Job 34:34

KJV

Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man hearken unto me.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let men {H582} of understanding {H3824} tell {H559} me, and let a wise {H2450} man {H1397} hearken {H8085} unto me.

Complete Jewish Bible

Intelligent people will tell me, every wise man who hears me will say,

Berean Standard Bible

Men of understanding will declare to me, and the wise men who hear me will say:

American Standard Version

Men of understanding will say unto me, Yea, every wise man that heareth me:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 34:34 encapsulates Elihu's confident challenge to those who claim wisdom and understanding, urging them to critically engage with his arguments. Positioned within his lengthy discourse, this verse serves as a rhetorical invitation for discerning individuals to either affirm his insights or present a more compelling alternative, thereby asserting his perceived intellectual and spiritual superiority in the ongoing debate concerning divine justice and human suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Elihu's extensive speeches, specifically in the latter part of his third discourse (Job 34:1-37). Elihu, the youngest of Job's interlocutors, enters the debate after the three older friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) have exhausted their arguments and Job has continued to assert his innocence and question God's justice. Elihu claims to speak with a fresh, Spirit-inspired perspective, believing he can offer a more balanced and accurate understanding of God's ways. He criticizes the older friends for their inability to refute Job and Job himself for his perceived self-righteousness and presumption in challenging God. Elihu aims to bridge the gap between Job's complaints and the friends' rigid theology, preparing the ground for God's direct intervention in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech"). This particular verse highlights Elihu's conviction in the soundness of his own reasoning and his desire for his words to be given serious consideration by anyone who truly possesses wisdom or discernment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in a patriarchal, pre-Mosaic era, likely in the land of Uz (possibly Edom or northern Arabia), a crossroads of ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions. In this cultural milieu, wisdom was highly valued and often associated with age, experience, and adherence to established moral and religious principles. Public discourse and debate, particularly among wise men, were common methods for exploring truth and resolving complex issues. Elihu, despite his youth, challenges this convention by claiming a wisdom not derived from age but from divine inspiration. The concept of "understanding" (Hebrew: _binah_) and "wisdom" (Hebrew: _chakham_) were central to the intellectual and spiritual life of the ancient Israelites and their neighbors, signifying not merely intellectual knowledge but practical discernment and moral insight. The act of "hearkening" (Hebrew: _shama'_) implied not just listening, but attentive consideration and often, obedience, reflecting the high stakes of such theological discussions.
* **Key Themes:** Job 34:34 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job. Firstly, it underscores **The Nature of Wisdom and Understanding**, a central preoccupation of the entire wisdom tradition. Elihu implies that true wisdom involves not just speaking, but also discerning listening and the ability to grasp divine principles, a theme echoed throughout the wisdom literature, such as in [Proverbs 4:7](/proverbs/4-7 "Proverbs 4:7 - Wisdom is the principal thing"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **The Importance of Listening**, as the phrase "hearken unto me" highlights the active and attentive reception required to truly engage with an argument or teaching, suggesting that wisdom is gained not only by speaking but also by humbly receiving instruction. Thirdly, it functions as a **Rhetorical Challenge**, as Elihu uses this statement to assert his authority and perhaps to provoke a response from those who might dismiss his youth or his perspective, a bold declaration of his perceived intellectual and spiritual superiority. Finally, the verse prompts reflection on **Discerning Truth**, particularly how individuals assess and respond to different perspectives when searching for divine truth amidst complex human experience, a search that ultimately culminates in God's own revelation in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech") and [Job 39](/job/39 "Job 39 - God's Second Speech").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Understanding (Hebrew, _bîynâ_):** This term refers to discernment, intelligence, or the ability to separate and distinguish between things. It implies a deep comprehension beyond mere factual knowledge, a capacity to grasp the meaning, implications, and underlying principles of facts and arguments. In this context, Elihu appeals to those who possess this deeper insight, beyond superficial hearing.
* **Wise man (Hebrew, _ḥāḵām_):** This denotes someone who is skilled, prudent, or possesses practical wisdom and good judgment, often in a moral, ethical, or religious sense. A _ḥāḵām_ is not just intellectually gifted but applies knowledge effectively in life, making sound decisions. Elihu challenges those who are recognized as such to truly engage with his perspective.
* **Hearken (Hebrew, _šāmaʿ_):** More than simply "to hear," _šāmaʿ_ often carries the connotation of "to listen attentively," "to understand," and even "to obey" or "to respond accordingly." In this context, Elihu is not merely asking for an audience, but for a careful, discerning consideration and acceptance of his words, implying that true wisdom involves a humble receptivity to truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let men of understanding tell me":** Elihu issues a direct, almost confrontational, invitation. He challenges those who consider themselves insightful or discerning to articulate their counter-arguments or to confirm the validity of his own. This clause underscores his confidence in his position and his readiness for intellectual engagement, implying that if there is a better explanation, he is open to hearing it, though his tone suggests he doubts one exists.
* **"and let a wise man hearken unto me":** This second clause reinforces the first, shifting the emphasis from active rebuttal to active reception. Elihu calls upon those possessing practical wisdom and good judgment to not merely hear his words but to listen attentively, consider them deeply, and perhaps even to comply with or accept his reasoning. It is a demand for respectful and serious engagement with his discourse, positioning himself as a source of valuable insight.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's statement in Job 34:34 employs several potent literary devices. Primarily, it functions as a **Rhetorical Challenge**, where Elihu, full of youthful zeal and conviction, directly challenges his listeners—Job and the three older friends—to respond to his arguments if they claim to possess true wisdom. This is not a genuine plea for information but a bold assertion of his own perceived intellectual superiority and the unassailability of his reasoning. The use of the **Imperative Mood** ("Let men... tell me," "let a wise man hearken") lends an authoritative and demanding tone to his words, emphasizing his expectation that his audience should comply with his request for attention and discernment. Furthermore, there is an element of **Synonymous Parallelism** between the two clauses, where "men of understanding" and "wise man" refer to essentially the same category of discerning individuals, and "tell me" and "hearken unto me" both convey the idea of engaging with his words, albeit from slightly different angles (active speaking vs. active listening). This parallelism reinforces the singular demand Elihu places upon his audience: to acknowledge and engage with his wisdom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 34:34, while spoken by a human character with his own flaws and presumptions, nevertheless touches upon profound theological themes concerning the nature of truth, wisdom, and divine revelation. Elihu's challenge implicitly raises the question of where true wisdom resides—is it with the aged, the experienced, or with those who claim divine inspiration? The book of Job ultimately teaches that human wisdom, however profound, is limited and often misguided when attempting to fully comprehend God's ways. True wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord and is ultimately revealed by God Himself, as demonstrated in His powerful speeches from the whirlwind. Elihu's call to "hearken" foreshadows the ultimate need for humanity to humbly listen to God's voice and accept His sovereign wisdom, which transcends all human understanding and debate. This verse, therefore, serves as a human echo of the divine call for attentive and discerning reception of truth, preparing the reader for the ultimate source of wisdom.

