Job 37 14

Job 37:14 kjv

Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God.

Job 37:14 nkjv

"Listen to this, O Job; Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God.

Job 37:14 niv

"Listen to this, Job; stop and consider God's wonders.

Job 37:14 esv

"Hear this, O Job; stop and consider the wondrous works of God.

Job 37:14 nlt

"Pay attention to this, Job.
Stop and consider the wonderful miracles of God!

Job 37 verses

Job 37 14 Meaning

Job 37:14 is an urgent appeal from Elihu to Job, compelling him to cease his argumentation and actively engage in deep contemplation of God's magnificent and incomprehensible actions in creation and providence. It is a call to humble submission and reverent awe before the supreme power and wisdom of the Almighty.

Job 37 14 Context

This verse comes from Elihu’s lengthy discourse to Job, found in chapters 32-37. Elihu, the youngest of Job’s interlocutors, positions himself as a spokesman for God, arguing that God is righteous, wise, and sovereign, even in His dealings with humanity, including suffering. Unlike Job’s three friends who repeatedly accuse Job of specific sin, Elihu emphasizes God's justice and wisdom, particularly through the example of natural phenomena. Elihu asserts that God speaks through various means, including natural events like storms, thunder, and lightning, to instruct and refine humanity (Job 36:26-37:13). Elihu's aim is to humble Job by focusing his attention not on his own suffering or perceived innocence, but on the incomprehensible majesty and power of God. This verse is a climatic exhortation, setting the stage for the climactic appearance of God Himself from the whirlwind, who subsequently reaffirms many of Elihu’s points regarding God's creative power and Job’s human limitations. Historically and culturally, in the ancient Near East, storms and natural wonders were often seen as direct manifestations of divine power, validating the might and sovereignty of the deity over all aspects of life. Elihu's words directly challenge Job's narrow, human-centered focus and implicitly critique any belief that humans can fully grasp or dictate God's ways, aligning with a monotheistic emphasis on God's unique transcendence.

Job 37 14 Word analysis

• Hearken: (שְׁמַע - sh'ma) This is an imperative verb, meaning "listen," "hear," but more profoundly, "pay close attention," "understand," and "obey." It implies not just an auditory act, but a receptivity of the heart and mind to instruction. This term is famously associated with the "Shema Israel" (Deut 6:4), calling Israel to listen to and embody God's truth. Here, it calls Job to an intentional and comprehensive reception of Elihu's (and thus God's) message.
• to this: Refers to the immediate context of Elihu’s preceding discourse, which elaborates on God’s omnipotence displayed through natural phenomena like storms, lightning, and weather patterns. It points to the preceding theological argument and illustrations.
• O Job: A direct and personal address, highlighting Elihu's earnest appeal to Job specifically. It shows Elihu's pastoral, yet challenging, concern for Job's spiritual state.
• stand still: (עֲמֹד - 'amod) An imperative meaning "to stop," "to cease," or "to stand firm." In this context, it suggests more than physical stillness; it implies a cessation of Job’s arguments, his striving for self-justification, and his questioning of God. It calls for mental and emotional quietude necessary for reflection and reverence. It means to settle oneself down.
• and consider: (בִּין - bin) An imperative verb, signifying "to understand," "to discern," "to perceive deeply," or "to contemplate with insight." It demands more than casual thought; it requires a penetrating intellectual and spiritual engagement with the subject matter. It's about gaining comprehensive insight by separating and distinguishing, thereby grasping the full meaning.
• the wondrous works: (נִפְלְאוֹת - niph'la'ot) A plural noun referring to God’s "marvelous," "miraculous," "extraordinary," or "incomprehensible" acts. These are actions that are beyond human power, wisdom, or understanding, inspiring awe and wonder. It often describes divine interventions in nature and history, showcasing God's unparalleled power and creativity.
• of God: (אֵל - El) A majestic and ancient name for God, emphasizing His power, strength, and preeminence. It speaks of His singular divine authority and supremacy, distinguishing Him from any human or created entity. It underscores the ultimate source of these incomprehensible works.

• Words-group analysis: "Hearken to this, O Job; stand still, and consider": This three-part command is a progression of engagement. "Hearken" initiates outward attention. "Stand still" demands inner quietude and cessation of argument. "Consider" calls for profound inward reflection and discernment. It's a holistic summons for Job to shift from a posture of debate and self-defense to one of listening, introspection, and humble contemplation before the Divine.
• Words-group analysis: "the wondrous works of God": This phrase designates the specific object of Job's contemplation. It refocuses Job from his suffering and human predicament to God’s supreme power and mystery as manifested throughout creation and providence. It highlights that the works themselves testify to God's inherent nature—His greatness and wisdom beyond human grasp.

Job 37 14 Bonus section

• Theological Bridge: Elihu's speech, culminating in this appeal, functions as a crucial theological bridge between the friends' accusations and God's direct revelation. Elihu prefaces God's whirlwind speech by establishing the premise that God is beyond human comprehension, using creation as the primary evidence, a theme God will fully expand upon.
• The Shema Principle: The opening "Hearken" (Hebrew: Sh'ma) connects this verse to one of the most foundational principles in Hebrew thought: attentive, obedient hearing. It suggests that a correct relationship with God begins with humbly listening to His voice, particularly as it echoes through His creation.
• Stillness for Wisdom: The command to "stand still" highlights a timeless spiritual truth: true understanding and divine wisdom often require a pause from activity, anxiety, and self-assertion. It's in the quietude that the grandeur of God's work can be truly "considered" and absorbed.
• Divine Pedagogy: This verse reveals God's pedagogy—He uses the visible, tangible world to teach humanity about His invisible attributes (Rom 1:20). Elihu directs Job's gaze to the manifest power in nature as a corrective to his narrow focus on personal suffering.

Job 37 14 Commentary

Elihu's instruction in Job 37:14 serves as a pivot point in the narrative, urging Job to abandon his self-focused arguments and contentious complaints and instead fix his gaze upon the awesome, incomprehensible power and wisdom of God as revealed in His creation. The imperative "hearken" demands a hearing that leads to understanding, while "stand still" calls for a cessation of Job's agitated questioning, a settling of his spirit so that true spiritual contemplation, represented by "consider," can begin. This deep "consideration" of God’s "wondrous works"—His acts that defy human explanation and inspire profound awe—is intended to cultivate humility and revere Job. Elihu challenges Job's anthropocentric perspective by compelling him to acknowledge God's transcendent and unfathomable ways, setting the emotional and theological groundwork for the Lord's subsequent appearance and the ultimate vindication of His divine sovereignty over all. The verse is not merely an admonishment but an invitation to Job (and the reader) to behold God's glory that utterly surpasses human intellect and experience.