Job
Job front
Introduction to Job
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of Job
- Introduction (1:1–2:13)
- Background to Job’s situation: He is righteous and wealthy (1:1–5)
- Yahweh allows Satan to test Job (1:6–2:10)
- Job’s friends speak to him a first time and Job replies (3:1–14:22)
- Job’s friends speak to him a second time and Job replies (15:1–21:34)
- Job’s friends speak to him a third time and Job replies (22:1–31:40)
- Elihu speaks to Job (32:1–37:24)
- Yahweh answers Job out of the whirlwind (38:1–41:34)
- Conclusion (42:1–17)
- Job responds humbly
- Yahweh rebukes Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar (42:7–9)
- Yahweh restores Job to prosperity (42:10–17)
What is the book of Job about?
The book of Job is about a man named Job who experienced disaster even though he was faithful to Yahweh. Job speaks with three friends and asks why Yahweh has allowed him to experience trials and losses. The book teaches that we cannot understand all of Yahweh’s ways, and when we suffer, it is more important to trust Yahweh than it is to understand the reason for the suffering.
How should the title of this book be translated?
The book of Job is named for Job, the main character in the book. His name is not related to the English word “job.” Translators might use the traditional title of “The Book of Job” or simply “Job.” Or they may choose a different title such as “The Book About Job” or “The Book About a Man Named Job.”
Who wrote the book of Job?
We do not know who wrote the book of Job. Many people suggest that Moses composed or compiled the book, but it may have been written after the time of Moses.
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
Does sin cause suffering?
When a person sins against Yahweh, that can cause the person to experience suffering. People in the ancient Near East generally believed that a person suffered because they or their ancestors had sinned against God. This is what many religions teach. However, the book of Job shows that a person may suffer even if he or she has not sinned. (See: грішити, грішити, гріх, гріхи, грішник)
Were Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar really Job’s friends?
Job 2:11 describes Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar as the friends of Job. However, they did not succeed in comforting Job. Instead, they tried to persuade Job to say something about God that Job believed was not true. So we might wonder if it is right to translate the word as “friends.” What they said did not help Job, because they did not understand the full truth about God. However, they did care about Job, and they did want to help him. In those ways, they did what friends would do, and in that sense the word “friends” is appropriate.
When did the events in the book of Job take place?
We do not know when the events in the book of Job took place. The story is set around the time of Abraham and Isaac in the book of Genesis. However, some verses are similar to verses in the books of Proverbs and Isaiah, which were written many centuries after Abraham and Isaac lived. It is possible that the book of Job was written at a later time to describe the events of an earlier time.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
Is the book of Job difficult to translate?
The book of Job has many uncommon words and phrases. That makes parts of it hard to understand and translate. For this reason, translators may decide to translate this book after they have translated other books of the Bible. However, since the writer did not connect Job with a specific time or place in history, the translator may also decide to translate this book before other Old Testament books.
What style of writing is in the book of Job?
The author begins and ends the book of Job by relating what happened to Job in narrative form. In the rest of the book, the characters speak in poetry. In the ancient Near East, writers often used poetry to discuss matters of wisdom. The relationship of human conduct to human prosperity and suffering is an important theme in wisdom literature.
Hebrew poetry: parallelism
Hebrew poetry was based on repetition of meaning rather than on repetition of sound like poetry in some other languages. A speaker would typically say one phrase and then say another phrase (or two) that meant a similar thing, an opposite thing, or something supplementary. The subsequent phrase or phrases would advance the meaning of the first phrase in one of these ways. In many cases it would be good to show this to your readers by including all the phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if the repetition might be confusing, you could connect the phrases with a word that would show how the later phrase or phrases are advancing the meaning of the first one. Throughout the book, notes will model ways of doing this in various cases, although not in most cases. It is hoped that these illustrations will give translators an idea of what they could do in any given instance.
Hebrew poetry: chiasm
Hebrew poetry often uses a form known as “chiasm.” It will make a statement consisting of two elements. It will then make a parallel, contrasting, or supplemental statement consisting of those same two elements, but in reverse order. For example, Job says in 3:5:
May it not rejoice among the days of the year; into the number of the months may it not come.
You may wish to show this form in your translation by following the Hebrew word order, even if that would not ordinarily be the order you would follow in your language. For 3:5, English might ordinarily say:
May it not rejoice among the days of the year; may it not come into the number of the months.
But ULT follows the Hebrew word order in order to give an idea of this characteristic form of Hebrew poetry.
“answered and said”
The author uses the phrase “answered and said” many times in the book of Job. This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word answered tells for what purpose a person said something. Specifically, they said it in order to answer or respond to what someone else said. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and,” such as “responded.” (See: Гендиадис)
“fear”
In several places in the book, the author uses a word from the root “fear,” such as the verb “fear” or the adjective “fearful,” in a specific sense. He uses the word to describe an awe of God that leads to holy living. He is not referring to an emotion and saying that the person is afraid of God. He means that the person respects and obeys God. Notes will call attention to this usage where it occurs, and they will suggest translations such as the verb “respect” and the adjective “respectful.” (See: Идиома)
“behold”
In many places in the book, characters use the term behold to focus their listeners’ attention on what they is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation in these instances.
Job 1
Job 1 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter introduces a story about a man named Job who lived during a time long before the author.
Special Concepts in this Chapter
Wealth
In the time and place in which the book of Job is set, a person’s wealth was measured by the number of animals he owned. The book describes how Job owned thousands of animals in order to indicate that he was very rich. (See: Предположение и имплицитная информация)
Sacrifices
Job was a man who obeyed Yahweh carefully. We might therefore wonder why he offered sacrifices on behalf of his children, as 1:5 describes, since he was not one of the descendants of Aaron, who were the only ones whom the law of Moses allowed to offer sacrifices. It must be remembered that Job lived prior to the time when God gave Moses the law, so his religious practices were different from those of the Hebrew people after Moses. In Job’s culture, it was normal and acceptable for the father to act as a priest for his family and to offer sacrifices on their behalf. The events that this book relates took place about the same time as the life of Abraham. Therefore, this book corresponds more with Genesis 12–50 than with the rest of the Old Testament. (See:благочестя, благочестиво, благочестивий, богошанування, безбожність, , той, хто не боїться Бога and закон, закон Мойсея, Божі закони, Закон Яхве, , Закон, книга Мойсея)
Translation Issues in this Chapter
“the adversary”
The Hebrew word satan means “adversary.” The Old Testament uses the word in that sense in several places, for example, 1 Kings 11:14, “Yahweh raised up an adversary against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite.” In chapters 1 and 2 of the book of Job, there is a character called “the satan” or “the adversary.” This seems to be a created angelic being who opposes righteous people and accuses them before God of having wrong motives. Many interpreters of the book of Job identify this character with Satan, the devil. The UST follows that interpretation, but the ULT translates the term more basically as “adversary.” You can decide how to translate this term in your own translation.
Job 1:1
There was a man in the land of Uz
Quote: אִ֛ישׁ הָיָ֥ה בְאֶֽרֶץ־ע֖וּץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants
The author is introducing Job as the main participant in the story. If your language has its own way of introducing participants, you can use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “There once was a man who lived in the land of Uz”
Uz. Job
Quote: ע֖וּץ & אִיּ֣וֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Uz is the name of a place, and the word Job is the name of a man.
blameless and righteous
Quote: תָּ֧ם וְיָשָׁ֛ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms blameless and righteous mean similar things. The author is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “very righteous”
both fearful of God
Quote: וִירֵ֥א אֱלֹהִ֖ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
As the General Introduction to Job discusses, here as in several other places in the book, the author is using a word from the root “fear,” in this case the word fearful, in a particular sense. He is describing an awe of God that leads to holy living. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “both respectful of God”
and turning from evil
Quote: וְסָ֥ר מֵרָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking figuratively of Job as if he physically turned away from evil. He means that he did not live in an evil way but instead lived in the right way. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and careful not to do anything wrong”
Job 1:2
Seven sons and three daughters were born to him
Quote: וַיִּוָּ֥לְדוּ ל֛וֹ שִׁבְעָ֥ה בָנִ֖ים וְשָׁל֥וֹשׁ בָּנֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
Here and through verse 5, the author is introducing background information about Job that will help readers understand what happens later in the story. In your translation, introduce this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture.
Seven sons and three daughters were born to him
Quote: וַיִּוָּ֥לְדוּ ל֛וֹ שִׁבְעָ֥ה בָנִ֖ים וְשָׁל֥וֹשׁ בָּנֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Job had seven sons and three daughters”
Job 1:3
the sons of the East
Quote: בְּנֵי־קֶֽדֶם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression sons of describes people who share a certain quality. In this case, the author is using the expression to describe people who have the quality of living in the East. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use an equivalent idiom from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people who lived in the East”
the sons of the East
Quote: בְּנֵי־קֶֽדֶם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo
The author is referring to an area to the East of where he and his audience live. It seems probable that he may mean the area east of the Jordan River, as the UST suggests. However, since it is not known exactly where the author and his audience lived, you could also use a general expression rather than try to identify the area in your translation. Alternate translation: “the people who lived in that area”
Job 1:4
And his sons went and made a feast, a man in {his} house on his day
Quote: וְהָלְכ֤וּ בָנָיו֙ וְעָשׂ֣וּ מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה בֵּ֖ית אִ֣ישׁ יוֹמ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The author is using the expression went and to describe customary action. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “His sons had the custom of taking turns hosting feasts in their homes”
on his day
Quote: יוֹמ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean implicitly: (1) Alternate translation: “on an assigned day of the week” (2) Alternate translation: “on his birthday”
and they sent and called
Quote: וְשָׁלְח֗וּ וְקָרְאוּ֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms sent and called mean similar things. The author is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “and they invited”
Job 1:5
when the days of the feast had gone around
Quote: כִּ֣י הִקִּיפֽוּ֩ יְמֵ֨י הַמִּשְׁתֶּ֜ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking as if the days of the feast had literally gone around or traveled a certain distance and then returned to their starting point. He means that each son had taken his turn hosting a feast. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. You could also state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “after the days of the feast had made a full circuit” or “after each son had taken his turn hosting a feast”
my sons
Quote: בָנַ֔י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the term sons is masculine, Job is likely using the word in a generic sense to refer to all of his sons and daughters. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women, as UST does, or you could mention both sons and daughters. Alternate translation: “my sons and daughters”
and blessed
Quote: וּבֵרֲכ֥וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
It is possible that the original reading here was “cursed” and that scribes changed it to blessed in order to avoid the uncomfortable language of a person cursing God. Traditional manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible do not have a marginal notation about this as they do in the case of 7:20, but many translations read “cursed” since this is the kind of change that scribes are known to have made in similar cases. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. Alternate translation: “and cursed”
have sinned and blessed
Quote: חָטְא֣וּ & וּבֵרֲכ֥וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word sinned tells in what way one of Job’s children might have blessed, that is, “cursed” God. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “have sinfully cursed”
in their hearts
Quote: בִּלְבָבָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the heart figuratively represents the thoughts. Alternate translation: “in their thoughts”
all the days
Quote: כָּל־הַיָּמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The author says all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “on a regular basis”
Job 1:6
And it was the day, and the sons of God came
Quote: וַיְהִ֣י הַיּ֔וֹם וַיָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
The author is using the phrase And it was the day to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “One day the sons of God came”
the sons of God
Quote: בְּנֵ֣י הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression describes spiritual beings whom God created. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the angelic beings”
to present themselves to Yahweh
Quote: לְהִתְיַצֵּ֖ב עַל־יְהוָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The context suggests that these angelic beings came to Yahweh at regular times to report on their activities. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to give Yahweh a regular report on their activities”
the adversary
Quote: הַשָּׂטָ֖ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter for how to translate the title the adversary here and in the rest of this chapter and in chapter 2. Alternate translation, as in UST: “Satan”
Job 1:7
And the adversary answered Yahweh and said
Quote: וַיַּ֨עַן הַשָּׂטָ֤ן אֶת־יְהוָה֙ וַיֹּאמַ֔ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
As the General Introduction to Job discusses, this phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word answered tells for what purpose the adversary said this. If it would be more natural in your language, here and in the rest of the book you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “The adversary responded to Yahweh”
From wandering on the earth and from going back and forth on it
Quote: מִשּׁ֣וּט בָּאָ֔רֶץ וּמֵֽהִתְהַלֵּ֖ךְ בָּֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean similar things. The adversary is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them and convey the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “From wandering all over the earth”
Job 1:8
Have you set your heart upon
Quote: הֲשַׂ֥מְתָּ לִבְּךָ֖ עַל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the heart figuratively represents the thoughts and perceptions. Alternate translation: “Have you considered”
there is} not like him
Quote: אֵ֤ין כָּמֹ֨הוּ֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This expression leaves out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “there is not anyone like him”
blameless and righteous
Quote: תָּ֧ם וְיָשָׁ֛ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
See how you translated this expression in 1:1.
fearful of God
Quote: יְרֵ֥א אֱלֹהִ֖ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated this expression in 1:1.
and turning from evil
Quote: וְסָ֥ר מֵרָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated this expression in 1:1.
Job 1:9
Does Job fear God for nothing
Quote: הַֽחִנָּ֔ם יָרֵ֥א אִיּ֖וֹב אֱלֹהִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The adversary is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Job gets a lot in return for fearing God!”
God
Quote: אֱלֹהִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The adversary is speaking about God in the third person, even though he is addressing him directly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “you”
Job 1:10
Have you not put a hedge around him and around his house and around all that {is} his, from every side
Quote: הֲלֹֽא־אַ֠תָּה שַׂ֣כְתָּ בַעֲד֧וֹ וּבְעַד־בֵּית֛וֹ וּבְעַ֥ד כָּל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֖וֹ מִסָּבִ֑יב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The adversary is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You have put a hedge around him and around his house and around all that is his, from every side!”
Have you not put a hedge around him and around his house and around all that {is} his, from every side
Quote: הֲלֹֽא־אַ֠תָּה שַׂ֣כְתָּ בַעֲד֧וֹ וּבְעַד־בֵּית֛וֹ וּבְעַ֥ד כָּל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֖וֹ מִסָּבִ֑יב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The adversary is speaking as if God had literally put a hedge around Job and his possessions. He means that God has protected Job and all that he owns. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Have you not protected him and his house and all that is his, from every side?” or “You have protected him and his house and all that is his, from every side!”
You have blessed the works of his hands, and his cattle have burst forth in the land
Quote: מַעֲשֵׂ֤ה יָדָיו֙ בֵּרַ֔כְתָּ וּמִקְנֵ֖הוּ פָּרַ֥ץ בָּאָֽרֶץ׃ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “His cattle have burst forth in the land because you have blessed the works of his hands”
the works of his hands
Quote: מַעֲשֵׂ֤ה יָדָיו֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The adversary is using one part of Job, his hands, to mean all of Job in the act of doing works, specifically the activity of raising cattle. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “everything he has done”
and his cattle have burst forth in the land
Quote: וּמִקְנֵ֖הוּ פָּרַ֥ץ בָּאָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The adversary is speaking as if Job’s cattle have literally burst forth and covered the land as if they were floodwaters. He means that Job’s cattle have increased greatly in number. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and his herds of cattle have become very large”
Job 1:11
just stretch out your hand and touch all that {is} his, if he will not bless you to your face
Quote: שְֽׁלַֽח־נָ֣א יָֽדְךָ֔ וְגַ֖ע בְּכָל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֑וֹ אִם־לֹ֥א עַל־פָּנֶ֖יךָ יְבָרֲכֶֽךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative
The terms stretch out and touch are imperatives, but they communicate an assertion rather than commands. Use a form in your language that communicates an assertion. Alternate translation: “if you stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, he will bless you to your face”
stretch out your hand
Quote: שְֽׁלַֽח& יָֽדְךָ֔ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand figuratively represents the capability of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “use your power”
and touch
Quote: וְגַ֖ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the word touch means “destroy.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and destroy”
if
Quote: אִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The adversary is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and see if”
he will … bless you
Quote: יְבָרֲכֶֽךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
See how you translated the word “blessed’ in verse 5. Scribes may have made a similar change here from “curse” to bless. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. Alternate translation: “he will … curse you”
to your face
Quote: עַל־פָּנֶ֖יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word face represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. The claim is that Job would not curse God in his “heart” (that is, in his thoughts) as Job was afraid one of his children might have done. Rather, Job would curse God out loud, and since God is present everywhere, Job would be cursing him in person. Alternate translation: “in person”
Job 1:12
Behold
Quote: הִנֵּ֤ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
As the General Introduction to Job discusses, Yahweh is using the term Behold to focus the adversary’s attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation.
is} in your hand
Quote: בְּיָדֶ֔ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand figuratively represents the capability of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is in your power” or “is under your control”
do … stretch out your hand
Quote: תִּשְׁלַ֖ח יָדֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
See how you translated the similar expression in the previous verse.
the face of Yahweh
Quote: פְּנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
As in the previous verse, here the word face represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “the presence of Yahweh”
Job 1:13
And it was the day, and his sons and his daughters
Quote: וַיְהִ֖י הַיּ֑וֹם וּבָנָ֨יו וּבְנֹתָ֤יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
The author is using the phrase And it was the day to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “One day Job’s sons and daughters”
Job 1:14
The oxen were plowing and the donkeys {were} feeding at their hand
Quote: הַבָּקָר֙ הָי֣וּ חֹֽרְשׁ֔וֹת וְהָאֲתֹנ֖וֹת רֹע֥וֹת עַל־יְדֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
The messenger is giving background information to help Job understand what he reports next. In your translation, introduce this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture.
at their hand
Quote: עַל־יְדֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression uses the word hand to mean the side of a person, animal, or group of animals. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at their side” or “next to them”
Job 1:15
Sheba
Quote: שְׁבָא֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The messenger is using the name of an entire people group, Sheba, to mean some members of that group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “some of the Sabeans”
Sheba
Quote: שְׁבָא֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Sheba is the name of a people group.
And … fell {on them
Quote: וַתִּפֹּ֤ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The messenger is using the word fell in a specific sense to mean “attacked.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this meaning plainly, as the UST does.
and they struck the servants with the edge of the sword
Quote: וְאֶת־הַנְּעָרִ֖ים הִכּ֣וּ לְפִי־חָ֑רֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The messenger is reporting that the Sabeans killed the servants. He is describing this by association with the means that the Sabeans used to kill them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they killed the servants”
and only I alone have escaped to tell you
Quote: וָֽאִמָּ֨לְטָ֧ה רַק־אֲנִ֛י לְבַדִּ֖י לְהַגִּ֥יד לָֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
You may find it more appropriate to represent this in your translation as an exclamation rather than as a statement, here and in verses 16, 17, and 19.
and only I alone have escaped
Quote: וָֽאִמָּ֨לְטָ֧ה רַק־אֲנִ֛י לְבַדִּ֖י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo
It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it, here and in verses 16, 17, and 19. Alternate translation, as in UST: “I am the only one who has escaped”
Job 1:16
and burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them
Quote: וַתִּבְעַ֥ר בַּצֹּ֛אן וּבַנְּעָרִ֖ים וַתֹּאכְלֵ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms burned up and consumed mean similar things. The second messenger is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “completely burned up the sheep and the servants”
Job 1:17
The Chaldeans
Quote: כַּשְׂדִּ֞ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Chaldeans is the name of a people group.
and they struck the servants with the edge of the sword
Quote: וְאֶת־הַנְּעָרִ֖ים הִכּ֣וּ לְפִי־חָ֑רֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
See how you translated this same expression in 1:15. Alternate translation: “they killed the servants”
Job 1:18
Your sons and your daughters {were} eating and drinking wine in the house of their eldest brother
Quote: בָּנֶ֨יךָ וּבְנוֹתֶ֤יךָ אֹֽכְלִים֙ וְשֹׁתִ֣ים יַ֔יִן בְּבֵ֖ית אֲחִיהֶ֥ם הַבְּכֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
The messenger is giving background information to help Job understand what he reports next. In your translation, introduce this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture.
Job 1:19
the four corners of the house
Quote: בְּאַרְבַּע֙ פִּנּ֣וֹת הַבַּ֔יִת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Alternate translation: “the structural supports of the house”
Job 1:20
And Job arose and tore
Quote: וַיָּ֤קָם אִיּוֹב֙ וַיִּקְרַ֣ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the word arose may indicate that Job took action to respond to what the messengers told him, not that he stood up from a seated position. Alternate translation: “In response, Job tore”
and tore his robe and shaved his head
Quote: וַיִּקְרַ֣ע אֶת־מְעִל֔וֹ וַיָּ֖גָז אֶת־רֹאשׁ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Job tore his robe and shaved his head to show how deeply distressed he was. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “and tore his robe and shaved his head to show how deeply distressed he was”
and fell to the ground and prostrated himself
Quote: וַיִּפֹּ֥ל אַ֖רְצָה וַיִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Be sure that it is clear in your translation that Job did not fall down accidentally. Make clear that he did these things in order to assume a posture of worship. Alternate translation: “and got down on the ground and lay flat as a gesture of worship to God”
Job 1:21
Naked … and naked
Quote: עָרֹ֨ם & וְעָרֹם֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one kind of possession, clothing, to mean all kinds of possessions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Without any possessions … without any possessions”
I came from the womb of my mother
Quote: יָצָ֜אתִי מִבֶּ֣טֶן אִמִּ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo
It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “I was born”
I will return there
Quote: אָשׁ֣וּב שָׁ֔מָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if the grave in which he will be buried is another womb like that of his mother. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will go to the grave” or “I will be buried”
May the name of Yahweh be blessed
Quote: יְהִ֛י שֵׁ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה מְבֹרָֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May people bless the name of Yahweh”
May the name of Yahweh be blessed
Quote: יְהִ֛י שֵׁ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה מְבֹרָֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, name represents the reputation of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say that plainly. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh continue to have a good reputation”
Job 1:22
Job did not sin and he did not ascribe impropriety to God
Quote: לֹא־חָטָ֣א אִיּ֑וֹב וְלֹא־נָתַ֥ן תִּפְלָ֖ה לֵאלֹהִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word sin tells what kind of action it would be if Job were to ascribe impropriety to God. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “Job did not sin by ascribing impropriety to God”
Job 2
Job 2 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
The events of this chapter are very similar to those of the previous chapter. However, this time Job is tested in an even more severe way. After losing his wealth and family, Job also loses his health, and his wife begins to encourage him to sin by cursing Yahweh. (See: грішити, грішити, гріх, гріхи, грішник and прокляття, проклинати, проклятий, що проклинає)
Translation Issues in this Chapter
“the adversary”
This character appears in chapter 2 as well as in chapter 1. Translate the name the same way here as you decided to translate it in the previous chapter.
Job 2:1
And it was the day, and the sons of God came
Quote: וַיְהִ֣י הַיּ֔וֹם וַיָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
The author is using the phrase And it was the day to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. See how you translated the same expression in 1:6. Alternate translation: “One day the sons of God came”
the sons of God
Quote: בְּנֵ֣י הָֽאֱלֹהִ֔ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression describes spiritual beings whom God created. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this in 1:6. Alternate translation: “the angelic beings”
Job 2:2
From wandering on the earth and from going back and forth on it
Quote: מִשֻּׁ֣ט בָּאָ֔רֶץ וּמֵהִתְהַלֵּ֖ךְ בָּֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean similar things. The adversary is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them and convey the emphasis in another way. See how you translated the same expression in 1:7. Alternate translation: “From wandering all over the earth”
Job 2:3
Have you set your heart on
Quote: הֲשַׂ֣מְתָּ לִבְּךָ֮ אֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated this expression in 1:8. Alternate translation: “Have you considered”
there is not like him
Quote: אֵ֨ין כָּמֹ֜הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
See how you translated this expression in 1:8. Alternate translation: “there is not anyone like him”
blameless and righteous
Quote: תָּ֧ם וְיָשָׁ֛ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
See how you translated this expression in 1:1.
fearful of God
Quote: יְרֵ֥א אֱלֹהִ֖ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated this expression in 1:1.
and turning from evil
Quote: וְסָ֣ר מֵרָ֑ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated this expression in 1:1.
is holding firmly to his integrity
Quote: מַחֲזִ֣יק בְּתֻמָּת֔וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if Job were literally holding firmly onto his integrity. He means that Job is maintaining his integrity. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is maintaining his integrity”
is holding firmly to his integrity
Quote: מַחֲזִ֣יק בְּתֻמָּת֔וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of integrity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “is continuing to live in the right way”
to devour him
Quote: לְבַלְּע֥וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if the adversary had literally incited him to devour or eat up Job. He means that the adversary had incited him to allow the adversary to destroy Job’s possessions and family. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to allow you to destroy his possessions and family”
Job 2:4
Skin for skin
Quote: ע֣וֹר בְּעַד־ע֗וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
In this expression, the adversary is using part of a person or animal, the skin, to mean all of that person or animal. The basic meaning is that a person will sacrifice even a valuable herd animal in order to save himself, and the more general meaning, as the adversary explains in the rest of the verse, is that a person will sacrifice just about anything he owns in order to stay alive. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “An animal in exchange for a person’s life”
Job 2:5
just stretch out your hand and touch upon his bones and upon his flesh, if he will not bless you to your face
Quote: שְֽׁלַֽח־נָ֣א יָֽדְךָ֔ וְגַ֥ע אֶל־עַצְמ֖וֹ וְאֶל־בְּשָׂר֑וֹ אִם־לֹ֥א אֶל־פָּנֶ֖יךָ יְבָרֲכֶֽךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative
The terms stretch out and touch are imperatives, but they communicate an assertion rather than commands. Use a form in your language that communicates an assertion. See how you translated the same expression in 1:11. Alternate translation: “if you stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, he will bless you to your face”
just stretch out your hand
Quote: שְֽׁלַֽח־נָ֣א יָֽדְךָ֔ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand figuratively represents the capability of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the same expression in 1:11. Alternate translation: “just use your power”
and touch
Quote: וְגַ֥ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the word touch means “harm.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and harm”
upon his bones and upon his flesh
Quote: אֶל־עַצְמ֖וֹ וְאֶל־בְּשָׂר֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The adversary is using two parts of Job’s body, his bones and his flesh, to mean Job’s whole body. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “his body”
if
Quote: אִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The adversary is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. See how you translated the same expression in 1:11. Alternate translation: “and see if”
he will … bless you
Quote: יְבָרֲכֶֽךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
See how you translated the same expression in 1:11. Scribes may also have made a change here from “curse” to bless. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. Alternate translation: “he will … curse you”
to your face
Quote: אֶל־פָּנֶ֖יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word face represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. See how you translated the same expression in 1:11. Alternate translation: “in person”
Job 2:6
in your hand
Quote: בְיָדֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand figuratively represents the capability of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar expression in 1:12. Alternate translation: “in your power” or “under your control”
Job 2:7
the face of Yahweh
Quote: פְּנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word face represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. See how you translated the similar expression in 1:12. Alternate translation: “the presence of Yahweh”
and he struck Job with bad boils
Quote: וַיַּ֤ךְ אֶת־אִיּוֹב֙ בִּשְׁחִ֣ין רָ֔ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking as if the adversary literally struck Job with these boils, as if they were a weapon in his hand. He means that the adversary caused Job to suffer from the boils. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he afflicted Job with bad boils” or “he caused Job to suffer from bad boils”
with bad boils
Quote: בִּשְׁחִ֣ין רָ֔ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The word boils describes large, itching, painful skin infections. If your readers would not be familiar with what boils are, in your translation you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “with large, itching, painful skin infections”
from the sole of his foot to his pate
Quote: מִכַּ֥ף רַגְל֖וֹ עד קָדְקֳדֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The author is using the extreme ends of Job’s body, the sole of his foot and his pate (that is, the top of his head), to mean those parts and everything in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “over his entire body”
Job 2:8
a shard
Quote: חֶ֔רֶשׂ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A shard was a piece of broken pottery. It had sharp edges, so Job could scrape himself with it. If your readers would not be familiar with what a shard is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a sharp fragment of pottery”
to scrape himself
Quote: לְהִתְגָּרֵ֖ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that Job would scrape himself with the shard to clean his skin and to reduce the itching of the boils. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to scrape himself to clean his skin and to reduce the itching of the boils”
and he was sitting in the midst of the ash pile
Quote: וְה֖וּא יֹשֵׁ֥ב בְּתוֹךְ־הָאֵֽפֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In this culture, there was place outside the city where rubbish was brought and burned to dispose of it. This left a pile of ashes. Job was sitting in that pile as a symbolic action to show how distressed he was. It was a way of signifying that he no longer felt his life was worth anything. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of his action. Alternate translation: “he was sitting in the midst of the ash pile outside the city to show how distressed he was”
Job 2:9
Are} you still holding firmly to your integrity
Quote: עֹדְךָ֖ מַחֲזִ֣יק בְּתֻמָּתֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job’s wife is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not still be holding firmly to your integrity!”
Bless God and die
Quote: בָּרֵ֥ךְ אֱלֹהִ֖ים וָמֻֽת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
You may find it more appropriate to represent this in your translation as an exclamation rather than as a statement. Alternate translation: “Bless God and die!”
Bless
Quote: בָּרֵ֥ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
See how you translated the word “bless” in 1:11 and 2:5. Scribes may also have made a change here from “Curse” to Bless. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. Alternate translation: “Curse”
Bless God and die
Quote: בָּרֵ֥ךְ אֱלֹהִ֖ים וָמֻֽת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job’s wife seems to be saying implicitly that Job no longer has any reason either to trust God or to live, and that if he curses God, God will kill him too and put him out of his misery. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Curse God so that he will kill you too and put you out of your misery”
Job 2:10
the foolish one
Quote: אַחַ֤ת הַנְּבָלוֹת֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
This phrase does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who has the quality that it names. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a foolish person” or, since the expression is feminine, “a foolish woman”
the foolish one
Quote: אַחַ֤ת הַנְּבָלוֹת֙ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In this context, the word foolish does not describe a person who is stupid or lacking intelligence or education. It means someone who does not respect God and who therefore does not live in the way that God has instructed people to live. Alternate translation: “a person who does not respect and obey God” or “a woman who does not respect and obey God”
Indeed, will we receive the good from God and not receive the bad
Quote: גַּ֣ם אֶת־הַטּ֗וֹב נְקַבֵּל֙ מֵאֵ֣ת הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים וְאֶת־הָרָ֖ע לֹ֣א נְקַבֵּ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “if we are willing to receive the good from God, we should also be willing to receive the bad”
the good … and … the bad
Quote: אֶת־הַטּ֗וֹב & וְאֶת־הָרָ֖ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjectives good and bad as a nouns to mean certain kinds of things. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “good things … and … bad things”
with his lips
Quote: בִּשְׂפָתָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is referring to what Job said by association with lips that Job used in order to say it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in anything that he said”
Job 2:11
all this evil had come on him
Quote: אֵ֣ת כָּל־הָרָעָ֣ה הַזֹּאת֮ הַבָּ֣אָה עָלָיו֒ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The author is speaking of the evil or trouble that happened to Job as if it were a living that had come on him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all these bad things had happened to him”
Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite
Quote: אֱלִיפַ֤ז הַתֵּימָנִי֙ וּבִלְדַּ֣ד הַשּׁוּחִ֔י וְצוֹפַ֖ר הַנַּֽעֲמָתִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The words Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar are the names of men. The word Temanite describes someone from the town of Teman in the ancient country of Edom. The word Shuhite describes someone from the people group descended from Shuah, a son of Abraham and Keturah. The word Naamathite describes someone from the town of Naamah in Canaan.
to sympathize with him and to comfort him
Quote: לָנֽוּד־ל֖וֹ וּֽלְנַחֲמֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms sympathize and comfort mean similar things. The author is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to sympathize earnestly with him”
Job 2:12
And they raised their eyes
Quote: וַיִּשְׂא֨וּ אֶת־עֵינֵיהֶ֤ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression means to look carefully and intently off into the distance. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They looked intently off into the distance”
and they did not recognize him
Quote: וְלֹ֣א הִכִּירֻ֔הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is Job’s friends did not recognize him at first when they saw him at a distance. Job looked very different than usual because of his grief and because of the sores covering his body. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “they barely recognized him because he looked so different due to his grief and his sores”
and they raised their voice and wept
Quote: וַיִּשְׂא֥וּ קוֹלָ֖ם וַיִּבְכּ֑וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two phrases connected with and. The phrase raised their voice tells how the friends wept, that is, loudly. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “and they wept in a loud voice” or “and they wept loudly”
and they raised their voice
Quote: וַיִּשְׂא֥וּ קוֹלָ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking as if the friends literally raised their voice, that is, lifted it up into the air. He means that they made a loud sound with their voices as they wept. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they made a loud sound”
and they raised their voice
Quote: וַיִּשְׂא֥וּ קוֹלָ֖ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
Since the author is speaking of three people, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of voice. Alternate translation: “they raised their voices”
and they each tore his robe, and they threw dust heavenward upon their heads
Quote: וַֽיִּקְרְעוּ֙ אִ֣ישׁ מְעִל֔וֹ וַיִּזְרְק֥וּ עָפָ֛ר עַל־רָאשֵׁיהֶ֖ם הַשָּׁמָֽיְמָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Job’s friends tore their robes and threw dust into the air so that it would land on their heads as symbolic actions to show that they were deeply distressed about what had happened to Job. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “to show how distressed they were about what had happened to Job, each tore his robe, and they threw dust heavenward upon their heads”
Job 2:13
And they sat with him on the ground
Quote: וַיֵּשְׁב֤וּ אִתּוֹ֙ לָאָ֔רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Job’s friends sat with him on the ground as a symbolic action to express their sincere sympathy with him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “And to express their sincere sympathy, they sat with him on the ground”
Job 3
Job 3 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem.
