Job Chapter 36 · Verse 10

Authorized King James Version

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He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.

Original Language Analysis

וַיִּ֣גֶל He openeth H1540
וַיִּ֣גֶל He openeth
Strong's: H1540
Word #: 1 of 7
to denude (especially in a disgraceful sense); by implication, to exile (captives being usually stripped); figuratively, to reveal
אָ֭זְנָם also their ear H241
אָ֭זְנָם also their ear
Strong's: H241
Word #: 2 of 7
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
לַמּוּסָ֑ר to discipline H4148
לַמּוּסָ֑ר to discipline
Strong's: H4148
Word #: 3 of 7
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
וַ֝יֹּ֗אמֶר and commandeth H559
וַ֝יֹּ֗אמֶר and commandeth
Strong's: H559
Word #: 4 of 7
to say (used with great latitude)
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 5 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יְשֻׁב֥וּן that they return H7725
יְשֻׁב֥וּן that they return
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 6 of 7
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
מֵאָֽוֶן׃ from iniquity H205
מֵאָֽוֶן׃ from iniquity
Strong's: H205
Word #: 7 of 7
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol

Analysis & Commentary

He openeth also their ear to discipline—The phrase יִגֶל אָזְנָם (yigel oznam, "He opens their ear") depicts making the deaf hear—God removes spiritual deafness that prevents learning. The word מוּסָר (musar, "discipline/instruction") appears 50 times in Proverbs, always denoting corrective teaching that shapes character. God's discipline isn't vindictive punishment but educational correction.

And commandeth that they return from iniquity uses וַיֹּאמֶר (wayyomer, "He commands/says") with יְשֻׁבוּן מֵאָוֶן (yeshuvun me-aven, "they should return from iniquity"). The verb שׁוּב (shuv, "return/repent") is Scripture's primary repentance term—turning 180 degrees from sin toward God. Affliction's purpose is repentance: God opens deaf ears, reveals hidden sin (v.9), then commands turning away from evil. This three-step process—awareness, conviction, repentance—describes biblical conversion and ongoing sanctification.

Historical Context

Ancient pedagogy relied heavily on physical discipline (Proverbs 13:24, 23:13-14). Elihu applies this educational model theologically: God uses suffering as corrective discipline for spiritual formation. Unlike pagan concepts of arbitrary divine wrath, covenant theology presents suffering as purposeful education. This revolutionized understanding of adversity—not cosmic bad luck or divine caprice, but loving correction. The NT develops this fully in Hebrews 12:7-11, explaining that God disciplines all His children for their ultimate good.

Questions for Reflection