Job 34:16

KJV

¶ If now [thou hast] understanding, hear this: hearken to the voice of my words.

KJV (with Strong's)

If now thou hast understanding {H998}, hear {H8085} this: hearken {H238} to the voice {H6963} of my words {H4405}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"If you have any sense, [Iyov,] hear this; listen to what I am saying.

Berean Standard Bible

If you have understanding, hear this; listen to my words.

American Standard Version

If nowthou hastunderstanding, hear this: Hearken to the voice of my words.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 34:16 serves as a pivotal rhetorical interjection by Elihu, the youngest of Job's interlocutors, who has just begun his extensive discourse. Having patiently observed the preceding arguments, Elihu now directly challenges Job, and by extension, the other friends, to engage with his words with profound intellectual and spiritual discernment. This verse is a forceful demand for attentive listening, asserting that Elihu's subsequent pronouncements are not mere human opinion but carry significant insight into divine justice and the nature of God's governance, requiring a receptive and understanding heart.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 34:16 is positioned centrally within Elihu's first major speech, which spans from [Job 32:6](/job/32-6 "Job 32:6 - Elihu's Introduction") through [Job 37:24](/job/37-24 "Job 37:24 - Elihu's Concluding Remarks"). Elihu enters the debate after the three friends have exhausted their arguments and Job has defended himself vigorously. He claims to have waited out of respect for their age but now feels compelled to speak, asserting that "it is the spirit in a person, the breath of the Almighty, that gives them understanding" ([Job 32:8](/job/32-8 "Job 32:8 - The Spirit Gives Understanding")). Prior to verse 16, Elihu has already laid the groundwork for his argument, emphasizing God's omnipotence and absolute righteousness, declaring that "far be it from God to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to do wrong" ([Job 34:10](/job/34-10 "Job 34:10 - God's Perfect Justice")). This verse, therefore, acts as a direct, almost dramatic, pause in his theological exposition, a forceful call to attention before he delves deeper into the intricacies of God's just governance and the potential disciplinary nature of suffering. It highlights Elihu's self-perceived authority and the gravity with which he views his message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a region likely east of Edom or in northern Arabia, suggesting a patriarchal, pre-Mosaic tribal society. In such a setting, oral tradition and public discourse were paramount. Debates, especially on profound theological and existential matters, were formal affairs, often with established protocols of address and response. The concept of "wisdom" (חָכְמָה, _chokmah_) was highly valued, encompassing not just intellectual acumen but also practical discernment and moral insight. The speakers in Job, including Elihu, operate within a worldview where God is sovereign, but the precise nature of His justice, especially in relation to suffering, is a subject of intense theological wrestling. Elihu's challenge to "hear" and "understand" reflects the cultural expectation that a speaker of wisdom demands and deserves focused attention, and that true understanding requires more than superficial listening; it demands a deep engagement of the mind and spirit. His youth, in a culture that revered age, makes his assertive demand for attention particularly striking, underscoring his conviction that his words are divinely inspired.
* **Key Themes:** Job 34:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Job and broader biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it underscores the **importance of true wisdom and understanding** in discerning God's ways. Elihu implies that Job and his friends have lacked this crucial insight, leading to their flawed conclusions about suffering and divine justice. This theme resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on seeking wisdom as a primary pursuit, as seen in [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is Supreme"). Secondly, the verse highlights the **nature of divine communication and human reception**. Elihu believes he is speaking on God's behalf, or at least with divine insight, and thus demands a hearing that goes beyond mere politeness to genuine spiritual reception. This anticipates the ultimate divine revelation. Thirdly, it touches upon the theme of **God's inscrutable justice**. While Elihu asserts God's righteousness, the very need for such an elaborate defense and call to understanding suggests that God's ways are not always immediately obvious to human perception, requiring deeper discernment to grasp. Finally, it reinforces the **dialogical nature of the book of Job**, where the search for truth unfolds through a series of speeches and responses, each speaker attempting to persuade the others of their perspective on God's character and actions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Understanding (Hebrew, בִּינָה, _bîynâ_):** This noun derives from the verb _bîn_, meaning "to discern," "to perceive," "to understand." It signifies not just intellectual comprehension but a deeper, insightful grasp of a matter, often involving the ability to distinguish between things, to make connections, and to draw correct conclusions. In this context, Elihu challenges Job to move beyond a superficial hearing to a profound discernment of the principles of divine justice he is about to expound. It implies a moral and spiritual capacity to apprehend truth, suggesting that Job's current distress might be rooted in a lack of this deeper understanding.
* **Hear (Hebrew, שְׁמַע, _šāmaʿ_):** This is the fundamental Hebrew verb for "to hear," but its semantic range is much broader than the English equivalent. It encompasses listening attentively, understanding, obeying, and responding. When used in a command, as here, it implies not just the physical act of hearing sounds but a receptive posture of the mind and heart, ready to process and act upon the information received. Elihu is not asking for passive reception but active engagement with his message.
* **Hearken (Hebrew, הַאֲזִינוּ, _ha'azinu_):** This verb, often translated "give ear" or "listen carefully," is a more intensive form of "hearing" than _šāmaʿ_. It literally means "to incline the ear," emphasizing a deliberate and focused act of attention. It is frequently used in contexts where significant instruction or divine revelation is being given, underscoring the gravity and importance of the words that follow. Elihu uses this strong imperative to demand Job's full, undivided attention, asserting the weightiness and truthfulness of his subsequent arguments.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If now [thou hast] understanding":** This opening clause functions as a rhetorical challenge and a conditional invitation. Elihu questions Job's current state of understanding, implying that Job's previous arguments and complaints stem from a lack of true discernment regarding God's character and actions. It sets a high bar for reception, suggesting that only those with genuine insight will grasp the profundity of what follows. It is not necessarily an insult but a direct call to intellectual and spiritual readiness.
* **"hear this":** This is a direct, imperative command, intensifying the call for attention. The demonstrative "this" points forward to Elihu's subsequent discourse, signaling that what he is about to say is of paramount importance and requires immediate and focused listening. It serves as a transition from the conditional challenge to an explicit demand for engagement.
* **"hearken to the voice of my words":** This final clause reiterates and strengthens the command to listen. "Hearken" (from _ʾāzan_) implies inclining one's ear and giving full, undivided attention, often with an expectation of obedience or deep consideration. "The voice of my words" emphasizes that Elihu believes his message carries authority and weight, perhaps even reflecting divine insight, and thus merits the most serious consideration from Job and the other listeners. It is a plea for Job to set aside his own preconceived notions and truly absorb Elihu's perspective.

