Job 32:11
Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say.
Original Language Analysis
הוֹחַ֨לְתִּי׀
Behold I waited
H3176
הוֹחַ֨לְתִּי׀
Behold I waited
Strong's:
H3176
Word #:
2 of 9
to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope
לְֽדִבְרֵיכֶ֗ם
for your words
H1697
לְֽדִבְרֵיכֶ֗ם
for your words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
3 of 9
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
אָ֭זִין
I gave ear
H238
אָ֭זִין
I gave ear
Strong's:
H238
Word #:
4 of 9
to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e., (by implication) to listen
עַד
H5704
עַד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
5 of 9
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
תְּב֥וּנֹֽתֵיכֶ֑ם
to your reasons
H8394
תְּב֥וּנֹֽתֵיכֶ֑ם
to your reasons
Strong's:
H8394
Word #:
6 of 9
intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice
עַֽד
H5704
עַֽד
Strong's:
H5704
Word #:
7 of 9
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom discourse involved careful listening and measured response. Unlike modern debates focused on soundbites and interruptions, wisdom literature shows extended speeches with patient hearing. Elihu's lengthy silence (chapters 3-31) demonstrates the cultural expectation that younger participants observe before contributing. His attention to the friends' reasoning shows intellectual respect even while preparing to refute them.
Questions for Reflection
- How often do you truly listen to understand rather than merely waiting to respond?
- What would change in theological discussions if participants followed Elihu's model of patient, attentive listening?
- In what ways does careful attention to others' reasoning sharpen your own theological understanding?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons (הֵן־הוֹחַלְתִּי לְדִבְרֵיכֶם אָזִין עַד־תְּבוּנֹתֵיכֶם, hen-hochalti ledivreikhem 'azin 'ad-tevunoteikhem)—yachal means to wait, hope, or expect; diber is word or speech; 'azan means to give ear, listen attentively; tevunah is understanding, intelligence, or reasoning. Whilst ye searched out what to say (עַד־תַּחְקְרוּן מִלִּין, 'ad-tachqerun millin)—chaqar means to search, investigate, examine thoroughly; millah is word or saying (Aramaic loan word).
Elihu describes his patient listening as the three friends struggled to formulate responses to Job. He wasn't merely silent but actively attentive, waiting to hear if they would provide adequate answers. The verb 'searched out' suggests their struggle—they exhausted their theology trying to convict Job but couldn't refute his claims. Elihu's description reveals the intellectual integrity of genuine discourse: listening carefully before speaking, weighing others' arguments, searching for truth rather than merely winning debates. James 1:19 commands, 'be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath'—wisdom Elihu demonstrates.