King James Version

What Does Job 29:23 Mean?

Job 29:23 in the King James Version says “And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain.” — study this verse from Job chapter 29 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 29:23 · KJV

Context

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.

24

If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down.

25

I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
They waited for me as for the rain (וְיִחֲלוּ כַמָּטָר לִי, veyichalu chamatar li)—Yachal (waited) with matar (rain) creates the image of farmers scanning the sky with eager anticipation. In Palestine's climate, rain meant survival; its absence meant famine. Job's counsel was awaited with the same life-or-death urgency.

Opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain (וּפִיהֶם פָּעֲרוּ לְמַלְקוֹשׁ, ufihem pa'aru lemalkosh)—Pa'ar (opened wide) suggests gaping or opening to maximum capacity, used of the earth opening to swallow Korah (Numbers 16:32). The malkosh (latter rain) fell in March-April, crucial for ripening grain before harvest. People absorbed Job's words as thirsty ground drinks in the spring rains (compare Zechariah 10:1). This verse intensifies verse 22's gentle dew into the season's critical downpour.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Israel's agricultural calendar depended on two rainy seasons: the early rains (October-November) for plowing and planting, and the latter rains (March-April) for crop maturation before the dry summer. The latter rain was especially critical—its failure meant crop failure regardless of the early rains' success. James 5:7 uses this same agricultural pattern to teach patient waiting. Job's listeners understood this existential dependence.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the 'latter rain' metaphor reveal about the timing and necessity of godly counsel?
  2. How does anticipating wise words 'as for rain' differ from casual entertainment by speakers?
  3. In what spiritual 'season' do you most need the latter rain of God's wisdom to bring your growth to maturity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְיִֽחֲל֣וּ1 of 6

“And they waited”

H3176

to wait; by implication, to be patient, hope

כַמָּטָ֣ר2 of 6

“for me as for the rain”

H4306

rain

לִ֑י3 of 6
H0
וּ֝פִיהֶ֗ם4 of 6

“their mouth”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

פָּעֲר֥וּ5 of 6

“and they opened”

H6473

to yawn, i.e., open wide (literally or figuratively)

לְמַלְקֽוֹשׁ׃6 of 6

“wide as for the latter rain”

H4456

the spring rain; figuratively, eloquence

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 29:23 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 29:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Hosea 6:3Zechariah 10:1Psalms 72:6

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