Job 34:2
Job 34:2 in Multiple Translations
“Hear my words, O wise men; give ear to me, O men of learning.
Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.
Hear my words, ye wise men; And give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.
Give ear, you wise, to my words; and you who have knowledge, give attention to me;
“Listen to my words, you men who say you are wise; pay attention to what I'm saying you who think you know.
Heare my wordes, ye wise men, and hearken vnto me, ye that haue knowledge.
Hear, O wise men, my words, And, O knowing ones, give ear to me.
“Hear my words, you wise men. Give ear to me, you who have knowledge.
Hear my words, O ye wise men ; and give ear to me, ye that have knowledge.
Hear ye, wise men, my words, and ye learned, hearken to me:
“You three men who think that you [SAR] are very wise, hear me; listen to what I am saying, you men who say that you know so much.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 34:2
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 34:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שִׁמְע֣וּ
חֲכָמִ֣ים
מִלָּ֑/י
וְ֝/יֹדְעִ֗ים
הַאֲזִ֥ינוּ
לִֽ/י
שִׁמְע֣וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
חֲכָמִ֣ים
châkâm
H2450
wise
Adj
מִלָּ֑/י
millâh
H4405
speech
N-fp | Suff
וְ֝/יֹדְעִ֗ים
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
Conj | V-Qal
הַאֲזִ֥ינוּ
ʼâzan
H238
to listen
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
לִֽ/י
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 34:2
שִׁמְע֣וּ
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Impv-2mp
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.
חֲכָמִ֣ים
châkâm
H2450
"wise"
Adj
This word means wise or skilled, describing someone intelligent or crafty, like a cunning man or a prudent leader.
Definition: 1) wise, wise (man) 1a) skilful (in technical work) 1b) wise (in administration) 1c) shrewd, crafty, cunning, wily, subtle 1d) learned, shrewd (class of men) 1e) prudent 1f) wise (ethically and religiously)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: cunning (man), subtil, (un-), wise((hearted), man). See also: Genesis 41:8; Proverbs 16:14; Psalms 49:11.
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.
וְ֝/יֹדְעִ֗ים
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
Conj | V-Qal
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
הַאֲזִ֥ינוּ
ʼâzan
H238
"to listen"
V-Hiphil-Impv-2mp
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.
לִֽ/י
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Job 34:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 34:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 34:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:2
- Cambridge Bible on Job 34:2
- Barnes' Notes on Job 34:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 34:2
- Sermons on Job 34:2
Context — Elihu Confirms God’s Justice
1Then Elihu continued:
2“Hear my words, O wise men; give ear to me, O men of learning.
3For the ear tests words as the mouth tastes food. 4Let us choose for ourselves what is right; let us learn together what is good.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 1:5 | let the wise listen and gain instruction, and the discerning acquire wise counsel |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 14:20 | Brothers, stop thinking like children. In regard to evil be infants, but in your thinking be mature. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 10:15 | I speak to reasonable people; judge for yourselves what I say. |
Job 34:2 Summary
In Job 34:2, Elihu is asking the wise men to listen to what he has to say, and this is an invitation for them to consider his perspective. This verse reminds us that listening is an important part of learning and growing, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, where it says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. By listening to others, we can gain new insights and understanding, and this is in line with the biblical principle of being quick to listen and slow to speak, as mentioned in James 1:19. As we reflect on this verse, we can ask ourselves how we can apply the principle of listening in our own lives, and how we can create opportunities to hear from those around us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Elihu's statement in Job 34:2?
Elihu is addressing the wise men and men of learning, inviting them to listen to his words, as seen in Job 34:2, and this is part of a larger conversation where Elihu is trying to bring a resolution to the discussion between Job and his friends, as mentioned in Job 32:1-33:33.
Why does Elihu ask the wise men to listen to him?
Elihu wants the wise men to consider his perspective, as he believes he has valuable insights to share, much like the apostle Paul who encouraged the believers to test all things and hold fast to what is good, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 5:21.
What does it mean to 'give ear' to someone?
To 'give ear' means to listen carefully and attentively, as seen in Job 34:2, and this is similar to the concept of giving attention to God's voice, as mentioned in Proverbs 1:8, where it says to 'hear' and 'do not forsake' parental instruction.
How does this verse relate to our lives today?
This verse reminds us of the importance of listening to others, especially those who may have wisdom to share, as seen in Job 34:2, and this is in line with the biblical principle of being quick to listen and slow to speak, as mentioned in James 1:19.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of listening to others in my own life, and how can I create opportunities to hear from those around me?
- How can I balance the need to listen to others with the need to discern what is true and wise, as mentioned in 1 John 4:1-6?
- What are some times in my life when I have benefited from listening to someone else's perspective, and how can I cultivate a spirit of humility and openness to others' insights?
- How does Elihu's invitation to the wise men to 'hear my words' challenge me to consider my own communication style, and are there times when I need to invite others to listen to me?
Gill's Exposition on Job 34:2
Hear my words, O ye wise [men],.... This is not an address to Job's three friends, as some think; for Elihu had expressed his displeasure at them, in condemning Job without convicting him, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:2
Hear my words, O ye wise men; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge. This chapter is addressed also to the "friends," as Job 33:1-33 was to Job alone.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:2
O ye wise men, who are here present, do you judge of the truth and reason of what I have said, and am further to say; for I am willing to submit all to the judgment of the truly wise.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:2
Job 34:2 Hear my words, O ye wise [men]; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.Ver. 2. Hear my words, O ye wise men] And those are not many, Hosea 14:9. He excludeth poor Job, whom yet he had promised to teach wisdom, Job 33:33. And that he spoke not to the many it is probable, for they have not those auras perpargatas, that he calleth for in the next verse. Bοιωτες fere sunt, they are heavily eared for the most part, and of dull apprehension; Boeotum in patria, crassoque sub acre nati. To the other three then of Job’ s friends he applieth himself; whom because he had sharply reproved before, and that they may not think that he held himself the only wise man among them, he thus bespeaketh to get audience, and makes them judges of his discourse. Men may be wise in some things that have carried the matter foolishly enough in other, ουδειςανθρωπωναυποςαπαντασοφος (Theog.). And give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge] It is a happiness to have such hearers. "I speak as to wise men, judge ye what I say," 1 Corinthians 10:15. Jovianus the emperor was wont to wish, That he might govern wise men, and that wise men might govern him.
But as it was once said, That there was never less wisdom in Greece than in the days of the seven wise men; so may we now well complain, that there is a very great want of sound and saving knowledge in this great abundance of helps thereunto; so that we may cry out, with the prophet Isaiah, Whom shall we teach knowledge, and whom shall we make to understand the hearing? Them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts; q.d. We have to do with very babes, children in understanding, but not in malice.
Cambridge Bible on Job 34:2
2–4. Elihu invites the wise among those who listen to him to attend to what he further says, and to unite with him in seeking to discover the right in this cause between Job and God.
Barnes' Notes on Job 34:2
Hear my words, O ye wise men - Addressing particularly the three friends of Job. The previous chapter had been addressed to Job himself. He had stated to him his views of the design of affliction, and he had nothing to reply.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 34:2
PROOF FROM THE NATURE AND OF GOD THAT MAN HAS NO RIGHT TO DOUBT GOD’S OR JUSTICE. Chap. 34., Job 34:2-9. a.
Sermons on Job 34:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 4 by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon delves into the themes of affliction, abortion, and the importance of listening to God, Jesus, and nature. It reflects on the suffering experienced in communist countri |
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Francis Schaeffer on Education by Francis Schaeffer | Francis Schaeffer emphasizes the importance of protecting Christian schools from having their curriculum controlled by those who have negatively influenced public schools. He stres |
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Teach Me to Listen by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of listening to God amidst the chaos of life, drawing inspiration from the biblical account of Samuel who responded to God's call with a willin |
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Learning From the "Masters" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the importance of learning from literary 'masters' to enhance our speaking and writing skills. He explains that effective communication involves elements like |
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To Ministers of the Gospel of All Denominations. [#6] by Charles Finney | Charles Finney addresses ministers of the Gospel, urging them to overcome the fear of changing their opinions on religious matters. He highlights the unreasonable public sentiment |
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Helping With the Problems by J.R. Miller | J.R. Miller emphasizes the myriad of problems faced by earnest young people as they navigate the complexities of life, highlighting their need for guidance and understanding. He st |
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Read or Get Out of the Ministry by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the necessity of continuous learning for ministers, drawing on wisdom from figures like Joseph H. Smith and John Wesley, who advocated for reading widely to e |