Job 33:2

“Behold, now I have opened my mouth, etc.] Begun to speak in order to give vent to the fulness of matter within him, which made him, like bottles of new wine, ready to burst; and since he had opened his lips, that he might speak and be refreshed, he desires Job to listen to him, and offers same things to his consideration to induce him to it: my tongue hath spoken in my mouth: but does not every man’s tongue speak in his mouth when he speaks? is there anything singular and peculiar in this, that can excite attention? it may be rendered, “in my palate” f1174; which, as it is an instrument of speech, so of tasting and trying food, (see <180630> Job 6:30 12:11); and Elihu’s sense is, that he had…”

“My tongue hath spoken in my mouth - Margin, “palate.” The meaning is, that since he had ventured to speak, and had actually commenced, he would utter only that which was worthy to be heard. This is properly the commencement of his argument, for all that he had before said was merely an introduction. The word palate - “in my palate” (בחכי bechêkiy) is used here because of the importance of that organ in the act of speaking. Perhaps also, there may be reference to the fact that the Hebrews made much more use of the lower organs of enunciation - the palate, and the throat, than we do, and much less use of the teeth and lips. Hence, their language was strongly guttural. return to 'Top of Page'”

“I: Job 3:1; Psa 78:2; Mat 5:2 mouth: Heb. palate, Job 31:30 \*marg. Job 33:3”