Important Figures of Speech in this Chapter
Rhetorical questions
In many places in this chapter, Job uses the question form in order to express strong feelings. Your language might not use the question form for this purpose. Notes will suggest other ways to translate these questions. (See: Риторический вопрос)
Birth meaning life by association
Throughout this chapter, Job is saying that does not feel that his life is worth living any longer. He communicates this by cursing the day he was born, which is a way of saying by association that he wishes he had never lived. This is a powerful poetic device that would be good to show to your readers, so it would be preferable to translate the device itself, rather than express only its meaning or implications in your translation. In other words, for example, it would be appropriate to translate Job’s actual words in 3:3, “May the day on which I was born perish,” rather than have him say something like, “I do not feel that my life is worth living any more, and so I wish I had never been born.” (See: Когда нужно оставить информацию имплицитной)
Job 3:1
Job opened his mouth
Quote: פָּתַ֤ח אִיּוֹב֙ אֶת־פִּ֔יהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is referring to Job speaking by association with the way Job opened his mouth in order to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Job spoke up”
and cursed his day
Quote: וַיְקַלֵּ֖ל אֶת־יוֹמֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the expression his day means the day on which Job was born. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and cursed his birthday”
and cursed his day
Quote: וַיְקַלֵּ֖ל אֶת־יוֹמֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that Job cursed his birthday because he was suffering so greatly that he wished he had never been born. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and cursed his birthday because he was suffering so greatly that he wished he had never been born”
Job 3:2
Job answered and said
Quote: וַיַּ֥עַן אִיּ֗וֹב וַיֹּאמַֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
See the discussion of this expression in the General Introduction to Job. In this case, Job is responding not to something that someone else said but to all that has happened to him. Alternate translation: “In response to all that had happened to him, Job said”
Job 3:3
May the day on which I was born perish, and the night {that} said, ‘A boy has been conceived
Quote: יֹ֣אבַד י֭וֹם אִוָּ֣לֶד בּ֑וֹ וְהַלַּ֥יְלָה אָ֝מַ֗ר הֹ֣רָה גָֽבֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
See the discussion of Hebrew poetry in the General Introduction to Job to decide how to approach the translation of this verse and the other verses in the book that consist of a statement and then one or two further statements that advance the meaning of the first one in some way. Alternate translation: “May the day on which I was born perish, yes, may the night perish that said a boy had been conceived” or “May the night I was conceived and the day on which I was born both perish”
May the day on which I was born perish
Quote: יֹ֣אבַד י֭וֹם אִוָּ֣לֶד בּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the day on which he was born as if it were a living thing that could perish. It is clear from verse 6 that he means he wishes it would no longer be one of the days of the year. Your language may have an expression of its own that you could use to express this meaning in your translation. Alternate translation: “May the day on which I was born be stricken from the calendar”
and the night
Quote: וְהַלַּ֥יְלָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and may the night perish” or “and may the night also be stricken from the calendar”
that} said, ‘A boy has been conceived
Quote: אָ֝מַ֗ר הֹ֣רָה גָֽבֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “that said that a boy had been conceived”
that} said, ‘A boy has been conceived
Quote: אָ֝מַ֗ר הֹ֣רָה גָֽבֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the night of his conception as if it were a living thing that could speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on which I was conceived as a boy”
A boy has been conceived
Quote: הֹ֣רָה גָֽבֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “A woman has conceived a boy”
Job 3:4
May God not seek it from above, and may light not shine upon it
Quote: אַֽל־יִדְרְשֵׁ֣הוּ אֱל֣וֹהַּ מִמָּ֑עַל וְאַל־תּוֹפַ֖ע עָלָ֣יו נְהָרָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God would literally seek the day of his birth after it became dark. In this context, the word seek could mean: (1) to show concern. Alternate translation: “May God not show concern from above for that day by restoring its light” (2) to look for. Alternate translation: “May God not search for that day from above when he discovers that it is missing and bring it back among the other days by restoring its light”
May God not seek it from above, and may light not shine upon it
Quote: אַֽל־יִדְרְשֵׁ֣הוּ אֱל֣וֹהַּ מִמָּ֑עַל וְאַל־תּוֹפַ֖ע עָלָ֣יו נְהָרָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
Since it was God who created day by making light (Genesis 1:3), Job seems to be wishing that his birthday would be dark because God would not provide any light for it. Alternate translation: “May God not care for it from above, and as a result, may light not shine upon it” or “May no light shine upon it, because God is not caring for it from above”
Job 3:5
May darkness and a dark shadow claim it
Quote: יִגְאָלֻ֡הוּ חֹ֣שֶׁךְ וְ֭צַלְמָוֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms darkness and deep darkness mean similar things. The author is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “May darkness completely claim it”
May darkness and a dark shadow claim it
Quote: יִגְאָלֻ֡הוּ חֹ֣שֶׁךְ וְ֭צַלְמָוֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job assumes that his listeners will understand that by claim he is referring to the way, in his culture, a close relative would bring an orphaned child into his own home and make that child a member of his own family. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “May darkness and deep darkness make it part of their own family”
May darkness and a dark shadow claim it
Quote: יִגְאָלֻ֡הוּ חֹ֣שֶׁךְ וְ֭צַלְמָוֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking as if darkness and deep darkness were living things that could adopt the day of his birth, as if it too were a living thing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “May that day be just like darkness, yes, like deep darkness”
may a cloud dwell over it
Quote: תִּשְׁכָּן־עָלָ֣יו עֲנָנָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of a cloud as if it were a living thing that could dwell or make its home over the day of his birth, and he is speaking of that day as if it were something that itself lived in a particular place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “may that whole day be cloudy”
the blacknesses of the day
Quote: כִּֽמְרִ֥ירֵי יֽוֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
In this possessive form, the day is the object rather than the subject of blacknesses. That is, this does not mean blacknesses that the day possesses, it means all the things that blacken a day, that is, make it dark. This would include things such as eclipses, sand storms, volcanic eruptions, etc. Alternate translation: “all the things that blacken a day” or “all the things that make a day dark”
the blacknesses of the day
Quote: כִּֽמְרִ֥ירֵי יֽוֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language would not use an abstract noun such as blacknesses, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “all the things that blacken a day” or “all the things that make a day dark”
may … terrify it
Quote: יְ֝בַעֲתֻ֗הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the day of his birth as if it were a living thing that blackening events could terrify. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “make it so dark that it is no longer truly a day”
Job 3:6
may gloom take it
Quote: יִקָּחֵ֪ה֫וּ אֹ֥פֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of gloom as if it were a living thing that could take away the night of his conception, as if it were an object that could be carried. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “may it be without any light”
May it not rejoice among the days of the year; into the number of the months may it not come
Quote: אַל־יִ֭חַדְּ בִּימֵ֣י שָׁנָ֑ה בְּמִסְפַּ֥ר יְ֝רָחִ֗ים אַל־יָבֹֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers to the day when Job was born. Job is alternating between speaking about that day and about the night when he was conceived. Alternate translation: “May the day when I was born not rejoice among the days of the year; into the number of the months may it not come”
May it not rejoice among the days of the year; into the number of the months may it not come
Quote: אַל־יִ֭חַדְּ בִּימֵ֣י שָׁנָ֑ה בְּמִסְפַּ֥ר יְ֝רָחִ֗ים אַל־יָבֹֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the day of his birth as if it were a living thing that could rejoice that it was one of the days of the year and that could come among the months of the year. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “May it not be one of the days of the year, yes, may it not be a day in any of the months”
May it not rejoice among the days of the year; into the number of the months may it not come
Quote: אַל־יִ֭חַדְּ בִּימֵ֣י שָׁנָ֑ה בְּמִסְפַּ֥ר יְ֝רָחִ֗ים אַל־יָבֹֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is not saying that he does not want the day of his birth to be one of the months of the year. Rather, he is using the possessive form the number of the months to mean the group of all of the months. In other words, that is another way of saying “the year.” Alternate translation: “May it not be one of the days of the year; indeed, may it not be part of the year at all” or, combining the two phrases, “May that day be left out of the year completely”
May it not rejoice among the days of the year; into the number of the months may it not come
Quote: אַל־יִ֭חַדְּ בִּימֵ֣י שָׁנָ֑ה בְּמִסְפַּ֥ר יְ֝רָחִ֗ים אַל־יָבֹֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
It may be more natural in your language to mention the shorter period, months, before the longer period, the year, in order to increase the emphasis as the sentence progresses. The UST models one way to do this.
Job 3:7
That night—may it be barren
Quote: הַלַּ֣יְלָה הַ֭הוּא יְהִ֣י גַלְמ֑וּד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the night he was conceived as if it were a living thing that could be barren. He means that he does not want that night to have any children, in the sense that he does not want any more children to be conceived on that night or, as the context suggests, born on that night. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “May no one ever again be born on that night”
May a joyful shout not come into it
Quote: אַל־תָּבֹ֖א רְנָנָ֣ה בֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of a joyful shout as if it were a living thing that could come into a place. He is referring to people shouting for joy on the night of the day when he was born. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “May no one shout joyfully on that night”
May a joyful shout not come into it
Quote: אַל־תָּבֹ֖א רְנָנָ֣ה בֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that he does not want anyone to shout joyfully on this particular night to celebrate the birth of a child. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “May no one shout joyfully on that night to celebrate the birth of a child”
Job 3:8
May … curse it
Quote: יִקְּבֻ֥הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers to the day when Job was born. Job is alternating between speaking about that day and about the night when he was conceived. Alternate translation: “May … curse that day”
the ones cursing a day
Quote: אֹרְרֵי־י֑וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job assumes that his listeners will understand that by the ones cursing a day he is referring to sorcerers. People in this culture employed sorcerers in the belief that they could cause bad things to happen on a particular day to their enemies. For example, people might employ a sorcerer to try to ruin the day on which a person began an important journey or celebrated an important family occasion such as a wedding. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “professional sorcerers”
the ones skillful
Quote: הָ֝עֲתִידִ֗ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective skillful as a noun to mean certain people. The word is plural, and ULT adds the word ones to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the people who have the skill”
to awaken Leviathan
Quote: עֹרֵ֥ר לִוְיָתָֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that if sorcerers created chaos by awakening the chaos monster, there would no longer be any distinction between days, and so the day of Job’s birth would no longer have a distinct identity. You could say that explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to cause chaos among days” or “to destroy the distinct identity of the day on which I was born”
Leviathan
Quote: לִוְיָתָֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
People in this culture believed in a monster called Leviathan, associated with the sea, who caused chaos. You could retain the name Leviathan in your translation. Alternatively, you could use a general expression in order to give your readers some idea of the beliefs of this culture. Alternate translation: “the sea monster who causes chaos”
Job 3:9
may it wait for light but {there be} none, and may it not see the eyelids of the dawn
Quote: יְקַו־לְא֥וֹר וָאַ֑יִן וְאַל־יִ֝רְאֶ֗ה בְּעַפְעַפֵּי־שָֽׁחַר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the day of his birth as if it were a living thing that could wait for light to appear in the sky and see the dawn. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “may light never appear on that day, yes, may dawn never break on that day”
the eyelids of the dawn
Quote: בְּעַפְעַפֵּי־שָֽׁחַר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is referring to light flashing from eyes by association with the eyelids that open to reveal that flashing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the light flashing from the eyes of the dawn”
the eyelids of the dawn
Quote: בְּעַפְעַפֵּי־שָֽׁחַר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the dawn as if it were a living thing that had eyelids that could open to reveal light flashing from its eyes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the first light of dawn” or “the break of dawn”
Job 3:10
it did not close the doors of my womb
Quote: לֹ֣א סָ֭גַר דַּלְתֵ֣י בִטְנִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is using the possessive form my womb to mean the womb from which he was born, that is, his mother’s womb. He is not saying that he himself had a womb. It may be helpful clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “it did not close the doors of my mother’s womb”
it did not close the doors of my womb
Quote: לֹ֣א סָ֭גַר דַּלְתֵ֣י בִטְנִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as his mother’s womb literally had doors that could have closed to keep him from being born. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it did not keep me from being born”
it did not close the doors of my womb and hide
Quote: לֹ֣א סָ֭גַר דַּלְתֵ֣י בִטְנִ֑י וַיַּסְתֵּ֥ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking as if the day of his birth were a living thing that could have kept him from being born. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “nothing kept me from being born on that day and hid”
and hide trouble from my eyes
Quote: וַיַּסְתֵּ֥ר עָ֝מָ֗ל מֵעֵינָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is also speaking as if the day of his birth were a living thing that could have hidden trouble from his eyes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and nothing hid trouble from my eyes”
and hide trouble from my eyes
Quote: וַיַּסְתֵּ֥ר עָ֝מָ֗ל מֵעֵינָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is referring to his ability to see by association with the eyes by which he sees. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and hide trouble from my sight” or “and keep me from seeing trouble”
and hide trouble from my eyes
Quote: וַיַּסְתֵּ֥ר עָ֝מָ֗ל מֵעֵינָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, to see trouble means to experience it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and keep me from experiencing trouble”
and hide trouble from my eyes
Quote: וַיַּסְתֵּ֥ר עָ֝מָ֗ל מֵעֵינָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of trouble, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and keep me from suffering so badly”
Job 3:11
Why did I not die from the womb, come out of the belly and expire
Quote: לָ֤מָּה לֹּ֣א מֵרֶ֣חֶם אָמ֑וּת מִבֶּ֖טֶן יָצָ֣אתִי וְאֶגְוָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean similar things. As Job and the other characters do throughout the poetic sections of the book, here he is using repeating phrases in order to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. (See the discussion of “parallelism” in the General Introduction to the book of Job.) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine these phrases. However, you may wish to retain both of them in order to give your readers an idea of how Hebrew poetry worked. The following notes give suggestions for how to do that. Alternate translation, combining the phrases: “Why did I not die just as soon as I was born?”
Why did I not die from the womb, come out of the belly and expire
Quote: לָ֤מָּה לֹּ֣א מֵרֶ֣חֶם אָמ֑וּת מִבֶּ֖טֶן יָצָ֣אתִי וְאֶגְוָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate using the statement or exclamation form. It may be helpful to make this two sentences. Alternate translation: “I wish I had died from the womb! I wish I had come out of the belly and expired!”
from the womb
Quote: מֵרֶ֣חֶם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is referring to his birth by association with the womb from which he was born. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as soon as I was born”
and expire
Quote: וְאֶגְוָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Job is using the word expire, which means to “breathe out,” to mean “die.” This is a mild way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “and pass away”
come out of the belly and expire
Quote: מִבֶּ֖טֶן יָצָ֣אתִי וְאֶגְוָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is referring to his birth by association with the belly (a poetic synonym for “womb”) from which he was born. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “breathe my last as soon as my mother gave birth to me”
Job 3:12
Why did knees welcome me, and why breasts, that I should suck
Quote: מַ֭דּוּעַ קִדְּמ֣וּנִי בִרְכָּ֑יִם וּמַה־שָּׁ֝דַ֗יִם כִּ֣י אִינָֽק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I wish that knees had not welcomed me, and breasts, that I should have sucked!”
Why did knees welcome me, and why breasts, that I should suck
Quote: מַ֭דּוּעַ קִדְּמ֣וּנִי בִרְכָּ֑יִם וּמַה־שָּׁ֝דַ֗יִם כִּ֣י אִינָֽק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Why did knees welcome me, and why did breasts welcome me so that I could suck?”
Why did knees welcome me, and why breasts, that I should suck
Quote: מַ֭דּוּעַ קִדְּמ֣וּנִי בִרְכָּ֑יִם וּמַה־שָּׁ֝דַ֗יִם כִּ֣י אִינָֽק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using parts of his mother to mean all of his mother in the act of nursing him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Why did my mother hold me on her knees and nurse me?”
Job 3:13
For
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
The word For indicates that the sentence it introduces states what the result would have been if the event Job has been describing had actually taken place, that is, if he had died at birth. Alternate translation: “If that had been the case,”
now
Quote: עַ֭תָּה (1)Alternate translation: “by now” or “at this time”
I had lain down and was reposing, I had slept, then it was being rest to me
Quote: שָׁכַ֣בְתִּי וְאֶשְׁק֑וֹט יָ֝שַׁ֗נְתִּי אָ֤ז ׀ יָנ֬וּחַֽ לִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense
Job is using the past tense to describe what would have been the case if he had actually never been born. Your language may use the past tense in this same way. If not, you could use the conditional tense here. Alternate translation: “I would have lain down and been reposing, I would have slept and it would have been rest to me”
I had slept
Quote: יָ֝שַׁ֗נְתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Job is using the word slept to mean “died.” This is a mild way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. If not, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I would have passed away” or “I would have died”
it was being rest to me
Quote: יָנ֬וּחַֽ לִֽי (1)If your language would not use an impersonal construction such as this one, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “I would have been at rest” or “I would have been resting”
Job 3:14
the ones having built monuments for themselves
Quote: הַבֹּנִ֖ים חֳרָב֣וֹת לָֽמוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word translated monuments refers to a desolate or ruined place. In this context, it could mean implicitly: (1) elaborate buildings in desolate places, such as the pyramids that the pharaohs built in the Egyptian desert. Since Job is wishing that this were his situation, this positive sense is probably preferable. Alternate translation: “who built great tombs for themselves in remote places” (2) ruined buildings. Alternate translation: “who rebuilt ruined buildings for themselves” or “who built buildings for themselves that are now ruined”
Job 3:15
the ones having filled their houses with silver
Quote: הַֽמְמַלְאִ֖ים בָּתֵּיהֶ֣ם כָּֽסֶף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Job says that these princes filled their houses with silver as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “who kept much silver in their homes”
Job 3:16
like a hidden stillborn child
Quote: כְנֵ֣פֶל טָ֭מוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word translated hidden refers implicitly to burial. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “like a child who was not born alive and so was buried immediately”
as infants {sometimes} do not see the light
Quote: כְּ֝עֹלְלִ֗ים לֹא־רָ֥אוּ אֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of the birth process, seeing the light for the first time, to mean all of the birth process. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “like infants who are not born alive”
Job 3:17
the wicked … the weary in strength
Quote: רְ֭שָׁעִים & יְגִ֣יעֵי כֹֽחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjectives wicked and weary as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “people who are wicked … people who are weary in strength”
Job 3:18
they do not hear the voice of a taskmaster
Quote: לֹ֥א שָׁ֝מְע֗וּ ק֣וֹל נֹגֵֽשׂ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is referring to the orders that a taskmaster would give Captives by association with the voice that the taskmaster would use to convey them. He is referring to the captives’ obligation to obey those orders by association with the way they would hear them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use equivalent expressions or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no taskmaster gives them orders to follow” or “they no longer need to follow the orders of any taskmaster”
Job 3:19
Small and great {are} there
Quote: קָטֹ֣ן וְ֭גָדוֹל שָׁ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Job is using two extremes of people, small and great (meaning unimportant and important), to mean them and everyone in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “People of every kind are there”
Small and great
Quote: קָטֹ֣ן וְ֭גָדוֹל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjectives Small and great as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “Unimportant people and important people”
and a servant
Quote: וְ֝עֶ֗בֶד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
In this context, the phrase a servant does not refer to one specific person. It refers to servants in general. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and anyone who had been a servant”
Job 3:20
Why is light given to the miserable, and life to the bitter in soul
Quote: לָ֤מָּה יִתֵּ֣ן לְעָמֵ֣ל א֑וֹר וְ֝חַיִּ֗ים לְמָ֣רֵי נָֽפֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This is the beginning of a long question that Job asks, using the question form for emphasis, in verses 20–23. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these verses as a series of statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “Light should not be given to the miserable! Life should not be given to the bitter in soul!”
Why is light given
Quote: לָ֤מָּה יִתֵּ֣ן & א֑וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, the context suggests that it is God. Alternate translation: “Why does God give light”
light
Quote: א֑וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is referring to life by association with the light that people who are alive are able to see. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “life”
to the miserable, … to the bitter in soul
Quote: לְעָמֵ֣ל & לְמָ֣רֵי נָֽפֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjectives miserable and bitter as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “to people who are miserable … to people who are bitter in soul”
and life
Quote: וְ֝חַיִּ֗ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and why is life given” or “and why does God give life”
to the bitter in soul
Quote: לְמָ֣רֵי נָֽפֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression describes people who are bitter or unhappy in the depths of their beings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to people who are deeply unhappy”
Job 3:21
the ones longing for death, but {it is} not to them, and they dig for it more than for hidden treasure
Quote: הַֽמְחַכִּ֣ים לַמָּ֣וֶת וְאֵינֶ֑נּוּ וַֽ֝יַּחְפְּרֻ֗הוּ מִמַּטְמוֹנִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This is a continuation of the question that Job is asking in verses 20–23, using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as the next statement or exclamation in a series. Alternate translation: “Life should not be given to people who long to die but who cannot die, who dig for death more than for hidden treasures!” or “God should not give life to people who long to die but who cannot die, who dig for death more than for hidden treasures!”
and they dig for it more than for hidden treasure
Quote: וַֽ֝יַּחְפְּרֻ֗הוּ מִמַּטְמוֹנִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if very unhappy people literally dig for death more eagerly than they would dig to find hidden treasures. He means that they want to die more than they want anything else. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who want to die more than they want anything else”
Job 3:22
the ones rejoicing unto gladness, and they celebrate when they find a grave
Quote: הַשְּׂמֵחִ֥ים אֱלֵי־גִ֑יל יָ֝שִׂ֗ישׂוּ כִּ֣י יִמְצְאוּ־קָֽבֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This is a continuation of the question that Job is asking in verses 20–23, using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as the next statement or exclamation in a series. Alternate translation: “Life should not be given to people who rejoice unto gladness and celebrate when they find a grave!” or “God should not give life to people who rejoice unto gladness and celebrate when they find a grave!”
the ones rejoicing unto gladness, and they celebrate
Quote: הַשְּׂמֵחִ֥ים אֱלֵי־גִ֑יל יָ֝שִׂ֗ישׂוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms rejoicing unto gladness and celebrate mean similar things. Job is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the ones who rejoice greatly”
when they find a grave
Quote: כִּ֣י יִמְצְאוּ־קָֽבֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is referring to death by association with the grave in which a person who dies is buried. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when they die” or “when they know that they are about to die”
Job 3:23
to a man whose way is hidden, and God has hedged around him
Quote: לְ֭גֶבֶר אֲשֶׁר־דַּרְכּ֣וֹ נִסְתָּ֑רָה וַיָּ֖סֶךְ אֱל֣וֹהַּ בַּעֲדֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This is the end of the question that Job has been asking in verses 20–23, using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as the last statement or exclamation in a series. Alternate translation: “Life should not be given to a man whose way is hidden, around whom God has hedged!” or “God should not give life to a man whose way is hidden, around whom he has hedged!”
to a man whose way is hidden, and God has hedged around him
Quote: לְ֭גֶבֶר אֲשֶׁר־דַּרְכּ֣וֹ נִסְתָּ֑רָה וַיָּ֖סֶךְ אֱל֣וֹהַּ בַּעֲדֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The phrases whose way is hidden and God has hedged around him mean similar things. Job is using the two phrases together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to a man whom God is keeping from seeing where he is going”
whose way is hidden, and God has hedged around him
Quote: אֲשֶׁר־דַּרְכּ֣וֹ נִסְתָּ֑רָה וַיָּ֖סֶךְ אֱל֣וֹהַּ בַּעֲדֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of how a person ought to live, or of a hopeful future that lies ahead of a person, as if that were literally a way or path that the person should walk along but which is hidden so that the person cannot find it. He speaks as if God had literally put a hedge around the person to keep him from seeing out. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who has no hope for the future”
whose way is hidden
Quote: אֲשֶׁר־דַּרְכּ֣וֹ נִסְתָּ֑רָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who has done the action, the context suggests that it is God. Alternate translation: “whose way God has hidden”
Job 3:24
For
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Job is using the word For to explain the reason why he asked in the preceding verses why God would give life to a person who is as miserable as he is. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “I have asked all this because”
my sighing comes before my food
Quote: לִפְנֵ֣י לַ֭חְמִי אַנְחָתִ֣י תָבֹ֑א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word before could mean implicitly: (1) that Job’s sighing comes in place of his food. Alternate translation: “I am too sad to eat” (2) that Job’s sighing comes first and his food comes afterwards. Alternate translation: “I cannot eat without sighing first”
my groaning flows out like waters
Quote: וַֽיִּתְּכ֥וּ כַ֝מַּ֗יִם שַׁאֲגֹתָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as waters (those of a river, for example) flow greatly and powerfully, so Job is groaning greatly and powerfully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and I am groaning very greatly”
Job 3:25
For
Quote: כִּ֤י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Job is using the word For to explain the reason why he is so upset that he cannot eat and he is groaning loudly. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “I cannot eat and I am groaning because”
I feared a fear and it has arrived with me; what I dreaded has come to me
Quote: פַ֣חַד פָּ֭חַדְתִּי וַיֶּאֱתָיֵ֑נִי וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר יָ֝גֹ֗רְתִּי יָ֣בֹא לִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of what he feared and dreaded as if it were a living thing that had arrived or come to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. It may be helpful to combine these two clauses in your translation. Alternate translation: “the thing that I was most afraid of has happened”
I feared a fear
Quote: פַ֣חַד פָּ֭חַדְתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
Job is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here.Alternatively, your language may have its own way of expressing such a meaning. Alternate translation: “I was very afraid of something”
Job 3:26
I have not relaxed, and I have not reposed, and I have not rested, but trouble comes
Quote: לֹ֤א שָׁלַ֨וְתִּי ׀ וְלֹ֖א שָׁקַ֥טְתִּי וְֽלֹא־נָ֗חְתִּי וַיָּ֥בֹא רֹֽגֶז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. (The word translated but introduces a reason.) Alternate translation: “Because trouble comes, I have not relaxed, and I have not reposed, and I have not rested”
I have not relaxed, and I have not reposed, and I have not rested, but trouble comes
Quote: לֹ֤א שָׁלַ֨וְתִּי ׀ וְלֹ֖א שָׁקַ֥טְתִּי וְֽלֹא־נָ֗חְתִּי וַיָּ֥בֹא רֹֽגֶז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms relaxed, reposed, and rested mean similar things. Job is using the three terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “I have not been able to rest at all”
but trouble comes
Quote: וַיָּ֥בֹא רֹֽגֶז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of trouble as if it were a living thing that comes to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but trouble happens”
Job 4
Job 4 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
In this chapter (and the next chapter), Job’s friend Eliphaz responds to what Job said in chapter 3.
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are poetry.
Special Concepts in this Chapter
Eliphaz’s advice
Eliphaz advises Job to trust that God protects innocent people and punishes wicked people. He says that God corrects good people if they begin to do bad things, and he encourages Job to consider why God is correcting him. Ordinarily this would be very good advice. But Eliphaz does not understand the special circumstances that Job is in. Job himself does not understand them. God cannot explain to Job that he has allowed the adversary to test him to see whether he will still trust God even if he loses his family, possessions, and health, because if God explained this, that would make the test invalid. So this section of the book, in which Job’s three friends speak with him, presents a paradox: What would ordinarily be good advice is not good advice under these special circumstances.
Translation Issues in this Chapter
Rhetorical questions
Eliphaz often uses the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate his questions as statements or exclamations. Notes will offer suggestions at each place where Eliphaz uses the question form in this way. (See: Риторический вопрос)
Job 4:2
If a word is tried with you, will you tire? But to refrain from a word, who is able
Quote: הֲנִסָּ֬ה דָבָ֣ר אֵלֶ֣יךָ תִּלְאֶ֑ה וַעְצֹ֥ר בְּ֝מִלִּ֗ין מִ֣י יוּכָֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
In both of these sentences, Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “I am concerned that you will tire if a word is tried with you. But no one is able to refrain from a word.”
If a word is tried with you
Quote: הֲנִסָּ֬ה דָבָ֣ר אֵלֶ֣יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If I try a word with you”
If a word is tried with you
Quote: הֲנִסָּ֬ה דָבָ֣ר אֵלֶ֣יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the term word to mean what he would like to say to Job by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If I try to speak with you”
will you tire
Quote: תִּלְאֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is referring to Job interrupting him and stopping him by association with the way he would do that if he were to tire of what Eliphaz had to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will you interrupt me and stop me before I have finished what I have to say”
But to refrain from a word, who is able
Quote: וַעְצֹ֥ר בְּ֝מִלִּ֗ין מִ֣י יוּכָֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz is likely implying that no one who saw Job suffering so badly could refrain from speaking to him out of compassion. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “But no one who saw you suffering so badly could refrain from speaking to you to try to encourage you”
from a word
Quote: בְּ֝מִלִּ֗ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the term translated word, in this case meaning a single spoken word, to mean by association all of what he would like to say to Job by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from speaking”
Job 4:3
many
Quote: רַבִּ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjective many as a noun. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “many people”
you have strengthened weak hands
Quote: וְיָדַ֖יִם רָפ֣וֹת תְּחַזֵּֽק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Eliphaz may be using one part of people, their hands, to mean the people themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have strengthened people who were weak” or see next note for another possibility.
you have strengthened weak hands
Quote: וְיָדַ֖יִם רָפ֣וֹת תְּחַזֵּֽק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz may be referring to fear by association with way the people’s hands become weak when they are afraid. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have helped frightened people take courage”
Job 4:4
Your words have upheld the one stumbling
Quote: כּ֭וֹשֵׁל יְקִימ֣וּן מִלֶּ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the term words to mean what Job has said to people in the past by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “What you have said has upheld the one stumbling”
Your words have upheld the one stumbling
Quote: כּ֭וֹשֵׁל יְקִימ֣וּן מִלֶּ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if people who were struggling in life were literally stumbling and as if Job’s words or counsel had literally upheld them or kept them from falling down. He means that Job gave wise advice that encouraged people in their struggles and helped them not to give up. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “By your advice, you have encouraged struggling people not to give up”
the one stumbling
Quote: כּ֭וֹשֵׁל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
This phrase does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone in the situation that it describes. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people who were stumbling” or “people who were struggling”
and buckling knees you have strengthened
Quote: וּבִרְכַּ֖יִם כֹּרְע֣וֹת תְּאַמֵּֽץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is referring to exhaustion or despondency by association with way the people’s knees may be buckling under those circumstances. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have helped exhausted people to persevere” or “you have helped despondent people not to give up”
Job 4:5
it comes to you … it touches you
Quote: תָּב֣וֹא אֵלֶ֣יךָ & תִּגַּ֥ע עָ֝דֶ֗יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Eliphaz is speaking of trouble as if it were a living thing that could touch Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it happens to you … it affects you”
it comes … it touches
Quote: תָּב֣וֹא & תִּגַּ֥ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers to trouble in both instances. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “trouble comes … trouble touches” or “trouble happens … trouble affects”
Job 4:6
Is} not your fear your confidence, your hope, even the integrity of your ways
Quote: הֲלֹ֣א יִ֭רְאָתְךָ כִּסְלָתֶ֑ךָ תִּ֝קְוָתְךָ֗ וְתֹ֣ם דְּרָכֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
In both of these instances, Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “Your fear should be your confidence! The integrity of your ways should be your hope!”
your fear
Quote: יִ֭רְאָתְךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the word fear means respect for God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your respect for God”
your hope
Quote: תִּ֝קְוָתְךָ֗ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Eliphaz is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Is not your hope”
of your ways
Quote: דְּרָכֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking of Job’s practices in life as if they were ways or paths that he was walking on. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your conduct”
Job 4:7
Who, he {being} innocent, has perished? And when were the righteous destroyed
Quote: מִ֤י ה֣וּא נָקִ֣י אָבָ֑ד וְ֝אֵיפֹ֗ה יְשָׁרִ֥ים נִכְחָֽדוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
In both of these instances, Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “We cannot name one innocent person who has perished! And the righteous are never destroyed!”
And when were the righteous destroyed
Quote: וְ֝אֵיפֹ֗ה יְשָׁרִ֥ים נִכְחָֽדוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And when has anyone destroyed the righteous”
the righteous
Quote: יְשָׁרִ֥ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjective righteous as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “righteous people”
Job 4:8
the ones plowing misery and sowing trouble reap it
Quote: חֹ֣רְשֵׁי אָ֑וֶן וְזֹרְעֵ֖י עָמָ֣ל יִקְצְרֻֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Eliphaz is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the ones who plow misery reap it, and the ones who sow trouble reap that”
the ones plowing misery and sowing trouble reap it
Quote: חֹ֣רְשֵׁי אָ֑וֶן וְזֹרְעֵ֖י עָמָ֣ל יִקְצְרֻֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if people could literally plow iniquity, sow trouble, and reap those things. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those who do wicked things and cause trouble for others will experience trouble themselves”
Job 4:9
By the breath of God they perish, and by the blast of his nose they cease {to be
Quote: מִנִּשְׁמַ֣ת אֱל֣וֹהַ יֹאבֵ֑דוּ וּמֵר֖וּחַ אַפּ֣וֹ יִכְלֽוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz could also be using the breath of God to mean by association the judgment that God pronounces against the wicked by speaking with his breath. He could be using the blast of his nose to mean the wrath of God against wickedness by association with the way people snort with their noses when they are angry. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God pronounces his judgment against them and destroys them; in his wrath he makes an end of them” or see next note for another possibility.
