Job 33:14
Job 33:14 in Multiple Translations
For God speaks in one way and in another, yet no one notices.
For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not.
For God speaketh once, Yea twice, though man regardeth it not.
For God gives his word in one way, even in two, and man is not conscious of it:
God speaks over and over again, but people don't notice.
For God speaketh once or twise, and one seeth it not.
For once doth God speak, and twice, (He doth not behold it.)
For God speaks once, yes twice, though man pays no attention.
For God speaketh once, yes twice, yet man perceiveth it not.
God speaketh once, and repeateth not the selfsame thing the second time.
God does speak to us in various ways, but we do not pay any attention to what he says.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 33:14
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 33:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּֽי
בְ/אַחַ֥ת
יְדַבֶּר
אֵ֑ל
וּ֝/בִ/שְׁתַּ֗יִם
לֹ֣א
יְשׁוּרֶֽ/נָּה
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
בְ/אַחַ֥ת
ʼechâd
H259
one
Prep | Adj
יְדַבֶּר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
וּ֝/בִ/שְׁתַּ֗יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Conj | Prep | Adj
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יְשׁוּרֶֽ/נָּה
shûwr
H7789
to see
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 33:14
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
בְ/אַחַ֥ת
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
יְדַבֶּר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
וּ֝/בִ/שְׁתַּ֗יִם
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Conj | Prep | Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יְשׁוּרֶֽ/נָּה
shûwr
H7789
"to see"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To see or observe something, like a spy watching from a distance, as in the story of Moses sending scouts to Canaan. It can also mean to care for or regard someone, showing concern for their well-being. This word is used in many biblical stories.
Definition: 1) to see, behold, observe, regard 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to behold, observe 1a2) to regard 1a3) to watch, watch (stealthily), lie in wait
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: behold, lay wait, look, observe, perceive, regard, see. See also: Numbers 23:9; Job 34:29; Jeremiah 5:26.
Study Notes — Job 33:14
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 33:14 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 33:14
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 33:14
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 33:14
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 33:14
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 33:14
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 33:14
- Cambridge Bible on Job 33:14
- Barnes' Notes on Job 33:14
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 33:14
- Sermons on Job 33:14
Context — Elihu Rebukes Job
12Behold, you are not right in this matter. I will answer you, for God is greater than man.
13Why do you complain to Him that He answers nothing a man asks?
14For God speaks in one way and in another, yet no one notices.
15In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds, 16He opens their ears and terrifies them with warningsCross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 1:24 | Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, |
| 2 | 2 Chronicles 33:10 | And the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they did not listen. |
| 3 | Job 33:29 | Behold, all these things God does to a man, two or even three times, |
| 4 | Psalms 62:11 | God has spoken once; I have heard this twice: that power belongs to God, |
| 5 | Luke 24:25 | Then Jesus said to them, “O foolish ones, how slow are your hearts to believe all that the prophets have spoken! |
| 6 | John 3:19 | And this is the verdict: The Light has come into the world, but men loved the darkness rather than the Light because their deeds were evil. |
| 7 | Isaiah 6:9 | And He replied: “Go and tell this people, ‘Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.’ |
| 8 | Matthew 13:14 | In them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled: ‘You will be ever hearing but never understanding; you will be ever seeing but never perceiving. |
| 9 | Mark 8:17–18 | Aware of their conversation, Jesus asked them, “Why are you debating about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Do you have such hard hearts? ‘Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear?’ And do you not remember? |
| 10 | Proverbs 1:29 | For they hated knowledge and chose not to fear the LORD. |
Job 33:14 Summary
This verse reminds us that God communicates with us in different ways, but we often don't notice or pay attention. It's like when someone is trying to tell us something, but we're too busy or distracted to listen. God speaks to us through His Word, the Bible (as seen in 2 Timothy 3:16-17), and through the circumstances of our lives, but we need to be still and listen carefully to hear His voice, as encouraged in Psalm 46:10. By being more intentional about seeking God and listening for His voice, we can become more aware of His presence and guidance in our lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that God speaks in one way and in another?
This phrase suggests that God communicates with us through various methods, such as through His Word, nature, and circumstances, as seen in Romans 1:20 and Psalm 19:1-6, yet often we fail to recognize His voice.
Why does the verse say that no one notices God speaking?
This is because we often overlook or ignore God's attempts to communicate with us, as mentioned in Hosea 8:12, due to our own distractions, sin, or lack of faith, which can prevent us from hearing God's voice.
Is God's way of speaking always clear and direct?
No, as this verse and others like 1 Corinthians 13:12 indicate, God's communication can be subtle and require us to be attentive and discerning to understand His message, much like the still small voice mentioned in 1 Kings 19:12.
How can we become more aware of God speaking to us?
By seeking a deeper relationship with God through prayer, studying His Word, and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's guidance, as encouraged in Ephesians 6:18 and John 10:27, we can become more aware of God's attempts to communicate with us.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has spoken to me in the past, and how did I respond?
- In what ways might God be speaking to me right now, and what steps can I take to listen more carefully?
- What are some common distractions or sins that might be preventing me from hearing God's voice, and how can I address them?
- How can I cultivate a greater sense of awareness and sensitivity to God's presence and communication in my daily life?
