King James Version

What Does Job 29:21 Mean?

Job 29:21 in the King James Version says “Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel.” — study this verse from Job chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel.”

Job 29:21 · KJV

Context

19

My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch. spread: Heb. opened

20

My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand. fresh: Heb. new renewed: Heb. changed

21

Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel.

22

After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.

23

And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain.

Read Job 29 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Unto me men gave ear, and waited (לִי־שָׁמְעוּ וְיִחֵלּוּ, li-shamu veyichelu)—The verb shama means to hear with attention and obedience, not mere listening. Yachal (waited) implies expectant hope, the same word used for waiting on God (Psalm 42:5). People treated Job's words with the reverence due divine wisdom.

Kept silence at my counsel (וְיִדְּמוּ לְמוֹ עֲצָתִי, veyiddemu lemo atzati)—Damam (kept silence) suggests awed stillness, the same silence that greets God's voice (Habakkuk 2:20). Job's etzah (counsel, advice) commanded such respect that no one dared interrupt or contradict. This reception mirrors Solomon's judicial wisdom (1 Kings 3:28), yet becomes tragically ironic as Job's friends now reject his counsel and fill the silence with accusations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In ancient legal proceedings, the elders sat at the city gate to render judgments (Ruth 4:1-2). Job describes in 29:7-10 how even princes and nobles fell silent when he spoke. This deference reflected both his age, wealth, and proven wisdom. The culture valued oral tradition and sage counsel highly, making Job's fall from respected counselor to ridiculed sufferer especially devastating.

Reflection Questions

  1. Why did Job's audience wait in silence rather than immediately questioning or debating his counsel?
  2. How does the friends' current refusal to 'keep silence' reveal their failure to truly listen to Job?
  3. When has God's wisdom through Scripture commanded your silent, expectant attention rather than immediate response?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
לִֽי1 of 6
H0
שָׁמְע֥וּ2 of 6

“Unto me men gave ear”

H8085

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

וְיִחֵ֑לּוּ3 of 6

“and waited”

H3176

to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope

וְ֝יִדְּמ֗וּ4 of 6

“and kept silence”

H1826

to be dumb; by implication, to be astonished, to stop; also to perish

לְמ֣וֹ5 of 6

“at”

H3926

to or for

עֲצָתִֽי׃6 of 6

“my counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

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 29:21 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 29:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 29:9-10Job 32:11-12

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