Job 34:16
Job 34:16 in Multiple Translations
If you have understanding, hear this; listen to my words.
If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.
If now thou hast understanding, hear this: Hearken to the voice of my words.
If you are wise, take note of this; give ear to the voice of my words.
If you have understanding then hear this; pay attention to what I'm saying.
And if thou hast vnderstanding, heare this and hearken to the voyce of my wordes.
And if [there is] understanding, hear this, Give ear to the voice of my words.
“If now you have understanding, hear this. Listen to the voice of my words.
If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.
If then thou hast understanding, hear what is said, and hearken to the voice of my words.
“So, Job, if you say that you understand everything, listen to what I am saying.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 34:16
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 34:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/אִם
בִּ֥ינָה
שִׁמְעָ/ה
זֹּ֑את
הַ֝אֲזִ֗ינָ/ה
לְ/ק֣וֹל
מִלָּֽ/י
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
בִּ֥ינָה
bîynâh
H998
understanding
N-fs
שִׁמְעָ/ה
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
זֹּ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
this
Pron
הַ֝אֲזִ֗ינָ/ה
ʼâzan
H238
to listen
V-Hiphil-Impv-2ms | Suff
לְ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Prep | N-ms
מִלָּֽ/י
millâh
H4405
speech
N-fp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 34:16
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
בִּ֥ינָה
bîynâh
H998
"understanding"
N-fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means understanding or discernment, like having wisdom or knowledge. It appears in books like Proverbs and Psalms, guiding people to make good decisions.
Definition: 1) understanding, discernment 1a) act 1b) faculty 1c) object 1d) personified Aramaic equivalent: bi.nah (בִּינָה "understanding" H0999)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: knowledge, meaning, [idiom] perfectly, understanding, wisdom. See also: Deuteronomy 4:6; Proverbs 4:7; Proverbs 1:2.
שִׁמְעָ/ה
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms | Suff
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.
זֹּ֑את
zôʼth
H2063
"this"
Pron
This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.
הַ֝אֲזִ֗ינָ/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.
לְ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Prep | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
מִלָּֽ/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.
Study Notes — Job 34:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 34:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 34:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:16
- Cambridge Bible on Job 34:16
- Barnes' Notes on Job 34:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 34:16
Context — Elihu Confirms God’s Justice
14If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath,
15all flesh would perish together and mankind would return to the dust.
16If you have understanding, hear this; listen to my words.
17Could one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn the just and mighty One, 18who says to kings, ‘You are worthless!’ and to nobles, ‘You are wicked,’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 13:2–6 | What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you. Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God. You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians. If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom! Hear now my argument, and listen to the plea of my lips. |
| 2 | Job 12:3 | But I also have a mind; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these? |
Job 34:16 Summary
[This verse is an invitation from Elihu to listen and learn from his words, which are filled with wisdom and understanding. To have understanding means to be able to discern and comprehend the truth, as seen in Psalms 119:66. Elihu wants us to pay attention to his words because they are important for our growth and maturity in faith, just like the psalmist asks God to teach him in Psalms 119:66. By listening to Elihu's words, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's ways and character, and learn to trust Him more fully, as encouraged in Romans 8:28.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to have understanding in Job 34:16?
Having understanding in this context means being able to discern and comprehend the wisdom and knowledge being shared, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, where fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
Why is Elihu asking the listener to hear and listen to his words?
Elihu is asking the listener to pay attention to his words because he is about to share important truths about God's nature and character, as seen in Psalms 119:66, where the psalmist asks God to teach him knowledge and good judgment.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Job?
This verse is part of Elihu's speech, where he is trying to correct Job's friends and provide a more balanced understanding of God's ways, as seen in Job 32:6-10, where Elihu introduces himself and explains his intentions.
What is the significance of Elihu's words in the context of suffering?
Elihu's words are significant because they provide a unique perspective on suffering, emphasizing God's sovereignty and justice, as seen in Romans 8:28, where Paul writes that all things work together for good for those who love God.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to seek understanding and wisdom from God?
- How can I cultivate a deeper desire to hear and listen to God's words, as Elihu asks in this verse?
- In what ways can I apply the principles of discernment and comprehension to my daily life, as encouraged in Job 34:16?
- How can I balance my desire for understanding with humility and a willingness to learn, as seen in Proverbs 1:7?
Gill's Exposition on Job 34:16
If now [thou hast] understanding, hear this,.... Not as calling his understanding in question, as if he, had none; for Job was a very understanding man; he had not lost his natural understanding by
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:16
If now thou hast understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words. In Job 34:2 Elihu had spoken to all men of wisdom and understanding in general, now he calls Job's special attention, If he have understanding.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:16
As thou art a man of understanding, hear and consider what I say.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:16
Job 34:16 If now [thou hast] understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.Ver. 16. If now thou hast understanding, hear this] Hear it, and know it for thy good, as Job 4:2-7, if at least thou hast any wit for thyself or care of thine own well doing. This is a stinging apostrophe to Job. Si vel mica est in te bonae mentis; unless thou hast buried thy brains and lost thy senses, listen as for life.
Cambridge Bible on Job 34:16
10–19. This charge of injustice Elihu rebuts, first, on the general ground of its impiety: God cannot be thought of as acting in the way Job asserted—He rewardeth every man according to his works (Job 34:10-12); and second, he then resolves the general idea into two distinct thoughts, Job 34:13-15, and Job 34:16-19.
Barnes' Notes on Job 34:16
If now thou hast understanding hear this - This appears to be addressed to Job.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 34:16
b. The divine justice is still further proven from the conception of God as ruler of the universe, (Zockler,) Job 34:16-30. α.