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Job 32:11

Job 32:11 in Multiple Translations

Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words,

Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.

Behold, I waited for your words, I listened for your reasonings, Whilst ye searched out what to say.

I was waiting for your words, I was giving ear to your wise sayings; while you were searching out what to say,

Well, I waited to hear what you had to say, listening for your insights as you looked for the right words to speak.

Behold, I did waite vpon your wordes, and hearkened vnto your knowledge, whiles you sought out reasons.

Lo, I have waited for your words, I give ear unto your reasons, Till ye search out sayings.

“Behold, I waited for your words, and I listened for your reasoning, while you searched out what to say.

Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.

For I have waited for your words, I have given ear to your wisdom, as long as you were disputing in words.

I waited for you all to speak; I wanted to hear the wise things that you would say. I waited while you thought carefully about what would be the right things to say.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Job 32:11

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Job 32:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הֵ֤ן הוֹחַ֨לְתִּי לְֽ/דִבְרֵי/כֶ֗ם אָ֭זִין עַד תְּב֥וּנֹֽתֵי/כֶ֑ם עַֽד תַּחְקְר֥וּ/ן מִלִּֽין
הֵ֤ן hên H2005 look! Part
הוֹחַ֨לְתִּי yâchal H3176 to wait V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
לְֽ/דִבְרֵי/כֶ֗ם dâbâr H1697 Chronicles Prep | N-mp | Suff
אָ֭זִין ʼâzan H238 to listen V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep
תְּב֥וּנֹֽתֵי/כֶ֑ם tâbûwn H8394 understanding N-fp | Suff
עַֽד ʻad H5704 till Prep
תַּחְקְר֥וּ/ן châqar H2713 to search V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
מִלִּֽין millâh H4405 speech N-fp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 32:11

הֵ֤ן hên H2005 "look!" Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
הוֹחַ֨לְתִּי yâchal H3176 "to wait" V-Hiphil-Perf-1cs
To wait or be patient is the meaning of this verb, used to describe hoping or trusting in something, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : wait[for_time] 1) to wait, hope, expect 1a) (Niphal) to wait 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to wait, await, tarry 1b2) to wait for, hope for 1c) (Hiphil) to wait, tarry, wait for, hope for Also means: ya.chal (יָחַל ": hope" H3176H)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: (cause to, have, make to) hope, be pained, stay, tarry, trust, wait. See also: Genesis 8:12; Psalms 69:4; Psalms 31:25.
לְֽ/דִבְרֵי/כֶ֗ם dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" Prep | N-mp | Suff
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
אָ֭זִין ʼâzan H238 "to listen" V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To listen or hear is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often implying obedience or paying attention to what is being said, as in 1 Kings 3:9.
Definition: 1) to hear, listen 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to hear, listen, give ear 1a2) to be obedient, harken 1a3) to hear or listen to prayers (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: give (perceive by the) ear, hear(-ken). See H239 (אָזַן). See also: Genesis 4:23; Psalms 77:2; Psalms 5:2.
עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
תְּב֥וּנֹֽתֵי/כֶ֑ם tâbûwn H8394 "understanding" N-fp | Suff
Tabún means understanding or intelligence, implying skill or insight. It is translated as discretion, reason, or wisdom in the KJV Bible, referring to the act or faculty of understanding.
Definition: 1) understanding, intelligence 1a) the act of understanding 1a1) skill 1b) the faculty of understanding 1b1) intelligence, understanding, insight 1c) the object of knowledge 1d) teacher (personification)
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: discretion, reason, skilfulness, understanding, wisdom. See also: Exodus 31:3; Proverbs 8:1; Psalms 49:4.
עַֽד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
תַּחְקְר֥וּ/ן châqar H2713 "to search" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp | Suff
This verb means to search or examine something closely, like trying to find out the truth. It is used in the Bible to describe seeking out knowledge or wisdom, and is often translated as search or seek out.
Definition: 1) to search, search for, search out, examine, investigate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to search (for) 1a2) to search through, explore 1a3) to examine thoroughly 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be searched out, be found out, be ascertained, be examined 1c) (Piel) to search out, seek out
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: find out, (make) search (out), seek (out), sound, try. See also: Deuteronomy 13:15; Psalms 44:22; Psalms 139:1.
מִלִּֽין millâh H4405 "speech" N-fp
This Hebrew word means a word or speech, and can also refer to a topic or subject. It's used in the Bible to describe what people say or talk about.
Definition: word, speech, utterance Aramaic equivalent: mil.lah (מִלָּה "word" H4406)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] answer, by-word, matter, any thing (what) to say, to speak(-ing), speak, talking, word. See also: 2 Samuel 23:2; Job 30:9; Psalms 19:5.

Study Notes — Job 32:11

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Job 29:21 Men listened to me with expectation, waiting silently for my counsel.
2 Job 5:27 Indeed, we have investigated, and it is true! So hear it and know for yourself.”
3 Proverbs 28:11 A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him.
4 Job 29:23 They waited for me as for rain and drank in my words like spring showers.
5 Job 32:4 Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he.
6 Proverbs 18:17 The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.
7 Ecclesiastes 12:9–10 Not only was the Teacher wise, but he also taught the people knowledge; he pondered, searched out, and arranged many proverbs. The Teacher searched to find delightful sayings and to record accurate words of truth.

Job 32:11 Summary

[This verse, Job 32:11, shows that Elihu waited for the others to finish speaking before sharing his thoughts, and he listened carefully to what they had to say. He wanted to make sure he understood their arguments before responding, which is an important lesson for us today. As it says in James 1:19, we should be quick to listen and slow to speak, and consider the wisdom of others, as mentioned in Proverbs 1:7. By listening carefully and thinking before speaking, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts and show respect for those around us, as encouraged in Leviticus 19:32.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the context of Job 32:11?