By the breath of God they perish, and by the blast of his nose they cease {to be
Quote: מִנִּשְׁמַ֣ת אֱל֣וֹהַ יֹאבֵ֑דוּ וּמֵר֖וּחַ אַפּ֣וֹ יִכְלֽוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if troublesome people literally perish when God breathes on them from his mouth and snorts at them from his nose. By referring to the breath of God and the blast of his nose, Eliphaz may be depicting God’s judgment as a great storm that sweeps wicked people away. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God’s powerful judgment against them is like a great storm that sweeps them away”
Job 4:10
The roar of the lion! The voice of the fierce lion! But the teeth of the young lions are broken
Quote: שַׁאֲגַ֣ת אַ֭רְיֵה וְק֣וֹל שָׁ֑חַל וְשִׁנֵּ֖י כְפִירִ֣ים נִתָּֽעוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Eliphaz is using exclamations to add emphasis to the point he is making. If these would not be natural in your language, you could translate them as statements. Alternate translation: “Lions may roar, indeed, fierce lions may rumble, but the teeth of the young lions are broken”
The roar of the lion! The voice of the fierce lion! But the teeth of the young lions are broken
Quote: שַׁאֲגַ֣ת אַ֭רְיֵה וְק֣וֹל שָׁ֑חַל וְשִׁנֵּ֖י כְפִירִ֣ים נִתָּֽעוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking of wicked people as if they were literally lions. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Wicked people may say threatening things and appear dangerous, but God will keep them from harming righteous people”
But the teeth of the young lions are broken
Quote: וְשִׁנֵּ֖י כְפִירִ֣ים נִתָּֽעוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But God breaks the teeth of the young lions”
Job 4:11
The strong lion perishes for lack of prey, and the cubs of the lioness are scattered
Quote: לַ֭יִשׁ אֹבֵ֣ד מִבְּלִי־טָ֑רֶף וּבְנֵ֥י לָ֝בִ֗יא יִתְפָּרָֽדוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is continuing to speak of wicked people as if they were literally lions. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yes, God will keep wicked people from exploiting righteous people, and in the end the wicked people will become poor and lose their families”
and the cubs of the lioness are scattered
Quote: וּבְנֵ֥י לָ֝בִ֗יא יִתְפָּרָֽדוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and the cubs of the lioness scatter”
Job 4:12
Now a word was confided to me
Quote: וְ֭אֵלַי דָּבָ֣ר יְגֻנָּ֑ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Now someone brought a word to me secretly”
Now … to me
Quote: וְ֭אֵלַי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
Eliphaz is using the word translated Now to introduce background information that will help Job understand what he says next. In your translation, introduce this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture.
a word
Quote: דָּבָ֣ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the term word to mean a message that was communicated to him by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a message”
and my ear received
Quote: וַתִּקַּ֥ח אָ֝זְנִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Eliphaz is using one part of himself, his ear, to mean all of him in the act of hearing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I heard”
Job 4:13
from visions of the night
Quote: מֵחֶזְיֹנ֣וֹת לָ֑יְלָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
By visions of the night, Eliphaz means dreams. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from a dream that I had”
in the falling of deep sleep upon men
Quote: בִּנְפֹ֥ל תַּ֝רְדֵּמָ֗ה עַל־אֲנָשִֽׁים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Eliphaz is speaking of deep sleep as if it were a living thing that could be actively falling on people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as happens when people are deeply asleep”
men
Quote: אֲנָשִֽׁים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the term men is masculine, Eliphaz is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people”
Job 4:14
fear happened to me, and trembling
Quote: פַּ֣חַד קְ֭רָאַנִי וּרְעָדָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms Fear and trembling mean similar things. Eliphaz is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Great fear came upon me”
fear … it frightened
Quote: פַּ֣חַד & הִפְחִֽיד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
For emphasis, Eliphaz is using a construction in which a subject and its verb come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may another way of showing the emphasis.
and it frightened all my bones
Quote: וְרֹ֖ב עַצְמוֹתַ֣י הִפְחִֽיד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Eliphaz is using one part of himself, his bones, to mean all of him in the act of becoming afraid. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I became completely afraid” or “yes, I became completely afraid”
Job 4:16
An image {was} in front of my eyes
Quote: תְּ֭מוּנָה לְנֶ֣גֶד עֵינָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is referring to seeing by association with the eyes by which he could see. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I saw an image”
then I heard a voice
Quote: וָק֣וֹל אֶשְׁמָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is referring to speaking by association with the voice by which this spirit spoke. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “then I heard the spirit say”
Job 4:17
Will a man be more righteous than God? If a man will be more pure than his Maker
Quote: הַֽ֭אֱנוֹשׁ מֵאֱל֣וֹהַ יִצְדָּ֑ק אִ֥ם מֵ֝עֹשֵׂ֗הוּ יִטְהַר־גָּֽבֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The spirit asked whether a man could be more righteous than God, if a man could be more pure than his Maker.”
Will a man be more righteous than God? If a man will be more pure than his Maker
Quote: הַֽ֭אֱנוֹשׁ מֵאֱל֣וֹהַ יִצְדָּ֑ק אִ֥ם מֵ֝עֹשֵׂ֗הוּ יִטְהַר־גָּֽבֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
In both of these sentences, Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “A man cannot be more righteous than God! A man cannot be more pure than his Maker!”
a man
Quote: הַֽ֭אֱנוֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The term that Eliphaz is using for man here implicitly means a “mortal.” You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “a mortal”
If a man will be more pure than his Maker
Quote: אִ֥ם מֵ֝עֹשֵׂ֗הוּ יִטְהַר־גָּֽבֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Eliphaz is using the word If to introduce a question that anticipates a negative answer. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “A man cannot be more pure than his Maker, can he?”
a man
Quote: גָּֽבֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Eliphaz is using the word man here (a synonym for the word translated man earlier in the verse) in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a person”
Job 4:18
he does not trust … he charges
Quote: לֹ֣א יַאֲמִ֑ין & יָשִׂ֥ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronouns he and his refer back to the previous verse to God, not to “a man.” It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God does not trust … God charges”
in his servants, and … his angels
Quote: בַּ֭עֲבָדָיו & וּ֝בְמַלְאָכָ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By his servants, Eliphaz implicitly means the angels he mentions later in the verse. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “in the angels who serve him and … those angels”
Job 4:19
How much less dwellers in houses of clay
Quote: אַ֤ף ׀ שֹׁכְנֵ֬י בָֽתֵּי־חֹ֗מֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Eliphaz is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “How much less will God be confident that dwellers in houses of clay are doing the right thing”
dwellers in houses of clay that {have} their foundation in the dust
Quote: שֹׁכְנֵ֬י בָֽתֵּי־חֹ֗מֶר אֲשֶׁר־בֶּעָפָ֥ר יְסוֹדָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if human beings literally lived in houses made of clay that have a foundation set in the dust. He is referring to the human body, which the Bible describes as having been formed from the dust of the earth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “human beings”
They crumble them
Quote: יְ֝דַכְּא֗וּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
They is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “Such people can be crushed”
before
Quote: לִפְנֵי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the term before means “sooner than” and by implication “more easily than.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “more easily than”
Job 4:20
From morning to evening
Quote: מִבֹּ֣קֶר לָעֶ֣רֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Eliphaz is using the beginning and ending of a day, morning and evening, to mean an entire day. (He means within the space of a day, not throughout a whole day.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “Within a single day”
they are destroyed
Quote: יֻכַּ֑תּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, the context suggests that it is God. Alternate translation: “God destroys them”
Job 4:21
Is not their tent cord pulled up away from them
Quote: הֲלֹא־נִסַּ֣ע יִתְרָ֣ם בָּ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Their tent cord is certainly pulled up away from them!”
Is not their tent cord pulled up away from them
Quote: הֲלֹא־נִסַּ֣ע יִתְרָ֣ם בָּ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, the context suggests that it is God. Alternate translation: “Does not God pull up their tent cord away from them”
Is not their tent cord pulled up away from them
Quote: הֲלֹא־נִסַּ֣ע יִתְרָ֣ם בָּ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if people were literally a tent whose cord had been pulled up so that it was in danger of imminent collapse. He means that mortals have only a brief and uncertain life. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do not people have only a brief and uncertain life?” or, as an exclamation, “People have only a brief and uncertain life!”
in wisdom
Quote: בְחָכְמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wisdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “after having lived wisely”
Job 5
Job 5 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of the advice of Job’s friend Eliphaz.
Translation Issues in this Chapter
long sentence
Eliphaz describes God in a long sentence in verses 8–13. As the notes suggest at several places, it may be helpful to break up this long sentence into several shorter sentences.
Job 5:1
Call out now
Quote: קְֽרָא־נָ֭א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politeness
Eliphaz is using the word translated now to offer polite encouragement. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Go ahead, call out”
Call out now
Quote: קְֽרָא־נָ֭א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz assumes that Job will understand that by Call out, he is telling Job to ask someone to listen to his complaint against God. In this culture, someone who had a case against someone else would go to a public area and ask established members of the community to hear and judge the case. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Go ahead, call for someone to listen to and judge your case against God”
Call out now
Quote: קְֽרָא־נָ֭א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
Eliphaz does not really want Job to Call out and ask someone to hear his complaint against God, even though he is telling Job to do that. Eliphaz actually intends to communicate the opposite of the literal meaning of his words. He wants Job to realize that there is no being who has the wisdom or authority to hear a human being’s complaint against God. Alternate translation: “There is really no point in calling for someone to listen to and judge your case against God”
is there one answering you? To which of the holy ones will you turn
Quote: הֲיֵ֣שׁ עוֹנֶ֑ךָּ וְאֶל־מִ֖י מִקְּדֹשִׁ֣ים תִּפְנֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
In both of these instances, Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “there is no one who will answer you. You cannot turn to any of the holy ones.”
of the holy ones
Quote: מִקְּדֹשִׁ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In this context, the phrase the holy ones likely refers to angelic beings rather than to people who live righteously. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers.. Alternate translation: “of the angelic beings”
will you turn
Quote: תִּפְנֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if Job would literally turn to face someone whom he wanted to hear his case against God. Eliphaz means that Job would appeal to such a person, although he is arguing that there actually is no such person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will you appeal”
Job 5:2
For
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Eliphaz is using the word For to explain the reason why he does not really think that Job should look for someone to judge his complaint against God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “You should not look for someone to judge your complaint against God, because”
indignation kills the foolish, and resentment kills the one being simple
Quote: לֶֽ֭אֱוִיל יַהֲרָג־כָּ֑עַשׂ וּ֝פֹתֶ֗ה תָּמִ֥ית קִנְאָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Eliphaz is speaking of indignation and resentment as if they were a living things that could kill a person. He means that people who become indignant and resentful when God corrects them, rather than admitting their sins and repenting, put themselves in a position where God has to punish them, even by killing them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when people foolishly become indignant or naïvely become resentful when God corrects them, God must punish or even kill them”
indignation … resentment
Quote: כָּ֑עַשׂ & קִנְאָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of indignation and resentment, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “being indignant … being resentful”
the foolish, and … the one being simple
Quote: לֶֽ֭אֱוִיל & וּ֝פֹתֶ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
These phrases does not refer to specific people. They refer to anyone who has the qualities that they name. Express their meaning in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “everyone who is foolish … and … everyone who is simple”
the foolish
Quote: לֶֽ֭אֱוִיל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective foolish as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the foolish person”
and … the one being simple
Quote: וּ֝פֹתֶ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz assumes that Job will understand that by simple he means a person who does not realize that the world is a complicated place and that he needs to cultivate godly wisdom in order to make good choices and avoid the consequences of bad choices. Your language may have a term with this meaning that you can use in your translation.
Job 5:3
I myself have seen
Quote: אֲֽנִי־רָ֭אִיתִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Eliphaz is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb have seen, for emphasis. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here. Other languages may have other ways of expressing this emphasis. The ULT does so by saying I myself. Alternate translation: “I have indeed seen”
the foolish
Quote: אֱוִ֣יל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective foolish as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “a foolish person”
the foolish
Quote: אֱוִ֣יל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In this context, the word foolish describes someone who does not respect and obey God. See how you translated the similar expression in 2:10. Alternate translation: “a person who does not respect and obey God”
taking root
Quote: מַשְׁרִ֑ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if this foolish person were literally taking root. He means that the person was becoming established or prospering. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “prospering”
his abode
Quote: נָוֵ֣הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is referring to this foolish person’s way of life by association with the abode where he lives. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his way of life”
Job 5:4
are far from safety
Quote: יִרְחֲק֣וּ & מִיֶּ֑שַׁע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if the children of a person who does not respect and obey God are literally far from safety. He means that they are not safe at all but in great danger. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “are in great danger”
from safety
Quote: מִיֶּ֑שַׁע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of safety, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “from being safe”
and they are crushed at the gate
Quote: וְיִֽדַּכְּא֥וּ בַ֝שַּׁ֗עַר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By the gate, Eliphaz implicitly means the place where legal disputes are settled. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and they are crushed in legal proceedings”
and they are crushed at the gate
Quote: וְיִֽדַּכְּא֥וּ בַ֝שַּׁ֗עַר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if the children of a person who does not respect and obey God are literally crushed in legal disputes. He means that the disputes are settled decisively in favor of their opponents. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and their opponents in legal proceedings defeat them decisively”
and {there is} none rescuing
Quote: וְאֵ֣ין מַצִּֽיל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz implicitly means that there is no one rescuing these children from legal defeats and their consequences. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “because no one defends them”
Job 5:5
whose harvest the hungry one devours
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֤ר קְצִיר֨וֹ ׀ רָ֘עֵ֤ב יֹאכֵ֗ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun whose refers to the “foolish person” whom Eliphaz describes in verses 2 and 3. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Hungry people devour the harvest of the foolish person”
whose harvest the hungry one devours
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֤ר קְצִיר֨וֹ ׀ רָ֘עֵ֤ב יֹאכֵ֗ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz assumes that Job will understand that by devours the harvest he is referring to the practice of gleaning, which the law of Moses commanded the Israelites to allow. Poor people could come into harvested fields and pick up the leftover grain to feed themselves. Eliphaz means that the foolish person and his family will not be able to harvest the grain they have planted and so gleaners will come and take all the grain. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation, as a new sentence: “The foolish person has to abandon the grain that he plants in his fields, and gleaners come and take all of it”
whose harvest the hungry one devours
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֤ר קְצִיר֨וֹ ׀ רָ֘עֵ֤ב יֹאכֵ֗ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
While hungry people eventually will devour or eat up all of the grain from the foolish person’s harvest, Eliphaz means in this context that they will take all of the grain from the fields. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as a new sentence: “Hungry people will come and glean his entire harvest”
the hungry one … the thirsty ones
Quote: רָ֘עֵ֤ב & צַמִּ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjectives hungry and thirsty as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. ULT adds the words one and ones to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “the hungry person … thirsty people”
the hungry one … the thirsty ones
Quote: רָ֘עֵ֤ב & צַמִּ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is describing poor people by association with the way that they may be hungry and thirsty because they cannot afford to buy food and drink. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use equivalent expressions or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, using a poetic parallel: “the poor one … the impoverished ones”
the hungry one devours
Quote: רָ֘עֵ֤ב יֹאכֵ֗ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
This phrase does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who has the quality that it names. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. It may be helpful to make this term plural, like the thirsty ones, for consistency. Alternate translation: “hungry people devour” or “poor people devour”
they even take it from among the thorns
Quote: וְאֶֽל־מִצִּנִּ֥ים יִקָּחֵ֑הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implications are that if gleaners even collect the grain that is growing among the thorns in the foolish person’s field, then they will take all of the grain in the entire field. The further implication is that nothing will be left for the foolish person and his family. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “they take every last bit of grain, leaving nothing for him and his family”
and the thirsty ones pant for their wealth
Quote: וְשָׁאַ֖ף צַמִּ֣ים חֵילָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if thirsty ones, that is, impoverished people, literally pant for the wealth of foolish people, as if wealth were something they could drink to satisfy their thirst. He means that they desire the wealth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and impoverished people desire their wealth”
and the thirsty ones pant for their wealth
Quote: וְשָׁאַ֖ף צַמִּ֣ים חֵילָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz is saying by implication that the thirsty ones who desire the wealth of foolish people actually do obtain it. They do so by gleaning their entire harvests and perhaps by other means that Eliphaz does not mention specifically. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and impoverished people take away their wealth”
Job 5:6
For
Quote: כִּ֤י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Eliphaz is using the word For to connect what he has just said with his larger argument that Job should consider why God would be punishing him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “Do not be like a person who does not respect and obey God, because”
misery does not come out from the dust, and trouble does not sprout from the ground
Quote: ׀ לֹא־יֵצֵ֣א מֵעָפָ֣ר אָ֑וֶן וּ֝מֵאֲדָמָ֗ה לֹא־יִצְמַ֥ח עָמָֽל׃ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if misery and trouble might literally come from the dust or the ground. He is comparing them to plants such as weeds that might unexpectedly appear in the soil even though a farmer did not sow their seeds. The point of the comparison is that weeds seem to come out of nowhere, while trouble and misery have an identifiable source. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, combining the two parallel lines: “trouble certainly does not just happen”
misery does not come out from the dust, and trouble does not sprout from the ground
Quote: לֹא־יֵצֵ֣א מֵעָפָ֣ר אָ֑וֶן וּ֝מֵאֲדָמָ֗ה לֹא־יִצְמַ֥ח עָמָֽל׃ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication, if trouble and misery do not just happen, is that their cause is the indignation and resentment that Eliphaz warned Job against in verse 2. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation, as a poetic parallel: “it is truly indignation that causes trouble, yes, it is resentment that causes misery”
Job 5:7
For
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Eliphaz is using the word For to explain the reason why he says that trouble does not just happen. Its cause is known: People create trouble for themselves. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “I say this because”
man is born to trouble, and sons of the flame soar to fly
Quote: ־אָ֭דָם לְעָמָ֣ל יוּלָּ֑ד וּבְנֵי־רֶ֝֗שֶׁף יַגְבִּ֥יהוּ עֽוּף׃ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz assumes that Job will understand that by naming two things that he holds to be true, he means that the first is just as true as the second. You could indicate that explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “man is born to trouble, just as surely as sons of the flame soar to fly”
man is born to trouble
Quote: אָ֭דָם לְעָמָ֣ל יוּלָּ֑ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the term man is masculine, Eliphaz is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people are born to trouble”
man is born to trouble
Quote: אָ֭דָם לְעָמָ֣ל יוּלָּ֑ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people have an innate tendency to cause trouble for themselves”
and sons of the flame
Quote: וּבְנֵי־רֶ֝֗שֶׁף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is describing sparks as if they were sons of the flame, that is, as if fire gave birth to sparks and sent them out. Your language may have a poetic expression of its own that you can use in your translation to describe sparks. You could also state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and sparks”
soar to fly
Quote: יַגְבִּ֥יהוּ עֽוּף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression means that sparks fly upwards, carried by currents of air. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “fly upwards”
Job 5:8
I myself would seek for God
Quote: אֲ֭נִי אֶדְרֹ֣שׁ אֶל־אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Eliphaz is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb seek. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun myself. Alternate translation: “I would certainly seek for God”
I myself would seek for God
Quote: אֲ֭נִי אֶדְרֹ֣שׁ אֶל־אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if God were literally a lost object that Job should seek and try to find. He means that Job should pray to God and ask God to show him how he has offended God and deserved punishment. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I myself would pray to God and ask him to show me why he was punishing me”
Job 5:9
great {things} … marvelous {things
Quote: גְ֭דֹלוֹת & נִ֝פְלָא֗וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjectives great and marvelous as nouns to mean certain kinds of things. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. For example, you could add the word things in both cases, as the ULT does to show the meaning.
and {there is} no searching
Quote: וְאֵ֣ין חֵ֑קֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz means implicitly that even if people search or seek to find out how God does great things, they cannot succeed in learning this. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that are unsearchable” or “that no one can understand”
marvelous {things
Quote: נִ֝פְלָא֗וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Eliphaz is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and who does marvelous things”
Job 5:10
the one giving … and sending
Quote: הַנֹּתֵ֣ן & וְשֹׁ֥לֵֽחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun one refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God is the one who gives … and sends”
the face of the earth … the face of the fields
Quote: ־פְּנֵי־אָ֑רֶץ & ־פְּנֵ֥י חוּצֽוֹת׃ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if the earth and the fields each literally had a face. He means their surfaces. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the surface of the earth … the surface of the fields”
Job 5:11
setting the lowly on high, and the ones mourning are high in safety
Quote: לָשׂ֣וּם שְׁפָלִ֣ים לְמָר֑וֹם וְ֝קֹדְרִ֗ים שָׂ֣גְבוּ יֶֽשַׁע׃ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if God would literally put lowly people and people who are mourning in high places. He means that God will protect them and honor them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God honors lowly people and protects people who are mourning”
the lowly
Quote: שְׁפָלִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjective lowly as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “lowly people”
in safety
Quote: יֶֽשַׁע׃ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of safety, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “where they are safe”
Job 5:12
the crafty
Quote: עֲרוּמִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjective crafty as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “crafty people”
and their hands do not accomplish
Quote: וְֽלֹא־תַעֲשֶׂ֥ינָה יְ֝דֵיהֶ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Eliphaz is using the word and to introduce the result of God frustrating the plans of the crafty. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “so that their hands do not accomplish”
and their hands do not accomplish
Quote: וְֽלֹא־תַעֲשֶׂ֥ינָה יְ֝דֵיהֶ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hands figuratively represent the capability of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they are not able to accomplish”
Job 5:13
catching the cunning in their craftiness
Quote: לֹכֵ֣ד חֲכָמִ֣ים בְּעָרְמָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if the craftiness of cunning people were literally a trap that God uses to catch them. He means that God makes them suffer the consequences of the evil actions by which they intended to make others suffer. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “making the cunning suffer the consequences of their own evil actions”
the cunning
Quote: חֲכָמִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjective cunning as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “cunning people”
and the plan of the ones being deceptive is hastened
Quote: וַעֲצַ֖ת נִפְתָּלִ֣ים נִמְהָֽרָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and hastening the plan of the ones being deceptive”
and the plan of the ones being deceptive is hastened
Quote: וַעֲצַ֖ת נִפְתָּלִ֣ים נִמְהָֽרָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Eliphaz is using the word and to introduce the result of God frustrating the plans of the crafty. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “so that the plan of the ones being deceptive is hastened” or “so that he can hasten the plan of the ones being deceptive”
and the plan of the ones being deceptive is hastened
Quote: וַעֲצַ֖ת נִפְתָּלִ֣ים נִמְהָֽרָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Eliphaz says that God hastens the plan of deceptive people, he likely means that God makes their plans fail by bringing them too early, before they are ready, to the point where they would need to take effect. So the implication is that God makes the plan fail.
Job 5:14
They encounter darkness by day, and they grope at midday as at night
Quote: יוֹמָ֥ם יְפַגְּשׁוּ־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ וְ֝כַלַּ֗יְלָה יְֽמַשְׁשׁ֥וּ בַֽצָּהֳרָֽיִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if the cunning and deceptive people he described in the previous verse are literally in the dark during the day and cannot find their way. He means that God keeps them from realizing how to make their wicked plans succeed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God keeps these cunning and deceptive people from realizing how to make their wicked plans succeed”
Job 5:15
the poor … the mighty
Quote: חָזָ֣ק אֶבְיֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjectives poor and mighty as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “poor people … mighty people”
from the sword in their mouths
Quote: מֵ֭חֶרֶב מִפִּיהֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if the cunning and deceptive people he described in verse 13 literally had a sword in their mouths. He is referring to the things these people say to try to hurt the poor. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the things they say to try to hurt them”
and from the hand of
Quote: וּמִיַּ֖ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand figuratively represents the capability of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and from the power of”
Job 5:16
And hope is to the poor
Quote: וַתְּהִ֣י לַדַּ֣ל תִּקְוָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression means that the poor person has hope. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And the poor has hope”
to the poor
Quote: לַדַּ֣ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjective poor as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “to the person who is poor”
to the poor
Quote: לַדַּ֣ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
This phrase does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who has the quality that it names. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to those who are poor”
and injustice shuts her mouth
Quote: וְ֝עֹלָ֗תָה קָ֣פְצָה פִּֽיהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of injustice as if it were a living thing that could shut its own mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and people no longer make unjust claims against them”
and injustice
Quote: וְ֝עֹלָ֗תָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Eliphaz may be using the word translated and to indicate that poor people have hope because others no longer make unjust claims against them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “because injustice”
Job 5:17
is the man
Quote: אֱ֭נוֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the term man is masculine, Eliphaz is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “is anyone” or “is any person”
and the chastening of Shaddai do not despise
Quote: וּמוּסַ֥ר שַׁ֝דַּ֗י אַל־תִּמְאָֽס (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Eliphaz is using the word translated and to indicate that Job should not despise God’s chastening because he is blessed as someone whom God is correcting. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “so do not despise the chastening of Shaddai”
do not despise
Quote: אַל־תִּמְאָֽס (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb despise. Alternate translation: “appreciate”
Job 5:18
For he injures and binds up, he wounds and his hands heal
Quote: כִּ֤י ה֣וּא יַכְאִ֣יב וְיֶחְבָּ֑שׁ יִ֝מְחַ֗ץ וְיָדָיו תִּרְפֶּֽינָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if God literally injures and wounds people and then gives them medical treatment. He means that God uses setbacks and sufferings (which could include physical ailments) to correct people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The UST models one way to do this.
he injures
Quote: ה֣וּא יַכְאִ֣יב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Eliphaz is stating the pronoun he, whose meaning is already present in the verb injures. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. Alternate translation: “truly he injures”
and his hands heal
Quote: וְיָדָיו תִּרְפֶּֽינָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Eliphaz is using one part of God, his hands, to mean all of him in the act of healing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but he himself heals”
Job 5:19
In six troubles he will rescue you, and in seven, harm will not touch you
Quote: בְּשֵׁ֣שׁ צָ֭רוֹת יַצִּילֶ֑ךָּ וּבְשֶׁ֓בַע ׀ לֹא־יִגַּ֖ע בְּךָ֣ רָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs- parallelism
In order to make a comprehensive statement, Eliphaz is naming a number that should be sufficient to illustrate his point and then increasing that number by one for emphasis. (This was a common device in Hebrew poetry.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will rescue you from every trouble and not allow you to be harmed”
and in seven, harm
Quote: וּבְשֶׁ֓בַע & רָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Eliphaz is leaving out a word that in many languages this sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply the word from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and in seven troubles harm”
harm will not touch you
Quote: לֹא־יִגַּ֖ע בְּךָ֣ רָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Eliphaz is speaking of harm as if it were a living thing that could touch Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will not be harmed”
Job 5:20
he will redeem you from death
Quote: פָּֽדְךָ֣ מִמָּ֑וֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if God would literally redeem or make a payment to free Job from death during a famine. He means that God will keep Job from dying from hunger. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will keep you from dying of hunger”
and in war, from the hands of
Quote: וּ֝בְמִלְחָמָ֗ה מִ֣ידֵי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Eliphaz is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and in war he will redeem you from the hands of”
from the hands of the sword
Quote: מִ֣ידֵי חָֽרֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, the term hands represents capability. Eliphaz is saying that God will rescue Job from what a sword might otherwise do to him if his enemies were to use one as a weapon against him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from being hurt by the sword”
the sword
Quote: חָֽרֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
This phrase does not refer to a specific sword. It refers to any sword that someone might use as a weapon against Job. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “any sword”
the sword
Quote: חָֽרֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Eliphaz is using one kind of weapon, the sword, to mean all kinds of weapons. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “any weapon”
the sword
Quote: חָֽרֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is referring to enemies in war by association with the weapons that those enemies would use. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your enemies”
Job 5:21
From the scourge of the tongue
Quote: בְּשׁ֣וֹט לָ֭שׁוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Eliphaz is using this possessive form to speak of the tongue as something that people would use like a whip. He is not speaking of a whip that the tongue would use. Alternate translation: “If anyone uses his tongue like a whip,”
From the scourge of the tongue
Quote: בְּשׁ֣וֹט לָ֭שׁוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if the tongue were literally a whip that someone might use to harm Job. He means that they would say things that they intend to hurt him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “From destructive speech”
you will be hidden
Quote: תֵּחָבֵ֑א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, the context suggests that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will hide you”
you will be hidden
Quote: תֵּחָבֵ֑א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if God would actually hide Job from things that people say in order to hurt him. He means that God will protect Job when people say these things. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will be protected” or “God will protect you”
destruction when it comes
Quote: מִ֝שֹּׁ֗ד כִּ֣י יָבֽוֹא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Eliphaz is speaking of destruction as if it were a living thing that comes to people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “things that happen that could destroy you”
destruction when it comes
Quote: מִ֝שֹּׁ֗ד כִּ֣י יָבֽוֹא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of destruction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “things that happen that could destroy you”
Job 5:22
You will laugh at destruction and at famine
Quote: לְשֹׁ֣ד וּלְכָפָ֣ן תִּשְׂחָ֑ק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that Job will laugh at * destruction and famine* because while they might seem threatening, Job will know that God will protect him and so he will not take their threat seriously. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “You will realize gladly that God will protect you from destruction and famine”
at destruction
Quote: לְשֹׁ֣ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of destruction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “at things that might destroy you”
and you will not fear the beast
Quote: וּֽמֵחַיַּ֥ת & אַל־תִּירָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Eliphaz is not referring to a specific beast. He means any beast. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and you will not fear any beast”
Job 5:23
For with the stones of the field {will be} your covenant, and the beast of the field will be made peaceable to you
Quote: כִּ֤י עִם־אַבְנֵ֣י הַשָּׂדֶ֣ה בְרִיתֶ֑ךָ וְחַיַּ֥ת הַ֝שָּׂדֶ֗ה הָשְׁלְמָה־לָֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
Since, in this verse, Eliphaz is giving the reason why he told Job in the previous verse that he would not “fear the beast of the earth,” it may be more natural in your language to put that information first. Alternate translation: “For the beast of the field will be made peaceable to you, and even with the stones of the field will be your covenant”
with the stones of the field {will be} your covenant
Quote: עִם־אַבְנֵ֣י הַשָּׂדֶ֣ה בְרִיתֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Eliphaz is speaking of the stones of the field were living things that could make a covenant with Job. He means that God will keep stones from falling or rolling onto Job’s fields or emerging in the soil from underground, either making the fields less fertile or requiring extra labor to remove. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will prevent stones from ruining your fields”
and the beast of the field will be made peaceable to you
Quote: וְחַיַּ֥ת הַ֝שָּׂדֶ֗ה הָשְׁלְמָה־לָֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, the context suggests that it is God. Alternate translation: “and God will cause the beast of the field to live peaceably with you” or “and God will prevent the beast of the field from harming you”
and the beast of the field
Quote: וְחַיַּ֥ת הַ֝שָּׂדֶ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Eliphaz is not referring to a specific beast. He means any and every beast. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and the beasts of the field”
Job 5:24
your tent {is in} peace
Quote: שָׁל֣וֹם אָהֳלֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “your tent is safe”
your tent
Quote: אָהֳלֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is referring to Job’s home (that is, his family and their possessions) by association with the tent in which they live. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your home”
and you will not miss {anything
Quote: וְלֹ֣א תֶחֱטָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz means implicitly that when Job goes to inspect his sheepfold, he will not find that any of his sheep are missing (because, for example, wild animals killed them or someone stole them). You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you will not find that any of the sheep are missing”
and you will not miss {anything
Quote: וְלֹ֣א תֶחֱטָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb miss. Alternate translation: “and you will find that all of your sheep are there”
Job 5:25
your seed
Quote: זַרְעֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the term seed means “descendants.” It is a word picture. Just as plants produce seeds that grow into many more plants, so people can have many offspring. Alternate translation: “your descendants”
and your offspring, like the grass of the earth
Quote: וְ֝צֶאֱצָאֶ֗יךָ כְּעֵ֣שֶׂב הָאָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Eliphaz is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and that your offspring will be like the grass of the earth”
and your offspring, like the grass of the earth
Quote: וְ֝צֶאֱצָאֶ֗יךָ כְּעֵ֣שֶׂב הָאָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as the grass of the earth is very plentiful, so Job will have a large number of offspring. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and that your offspring will be very numerous, like the grass of the earth”
Job 5:26
You will come to the grave
Quote: תָּב֣וֹא & אֱלֵי־קָ֑בֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Eliphaz is using the expression come to the grave to mean “die.” This is a mild way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “You will depart this world”
like the lifting of a stack of grain in its time
Quote: כַּעֲל֖וֹת גָּדִ֣ישׁ בְּעִתּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that when Job’s time comes to die, he will have lived a full and rewarding life, just as a stack of grain that is harvested in its time is ripe and fully developed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “mature and accomplished, like grain that is harvested at the peak of ripeness”
Job 5:27
We have examined it
Quote: חֲקַרְנ֥וּהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
By We, Eliphaz means himself and other wise people but not Job, to whom he is speaking, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
and know {it
Quote: וְאַתָּ֥ה דַֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Eliphaz is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already present in the verb know. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. Alternate translation: “and know it certainly”
Job 6
Job 6 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter is the beginning of Job’s response to Eliphaz.
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is poetry.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphors
Job uses many different metaphors in this chapter to express his pain or despair and to show that he is upset with his friends, who are supposed to help him during difficult times. (See: Метафора)
Rhetorical questions
Job often uses the question form in this chapter to make emphatic statements or exclamations. This emphasis helps strengthen Job’s response to Eliphaz. (See: Риторический вопрос)
Translation issues in this chapter
plural “you”
Beginning in verse 21, Job addresses his friends directly. So when he uses the word you from that verse to the end of the chapter, the word is plural. Use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
Job 6:2
If only my anguish, being weighed, were weighed, and my calamity lay in the balances together {with it
Quote: ל֗וּ שָׁק֣וֹל יִשָּׁקֵ֣ל כַּעְשִׂ֑י וְ֝הַוָּתִ֗י בְּֽמֹאזְנַ֥יִם יִשְׂאוּ־יָֽחַד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his anguish and calamity could literally be weighed. He means that he wishes he could prove that his calamity is so great that it justifies the anguish he is feeling and has been expressing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I wish I could prove that I am feeling and showing an amount of anguish that is equal to my calamity ”
If only my anguish, being weighed, were weighed, and my calamity lay in the balances together {with it
Quote: ל֗וּ שָׁק֣וֹל יִשָּׁקֵ֣ל כַּעְשִׂ֑י וְ֝הַוָּתִ֗י בְּֽמֹאזְנַ֥יִם יִשְׂאוּ־יָֽחַד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If only someone would weigh my anguish thoroughly and lay my calamity in the balances”
If only my anguish, being weighed, were weighed, and my calamity lay in the balances together {with it
Quote: ל֗וּ שָׁק֣וֹל יִשָּׁקֵ֣ל כַּעְשִׂ֑י וְ֝הַוָּתִ֗י בְּֽמֹאזְנַ֥יִם יִשְׂאוּ־יָֽחַד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The word balances describes an instrument for determining the weight of an object or comparing the weight of two objects. It consists of a central post with a crossbar from which two pans are hung. An object may be placed in one pan and known weights placed in the other pan until the crossbar remains level, meaning that both pans contain an equal weight. Or one object may be placed in one pan and a different object in the other pan; the pan that hangs lower contains the heavier object. If your readers would not be familiar with what balances are, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “If only someone would weigh both my anguish and my calamity on a scale”
being weighed, were weighed
Quote: שָׁק֣וֹל יִשָּׁקֵ֣ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication
The words were thoroughly weighed translate a repeated verb. Job is repeating the verb “weigh” for emphasis. If your language can repeat words for emphasis, it would be appropriate to use that construction here in your translation.
Job 6:3
it would be heavier than the sand of the seas
Quote: מֵח֣וֹל יַמִּ֣ים יִכְבָּ֑ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Job is using the pronoun it to refer to his anguish. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “my anguish would be heavier than the sand of the seas”
my words raved
Quote: דְּבָרַ֥י לָֽעוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of his words as if they were a living thing that has raved to his friends. He means that he himself has raved or spoken vehemently to them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I raved when I spoke to you”
Job 6:4
the arrows of Shaddai are in me, whose poison my spirit is drinking
Quote: חִצֵּ֪י שַׁדַּ֡י עִמָּדִ֗י אֲשֶׁ֣ר חֲ֭מָתָם שֹׁתָ֣ה רוּחִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God had literally shot arrows with poison into him. He means that the bad things that have happened to him, for which he considers God responsible, are making him suffer and feel desperate, as if he were dying from the poison. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am suffering desperately because of what Shaddai has done to me”
the arrows of Shaddai are in me, whose poison my spirit is drinking
Quote: חִצֵּ֪י שַׁדַּ֡י עִמָּדִ֗י אֲשֶׁ֣ר חֲ֭מָתָם שֹׁתָ֣ה רוּחִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is using the possessive form to refer to an inner part of himself, the locus of his motivations and aspirations, as his spirit. He is not referring to a separate supernatural being, a spirit, that belongs to him. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “my morale is suffering desperately because of what Shaddai has done to me”
is drinking
Quote: שֹׁתָ֣ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his spirit were literally drinking poison from arrows that had struck him. He means, within the context of that metaphor, that his spirit is absorbing the poison. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is absorbing”
the terrors of God array themselves against me
Quote: בִּעוּתֵ֖י אֱל֣וֹהַּ יַֽעַרְכֽוּנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the terrors of God (that is, the things he believes God is doing to terrify him) as if they were living things that could array themselves against him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God is doing many things all at once that terrify me”
Job 6:5
Does a wild donkey bray over grass? Or does an ox bellow over its fodder
Quote: הֲיִֽנְהַק־פֶּ֥רֶא עֲלֵי־דֶ֑שֶׁא אִ֥ם יִגְעֶה־שּׁ֝֗וֹר עַל־בְּלִילֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis in both of these sentences. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these sentences as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “A wild donkey does not bray over grass! Indeed, an ox does not bellow over its fodder!”
Does a wild donkey bray over grass? Or does an ox bellow over its fodder
Quote: הֲיִֽנְהַק־פֶּ֥רֶא עֲלֵי־דֶ֑שֶׁא אִ֥ם יִגְעֶה־שּׁ֝֗וֹר עַל־בְּלִילֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs
Job is quoting or creating a proverb, a short saying about something that is generally true in life. This proverb draws a figurative comparison: Just as animals do not complain loudly if they have food, so Job would not be protesting so vehemently if something were not seriously wrong. But since Job has already made this point explicitly in verse 3 (“therefore my words raved”), you do not need to explain it here. Rather, you can translate the proverb itself in a way that will be recognized as a proverb and be meaningful in your language and culture. If your readers would not recognize what a wild donkey or an ox is, in your translation you could use animals that your readers would recognize.
Job 6:6
Will the unsavory be eaten without salt? If there is taste in the white of an egg
Quote: הֲיֵאָכֵ֣ל תָּ֭פֵל מִבְּלִי־מֶ֑לַח אִם־יֶשׁ־טַ֝֗עַם בְּרִ֣יר חַלָּמֽוּת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis in both of these sentences. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these sentences as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “The unsavory will not be eaten without salt! And there is no taste in the white of an egg!”
Will the unsavory be eaten without salt? If there is taste in the white of an egg
Quote: הֲיֵאָכֵ֣ל תָּ֭פֵל מִבְּלִי־מֶ֑לַח אִם־יֶשׁ־טַ֝֗עַם בְּרִ֣יר חַלָּמֽוּת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs
Job is quoting or creating a proverb, a short saying about something that is generally true in life. This proverb draws a figurative comparison: Just as it is necessary to season some foods in order to eat them, so it is necessary to talk expressively about some situations in life in order to endure them. Job has already made this point explicitly in verse 3 (“therefore my words raved”), but perhaps the connection will not be as clear in this case as in the previous verse. So you could make the connection more explicitly. Alternatively, you could translate the proverb itself in a way that would be recognized as a proverb and be meaningful in your language and culture. If people in your culture would not eat the white of an egg, in your translation you could use a food that your readers would recognize. Alternate translation: “I cannot endure these troubles without talking emotionally about them, any more than people can eat bland food without seasoning it”
Will the unsavory be eaten without salt
Quote: הֲיֵאָכֵ֣ל תָּ֭פֵל מִבְּלִי־מֶ֑לַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective unsavory as a noun to mean a certain kind of food. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “Will unsavory food be eaten without salt”
Will the unsavory be eaten without salt
Quote: הֲיֵאָכֵ֣ל תָּ֭פֵל מִבְּלִי־מֶ֑לַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Will people eat unsavory food without salt”
If there is taste in the white of an egg
Quote: אִם־יֶשׁ־טַ֝֗עַם בְּרִ֣יר חַלָּמֽוּת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using the word If to introduce a question that anticipates a contrary answer. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “There is no taste in the white of an egg, is there”
Job 6:7
My soul has refused
Quote: מֵאֲנָ֣ה & נַפְשִׁ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his soul, to mean all of himself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have refused”
to touch
Quote: לִנְגּ֣וֹעַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Job is moving from quoting a proverb that uses food as an illustration to talking about his actual food. Alternate translation: “to touch food”
to touch
Quote: לִנְגּ֣וֹעַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the word touch means “eat.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to eat food”
they
Quote: הֵ֝֗מָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun they refers to the troubles that Job has been experiencing. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “my troubles”
are} like disease {in} my food
Quote: כִּדְוֵ֥י לַחְמִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as disease can make a person feel too badly to eat, so Job’s troubles are making him feel too badly to eat. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “are making me feel too badly to eat, as if I were sick”
in} my food
Quote: לַחְמִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is referring to eating by association with the food that people eat. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when I eat”
Job 6:8
Who will grant that my request may come
Quote: מִֽי־יִ֭תֵּן תָּב֣וֹא שֶֽׁאֱלָתִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I wish that someone would grant that my request would come!”
Who will grant that my request may come
Quote: מִֽי־יִ֭תֵּן תָּב֣וֹא שֶֽׁאֱלָתִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of his request as if it were a living thing that could come to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Who will grant my request” or “I wish that someone would make happen what I am requesting”
Job 6:9
and may God be willing and may he crush me
Quote: וְיֹאֵ֣ל אֱ֭לוֹהַּ וִֽידַכְּאֵ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two verbs connected with and. The verb be willing tells in what way Job hopes God will crush him. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “and may God willingly crush me” or “and may God agree to crush me”
may he loose his hand
Quote: יַתֵּ֥ר יָ֝ד֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand represents the capability of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “may he use his power”
and cut me off
Quote: וִֽיבַצְּעֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he were a branch that God might cut … off from a tree in order to kill it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and kill me”
Job 6:10
Yet may it still be my consolation— indeed, let me exult in pain, may he not spare— that I have not concealed the sayings of the Holy One
Quote: וּ֥תְהִי ע֨וֹד ׀ נֶ֘חָ֤מָתִ֗י וַאֲסַלְּדָ֣ה בְ֭חִילָה לֹ֣א יַחְמ֑וֹל כִּי־לֹ֥א כִ֝חַ֗דְתִּי אִמְרֵ֥י קָדֽוֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could put the last phrase in this sentence first, since it gives the reason for what the first and second phrases describe. Alternate translation: “I have not concealed the sayings of the Holy One, so may that still be my consolation, may it enable me to be cheerful in pain even if God does not spare me”
Yet may it still be my consolation
Quote: וּ֥תְהִי ע֨וֹד ׀ נֶ֘חָ֤מָתִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of consolation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “And may this still console me”
may he not spare
Quote: לֹ֣א יַחְמ֑וֹל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun he refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “may God not spare”
may he not spare
Quote: לֹ֣א יַחְמ֑וֹל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is not wishing that God would not spare him. He is referring implicitly to the possibility that God might not spare him. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “even if God does not spare me”
I have not concealed the sayings of the Holy One
Quote: לֹ֥א כִ֝חַ֗דְתִּי אִמְרֵ֥י קָדֽוֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his he could literally have concealed the sayings of the Holy One. He means that he has not treated God’s decrees regarding people as if they did not exist. In other words, he has obeyed them and, to this point in the book, he has not questioned them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have not disobeyed or questioned the sayings of the Holy One” or “I have not disobeyed or questioned God’s decrees”
I have not concealed the sayings of the Holy One
Quote: לֹ֥א כִ֝חַ֗דְתִּי אִמְרֵ֥י קָדֽוֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb concealed. Alternate translation: “I have obeyed God’s decrees” or “I have trusted God’s decrees”
the Holy One
Quote: קָדֽוֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective Holy as a noun to refer to God by describing what God is like. The ULT adds the word One to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this expression with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “God, who is holy”
Job 6:11
What {is} my strength, that I should wait? And what {is} my end, that I should prolong my life
Quote: מַה־כֹּחִ֥י כִֽי־אֲיַחֵ֑ל וּמַה־קִּ֝צִּ֗י כִּֽי־אַאֲרִ֥יךְ נַפְשִֽׁי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis in both of these sentences. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these sentences as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “I do not have enough strength to wait! And I should not try to prolong my life beyond when it will end!”
that I should wait
Quote: כִֽי־אֲיַחֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that he does not have the strength to wait or endure until he receives the long-term blessings that Eliphaz said he would have if he committed his cause to God. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “that I should wait for those blessings” or “that I would be able to endure until I received those blessings”
Job 6:12
If my strength {is} the strength of stones? If my flesh {is} bronze
Quote: אִם־כֹּ֣חַ אֲבָנִ֣ים כֹּחִ֑י אִֽם־בְּשָׂרִ֥י נָחֽוּשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In both cases, Job is using the word If to introduce a question that anticipates a contrary answer. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “My strength is not the strength of stones, is it? My flesh is not bronze, is it?”
If my strength {is} the strength of stones? If my flesh {is} bronze
Quote: אִם־כֹּ֣חַ אֲבָנִ֣ים כֹּחִ֑י אִֽם־בְּשָׂרִ֥י נָחֽוּשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis in both of these sentences. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these sentences as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “My strength is not the strength of stones! My flesh is not bronze!”
If my flesh {is} bronze
Quote: אִֽם־בְּשָׂרִ֥י נָחֽוּשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his flesh might literally be bronze. He is actually making a comparison. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My flesh is not as durable as bronze, is it?” or “My flesh is not as durable as bronze!”
Job 6:13
If my help {is} not in me, and initiative has been taken away from me
Quote: הַאִ֬ם אֵ֣ין עֶזְרָתִ֣י בִ֑י וְ֝תֻשִׁיָּ֗ה נִדְּחָ֥ה מִמֶּֽנִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using the word If to introduce questions that anticipate negative answers. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “My help is not in me, is it, and initiative has been taken away from me, hasn’t it?”
If my help {is} not in me, and initiative has been taken away from me
Quote: הַאִ֬ם אֵ֣ין עֶזְרָתִ֣י בִ֑י וְ֝תֻשִׁיָּ֗ה נִדְּחָ֥ה מִמֶּֽנִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “My help is not in me, and initiative has been taken away from me!”
and initiative has been taken away from me
Quote: וְ֝תֻשִׁיָּ֗ה נִדְּחָ֥ה מִמֶּֽנִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and my troubles have taken initiative away from me”
and initiative
Quote: וְ֝תֻשִׁיָּ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of initiative, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and the capacity to act on my own behalf”
Job 6:14
To the despairing, covenant faithfulness from his friend
Quote: לַמָּ֣ס מֵרֵעֵ֣הוּ חָ֑סֶד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of covenant faithfulness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “The friend of someone who is despairing should help him faithfully”
To the despairing
Quote: לַמָּ֣ס (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective despairing as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “To someone who is despairing”
covenant faithfulness from his friend
Quote: מֵרֵעֵ֣הוּ חָ֑סֶד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “there should be covenant faithfulness from his friend”
and the fear of Shaddai he forsakes
Quote: וְיִרְאַ֖ת שַׁדַּ֣י יַעֲזֽוֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean implicitly: (1) that a friend should show faithfulness to a despairing person even if that person forsakes the fear of Shaddai (as Job’s friends believe he may be doing). Alternate translation: “even if that despairing person forsakes the fear of Shaddai” (2) that if a friend does not show faithfulness to a despairing person, that friend forsakes the fear of Shaddai. Alternate translation: “otherwise that friend forsakes the fear of Shaddai”
and the fear of Shaddai he forsakes
Quote: וְיִרְאַ֖ת שַׁדַּ֣י יַעֲזֽוֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using the word fear to mean respect for God that leads a person to obey God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that in your translation. Alternate translation: “even if he does not respect and obey Shaddai” or “otherwise he does not respect and obey Shaddai”
Job 6:15
My brothers
Quote: אַ֭חַי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is using the term brothers figuratively to mean his three friends. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My friends”
My brothers
Quote: אַ֭חַי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Job is speaking about his friends in the third person even though they are present. If it would be more natural in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “You friends of mine”
have dealt treacherously like a wadi
Quote: בָּגְד֣וּ כְמוֹ־נָ֑חַל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as a seasonal stream would appear to be a good source of water but then fail in the dry season, so Job’s friends seemingly came to offer encouragement, but they have provided none. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “have dealt treacherously by seeming to offer encouragement but then not offering any, like a seasonal stream that seems to offer water but then fails in the dry season”
like a channel of wadis they pass away
Quote: כַּאֲפִ֖יק נְחָלִ֣ים יַעֲבֹֽרוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the expression pass away means to dry up. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “like a channel of seasonal streams, they dry up” or “like a channel of seasonal streams, you dry up”
like a channel of wadis they pass away
Quote: כַּאֲפִ֖יק נְחָלִ֣ים יַעֲבֹֽרוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his friends literally pass away or dry up the way a desert stream does. He means that in the end, they fail to provide the encouragement that they implicitly promised by coming to see him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They have no help to offer in the end, like a channel for seasonal streams that runs dry” or “You have no help to offer in the end, like a channel for seasonal streams that runs dry”
Job 6:16-20
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoIn verses 16–20, Job develops the image of his friends being like a stream of water that runs dry. Since Job explains the meaning of the image again in verse 21, you do not need to explain it in your translation in verses 16–20.
Job 6:16-17
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridgeIn this verse, Job describes the state of desert streams in the cold season, and in the next verse, he contrasts that with the state of the streams in the hot season. To show this contrast, you could create a verse bridge for verses 16–17. It might say something like this: “Even though, in the cold season, these streams are dark from ice over their channel, indeed, snow covers that channel, in the hot season, the streams go dry and vanish, the heat dries them up completely”
Job 6:16
the ones being dark from ice over it, it hides itself with snow
Quote: הַקֹּדְרִ֥ים מִנִּי־קָ֑רַח עָ֝לֵ֗ימוֹ יִתְעַלֶּם־שָֽׁלֶג (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers in both cases to the “channel” of streams that Job described in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “These streams are dark from ice over their channel; that channel hides itself with snow”
it hides itself with snow
Quote: יִתְעַלֶּם־שָֽׁלֶג (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking as if a channel of desert streams were a living thing that hides itself with snow in the winter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “snow covers this channel”
Job 6:17
they are annihilated; … they are exterminated from their place
Quote: נִצְמָ֑תוּ & נִדְעֲכ֥וּ מִמְּקוֹמָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the dryness annihilates them … the heat exterminates them”
Job 6:18
Caravans turn themselves aside from their way
Quote: יִ֭לָּ֣פְתוּ אָרְח֣וֹת דַּרְכָּ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that these Caravans are leaving their usual routes to look for water in the dry season. The oases along the routes have presumably dried up, and the caravans are going to places where they expect to find streams still flowing. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Caravans turn themselves aside from their way to look for water”
they go up
Quote: יַעֲל֖וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression go up does not necessarily indicate travel to a higher elevation. In this context, it probably means to leave the caravan route and go into the untracked desert. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “they go out”
Job 6:19
Caravans from Tema looked
Quote: הִ֭בִּיטוּ אָרְח֣וֹת תֵּמָ֑א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Caravans from Tema looked for water”
from Tema … Sheba
Quote: תֵּמָ֑א & שְׁ֝בָ֗א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The words Tema and Sheba are the names of regions.
hoped in them
Quote: קִוּוּ־לָֽמוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun them refers to the desert streams Job has been talking about. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “hoped to find streams of water”
Job 6:20
They were ashamed, … and they were confounded
Quote: בֹּ֥שׁוּ & וַיֶּחְפָּֽרוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The expressions translated They were ashamed and they were confounded may seem like passive verbal expressions, and if your language does not use such expressions, you could express these idea in active form or in another way that would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They felt shame … but the dry stream bed confounded them”
as far as it
Quote: עָ֝דֶ֗יהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers to the stream bed where the caravans expected to find water. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “as far as the stream bed where they expected to find water”
Job 6:21
For
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Job is using the word For to explain in what way his friends are like the desert streams he has been describing, as he said they were in verse 15. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “You are like these streams because”
you are … you see … and you fear
Quote: הֱיִ֣יתֶם & תִּֽרְא֥וּ & וַתִּירָֽאוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the word you is plural here and in the rest of the chapter because Job is using it to address his three friends. Use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
you are nothing
Quote: הֱיִ֣יתֶם לא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of his friends as if they had become nothing, just as a stream ceases to exist when all of its water dries up. He means that his friends are offering him no help, just as a dried-up stream would not help a caravan that needed water in the desert. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are not offering me any help”
you see a terror and you fear
Quote: תִּֽרְא֥וּ חֲ֝תַ֗ת וַתִּירָֽאוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job seems to be saying implicitly that his friends think that God has afflicted him with a terror and so they are afraid to console him, because they think God will afflict them as well if they take his side. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you think that God has sent this terror and so you are afraid to help me because you think God will punish you if you do”
Job 6:22
Is it} that I said, ‘Give me {something}’? Or, ‘Make a gift to me from your wealth
Quote: הֲֽכִי־ אָ֭מַרְתִּי הָ֣בוּ לִ֑י וּ֝מִכֹּחֲכֶ֗ם שִׁחֲד֥וּ בַעֲדִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis in both of these sentences. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these sentences as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “I did not say to you, ‘Give me something’! Or, ‘Make a gift to me from your wealth’!”
Is it} that I said, ‘Give me {something}’? Or, ‘Make a gift to me from your wealth
Quote: הֲֽכִי־ אָ֭מַרְתִּי הָ֣בוּ לִ֑י וּ֝מִכֹּחֲכֶ֗ם שִׁחֲד֥וּ בַעֲדִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there are not quotations within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Is it that I told you to give me something? Or to make me a gift from your wealth?” or “I did not tell you to give me something or to make me a gift from your wealth”
Job 6:23
Or, ‘Save me from the hand of the enemy’? Or, ‘From the hand of the oppressors rescue me
Quote: וּמַלְּט֥וּנִי מִיַּד־ צָ֑ר וּמִיַּ֖ד עָרִיצִ֣ים תִּפְדּֽוּנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis in both of these sentences. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these sentences as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “I also did not say to you, ‘Save me from the hand of the enemy’! Or, ‘From the hand of the oppressors rescue me’!”
Or, ‘Save me from the hand of the enemy’? Or, ‘From the hand of the oppressors rescue me
Quote: וּמַלְּט֥וּנִי מִיַּד־ צָ֑ר וּמִיַּ֖ד עָרִיצִ֣ים תִּפְדּֽוּנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Did I ask you to save me from the hand of the enemy or rescue me from the hand of the oppressors?” or “I did not ask you to save me from the hand of the enemy or rescue me from the hand of the oppressors!”
from the hand of … Or, ‘From the hand of
Quote: מִיַּד & וּמִיַּ֖ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand represents the capability of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the power of … Or, ‘From the power of …’”
Job 6:24
and I will be silent
Quote: וַאֲנִ֣י אַחֲרִ֑ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb will be silent. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. Alternate translation: “I will certainly be silent”
and how I have strayed
Quote: וּמַה־ שָּׁ֝גִ֗יתִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he could have literally strayed off the right path. He means that he could have done something wrong. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and what I have done wrong”
Job 6:25
words of uprightness
Quote: אִמְרֵי־יֹ֑שֶׁר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of uprightness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “upright words”
But what does correcting from you correct
Quote: וּמַה־ יּוֹכִ֖יחַ הוֹכֵ֣חַ מִכֶּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “But correcting from you does not correct anything!”
But what does correcting from you correct
Quote: וּמַה־ יּוֹכִ֖יחַ הוֹכֵ֣חַ מִכֶּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
For emphasis, Job is using a construction in which a subject and its verb come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may have another way of showing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “But what does your attempted correction really accomplish?” or “Your attempted correction really accomplishes nothing!”
Job 6:26
Do you think to correct my words, and to the wind the words of one despairing
Quote: הַלְהוֹכַ֣ח מִלִּ֣ים תַּחְשֹׁ֑בוּ וּ֝לְר֗וּחַ אִמְרֵ֥י נֹאָֽשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Do you think to correct my words, and do you liken to the wind the words of one despairing”
Do you think to correct my words, and to the wind the words of one despairing
Quote: הַלְהוֹכַ֣ח מִלִּ֣ים תַּחְשֹׁ֑בוּ וּ֝לְר֗וּחַ אִמְרֵ֥י נֹאָֽשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You think to correct my words, and you liken the words of one despairing to the wind!” or “You only want to prove me wrong; you do not believe that I am justified in saying these desperate things!”
and to the wind the words of one despairing
Quote: וּ֝לְר֗וּחַ אִמְרֵ֥י נֹאָֽשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
If Job is saying that his friends are likening his words to the wind, then Job is making a comparison. The point of the comparison is that Job’s friends consider his words to be trivial, having no more substance than wind. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and do you consider the words of one despairing to be as insubstantial as the wind”
Job 6:27
you cast {lots} for an orphan, and you haggle over your friend
Quote: עַל־ יָת֥וֹם תַּפִּ֑ילוּ וְ֝תִכְר֗וּ עַל־ רֵֽיעֲכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job assumes that his friends will understand that he is referring to two practices of his culture. If a man died who was indebted to others, his creditors could claim his children as slaves in repayment of the debt. Job is describing how such creditors might cast lots in order to determine which of them would get a particular child as a slave. Job is also referring to the practice of selling someone into slavery in order to obtain repayment of a debt. You can explain some of this cultural background in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you cast lots to see which of you will have as a slave a child whose father, indebted to you, has died, and you try to get the best price for a friend whom you are selling into slavery to obtain repayment of his debt to you”
you cast {lots} for an orphan, and you haggle over your friend
Quote: עַל־ יָת֥וֹם תַּפִּ֑ילוּ וְ֝תִכְר֗וּ עַל־ רֵֽיעֲכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his friends would literally cast lots to see which of them would have an orphan as his slave and haggle over the price of a friend they were selling into slavery. Job does not mean that his friends are actually doing these things; he is making a comparison. The implication is that these are particularly callous things to do to a helpless orphan or to a friend, and Job is saying that his friends are acting just as callously towards him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The UST models one way of doing this.
Job 6:28
But now, be willing, look at me, and if I would lie to your faces
Quote: וְ֭עַתָּה הוֹאִ֣ילוּ פְנוּ־בִ֑י וְעַל־פְּ֝נֵיכֶ֗ם אִם־אֲכַזֵּֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Job is asking his friends to perform a symbolic action by looking directly at him so that he can look them right in the face himself. Job wants to be able to do this in order to dramatize the sincerity of what he is saying. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “But now, be willing, look at me, so that I can look right at you to show that I am speaking the truth”
and if I would lie to your faces
Quote: וְעַל־פְּ֝נֵיכֶ֗ם אִם־אֲכַזֵּֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This could mean: (1) that Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. Specifically, he is speaking the first part of an oath and leaving the second part understood. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and if I would like to your faces, then may God punish me severely!” (2) that Job is using the word if to introduce a question that anticipates a contrary answer. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “for I would not lie to your faces, would I?”
and if I would lie to your faces
Quote: וְעַל־פְּ֝נֵיכֶ֗ם אִם־אֲכַזֵּֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of his friends, his faces, to mean all of them in the act of looking at him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and if I would lie to you while you were looking at me”
Job 6:29
turn, … yes, turn
Quote: שֻֽׁבוּ & וְשׁ֥וּבוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he wants his friends literally to turn and go in a different direction. He means that he wants them to start treating him differently. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “start treating me differently … yes, treat me differently”
let injustice not be
Quote: אַל־תְּהִ֣י עַוְלָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of injustice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “do not treat me unjustly”
let injustice not be
Quote: אַל־תְּהִ֣י עַוְלָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative noun injustice. Alternate translation: “let there be justice” or “treat me justly”
my righteousness {is} yet in it
Quote: ע֝וֹד צִדְקִי־בָֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it seems to refer to Job’s cause. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “my righteousness is yet in my cause” or “my cause is still righteous”
Job 6:30
Is there injustice on my tongue? If my mouth does not discern iniquity
Quote: הֲיֵשׁ־ בִּלְשׁוֹנִ֥י עַוְלָ֑ה אִם־ חִ֝כִּ֗י לֹא־ יָבִ֥ין הַוּֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis in both of these sentences. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these sentences as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “There is no injustice on my tongue! My mouth discerns iniquity!”
Is there injustice on my tongue
Quote: הֲיֵשׁ־בִּלְשׁוֹנִ֥י עַוְלָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is referring to what he says by association with the tongue by which he says it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Is there injustice in what I have been saying”
If my mouth does not discern iniquity
Quote: אִם־חִ֝כִּ֗י לֹא־יָבִ֥ין הַוּֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using the word If to introduce a question that anticipates a contrary answer. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “My mouth discerns iniquity, does it not”
If my mouth does not discern iniquity
Quote: אִם־חִ֝כִּ֗י לֹא־יָבִ֥ין הַוּֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of his mouth as if it were a living thing that could discern iniquity. He means that he himself is able to discern whether something he might say with his mouth would be morally wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I discern whether I might be speaking iniquity, do I not?” or “Certainly I can discern whether I might be speaking iniquity!”
iniquity
Quote: הַוּֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of iniquity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what is iniquitous” or “what is morally wrong”
Job 7
Job 7 General Notes
Structure and formatting
In this chapter, Job finishes responding to Eliphaz’s first speech, and he also addresses God directly in light of his exchange with Eliphaz. - Verses 1–6: Job continues to respond to Elilphaz - Verses 7–21: Job addresses God directly
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is poetry.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphors
Job uses many different images in this chapter to describe what the things are like that he is feeling and experiencing. (See: Метафора)
Rhetorical questions
Job often uses the question form in this chapter to emphasize the points he is making to Eliphaz and to God. Notes suggest how these questions may be translated as statements or exclamations if that would be more natural in your language. (See: Риторический вопрос)
Job 7:1
Is} not hardship to a man on earth? And {are not} his days like the days of a hireling
Quote: הֲלֹא־ צָבָ֣א לֶאֱנ֣וֹשׁ על־ אָ֑רֶץ וְכִימֵ֖י שָׂכִ֣יר יָמָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “Man has hardship on earth! Yes, his days are like the days of a hireling!”
Is} not hardship to a man on earth? … not
Quote: הֲלֹא־צָבָ֣א לֶאֱנ֣וֹשׁ על־אָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hardship, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Life on earth is hard for a man!”
to a man
Quote: לֶאֱנ֣וֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the term man is masculine, Job is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “to a person”
And {are … his days like the days of a hireling
Quote: וְכִימֵ֖י שָׂכִ֣יר יָמָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Job is using this comparison to say that just as the days of a hireling (that is, someone hired by the day for manual labor) are long and difficult, so his days are long and difficult. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “Yes, are not his days long and difficult, like those of a hireling?”
Job 7:2
As a slave longs for shade, and as a hireling awaits his wages
Quote: כְּעֶ֥בֶד יִשְׁאַף־ צֵ֑ל וּ֝כְשָׂכִ֗יר יְקַוֶּ֥ה פָעֳלֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison, as Job makes clear in the next verse, is that just as a slave and a hireling have to endure long periods of wishing for relief, so Job has gone a long time without relief. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “As a slave wishes all through a long, hot day that evening would come, and as a hireling must wait until the end of the day to be paid”
shade
Quote: צֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term shade to mean by association the evening, when the sun becomes low in the sky and shadows cover the earth, and specifically to mean the end of the work day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the evening” or “the end of the work day”
Job 7:3
I have been caused to inherit months of futility
Quote: הָנְחַ֣לְתִּי לִ֭י יַרְחֵי־שָׁ֑וְא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who has done the action, the context suggests that it is God. Alternate translation: “God has caused me to inherit months of futility”
I have been caused to inherit months of futility
Quote: הָנְחַ֣לְתִּי לִ֭י יַרְחֵי־שָׁ֑וְא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of these months of futility as if they were something that he had literally been caused to inherit. He means that he has been enduring futility during this time. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have been enduring a time of futility”
I have been caused to inherit months of futility
Quote: הָנְחַ֣לְתִּי לִ֭י יַרְחֵי־שָׁ֑וְא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of futility, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I have been enduring a time when life seems futile”
I have been caused to inherit months of futility
Quote: הָנְחַ֣לְתִּי לִ֭י יַרְחֵי־שָׁ֑וְא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
It does not appear from the narrative of the book of Job that at this point months have gone by since Job began to experience his terrible misfortunes. So it seems that Job is using the term months to mean by association a period of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have been enduring a time of futility”
and they have appointed nights of trouble to me
Quote: וְלֵיל֥וֹת עָ֝מָ֗ל מִנּוּ־לִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun they is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. Job is using this indefinite construction to focus on what has been appointed to him rather than on who appointed it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “and nights of trouble have been appointed to me”
Job 7:4
When I lie down
Quote: אִם־שָׁכַ֗בְתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is referring implicitly to when he would lie down to sleep at night. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Your language may have its own expression that you can use here in your translation. Alternate translation: “When I lie down to sleep”
When will I get up
Quote: מָתַ֣י אָ֭קוּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is not asking himself this question for information, to try to decide when to get up in the morning. He is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I hope this will not be a long and difficult night!”
and I am full of tossings
Quote: וְשָׂבַ֖עְתִּי נְדֻדִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of himself as if he were a container that tossings filled. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I toss and turn continually”
Job 7:5
My flesh wears the worm and the clod of dust
Quote: לָ֘בַ֤שׁ בְּשָׂרִ֣י רִ֭מָּה וְג֣וּשׁ עָפָ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he were literally wearing worms and dust clods like clothing on his body. He means that he has these things all over his body. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My flesh is covered with worms and dust clods”
My flesh wears the worm and the clod of dust
Quote: לָ֘בַ֤שׁ בְּשָׂרִ֣י רִ֭מָּה וְג֣וּשׁ עָפָ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific worm or clod of dust. He means worms and dust clods in general. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. “My flesh is covered with worms and dust clods”
My flesh
Quote: בְּשָׂרִ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his flesh, to mean his whole body. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My body”
my skin breaks and festers
Quote: עוֹרִ֥י רָ֝גַ֗ע וַיִּמָּאֵֽס (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is referring to the boils that God allowed the accuser to afflict him with, as the book describes in 2:7. You could indicate this in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “my skin breaks and festers because of the boils that I have”
Job 7:6
My days are swifter than a shuttle
Quote: יָמַ֣י קַ֭לּוּ מִנִּי־אָ֑רֶג (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Job his comparing his days to a shuttle, which stores and releases a supply of yearn for weavers, to say how quickly his days are going by. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. The UST models one way to do this.
My days are swifter
Quote: יָמַ֣י קַ֭לּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using the term days to refer to a specific time, the time that he will live on earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My life is ending more quickly”
a shuttle
Quote: אָ֑רֶג (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A shuttle is a wooden tool that weavers use to store and unravel yarn while passing it back and forth through other threads of yarn mounted on a loom. If your readers would not be familiar with what a shuttle is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a tool for weaving” or “a tool for making cloth quickly”
and they end without hope
Quote: וַ֝יִּכְל֗וּ בְּאֶ֣פֶס תִּקְוָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hope, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and I cannot hope that my life will be good in the end”
Job 7:7
Remember
Quote: זְ֭כֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
To this point in the speech he began in 6:1, Job has been addressing his three friends, and so the pronoun you has been plural and the imperative forms have been second-person plural. However, the imperative Remember here is singular because Job is now addressing God, as he will do for the rest of this speech. So use a second-person singular imperative in your translation if your language marks that distinction. You may also wish to indicate explicitly that Job is now addressing God. Alternate translation: “God, remember”
Remember
Quote: זְ֭כֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative
This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “God, please remember”
my life {is} a breath
Quote: ר֣וּחַ חַיָּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his life were literally a breath. He likely means that just as a breath of air that a person exhales quickly dissipates, so his life will soon end. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my life will be over soon”
my eye will not return to see good
Quote: לֹא־תָשׁ֥וּב עֵ֝ינִ֗י לִרְא֥וֹת טֽוֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his eye, to mean all of him in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will not return to see good”
my eye will not return to see good
Quote: לֹא־תָשׁ֥וּב עֵ֝ינִ֗י לִרְא֥וֹת טֽוֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the expression return means to do something again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will not see good again”
my eye will not return to see good
Quote: לֹא־תָשׁ֥וּב עֵ֝ינִ֗י לִרְא֥וֹת טֽוֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, to see good means to experience it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will not experience good again”
my eye will not return to see good
Quote: לֹא־תָשׁ֥וּב עֵ֝ינִ֗י לִרְא֥וֹת טֽוֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of good, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I will not experience good things again”
Job 7:8
The eye of the one seeing me will not regard me
Quote: לֹֽא־תְ֭שׁוּרֵנִי עֵ֣ין רֹ֑אִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
As the second part of the verse indicates, Job is speaking implicitly of what will happen after he dies. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “The eye of the one seeing me now will not regard me then”
The eye of the one seeing me
Quote: עֵ֣ין רֹ֑אִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of God, his eye, to mean all of God in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The one seeing me”
The eye of the one seeing me
Quote: עֵ֣ין רֹ֑אִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Even though Job has begun to address God, here is speaking about God in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “You who see me”
your eyes {will be} on me
Quote: עֵינֶ֖יךָ בִּ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression means that God will be looking for Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will be looking for me”
Job 7:9
A cloud disappears and goes away
Quote: כָּלָ֣ה עָ֭נָן וַיֵּלַ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job could be: (1) saying that once a cloud disappears, it goes away forever. That same cloud will never again form in the sky. Alternate translation: “Once a cloud disappears, it goes away forever” (2) using the similar expressions disappears and goes away together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “A cloud disappears entirely”
does not ascend
Quote: לֹ֣א יַעֲלֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the verb ascend, which is contrary to the reality of life, according to Job here. Alternate translation: “remains there”
Job 7:10
and his place will not know him again
Quote: וְלֹא־יַכִּירֶ֖נּוּ ע֣וֹד מְקֹמֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of a person’s place of residence as if it were a living thing that could know that person. The word know in this context means to recognize. The idea is that the place where the person once lived will not have occasion to recognize him again because he will never return to that place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no, he will not live in his place of residence again”
Job 7:11
I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak
Quote: אֲנִי֮ לֹ֤א אֶחֱשָׂ֫ךְ פִּ֥י אֲֽ֭דַבְּרָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb restrain. Job is also using an emphatic declarative form when he says I will speak. If your language has similar constructions that it uses for emphasis, you may want to use them here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. Alternate translation: “I will certainly not restrain my mouth; I will certainly speak”
I will not restrain my mouth
Quote: אֲנִי֮ לֹ֤א אֶחֱשָׂ֫ךְ פִּ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term mouth to mean by association what he would say with his mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will not limit what I have to say” or “I will not refrain from speaking”
I will not restrain my mouth
Quote: אֲנִי֮ לֹ֤א אֶחֱשָׂ֫ךְ פִּ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb restrain. Alternate translation: “I will speak freely”
I will speak in the distress of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul
Quote: אֲֽ֭דַבְּרָה בְּצַ֣ר רוּחִ֑י אָ֝שִׂ֗יחָה בְּמַ֣ר נַפְשִֽׁי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using parts of himself, his spirit and his soul, to mean all of him in the act of speaking and complaining. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will speak in my distress; yes, I will complain in my bitterness”
I will speak in the distress of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul
Quote: אֲֽ֭דַבְּרָה בְּצַ֣ר רוּחִ֑י אָ֝שִׂ֗יחָה בְּמַ֣ר נַפְשִֽׁי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of distress and bitterness, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “I will speak, since I am distressed; yes, I will complain, since I am bitter”
Job 7:12
Am} I the sea or the sea monster, that you will set a guard over me
Quote: הֲֽיָם־אָ֭נִי אִם־תַּנִּ֑ין כִּֽי־תָשִׂ֖ים עָלַ֣י מִשְׁמָֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I am not the sea or the sea monster, so you do not need to set a guard over me!”
the sea or the sea monster
Quote: הֲֽיָם & אִם־תַּנִּ֑ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In this culture, the sea was considered to be the realm of chaos. The sea monster is the same creature whom Job calls “Leviathan” in 3:8. See the note to that verse that explains how this monster was also associated with chaos in this culture. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this cultural background in your translation. Alternate translation: “a dreadful cause of chaos”
that you will set
Quote: כִּֽי־תָשִׂ֖ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative
Job is using the future tense to indicate something that God would do out of necessity. Your language may have its own way of expressing such a meaning. Alternate translation: “that you would have to set”
Job 7:13
When I say, ‘My couch will comfort me, my bed will take away my complaint
Quote: כִּֽי־אָ֭מַרְתִּי תְּנַחֲמֵ֣נִי עַרְשִׂ֑י יִשָּׂ֥א בְ֝שִׂיחִ֗י מִשְׁכָּבִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “When I say that my couch will comfort me and that my bed will take away my complaint”
My couch will comfort me, my bed will take away my complaint
Quote: תְּנַחֲמֵ֣נִי עַרְשִׂ֑י יִשָּׂ֥א בְ֝שִׂיחִ֗י מִשְׁכָּבִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the terms couch and bed to mean sleep by association with the way people sleep on a couch or a bed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My sleep will comfort me, yes, my sleep will take away my complaint”
My couch will comfort me, my bed will take away my complaint
Quote: תְּנַחֲמֵ֣נִי עַרְשִׂ֑י יִשָּׂ֥א בְ֝שִׂיחִ֗י מִשְׁכָּבִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of his couch and his bed, meaning his sleep, as if they were living things that could comfort him and take away his complaint. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will be comfortable when I am sleeping, yes, when I am asleep I will not be complaining”
Job 7:15
and my soul chooses
Quote: וַתִּבְחַ֣ר & נַפְשִׁ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his soul, to mean all of him in the act of choosing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I choose”
strangling
Quote: מַחֲנָ֣ק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The term strangling describes killing a person by squeezing his throat and stopping his breathing. If your readers would not be familiar with this term, in your translation you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “to stop breathing”
death rather than my bones
Quote: מָ֝֗וֶת מֵֽעַצְמוֹתָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “yes, my soul chooses death rather than my bones”
death rather than my bones
Quote: מָ֝֗וֶת מֵֽעַצְמוֹתָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term bones to mean life by association with the way people are supported by their bones as they live on earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “rather than life” or “rather than continuing to live on this earth”
Job 7:16
I loathe
Quote: מָ֭אַסְתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “I loathe my life” or “I loathe being alive”
I will not live forever
Quote: לֹא־לְעֹלָ֣ם אֶֽחְיֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative
Job is using the future tense to describe what he desires. Your language may have its own way of expressing such a meaning. Alternate translation: “I would not live forever” or “I do not want to live forever”
I will not live forever
Quote: לֹא־לְעֹלָ֣ם אֶֽחְיֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Job says forever here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “I certainly do not want to live for a long time”
Cease from me
Quote: חֲדַ֥ל מִ֝מֶּ֗נִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using this expression to ask God to Cease from troubling him. Your language may have an expression of its own with the same meaning. Alternate translation: “Leave me alone”
are} vapor
Quote: הֶ֥בֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job could be using the word translated vapor to mean: (1) that his days are fleeting, since vapor or mist vanishes quickly. Alternate translation: “are fleeting” (2) that his days are purposeless, since vapor is insubstantial. Alternate translation: “are purposeless”
Job 7:17
What is man, that you will magnify him and that you will set your heart on him
Quote: מָֽה־אֱ֭נוֹשׁ כִּ֣י תְגַדְּלֶ֑נּוּ וְכִי־תָשִׁ֖ית אֵלָ֣יו לִבֶּֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. The question continues through the next verse, but it may be helpful to make this verse a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Man is not so significant that you should magnify him or set your heart on him”
What is man, that you will magnify him and that you will set your heart on him
Quote: מָֽה־אֱ֭נוֹשׁ כִּ֣י תְגַדְּלֶ֑נּוּ וְכִי־תָשִׁ֖ית אֵלָ֣יו לִבֶּֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative
Job could be using the future tense: (1) to describe what God should do. Alternate translation: “What is man, that you should magnify him, that you should set your heart on him” or, as a statement, “Man is so insignificant that you should not magnify him or set your heart on him” (2) to describe what God does habitually. Alternate translation: “What is man, that you magnify him and that you set your heart on him”
and that you will set your heart on him
Quote: וְכִי־תָשִׁ֖ית אֵלָ֣יו לִבֶּֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the heart figuratively represents the thoughts. Alternate translation: “and that you should set your mind on him” or “and that you should pay attention to him”
Job 7:18
and you will visit him in the mornings and you will test him in the moments
Quote: וַתִּפְקְדֶ֥נּוּ לִבְקָרִ֑ים לִ֝רְגָעִ֗ים תִּבְחָנֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative
Job is using the future tense to describe what he believes God should do. Your language may have its own way of expressing such a meaning. Alternate translation: “that you should visit him in the mornings and that you should test him in the moments”
and you will visit him in the mornings and you will test him in the moments
Quote: וַתִּפְקְדֶ֥נּוּ לִבְקָרִ֑ים לִ֝רְגָעִ֗ים תִּבְחָנֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis, continuing the question that he began in the previous verse. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “You do not need to visit him in the mornings and test him in the moments!”
Job 7:19
For how long will you not look away from me? Will you not slacken until I swallow my saliva
Quote: כַּ֭מָּה לֹא־תִשְׁעֶ֣ה מִמֶּ֑נִּי לֹֽא־תַ֝רְפֵּ֗נִי עַד־בִּלְעִ֥י רֻקִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “I wish you would look away from me soon! I wish you would slacken until I swallow my saliva”
Will you not slacken until I swallow my saliva
Quote: לֹֽא־תַ֝רְפֵּ֗נִי עַד־בִּלְעִ֥י רֻקִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word until has a specific meaning here. Job is not asking God, “Will you only slacken when I swallow my saliva?” He is asking, “Will you please slacken long enough for me to swallow my saliva?” You could say that as an alternate translation if it would be helpful to your readers.
until I swallow my saliva
Quote: עַד־בִּלְעִ֥י רֻקִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the expression until I swallow my saliva to mean a short time, by association with the way it only takes a short time to swallow once. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for just a short time”
Job 7:20
If} I have sinned, what have I done to you, the one watching man? Why have you made me a target for you? Indeed, am I a burden to myself
Quote: חָטָ֡אתִי מָ֤ה אֶפְעַ֨ל ׀ לָךְ֮ נֹצֵ֪ר הָאָ֫דָ֥ם לָ֤מָה שַׂמְתַּ֣נִי לְמִפְגָּ֣ע לָ֑ךְ וָאֶהְיֶ֖ה עָלַ֣י לְמַשָּֽׂא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “If I have sinned, I have not done anything to you, the one watching man! You should not have made me a target for you!”
Why have you made me a target for you
Quote: לָ֤מָה שַׂמְתַּ֣נִי לְמִפְגָּ֣ע לָ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he were literally a target that God was attacking with arrows or a spear. He means that God is punishing him for sins he may have committed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Why are you punishing me like this?” or, as an exclamation, “You do not need to punish me like this!”
Indeed, am I a burden to myself
Quote: וָאֶהְיֶ֖ה עָלַ֣י לְמַשָּֽׂא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he were literally a heavy weight or burden to carry. He is referring to making life more difficult. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Indeed, am I making my own life more difficult”
Indeed, am I a burden to myself
Quote: וָאֶהְיֶ֖ה עָלַ֣י לְמַשָּֽׂא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
A marginal notation in traditional manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible indicates that scribes changed this reading from “am I a burden to you” to am I a burden to myself. The scribes made this change in order to avoid the uncomfortable suggestion that a human being’s sin could have effects on God. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. Alternate translation: “Indeed, am I a burden to you?” or “I am not a burden to you!”
Indeed, am I a burden to myself
Quote: וָאֶהְיֶ֖ה עָלַ֣י לְמַשָּֽׂא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he were literally a burden to himself or to God. He means that he is not actually making life more difficult for himself or for God, as a burden does when someone has to carry it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am not making my life more difficult!” or “I am not making your life more difficult!”
Job 7:21
Why will you not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For now I will lie down in the dust, and you will seek me diligently but I will not exist
Quote: וּמֶ֤ה ׀ לֹא־תִשָּׂ֣א פִשְׁעִי֮ וְתַעֲבִ֪יר אֶת־עֲוֺ֫נִ֥י כִּֽי־עַ֭תָּה לֶעָפָ֣ר אֶשְׁכָּ֑ב וְשִׁ֖חֲרְתַּ֣נִי וְאֵינֶֽנִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these sentences, since in the second sentence Job gives the reason for what he says in the first sentence that God should do. Alternate translation: “Soon I will lie down in the dust, and you will seek me diligently but I will not exist. So why will you not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity?”
Why will you not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity
Quote: וּמֶ֤ה ׀ לֹא־תִשָּׂ֣א פִשְׁעִי֮ וְתַעֲבִ֪יר אֶת־עֲוֺ֫נִ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is suggesting implicitly that God should pardon him so that they can have a good relationship during the short time that he will still be alive on earth. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Why will you not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity so that we can have a good relationship?”
Why will you not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity
Quote: וּמֶ֤ה ׀ לֹא־תִשָּׂ֣א פִשְׁעִי֮ וְתַעֲבִ֪יר אֶת־עֲוֺ֫נִ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You ought to pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity!”
now I will lie down in the dust
Quote: עַ֭תָּה לֶעָפָ֣ר אֶשְׁכָּ֑ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the expression lie down in the dust to mean that he will die, by association with the way that in this culture, people who died were lain in a grave and buried in the ground or dust. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will soon die”
Job 8
Job 8 General Notes
Structure and formatting
In this chapter, Job’s friend Bildad responds to what Job said in chapters 6 and 7.
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem.
Translation issues in this chapter
Bildad answering Job with his own words
In 7:21, at the end of his speech, Job suggested that God might seek for him diligently. Bildad says in his response in 8:5 that it is actually Job who should be seeking God diligently. To help your readers appreciate how Bildad is answering Job with his own words, you may wish to translate Bildad’s expression seek diligently the same way that you translated it when Job used it in 7:21.
Quotation within a quotation
In his speech, Bildad encourages Job to consider the wisdom of their ancestors. In verses 11–22, he may be quoting from traditional teachings. Notes suggest the possibility of punctuating these verses as a secondary quotation if your language might naturally put one direct quotation inside another.
Job 8:2
Until when will you say these things, and the words of your mouth {be} a mighty wind
Quote: עַד־אָ֥ן תְּמַלֶּל־אֵ֑לֶּה וְר֥וּחַ כַּ֝בִּיר אִמְרֵי־פִֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Bildad is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Until when will you say these things, and until when will the words of your mouth be a mighty wind”
Until when will you say these things, and the words of your mouth {be} a mighty wind
Quote: עַד־אָ֥ן תְּמַלֶּל־אֵ֑לֶּה וְר֥וּחַ כַּ֝בִּיר אִמְרֵי־פִֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Bildad is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not keep saying these things, and the words of your mouth should not keep being a mighty wind!”
the words of your mouth
Quote: אִמְרֵי־פִֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Bildad is using the term mouth to mean speaking by association with the way people use their mouths to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the words that you speak” or see next note for another possibility.
the words of your mouth
Quote: אִמְרֵי־פִֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo
It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “your words” or “what you say”
and … be} a mighty wind
Quote: וְר֥וּחַ כַּ֝בִּיר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking as if the words of Job were literally a mighty wind. He means that Job is saying many things insistently but they are not substantial. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and … be so insistent but so insubstantial”
Job 8:3
Does God pervert justice? Or does Shaddai pervert righteousness
Quote: הַ֭אֵל יְעַוֵּ֣ת מִשְׁפָּ֑ט וְאִם־שַׁ֝דַּ֗י יְעַוֵּֽת־צֶֽדֶק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of justice and righteousness, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “Does God do things that are not just? Does Shaddai do things that are not righteous?”
Does God pervert justice? Or does Shaddai pervert righteousness
Quote: הַ֭אֵל יְעַוֵּ֣ת מִשְׁפָּ֑ט וְאִם־שַׁ֝דַּ֗י יְעַוֵּֽת־צֶֽדֶק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Bildad is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “God does not pervert justice! No, Shaddai does not pervert righteousness!” or, positively, “God always does what is just! Yes, Shaddai always does what is righteous!”
Job 8:4
then he put them in the hand of their sins
Quote: וַֽ֝יְשַׁלְּחֵ֗ם בְּיַד־פִּשְׁעָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, to be in the hand of someone or something means to be under the power or control of that person or thing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “then he put them under the power of their sins” or “then he put them under the control of their sins”
then he put them in the hand of their sins
Quote: וַֽ֝יְשַׁלְּחֵ֗ם בְּיַד־פִּשְׁעָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Bildad is speaking as if the sins of Job’s children were a living thing that had exerted power over them and killed them. He actually means that God killed Job’s children in order to punish them for their sins. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “then God punished them by killing them for the sins they committed”
Job 8:5
If you seek diligently for God
Quote: אִם־אַ֭תָּה תְּשַׁחֵ֣ר אֶל־אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Bildad is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already present in the verb seek diligently. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. Alternate translation: “If you seek diligently for God yourself”
and to Shaddai you appeal
Quote: וְאֶל־שַׁ֝דַּ֗י תִּתְחַנָּֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Bildad is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and if to Shaddai you appeal”
Job 8:6
pure and upright
Quote: זַ֥ךְ וְיָשָׁ֗ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms pure and upright mean similar things. Bildad is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “truly righteous”
he will rouse himself for you
Quote: יָעִ֣יר עָלֶ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
One possible meaning of the expression translated rouse himself is “wake up.” If there is already a Bible translation in your region, it may say something like this. Bildad could be speaking as if God were sleeping and would literally wake up at the realization that Job needed and deserved help. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will come quickly to help you”
the habitation of your righteousness
Quote: נְוַ֣ת צִדְקֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Bildad is using one aspect of Job, his righteousness, to mean all of him as a righteous person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your habitation as a righteous person”
the habitation of your righteousness
Quote: נְוַ֣ת צִדְקֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking of the situation that he believes Job would deserve as a righteous person as if that situation were literally a habitation or place where Job would live. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “restore you to the situation in life that a righteous person deserves”
Job 8:7
Though your beginning was small, yet your end will increase greatly
Quote: וְהָיָ֣ה רֵאשִׁיתְךָ֣ מִצְעָ֑ר וְ֝אַחֲרִיתְךָ֗ יִשְׂגֶּ֥ה מְאֹֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
Since, as 1:3 states, Job was previously the greatest man in a vast area, it is not the case that his beginning, that is, his former condition, was small. Bildad actually means to communicate the opposite of the literal meaning of what he is saying. He means that Job’s former state, great though it was, will seem small by comparison with the much greater prosperity that Job will experience in the future if he seeks God diligently. Alternate translation: “Though your former state was great, your future will be so much greater that the former state will seem as if it had been small”
yet your end will increase greatly
Quote: וְ֝אַחֲרִיתְךָ֗ יִשְׂגֶּ֥ה מְאֹֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Bildad is speaking of Job’s end, that is, his ultimate condition in life, as if it were a living thing that could increase. He means that Job’s prosperity will increase greatly in the end. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yet your prosperity will increase greatly in the end”
Job 8:8
inquire now of the former generations
Quote: שְׁאַל־נָ֭א לְדֹ֣ר רִישׁ֑וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking as if Job could literally ask the people of former generations for advice. He means that Job should consider the wisdom that those people passed down to their descendants through tradition. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “consider the traditional wisdom that the former generations have passed down to us”
their fathers
Quote: אֲבוֹתָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If your readers would misunderstand this, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “their ancestors”
Job 8:9
we {are} of yesterday and we do not know
Quote: תְמ֣וֹל אֲ֭נַחְנוּ וְלֹ֣א נֵדָ֑ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Bildad is saying that he, Job, and the other two friends were only born yesterday and that they do not know anything. He says both of these things as overstatements for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “we have not been alive for very long and we do not know very much”
we {are} … and we do not know, … our days
Quote: אֲ֭נַחְנוּ וְלֹ֣א נֵדָ֑ע & יָמֵ֣ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
By we and our, Bildad means himself and the other friends and also Job to whom he is speaking, so use the inclusive form of those words in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
our days on earth {are} a shadow
Quote: צֵ֖ל יָמֵ֣ינוּ עֲלֵי־אָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking as if the days that he and Job and the other friends have on earth were literally a shadow. He means that just as a shadow appears only for a short time, so people are only on earth for a short time. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “our days on earth are fleeting”
our days on earth {are} a shadow
Quote: צֵ֖ל יָמֵ֣ינוּ עֲלֵי־אָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Bildad is using the term days to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “our time on earth is a shadow”
Job 8:10
Will they not teach you? They will speak to you, and from their hearts they will bring forth words
Quote: הֲלֹא־הֵ֣ם י֭וֹרוּךָ יֹ֣אמְרוּ לָ֑ךְ וּ֝מִלִּבָּ֗ם יוֹצִ֥אוּ מִלִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronouns they and their refers to the “former generations,” that is, the ancestors whom Bildad described in verse 8. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Will the former generations not teach you? Our ancestors will speak to you, and from their hearts they will bring forth words”
Will they not teach you? They will speak to you, and from their hearts they will bring forth words
Quote: הֲלֹא־הֵ֣ם י֭וֹרוּךָ יֹ֣אמְרוּ לָ֑ךְ וּ֝מִלִּבָּ֗ם יוֹצִ֥אוּ מִלִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking as if Job’s ancestors would teach him and speak to him. He does not mean this literally. Instead, he means that Job can learn from the accumulated wisdom that has been passed down to them from their ancestors through tradition. Bildad will summarize this traditional teaching in the rest of his speech. Particularly if there is a practice of ancestor worship in your culture, be sure to make this meaning clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “You can learn much from the traditional teachings we have received from them. It would be as if they were speaking to you and bringing forth words from their hearts”
Will they not teach you
Quote: הֲלֹא־הֵ֣ם י֭וֹרוּךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Bildad is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “They will certainly teach you.”
and from their hearts they will bring forth words
Quote: וּ֝מִלִּבָּ֗ם יוֹצִ֥אוּ מִלִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking as if the ancestors would literally bring forth words from their hearts, as if their hearts were containers that held words and as if words were physical objects that someone could bring forth. He is using the word hearts to mean a person’s thoughts and emotions. He is saying that the ancestors have passed down through tradition their most cherished beliefs and the most profound lessons they learned in life. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they will share with you their most cherished insights”
Job 8:11
Does papyrus grow without a marsh? Does a reed grow without waters
Quote: הֲיִֽגְאֶה־גֹּ֭מֶא בְּלֹ֣א בִצָּ֑ה יִשְׂגֶּה־אָ֥חוּ בְלִי־מָֽיִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks
From here to the end of the chapter, Bildad may be quoting the teaching of the ancestors. This would be a second-level quotation, since the book is already quoting Bildad’s speech. If you think it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the start of this possible quotation from tradition with an opening second-level quotation mark or with some other punctuation or convention that your language uses to indicate the start of a second-level quotation.
Does papyrus grow without a marsh? Does a reed grow without waters
Quote: הֲיִֽגְאֶה־גֹּ֭מֶא בְּלֹ֣א בִצָּ֑ה יִשְׂגֶּה־אָ֥חוּ בְלִי־מָֽיִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Bildad is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “Papyrus does not grow without a marsh. A reed does not grow without waters.”
papyrus
Quote: גֹּ֭מֶא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The word papyrus describes a tall, reed-like plant that grows in shallow water. If your readers would not be familiar with what papyrus is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable plant in your area, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a bulrush” or “a cattail”
Job 8:12
in its greenness
Quote: בְ֭אִבּוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of greenness, you could express the same idea in another way. The idea is that while marsh plants dry up and lose color at the end of their life cycles, this is a young plant that is still colorful and growing. Alternate translation: “young and growing”
but it withers before any {other} plant
Quote: וְלִפְנֵ֖י כָל־חָצִ֣יר יִיבָֽשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Bildad assumes that Job will understand that he means that even a young, uncut reed withers without water. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “but without water it withers before any other plant”
but it withers before any {other} plant
Quote: וְלִפְנֵ֖י כָל־חָצִ֣יר יִיבָֽשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Bildad says any as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “but without water it withers very quickly”
Job 8:13
Thus {are} the paths of all the ones forgetting God
Quote: כֵּ֗ן אָ֭רְחוֹת כָּל־שֹׁ֣כְחֵי אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking of the things that happen to people as if they were literally paths that those people were walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This is what happens to all the ones forgetting God”
and the hope of the godless will perish
Quote: וְתִקְוַ֖ת חָנֵ֣ף תֹּאבֵֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hope, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and the godless will not get what they hope for”
the godless
Quote: חָנֵ֣ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Bildad is using the adjective godless as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “a godless person”
Job 8:14
whose confidence snaps and whose trust {is} the house of a spider
Quote: אֲשֶׁר־יָק֥וֹט כִּסְל֑וֹ וּבֵ֥ית עַ֝כָּבִ֗ישׁ מִבְטַחֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking as if the confidence of a person who is godless literally snaps and as if the trust of a godless person were literally a spider’s web (the house of a spider). If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “whose confidence proves unfounded and whose trust is unreliable”
whose confidence snaps and whose trust {is} the house of a spider
Quote: אֲשֶׁר־יָק֥וֹט כִּסְל֑וֹ וּבֵ֥ית עַ֝כָּבִ֗ישׁ מִבְטַחֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of confidence and trust, you could express the same ideas in other ways. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He is confident that certain things will happen, but they do not happen; he trusts in certain people and things to help him, but they do not”
and … trust {is} the house of a spider
Quote: וּבֵ֥ית עַ֝כָּבִ֗ישׁ מִבְטַחֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is using the house of a spider (that is, a spider’s web) to represent something flimsy and unreliable. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly as a comparison. Alternate translation: “and whose trust is as flimsy and unreliable as a spider’s web”
Job 8:15
He leans himself against his house and it does not stand; he takes hold of it, but it does not arise
Quote: יִשָּׁעֵ֣ן עַל־בֵּ֭יתוֹ וְלֹ֣א יַעֲמֹ֑ד יַחֲזִ֥יק בּ֝֗וֹ וְלֹ֣א יָקֽוּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking of a godless person as if he were literally leaning against his house and causing it to collapse beyond repair. The house represents the possessions and status of the godless person. Alternate translation: “It does not take much for a godless person to lose his possessions and status without any hope of recovering them”
and it does not stand; … but it does not arise
Quote: וְלֹ֣א יַעֲמֹ֑ד & וְלֹ֣א יָקֽוּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use positive statements in your translation in place of these negative ones. Alternate translation: “and it collapses … but it remains collapsed”
but it does not arise
Quote: וְלֹ֣א יָקֽוּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Bildad is speaking of the house of a godless person as if it were a living thing that could arise on its own. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but he cannot make it stand upright again” or “but he cannot repair it”
Job 8:16
It {is} lush before the sun, and its shoots go out over its garden
Quote: רָטֹ֣ב ה֭וּא לִפְנֵי־שָׁ֑מֶשׁ וְעַ֥ל גַּ֝נָּת֗וֹ יֹֽנַקְתּ֥וֹ תֵצֵֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad now speaks of a godless person as if he were a plant. In order to depict the temporary prosperity that godless people may enjoy, he describes this plant flourishing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning as a comparison. Alternate translation: “A godless person may at first thrive like a plant that is getting plenty of sunlight and whose shoots extend all over the garden in which it is planted”
before the sun
Quote: לִפְנֵי־שָׁ֑מֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the word before means “in front of” or “in the presence of” something. Bildad means that the plant is lush because it receives plenty of sunlight. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because it receives plenty of sunlight”
Job 8:17
Its roots are wrapped around a heap; it looks for a house of rocks
Quote: עַל־גַּ֭ל שָֽׁרָשָׁ֣יו יְסֻבָּ֑כוּ בֵּ֖ית אֲבָנִ֣ים יֶחֱזֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is continuing to speak of the godless person and his temporary prosperity as if he were a plant. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “A godless person may at first be secure, like a plant whose roots are wrapped around a heap of stones, a plant that is solidly rooted among stones”
Its roots are wrapped around a heap
Quote: עַל־גַּ֭ל שָֽׁרָשָׁ֣יו יְסֻבָּ֑כוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “It wraps its roots around a heap of stones”
it looks for a house of rocks
Quote: בֵּ֖ית אֲבָנִ֣ים יֶחֱזֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Bildad is speaking as if this plant were looking for a house to live in. He means that the plant naturally roots itself in a secure place among rocks. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it roots itself in a secure place among rocks”
Job 8:18
When
Quote: אִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
In this verse, Bildad is drawing a contrast between the prosperity he described in the previous two verses and the inevitable destruction of the godless person. In your translation, you may wish to introduce this verse in a way that will indicate this contrast more explicitly. Alternate translation: “But when”
one destroys it from its place, then it will deny
Quote: יְבַלְּעֶ֥נּוּ מִמְּקוֹמ֑וֹ וְכִ֥חֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers in its first and third instances to the plant Bildad has been describing, and it refers in its second instance to the place the plant was occupying. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “When one destroys such a plant from its place, then the place it formerly occupied will deny it”
then it will deny him, ‘I did not see you
Quote: וְכִ֥חֶשׁ בּ֝֗וֹ לֹ֣א רְאִיתִֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “It will deny that it ever saw it”
then it will deny him, ‘I did not see you
Quote: וְכִ֥חֶשׁ בּ֝֗וֹ לֹ֣א רְאִיתִֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Bildad is speaking of the plant’s location as if it were a living thing that could recognize things and speak. The meaning of this phrase is similar to the meaning of the phrase “his place will not know him again” in 7:10. In this case, Bildad is saying that the plant will be so thoroughly removed that its former location will be convinced that it was never there to begin with. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it will be as if it had never been there at all”
Job 8:19
the joy of his way
Quote: מְשׂ֣וֹשׂ דַּרְכּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
Bildad actually means to communicate the opposite of the literal meaning of his words. He is speaking in this way for emphasis. He does not mean that the godless person has actual joy. Such a person may have temporary prosperity, but he then experiences sorrow as a consequence of the way he has been living. Alternate translation: “the sorrow of his way”
the joy of his way
Quote: מְשׂ֣וֹשׂ דַּרְכּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking of how a person lives as if that were a way or path that the person was walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the sorrow that comes from his conduct”
and from the dust other {plants} will sprout
Quote: וּ֝מֵעָפָ֗ר אַחֵ֥ר יִצְמָֽחוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is continuing to speak as if the godless person were a plant. When he says that other plants will sprout from the dust (that is, the ground), he means that other people will take the place of the godless person when his conduct causes his ruin. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and other people will take his position and his possessions”
Job 8:20
God will not reject the innocent
Quote: אֵ֭ל לֹ֣א יִמְאַס־תָּ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb reject. Alternate translation: “God will always accept the innocent”
the innocent
Quote: תָּ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Bildad is using the adjective innocent as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “a person who is innocent”
but he will not hold the hand of evildoers
Quote: וְלֹֽא־יַ֝חֲזִ֗יק בְּיַד־מְרֵעִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking as if God would literally hold evildoers by the hand in order to keep them from falling down. He means that God does not strengthen or support people who do evil. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but he will not help evildoers”
Job 8:21
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, your lips with shouting
Quote: עַד־יְמַלֵּ֣ה שְׂח֣וֹק פִּ֑יךָ וּשְׂפָתֶ֥יךָ תְרוּעָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Bildad is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and he will fill your lips with shouting”
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, your lips with shouting
Quote: עַד־יְמַלֵּ֣ה שְׂח֣וֹק פִּ֑יךָ וּשְׂפָתֶ֥יךָ תְרוּעָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking of Job’s mouth as if it were a container that God would fill with laughter and as if Job’s lips were a container that God would fill with shouting. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He will yet make you shout very joyfully”
He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, your lips with shouting
Quote: עַד־יְמַלֵּ֣ה שְׂח֣וֹק פִּ֑יךָ וּשְׂפָתֶ֥יךָ תְרוּעָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Bildad is using parts of Job, his mouth and his lips, to mean all of Job in the acts of laughing and shouting joyfully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He will yet make you laugh very happily and shout very joyfully”
Job 8:22
will wear shame
Quote: יִלְבְּשׁוּ־בֹ֑שֶׁת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking as if Job’s enemies would literally wear shame, as if it were their clothing. He means that they will be greatly ashamed for opposing Job when God honors and restores him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will be greatly ashamed”
and the tent of the wicked will not exist
Quote: וְאֹ֖הֶל רְשָׁעִ֣ים אֵינֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Bildad is using one possession of the wicked, the tent in which they live, to mean all of their possessions and their standing in the community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the wicked will be without status or means”
the wicked
Quote: רְשָׁעִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Bildad is using the adjective wicked as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “wicked people”
will not exist
Quote: אֵינֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks
If you decided to punctuate verses 11–22 as a second-level quotation, indicate the end of this quotation here with a closing second-level quotation mark or whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a second-level quotation.
Job 9
Job 9 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter is Job’s response to Bildad’s first speech. In 8:5, Bildad told Job that he should appeal to God. In response, Job protests in this chapter that a human being cannot appeal to God.
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Litany
In verses 5–10, Job makes a series of statements about how powerful God is. These specific statements illustrate the general statement that Job makes in verse 4 that God is “wise in heart and mighty in strength.” A series of statements such as this is known as a litany. If your readers would recognize what Job is doing, you can translate and format this litany the way the ULT does. If the litany form would not be familiar to your readers, you could format the general statement in a way that will show that it is a summary statement that shows the overall meaning of what Job is saying. You could then put each sentence of the litany on a separate line. The format might look something like this:
God is wise in heart and mighty in strength (who has hardened himself against him and been whole?),
the one removing mountains and they do not know, who overturns them in his anger, the one shaking the earth from its place and causing its pillars to tremble, the one speaking to the sun and it does not rise, and upon the stars he seals, stretching out the heavens by himself and treading on the waves of the sea, making the Bear, Orion, the Pleiades, and the chambers of the south, doing great {things} until there is no searching and distinguished {things} until there is no number.
Job 9:2
But how will a man be righteous with God
Quote: וּמַה־יִּצְדַּ֖ק אֱנ֣וֹשׁ עִם־אֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “But a man cannot be righteous with God!”
a man
Quote: אֱנ֣וֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the term man is masculine, Job is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a person”
Job 9:3
If he desires to contend with him
Quote: אִם־יַ֭חְפֹּץ לָרִ֣יב עִמּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
In this part of the verse, the pronoun he refers to “a man” and the pronoun “him” refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “If a person desires to contend with God”
to contend with him
Quote: לָרִ֣יב עִמּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job assumes that Bildad will understand that he is using the word contend to mean making a formal legal complaint against God. In this culture, people made such complaints to community leaders in public places such as the gate of a town. Each party would question the other in the presence of the leaders, who would then discuss the case and decide how to resolve it. Job is probably describing how he participated as a leader in such cases in 29:21–23. Your language may have an expression for this process that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “to take God to court” or “to file charges against God”
he will not answer him
Quote: לֹֽא־יַ֝עֲנֶ֗נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
In this part of the verse, (1) the pronoun he could refer to a human being and the pronoun him could refer to God. This seems likely, since after describing God’s knowledge and power, Job asks in 9:14 how he could possibly answer God and in 9:32 he says that God is “not a man, as I am, that I could answer him.” Alternate translation: “a human will not answer God” (2) the pronoun he could refer to God and the pronoun him could refer to a human being. This is also a possibility, since Job protests in 30:20 that God does not answer him. Alternate translation: “God will not answer a human”
he will not answer him
Quote: לֹֽא־יַ֝עֲנֶ֗נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative
If Job means that a human will not answer God, then he is using the future tense to describe what a person would be able to do. Your language may have its own way of expressing such a meaning. Alternate translation: “he could not answer him” or “he would not be able to answer him”
one from a thousand
Quote: אַחַ֥ת מִנִּי־אָֽלֶף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The expression not … one from a thousand (that is, not one time out of a thousand) is an overstatement for emphasis. It is unlikely that one party in a court case would ask the other party as many as a thousand questions. Job means that a person would not find a single way to answer God satisfactorily no matter how many questions God asked. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no matter how many questions he asks”
Job 9:4
He is} wise in heart
Quote: חֲכַ֣ם לֵ֭בָב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun He refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God is wise in heart”
He is} wise in heart
Quote: חֲכַ֣ם לֵ֭בָב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the heart figuratively represents the thoughts. Alternate translation: “God’s thoughts are wise”
and mighty in strength
Quote: וְאַמִּ֣יץ כֹּ֑חַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms mighty and strength mean similar things. Job is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “and very strong”
Who has hardened himself against him and been whole
Quote: מִֽי־הִקְשָׁ֥ה אֵ֝לָ֗יו וַיִּשְׁלָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No person has ever hardened himself against God and been whole!”
has hardened himself against him
Quote: הִקְשָׁ֥ה אֵ֝לָ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is likely referring to bringing charges against God when he speaks of a person who has hardened himself against God, since a person who brings charges has determined not to show mercy but to demand justice. You could indicate this in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “has brought charges against him”
and been whole
Quote: וַיִּשְׁלָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
By whole, Job probably means not suffering any damages, that is, winning a court case and having the other party pay compensation, rather than having to pay compensation oneself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and won the case”
Job 9:5
the one removing mountains
Quote: הַמַּעְתִּ֣יק הָ֭רִים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Job refers to God removing mountains, he is likely describing earthquakes. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly in your translation as the UST does.
the one removing mountains
Quote: הַמַּעְתִּ֣יק הָ֭רִים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun one refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God is the one who removes mountains”
and they do not know
Quote: וְלֹ֣א יָדָ֑עוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This could mean: (1) that the mountains do not know that God is about to remove them. In that case Job would be speaking of the mountains as if they were living things that could know something that was about to happen. (2) that people in general do not know that God is about to remove the mountains. In that case they would be an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. Either way, the idea is that God removes mountains without anyone or anything knowing in advance. Alternate translation: “suddenly” or “unexpectedly”
in his nose
Quote: בְּאַפּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term nose to mean anger by association with the way that a person who is angry breathes heavily through his nose. Your language and culture may also associate anger with a particular part of the body. If so, you could use an expression involving that part of the body in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “in his anger”
Job 9:6
and causing its pillars to tremble
Quote: וְ֝עַמּוּדֶ֗יהָ יִתְפַלָּצֽוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
People in this culture believed that there were pillars holding up the earth. You could retain the reference to pillars in your translation and it may seem like a figure of speech to your readers. Alternatively, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and causing it to tremble from deep underground”
Job 9:7
the one speaking to the sun and it does not rise
Quote: הָאֹמֵ֣ר לַ֭חֶרֶס וְלֹ֣א יִזְרָ֑ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if the sun literally did not rise on certain days. He most likely means that the sun is not visible on those days because of cloud cover. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one who determines whether the sun will shine or clouds will cover it”
and upon the stars he seals
Quote: וּבְעַ֖ד כּוֹכָבִ֣ים יַחְתֹּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God literally put a seal over the stars on certain nights. He most likely means that the stars are not visible on those nights because of cloud cover. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and who keeps the stars from shining on certain nights”
Job 9:8
stretching out the heavens by himself
Quote: נֹטֶ֣ה שָׁמַ֣יִם לְבַדּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
People in this culture believed that the heavens (that is, the sky) were a solid object that God had stretched out over a framework in order to cover the earth. For example, Isaiah 40:22 says, “He stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to live in.” You could retain the reference to God stretching out the heavens in your translation and it may seem like a figure of speech to your readers. Alternatively, you could state the meaning plainly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God alone created the sky and treads on the waves of the sea”
and treading on the waves of the sea
Quote: וְ֝דוֹרֵ֗ךְ עַל־בָּ֥מֳתֵי יָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
As a note to 7:12 explains, people in this culture considered the sea to be the realm of chaos. When Job speaks of God treading on the waves of the sea, he is speaking as if God were literally trampling down the forces of chaos with his feet. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “by subduing the watery forces of chaos”
Job 9:9
the Bear, Orion, the Pleiades
Quote: עָ֭שׁ כְּסִ֥יל וְכִימָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The words Bear, Orion, and Pleiades are the names of constellations of stars in the sky. Your culture may have its own terms for these constellations. Alternate translation: “the Big Dipper, the Hunter, and the Seven Sisters”
and the chambers of the south
Quote: וְחַדְרֵ֥י תֵמָֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
People in this culture believed that God kept natural forces in chambers. For example, Psalm 19:4–5 says that God has “pitched a tent for the sun” in the sky, from which the sun comes forth “like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber.” In Job 37:9, Elihu says that “the storm comes from its chamber.” So the reference here to the chambers of the south is likely to a place where, it was believed, God kept all the constellations of stars and from which God brought them out each night. You could retain the reference these chambers in your translation and it may seem like a figure of speech to your readers. Alternatively, you could state the meaning plainly. Job is likely referring to the constellations themselves by association with their chambers. Alternate translation: “and all the other constellations”
Job 9:10
great {things} … and distinguished {things
Quote: גְ֭דֹלוֹת & וְנִפְלָא֗וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective great and the participle distinguished as nouns to mean certain kinds of things. The ULT adds the word things to show this. Your language may use adjectives and participles in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent terms. Alternate translation: “wonders … and marvels”
Job 9:12
If he takes {something} away, who will turn him back? Who will say to him, ‘What are you doing
Quote: הֵ֣ן יַ֭חְתֹּף מִ֣י יְשִׁיבֶ֑נּוּ מִֽי־ יֹאמַ֥ר אֵ֝לָ֗יו מַֽה־ תַּעֲשֶֽׂה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “If he takes something away, no one can bring it back. No one can ask him, ‘What are you doing?’”
who will turn him back
Quote: מִ֣י יְשִׁיבֶ֑נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The word translated it could refer to: (1) the thing that God takes away. The ULT expresses this interpretation. (2) God himself. Alternate translation: “who can turn him back” or “who can make him change his mind”
Who will say to him, ‘What are you doing
Quote: מִֽי־יֹאמַ֥ר אֵ֝לָ֗יו מַֽה־תַּעֲשֶֽׂה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Who can ask him what he is doing”
What are you doing
Quote: מַֽה־תַּעֲשֶֽׂה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The person challenging God would be using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not be doing that!”
Job 9:13
God will not turn aside his nose
Quote: אֱ֭לוֹהַּ לֹא־יָשִׁ֣יב אַפּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated the word nose in verse 5. Alternate translation: “God will not turn aside his anger”
God will not turn aside his nose
Quote: אֱ֭לוֹהַּ לֹא־יָשִׁ֣יב אַפּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God might literally make his anger turn aside and go in a different direction. Job is actually describing how God might stop being angry (although in this case he would not). If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will not stop being angry”
God will not turn aside his nose
Quote: אֱ֭לוֹהַּ לֹא־יָשִׁ֣יב אַפּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this as a positive expression. Alternate translation: “God will still have anger”
the helpers of Rahab
Quote: עֹ֣זְרֵי רָֽהַב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
As a note to 3:8 explains, people in this culture believed in a monster associated with the sea who caused chaos. One name for this monster was Leviathan. The word Rahab is another name for that monster, that is, for the sea personified as a force of chaos. For example, Job says in 26:12, in a poetic parallel, “He calmed the sea with his power; by his understanding he shattered Rahab.” See what you did in 3:8. Here as well, you could either retain the name in your translation or you could use a general expression in order to give your readers some idea of the beliefs of this culture. Alternate translation: “the helpers of the chaos monster”
the helpers of Rahab
Quote: עֹ֣זְרֵי רָֽהַב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
When Job speaks of the helpers of Rahab, he likely means ocean waves, since he says in 9:8, in a context of overcoming chaos, that God treads on the waves of the sea. Alternate translation: “the chaotic ocean waves”
bow beneath him
Quote: תחתו שָׁ֝חֲח֗וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the helpers of Rahab, most likely meaning the waves of the sea, as if they were a living thing that could bow to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “are under his control”
Job 9:14
Indeed that I will answer him
Quote: אַ֭ף כִּֽי־אָנֹכִ֣י אֶֽעֱנֶ֑נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Indeed that is an expression that indicates that what follows is greater in degree than what a person has just said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “How much less would I be able to answer him”
Indeed that I will answer him
Quote: אַ֭ף כִּֽי־אָנֹכִ֣י אֶֽעֱנֶ֑נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb will answer. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. Alternate translation: “How much less would a mere mortal such as I be able to answer him”
choose words with him
Quote: אֶבְחֲרָ֖ה דְבָרַ֣י עִמּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the expression choose words to mean by association arguing a case against God, since he would have to choose the right words in order to do that. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “argue a case against him”
Job 9:15
whom, if I were righteous, I would not answer
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֣ר אִם־צָ֭דַקְתִּי לֹ֣א אֶעֱנֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun whom refers to text. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Even if I were righteous, I would not try to answer God”
if I were righteous
Quote: אִם־צָ֭דַקְתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By righteous, in this context Job implicitly means being the unjustly injured party in a lawsuit. Your language may have an expression for this that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “if I were in the right”
I would plead to my judge for mercy
Quote: לִ֝מְשֹׁפְטִ֗י אֶתְחַנָּֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job implicitly means that he would plead to God as his judge. He is not talking about appealing to some other legal authority to judge between him and God. You could indicate this in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I would plead for mercy to God as my judge”
Job 9:16
he was giving ear to
Quote: יַאֲזִ֥ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the expression giving ear to mean listening, by association with the way that people listen with their ears. However, this specific expression has the sense of listening carefully, that is, paying attention. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he was paying attention to”
my voice
Quote: קוֹלִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his voice, to mean all of him in the act of speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I was saying”
Job 9:17
with a tempest
Quote: בִּשְׂעָרָ֥ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
When Job says that God would send a tempest or violent storm to break (destroy) him if he challenged God, Job could be using the storm to represent various troubles that God would cause him to experience. However, since God does approach Job in a violent storm at the end of the book, it would be appropriate to retain the term tempest in your translation rather than interpret the term as symbolic.
Job 9:18
He does not allow me to cause my breath to return, for he fills me with bitterness
Quote: לֹֽא־יִ֭תְּנֵנִי הָשֵׁ֣ב רוּחִ֑י כִּ֥י יַ֝שְׂבִּעַ֗נִי מַמְּרֹרִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “He fills me with bitterness, and by doing that, he does not allow me to cause my breath to return”
to cause my breath to return
Quote: הָשֵׁ֣ב רוּחִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression means to rest in order to start breathing regularly again after exertion or extended speaking. Your language may have an expression for this that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “to catch my breath”
he fills me with bitterness
Quote: יַ֝שְׂבִּעַ֗נִי מַמְּרֹרִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of himself as if he were a container that God fills with bitterness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he causes me great bitterness”
he fills me with bitterness
Quote: יַ֝שְׂבִּעַ֗נִי מַמְּרֹרִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of bitterness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he makes my life very bitter”
Job 9:19
If to strength, … And if to justice
Quote: אִם־לְכֹ֣חַ & וְאִם־לְ֝מִשְׁפָּ֗ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
If to is an expression that introduces a matter under consideration. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If it is a matter of strength … Or if it is a matter of justice”
who will summon him
Quote: מִ֣י יוֹעִידֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “no one is able to summon him!”
Job 9:20
I were righteous
Quote: אֶ֭צְדָּק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
See how you translated the term righteous in 9:15. in this context Job implicitly means being the unjustly injured party in a lawsuit. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I were in the right”
my mouth would condemn me
Quote: פִּ֣י יַרְשִׁיעֵ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term mouth to mean by association what he would say by using his mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I said would condemn me”
my mouth would condemn me
Quote: פִּ֣י יַרְשִׁיעֵ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of his mouth as if it were a living thing that could condemn him. He means that God would condemn him for what he said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God would condemn me for what I said”
Job 9:21
I do not know my soul
Quote: לֹֽא־אֵדַ֥ע נַפְשִׁ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the word know means to have regard for something or to be concerned about something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am not concerned about my soul”
I do not know my soul
Quote: לֹֽא־אֵדַ֥ע נַפְשִׁ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his soul, to mean all of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am not concerned about myself”
Job 9:22
It {is} one
Quote: אַחַ֗ת הִ֥יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression It is one could mean: (1) that God treats everyone in the same way. Alternate translation: “There is only one way that God treats people” (2) that the same thing would happen to Job whether he was righteous or unrighteous. Alternate translation: “There is only one thing that will happen to me whether I am good or bad”
therefore I have said, The blameless and the wicked, he is destroying
Quote: עַל־כֵּ֥ן אָמַ֑רְתִּי תָּ֥ם וְ֝רָשָׁ֗ע ה֣וּא מְכַלֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
Job has not said these specific words earlier, although they are a summary of what he has been saying to this point in his speech. So it may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “that is why I have been saying that God destroys both the blameless and the wicked”
The blameless and the wicked
Quote: תָּ֥ם וְ֝רָשָׁ֗ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjectives blameless and wicked as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “Both blameless people and wicked people”
Job 9:23
a scourge suddenly kills
Quote: שׁ֭וֹט יָמִ֣ית פִּתְאֹ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of the disasters that people experience in life as if they were literally a scourge or whip that was punishing them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “disasters suddenly kill people”
the despair of the innocent {ones
Quote: לְמַסַּ֖ת נְקִיִּ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of despair, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “innocent people when they despair”
the innocent {ones
Quote: נְקִיִּ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective innocent as a noun to mean a certain group of people. The ULT adds the word ones to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are innocent”
Job 9:24
The earth is given into the hand of the wicked
Quote: אֶ֤רֶץ ׀ נִתְּנָ֬ה בְֽיַד־רָשָׁ֗ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand represents the power and control that people have over something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The earth has been put under the control of the wicked”
The earth is given into the hand of the wicked
Quote: אֶ֤רֶץ ׀ נִתְּנָ֬ה בְֽיַד־רָשָׁ֗ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, the context suggests that it is God. Alternate translation: “God has given the earth into the hand of the wicked” or “God has put the earth under the control of the wicked”
The earth is given
Quote: אֶ֤רֶץ ׀ נִתְּנָ֬ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term earth to mean by association the people who live on the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The people who live on the earth have been given”
He covers the faces of its judges
Quote: פְּנֵֽי־שֹׁפְטֶ֥יהָ יְכַסֶּ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God literally covers the faces of judges. He means that God keeps these judges from recognizing how to decide cases fairly. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He keeps judges from recognizing how to decide cases fairly”
If not
Quote: אִם־לֹ֖א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “If it is not God who does these things”
Job 9:25
And my days are swifter than a runner, … flee. They
Quote: וְיָמַ֣י קַ֭לּוּ מִנִּי־רָ֑ץ בָּֽ֝רְח֗וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the days of his life as if they were a living thing that could run fast and flee. This could mean: (1) that Job is quickly using up his days, that is, he is rapidly approaching the end of his life. Alternate translation: “And I am using up my days very quickly” (2) that each of Job’s days goes by quickly. Alternate translation: “And each of my days seems very short”
they … do not see good
Quote: לֹא־רָא֥וּ טוֹבָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, as in 3:10 and 7:7, to see good means to experience it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They do not experience good”
they … do not see good
Quote: לֹא־רָא֥וּ טוֹבָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective good as a noun to mean a certain kind of experience. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “They do not experience good things”
they … do not see good
Quote: לֹא־רָא֥וּ טוֹבָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the days of his life as if they were a living thing that could experience good things or fail to experience them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I do not experience good things during my days”
Job 9:26
They glide with boats of papyrus
Quote: חָ֭לְפוּ עִם־אֳנִיּ֣וֹת אֵבֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if the days of his life literally glide across the water together with boats of papyrus. As in the previous verse, he means that his days move very quickly. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am running out of days as quickly as a papyrus boat glides across the water” or “Each of my days goes by as quickly as a papyrus boat glides across the water”
as an eagle pounces on food
Quote: כְּ֝נֶ֗שֶׁר יָט֥וּשׂ עֲלֵי־אֹֽכֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “as quickly as an eagle pounces on food”
food
Quote: אֹֽכֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using a general term, food, to one specific kind of food, the kind an eagle would catch and eat. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “its prey”
Job 9:27
If I said, ‘Let me forget my complaint, let me change my face, let me be cheerful
Quote: אִם־אָ֭מְרִי אֶשְׁכְּחָ֣ה שִׂיחִ֑י אֶעֶזְבָ֖ה פָנַ֣י וְאַבְלִֽיגָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “If I told myself that I should forget my complaint and change my face and be cheerful”
Let me forget my complaint
Quote: אֶשְׁכְּחָ֣ה שִׂיחִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
When Job speaks of changing his face (that is, the expression on his face), he means by association feeling differently so that the expression on his face will change. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “let me feel differently about this”
Job 9:28
I would fear all my sorrows; I know that you would not acquit me
Quote: יָגֹ֥רְתִּי כָל־עַצְּבֹתָ֑י יָ֝דַ֗עְתִּי כִּי־לֹ֥א תְנַקֵּֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “because I know that you would not acquit me, I would fear all my sorrows”
I would fear all my sorrows
Quote: יָגֹ֥רְתִּי כָל־עַצְּבֹתָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is speaking implicitly of the sorrows he knows he would still experience when God punished him for the things God would consider him guilty of doing. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I would still fear all the sorrows that I would experience because of your punishments”
you would not acquit me
Quote: לֹ֥א תְנַקֵּֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The pronoun you is singular because it refers to God rather than to the three friends. So use the second-person singular in your translation if your language marks that distinction. Even though to this point in this speech Job has been protesting that he cannot argue his case with God, here he addresses God directly, as he did in 7:7–21 and as he will do later in this speech in 10:2–22. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “you, God, would not acquit me”
Job 9:29
I am wicked; why
Quote: אָנֹכִ֥י אֶרְשָׁ֑ע לָמָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
This could mean: (1) that order to convey emphasis, Job is saying the opposite of what he means. If a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could indicate what Job actually means and convey the emphasis another way. Alternate translation: “God thinks I am wicked! So why” (2) that without intending to convey emphasis, Job is describing how he believes God would regard him. Alternate translation: “Since God would consider me to be wicked anyway, why”
I am wicked
Quote: אָנֹכִ֥י אֶרְשָׁ֑ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb know. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. Alternate translation: “I am a wicked person”
why, then, would I toil in vain
Quote: לָמָּה־זֶּ֝֗ה הֶ֣בֶל אִיגָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “there is no reason for me to toil in vain”
would I toil in vain
Quote: הֶ֣בֶל אִיגָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By toil, Job implicitly means working hard to prove his innocence. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “would I work hard in vain to prove my innocence”
Job 9:30
If I washed myself with water of snow and cleansed my hands with lye
Quote: אִם־ הִתְרָחַ֥צְתִּי בְמֵי־ שָׁ֑לֶג וַ֝הֲזִכּ֗וֹתִי בְּבֹ֣ר כַּפָּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Job is speaking hypothetically of something he might do as a symbolic action to show that he is genuinely innocent. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “If I washed myself with water of snow and cleansed my hands with lye to show how innocent I am”
with water of snow
Quote: בְמֵי־שָׁ֑לֶג (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implications are that water from freshly melting snow is very pure. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “with very pure water”
with lye
Quote: בְּבֹ֣ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The word lye describes a cleansing agent made from the ashes of certain plants. If your readers would not be familiar with what lye is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable substance in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “with a strong cleansing agent”
Job 9:31
you would plunge me into a ditch
Quote: בַּשַּׁ֣חַת תִּטְבְּלֵ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Job is speaking hypothetically of something he believes God would do as a symbolic action to show that God considered him guilty rather than innocent. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “you would plunge me into a ditch to show how guilty you considered me to be”
you would plunge me
Quote: תִּטְבְּלֵ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The word you is singular here because Job is once again addressing God directly. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
into a ditch
Quote: בַּשַּׁ֣חַת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By a ditch, Job implicitly means a ditch full of dirty water that would make his body dirty all over. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “into a ditch full of dirty water”
and my clothes would abhor me
Quote: וְ֝תִֽעֲב֗וּנִי שַׂלְמוֹתָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of his clothes as if it were a living thing that could abhor him. He means that the water in the ditch would make his body so dirty that his own clothes would not want to be on his body. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and my body would become very dirty”
Job 9:33
who would lay his hand upon the two of us
Quote: יָשֵׁ֖ת יָד֣וֹ עַל־שְׁנֵֽינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
A judge would lay his hand on the opposing parties in a case as a symbolic action to show that he was bringing them both under his judicial authority. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “who would lay his hand upon the two of us to show that he had the authority to decide our case”
Job 9:34
who would turn his rod from upon me and his terror
Quote: יָסֵ֣ר מֵעָלַ֣י שִׁבְט֑וֹ וְ֝אֵמָת֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun he refers to a judge who might decide Job’s case against God, and the pronoun his refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “There is no judge who could turn God’s rod from upon me and God’s terror”
his rod
Quote: שִׁבְט֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God were literally using a rod or stick to punish him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his punishment”
and his terror, that it might not frighten me
Quote: וְ֝אֵמָת֗וֹ אַֽל־תְּבַעֲתַֽנִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from earlier in the sentence if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and turn his terror from upon me, so that it would not frighten me”
Job 9:35
I would speak and I would not fear him
Quote: אַֽ֭דַבְּרָה וְלֹ֣א אִירָאֶ֑נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that he would do these things if there were someone to judge between him and God. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “If there were someone to judge between us, I would speak and I would not fear him”
I would speak
Quote: אַֽ֭דַבְּרָה (1)Job is using an emphatic verbal form. Your language may have a similar form that you can use in your translation. If not, you could express the emphasis another way. Alternate translation: “I would certainly speak”
I {am} not thus with me
Quote: לֹא־כֵ֥ן אָ֝נֹכִ֗י עִמָּדִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Interpreters are unsure what this expression means. It could possibly mean: (1) Alternate translation: “That is not how things are with me at the moment” (2) Alternate translation: “I am not the kind of person who would do that now”
Job 10
Job 10 General Notes
Structure and formatting
In this chapter, Job finishes responding to Bildad’s first speech. As he did in chapter 7, Job speaks to God in light of his exchange with his friend, although in this case Job describes what he would say to God rather than addressing God directly.
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is poetry.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Rhetorical questions
In many places in this chapter, Job uses the question form in order to express strong feelings. Your language might not use the question form for this purpose. Notes will suggest other ways to translate these questions. (See: Риторический вопрос)
Translation issues in this chapter
Extended quotation
Starting in verse 2 and continuing through the end of the chapter, Job quotes what he would say to God if he could argue his case with him. If your language would not naturally put one direct quotation inside another, you could translate what Job says as an indirect quotation. A note to verse 2 suggests how to start doing that. You could follow the same approach throughout the rest of the chapter.
Job 10:1
My soul is weary … in the bitterness of my soul
Quote: נָֽקְטָ֥ה נַפְשִׁ֗י & בְּמַ֣ר נַפְשִֽׁי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his soul, to mean all of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am weary … in my bitterness”
I will abandon my complaint upon myself
Quote: אֶֽעֶזְבָ֣ה עָלַ֣י שִׂיחִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this expression, to abandon something upon oneself means not to restrain it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will complain without restraining myself”
Job 10:2
I will say to God, ‘Do not condemn me, cause me to know for what you are accusing me
Quote: אֹמַ֣ר אֶל־אֱ֭לוֹהַּ אַל־תַּרְשִׁיעֵ֑נִי הֽ֝וֹדִיעֵ֗נִי עַ֣ל מַה־תְּרִיבֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, this is the beginning of a long quotation within a quotation. Job is telling his friends what he would like to tell God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this and the rest of the chapter so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “I will tell God not to condemn me but to cause me to know for what he is accusing me”
I will say to God, ‘Do not condemn me, cause me to know for what you are accusing me
Quote: אֹמַ֣ר אֶל־אֱ֭לוֹהַּ אַל־תַּרְשִׁיעֵ֑נִי הֽ֝וֹדִיעֵ֗נִי עַ֣ל מַה־תְּרִיבֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks
If you decide to translate what Job says he would tell God as a direct quotation, you could indicate the start of the quotation with an opening second-level quotation mark or with some other punctuation or convention that your language uses to indicate the start of a second-level quotation.
Do not condemn me, cause me to know
Quote: אַל־תַּרְשִׁיעֵ֑נִי הֽ֝וֹדִיעֵ֗נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that he does not want God merely to condemn him without letting him know why he is condemning him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Do not condemn me without causing me to know”
Job 10:3
Is it good to you that you will oppress {me}, that you will despise the work of your hands, but on the plans of the wicked you shine
Quote: הֲט֤וֹב לְךָ֨ ׀ כִּֽי־תַעֲשֹׁ֗ק כִּֽי־תִ֭מְאַס יְגִ֣יעַ כַּפֶּ֑יךָ וְעַל־עֲצַ֖ת רְשָׁעִ֣ים הוֹפָֽעְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not consider it good to oppress me, to despise the work of your hands, while you shine on the plans of the wicked!”
the work of your hands
Quote: יְגִ֣יעַ כַּפֶּ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of God, his hands, to mean all of him in the act of working to make something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your own work”
but on the plans of the wicked you shine
Quote: וְעַל־עֲצַ֖ת רְשָׁעִ֣ים הוֹפָֽעְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
When Job says that God would shine, he means that God would have a glowing, approving expression on his face. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on the plans of the wicked you smile”
but on the plans of the wicked you shine
Quote: וְעַל־עֲצַ֖ת רְשָׁעִ֣ים הוֹפָֽעְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of giving and showing approval, visibly smiling, to mean the entire act of approving. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you approve of what the wicked plan to do”
the wicked
Quote: רְשָׁעִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective wicked as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “wicked people”
Job 10:4
Are} eyes of flesh to you? Or do you see according to the seeing of a man
Quote: הַעֵינֵ֣י בָשָׂ֣ר לָ֑ךְ אִם־כִּרְא֖וֹת אֱנ֣וֹשׁ תִּרְאֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the terms eyes and seeing to mean by association knowing and understanding, since people often discover things by seeing them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do you only know and understand the kind of things that people can see with their eyes”
Are} eyes of flesh to you? Or do you see according to the seeing of a man
Quote: הַעֵינֵ֣י בָשָׂ֣ר לָ֑ךְ אִם־כִּרְא֖וֹת אֱנ֣וֹשׁ תִּרְאֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You do not have eyes of flesh! You do not see according to the seeing of a man!”
Are} eyes of flesh to you
Quote: הַעֵינֵ֣י בָשָׂ֣ר לָ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the expression of flesh to mean “human,” by association with the way that humans have flesh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do you have human eyes?” or “You do not have human eyes!”
according to the seeing of a man
Quote: כִּרְא֖וֹת אֱנ֣וֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the term man is masculine, Job is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “as people do”
Job 10:5
Are} your days like the days of a man, or {are} your years like the days of a man
Quote: הֲכִימֵ֣י אֱנ֣וֹשׁ יָמֶ֑יךָ אִם־שְׁ֝נוֹתֶ֗יךָ כִּ֣ימֵי גָֽבֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is asking implicitly whether God has the same number of days and years as a human being, not whether God experiences the kind of days and years that people do. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Is the number of your days the same as the number of the days that a man has, or is the number of your years the same as the number of days that a person has”
Are} your days like the days of a man, or {are} your years like the days of a man
Quote: הֲכִימֵ֣י אֱנ֣וֹשׁ יָמֶ֑יךָ אִם־שְׁ֝נוֹתֶ֗יךָ כִּ֣ימֵי גָֽבֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations, not continuing this sentence into the following two verses. Alternate translation: “Your days are not like the days of a man! No, your years are not like the days of a person!”
