Job 33:16

  1. Home
  2. KJV Bible
  3. Job 33
  4. Job 33:16

Old Testament

Genesis Exodus Leviticus Numbers Deuteronomy Joshua Judges Ruth 1 Samuel 2 Samuel 1 Kings 2 Kings 1 Chronicles 2 Chronicles Ezra Nehemiah Esther Job Psalms Proverbs Ecclesiastes Song of Solomon Isaiah Jeremiah Lamentations Ezekiel Daniel Hosea Joel Amos Obadiah Jonah Micah Nahum Habakkuk Zephaniah Haggai Zechariah Malachi

New Testament

Matthew Mark Luke John Acts Romans 1 Corinthians 2 Corinthians Galatians Ephesians Philippians Colossians 1 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 1 Timothy 2 Timothy Titus Philemon Hebrews James 1 Peter 2 Peter 1 John 2 John 3 John Jude Revelation

Chapter

Job 1 Job 2 Job 3 Job 4 Job 5 Job 6 Job 7 Job 8 Job 9 Job 10 Job 11 Job 12 Job 13 Job 14 Job 15 Job 16 Job 17 Job 18 Job 19 Job 20 Job 21 Job 22 Job 23 Job 24 Job 25 Job 26 Job 27 Job 28 Job 29 Job 30 Job 31 Job 32 Job 33 Job 34 Job 35 Job 36 Job 37 Job 38 Job 39 Job 40 Job 41 Job 42

Verse

Job 33:1 Job 33:2 Job 33:3 Job 33:4 Job 33:5 Job 33:6 Job 33:7 Job 33:8 Job 33:9 Job 33:10 Job 33:11 Job 33:12 Job 33:13 Job 33:14 Job 33:15 Job 33:16 Job 33:17 Job 33:18 Job 33:19 Job 33:20 Job 33:21 Job 33:22 Job 33:23 Job 33:24 Job 33:25 Job 33:26 Job 33:27 Job 33:28 Job 33:29 Job 33:30 Job 33:31 Job 33:32 Job 33:33

Job 33:16 KJV

Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,

Previous Verse
« Job 33:15
Next Verse
Job 33:17 »

Job 33:16 Bible Commentary

Commentary on Job 33:16

Job 33:16: "Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction."

Introduction

This verse from the book of Job is part of Elihu's discourse, which highlights the role of divine communication in human understanding. Elihu emphasizes that God engages with humanity not through dreams and visions alone, but also through His sovereign will and providential acts. This commentary seeks to synthesize insights from prominent public domain sources, enriching our understanding of this scripture.

Divine Communication

The inspiration of this passage lies in its assertion that God actively seeks to communicate with humanity. According to Matthew Henry, the "opening of ears" signifies God's initiative in conveying His wisdom. It suggests an awakening of spiritual understanding, which prepares the listener to receive instruction.

  • Importance of Listening: The act of 'opening ears' symbolizes the critical nature of spiritual receptivity. Henry notes that for one to grasp divine truths, one’s heart and mind must be open.
  • God's Sovereignty: Albert Barnes asserts that this divine act illustrates God's control over human faculties. He facilitates understanding by transcending man's limitations, emphasizing the necessity of divine intervention in discernment.

The Role of Instruction

The term "sealeth their instruction" indicates the permanence and security of God’s teachings. Adam Clarke elaborates that when God seals knowledge, it signifies its significance and the certainty that comes with divine revelation. This contrasts with ordinary human wisdom, which can often be fleeting.

  • Covenantal Knowledge: The sealing of instruction can also reflect God's covenant with His people. It assures that what He imparts holds immense value and is guarded against distortion.
  • Transformative Impact: Instruction from God has the power to transform lives. It is not just knowledge for knowledge’s sake but serves to mold character and discipline.

Understanding Through Suffering

Elihu speaks in the context of Job’s suffering. The younger man presents suffering as a method through which God communicates with humanity. Various commentaries emphasize that trials often lead us to seek God, opening us to His instruction.

  • Matthew Henry: He reflects on how God uses affliction to sharpen our senses and lead us to a deeper understanding of our dependence on Him.
  • Albert Barnes: Barnes reinforces that through suffering, God might impress His truths more deeply upon our minds as we are forced to contemplate our human frailty and divine mercy.

Practical Applications

This verse serves as a reminder for pastors, students, and theologians regarding the vital spiritual practice of listening for God's guidance in our lives.

  • Embrace Silence: In a world filled with distractions, taking time for silence can be key to inviting divine instruction.
  • Pursue Understanding: Actively seeking God's instruction through scripture and prayer is vital to hear what He has to reveal.
  • Recognize Suffering: Understanding that suffering can be a channel of divine communication aids in viewing trials as opportunities for growth and learning.

Conclusion

Job 33:16 encapsulates a profound truth about God’s desire to communicate with humanity. Through the insights of various commentators, we glean that God opens ears and seals instruction as a divine act of grace and wisdom. For those devoted to the study and application of Scripture, this verse offers both a challenge and a comfort, calling us to listen actively for God's voice amidst our life's complexities.

Job 33 (KJV) Verse Selection

Job 33:1 Job 33:2 Job 33:3 Job 33:4 Job 33:5 Job 33:6 Job 33:7 Job 33:8 Job 33:9 Job 33:10 Job 33:11 Job 33:12 Job 33:13 Job 33:14 Job 33:15 Job 33:16 Job 33:17 Job 33:18 Job 33:19 Job 33:20 Job 33:21 Job 33:22 Job 33:23 Job 33:24 Job 33:25 Job 33:26 Job 33:27 Job 33:28 Job 33:29 Job 33:30 Job 33:31 Job 33:32 Job 33:33

KJV Bible Books

KJV Bible Books and Chapters »