Job 33:14
For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְדַבֶּר
speaketh
H1696
יְדַבֶּר
speaketh
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 7
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
אֵ֑ל
For God
H410
אֵ֑ל
For God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
4 of 7
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
Cross References
Proverbs 1:24Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded;Psalms 62:11God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.2 Chronicles 33:10And the LORD spake to Manasseh, and to his people: but they would not hearken.Luke 24:25Then he said unto them, O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken:Isaiah 6:9And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not.Job 33:29Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man,Matthew 13:14And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:John 3:19And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.Job 40:5Once have I spoken; but I will not answer: yea, twice; but I will proceed no further.Proverbs 1:29For that they hated knowledge, and did not choose the fear of the LORD:
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures valued dreams as divine communication. Elihu's observation that God speaks multiple ways reflects this broader understanding.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God speak beyond obvious verbal communication?
- What prevents you from perceiving God's voice?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Elihu claims: 'For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.' This introduces Elihu's theme - God communicates through various means (dreams, suffering) even when humans fail to recognize it. The speech contains truth but misapplies it to Job.