King James Version
What Does Job 21:2 Mean?
“Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations.”
Job 21:2 · KJV
Context
1
But Job answered and said,
2
Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations.
3
Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on.
4
As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled? troubled: Heb. shortened?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryJob requests consolations (תַּנְחוּמֹתֵיכֶם, tanchumotekem), exposing the failure of his friends' comfort. The verb nasa (נָשָׂא, "suffer") means to bear or carry—Job asks them to simply bear with him, to endure his speech. True comfort requires patient listening, not premature answers. The Reformed tradition recognizes that the ministry of presence often supersedes the ministry of words. Job's request echoes the New Testament call to "weep with those who weep" (Romans 12:15) before rushing to theological explanation. The friends' failure to provide genuine comfort foreshadows the need for a mediator who truly understands suffering—ultimately fulfilled in Christ, our sympathetic high priest (Hebrews 4:15).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
The concept of tanchumim (consolations) was central to Jewish mourning practices. The book's opening showed Job's friends initially sitting silently with him for seven days—a proper expression of comfort. But their speeches abandoned consolation for condemnation. Ancient wisdom recognized that suffering required companionship more than explanation, making the friends' failure all the more tragic.
Reflection Questions
- How does Job's request for sufferance rather than solutions challenge our impulse to immediately "fix" others' problems?
- What is the relationship between theological truth and pastoral sensitivity in ministering to the suffering?
- How does Christ fulfill the role of true comforter that Job's friends failed to provide?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsשָׁ֭מוֹעַ1 of 6
“Hear”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
שָׁ֭מוֹעַ2 of 6
“Hear”
H8085to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וּתְהִי4 of 6
H1961to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
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 21:2 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 21:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge