Job 34:2

KJV

Hear my words, O ye wise [men]; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.

KJV (with Strong's)

Hear {H8085} my words {H4405}, O ye wise {H2450} men; and give ear {H238} unto me, ye that have knowledge {H3045}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"Hear my words, you sages! Listen to me, you who know so much!

Berean Standard Bible

“Hear my words, O wise men; give ear to me, O men of learning.

American Standard Version

Hear my words, ye wise men; And give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 34:2 serves as the emphatic and urgent opening statement of Elihu, the youngest of Job's interlocutors, as he finally breaks his prolonged silence. After patiently observing the circular and often unhelpful debate between Job and his three friends, Elihu steps forward, convinced that he possesses a fresh, divinely-inspired perspective on God's justice, human suffering, and the true nature of wisdom. This verse is a direct and compelling appeal to those present, particularly the older and ostensibly "wise" men, to set aside their preconceived notions and listen attentively and discerningly to the new arguments he is about to present, signaling a pivotal shift in the theological discourse.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a significant turning point in the book of Job, initiating the Elihu speeches (chapters 32-37). Prior to Elihu's intervention, the narrative has been dominated by the lengthy and often repetitive dialogues between Job and his three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar (chapters 3-31). These exchanges largely focused on the traditional doctrine of retribution, asserting that Job's immense suffering must be a direct consequence of his sin, a claim Job vehemently denies while maintaining his innocence. Elihu is introduced in [Job 32:2-6](/job/32-2-6 "Job 32:2-6 - Elihu's Introduction and Anger") as a younger man who has waited respectfully for his elders to speak. His indignation, first at Job's self-justification and then at the friends' inability to provide a satisfactory theological explanation, compels him to speak. [Job 34:2](/job/34-2 "Job 34:2 - Elihu's Call to Listen") initiates his first major discourse, where he positions himself as a voice of reason and divine insight, preparing the ground for a more nuanced understanding of God's ways before God Himself finally speaks in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - The Lord Answers Job from the Whirlwind").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a region likely east of Palestine, suggesting a non-Israelite, yet monotheistic, cultural milieu. The discussions reflect common ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions, which grappled with the problem of suffering and the justice of the gods. In this cultural setting, age often conferred authority and wisdom, making Elihu's decision to speak, despite being younger, a bold and potentially audacious move. His opening address, appealing to "wise men" and "those that have knowledge," is a rhetorical strategy to gain a hearing from an audience that would naturally defer to the established wisdom of the elders. The debate's format, a series of speeches and responses, is characteristic of ancient disputation literature, where participants would present their arguments and counter-arguments in a formal, public setting. Elihu's call for attention is thus not merely polite but a strategic move to establish the legitimacy and importance of his forthcoming theological contribution.
* **Key Themes:** [Job 34:2](/job/34-2 "Job 34:2 - Elihu's Call to Listen") introduces several crucial themes that Elihu will develop throughout his speeches. Primarily, it underscores the **importance of discerning attention and true wisdom** in theological discourse. Elihu believes that the previous arguments have been flawed due to a lack of genuine understanding of God's character and purposes. His call to "hear" and "give ear" emphasizes the need for an open mind and a willingness to consider new perspectives, contrasting with the rigid dogmatism often displayed by Job's friends. This aligns with broader biblical teachings on the pursuit of wisdom, as seen in [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the Principal Thing"), which elevates wisdom above all else. Furthermore, the verse subtly hints at the theme of **divine justice and human perception of it**. Elihu intends to defend God's righteousness more robustly than the friends, arguing that God is just even when His ways are inscrutable to humanity. His appeal to "knowledge" suggests that a deeper, more experiential understanding of God is required to navigate the complexities of suffering, a theme that anticipates God's own revelation in the whirlwind, as detailed in [Job 38-41](/job/38-41 "Job 38-41 - The Lord's Speeches to Job").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** This is an imperative verb, a direct command meaning "listen!" or "pay attention!" It is derived from the common Hebrew root *shâmaʻ*, which implies not just passive hearing but active, obedient listening that leads to understanding and action. By using this strong imperative, Elihu demands an immediate and focused reception of his words, signaling that what he is about to say is of critical importance and requires a deliberate act of the will from his audience. The root often carries the connotation of hearing *intelligently* and *attentively*, leading to a response.
* **Wise (Hebrew, _châkâm'_):** This plural noun refers to individuals possessing *chokhmah*, which is more than mere intellectual acumen. In the Old Testament, *chokhmah* (derived from *châkâm*) encompasses practical skill, moral discernment, insight into the ways of God, and the ability to live skillfully and righteously in the world. Elihu addresses the "wise" not necessarily as a compliment but as a challenge, implying that their supposed wisdom has thus far failed to grasp the full truth of Job's situation or God's character. He appeals to their capacity for true wisdom, hoping they will recognize the validity of his arguments about God's ways.
* **Knowledge (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_):** This noun (derived from the root *yâdaʻ*) signifies a deep, experiential, and relational understanding, distinct from mere factual information. It is often used in the Old Testament to describe an intimate acquaintance with God or His ways, or a profound comprehension gained through observation and experience. By appealing to "ye that have knowledge," Elihu is calling upon his listeners to engage with his words not just intellectually, but with a profound, discerning comprehension that goes beyond superficial understanding. He implies that the previous speakers, despite their years, lacked this deeper *da'at* concerning God's intricate dealings with humanity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Hear my words, O ye wise [men];"**: Elihu begins with a direct, imperative call for attention, addressing those presumed to be intellectually capable and discerning. The phrase sets a formal tone, demanding a serious and unbiased hearing from an audience that includes Job and his three friends, all of whom have engaged in extensive theological debate. Elihu positions himself as one who has something truly valuable to contribute, something that their collective "wisdom" has yet to uncover. The inclusion of "[men]" in the KJV indicates the implied masculine plural nature of the address.
* **"and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge."**: This second clause functions as a synonymous parallel to the first, reinforcing Elihu's plea. "Give ear" (from the Hebrew root *ʼâzan*) is another imperative, often used in contexts where divine instruction or profound truth is being imparted, emphasizing a careful, attentive, and open-minded reception. By addressing "ye that have knowledge," Elihu appeals to their capacity for deep understanding and discernment, suggesting that his forthcoming discourse will require more than superficial listening; it will demand a profound engagement with truth, a knowing that comes from experience and insight into God's ways.