#### Literary Devices
Job 34:16 primarily employs **Direct Address** and **Imperative Mood** to create a forceful and demanding tone. Elihu directly confronts Job with the phrase "If now thou hast understanding," immediately establishing a confrontational yet challenging posture. The use of strong imperatives like "hear this" and "hearken" underscores the urgency and importance Elihu places on his message, shifting from a general observation to a pointed demand for attention. This rhetorical strategy aims to capture the listener's focus and prepare them for the weighty theological arguments that Elihu is about to unfold. The structure of the verse also demonstrates a form of **Climax**, moving from a conditional challenge ("If...understanding") to a general command ("hear this") and finally to a more intense and specific command ("hearken to the voice of my words"), building the intensity of Elihu's demand for Job's full and discerning attention.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 34:16, a sharp call to attentive understanding, resonates deeply with the broader biblical emphasis on the reception of divine truth. Elihu's demand for Job to "hear" and "hearken" is not merely a request for politeness but an insistence on spiritual discernment, implying that true understanding of God's ways requires more than intellectual assent; it demands an open heart and a willingness to learn. This mirrors the consistent biblical theme that God's wisdom, though often beyond human comprehension, is revealed to those who genuinely seek it and incline their ears to His instruction. Elihu's assertion of his own understanding, while potentially arrogant, highlights the Old Testament concept that wisdom is a gift from God, and those who possess it have a responsibility to share it, even if it challenges established perspectives. The verse thus serves as a microcosm of the entire wisdom tradition, where the pursuit of knowledge about God and His world necessitates diligent and humble listening.

