Job 33:1
Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches, and hearken to all my words.
Original Language Analysis
שְׁמַֽע
I pray thee hear
H8085
שְׁמַֽע
I pray thee hear
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
2 of 8
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
נָ֣א
H4994
נָ֣א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
3 of 8
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
מִלָּ֑י
my speeches
H4405
מִלָּ֑י
my speeches
Strong's:
H4405
Word #:
5 of 8
a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic
וְֽכָל
H3605
וְֽכָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Elihu appears suddenly in Job 32 after the three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—have exhausted their arguments. His youth and previous silence (32:4-7) reflect ancient Near Eastern respect for elders. However, when traditional wisdom fails to resolve Job's case, Elihu speaks with Spirit-given insight. Unlike the three friends, Elihu is not rebuked by God in chapter 42, suggesting his theology more accurately reflects divine truth. His speeches (chapters 32-37) bridge Job's complaints and God's answer, preparing Job to receive divine correction humbly.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Elihu's respectful but direct approach model godly confrontation of error?
- When have you needed to speak truth to someone older or more experienced—how did you balance respect with honesty?
- What does Elihu's example teach about waiting for the right time to speak versus remaining silent when truth is at stake?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore, Job, I pray thee, hear my speeches—Elihu, whose name means 'He is my God' (אֱלִיהוּא), begins his discourse with respectful directness. Unlike Job's three friends who spoke about Job, Elihu speaks to him. The imperative שְׁמַע (shema, 'hear') demands active listening, the same verb in the Shema (Deuteronomy 6:4). The phrase מִלָּי (millai, 'my speeches') and כָּל־דְּבָרָי (kol-devarai, 'all my words') emphasize comprehensiveness—Elihu will present a complete argument, not fragmented accusations.
Elihu's courteous 'I pray thee' contrasts with the three friends' dogmatic pronouncements. He positions himself as mediator, younger in years but claiming divine inspiration. His appeal for Job's attention prepares the theological correction to come—Job has claimed innocence while questioning God's justice (chapters 9-10, 13, 23). Elihu will argue that God is just in allowing suffering for sanctification, anticipating God's own speech from the whirlwind (chapters 38-41).