#### Literary Devices
[Job 34:2](/job/34-2 "Job 34:2 - Elihu's Call to Listen") employs several key **literary devices** to achieve its rhetorical effect and establish Elihu's persuasive intent. The most prominent is **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second half of the verse reiterates and reinforces the meaning of the first half using different but equivalent phrasing ("Hear my words... O ye wise" is paralleled by "give ear unto me... ye that have knowledge"). This device adds emphasis and poetic rhythm, ensuring Elihu's urgent appeal is clearly understood and deeply felt. The use of the **Imperative Mood** in both "Hear" and "give ear" creates a sense of direct command and urgency, immediately establishing Elihu's authority and conviction from the outset, demanding an active response from his audience. Furthermore, it utilizes **Direct Address**, speaking directly to "ye wise [men]" and "ye that have knowledge," making the appeal personal and challenging. This direct address also functions as a **Rhetorical Appeal**, as Elihu attempts to flatter or challenge his audience's self-perception of wisdom, thereby compelling them to listen more intently to what he believes is a superior argument.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Job 34:2](/job/34-2 "Job 34:2 - Elihu's Call to Listen"), as Elihu's opening salvo, profoundly connects to the broader biblical emphasis on the pursuit of genuine wisdom and understanding, particularly concerning the ways of God. Elihu's appeal to "wise men" and "those that have knowledge" highlights the biblical truth that true spiritual insight is not merely intellectual accumulation but a discerning heart attuned to divine revelation. The book of Job itself is a profound exploration of the limits of human wisdom in comprehending divine justice and suffering, ultimately pointing to God's incomprehensible sovereignty. Elihu, though fallible, represents a shift from the friends' rigid dogma to a more nuanced, albeit still incomplete, understanding that prepares the way for God's direct intervention. His insistence on careful listening underscores a fundamental principle of biblical learning: humility and attentiveness are prerequisites for receiving truth, especially when it challenges deeply held beliefs. This verse sets the stage for a discourse that seeks to elevate the understanding of God's character beyond simplistic human frameworks.

