Job 29:21

KJV

Unto me [men] gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel.

KJV (with Strong's)

Unto me men gave ear {H8085}, and waited {H3176}, and kept silence {H1826} at {H3926} my counsel {H6098}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"People would listen to me; they waited and were silent when I gave advice.

Berean Standard Bible

Men listened to me with expectation, waiting silently for my counsel.

American Standard Version

Unto me men gave ear, and waited, And kept silence for my counsel.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 29:21 captures a poignant moment in Job's lament, as he vividly recalls the profound respect and influence he once commanded within his community. This verse, part of his final monologue before God's intervention, paints a picture of a revered patriarch whose wisdom was eagerly sought, whose words were awaited with anticipation, and whose counsel brought forth reverent silence, underscoring the deep esteem in which he was held prior to his devastating trials.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 29:21 is a pivotal verse within Job's extended lament, specifically nestled in [Job chapter 29](/job/29 "Job 29 - Job's Lament for His Former Glory"), which serves as a stark contrast to his present suffering. Following the dialogues with his three friends, Job delivers a final, impassioned defense and expression of his plight. Chapter 29 opens with Job wishing for the days of old, when God's favor was upon him and he walked in prosperity and honor. Verses 7-10 describe the public deference he received, where young and old alike rose in his presence. Verses 11-17 detail his righteous actions as a just and compassionate leader, defending the poor and oppressed. Verse 21, along with verses 22-25, specifically highlights his role as a respected counselor and judge, whose words were final and whose presence brought comfort and guidance, setting the stage for the dramatic reversal of fortune described in the subsequent chapter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern societies, particularly among tribal or clan-based communities, the role of an elder or patriarch like Job was paramount. Such individuals were not merely figures of authority but were repositories of wisdom, tradition, and justice. They often presided over disputes at the city gate, the public square where legal and social matters were decided. People would gather to hear their judgments and seek their counsel. The silence and attentive waiting described in Job 29:21 reflect the deep cultural reverence for age, wisdom, and integrity, especially in a context where oral tradition and personal reputation were foundational to social order. Job's description of his past status is consistent with the ideal of a righteous leader in such a setting, whose words carried the weight of divine wisdom and communal well-being.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Job. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **Job's former glory and profound loss**, creating a sharp antithesis with his current state of humiliation and abandonment detailed in [Job 30](/job/30 "Job 30 - Job's Humiliation"). It highlights the theme of **wisdom and righteous leadership**, portraying Job as an embodiment of the wise counselor whose discernment was highly valued, echoing the principles found in [Proverbs 1:5](/proverbs/1-5 "Proverbs 1:5 - The Wise Listen"). Furthermore, it touches on the theme of **public reputation and social standing**, demonstrating how Job's integrity and just actions earned him widespread respect and influence, a stark contrast to the scorn he now endures, which is a central aspect of his suffering.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Gave ear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ_):** This primitive root (H8085) signifies more than merely hearing; it implies an intelligent, attentive, and often obedient listening. In this context, it emphasizes a deliberate posture of receptivity, indicating that Job's audience did not just passively hear his words but actively focused their attention, ready to consider and internalize his counsel. It suggests a recognition of the value and authority in his speech, prompting a careful and discerning reception.
* **Waited (Hebrew, _yâchal_):** Derived from a primitive root (H3176), this word means "to wait," but by implication, it conveys a sense of being patient, hopeful, and expectant. It describes an eager anticipation, suggesting that people did not simply delay but waited with a profound sense of longing and trust for Job's words. This implies a belief that his counsel would bring forth something valuable—insight, resolution, or comfort—and that his words were worth the patient endurance.
* **Kept silence (Hebrew, _dâmam_):** This primitive root (H1826) means "to be dumb" or "to be silent," but it also carries implications of being astonished, stopping, or holding peace. Here, it denotes a deliberate, respectful cessation of all other activity and speech. This silence is a profound mark of deference and reverence, indicating that Job's counsel was considered so weighty and authoritative that all other voices and thoughts were hushed to allow his words to be fully absorbed and pondered without interruption or challenge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Unto me [men] gave ear":** This clause establishes Job's preeminent position as a respected figure whose words commanded immediate and undivided attention. The phrase "gave ear" signifies not just passive hearing but an active, intentional listening, indicating that people genuinely desired to hear what Job had to say, recognizing the value and authority embedded in his speech.
* **"and waited":** This phrase further elaborates on the attentive posture of his audience. It implies a patient, expectant anticipation, suggesting that people were eager for Job to speak and were prepared to receive his counsel. This waiting was not out of boredom or obligation, but from a genuine desire for guidance and wisdom, highlighting the perceived efficacy and importance of Job's words.
* **"and kept silence at my counsel":** This final clause culminates the description of Job's influence, portraying the ultimate mark of reverence. The "silence" was a deliberate act of deference, a collective hush that fell upon the assembly when Job began to offer his advice. It signifies that his counsel was considered final, authoritative, and so profound that it commanded absolute stillness, allowing his words to resonate without interruption or challenge.

#### Literary Devices
Job 29:21 employs several effective literary devices to convey Job's past status. The primary device is **Contrast**, as the entire chapter functions as a poignant comparison between Job's former glory and his current abject suffering. This verse, in particular, highlights the stark difference between the universal respect he once commanded and the contempt he now faces. **Hyperbole** or **Idealization** may also be present, as Job's recollection likely presents an idealized, almost utopian, version of his past influence, emphasizing the depth of his loss. The cumulative effect of "gave ear," "waited," and "kept silence" creates a sense of **Climax** or escalating reverence, building to the ultimate demonstration of his authority. Finally, the verse contributes significantly to the **Pathos** of Job's lament, evoking sympathy for a man who has fallen from such a pinnacle of public esteem to the depths of public scorn.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 29:21 powerfully illustrates the societal value placed on wisdom, integrity, and righteous leadership in the ancient world, themes that resonate deeply throughout biblical theology. Job's past influence was a direct consequence of his character and his commitment to justice, reflecting a divine order where wisdom is a gift from God, intended to guide and bless communities. The verse serves as a poignant reminder that true authority, in a biblical sense, often stems not from coercive power but from moral uprightness and the ability to offer sound, God-honoring counsel. This ideal of the wise leader, whose words are sought and respected, stands in stark contrast to the folly of those who reject wisdom, and it foreshadows the ultimate source of all true counsel.

