Job 33:16 he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings,

◄ Job 33:16 ►

Parallel Verses

New International Version
he may speak in their ears and terrify them with warnings,

English Standard Version
then he opens the ears of men and terrifies them with warnings,

New American Standard Bible
Then He opens the ears of men, And seals their instruction,

King James Bible
Then he openeth the ears of men, and sealeth their instruction,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He uncovers their ears at that time and terrifies them with warnings,

International Standard Version
That's when he opens the ear of mankind, authenticating his messages to them,

American Standard Version
Then he openeth the ears of men, And sealeth their instruction,

Douay-Rheims Bible
Then he openeth the ears of men, and teaching instructeth them in what they are to learn.

Darby Bible Translation
Then he openeth men's ears, and sealeth their instruction,

Young's Literal Translation
Then He uncovereth the ear of men, And for their instruction sealeth:

Commentaries

Matthew Henry's Commentary

33:14-18 God speaks to us by conscience, by providences, and by ministers; of all these Elihu discourses. There was not then, that we know of, any Divine revelation in writing, though now it is our principal guide. When God designs men's good, by the convictions and dictates of their own consciences, he opens the heart, as Lydia's, and opens the ears, so that conviction finds or forces its way in. The end and design of these admonitions are to keep men from sin, particularly the sin of pride. While sinners are pursuing evil purposes, and indulging their pride, their souls are hastening to destruction. That which turns men from sin, saves them from hell. What a mercy it is to be under the restraints of an awakened conscience!

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown

16. Literally, "sealeth (their ears) to Himself by warnings," that is, with the sureness and secrecy of a seal He reveals His warnings [Umbreit]. To seal up securely (Job 37:7).