Gill's Exposition on Job 33:14
For God speaketh once, yea, twice,.... Or, "but God speaketh" (i); though he is not bound to give an account of his matters, and the reasons of his proceedings in a way of providence or grace; yet
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 33:14
For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. Translate, 'Yet man regardeth it not:' or, rather, as Umbreit, 'Yea twice (he repeats the warning), (if) man gives no heed' to the first warning.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 33:14
For; or, nevertheless, as this particle is sometimes used. Although God doth not give men an account of his matters, yet he doth that for them which is much better, and which is sufficient for them. God speaketh, to wit, unto men by way of instruction or admonition, as appears from the following verses. Once, yea twice, again and again, or ofttimes, this number being sometimes put indefinitely, as below, . When one speaking doth not awaken men, God is graciously pleased to give them another admonition. So God, though he will not gratify men’ s curiosity in inquiring into his hidden judgments, yet he will supply their necessity, and acquaint them with their duty and interest so far as is fit, and they are concerned to know. Yet man; which is easily and fitly understood here from the former branch of this verse, as being the person to whom God speaketh, as appears from the next verse. And such supplements are not unusual in the Hebrew language, and especially in these poetical books, where the style is very concise and short, and many things to be understood. Perceiveth it not; through his inadvertency, or negligence, or dulness. Man therefore hath no reason to charge God as if he were deficient in his notices and manifestations of his will, but to accuse himself for not improving revealed things to his own advantage, but desiring rather to pry into God’ s secret counsels, which was Job’ s error.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 33:14
Job 33:14 For God speaketh once, yea twice, [yet man] perceiveth it not.Ver. 14. For God speaketh once, yea twice] He loveth to foresignify; and although not bound to it, yet he usually gives warning; as "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance," 2 Peter 3:9. For which purpose God saith Elihu here useth two ways to nurture his children; the one more mild, to keep them from falling into sin, Job 33:15-18, the other more rigorous, when they have committed wickedness, to bring them to ammendment of life, Job 33:19-21, &c. Yet man perceiveth it not] Prae crassitie, et supinitate (ut ita dicam) sua; through his forlorn dullness and heedlessness, his singular inattention and inadvertence. Though God say, as once, "O generation, see ye the word of the Lord," Jeremiah 2:31, "Hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it," Micah 6:9, yet man is not only naturally averse, but adverse, to listen, or lay to heart anything, till it light on his hide, to believe till he feeleth; yea, to his natural dullness he soon addeth a habitual hardness; to his sinews of iron brows of brass, Isaiah 48:4. This is fearful, Acts 28:27, and yet common to all, whose hard hearts God is not pleased to soften with the oil of his grace and to soak in the blood of his Son, that they may be supple and soluble.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 33:14
(14) For God speaketh once, yea twice.—The two ways are dilated upon (Job 33:15-26). Abimelech (Genesis 20:3) and Daniel (Daniel 4:5) were instances of this first method. (Comp. also Genesis 15:12. &c., Genesis 28:12, &c.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 33:14
Verse 14. For God speaketh once] Though he will not be summoned to the bar of his creatures, nor condescend to detail the reasons of his conduct, which they could not comprehend, yet he so acts, in the main, that the operation of his hand and the designs of his counsel may sufficiently appear, provided men had their eyes open upon his ways, and their hearts open to receive his influence. Elihu, having made the general statement that God would not come to the bar of his creatures to give account of his conduct, shows the general means which he uses to bring men to an acquaintance with themselves and with him: he states these in the six following particulars, which may be collected from Job 33:15-24.
Cambridge Bible on Job 33:14
13–28. When Elihu gives the general answer to Job’s charges against God that “God is greater than man” he means that the moral loftiness of God’s nature made it impossible that He should act in the arbitrary, hostile manner charged against Him by Job (comp. ch. Job 36:5). It was but another form of the same charge of arbitrary hostility to man when Job affirmed that God was deaf to all appeal and refused to speak to man; comp. ch. Job 19:7, Job 30:20, and often. To this general form of the charge Elihu directs his attention and replies that God speaks to man in many ways, though He may not answer when challenged as Job had challenged Him; comp. ch. Job 35:14. He speaks to man in ways becoming His greatness, ways that shew that His goodness is over all His works. Job 33:13 probably reads Why dost thou contend against him That he giveth not account of any of his matters? that is, Job’s contention or plea against God is that He deals arbitrarily and refuses all account of His dealing.
Barnes' Notes on Job 33:14
For God speaketh once - The object of what is here said is, to show the reason why God brings affliction upon people, or to explain the principles of his government which Elihu supposed had been
Whedon's Commentary on Job 33:14
14. God speaketh — The reproof is a delicate one. Job’s complaints of the divine indifference are groundless: for God admonishes men, speaketh once, twice, and renews his admonitions when man is inattentive.
Sermons on Job 33:14
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Testimony by Duncan Campbell | In this sermon, the speaker shares three significant experiences from their life story. The first experience was when they were saved by God during an open-air meeting. Although th |
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Catch the Wind: Part 2 by Brad Allen | In this sermon, the preacher recounts the powerful experience of Duncan Campbell, who was deeply moved by God's message. Duncan felt convicted and overwhelmed by the weight of his |
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On Dreaming by John Newton | John Newton delves into the mysterious world of dreams, highlighting how our minds continue to work even as our bodies rest, suggesting a deeper spiritual connection. He emphasizes |
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But Is Repentance Desirable? by Harry Ironside | Harry Ironside addresses the question of whether repentance is desirable, challenging contemporary humanistic views that deny the need for repentance by emphasizing man's supposed |
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The White Robe by Phoebe Palmer | Phoebe Palmer preaches about the transformative power of surrendering to God and pursuing holiness with unwavering dedication. Through the story of E____, who faced a life-threaten |
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A Cry Against the Wicked Youth of America by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher talks about a man, a Hebrew, who is running through the streets proclaiming that there are only 40 days left before everyone will die because of their |
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The Fear of the Lord by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three important points. First, God's Spirit is searching for individuals with a heart that is fully committed to Him. Second, when God finds s |