* [Proverbs 2:2](/proverbs/2-2 "Proverbs 2:2 - Incline Your Ear to Wisdom")
* [Isaiah 55:3](/isaiah/55-3 "Isaiah 55:3 - Incline Your Ear and Come to Me")
* [Matthew 11:15](/matthew/11-15 "Matthew 11:15 - He Who Has Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elihu's pointed challenge in Job 34:16 transcends its ancient context, offering profound lessons for contemporary spiritual life. In a world saturated with information and opinion, the call to "hear this: hearken to the voice of my words" urges us to cultivate a posture of deep, discerning listening, especially when engaging with spiritual truths or challenging perspectives. It prompts us to move beyond superficial hearing to genuine understanding, recognizing that true comprehension of God's character and ways often requires a willingness to re-evaluate our own assumptions and biases. This verse reminds us that spiritual growth is not merely about accumulating knowledge but about developing the capacity to discern God's voice amidst the clamor of other voices, and to respond with an open, teachable spirit. It challenges us to consider if we truly possess "understanding" – not just intellectual capacity, but a spiritual receptivity that allows us to grasp the profound implications of God's sovereignty and justice, even in the face of suffering.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I truly "hearken" to God's Word, rather than simply reading or hearing it passively?**
* **What preconceived notions or biases might prevent me from fully understanding spiritual truths, especially those that challenge my comfort zone?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to ask God for deeper "understanding" (discernment) to navigate complex situations or suffering?**
* **How can I cultivate a more attentive and discerning spirit in my daily interactions, both with God and with others?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Elihu's demand for "understanding" in this verse?**

Answer: Elihu's demand for "understanding" (Hebrew: _bîynâ_) is highly significant because it goes beyond mere intellectual comprehension. It implies a call for Job, and by extension the reader, to engage with Elihu's arguments with deep discernment, insight, and the ability to connect seemingly disparate truths. Elihu believes that Job's suffering and his subsequent complaints stem from a fundamental misunderstanding of God's character and His just dealings. By challenging Job's "understanding," Elihu asserts that his own perspective will offer a clearer, more profound insight into divine justice, suggesting that God's ways are not always simple or immediately apparent, thus requiring a deeper spiritual and intellectual engagement to grasp. This emphasis on discerning wisdom is a hallmark of biblical wisdom literature, as seen in [Proverbs 3:13](/proverbs/3-13 "Proverbs 3:13 - Blessed is the One Who Finds Wisdom").

**How does Elihu's approach differ from Job's other three friends?**

Answer: Elihu's approach differs significantly from that of Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. While the three friends primarily operate under the rigid retribution theology (suffering equals sin), accusing Job of specific, hidden transgressions, Elihu offers a more nuanced perspective. He does not accuse Job of specific sins but rather focuses on God's absolute righteousness and sovereignty, arguing that God is just in all His ways ([Job 34:10](/job/34-10 "Job 34:10 - God is Just")). Elihu suggests that suffering can be disciplinary, preventative, or even a means for God to speak to humanity, rather than solely punitive. His tone, while assertive, is less accusatory and more instructional, positioning himself as a mediator of divine wisdom. He also criticizes both Job's self-righteousness and the friends' inability to answer Job effectively ([Job 32:3](/job/32-3 "Job 32:3 - Elihu's Anger at the Friends")). Unlike the friends who offer simplistic answers, Elihu delves into the complexity of God's governance, preparing the way for God's own speech from the whirlwind.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elihu's emphatic call to "hear this: hearken to the voice of my words" in Job 34:16 finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. While Elihu, a human figure, asserted his understanding and demanded attention, Jesus is the very embodiment of divine wisdom ([1 Corinthians 1:30](/1_corinthians/1-30 "1 Corinthians 1:30 - Christ Our Wisdom")) and the ultimate revelation of God's character. He is the Word made flesh ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")), whose voice carries absolute authority and truth. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus frequently issues the imperative, "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" ([Matthew 11:15](/matthew/11-15 "Matthew 11:15 - He Who Has Ears to Hear, Let Him Hear"); [Mark 4:9](/mark/4-9 "Mark 4:9 - He Who Has Ears to Hear")). This echoes Elihu's demand for profound discernment, but Jesus' call is to hear and obey the very words of God Himself, which bring eternal life ([John 5:24](/john/5-24 "John 5:24 - Hearing Jesus' Word Brings Life")). The "understanding" Elihu sought from Job is fully provided in Christ, who perfectly reveals the Father's justice, mercy, and redemptive plan. To "hearken" to Jesus' voice is to receive the wisdom that leads to salvation ([Romans 10:17](/romans/10-17 "Romans 10:17 - Faith Comes by Hearing")), finding in Him the ultimate answer to the problem of suffering and the true nature of God's righteous governance.

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 12:3

But I have understanding as well as you; I [am] not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?

Job 13:2

What ye know, [the same] do I know also: I [am] not inferior unto you.

Job 13:6

Hear now my reasoning, and hearken to the pleadings of my lips.