Job 34 34

Job 34:34 kjv

Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me.

Job 34:34 nkjv

"Men of understanding say to me, Wise men who listen to me:

Job 34:34 niv

"Men of understanding declare, wise men who hear me say to me,

Job 34:34 esv

Men of understanding will say to me, and the wise man who hears me will say:

Job 34:34 nlt

After all, bright people will tell me,
and wise people will hear me say,

Job 34 verses

Job 34 34 Meaning

Elihu declares with confidence that discerning individuals, those possessing genuine insight and wisdom, will wholeheartedly affirm the truth and righteousness of his arguments regarding God's absolute justice and sovereignty. He expects not only verbal assent but also attentive and receptive understanding from such men.

Job 34 34 Context

Job 34 is part of Elihu's second monologue (chapters 34-37). He has just entered the discourse, asserting his God-given understanding, implying his superiority to Job's three older friends, and perhaps to Job himself. In this chapter, Elihu directly confronts Job, challenging his lamentations and implied accusations of God's injustice. He argues passionately for God's absolute righteousness, power, and impartial governance over all creation. Elihu insists that God never does wrong, nor perverts justice, observing the ways of all mankind meticulously (v. 21). He defends God's disciplinary actions as righteous and transformative, not punitive or arbitrary. Within this lengthy defense, verse 34 functions as Elihu's confident appeal to those who truly possess spiritual discernment, claiming that his declarations about God's justice will resonate with their wisdom. It reflects Elihu's conviction that he speaks a truth that should be self-evident to discerning individuals, serving as a rhetorical flourish to reinforce the validity of his discourse.

Job 34 34 Word analysis

• Men (אִישׁ ish): This Hebrew term generally denotes a male human being. In this context, it specifies a select group of people, distinguishing them by their quality ("of understanding" and "wise men"), rather than a general populace. It emphasizes their individual capacity for discernment.
• of understanding (תְבוּנָה tᵉvunah): Derived from the root בִין (bin), meaning "to understand," "discern," or "perceive." This word signifies insight, comprehension, and often refers to practical and spiritual discernment, not merely intellectual knowledge. It implies an ability to grasp the meaning and implications of complex truths, particularly concerning divine justice and order, moving beyond superficial appearances. It suggests a depth of spiritual perception required to comprehend God's ways.
• will say to me (יֹאמְרוּ לִי yo'meru li): The verb יֹאמְרוּ (from אָמַר amar, "to say," "speak") is in the Qal imperfect, plural. This form can be declarative (as rendered here) or hortatory ("let them say"). Elihu's use is assertive, implying that discerning individuals will inevitably concur with his perspective. The particle לִי (li), meaning "to me," underscores his personal vindication—that their affirmation will be directed towards him and his message.
• and wise men (וַחֲכָם wachakam): The conjunction וַ (wa-, "and") links this phrase. חָכָם (chakam) denotes one who is wise, characterized not just by intellect, but by practical skill, sound judgment, and moral discretion, especially wisdom rooted in reverence for God (Prov 1:7). In biblical wisdom literature, chakam often represents an ideal type of person whose life is guided by divine principles.
• will listen to me (יִשְׁמַע לִי yish'ma li): The verb יִשְׁמַע (from שָׁמַע shama, "to hear," "listen") is also Qal imperfect, singular, matching "wise men." The nuance of shama includes not just physical hearing, but attentive listening, careful consideration, and importantly, obedience or compliance. Therefore, "will listen to me" suggests agreement, acceptance, and possibly even action in response to his words. Again, the לִי (li), "to me," emphasizes the acceptance of Elihu’s message.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Men of understanding" and "wise men": These two phrases form a classic parallelism found in biblical wisdom literature, signifying a holistic embodiment of spiritual discernment and practical knowledge derived from God. Elihu appeals to the highest human faculties for judgment, implying that his words are not for the naive or undiscerning but for those capable of appreciating profound theological truths. The combination suggests individuals who not only grasp complex concepts (understanding) but also apply them judiciously (wisdom).
• "will say to me" and "will listen to me": This parallel construction highlights the two modes of reception Elihu anticipates from the truly wise. "Will say to me" indicates vocal affirmation or public endorsement of his message. "Will listen to me" implies deep, reflective attention and acceptance of his perspective, moving beyond mere acknowledgment to internalization. Together, they demonstrate Elihu’s strong conviction that his words carry inherent truth that will compel agreement and acceptance from those truly capable of discerning it. This is not a plea for their agreement but a confident prophecy of their certain concurrence.

Job 34 34 Bonus section

• The Voice of Youthful Wisdom: This verse encapsulates Elihu's unique contribution to the debate. Despite being younger than the other participants (Job 32:6), he claims superior insight not due to age, but due to divine inspiration. His appeal to "understanding" and "wise" men validates his seemingly presumptuous role, suggesting that truth's authority does not rely on conventional status but on its divine origin.
• Polemics against Superficial Judgment: Elihu’s statement is a direct counterpoint to superficial or emotional judgments of God’s actions. By stating that the truly wise will agree, he implies that those who do not agree—like Job in his despair—are lacking this understanding, or are too entangled in their personal experience to see God’s grander, righteous design. This serves as a strong challenge to re-evaluate one's perspective in light of deeper theological truths.
• Preparing for Theophany: Some biblical scholars view Elihu's speeches, particularly this emphasis on God's inherent justice and perfect governance, as divinely orchestrated to prepare Job for the subsequent direct appearance and speech of God (Job 38-41). Elihu serves as a bridge, articulating truths that clear the way for God's profound self-revelation. His words align with the theological core of God's later questions, which underscore divine wisdom, power, and incomprehensibility.

Job 34 34 Commentary

Elihu's confident assertion in Job 34:34 marks a pivotal point in his discourse, establishing his rhetorical authority and drawing a clear distinction between his understanding and the flawed perspectives of Job and his friends. He places his arguments squarely before the tribunal of true wisdom, fully expecting validation from anyone who possesses genuine spiritual discernment. This is not arrogance in the conventional sense, but a profound conviction that his insights into God's character and actions are aligned with divine truth.

Elihu's theology, as articulated throughout chapter 34, presents God as utterly just and sovereign, active in human affairs not only to punish wickedness but also to discipline and purify. He contests Job’s insinuation of arbitrary suffering or divine oversight, affirming that God sees all and acts perfectly (Job 34:21-22). His appeal to "men of understanding" and "wise men" implicitly challenges Job to rise above his anguish and see God's just hand in his circumstances. It also implicitly critiques Job's friends, whose simplistic retribution theology failed to comfort Job or honor God correctly. Elihu suggests that if they (Job's friends, or anyone else) had true understanding, they would readily concur with his comprehensive view of God's perfect governance. This verse therefore underscores Elihu's role as a divine messenger preparing Job, and the reader, for a more profound revelation of God's infinite wisdom and justice, ultimately culminating in God's own direct address.