Job 13:1

¶ Lo, mine eye hath seen all [this], mine ear hath heard and understood it.

Lo, mine eye {H5869} hath seen {H7200} all this, mine ear {H241} hath heard {H8085} and understood {H995} it.

"All this I have seen with my own eyes; with my own ears I have heard and understood it.

“Indeed, my eyes have seen all this; my ears have heard and understood.

Lo, mine eye hath seen all this, Mine ear hath heard and understood it.

Commentary

Job 13:1 (KJV): "¶ Lo, mine eye hath seen all [this], mine ear hath heard and understood it."

Context

This verse is Job's direct response to the arguments presented by his friends, particularly following Bildad's speech in the preceding chapter (Job chapter 12). Job is asserting that he has fully taken in and processed everything they have said. He is not ignorant of the traditional wisdom they espouse regarding God's justice and the suffering of the wicked. He is stating that he has observed ("seen"), heard, and intellectually grasped ("understood") their perspective completely before offering his own counter-arguments.

Key Themes

  • Assertion of Understanding: Job claims competence and knowledge equal to or greater than his friends, pushing back against any implication that his suffering stems from ignorance.
  • Engagement with Arguments: The verse shows Job is not dismissing his friends lightly but is actively engaging with and responding to their specific points based on his own observations and understanding.
  • Experience vs. Tradition: While his friends rely on received tradition and general principles, Job implies his understanding is also informed by his direct, personal experience of suffering.

Linguistic Insights

The repetition of sensory input ("mine eye hath seen," "mine ear hath heard") followed by cognitive processing ("understood it") emphasizes the thoroughness of Job's reception and comprehension of his friends' words. The Hebrew construction highlights Job's deliberate attention and mental grasp of their arguments.

Reflection

Job 13:1 highlights the importance of truly listening and seeking to understand others' perspectives, especially in difficult conversations or disagreements. Job makes it clear he has heard and understood his friends before responding. However, understanding someone's view does not equate to agreeing with it. Job's full comprehension of their arguments allows him to articulate why he finds them inadequate or misapplied to his situation, leading him to appeal directly to God and question the limits of human wisdom in grasping divine ways. It's a reminder to listen actively before formulating our own response.

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Cross-References

  • Job 4:12 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a little thereof.

  • Job 42:3 (2 votes)

    Who [is] he that hideth counsel without knowledge? therefore have I uttered that I understood not; things too wonderful for me, which I knew not.

  • Job 42:6 (2 votes)

    Wherefore I abhor [myself], and repent in dust and ashes.

  • Job 8:8 (2 votes)

    ¶ For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers:

  • Job 8:10 (2 votes)

    Shall not they teach thee, [and] tell thee, and utter words out of their heart?

  • Job 5:9 (2 votes)

    Which doeth great things and unsearchable; marvellous things without number:

  • Job 5:16 (2 votes)

    So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth.