Job 34:3
Job 34:3 in Multiple Translations
For the ear tests words as the mouth tastes food.
For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.
For the ear trieth words, As the palate tasteth food.
For words are tested by the ear, as food is tasted by the mouth.
The ear distinguishes words just as the palate distinguishes foods.
For the eare tryeth the words, as the mouth tasteth meate.
For the ear doth try words, And the palate tasteth to eat.
For the ear tries words, as the palate tastes food.
For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth food.
For the ear trieth words, and the mouth discerneth meats by the taste.
When we [SYN] hear what other people like you say, we [RHQ] think carefully about what they say to determine what is good and what is bad, like we [SYN] taste food to determine what is good.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 34:3
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 34:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּי
אֹ֭זֶן
מִלִּ֣ין
תִּבְחָ֑ן
וְ֝/חֵ֗ךְ
יִטְעַ֥ם
לֶ/אֱכֹֽל
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֹ֭זֶן
ʼôzen
H241
ear
N-fs
מִלִּ֣ין
millâh
H4405
speech
N-fp
תִּבְחָ֑ן
bâchan
H974
to test
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
וְ֝/חֵ֗ךְ
chêk
H2441
palate
Conj | N-ms
יִטְעַ֥ם
ṭâʻam
H2938
to perceive
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
לֶ/אֱכֹֽל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 34:3
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֹ֭זֶן
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
מִלִּ֣ין
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.
תִּבְחָ֑ן
bâchan
H974
"to test"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
To test or examine something, like gold or a person's heart, is what this word means. It appears in stories like Job's trials, where his faith is tested by God, and in Proverbs 17:3, which talks about refining silver.
Definition: 1) to examine, try, prove 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to examine, scrutinise 1a2) to test, prove, try (of gold, persons, the heart, man of God) 1b) (Niphal) to be tried, proved 1c) (Pual) to make a trial
Usage: Occurs in 28 OT verses. KJV: examine, prove, tempt, try (trial). See also: Genesis 42:15; Psalms 81:8; Psalms 7:10.
וְ֝/חֵ֗ךְ
chêk
H2441
"palate"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the roof of the mouth or palate, like when Isaiah describes the mouth as a source of praise or shame. It's also related to taste and speech, as seen in the book of Job.
Definition: mouth, palate, taste, gums
Usage: Occurs in 18 OT verses. KJV: (roof of the) mouth, taste. See also: Job 6:30; Proverbs 5:3; Psalms 119:103.
יִטְעַ֥ם
ṭâʻam
H2938
"to perceive"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to taste or perceive something, and is often used figuratively. In the Old Testament, it describes experiencing or understanding something. The KJV translates it as 'taste' or 'perceive'.
Definition: 1) to taste, perceive, eat 1a) (Qal) to taste Aramaic equivalent: te.am (טְעֵם "to feed" H2939)
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] but, perceive, taste. See also: 1 Samuel 14:24; Job 12:11; Psalms 34:9.
לֶ/אֱכֹֽל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
Study Notes — Job 34:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 34:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 34:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 34:3
- Cambridge Bible on Job 34:3
- Barnes' Notes on Job 34:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 34:3
- Sermons on Job 34:3
Context — Elihu Confirms God’s Justice
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 12:11 | Does not the ear test words as the tongue tastes its food? |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 2:15 | The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment. |
| 3 | Job 33:2 | Behold, I will open my mouth; my address is on the tip of my tongue. |
| 4 | Hebrews 5:14 | But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained their senses to distinguish good from evil. |
| 5 | Job 31:30 | I have not allowed my mouth to sin by asking for his life with a curse— |
| 6 | Job 6:30 | Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice? |
Job 34:3 Summary
This verse, Job 34:3, means that we should carefully think about and evaluate the words we hear, just like we taste and enjoy our food. It's reminding us to be mindful of what we listen to and to consider whether it's good and true, as the Bible says in Romans 12:2, 'Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.' By doing so, we can make wise decisions and have good conversations. Just as we would choose healthy food to eat, we should choose to listen to and speak words that are wholesome and uplifting, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the ear to test words?
This means that just as our taste buds help us discern the flavor and quality of food, our ears and minds are able to discern the truth and value of the words we hear, as the Bible says in Proverbs 18:13, 'If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.'
Is this verse talking about physical taste or a metaphor?
This verse is using a metaphor to describe how we should carefully consider and evaluate the words we hear, similar to how Psalm 119:103 says, 'How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!'