* [Job 28:28](/job/28-28 "Job 28:28 - The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking God for Wisdom")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Elihu's assertive call in Job 34:34, though delivered with a measure of youthful arrogance, contains a timeless principle: the pursuit of truth and understanding demands both critical thinking and humble listening. In our own lives, whether in theological discourse, personal relationships, or professional settings, genuine understanding often requires us to set aside our preconceptions and truly "hearken" to others, weighing their words with discernment. This verse challenges us to consider not only from whom we seek counsel but also whether we are truly receptive to wisdom, regardless of its source or the messenger's perceived status. It reminds us that wisdom is not merely about speaking eloquently or having all the answers, but about the capacity for deep listening, discerning truth, and being willing to adjust our perspectives in light of new insights. Ultimately, while Elihu points to himself, the broader narrative of Job directs us to the ultimate source of all wisdom and understanding: God Himself, whose ways are higher than our ways, and whose truth demands our utmost attention and humble submission.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How often do I genuinely "hearken" to others, truly listening for understanding rather than just waiting to respond?**
* **What preconceived notions or biases might prevent me from discerning truth, regardless of its source?**
* **In what areas of my life am I most challenged to receive wisdom, especially when it comes from unexpected or seemingly inferior sources?**
* **How does the ultimate revelation of God's wisdom in the book of Job challenge my own claims to understanding?**

### FAQ
**Was Elihu's challenge in Job 34:34 justified, given his youth and the context of the debate?**

Answer: From a human perspective, Elihu's challenge was bold, bordering on arrogant, especially considering the cultural emphasis on respecting elders. He was the youngest, yet he presumed to correct both Job and his three older friends. However, the narrative suggests that Elihu, unlike the others, was genuinely moved by the Spirit of God (as implied in [Job 32:8](/job/32-8 "Job 32:8 - Elihu's claim of Spirit-inspired wisdom")), and his speeches do move the debate forward, preparing the way for God's direct intervention. While his tone might be off-putting, his underlying message contained elements of truth that were necessary for the progression of the narrative and the eventual revelation of God's sovereignty in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 34:34, with Elihu's call for "men of understanding" and "wise men" to "hearken" to him, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Elihu, a fallible human, sought to present his own wisdom, Christ is the very embodiment of divine wisdom and understanding. The Apostle Paul declares that in Christ "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - Christ, the Treasure of Wisdom")). He is the eternal Word, through whom all things were made, the one who was "with God" and "was God" from the beginning ([John 1:1-3](/john/1-1 "John 1:1-3 - The Word Was God")). Unlike Elihu, who merely *claimed* divine inspiration, Jesus *is* the divine wisdom incarnate, the ultimate teacher who speaks with unparalleled authority. His call to "hearken" is not a challenge for debate, but a gracious invitation: "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")). The "wise men" of all ages are called not to tell Christ, but to listen to Him, for He is the one whom the Father Himself commands us to "listen to Him!" ([Matthew 17:5](/matthew/17-5 "Matthew 17:5 - Listen to Him!")). In Christ, the search for true understanding and wisdom, which consumed Job and his friends, is finally satisfied, for He is the perfect revelation of God's character and purposes, the one in whom all divine truth is perfectly expressed ([Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son")).

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 34:2

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

Job 34:16

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

1 Corinthians 10:15

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

Job 34:10

¶ Therefore hearken unto me, ye men of understanding: far be it from God, [that he should do] wickedness; and [from] the Almighty, [that he should commit] iniquity.

Job 34:4

Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what [is] good.