Job 33:2

2 For behold, I have opened my mouth, and my tongue has spoken.

Job 33:2 Meaning and Commentary

Job 33:2

Behold, now I have opened my mouth
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" F4; which, as it is an instrument of speech, so of tasting and trying food, see ( Job 6:30 ) ( 12:11 ) ; and Elihu's sense is, that he had thoroughly considered what he should say, he had well weighed what he should speak, and should not deliver anything raw, crude, and undigested; he had palated his words, in order to discern whether there was anything in them perverse or not.


FOOTNOTES:

F4 (ykxb) "in palato meo", Pagninus, Montanus, Tigurine version, Beza, Schultens; so Mr. Broughton.

Job 33:2 In-Context

1 Howbeit hear, Job, my words, and hearken to my speech.
2 For behold, I have opened my mouth, and my tongue has spoken.
3 My heart pure by words; and the understanding of my lips shall meditate purity.
4 The Divine Spirit is that which formed me, and the breath of the Almighty that which teaches me.
5 If thou canst, give me an answer: wait therefore; stand against me, and I against thee.

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.