This verse is part of Elihu's introduction to his speech, where he explains that he waited for the others to finish speaking before sharing his thoughts, as seen in Job 32:11, and he listened to their reasoning, as mentioned in the verse.

Why did Elihu wait to speak?

Elihu waited to speak because he wanted to ensure he fully understood the arguments presented by the others, as indicated in Job 32:11, and to show respect for his elders, as mentioned in Job 32:4 and Leviticus 19:32.

What is the significance of Elihu's listening?

Elihu's listening, as mentioned in Job 32:11, demonstrates his humility and willingness to learn from others, as also seen in Proverbs 1:7 and Proverbs 12:1, which emphasize the importance of listening and seeking wisdom.

How does this verse relate to other biblical teachings on communication?

This verse relates to other biblical teachings on communication, such as James 1:19, which advises believers to be quick to listen and slow to speak, and Ephesians 4:29, which encourages believers to speak words that edify and give grace to others.

Reflection Questions

  1. What can I learn from Elihu's example of waiting to speak and listening to others, and how can I apply this in my own conversations?
  2. How can I balance the need to share my own thoughts and opinions with the importance of listening to and considering the perspectives of others, as seen in Job 32:11?
  3. What are some ways I can cultivate humility and a willingness to learn from others, as demonstrated by Elihu's actions in this verse?
  4. How can I use my words to edify and give grace to others, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29, and what role does listening play in this process?

Gill's Exposition on Job 32:11

Behold, I waited for your words,.... With great desire, with great eagerness and earnestness, in hope of meeting with arguments fully satisfying and convincing; he waited for them, as for the rain,

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 32:11

Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say. Therefore, Elihu was present from the first. Therefore, Elihu was present from the first.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 32:11

I waited with silence, and patience, and diligent attention; which therefore I now expect from you. Your reasons; or, reasonings, Heb. understandings; or mind’ s; the depth and strength of your discourses, your most intelligent and forcible arguments against Job; I searched and examined them to the bottom. Whilst ye searched out what to say; whilst you put your inventions upon the rack, and studied to find out all that could be said against him, and to furnish yourselves with the most convincing words and reasons.

Trapp's Commentary on Job 32:11

Job 32:11 Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.Ver. 11. Behold, I waited for your words] While you had anything to say I was silent, and no way troublesome or obstreperous. This he speaketh to Job’ s friends, who had free liberty to speak while they would without interruption; and should, therefore, now be content to hear (though perhaps what they would not) if God thereby might be glorified, and Job better convinced. I gave ear to your reasons] Heb. To your understandings. Usque ad intelligentias vestras, to the utmost of your best arguments and most elaborated demonstrations, Ut cum dicitur, Redite usque ad me, Joe 2:12; for the which you has eviscerated your brains, and well nigh cracked your sconces, but all to no purpose; since you hover in generals; and, declining that which was the main matter in question (like lapwings, that cry farthest off from the nest), you brought only such reasons as were not cogent, and used such discourses as did nec coelum, nec terram attingere, to touch neither heave nor earth, never come at the business; which was no better than laborious loss of time.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 32:11

Verse 11. I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons] Instead of תבונותיכם tebunotheychem, your reasons, תכונותיכם techunotheychem, your arguments, is the reading of nine of Kennicott's and De Rossi's MSS. The sense, however, is nearly the same. Whilst ye searched out what to say.] עד תחקרון מלין ad tachkerun millin; "Whilst ye were searching up and down for words." A fine irony, which they must have felt.

Cambridge Bible on Job 32:11

11–14. Elihu, directly addressing the three friends, states more clearly his reasons for taking upon him to speak: he had hoped to hear them confute Job, and was disappointed in their arguments; Job may be shewn to be in the wrong, though with different arguments from those they had employed. In Elihu’s opinion the cause of the three friends was much better than their advocacy of it.

Barnes' Notes on Job 32:11

I gave ear to your reasons - Margin, “understandings.” The meaning is, that he had given the most respectful attention to the views which they had expressed, implying that he had been all along

Sermons on Job 32:11

SermonDescription
William Plumer Job's Trials and Mercies by William Plumer William Plumer preaches on the profound story of Job, highlighting his unwavering faith and patience amidst extreme suffering and loss. Job, a man of great piety and wealth, faced
John Calvin Now Elihu Had Waited Till Job Had Spoken by John Calvin John Calvin preaches on the importance of modesty and honoring elders, emphasizing that God notices and blesses those who remain humble and honest. He compares the growth of fruit
Bill McLeod Commit by Bill McLeod In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of committal and trusting in God's plan. He uses the example of Paul and the sailors in the book of Acts who were caught in a viol
Winkie Pratney Evangelizing the Western Mindset - Part 1 by Winkie Pratney This sermon delves into the world of apologetics, exploring the defense and evidences of the Christian faith. It emphasizes the need for a rational, historical, and objective faith
William MacDonald The Fine Art of Getting Along by William MacDonald In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of involving everyone in conversations and drawing them out from the sidelines. He uses the example of Jesus always having tim
Shane Idleman Sin in the Camp - Part 3 by Shane Idleman This sermon delves into the topic of confronting sin within the church community, emphasizing the importance of addressing unrepentant hearts that embrace a consistent pattern of s
Richard M. Riss Characteristics of Revivals by Richard M. Riss Historian Richard Riss delves into the misrepresentations surrounding revivals, emphasizing how false reports and negative attitudes hinder people from experiencing the forgiveness

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