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Job 33:1

Job 33:1 in Multiple Translations

“But now, O Job, hear my speech, and listen to all my words.

Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.

Howbeit, Job, I pray thee, hear my speech, And hearken to all my words.

And now, O Job, give ear to my words, and take note of all I say.

“Now listen to me, Job. Pay attention to everything I have to say.

Wherefore, Iob, I pray thee, heare my talke and hearken vnto all my wordes.

And yet, I pray thee, O Job, Hear my speech and [to] all my words give ear.

“However, Job, please hear my speech, and listen to all my words.

Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.

Hear therefore, O Job, my speeches, and hearken to all my words.

“But now, Job, listen carefully to all that I am going to say [DOU].

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Job 33:1

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 33:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וְֽ/אוּלָ֗ם שְׁמַֽע נָ֣א אִיּ֣וֹב מִלָּ֑/י וְֽ/כָל דְּבָרַ֥/י הַאֲזִֽינָ/ה
וְֽ/אוּלָ֗ם ʼûwlâm H199 but Conj | Adv
שְׁמַֽע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Impv-2ms
נָ֣א nâʼ H4994 please Part
אִיּ֣וֹב ʼÎyôwb H347 Job N-proper
מִלָּ֑/י millâh H4405 speech N-fp | Suff
וְֽ/כָל kôl H3605 all Conj | N-ms
דְּבָרַ֥/י dâbâr H1697 Chronicles N-mp | Suff
הַאֲזִֽינָ/ה ʼâzan H238 to listen V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 33:1

וְֽ/אוּלָ֗ם ʼûwlâm H199 "but" Conj | Adv
This word is used to show contrast, like 'but' or 'however', and is often used to emphasize a point, as seen in its various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) but, but indeed (a strong adversative) 2) however, nevertheless
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: as for, but, howbeit, in very deed, surely, truly, wherefore. See also: Genesis 28:19; Job 2:5; Micah 3:8.
שְׁמַֽע shâmaʻ H8085 "to hear" V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
נָ֣א nâʼ H4994 "please" Part
The Hebrew word 'nâ'' is used to express a polite request, like 'please' or 'I pray', and is often added to verbs to make them more polite. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Ezra's reading of the law to the people.
Definition: 1) I (we) pray, now, please 1a) used in entreaty or exhortation
Usage: Occurs in 374 OT verses. KJV: I beseech (pray) thee (you), go to, now, oh. See also: Genesis 12:11; Judges 4:19; 1 Kings 13:6.
אִיּ֣וֹב ʼÎyôwb H347 "Job" N-proper
Job was a patriarch famous for his patience and is the subject of the book of Job, which explores his struggles and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Job.1.1 Also named: Iōb (Ἰώβ "Job" G2492) § Job = "hated" a patriarch, the subject of the book of Job
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Job. See also: Job 1:1; Job 32:3; Ezekiel 14:20.
מִלָּ֑/י millâh H4405 "speech" N-fp | Suff
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.
וְֽ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Conj | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
דְּבָרַ֥/י dâbâr H1697 "Chronicles" 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.
הַאֲזִֽינָ/ה ʼâzan H238 "to listen" V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
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.

Study Notes — Job 33:1

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Job 13:6 Hear now my argument, and listen to the plea of my lips.
2 Mark 4:9 Then Jesus said, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.”
3 Psalms 49:1–3 Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor alike. My mouth will impart wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will bring understanding.
4 Job 34:2 “Hear my words, O wise men; give ear to me, O men of learning.

Job 33:1 Summary

[In this verse, Elihu is asking Job to listen to what he has to say, because he believes he has something important to share. This is similar to how we might approach a friend who is going through a tough time, and we want to offer them some encouragement and advice, as seen in Galatians 6:2. Elihu wants Job to know that he is coming from a place of sincerity and kindness, and that his words are meant to help and not hurt. By listening to Elihu, Job can gain a new perspective on his situation, and learn to trust God's sovereignty, as stated in Romans 11:33.]

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is speaking in Job 33:1?

The speaker in Job 33:1 is Elihu, a younger man who had been listening to the conversation between Job and his friends, as introduced in Job 32:2. Elihu is about to share his thoughts and insights with Job.

Why is Elihu asking Job to hear his speech?

Elihu is asking Job to hear his speech because he believes he has something valuable to share, as stated in Job 33:3, where he says his words are from an upright heart and his lips speak sincerely what he knows, similar to the wisdom shared in Proverbs 10:32.

What can we learn from Elihu's approach to speaking with Job?

We can learn the importance of humility and sincerity in our communication, as seen in Elihu's introduction, and the value of listening before speaking, as encouraged in James 1:19 and Proverbs 17:28.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Job?

