Bible Strands
Job 15:17
Listen to me and I will inform you. I will describe what I have seen,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Eliphaz addresses Job during their ongoing debate, immediately following his claim that humans inherently consume injustice. He presents himself as a direct conduit of personal observation to counter Job's preceding arguments.
The words — The verse hinges on שְׁמַע־ (she.ma'-, "listen") and חָזִיתִי (cha.Zi.ti, "I have seen"). These terms frame the exchange as a demand for attention to a claimed visionary account rather than abstract theory.
The thread — This appeal to heard and seen tradition runs parallel to Job 5:27 and Job 33:1, where speakers similarly urge attention to investigated or declared wisdom. It stands in tension with Job 13:5, which states that remaining silent would constitute wisdom.
Why it lands — The text demands the listener evaluate a claimed personal revelation against established tradition. It requires the reader to weigh subjective experience against the recorded wisdom of previous generations without assuming automatic authority.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
I will shew thee, hear me; and that which I have seen I will declare;
Cross-references
- Job 5:27 Indeed, we have investigated, and it is true! So hear it and know for yourself.”
- Job 13:5 If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!
- Job 33:1 “But now, O Job, hear my speech, and listen to all my words.
- Job 34:2 “Hear my words, O wise men; give ear to me, O men of learning.
- Job 36:2 “Bear with me a little longer, and I will show you that there is more to be said on God’s behalf.