* [Proverbs 1:5](/proverbs/1-5 "Proverbs 1:5 - Let the wise hear and increase in learning")
* [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "James 1:19 - Be quick to listen, slow to speak")
* [Psalm 119:34](/psalm/119-34 "Psalm 119:34 - Give me understanding, that I may keep your law")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elihu's passionate plea in [Job 34:2](/job/34-2 "Job 34:2 - Elihu's Call to Listen") offers a timeless lesson on the nature of discourse, particularly in matters of faith and complex human experience. It challenges us to cultivate a posture of active, discerning listening, not merely waiting for our turn to speak, but genuinely seeking to understand the perspective of others. In a world often characterized by rapid judgments and polarized debates, Elihu's call to "give ear" reminds us that true wisdom begins with humility and a willingness to consider that our own understanding may be incomplete or flawed. It encourages us to value deep knowledge and insight, recognizing that profound truths often require careful, patient contemplation rather than superficial engagement. Furthermore, it prompts us to consider from whom we are willing to receive wisdom; sometimes, the most profound insights come from unexpected sources, challenging our preconceived notions about who is qualified to speak. This verse serves as an invitation to approach all conversations, especially those about God and suffering, with an open mind and a heart eager to learn, allowing truth to emerge through diligent and respectful engagement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I truly "give ear" to others, especially when their perspectives challenge my own, or do I primarily listen to formulate my rebuttal?**
* **In what areas of my life might I be relying on superficial "wisdom" rather than seeking a deeper, more experiential "knowledge" of God's ways?**
* **What assumptions about age, status, or background might prevent me from hearing valuable insights from unexpected sources?**
* **How can I cultivate a more discerning and humble spirit in my theological discussions and personal interactions?**

### FAQ
**Who is Elihu, and why is his opening statement so significant in the book of Job?**

Answer: Elihu is the youngest of the four men present in the debate with Job. He is introduced in [Job 32:2](/job/32-2 "Job 32:2 - Elihu's Anger") after Job and his three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—have exhausted their arguments. His opening statement in [Job 34:2](/job/34-2 "Job 34:2 - Elihu's Call to Listen") is significant because it marks a pivotal shift in the narrative. For 31 chapters, the debate has been circular and unresolved. Elihu, having patiently listened, believes that all parties have erred: Job in justifying himself, and the friends in failing to defend God's justice adequately. His intervention introduces a fresh perspective, preparing the reader for God's ultimate appearance and offering a more nuanced understanding of suffering that moves beyond the simplistic retribution theology of the friends. He positions himself as a mediator of truth, calling for a new, attentive hearing from those who claim wisdom and knowledge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Elihu's urgent call to "Hear my words, O ye wise [men]; and give ear unto me, ye that have knowledge" finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Elihu, a human figure, appealed to human wisdom and knowledge, Jesus is the very embodiment of divine wisdom, the Logos through whom all things were made, as proclaimed in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God"). Throughout the Gospels, Jesus repeatedly calls His hearers to "hear" His words, not merely as human instruction but as divine truth, often concluding with phrases like "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" ([Matthew 11:15](/matthew/11-15 "Matthew 11:15 - He Who Has Ears to Hear")). He is the one in whom "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden All Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")). Unlike Elihu, whose wisdom was still limited and preparatory, Jesus speaks with absolute authority, declaring, "The words that I speak to you are spirit, and they are life" ([John 6:63](/john/6-63 "John 6:63 - Words of Spirit and Life")). To "give ear" to Jesus is to receive the very wisdom of God, leading to eternal life and true understanding of the Father's ways, far surpassing any human philosophical debate, as He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"). His invitation to "come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Come to Me, All Who Labor")) is the ultimate call to hear and receive true wisdom and knowledge.

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

1 Corinthians 14:20

Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

Proverbs 1:5

A wise [man] will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:

1 Corinthians 10:15

¶ I speak as to wise men; judge ye what I say.