Pay attention, Job, and listen to me;
This phrase is a direct address from Elihu to Job, emphasizing the importance of what he is about to say. Elihu, a younger man, has waited for the older friends of Job to finish their discourse before speaking. This reflects the cultural respect for elders in ancient Near Eastern societies. The call to "pay attention" underscores the gravity of Elihu's message, suggesting that he believes he has divine insight or wisdom to impart. This mirrors the frequent biblical theme where God or His messengers call for attentiveness before delivering a significant message (e.g., Deuteronomy 6:4, "Hear, O Israel").

be silent,
The instruction to "be silent" is a common biblical motif when preparing to receive wisdom or revelation. Silence is often associated with reverence and the readiness to receive divine instruction (e.g., Habakkuk 2:20, "But the LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him"). In the context of Job, this silence is also a pause from Job's lamentations and arguments, allowing space for reflection and the possibility of new understanding.

and I will speak.
Elihu's assertion that he will speak indicates his confidence in the validity and importance of his message. This phrase can be seen as a foreshadowing of God's own speeches later in the book, where God will address Job directly. Elihu's role as a speaker can be viewed as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate mediator and speaker of God's truth (Hebrews 1:1-2). Elihu's speech serves as a transition from human reasoning to divine revelation, preparing the way for God's voice to be heard.

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it.

2. Elihu
A younger friend of Job who speaks in chapters 32-37. He is portrayed as a passionate and somewhat impatient speaker who believes he has a fresh perspective on Job's suffering.

3. The Dialogue
This verse is part of Elihu's speech to Job, where he urges Job to listen to his reasoning about God's justice and the purpose of suffering.The Importance of Listening
Listening is a crucial skill in understanding God's will and the perspectives of others. Elihu's call for Job to listen reminds us of the value of being attentive to God's voice and the wisdom of others.

Humility in Dialogue
Elihu's approach, though imperfect, highlights the need for humility when engaging in discussions about faith and suffering. We should be open to learning from others, regardless of their age or status.

God's Sovereignty in Suffering
Elihu's speech attempts to address the mystery of suffering by pointing to God's greater purposes. This reminds us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we do not understand our circumstances.

The Role of Patience
Elihu's impatience contrasts with the patience we are called to exhibit as believers. Patience allows us to hear God's voice and understand His timing.

Seeking God's Wisdom
In times of trial, seeking God's wisdom through prayer and scripture is essential. Elihu's speech encourages us to look beyond human reasoning to divine insight.1. What is the meaning of Job 33:31?

2. How can we "listen" to God's voice in our daily lives today?

3. What does Job 33:31 teach about the importance of being attentive to God?

4. How does Job 33:31 connect with James 1:19 about listening and speaking?

5. In what ways can we "pay attention" to God's guidance in Scripture?

6. How can we apply the call to "listen" in Job 33:31 practically?

7. What is the significance of listening in Job 33:31 for understanding divine communication?

8. How does Job 33:31 challenge our perception of God's silence?

9. In what ways does Job 33:31 emphasize the importance of patience in faith?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 33?

11. In Job 13:3, how can Job claim he wants to reason directly with God if Exodus 33:20 states no one can see God and live?

12. In Job 33:14, if God truly speaks in multiple ways, why is there no verifiable evidence of such divine communication today?

13. In light of Job 35:16, why would a merciful God remain silent if Job's pleas are without merit, given other scriptures showing God responding to human need?

14. In Job 31:1-4, how can Job claim such purity given other scriptures teach no one is entirely sinless?Pay attention, Job

• Elihu’s opening word, “Pay attention,” is a summons to deliberate focus. Just as a teacher expects undivided attention from a student, Elihu expects Job to turn from self-defense to careful listening.

• Scripture frequently pairs attentive hearing with receiving wisdom: “My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings” (Proverbs 4:20); “Take to heart all the words I testify to you today” (Deuteronomy 32:46).

• God calls His people to give earnest heed because truth can be missed when the mind is distracted (Hebrews 2:1).

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and listen to me

• Attention leads to active listening—hearing with the intent to obey. Elihu is convinced he speaks what is “upright” (Job 33:3) and ultimately sourced in God.

• True listening is more than passive hearing:

– “Listen to advice and accept instruction” (Proverbs 19:20).

– “Consider carefully what you hear” (Mark 4:24).

• James 1:19 reminds believers to be “quick to listen.” Elihu wants Job to weigh his words in that spirit.

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be silent

• Silence here is not mere absence of speech but the posture of humility. Job has poured out his lament; now Elihu asks him to stop speaking so he can receive counsel.

• Scripture joins silence with reverence: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10); “The LORD is in His holy temple; let all the earth be silent before Him” (Habakkuk 2:20).

• When words cease, hearts can be searched (Ecclesiastes 5:2; Proverbs 10:19).

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and I will speak

• Elihu pledges to speak after Job’s silence. Proper order—first quiet the listener, then deliver the message—protects clarity.

• Elihu believes the “breath of the Almighty gives me understanding” (Job 32:8). That conviction mirrors God’s promise to Moses, “I will help you speak” (Exodus 4:12), and Christ’s assurance that the Spirit “will guide you into all truth” (John 16:13).

• The verse thus models how God often works: He stills His servant, then uses a human voice to convey divine insight.

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summary

Job 33:31 is a four-step invitation to transformation: focus, listen, yield, and receive. Elihu urges Job—and by extension every reader—to shift from self-expression to God-directed attentiveness. When we quiet our arguments and open our ears, God is able to speak through His Word and His messengers, bringing the correction and comfort our hearts need.

Verse 31. - Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me; i.e. "Mark well what I say. Note it, and lay it up in thy heart." Hold thy peace, and I will speak. It may be conjectured that Job at this point showed some inclination to break silence and answer Elihu. But Elihu thought that he had a great deal more to say, which was of importance, and wished not to be interrupted. He therefore checked Job's utterance. Then, fearing lest he had gone too far, he made the concession of the next verse.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Pay attention,
הַקְשֵׁ֖ב (haq·šêḇ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 7181: To prick up the ears, hearken

Job,
אִיּ֥וֹב (’î·yō·wḇ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 347: Job -- a patriarch

and listen to me;
שְֽׁמַֽע־ (šə·ma‘-)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

be silent,
הַ֝חֲרֵ֗שׁ (ha·ḥă·rêš)
Verb - Hifil - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 2790: To cut in, engrave, plow, devise

and I
וְאָנֹכִ֥י (wə·’ā·nō·ḵî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

will speak.
אֲדַבֵּֽר׃ (’ă·ḏab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue


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OT Poetry: Job 33:31 Mark well Job and listen to me (Jb)