Job 34:3
For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat.
Original Language Analysis
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
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
אֹ֭זֶן
For the ear
H241
אֹ֭זֶן
For the ear
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
2 of 7
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
מִלִּ֣ין
words
H4405
מִלִּ֣ין
words
Strong's:
H4405
Word #:
3 of 7
a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic
תִּבְחָ֑ן
trieth
H974
תִּבְחָ֑ן
trieth
Strong's:
H974
Word #:
4 of 7
to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate
וְ֝חֵ֗ךְ
as the mouth
H2441
וְ֝חֵ֗ךְ
as the mouth
Strong's:
H2441
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, the palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself (as the organ of speech, taste and kissing)
Cross References
Job 12:11Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat?Hebrews 5:14But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.1 Corinthians 2:15But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man.
Historical Context
This proverb reflects ancient wisdom tradition that used analogies from everyday life to teach spiritual truths. Israelite and Near Eastern wisdom literature frequently employed comparisons to eating, drinking, and sensory experience as accessible teaching tools. The emphasis on testing/trying words addresses the dialogue context where competing theological claims needed evaluation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you cultivate spiritual discernment to 'taste and see' whether theological claims are sound?
- What role does Scripture play as the standard by which we 'test' theological words and teachings?
- How does this verse challenge both blind acceptance of tradition and uncritical embrace of novelty?
Analysis & Commentary
For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat (כִּי־אֹזֶן מִלִּין תִּבְחָן וְחֵךְ יִטְעַם לֶאֱכֹל, ki-ozen millin tibchan v'chek yit'am le'ekhol)—Elihu employs a wisdom proverb comparing intellectual discernment to sensory taste. The verb bachan (test, try, examine) means rigorous evaluation, used elsewhere for testing metals (Zechariah 13:9) or hearts (Psalm 17:3). The ear must bachan words (millim) with the same discrimination the palate (chek) exercises when tasting food (le'ekhol).
This epistemological principle appears throughout wisdom literature: truth requires active discernment, not passive reception. Just as taste distinguishes nourishing from poisonous, sweet from bitter, so the wise ear must evaluate theological propositions for soundness. Paul echoes this: 'Prove all things; hold fast that which is good' (1 Thessalonians 5:21). The sensory analogy democratizes theology—everyone possesses the capacity for discernment, not just elite scholars. Yet it also warns: discernment requires cultivation, like developing a refined palate.