Job 34:16

“If now [thou hast] understanding, hear this, etc.] Not as calling his understanding in question, as if he, had none; for Job was a very understanding man; he had not lost his natural understanding by his afflictions, (see <180613>Job 6:13); nor was he without an understanding of divine things, as his speeches and answers show; but rather it is taken for granted that he was a man of understanding: “if” or “seeing” thou hast understanding, art a man of knowledge and intelligence, therefore hearken and attend to what has been said or about to be said; though, as some Jewish interpreters f1196 observe, the word is not a noun, but a verb, and is imperative, “understand thou now, hear this”; and…”

“In Job 34:2, Elihu had spoken to all in general, now he calls Job's special attention.”

“If now thou hast understanding hear this - This appears to be addressed to Job. The discourse before this had been directed to his three friends, but Elihu appears here to have turned to Job, and to have made a solemn appeal to him, whether this were not so. In the subsequent verses he remonstrates with him about his views, and shows him that what he had said implied severe reflections on the character and government of God. return to 'Top of Page'”

“Job 12:3, Job 13:2-6 Job 34:17”

“16 And oh understand now, hear this; Hearken to the sound of my words. 17 Would one who hateth right also be able to subdue? Or wilt thou condemn the All-just? 18 Is it becoming to say to a king: Worthless One!? Thou evil-doer! to princes? 19 To Him who accepteth not the person of rulers, And regardeth not the noble before the poor: For they are all the work of His hands. 20 In a moment they die, and at midnight The people are overthrown and perish, And they put aside the mighty - not by the hand of man. This strophe contains several grammatical rarities. At first sight it appears that Job 34:16 ought to be translated: "and if there is understanding (viz., to thee = if thou hast), then hear…”