This verse marks a turning point in the book of Job, as Elihu's speech offers a new perspective on Job's situation, and serves as a bridge between the dialogues of Job and his friends, and the forthcoming speech of God in Job 38:1, where God Himself addresses Job.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some times in my life when I have needed to hear a fresh perspective, and how did I respond to it?
  2. In what ways can I apply Elihu's approach to communication in my own relationships, by listening carefully and speaking sincerely?
  3. What are some things that I have been wanting to say to someone, but have been waiting for the right moment to share, and how can I prepare myself to speak wisely and kindly?
  4. How can I cultivate a heart that is upright and sincere, like Elihu's, so that my words will be a blessing to others, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29?

Gill's Exposition on Job 33:1

Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches,.... In the preceding chapter, Elihu directed his discourse to the three friends of Job chiefly, here to Job himself, and that by name; which none of his

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 33:1

Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 33:1

JOB CHAPTER 33 He offereth himself in God’ s stead to reason with Job, , who had too hard thoughts of God, who by his greatness giveth no account of his ways, . God instructeth man by visions, ; by afflictions, ; by his ministry, . When man prayeth and confesseth, God will be gracious, . These are God’ s methods of instructing men, ,30. Perceiving the error Job’ s friends, and that by their violent and opprobrious speeches they has exasperated Job’ s mind, and thereby hindered the success of their discourses, he applies himself to him in milder ways, and treats him kindly, thereby to gain his attention and affection, that his words might have more acceptance with him. Hearken to all my words; not only to what may please thee, but also to what may convince and reprove thee.

Trapp's Commentary on Job 33:1

Job 33:1 Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.Ver. 1. Wherefore Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches] Plain Job, for flattering titles Elihu would give none, Job 32:22; only in prefacing to his discourses he is very large, witness the whole former chapter, which may well stand for a common exordium to all the five following; and the seven first verses of this, wherein he both calleth upon Job for audience, and useth arguments for that purpose. An orator he showeth himself all along; for in his introduction he hath ταηθη, milder affections, which suit best to insinuate; and toward the conclusion he hath ταπαθη, pathetic expressions, that may leave an impression on his hearers. And hearken to all my words] And not to some of them only, picking and choosing what pleaseth you, and turning a deaf ear to the rest, as he in Tacitus did, who said, Tu linguae, ego aurium dominus, You may say what you please, but I will hear no more than I like and list. This is an evil ear, and must be healed (as the orator told his countrymen) ere any good can be done. The good soul lieth low at God’ s feet and saith, "Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth." All that the Lord our God shall speak unto us, that will we hear and do, Deuteronomy 5:27. Now, therefore, we are all here present before God, to hear all things that are commanded thee of God, Acts 10:33. It is a sign of an honest heart to take the precepts together with the promises, and to tremble at the threatenings as well as to reach after the comforts, of God’ s Holy Word; which last every hypocrite will be catching at, as children do at deserts, passing by the better provision.

Ellicott's Commentary on Job 33:1

XXXIII.(1) Wherefore, Job, I pray thee.—He begins by professing his sincerity and integrity; and with reference to Job’s expressed desire to find an umpire (Job 9:33), and one who would maintain his right with God (Job 16:21), he declares that he is ready to do so, and that he is, like Job, made out of the clay, and consequently disposed to deal favourably with him.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 33:1

CHAPTER XXXIII Elihu offers himself in God's stead to reason with Job in meekness and sincerity, 1-7. Charges Job with irreverent expressions, 8-12. Vindicates the providence of God, and shows the various methods which he uses to bring sinners to himself:-By dreams and visions, 13-15; by secret inspirations, 16-18; by afflictions, 19-22; by messengers of righteousness, 23; and by the great atonement, 24. How and from what God redeems men, and the blessings which he communicates, 25-30. Job is exhorted to listen attentively to Elihu's teaching, 31-33. NOTES ON CHAP. XXXIII

Cambridge Bible on Job 33:1

1–7. Introductory appeal to Job to listen to Elihu, who will speak in all honesty, and who being a man like Job himself may be argued with.

Barnes' Notes on Job 33:1

Wherefore, Job, I pray thee - In the next chapter he addresses the three friends of Job. This is addressed particularly to him. My speeches - Hebrew, “my words” - מלה millâh.

Whedon's Commentary on Job 33:1

1. That Job asseverates his innocence, and thus implicates God in a charge of indifference towards the upright. For answer see next page.

Sermons on Job 33:1

SermonDescription
Theodore Epp God Is Greater Than Man by Theodore Epp Theodore Epp emphasizes that God is greater than man, a crucial understanding for finding answers during difficult times. Elihu's approach to Job highlights the importance of addre
C.H. Spurgeon Trust in God - True Wisdom by C.H. Spurgeon In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of handling matters wisely in a land full of enemies. He warns that if one does not choose their way carefully, they will fac
George Whitefield The Care of the Soul Urged as the One Thing Needful. (Luke 10:42 by George Whitefield George Whitefield preaches about the importance of the soul's care, emphasizing the need to prioritize spiritual matters over worldly concerns. He uses the story of Mary and Martha
St. Augustine Exposition on Psalm 50 by St. Augustine St. Augustine preaches about the importance of offering the sacrifice of praise to God, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and acknowledgment of one's sins. He warns again

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