* [Proverbs 1:5](/proverbs/1-5 "Proverbs 1:5 - The Wise Listen and Increase Learning")
* [Proverbs 12:15](/proverbs/12-15 "Proverbs 12:15 - The Way of a Fool and the Wise Listener")
* [Deuteronomy 17:10-11](/deuteronomy/17-10-11 "Deuteronomy 17:10-11 - Heeding the Judgment of Priests and Judges")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 29:21 invites us to reflect on the nature of true influence and the profound impact of wisdom and integrity in our own lives and communities. In a world often characterized by noise, superficiality, and a cacophony of conflicting opinions, Job's past reminds us of the profound value of seeking out and truly listening to voices of genuine wisdom and moral authority. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of humility and attentiveness, to "give ear" and "wait" for counsel that is rooted in truth and righteousness, rather than being quick to speak or dismiss. Furthermore, it encourages us to consider how our own lives, marked by integrity and a commitment to justice, can become a source of trusted counsel for others, echoing the principles of Christ-like servant leadership. The verse also serves as a sobering reminder of the transient nature of earthly honor and the importance of grounding our identity not in public acclaim, but in our relationship with God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you most intentional about seeking wise counsel, and from whom do you seek it?**
* **How well do you "give ear" and "keep silence" when others, especially those with wisdom, are speaking? What practices can help you cultivate more attentive listening?**
* **How does your character and integrity influence the way others perceive and receive your words?**
* **Considering Job's loss of influence, how does this verse challenge your own understanding of success, respect, and lasting value?**

### FAQ
**Was Job's past influence typical for a man of his standing in the ancient Near East?**

Answer: Yes, Job's description of his past influence aligns well with the cultural norms and expectations for a revered patriarch or elder in ancient Near Eastern societies. In these cultures, wisdom, justice, and integrity were highly valued, and individuals who embodied these qualities often served as community leaders, judges, and counselors. Decisions were often made in public forums, such as the city gate, where elders would preside. The respect shown to Job—people giving ear, waiting, and keeping silence—was a common demonstration of deference to those recognized as wise and authoritative, as seen in various biblical and extra-biblical texts describing such societal structures.

**How does this verse relate to Job's suffering later in the book?**

Answer: Job 29:21, along with the rest of [Job chapter 29](/job/29 "Job 29 - Job's Lament for His Former Glory"), serves as a powerful and poignant contrast to Job's subsequent suffering and humiliation described in [Job chapter 30](/job/30 "Job 30 - Job's Humiliation and Scorn"). In chapter 29, Job recalls a time when he was universally respected, sought after for counsel, and honored by all segments of society. This glorious past makes his present state of being mocked by those younger and less significant, and his abandonment by friends and community, all the more devastating. The stark difference between his former esteem and his current disgrace intensifies the emotional impact of his lament and underscores the depth of his trials, making his questions about God's justice even more acute.

**Does "kept silence at my counsel" imply Job was authoritarian or merely respected?**

Answer: The phrase "kept silence at my counsel" strongly implies profound respect and deference rather than authoritarianism in a negative sense. In ancient Near Eastern contexts, silence in the presence of a speaker, especially a judge or counselor, was a mark of deep reverence and acknowledgment of the speaker's authority and wisdom. It indicates that Job's words were considered weighty, final, and worthy of complete absorption without interruption or challenge. It suggests that his counsel was so sound and his judgment so trusted that people had no need or desire to interject, but rather listened intently to receive his guidance. This is consistent with the portrayal of Job as a righteous and just leader throughout chapter 29.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job's past influence and wisdom were significant, they ultimately point to a greater reality found in Jesus Christ, the ultimate source of all wisdom and counsel. Job's listeners "gave ear," "waited," and "kept silence" at his words, but how much more profound was the reception given to Christ! When Jesus taught, people were "astonished at his doctrine: for he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes" ([Matthew 7:28-29](/matthew/7-28-29 "Matthew 7:28-29 - Jesus Teaches with Authority")). Crowds would gather, hanging on His every word, often for days, as they "waited" to hear the life-giving truths He proclaimed ([Mark 6:34](/mark/6-34 "Mark 6:34 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). Even His adversaries were often silenced by His wisdom, unable to trap Him in His words ([Luke 20:26](/luk/20-26 "Luke 20:26 - Jesus Silences His Opponents")). Jesus is the "wisdom of God" personified ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ, the Power and Wisdom of God")), the "Wonderful Counselor" prophesied by Isaiah ([Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - Prophecy of the Messiah's Names")). Unlike Job, whose wisdom was finite and whose influence eventually waned, Christ's counsel is eternal, infallible, and universally applicable, offering not just guidance for earthly matters but the very words of eternal life ([John 6:68](/john/6-68 "John 6:68 - Peter's Confession of Jesus' Words of Life")). He alone is the one to whom all should give ear, wait upon, and keep silence in reverent submission, for in Him are "hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Treasures of Wisdom in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 32:11

Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.

Job 32:12

Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, [there was] none of you that convinced Job, [or] that answered his words:

Job 29:9

The princes refrained talking, and laid [their] hand on their mouth.

Job 29:10

The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth.