King James Version
What Does Job 13:17 Mean?
“Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears.”
Job 13:17 · KJV
Context
15
Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him. maintain: Heb. prove, or, argue
16
He also shall be my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.
17
Hear diligently my speech, and my declaration with your ears.
18
Behold now, I have ordered my cause; I know that I shall be justified.
19
Who is he that will plead with me? for now, if I hold my tongue, I shall give up the ghost.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryHear diligently my speech (שִׁמְעוּ שָׁמוֹעַ מִלָּתִי, shim'u shamo'a millati)—The doubled imperative shim'u shamo'a (hear, truly hear) is emphatic, demanding full attention. Millati (my speech/word) is the Aramaic-influenced term Job uses for his carefully prepared legal argument.
And my declaration with your ears (וְאַחֲוָתִי בְּאָזְנֵיכֶם, ve-akhavati be-ozneikhem)—Akhavati (my declaration/explanation) shares a root with khidah (riddle, enigma). Job's 'declaration' will unravel the enigma of his suffering by appealing directly to God (vv. 20-24), bypassing his friends' failed explanations. This parallels Paul's later wrestling with suffering's mystery (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
And my declaration with your ears (וְאַחֲוָתִי בְּאָזְנֵיכֶם, ve-akhavati be-ozneikhem)—Akhavati (my declaration/explanation) shares a root with khidah (riddle, enigma). Job's 'declaration' will unravel the enigma of his suffering by appealing directly to God (vv. 20-24), bypassing his friends' failed explanations. This parallels Paul's later wrestling with suffering's mystery (2 Corinthians 12:7-10).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Formal legal proceedings in Israel required attentive witnesses (Deuteronomy 17:4). Job's double appeal ('hear... with your ears') reflects the gravity of judicial testimony. He's not offering casual conversation but sworn testimony that will determine his eternal standing.
Reflection Questions
- What prevents us from truly 'hearing' when others declare their pain and questions to us?
- How can we create space for others to speak their 'declarations' without rushing to fix or explain?
- In what areas of your faith journey do you need to move from secondhand explanations to firsthand declaration?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 5 wordsשָׁ֭מוֹעַ1 of 5
“Hear”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
שָׁ֭מוֹעַ2 of 5
“Hear”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Job 13:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Job 13:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge