Job 36:15

Translations

King James Version (KJV)

He delivers the poor in his affliction, and opens their ears in oppression.

American King James Version (AKJV)

He delivers the poor in his affliction, and opens their ears in oppression.

American Standard Version (ASV)

He delivereth the afflicted by their affliction, And openeth their ear in oppression.

Basic English Translation (BBE)

He makes the wrong done to the poor the way of their salvation, opening their ears by their trouble.

Webster's Revision

He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression.

World English Bible

He delivers the afflicted by their affliction, and opens their ear in oppression.

English Revised Version (ERV)

He delivereth the afflicted by his affliction, and openeth their ear in oppression.

Clarke's Job 36:15 Bible Commentary

And openeth their ears in oppression - He will let them know for what end they are afflicted, and why he permits them to be oppressed. The word יגל yigel might be translated he shall make them exult, or sing with joy, in oppression; like the three Hebrews in the burning fiery furnace.

Barnes's Job 36:15 Bible Commentary

He delivereth the poor in his affliction - Margin, "or afflicted." This accords better with the usual meaning of the Hebrew word (עני ‛ânı̂y) and with the connection. The inquiry was not particularly respecting the "poor," but the "afflicted," and the sentiment which Elihu is illustrating is, that when the afflicted call upon God he will deliver them. The object is to induce Job to make such an application to God that he might be rescued from his calamities, and be permitted yet to enjoy life and happiness.

And openeth their ears - Causes them to understand the nature of his government, and the reasons why he visits them in this manner: compare Job 33:16, Job 33:23-27. The sentiment here is a mere repetition of what Elihu had more than once before advanced. It is his leading thought; the "principle" on which he undertakes to explain the reason why God afflicts people, and by which he proposes to remove the difference between Job and his friends.

In oppression - This word expresses too much. It refers to God, and implies that there was something oppressive, harsh, or cruel in his dealings. This is not the idea of Elihu in the language which he uses. The word which he uses here (לחץ lachats) means "that which crushes"; then straits, distress. affliction. Jerome, "in tribulatione." The word "affliction" would express the thought.

Wesley's Job 36:15 Bible Commentary

36:15 Openeth - Causeth them to hear, and understand, and do, the will of God.