It focuses Job's attention on the forthcoming revelation of truth.

• listen (הַאֲזֶּֽן):

  • הַאֲזֶּן (haʾăzen): "Listen," "give ear," "pay careful attention." This imperative is from אָזַן (ʾāzan), literally meaning "to make sharp the ear," thus implying an intentional, focused, and discerning act of listening. It is a stronger, more emphatic command than shamaʿ, often used in wisdom literature or prophetic declarations to convey the importance of a message, demanding inner reception rather than superficial hearing.

• to the sound (לְקוֹל):

  • קוֹל (qôl): "Sound," "voice," "noise." While literally referring to an auditory phenomenon, in this context, qôl represents the substantial content, the message, or the utterance itself. It signifies that what follows is weighty, authoritatively delivered, and deserves deep consideration, not just passing acoustic attention.

• of my words (מִלָּ֑י):

  • מִלָּ֑י (millāy): "My words," "my speech," "my utterances." This is the plural form of מִלָּה (millāh), which often refers to significant discourse, formal address, or pronouncements. It points to the well-considered arguments and statements Elihu intends to present, emphasizing their substance and import.

Job 34 16 Bonus section

• Elihu as a Catalyst: Many scholars view Elihu as a transitional figure. While his speeches aren't divinely endorsed in the same way God's direct address is, his arguments serve to dismantle Job's self-righteous complaints and narrow perspective, making Job ready to truly listen to God's own words. Job 34:16 therefore also implies a preparing of the heart.
• The Power of Attentive Listening: The emphasis on truly "hearing" and "listening" (shamaʿ and ʾazan) points to a deep spiritual concept. Biblical "hearing" often implies understanding, belief, and obedience. Elihu implies that Job's spiritual ears have been closed by his suffering and despair, rendering him unable to hear the true nature of God.
• A Call for Intellectual Honesty: Elihu's "If now you have understanding..." serves as a call for intellectual and spiritual integrity. If Job claims wisdom, he must demonstrate it by open-minded engagement, rather than stubborn insistence on his own plight. This aligns with the biblical understanding that wisdom is practical and revealed through conduct, including humility to receive instruction.

Job 34 16 Commentary

Job 34:16 is Elihu's pointed challenge to Job's supposed wisdom, signaling a crucial moment in the dialogue. He suggests that if Job genuinely possesses the discernment he claims (or should possess), he is obligated to actively and intently listen to Elihu's forthcoming words. The doubling of "hear" (shamaʿ) and "listen" (ʾazan) amplifies the urgency and gravity of the plea. Elihu is not simply asking Job to tolerate his voice but to critically engage with the divine truth he believes himself to be articulating. This truth, unlike the previous arguments, will ultimately prepare Job for God's direct revelation. It highlights that true understanding involves humility to listen even when challenged, especially to words aiming to correct one's flawed perspective of God's justice. This verse underscores a foundational principle in wisdom literature: access to truth requires a receptive heart and an eager ear, not just intellectual capacity.