Are} your days like the days of a man, or {are} your years like the days of a man
Quote: הֲכִימֵ֣י אֱנ֣וֹשׁ יָמֶ֑יךָ אִם־שְׁ֝נוֹתֶ֗יךָ כִּ֣ימֵי גָֽבֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the terms days and years to mean by association the lifetime of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could combine the two phrases and state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do you have a short lifetime as people do” or “You do not have a short lifetime as people do!”
a man, … a man
Quote: אֱנ֣וֹשׁ & גָֽבֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
In this verse, the two instances of the word man translate two different words that have essentially the same meaning. Both words are masculine, but Job is using them in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use terms in your language that are clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a mortal … a human being”
like the days of
Quote: הֲכִימֵ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
If it would be more natural in your language, you could say “years” instead of days here. This would maintain a parallel between the two parts of this verse without making any significant change in meaning. (The original reading may have been “years”; many translations say that.) Alternate translation: “like the years of”
Job 10:6
that you seek for my iniquity and for my sin you search
Quote: כִּֽי־תְבַקֵּ֥שׁ לַעֲוֺנִ֑י וּ֭לְחַטָּאתִ֥י תִדְרֽוֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job seems to be asking implicitly in this verse and the previous one whether God is seeking urgently to discover whether he has sinned because God has only a short time to live and God wants to discover this before he dies. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Is that why you seek for my iniquity and search for my sin”
that you seek for my iniquity and for my sin you search
Quote: כִּֽי־תְבַקֵּ֥שׁ לַעֲוֺנִ֑י וּ֭לְחַטָּאתִ֥י תִדְרֽוֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean similar things. Job is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express, to convey his sense that God is seeking urgently to find out whether he has sinned. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the phrases and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “that you seek so urgently to discover whether I have sinned” or “Is that why you seek so urgently to discover whether I have sinned”
that you seek for my iniquity and for my sin you search
Quote: כִּֽי־תְבַקֵּ֥שׁ לַעֲוֺנִ֑י וּ֭לְחַטָּאתִ֥י תִדְרֽוֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. If you chose not to continue the sentence from the previous verse in order to translate the questions there as statements or exclamations, this would be a new sentence. You could also choose not to continue it into the next verse. Alternate translation: “You do not need to seek for my iniquity and search for my sin!”
Job 10:7
above your knowledge that I am not wicked and there is no one rescuing {me} from your hand
Quote: עַֽל־דַּ֭עְתְּךָ כִּי־לֹ֣א אֶרְשָׁ֑ע וְאֵ֖ין מִיָּדְךָ֣ מַצִּֽיל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. If you chose not to continue the sentence from the previous verse in order to translate the question there as a statement or as an exclamation, this would be a new sentence. Alternate translation: “After all, you know that I am not wicked and there is no one rescuing me from your hand!”
above your knowledge
Quote: עַֽל־דַּ֭עְתְּךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this expression, above means “in addition to.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “even though you know that”
and there is no one rescuing {me} from your hand
Quote: וְאֵ֖ין מִיָּדְךָ֣ מַצִּֽיל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication seems to be that God does not need to seek urgently to discover whether Job has sinned because Job cannot escape from God. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and that I cannot escape from you”
from your hand
Quote: מִיָּדְךָ֣ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of God, his hand, to mean all of him in the act of apprehending Job as a wrongdoer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from you”
Job 10:8
Your hands formed me and made me
Quote: יָדֶ֣יךָ עִ֭צְּבוּנִי וַֽיַּעֲשׂ֑וּנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms formed and made mean similar things. Job is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Indeed, your hands created me”
Your hands
Quote: יָדֶ֣יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of God, his hands, to mean all of him in the act of making Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You”
Job 10:9
you made me like clay
Quote: כַחֹ֣מֶר עֲשִׂיתָ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that God molded Job’s body as one molds clay to make things. Job is not saying that God made him to be like clay. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “you molded my body as one molds clay”
and will you turn me into dust
Quote: וְֽאֶל־עָפָ֥ר תְּשִׁיבֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “so please do not turn me into dust again!”
Job 10:10
Have you not poured me like milk and caused me to curdle like cheese
Quote: הֲלֹ֣א כֶ֭חָלָב תַּתִּיכֵ֑נִי וְ֝כַגְּבִנָּ֗ה תַּקְפִּיאֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You have poured me like milk and caused me to curdle like cheese.”
Have you not poured me like milk and caused me to curdle like cheese
Quote: הֲלֹ֣א כֶ֭חָלָב תַּתִּיכֵ֑נִי וְ֝כַגְּבִנָּ֗ה תַּקְפִּיאֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as one pours out milk and curdles it to make cheese, so God has created Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “You are the one who has created me, just as one creates cheese out of milk”
Job 10:11
You have clothed me with skin and flesh and you have knit me together with bones and tendons
Quote: ע֣וֹר וּ֭בָשָׂר תַּלְבִּישֵׁ֑נִי וּֽבַעֲצָמ֥וֹת וְ֝גִידִ֗ים תְּסֹכְכֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
Ordinarily one builds the inside of something before its outside, so you might find it more natural to put the information about the bones and tendons before the information about the skin and flesh. Alternate translation: “You knit me together with bones and tendons and then you clothed me with skin and flesh”
You have clothed me with skin and flesh
Quote: ע֣וֹר וּ֭בָשָׂר תַּלְבִּישֵׁ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God had literally clothed him with skin and flesh. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You have covered my body with skin and flesh”
and you have knit me together with bones and tendons
Quote: וּֽבַעֲצָמ֥וֹת וְ֝גִידִ֗ים תְּסֹכְכֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God had literally knit him together with bones and tendons. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you have given me a supportive skeletal system of bones and tendons”
Job 10:12
You made life and covenant faithfulness alongside me
Quote: חַיִּ֣ים וָ֭חֶסֶד עָשִׂ֣יתָ עִמָּדִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that God made these things alongside Job so that they would accompany him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “You caused life and covenant faithfulness to accompany me” or “You made sure that I would experience life and covenant faithfulness”
and your visitation
Quote: וּ֝פְקֻדָּתְךָ֗ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of visitation, you could express the same idea in another way. In this context, the word visitation does not indicate that God spent time with Job temporarily but that he was always present with him. Alternate translation: “and your presence”
my spirit
Quote: רוּחִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his spirit, to mean all of him, with an emphasis on him being alive. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “me” or “my life”
Job 10:13
But in your heart you hid these things
Quote: וְ֭אֵלֶּה צָפַ֣נְתָּ בִלְבָבֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God literally hid certain things in his heart. Here, the heart represents the thoughts and motives. Job means that God was secretly planning certain things. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “But you were secretly planning these things”
this {was} with you
Quote: זֹ֥את עִמָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression this was with you means “this is what you were thinking.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “this is what you were thinking”
Job 10:14
and you would not acquit me of my iniquity
Quote: וּ֝מֵעֲוֺנִ֗י לֹ֣א תְנַקֵּֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this with a positive expression. Alternate translation: “and you would declare me guilty of my iniquity”
and you would not acquit me of my iniquity
Quote: וּ֝מֵעֲוֺנִ֗י לֹ֣א תְנַקֵּֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that God would punish Job for his iniquity if God did not acquit him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you would punish me for my iniquity”
Job 10:15
If I am wicked, woe to me! And {if} I am righteous, I will not lift my head. I am} full of disgrace. Yes, see my affliction
Quote: אִם־רָשַׁ֡עְתִּי אַלְלַ֬י לִ֗י וְ֭צָדַקְתִּי לֹא־אֶשָּׂ֣א רֹאשִׁ֑י שְׂבַ֥ע קָ֝ל֗וֹן וּרְאֵ֥ה עָנְיִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could put the phrase I will not lift my head at the end of this verse, since the material that follows this phrase gives the reason for the result that it describes. Alternate translation: “And even if I am righteous, because I am nevertheless full of disgrace—yes, see my affliction!—I will not lift my head”
I will not lift my head
Quote: לֹא־אֶשָּׂ֣א רֹאשִׁ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Job is saying that he would not lift his head (that is, he would look down) as a symbolic action to express that he was feeling shame. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. There may be some physical gesture with the same meaning in your culture that you can use in your translation. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “I will still look down in shame” or “I will still cover my eyes in shame” or “I will still act ashamed”
I am} full of disgrace
Quote: שְׂבַ֥ע קָ֝ל֗וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
For emphasis, Job is speaking of himself as if he were a container that disgrace could fill. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “I feel very disgraced”
Yes, see my affliction
Quote: וּרְאֵ֥ה עָנְיִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The imperative see is singular because Job is addressing God, not his three friends. So use the second-person singular in your translation if your language marks that distinction. It may also be helpful to specify the addressee. Alternate translation: “Yes, God, see my affliction”
Yes, see
Quote: וּרְאֵ֥ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term see to mean “consider” by association with the way people consider things that they are looking at. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yes, consider”
Job 10:16
And should it arise
Quote: וְ֭יִגְאֶה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers to Job’s head, which in the previous verse he said he would not lift. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “And should my head arise”
And should it arise
Quote: וְ֭יִגְאֶה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of his head as if it were a living thing that could arise on its own. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And should I raise my head” or “And if I did raise my head”
you would stalk me like a lion
Quote: כַּשַּׁ֣חַל תְּצוּדֵ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as a lion stalks its prey relentlessly, so, Job is saying, God would stalk him relentlessly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “you would stalk me as relentlessly as a lion stalks its prey”
and you would return, you would distinguish yourself against me
Quote: וְ֝תָשֹׁ֗ב תִּתְפַּלָּא־בִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this expression, the word return means to do something again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and once again you would distinguish yourself against me”
and you would return, you would distinguish yourself against me
Quote: וְ֝תָשֹׁ֗ב תִּתְפַּלָּא־בִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that God would distinguish himself by punishing Job in spectacular ways. (Exodus 3:20 uses the same verb to describe the plagues that God sent against the Egyptians.) You could indicate this meaning in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you would do further great things to punish me” or “you would punish me further in spectacular ways”
Job 10:17
You would renew your witnesses against me
Quote: תְּחַדֵּ֬שׁ עֵדֶ֨יךָ ׀ נֶגְדִּ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
In this verse, Job continues to describe what he believes God would do if he were to “lift” his “head” (that is, if he were to act as if he had nothing to be ashamed of), as he said in 10:15. Job could be using the word witnesses here to mean: (1) accusations that God would make against Job, as if God were literally a witness testifying against Job in a trial. Alternate translation: “You would accuse me of doing further wrong things” (2) sufferings that God would cause Job to experience, since people in this culture believed that sufferings were evidence that God was punishing someone for doing wrong. Alternate translation: “You would cause me to suffer even more”
changes and an army {are} with me
Quote: חֲלִיפ֖וֹת וְצָבָ֣א עִמִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. Job is using the word changes to indicate that he feels that God is sending one army after another against him. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “you keep sending new armies against me”
changes and an army {are} with me
Quote: חֲלִיפ֖וֹת וְצָבָ֣א עִמִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God is literally sending one army after another against him. He means that he feels that God keeps attacking him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you keep attacking me”
Job 10:18
So why did you bring me out from the womb
Quote: וְלָ֣מָּה מֵ֭רֶחֶם הֹצֵאתָ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not have brought me out of the womb!”
So why did you bring me out from the womb
Quote: וְלָ֣מָּה מֵ֭רֶחֶם הֹצֵאתָ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is speaking of God bringing him out from the womb by association to describe his birth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Why did you allow me to be born?” or “You should not have allowed me to be born!”
Would that I had expired
Quote: אֶ֝גְוַ֗ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
See how you translated the similar expression in 3:11. Alternate translation: “Would that I had passed away”
and an eye had not seen me
Quote: וְעַ֣יִן לֹא־תִרְאֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of a person, the eye, to mean all of a person in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and no one had ever seen me”
Job 10:19
Would that I had been brought from the womb to the grave
Quote: מִ֝בֶּ֗טֶן לַקֶּ֥בֶר אוּבָֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term womb by association to mean birth and the term grave by association to mean death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I wish that I had died as soon as I was born”
Would that I had been brought
Quote: אוּבָֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I wish that someone had brought me”
Job 10:20
Are} my days not few
Quote: הֲלֹא־ מְעַ֣ט יָמַ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “My days are so few!”
So cease and put from me
Quote: וַחֲדָ֑ל וְשִׁ֥ית מִ֝מֶּ֗נִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The expressions cease and put from me mean similar things. Job is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “So stop me making me suffer”
and put from me
Quote: וְשִׁ֥ית מִ֝מֶּ֗נִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Interpreters are not certain what this phrase means. It is possible that Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and put these sufferings away from me”
and let me smile a little
Quote: וְאַבְלִ֥יגָה מְּעָֽט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is not asking God to let him smile a little; rather, Job is saying what he would do if God stopped making him suffer. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and then I would be able to smile a little”
and let me smile a little
Quote: וְאַבְלִ֥יגָה מְּעָֽט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term smile to mean being happy or comforted, by association with the way that people who are happy or comforted smile. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and let me experience a little comfort”
and let me smile a little
Quote: וְאַבְלִ֥יגָה מְּעָֽט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In this verse, the term little translates the same word that the term few translates. Your language may allow you to show this in your translation. Alternate translation: “and let me smile for a few moments”
Job 10:21
to the land of darkness and dark shadow
Quote: אֶל־אֶ֖רֶץ חֹ֣שֶׁךְ וְצַלְמָֽוֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms darkness and deep shadow mean similar things. Job is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to the land of great darkness” or “to the place where it is very dark”
to the land of darkness and dark shadow
Quote: אֶל־אֶ֖רֶץ חֹ֣שֶׁךְ וְצַלְמָֽוֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the terms darkness and deep shadow to mean by association the abode of the dead, which people in this culture believed to be a very dark place, since it was away from any sunlight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the abode of the dead”
Job 10:22
and it shines like gloom
Quote: וַתֹּ֥פַע כְּמוֹ־אֹֽפֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it could refer to: (1) whatever faint light there might be in the abode of the dead. Alternate translation: “and where the light shines like gloom” or “and where the only light is very faint” (2) the land that Job has been describing, that is, the abode of the dead itself. In order to draw a contrast with the darkness in the abode of the dead, Job would be speaking as if a place that is well-lit shines. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “There is no light in that land”
and it shines like gloom
Quote: וַתֹּ֥פַע כְּמוֹ־אֹֽפֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks
If you decided to translate verses 2–22 as a second-level direct quotation, indicate the end of that quotation here at the end of this sentence with a closing second-level quotation mark or whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a second-level quotation.
Job 11
Job 11 General Notes
Structure and formatting
In this chapter, Job’s friend Zophar responds to what Job said in chapters 9 and 10.
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem.
Translation issues in this chapter
Zophar answering Job with his own words
In 9:12, Job asked about God, when suggesting that God might act cruelly, “Who will turn him back?” Zophar says in his response in 11:10, answering Job in his own words to insist that God actually acts justly,”Who will turn him back?”
In 10:15, Job says that he will not lift his head, he will continue to act ashamed, because God is punishing him even though he is innocent. Zophar says in response in 11:15 that if Job repents and prays for forgiveness, he will be able to lift up his face without any shame.
In 10:22, Job says that he will die and go to a place of complete darkness. Zophar says in response in 11:17 that Job’s life may seem like darkness now but it will become bright and happy if he turns to God.
To help your readers appreciate how Zophar is answering Job with his own words, you may wish to translate Zophar’s expressions in these places in the same way that you translated Job’s similar expressions earlier. Notes will suggest ways to do this.## Important figures of speech in this chapter
Rhetorical questions
In many places in this chapter, Zophar uses the question form in order to challenge Job. Your language might not use the question form for that purpose. Notes will suggest other ways to translate these questions. (See: Риторический вопрос)
Job 11:2
The multitude of words, will it not be answered? Or if a man of lips will be justified
Quote: הֲרֹ֣ב דְּ֭בָרִים לֹ֣א יֵעָנֶ֑ה וְאִם־אִ֖ישׁ שְׂפָתַ֣יִם יִצְדָּֽק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Will no one answer the multitude of words? Or will anyone justify a man of lips?”
The multitude of words, will it not be answered? Or if a man of lips will be justified
Quote: הֲרֹ֣ב דְּ֭בָרִים לֹ֣א יֵעָנֶ֑ה וְאִם־אִ֖ישׁ שְׂפָתַ֣יִם יִצְדָּֽק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “The multitude of words must be answered! A man of lips will not be justified!”
The multitude of words, will it not be answered
Quote: הֲרֹ֣ב דְּ֭בָרִים לֹ֣א יֵעָנֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Zophar is using the term words by association to mean what Job has just said by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I must respond to the many things that you have just said”
Or if a man of lips will be justified
Quote: וְאִם־אִ֖ישׁ שְׂפָתַ֣יִם יִצְדָּֽק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Zophar is using the word if to introduce a question that anticipates a negative answer. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “A man of lips will not be justified, will he”
Or if a man of lips will be justified
Quote: וְאִם־אִ֖ישׁ שְׂפָתַ֣יִם יִצְדָּֽק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Zophar is using the term lips by association to mean talking, since people use their lips when they talk. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Or is a man justified because he talks so much about being righteous” or “A man will not be justified because he talks so much about being righteous, will he”
Or if a man of lips will be justified
Quote: וְאִם־אִ֖ישׁ שְׂפָתַ֣יִם יִצְדָּֽק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
In this speech, Zophar is responding to Job, and he will address him directly as “you” in the rest of the speech. But here at the start he is speaking about Job in the third person, even though he is actually speaking to Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “Or will you be justified by talking so much about being righteous”
Job 11:3
Will your boastings make people silent? Or will you mock and no one {is} shaming
Quote: בַּ֭דֶּיךָ מְתִ֣ים יַחֲרִ֑ישׁו וַ֝תִּלְעַ֗ג וְאֵ֣ין מַכְלִֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Zophar is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “Your boastings should not make people silent! Someone should shame you for mocking!”
Or will you mock
Quote: וַ֝תִּלְעַ֗ג (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Zophar means implicitly that Job has been mocking God. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Or will you mock God”
Job 11:4
For you have said, ‘My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in your eyes
Quote: וַ֭תֹּאמֶר זַ֣ךְ לִקְחִ֑י וּ֝בַ֗ר הָיִ֥יתִי בְעֵינֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Zophar means implicitly that Job has said these things to God. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “For you have said to God, ‘My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in your eyes.’”
For you have said, ‘My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in your eyes
Quote: וַ֭תֹּאמֶר זַ֣ךְ לִקְחִ֑י וּ֝בַ֗ר הָיִ֥יתִי בְעֵינֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “For you have told God that your doctrine is pure and that you are clean in his eyes”
My doctrine is pure, and I am clean
Quote: זַ֣ךְ לִקְחִ֑י וּ֝בַ֗ר הָיִ֥יתִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar says that Job has spoken as if his doctrine were literally pure and his conduct was literally clean, that is, not physically dirty. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My doctrine is correct, and I am righteous”
in your eyes
Quote: בְעֵינֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Zophar is using the term eyes by association to mean sight. Sight, in turn, represents attention, perspective, and judgment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in your perspective”
Job 11:5
But who will give God to speak and open his lips against you
Quote: וְֽאוּלָ֗ם מִֽי־יִתֵּ֣ן אֱל֣וֹהַּ דַּבֵּ֑ר וְיִפְתַּ֖ח שְׂפָתָ֣יו עִמָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The question who will give introduces a wish. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this question as a statement or exclamation expressing a wish, beginning here and continuing into the start of the next verse. Alternate translation: “I wish that God would speak and open his lips against you”
But who will give God to speak and open his lips against you
Quote: וְֽאוּלָ֗ם מִֽי־יִתֵּ֣ן אֱל֣וֹהַּ דַּבֵּ֑ר וְיִפְתַּ֖ח שְׂפָתָ֣יו עִמָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The expressions speak and open his lips mean similar things. Zophar is using the two expressions together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “I dearly wish that God would tell you that you are wrong”
and open his lips
Quote: וְיִפְתַּ֖ח שְׂפָתָ֣יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Zophar is using the first part of the talking process, opening one’s lips, to mean the entire process of talking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and talk”
Job 11:6
and declare to you the secrets of wisdom
Quote: וְיַגֶּד־לְךָ֨ ׀ תַּֽעֲלֻמ֣וֹת חָכְמָה֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
If you translated the beginning of this sentence in the previous verse as a statement or exclamation, translate the end of the sentence here in the same way. Alternate translation: “and declare to you the secrets of wisdom!”
For {it is} double to understanding
Quote: כִּֽי־כִפְלַ֪יִם לְֽת֫וּשִׁיָּ֥ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By it, Zophar implicitly means God’s wisdom, and by understanding, he means Job’s understanding. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “God’s wisdom is double to your understanding” or “God’s wisdom is twice as great as your understanding”
For {it is} double to understanding
Quote: כִּֽי־כִפְלַ֪יִם לְֽת֫וּשִׁיָּ֥ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
By the expression double, Zophar actually means much greater. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God’s wisdom is far greater than your understanding”
God is forgetting for you {some} of your iniquity
Quote: יַשֶּׁ֥ה לְךָ֥ אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַ מֵעֲוֺנֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if God were literally forgetting some of Job’s iniquity. He means that God is overlooking some of the sins that Job has committed and so not punishing him for all of them. Zophar is not suggesting that there are limits to God’s knowledge or memory. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God is overlooking some of your iniquity” or “God is not punishing you for all of your sins”
Job 11:7
Will you find God by searching
Quote: הַחֵ֣קֶר אֱל֣וֹהַ תִּמְצָ֑א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Zophar is using the word find to mean “understand” and the word “searching” to mean contemplation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Will you understand God through contemplation?”
Will you find God by searching
Quote: הַחֵ֣קֶר אֱל֣וֹהַ תִּמְצָ֑א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Zophar is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You will not find God by searching!” or “You cannot understand God through contemplation!”
If unto perfection you will find Shaddai
Quote: אִ֤ם עַד־תַּכְלִ֖ית שַׁדַּ֣י תִּמְצָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Zophar is using the word if to introduce a question that anticipates a negative answer. (And once again he is using the word find to mean “understand.”) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “You will never understand Shaddai unto perfection, will you?”
If unto perfection you will find Shaddai
Quote: אִ֤ם עַד־תַּכְלִ֖ית שַׁדַּ֣י תִּמְצָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of perfection, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “You will never understand Shaddai perfectly, will you?”
If unto perfection you will find Shaddai
Quote: אִ֤ם עַד־תַּכְלִ֖ית שַׁדַּ֣י תִּמְצָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Zophar is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You will never understand Shaddai perfectly!”
Job 11:8
The height of the heavens! What will you do? Deeper than Sheol! What will you know
Quote: גָּבְהֵ֣י שָׁ֭מַיִם מַה־תִּפְעָ֑ל עֲמֻקָּ֥ה מִ֝שְּׁא֗וֹל מַה־תֵּדָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Zophar is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “The height of God’s wisdom is the same as the height of the heavens! What will you do to understand it? The depth of God’s wisdom is deeper than Sheol! What will you know about it?”
The height of the heavens! What will you do? Deeper than Sheol! What will you know
Quote: גָּבְהֵ֣י שָׁ֭מַיִם מַה־תִּפְעָ֑ל עֲמֻקָּ֥ה מִ֝שְּׁא֗וֹל מַה־תֵּדָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Zophar is using the highest and lowest points of creation, the heavens and Sheol, to mean them and everything in between, that is, all of creation. This could mean: (1) that God’s wisdom is completely comprehensive, as if it were literally very high and very deep. Alternate translation: “God’s wisdom is completely comprehensive! What will you do? What will you know?” (2) that God’s wisdom comprehends everything in creation. Alternate translation: “God’s wisdom comprehends all of creation! What will you do? What will you know?”
What will you do? … What will you know
Quote: מַה־תִּפְעָ֑ל & מַה־תֵּדָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You cannot do anything to understand God’s wisdom! … You cannot know very much about it!”
Job 11:9
Its measure {is} longer than the earth and wider than the sea
Quote: אֲרֻכָּ֣ה מֵאֶ֣רֶץ מִדָּ֑הּ וּ֝רְחָבָ֗ה מִנִּי־יָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Zophar is using the two main components of creation below the heavens and above Sheol, the earth and the sea, to mean all of creation. This could mean: (1) that God’s wisdom is completely comprehensive, as if it were literally very long and very wide. Alternate translation: “Yes, God’s wisdom is completely comprehensive” (2) that God’s wisdom comprehends everything in creation. Alternate translation: “Yes, God’s wisdom comprehends all of creation”
Job 11:10
he comes
Quote: יַחֲלֹ֥ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun he refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God comes”
and imprisons and assembles
Quote: וְיַסְגִּ֑יר וְ֝יַקְהִ֗יל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Zophar is referring implicitly to God assembling a group to hear his accusations against someone and pass judgment on that person. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and imprisons someone and calls an assembly to judge that person”
then who will turn him back
Quote: וּמִ֣י יְשִׁיבֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “then no one can turn him back”
then who will turn him back
Quote: וּמִ֣י יְשִׁיבֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated this phrase in 9:12. Zophar is using Job’s own words against him, so it may be helpful to your readers to translate this phrase in the same way here. Alternate translation: “then who can stop him?” or “then no one can stop him!”
then who will turn him back
Quote: וּמִ֣י יְשִׁיבֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In 9:12 you may have included the implicit information that Job was saying that no one can stop God by telling him it would be wrong to do something. If so, here you may wish to indicate what Zophar is suggesting in response, that God knows right and wrong so much better than humans that God does not need to listen to humans about what he is doing. Alternate translation: “then who can stop him, since he knows so much better than humans and does not need to listen to them?” or “then no one can stop him, since he knows so much better than humans and does not need to listen to them!”
Job 11:11
people of worthlessness
Quote: מְתֵי־שָׁ֑וְא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of worthlessness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “which people are worthless”
and will he see iniquity and not notice it
Quote: וַיַּרְא־אָ֝֗וֶן וְלֹ֣א יִתְבּוֹנָֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Zophar is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “and he will surely notice iniquity when he sees it”
notice it
Quote: יִתְבּוֹנָֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The term notice implicitly means that God will do more than just take note of iniquity. It indicates that God will punish people for committing iniquity. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “punish people for it”
Job 11:12
But an empty man will get a heart and the colt of a wild donkey will be born to a man
Quote: וְאִ֣ישׁ נָ֭בוּב יִלָּבֵ֑ב וְעַ֥יִר פֶּ֝֗רֶא אָדָ֥ם יִוָּלֵֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
For emphasis, Zophar is saying the opposite what he means. The colt of a wild donkey will never be born to a man, and so, Zophar means, an empty man will never get a heart, that is, become wise. If a speaker of your language would not say the opposite of what he means for emphasis, in your translation you could indicate what Zophar actually means. Alternate translation: “But an empty man will never get a heart, any more than the colt of a wild donkey would ever be born to a man”
But an empty man
Quote: וְאִ֣ישׁ נָ֭בוּב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if a man could literally be empty or hollow inside. He means that such a person lacks wisdom. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “But an empty-headed man” or “But a man who lacks wisdom”
will get a heart
Quote: יִלָּבֵ֑ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the heart represents a person’s thoughts, so that to get a heart means to become wise. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will become wise”
and the colt of a wild donkey will be born to a man
Quote: וְעַ֥יִר פֶּ֝֗רֶא אָדָ֥ם יִוָּלֵֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and a man will be the father of a wild-donkey colt”
Job 11:13
If you prepare your heart
Quote: אִם־אַ֭תָּ֗ה הֲכִינ֣וֹתָ לִבֶּ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Zophar is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already present in the verb prepare. Zophar is drawing a contrast between what he is suggesting here that Job might do and what the “empty man” he described in the previous verse would not be able to do. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. Alternate translation: “But as for you, if you prepare”
If you prepare your heart
Quote: אִם־אַ֭תָּ֗ה הֲכִינ֣וֹתָ לִבֶּ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
In this instance, the heart represents a person’s will. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If you resolve to trust God”
and stretch out your hands to him
Quote: וּפָרַשְׂתָּ֖ אֵלָ֣יו כַּפֶּֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Zophar is suggesting that Job might stretch out his hands to God as symbolic action in order to assume a posture of prayer. You may be able to describe your own culture’s posture of prayer in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “and bow your head to him” or “and pray to him”
Job 11:14
if iniquity {is} in your hand, put it far away
Quote: אִם־אָ֣וֶן בְּ֭יָדְךָ הַרְחִיקֵ֑הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if iniquity were literally an object that Job could be holding in his hand and that Job could put … far away. Zophar means that Job might be committing iniquity and that if he has, he should stop. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if you have been committing iniquity, stop doing that”
and do not let unrighteousness dwell in your tents
Quote: וְאַל־תַּשְׁכֵּ֖ן בְּאֹהָלֶ֣יךָ עַוְלָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Zophar is speaking of unrighteousness as if it were a living thing that could dwell in the same tents in which Job and his household are living. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The word tents could be: (1) an image for Job’s whole life. Alternate translation: “yes, be sure that you are not practicing any unrighteousness” (2) a reference to Job’s household. Alternate translation: “and be sure that no one in your household is practicing any unrighteousness”
and do not let unrighteousness dwell in your tents
Quote: וְאַל־תַּשְׁכֵּ֖ן בְּאֹהָלֶ֣יךָ עַוְלָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of unrighteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “yes, be sure that you are not doing anything that is not righteous”
Job 11:15
you will lift your face without blemish
Quote: תִּשָּׂ֣א פָנֶ֣יךָ מִמּ֑וּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Zophar is suggesting that Job would be able to lift his face without being concerned that any blemish would show as symbolic action to indicate that he was not ashamed of anything. Job said in 10:15 that he could not do this, and so Zophar is answering Job with his own words. To help your readers appreciate what Zophar is doing, you could translate this expression similarly to the way you translated the comparable expression in 10:15. Alternate translation: “you will no longer need to look down in shame”
without blemish
Quote: מִמּ֑וּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if Job might literally have a blemish on his face and that it would go away if Job prayed to God. The blemish actually represents a cause for shame. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “without feeling any shame”
and you will be established
Quote: וְהָיִ֥יתָ מֻ֝צָ֗ק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who will do the action, the context suggests that it will be God. Alternate translation: “and God will establish you”
and you will not fear
Quote: וְלֹ֣א תִירָֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Zophar seems to mean implicitly that Job will not have to fear any further punishment from God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you will not be afraid that God will punish you any more”
Job 11:16
as waters pass by, you will remember {it
Quote: כְּמַ֖יִם עָבְר֣וּ תִזְכֹּֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as waters pass by (flowing down a river, for example) and are gone, so Job’s trouble will be gone and he will not remember it at all. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “you will not remember it at all, just as the water in a river flows by and is never seen again”
Job 11:17
And life will arise more than noon
Quote: וּֽ֭מִצָּהֳרַיִם יָק֣וּם חָ֑לֶד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Zophar is using the term noon by association to mean the sun at noon, that is, the sun when it is highest and brightest in the sky. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And life will arise higher than the noonday sun”
And life will arise more than noon
Quote: וּֽ֭מִצָּהֳרַיִם יָק֣וּם חָ֑לֶד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking of Job’s life as if it were literally an object like the sun that could arise into the sky. By saying that Job’s life will rise into the sky even higher than the sun at noon, he means that it will be very bright. The brightness, in turn, represents happy thriving. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And your life will become very happy again, as if it were brighter than the noonday sun”
darkness will become like dawn
Quote: תָּ֝עֻ֗פָה כַּבֹּ֥קֶר תִּהְיֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
In a poetic parallel, Zophar is once again using light, in this instance the light of dawn, to represent happiness, by contrast with Job’s present misery, which Zophar represents as darkness. Zophar is once again answering Job with his own words. The term translated darkness here is from the same root as the term that the ULT translates as “obscurity” in 10:22. To help your readers appreciate what Zophar is doing, you could translate the term here the same way you translated it there. Alternate translation: “yes, the misery of your life that feels like obscurity now will change into happiness, just as dawn changes darkness into light”
Job 11:18
and you will look around
Quote: וְ֝חָפַרְתָּ֗ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Zophar means implicitly that Job will look around and see that there is no danger. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you will look around and see that there is no danger”
you will lie down in safety
Quote: לָבֶ֥טַח תִּשְׁכָּֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Zophar is referring implicitly to when Job would lie down to sleep at night. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Your language may have its own expression that you can use here in your translation. Alternate translation: “you will lie down to sleep in safety” or “you will go to bed in safety”
you will lie down in safety
Quote: לָבֶ֥טַח תִּשְׁכָּֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of safety, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “you will lie down safely”
Job 11:19
Yes, you will recline
Quote: וְֽ֭רָבַצְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Zophar once again means implicitly that Job would recline to sleep at night. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Yes, you will lie down to sleep for the night”
and many will stroke your face
Quote: וְחִלּ֖וּ פָנֶ֣יךָ רַבִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if many people would literally stroke Job’s face, as someone would do who was trying to make someone else favorable to him. Zophar means that Job would become influential again and people would seek his favor. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “many people will seek your favor”
Job 11:20
But the eyes of the wicked will fail
Quote: וְעֵינֵ֥י רְשָׁעִ֗ים תִּ֫כְלֶ֥ינָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Zophar is referring to death by association with the way people’s eyes fail when they are about to die (either in the sense of becoming visibly dim or in the sense of no longer seeing well). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “But the wicked will die”
and escape will perish from them
Quote: וּ֭מָנוֹס אָבַ֣ד מִנְהֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Zophar is speaking of escape as if it were a living thing that cold perish. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, they will not be able to escape dying”
and their hope {will be} an expiration of breath
Quote: וְ֝תִקְוָתָ֗ם מַֽפַּח־נָֽפֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Zophar is using the phrase expiration of breath, which means “breathing out,” to mean “die.” This is a mild way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “they will have no hope other than to pass away” or “they will have no hope other than to die”
Job 12
Job 12 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter is the start of Job’s response to Zophar’s first speech. (Job’s response to him continues in chapters 13 and 14.) - Verses 1–6: Job speaks to all three of his friends and protests that they have not been telling him anything that he does not already know - Verses 7–12: Job speaks specifically to Zophar and insists that what Zophar has just said in his speech is common knowledge in the world and something that he knows himself. - Verses 13–25: Job describes how God is so powerful that no one can resist what he does.
