Menu

Job 33:31

Job 33:31 in Multiple Translations

Pay attention, Job, and listen to me; be silent, and I will speak.

Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.

Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: Hold thy peace, and I will speak.

Take note O Job, give ear to me; keep quiet, while I say what is in my mind.

Pay attention Job, and listen to me! Be quiet—let me speak!

Marke well, O Iob, and heare me: keepe silence, and I will speake.

Attend, O Job, hearken to me, Keep silent, and I — I do speak.

Mark well, Job, and listen to me. Hold your peace, and I will speak.

Mark well, O Job, hearken to me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.

Attend, Job, and hearken to me: and hold thy peace, whilst I speak.

So Job, listen to me; do not say anything more; just allow me to speak.

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.

Enable Study Highlights
God & Jesus
Holy Spirit
Divine Actions
Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Job 33:31

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 33:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB הַקְשֵׁ֖ב אִיּ֥וֹב שְֽׁמַֽע לִ֑/י הַ֝חֲרֵ֗שׁ וְ/אָנֹכִ֥י אֲדַבֵּֽר
הַקְשֵׁ֖ב qâshab H7181 to listen V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
אִיּ֥וֹב ʼÎyôwb H347 Job N-proper
שְֽׁמַֽע shâmaʻ H8085 to hear V-Qal-Impv-2ms
לִ֑/י Prep | Suff
הַ֝חֲרֵ֗שׁ chârash H2790 to plow/plot V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
וְ/אָנֹכִ֥י ʼânôkîy H595 I Conj | Pron
אֲדַבֵּֽר dâbar H1696 to speak V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Job 33:31

הַקְשֵׁ֖ב qâshab H7181 "to listen" V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
To listen carefully is what this Hebrew word means, like pricking up your ears to hear something. It's used in many Bible verses, including Proverbs and Isaiah, to encourage people to pay attention. The KJV translates it as 'attend' or 'hear'.
Definition: 1) to hear, be attentive, heed, incline (of ears), attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1a) (Qal) incline, attend (of ears), hearken, pay attention, listen 1b) (Hiphil) to pay attention, give attention
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: attend, (cause to) hear(-ken), give heed, incline, mark (well), regard. See also: 1 Samuel 15:22; Song of Solomon 8:13; Psalms 5:3.
אִיּ֥וֹב 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.
שְֽׁמַֽע 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.
לִ֑/י "" Prep | Suff
הַ֝חֲרֵ֗שׁ chârash H2790 "to plow/plot" V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms
This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.
Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil
Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.
וְ/אָנֹכִ֥י ʼânôkîy H595 "I" Conj | Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
אֲדַבֵּֽר dâbar H1696 "to speak" V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.

Study Notes — Job 33:31

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Job 18:2 “How long until you end these speeches? Show some sense, and then we can talk.
2 Job 13:6 Hear now my argument, and listen to the plea of my lips.
3 Job 21:2 “Listen carefully to my words; let this be your consolation to me.
4 Job 32:11 Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words,

Job 33:31 Summary

[This verse is an invitation from the speaker to Job to stop talking and start listening, so that the speaker can share some important wisdom with him. The speaker wants Job to be silent and listen, just like we are called to be still and know that God is God in Psalm 46:10. By being silent and listening, we can learn and grow in our understanding of God and His ways, as seen in Proverbs 1:7. This is an important reminder for us today, to take time to be quiet and listen to God's voice, rather than always trying to talk and share our own thoughts and opinions.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the tone of the speaker in this verse?

The tone of the speaker in Job 33:31 is one of gentle correction and invitation, as seen in the words 'Pay attention, Job, and listen to me; be silent, and I will speak', similar to the tone of God in Psalm 46:10 where He says 'Be still and know that I am God'

Is the speaker asking Job to remain silent forever?

No, the speaker is not asking Job to remain silent forever, as seen in the next verse, Job 33:32, where the speaker says 'But if you have something to say, answer me; speak up, for I would like to vindicate you'

What is the purpose of the speaker's words in this verse?

The purpose of the speaker's words in Job 33:31 is to teach Job wisdom, as seen in Job 33:33, where the speaker says 'But if not, then listen to me; be quiet, and I will teach you wisdom'

How does this verse relate to other parts of the Bible?

This verse relates to other parts of the Bible, such as Proverbs 1:7, which says 'The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge', emphasizing the importance of listening and being silent before God

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some areas in my life where I need to be silent and listen to God's voice?
  2. How can I cultivate a posture of humility and listening in my daily life, just like Job is being asked to do in this verse?
  3. What are some things that I can learn from the speaker's gentle yet firm tone in this verse, and how can I apply that to my relationships with others?
  4. In what ways can I apply the principle of being still and knowing that God is God, as seen in Psalm 46:10, to my life today?

Gill's Exposition on Job 33:31

Mark well, O Job,.... Consider and weigh well what has been said; or rather attend to what is further to be said: hearken unto me; to what he was about to say; for he was full of matter, and had not

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 33:31

Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak. No JFB commentary on this verse.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 33:31

Hold thy peace; attend to what I have further to say to thee with patience and silence.

Trapp's Commentary on Job 33:31

Job 33:31 Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak.Ver. 31. Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me] For I speak from God, and for God. It was a good speech of Austin to Manicheus, contesting with him for audience. Hear me, hear me, said Manicheus. Nay, saith Austin, Nec ego to, nec tu me, sed ambo audiamus Apostolum, dicentem, Peccatum non cognovi, &c., Neither will I hear thee nor do thou hear me, but let us both hear the apostle, saying, "I had not known lust," &c.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 33:31

Verse 31. Mark well, O Job] Pay the deepest attention to what I have said, and to what I shall say.

Cambridge Bible on Job 33:31

31–33. The speaker requests Job to hear his further arguments (Job 33:31); or if he can reply to what has been said, by all means let him do so, for Elihu desires that he should be in the right (Job 33:32); but if not let him listen and learn wisdom (Job 33:33).

Barnes' Notes on Job 33:31

Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me ... - Elihu designs to intimate that he had much more to say which demanded close attention. He begged, therefore, that Job would hear him patiently through.

Everything we make is available for free because of a generous community of supporters.

Donate