How does this relate to our daily conversations?
This verse reminds us to be mindful of the words we listen to and the words we speak, as Ephesians 4:29 says, 'Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.'
What is the main point of this verse?
The main point is that we should carefully evaluate and discern the words we hear, just as we would savor and evaluate the taste of food, and this is in line with what the Bible teaches in 1 Thessalonians 5:21, 'but test everything; hold fast what is good.'
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can apply the principle of testing words to my daily life, especially in my conversations and the media I consume?
- How can I develop a greater discernment for the words I hear, and what are some Bible verses that can help me with this, such as Psalm 101:3 or Philippians 4:8?
- In what ways can I use my words to 'taste' good, to bring encouragement and edification to those around me, as instructed in Colossians 4:6?
- What are some potential consequences of not testing the words we hear, and how can we avoid these pitfalls, according to 2 Timothy 4:3-4?
Gill's Exposition on Job 34:3
For the ear trieth words,.... Not only the musical sound of them, the goodness of the language and diction, and the grammatical construction of them, but the sense of them, and whether the matter of
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:3
For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat. Palate (note, Job 12:11; Job 33:2).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:3
i.e. Man’ s mind judgeth Of things spoken and heard. The ear, the sense of discipline, is put for the mind, to which things are conveyed by it. See Poole "".
Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:3
Job 34:3 For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.Ver. 3. For the ear trieth words] And for that end we have that excellent sense of hearing given us, that we may hear with judgment, and trying all things, hold fast that which is good, 1 Thessalonians 5:21, taking heed what we hear, Mark 4:24, as by the taste we may take heed what we let down; for else a man may easily eat his own bane, drink his poison: so here, for the soul hath her senses also, Philippians 1:9, and these habitually exercised to discern good and evil, Hebrews 5:14. Which while carnal people want, they are carried away as they are led, 1 Corinthians 12:2; plucked away with the error of the wicked, 2 Peter 3:17; wherried about with every wind of doctrine, Hebrews 13:9, &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 34:3
Verse 3. The ear trieth words] I do not think, with Calmet, that the inward ear, or judgment, is meant simply. The Asiatics valued themselves on the nice and harmonious collection of words, both in speaking and in writing; and perhaps it will be found here that Elihu labours as much for harmonious versification as for pious and weighty sentiments. To connect sense with sound was an object of general pursuit among the Hebrew, Arabic, and Persian poets; and so fond are the latter of euphony, that they often sacrifice both sense and sentiment to it; and some of the Greek poets are not exempt from this fault.
Cambridge Bible on Job 34:3
3. Elihu makes his appeal to his hearers for the ear trieth words. His appeal is to the common reason, or to the common reverent and just thoughts of God in men. The “ear” is the inner ear, the understanding, which is a judge of sentiments as much as, or like as, the palate is a judge of meats, ch. Job 12:11.
Barnes' Notes on Job 34:3
For the ear trieth words - Ascertains their meaning, and especially determines what words are worth regarding.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 34:3
3. As the mouth tasteth — Literally, As the palate tastes in order to eat.See note on Job 33:2; Job 12:11.
Sermons on Job 34:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Take Heed What You Read by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the critical importance of discerning what we read and hear, urging believers to be vigilant about the spiritual nourishment they consume. He draws parallels b |
|
Every Christian a Teacher. by Horatius Bonar | The preacher delves into the meaning of 'tasted' (geuomai) in the Bible, which can refer to physically tasting something or figuratively experiencing or coming to know something. T |
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Doth Not the Ear Try Words? and the Palate by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the importance of discerning the truth in words, comparing the ear's ability to judge speech to the palate's ability to taste food. He encourages believers to |
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The Hidden Things of God - Part 1 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of focusing on the hidden things of God rather than the visible aspects of Christianity. He shares his astonishment at the emp |
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Satan's Final War Plan Exposed by David Wilkerson | This sermon emphasizes the importance of spiritual warfare and the need for believers to be vigilant against the devil's schemes. It highlights the strategy of the enemy to target |
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The Spiritual Christian by Jessie Penn-Lewis | Jessie Penn-Lewis emphasizes the significance of being a 'spiritual' Christian, highlighting the tripartite nature of man as spirit, soul, and body. She explains that true spiritua |
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The Marks of a True Church by Francis Turretin | Francis Turretin discusses the importance of identifying the true visible church by examining its marks, particularly focusing on the truth of doctrine and its conformity with the |