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Book of Job - Chapter 33 - Verse 1

33:1
Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.

Meaning

In this verse from the Book of Job, the speaker, Elihu, is urging Job to listen closely to his words and pay attention to what he has to say. Elihu is a younger man who has been listening to the conversation between Job and his three friends. He believes that he has wisdom to share with Job and is seeking his attention and respect. Elihu's words are meant to offer guidance, correction, and insight to Job in the midst of his suffering and questioning of God. By asking Job to hear his speeches and hearken to his words, Elihu is inviting Job to consider a new perspective and potentially find comfort or understanding in his words. This verse represents a moment of connection and exchange of ideas between two individuals seeking to navigate the complexities of faith, suffering, and divine intervention.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the Book of Job, Eliphaz, one of Job's friends, implores Job to listen carefully to his words. The word "hear" in the original Hebrew text is "shama," which not only means to physically hear but also to obey and heed. Eliphaz is not merely asking for Job's attention but is urging him to take his words to heart and consider them seriously. The use of the word "speeches" indicates that Eliphaz has important things to communicate to Job, likely regarding his situation and suffering. By asking Job to "hearken to all my words," Eliphaz emphasizes the necessity of paying close attention to every detail of what he is about to say. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of truly listening and understanding before forming judgments or responding, a valuable lesson that is relevant in various aspects of life.

American Standard Version

Howbeit, Job, I pray thee, hear my speech, And hearken to all my words.
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