Job 33:2
Behold, now I have opened my mouth, my tongue hath spoken in my mouth.
Original Language Analysis
נָ֭א
H4994
נָ֭א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
2 of 7
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
פָּתַ֣חְתִּי
Behold now I have opened
H6605
פָּתַ֣חְתִּי
Behold now I have opened
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
3 of 7
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
פִ֑י
my mouth
H6310
פִ֑י
my mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
4 of 7
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
דִּבְּרָ֖ה
hath spoken
H1696
דִּבְּרָ֖ה
hath spoken
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
5 of 7
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature valued eloquence and proper speech. Job himself had been renowned for wisdom and counsel (chapter 29). Elihu's emphasis on his mouth and tongue opening connects to prophetic calling—Isaiah's lips were cleansed (Isaiah 6:7), Jeremiah had God's words put in his mouth (Jeremiah 1:9). Though not a prophet per se, Elihu functions as God's spokesman, correcting both Job's self-justification and the friends' misrepresentation of divine justice.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we discern whether our speech comes from human opinion or divine prompting?
- What preparation should precede speaking about spiritual matters—study, prayer, reflection?
- Why does Scripture emphasize controlling the tongue (James 3:1-12) while also valuing Spirit-led speech?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Behold, now I have opened my mouth (הִנֵּה־נָא פָּתַחְתִּי פִי, hinneh-na patachti fi)—Elihu's declaration marks the transition from silent observation to active speech. The particle הִנֵּה (hinneh, 'behold') demands attention, while נָא (na, 'now') emphasizes the present moment's significance. פָּתַח (patach, 'opened') suggests deliberate action—Elihu hasn't spoken impulsively but after careful reflection.
The phrase my tongue hath spoken in my mouth appears redundant in English but serves Hebrew emphasis—his entire speaking apparatus is engaged. The verb דִּבְּרָה (dibbrah, 'hath spoken') is third person, almost personifying the tongue as actor, suggesting words come not from human wisdom alone but from divine prompting. Elihu will claim inspiration: 'the spirit within me constraineth me' (32:18). This verse establishes authority—Elihu speaks not from youthful presumption but from Spirit-compelled necessity.