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem.
Translation issues in this chapter
Plural and singular “you”
The pronoun “you” is plural in verses 1–3 because Job is addressing all three of his friends. The pronoun “you” is singular in verses 7–8 because Job is addressing Zophar. Use the plural and singular forms in these places if your language marks that distinction.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Litany
In verses 13–24, Job makes a series of statements about how powerful God is. These specific statements illustrate the general statement that Job makes in verse 4 that God is “wise in heart and mighty in strength.” A series of statements such as this is known as a litany. If your readers would recognize what Job is doing, you can translate and format this litany the way the ULT does. If the litany form would not be familiar to your readers, you could format the general statement in a way that will show that it is a summary statement that shows the overall meaning of what Job is saying. You could then put each sentence of the litany on a separate line. The format might look something like this:
With him {are} wisdom and might; to him {are} counsel and understanding. Behold, he breaks down, and it is not rebuilt; he closes upon a man, and it is not opened. Behold, he withholds the waters and they dry up, and he sends them out and they overthrow the land. With him {are} strength and prudence; to him {are} the one straying and the one causing to stray; the one leading counselors away naked, and he makes judges foolish. He removes the bond of kings and he wraps a cloth around their loins; the one leading priests away naked, and the incumbent ones he overthrows, the one removing the lip {that is} to the ones being trusted, and he takes away the discernment of the elders, the one pouring contempt on princes, and the belt of the mighty ones he loosens, the one revealing deep things out of darkness, and he brings dark shadow into the light, the one magnifying nations, and he destroys them; the one enlarging nations, and he exiles them, the one removing a heart from the leaders of the people of the earth; he causes them to wander in a wasteland {with} no path. They grope in darkness and not in light; he makes them wander like a drunkard.
Job 12:2
Truly, then, you {are} the people, and wisdom will die with you
Quote: אָ֭מְנָם כִּ֣י אַתֶּם־עָ֑ם וְ֝עִמָּכֶ֗ם תָּמ֥וּת חָכְמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
For emphasis, Job is saying the opposite what he means. If a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could indicate what Job actually means. Alternate translation: “You are speaking as if you are the people and as if wisdom will die with you, but that is not true”
you {are} the people
Quote: אַתֶּם־עָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the word you is plural here and in the next two verses because Job is referring to his three friends. So use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction. Other languages may have other ways to indicate the plural reference. Alternate translation: “the three of you are the people”
you {are} the people
Quote: אַתֶּם־עָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job could be saying (while meaning the opposite): (1) that his three friends are so wise that their opinion is the one that really matters. Alternate translation: “you are the people whose opinion matters” (2) that in their counsel, his three friends are embodying the collective wisdom of their people. Alternate translation: “you have expressed the wisdom of our whole people”
and wisdom will die with you
Quote: וְ֝עִמָּכֶ֗ם תָּמ֥וּת חָכְמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of wisdom as if it were a living thing that could die. He is saying (while meaning the opposite) that his friends are the only people who are truly wise and so there will be no wisdom left on earth once they die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “indeed, you are the only wise people on earth”
Job 12:3
A heart {is} also to me, like you
Quote: גַּם־לִ֤י לֵבָ֨ב ׀ כְּֽמוֹכֶ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the heart figuratively represents the thoughts, and in this context, specifically wise thoughts. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have wisdom just as you do”
I {am} not falling below you
Quote: לֹא־נֹפֵ֣ל אָנֹכִ֣י מִכֶּ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using this expression to mean that he is not inferior to his friends. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. You could also state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I do not fall short of you” or “I am not inferior to you”
And with whom {are} not such {things} as these
Quote: וְאֶת־מִי־אֵ֥ין כְּמוֹ־אֵֽלֶּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Indeed, such things as these are with everyone”
And with whom {are} not such {things} as these
Quote: וְאֶת־מִי־אֵ֥ין כְּמוֹ־אֵֽלֶּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using this expression to mean that everyone knows the things that his friends have been saying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And everyone knows such things as these” or “And everyone knows the things that you have been saying”
Job 12:4
I, the one calling on God and he answered him, have become laughter to his neighbor
Quote: שְׂחֹ֤ק לְרֵעֵ֨הוּ ׀ אֶֽהְיֶ֗ה קֹרֵ֣א לֶ֭אֱלוֹהַּ וַֽיַּעֲנֵ֑הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Job is actually using the pronouns him and his to refer to himself. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this using first-person pronouns. Alternate translation: “Even though God used to answer me when I called on him, now I have become laughter to my neighbor”
laughter
Quote: שְׂחֹ֤ק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term laughter by association to mean an object of laughter, that is, of derision. Your language may have an expression that you can use in your translation to convey this meaning. Alternate translation: “a laughingstock”
just, blameless—laughter
Quote: שְׂ֝ח֗וֹק צַדִּ֥יק תָּמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “I, a just and blameless man, have become a laughingstock!”
Job 12:5
there is} contempt
Quote: בּ֭וּז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective secure as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are secure”
prepared for the ones slipping of foot
Quote: נָ֝כ֗וֹן לְמ֣וֹעֲדֵי רָֽגֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of certain people as if their feet were literally slipping and they were about to fall down. Job is likely describing people who are struggling with difficulties, and he is saying that people who are secure believe that they are struggling because God is punishing them for their sins. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They believe that when people struggle in life, that is because God is punishing them for their sins”
prepared
Quote: נָ֝כ֗וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They think that it is prepared”
prepared
Quote: נָ֝כ֗וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They think that God has prepared it”
Job 12:6
The tents of robbers prosper
Quote: יִשְׁלָ֤יוּ אֹֽהָלִ֨ים ׀ לְשֹׁ֥דְדִ֗ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the tents of these robbers as if they were living things that could prosper. By referring to one valuable possession of the robbers, Job means that the robbers themselves prosper. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Robbers live in prosperity”
and securities {are
Quote: וּֽ֭בַטֻּחוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
Job is using the plural form securities to indicate that these provokers of God experience security to a supreme extent. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “and complete security is”
to {the one} who carries God in his hand
Quote: לַאֲשֶׁ֤ר הֵבִ֖יא אֱל֣וֹהַּ בְּיָדֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand represents the power and control that a person has over something. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “to the person who thinks that he has God in his pocket” or “to the person who thinks he has more control over his life than God does”
Job 12:7-8
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridgeIn 11:9, Zophar used the two main components of creation, the earth and the sea, to mean all of creation. Here in 12:7–8, Job is responding to Zophar by using the inhabitants of three components of creation (the beasts of the land, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea) and the earth itself similarly to mean all of creation, more emphatically. To show this contrast, you could create a verse bridge for verses 7–8. It might say something like this: “You can go anywhere in creation and ask a creature—even ask the earth itself—about God’s ways, and that creature will be able to explain them to you”
Job 12:7
But now ask the beasts, and she will teach you, the birds of the heavens, and he will declare to you
Quote: וְֽאוּלָ֗ם שְׁאַל־נָ֣א בְהֵמ֣וֹת וְתֹרֶ֑ךָּ וְע֥וֹף הַ֝שָּׁמַ֗יִם וְיַגֶּד־לָֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative
Job is using an imperative sentence to tell the condition under which something would happen. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate this as a conditional sentence. Alternate translation: “But now if you asked the beasts, then she would teach you, and if you asked the birds of the heavens, then he would declare to you”
But now ask the beasts, and she will teach you, the birds of the heavens, and he will declare to you
Quote: וְֽאוּלָ֗ם שְׁאַל־נָ֣א בְהֵמ֣וֹת וְתֹרֶ֑ךָּ וְע֥וֹף הַ֝שָּׁמַ֗יִם וְיַגֶּד־לָֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking as if Zophar could literally have a conversation with beasts and birds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If you actually could ask the beasts, she would teach you, and if you actually could ask the birds of the heavens, he would declare to you”
But now ask
Quote: וְֽאוּלָ֗ם שְׁאַל־נָ֣א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The pronoun you and the implied “you” in the imperative verb (ask) are singular here and in the next verse because Job is speaking directly to one of his friends. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction. Job is probably addressing Zophar, since he said in 11:8–9 that Job could search through all of creation and still not comprehend the wisdom of God. Job is saying in response that God’s ways are common knowledge to animals and birds. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that in your translation. Alternate translation: “But now, Zophar, ask”
and she will teach you, … and he will declare to you
Quote: וְתֹרֶ֑ךָּ & וְיַגֶּד־לָֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
If it would not be natural in your language to use the singular pronouns she and he to refer back to the plural terms beasts and birds, you could use a different construction in your translation. Alternate translation: “and one of them will teach you … and one of them will declare to you”
and she will teach you, … and he will declare to you
Quote: וְתֹרֶ֑ךָּ & וְיַגֶּד־לָֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that the beasts and birds would teach and declare God’s ways. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and one of them will teach you God’s ways … and one of them will declare God’s ways to you”
the birds of the heavens
Quote: וְע֥וֹף הַ֝שָּׁמַ֗יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “ask the birds of the heavens”
Job 12:8
Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, and the fish of the sea will recount to you
Quote: א֤וֹ שִׂ֣יחַ לָאָ֣רֶץ וְתֹרֶ֑ךָּ וִֽיסַפְּר֥וּ לְ֝ךָ֗ דְּגֵ֣י הַיָּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative
Job is using an imperative sentence to tell the condition under which something would happen. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate this as a conditional sentence. Alternate translation: “Or if you spoke to the earth, then it would teach you; the fish of the sea would recount to you”
Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, and the fish of the sea will recount to you
Quote: א֤וֹ שִׂ֣יחַ לָאָ֣רֶץ וְתֹרֶ֑ךָּ וִֽיסַפְּר֥וּ לְ֝ךָ֗ דְּגֵ֣י הַיָּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is continuing to speak as if Zophar could literally have a conversation with the earth and with fish. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If you could actually speak to the earth, it would teach you. If you could have a conversation with the fish of the sea, they would recount to you”
and it will teach you, and the fish of the sea will recount to you
Quote: וְתֹרֶ֑ךָּ וִֽיסַפְּר֥וּ לְ֝ךָ֗ דְּגֵ֣י הַיָּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Once again Job means implicitly that the earth and the fish would teach and recount God’s ways. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and it will teach you God’s ways; the fish of the sea will recount God’s ways to you”
and the fish of the sea will recount to you
Quote: וִֽיסַפְּר֥וּ לְ֝ךָ֗ דְּגֵ֣י הַיָּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “or ask the fish of the sea, and they will recount to you”
Job 12:9
Who of all these does not know that the hand of Yahweh has done this
Quote: מִ֭י לֹא־יָדַ֣ע בְּכָל־אֵ֑לֶּה כִּ֥י יַד־יְ֝הוָה עָ֣שְׂתָה זֹּֽאת\n\n (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “All of these know that the hand of Yahweh has done this!”
Who of all these does not know
Quote: מִ֭י לֹא־יָדַ֣ע בְּכָל־אֵ֑לֶּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the creatures he described in the previous two verses as if they could know what Yahweh has done. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Which of all these creatures could not tell you, if you could actually have a conversation with them,”
the hand of Yahweh has done this
Quote: יַד־יְ֝הוָה עָ֣שְׂתָה זֹּֽאת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand represents the power and control that someone has over something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that Yahweh has done this by his own power”
has done this
Quote: עָ֣שְׂתָה זֹּֽאת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In context, the word this likely refers to the misfortune that Job is suffering. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “has caused my misfortune”
Job 12:10
in whose hand {is
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּ֭יָדוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand represents the power and control that someone has over something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who has power over”
and the breath of all flesh of man
Quote: וְ֝ר֗וּחַ כָּל־בְּשַׂר־אִֽישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
In this instance, Job is using the word and to emphasize something that is included in the previous phrase, not to introduce something additional. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation, preceded by a comma: “including the breath of all flesh of man”
and the breath of all flesh of man
Quote: וְ֝ר֗וּחַ כָּל־בְּשַׂר־אִֽישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term breath by association to mean “life.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the life of all flesh of man”
and the breath of all flesh of man
Quote: וְ֝ר֗וּחַ כָּל־בְּשַׂר־אִֽישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of man, his flesh, to mean all of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the life of every man”
and the breath of all flesh of man
Quote: וְ֝ר֗וּחַ כָּל־בְּשַׂר־אִֽישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the term man is masculine, Job is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “and the life of every woman and man” or “and the life of every person”
Job 12:11
Does not the ear test words, and the palate tastes the food {that is} to it
Quote: הֲלֹא־אֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן וְ֝חֵ֗ךְ אֹ֣כֶל יִטְעַם־לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
In this instance, Job is using the word and to say that the phrase it introduces is just as true as the previous phrase. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “Does not the ear test words, just as the palate tastes its food?”
Does not the ear test words, and the palate tastes the food {that is} to it
Quote: הֲלֹא־אֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן וְ֝חֵ֗ךְ אֹ֣כֶל יִטְעַם־לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Certainly the ear tests words, just as the palate tastes its food!”
Does not the ear test words
Quote: הֲלֹא־אֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the ear as if it could test words by itself. He is using the ear to represent hearing and he means that people themselves test or consider the words of others when they hear them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do people not consider others’ words when they hear them” or “People consider others’ words when they hear them”
Does not the ear test words
Quote: הֲלֹא־אֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term words to mean what people say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what people say”
Does not the ear test words
Quote: הֲלֹא־אֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Though Job is making a general statement, he is referring implicitly to what his friends have said to him and what he has decided about it. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I have heard what you have said and I have considered it and decided that it is not true”
and the palate tastes the food {that is} to it
Quote: וְ֝חֵ֗ךְ אֹ֣כֶל יִטְעַם־לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the palate or mouth as if it could taste by itself. He means that with their mouths, people discern the taste of the food that they eat. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “just as people discern with their mouths the taste of their food”
Job 12:12
With the aged {is} wisdom, and in length of days {is} understanding
Quote: בִּֽישִׁישִׁ֥ים חָכְמָ֑ה וְאֹ֖רֶךְ יָמִ֣ים תְּבוּנָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Though Job is making another general statement in this verse, he is referring implicitly to himself as someone who has acquired much wisdom through long experience. The further implication is that although Zophar challenged him in 11:8 by asking, “What will you know?” Job is insisting here that he actually does know a lot about life. You could indicate these things in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I have lived a long time and I have acquired much wisdom through experience, so I actually do know a lot about life”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: With the aged {is} wisdom (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wisdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “The aged are wise”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: With the aged (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective aged as a noun to mean people of a certain kind. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “With aged people” or “With older people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and in length of days {is} understanding (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression length of days means a long life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, people who have lived a long life have understanding”
Job 12:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: With him & to him (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun him refers in each instance to God. Job is no longer referring to an “aged” person, as in the previous verse. Instead, he is describing what he knows about God as someone who has lived a long time and acquired much wisdom. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “I know that God has wisdom and might; I know that God has counsel and understanding”
With him {are} wisdom and might; to him {are} counsel and understanding
Quote: עִ֭מּוֹ חָכְמָ֣ה וּגְבוּרָ֑ה ל֝֗וֹ עֵצָ֥ה וּתְבוּנָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of wisdom, might, counsel, and understanding, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “God is wise and mighty; he understands everything and knows what to do”
With him {are} wisdom and might; to him {are} counsel and understanding
Quote: עִ֭מּוֹ חָכְמָ֣ה וּגְבוּרָ֑ה ל֝֗וֹ עֵצָ֥ה וּתְבוּנָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
As the following verses make clear, Job is saying implicitly that these qualities belong to God alone and that God does not share them with humans. In that sense, while it sounds as if Job is praising God, at the same time, Job is also complaining somewhat about God. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “God has so much knowledge and power that no human can resist him; God does not explain to anyone how he understands a situation or what he is going to do about it”
Job 12:14
he breaks down, and it is not rebuilt; he closes upon a man, and it is not opened
Quote: יַ֭הֲרוֹס וְלֹ֣א יִבָּנֶ֑ה יִסְגֹּ֥ר עַל־אִ֝֗ישׁ וְלֹ֣א יִפָּתֵֽחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
In both of these instances, Job is using the word and to introduce what happens under the condition he is describing. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “if he breaks down, then it is not rebuilt; if he closes upon a man, then it is not opened”
and it is not rebuilt; … and it is not opened
Quote: וְלֹ֣א יִבָּנֶ֑ה & וְלֹ֣א יִפָּתֵֽחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and no one rebuilds … and no one opens”
he closes upon a man, and it is not opened
Quote: יִסְגֹּ֥ר עַל־אִ֝֗ישׁ וְלֹ֣א יִפָּתֵֽחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the expressions closes upon and opened refer to imprisonment and release. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he imprisons a man, and that man is not released” or “if he imprisons a man, then no one releases that man”
a man
Quote: אִ֝֗ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the term man is masculine, Job is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a man or woman” or “a person”
Job 12:15
Behold, he withholds the waters and they dry up, and he sends them out and they overthrow the land
Quote: הֵ֤ן יַעְצֹ֣ר בַּמַּ֣יִם וְיִבָ֑שׁוּ וִֽ֝ישַׁלְּחֵ֗ם וְיַ֖הַפְכוּ אָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
In both of these instances, Job is using the word and to introduce what happens under the condition he is describing. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “if he withholds the waters, then they dry up; if he sends them out, then they overthrow the land”
and they overthrow the land
Quote: וְיַ֖הַפְכוּ אָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if the waters would literally overthrow the land or turn it upside down. He means that the waters would completely cover the land so that there would be no land any more. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they completely flood the land”
Job 12:16
With him {are} strength and prudence
Quote: עִ֭מּוֹ עֹ֣ז וְתֽוּשִׁיָּ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of strength and prudence, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “God is strong and prudent”
the one straying and the one causing to stray
Quote: שֹׁגֵ֥ג וּמַשְׁגֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of people who are not living in the right way as if they were straying or going off the path that they should be walking on. He is speaking of people who persuade others to do wrong things as if they were causing them to stray. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those who do not live right and those who persuade others not to live right”
the one straying and the one causing to stray
Quote: שֹׁגֵ֥ג וּמַשְׁגֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that if someone is straying or doing wrong, that person cannot excuse his actions by saying that someone else persuaded him to do them. The person who chose to do wrong is accountable to God, and anyone who persuaded him to do those wrong is also accountable to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “those who do wrong and those who persuade them to do wrong are both accountable to God”
the one straying and the one causing to stray
Quote: שֹׁגֵ֥ג וּמַשְׁגֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Job is using two complementary types of people to mean all people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “everyone is accountable to God for what they do and for what they persuade others to do”
Job 12:17
He is} the one leading counselors away naked
Quote: מוֹלִ֣יךְ יוֹעֲצִ֣ים שׁוֹלָ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun one refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God leads counselors away naked”
He is} the one leading counselors away naked
Quote: מוֹלִ֣יךְ יוֹעֲצִ֣ים שׁוֹלָ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
To lead someone away naked, as victorious armies did to prisoners of war at this time, was a symbolic action that demonstrated that the conqueror had deprived the captive of his former status in his culture. In the case of a royal counselor, his power and authority were previously represented by his robe of office. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “God takes away from counselors the robes that represent the authority and power of their office”
He is} the one leading counselors away naked
Quote: מוֹלִ֣יךְ יוֹעֲצִ֣ים שׁוֹלָ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God literally leads counselors away naked. He means that God’s wisdom is so great that it discredits the wisdom of even the wisest humans, as if to put them out of office. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God’s wisdom is so great that it discredits the wisdom of even the wisest humans”
and judges he makes foolish
Quote: וְֽשֹׁפְטִ֥ים יְהוֹלֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is probably that God makes judges seem foolish by being so much wiser than they are, not that God affects the minds of judges so that they can no longer think intelligently. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and God makes judges seem foolish by being so much wiser than they are”
Job 12:18
He removes the bond of kings
Quote: מוּסַ֣ר מְלָכִ֣ים פִּתֵּ֑חַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean implicitly: (1) that kings might put a bond (that is, shackles) on someone to make him a prisoner, but God can set that person free. Alternate translation: “A king may imprison someone, but God can set that person free” (2) that kings may be wearing some symbol of royal authority as a bond (that is, as something bound around their bodies), such as a sash or chain, but God takes away their authority and removes this symbol of it. This meaning would be similar to what Job said in the previous verse about God removing counselors’ robes of authority. Alternate translation: “God strips kings of their royal sashes” or “God removes the chains of royal authority that kings are wearing”
He removes the bond of kings
Quote: מוּסַ֣ר מְלָכִ֣ים פִּתֵּ֑חַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Whether this refers to God removing shackles from people whom kings have imprisoned or God removing symbols of royal authority that kinds are wearing, it is a symbolic action that demonstrates that God is taking away kings’ authority. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “He takes away kings’ authority”
and he wraps a cloth around their loins
Quote: וַיֶּאְסֹ֥ר אֵ֝ז֗וֹר בְּמָתְנֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
To wrap a cloth around someone’s loins is to make them dress as a slave would. This is a symbolic action that shows that the person has become a slave. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “and he turns them into slaves”
Job 12:19
the one leading priests away naked
Quote: מוֹלִ֣יךְ כֹּהֲנִ֣ים שׁוֹלָ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
See how you translated the similar expression in 12:17.. Alternate translation: “God takes away from priests the robes that represent the authority and power of their office”
and the incumbent ones
Quote: וְאֵֽתָנִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective incumbent as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. The term is plural; the ULT shows this by adding the word one. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “and people who are long established in their positions”
Job 12:20
the one removing the lip {that is} to the ones being trusted
Quote: מֵסִ֣יר שָׂ֭פָה לְנֶאֱמָנִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term lip by association to mean speech. He is using speech, in turn, to mean what these trusted people say, that is, the advice that they give. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God discredits the advice of the ones being trusted”
the one removing the lip {that is} to the ones being trusted
Quote: מֵסִ֣יר שָׂ֭פָה לְנֶאֱמָנִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God discredits the advice of the people in whom kings trust”
Job 12:21
the one pouring contempt on princes
Quote: שׁוֹפֵ֣ךְ בּ֭וּז עַל־נְדִיבִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
For emphasis, Job is speaking as if contempt were a liquid that God could literally pour on princes. He means that God makes these princes lose the respect of others and experience complete contempt from them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in another way. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God completely disgraces princes”
and the belt of the mighty ones he loosens
Quote: וּמְזִ֖יחַ אֲפִיקִ֣ים רִפָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God literally loosens the belt of mighty ones, that is, as if these mighty people tie up their robes so that they can do strenuous things but God loosens their robes again so that they can not. Job means that God is so strong that when he acts, even the strongest people are shown to be weak by comparison. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and God is so strong that when he acts, even the strongest people are shown to be weak by comparison”
the mighty ones
Quote: אֲפִיקִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective mighty as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. The term is plural; the ULT shows this by adding the word one. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are mighty”
Job 12:22
the one revealing deep things out of darkness, and he brings dark shadow into the light
Quote: מְגַלֶּ֣ה עֲ֭מֻקוֹת מִנִּי־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ וַיֹּצֵ֖א לָא֣וֹר צַלְמָֽוֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God were literally bringing things that were shrouded in darkness into the light where they could be seen. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God reveals deep things that are obscure to humans, yes, he helps people understand things that are unclear”
the one revealing deep things out of darkness
Quote: מְגַלֶּ֣ה עֲ֭מֻקוֹת מִנִּי־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if things that are difficult to understand are literally deep, that is, far underground where people cannot see them or reach them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one revealing the truth about things that are difficult to understand”
deep things
Quote: עֲ֭מֻקוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective deep as a noun to mean a certain kind of thing. The term is plural; the ULT shows this by adding the word things. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “things that are profound”
Job 12:24
a heart
Quote: לֵ֭ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the heart figuratively represents the thoughts. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “understanding”
and he causes them to wander in a wasteland {with} no path
Quote: וַ֝יַּתְעֵ֗ם בְּתֹ֣הוּ לֹא־דָֽרֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God literally makes leaders wander in a wasteland. He means that text. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he makes them confused so that they do not know the right thing to do”
Job 12:25
They grope in darkness and not in light
Quote: יְמַֽשְׁשׁוּ־חֹ֥שֶׁךְ וְלֹא־א֑וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if these leaders whose understanding God takes away literally grope in darkness, as if there were no light by which they could see where to go. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They are not able to understand what they should do”
he makes them wander like a drunkard
Quote: וַ֝יַּתְעֵ֗ם כַּשִּׁכּֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as a drunkard will wander in various directions without knowing where he is going, so these leaders will do one thing after another without being able to make a definite correct plan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and he makes them act aimlessly, just as a drunkard wanders aimlessly”
Job 13
Job 13 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter is a continuation of Job’s response to Zophar’s first speech. - Verses 1–19: Job complains to his friends that they have been speaking about him unfairly - Verses 20–28: Job begins to plead his case to God. He asks God to stop punishing him and to reveal any sins that are causing God to punish him with such great suffering.
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is poetry.
Translation issues in this chapter
singular and plural “you”
The words “you” and “your” and the implied “you” in imperative verbs are all plural in verses 1–19 because in those verses Job is addressing his three friends. These forms are singular in verses 20–28 because Job is addressing God. If your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you,” use the appropriate forms in these different parts of the chapter.
“lift his face” (verse 8), “hide your face” (verse 24)
These expressions reflect a cultural practice. In this culture, the subject of a king would look humbly down at the ground when he came into the king’s presence. If the king were pleased with him, the king would “lift his face,” that is, get him to look up (for example, with a finger under his chin, or with a verbal command) to indicate that he could look at the king directly. In this way the king would be showing that he favored this subject. A reference to lifting someone’s face came to mean showing favoritism towards that person. That is the meaning in verse 8, where Job says that his friends are not considering his case fairly but instead showing partiality towards God. Similarly, if someone “hid his face” from someone (that is, turned his face away so that he was not looking at the person), that would be a sign that he was not pleased with the person. The expression “hide the face” came to mean “show disfavor,” even if someone was not literally looking away from someone else. That is what Job means in verse 24 when he asks God, “Why do you hide your face?” Notes to these verses suggest ways of translating these expressions.
Job 13:1
my eye has seen all; my ear has heard and understood it
Quote: כֹּ֭ל רָאֲתָ֣ה עֵינִ֑י שָֽׁמְעָ֥ה אָ֝זְנִ֗י וַתָּ֥בֶן לָֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his eye, to mean all of him in the act of seeing, and another part of himself, his ear, to mean all of him in the act of hearing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I myself have seen all, yes, I myself have heard and understood it”
all
Quote: כֹּ֭ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is using the word all to mean everything that his friends have told him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “all that the three of you have told me”
Job 13:2
As you … know. … below you
Quote: כְּֽ֭דַעְתְּכֶם & מִכֶּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The word you is plural here and through verse 13 because Job is addressing his three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
I … I
Quote: אָ֑נִי & אָנֹכִ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb know. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. Alternate translation: “I myself also know”
I {am} not falling below you
Quote: לֹא־נֹפֵ֖ל אָנֹכִ֣י מִכֶּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated the similar expression in 12:3. Alternate translation: “I do not fall short of you” or “I am not inferior to you”
Job 13:3
I will speak with Shaddai
Quote: אֲ֭נִי אֶל־שַׁדַּ֣י אֲדַבֵּ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative
Job is using this future statement to express a wish. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that in your translation. Alternate translation: “I wish to speak with Shaddai” or “I would rather speak with Shaddai”
Job 13:4
you {are} plasterers of a lie
Quote: אַתֶּ֥ם טֹֽפְלֵי־שָׁ֑קֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his friends were literally plastering him with a lie, that is, coating him with untruth as if they were plastering a surface with it. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “you are smearing me with lies”
all of you {are} healers of no value
Quote: רֹפְאֵ֖י אֱלִ֣ל כֻּלְּכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his friends were literally doctors or healers who were trying to cure him of a disease but were failing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “none of you have helped me at all by what you have said”
Job 13:5
Who will give {that} being silent you will be silent
Quote: מִֽי־יִ֭תֵּן הַחֲרֵ֣שׁ תַּחֲרִישׁ֑וּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated the expression Who will give in 11:5–6. Alternate translation: “I wish that being silent you would be silent!”
being silent you will be silent
Quote: הַחֲרֵ֣שׁ תַּחֲרִישׁ֑וּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication
Job is repeating a verb that means to be silent in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “you would be completely silent”
And it will be to you for wisdom
Quote: וּתְהִ֖י לָכֶ֣ם לְחָכְמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wisdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “That would be the wisest thing you could do”
Job 13:6
and heed the pleadings of my lips
Quote: וְרִב֖וֹת שְׂפָתַ֣י הַקְשִֽׁיבוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his lips, to mean all of him in the act of speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and heed the things I am saying as I plead my case”
Job 13:7
Will you speak unrighteously for God, and will you talk deceitfully for him
Quote: הַ֭לְאֵל תְּדַבְּר֣וּ עַוְלָ֑ה וְ֝ל֗וֹ תְּֽדַבְּר֥וּ רְמִיָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You have been speaking unrighteously for God! You have been talking deceitfully for him!”
Job 13:8
Will you lift his face? Or will you plead for God
Quote: הֲפָנָ֥יו תִּשָּׂא֑וּן אִם־לָאֵ֥ל תְּרִיבֽוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You have been lifting his face! You have been pleading for God!”
Will you lift his face
Quote: הֲפָנָ֥יו תִּשָּׂא֑וּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the expression lift his face means to show favor or favoritism towards someone. Alternate translation: “Will you show him favoritism” or “You are showing him favoritism”
will you plead for God
Quote: לָאֵ֥ל תְּרִיבֽוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is using the word plead to mean argue a court case. He is suggesting that his friends are not counseling him impartially but rather taking God’s side against him even though, as he sees it, he has a valid case against God. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “will you take God’s side against me” or “you are taking God’s side against me”
Job 13:9
Is it} good that he will examine you? Or will you deceive him as deceiving a man
Quote: הֲ֭טוֹב כִּֽי־יַחְקֹ֣ר אֶתְכֶ֑ם אִם־כְּהָתֵ֥ל בֶּ֝אֱנ֗וֹשׁ תְּהָתֵ֥לּוּ בֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “It is not good that he will examine you! You will not deceive him as you might deceive a man”
Is it} good that he will examine you
Quote: הֲ֭טוֹב כִּֽי־יַחְקֹ֣ר אֶתְכֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that it would not be good for his friends if God were to examine them because God would discover that they had not been telling the truth about him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “If God were to examine you, he would discover that you have not been telling the truth about him, and that would not be good for you”
a man
Quote: בֶּ֝אֱנ֗וֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the term man is masculine, Job is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a man or a woman” or “a human”
Job 13:10
Reproving he would reprove you if in secret you were lifting faces
Quote: הוֹכֵ֣חַ יוֹכִ֣יחַ אֶתְכֶ֑ם אִם־בַּ֝סֵּ֗תֶר פָּנִ֥ים תִּשָּׂאֽוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “If in secret you were lifting faces, reproving he would reprove you”
Reproving he would reprove
Quote: הוֹכֵ֣חַ יוֹכִ֣יחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication
Job is repeating the verb reprove in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “He would certainly reprove you”
you were lifting faces
Quote: פָּנִ֥ים תִּשָּׂאֽוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated the similar expression in 13:8. Alternate translation: “you were showing favoritism”
Job 13:11
and the dread of him fall on you
Quote: וּ֝פַחְדּ֗וֹ יִפֹּ֥ל עֲלֵיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “His majesty would certainly terrify you and the dread of him would certainly fall on you!”
and the dread of him fall on you
Quote: וּ֝פַחְדּ֗וֹ יִפֹּ֥ל עֲלֵיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of dread as if it were a living thing that could actively fall on his friends, either in the sense of overwhelming them or of assailing them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and would you not become extremely afraid of him” or “and you would become extremely afraid of him”
Job 13:12
Your maxims {are} proverbs of ashes
Quote: זִֽ֭כְרֹנֵיכֶם מִשְׁלֵי־אֵ֑פֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if the maxims that his friends have been quoting were literally made of ashes. Since, in this culture, garbage was burned into ashes, Job likely means that these maxims are worthless, at least as applied to his situation. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The memorable proverbs you have been quoting are worthless to me”
your defenses are defenses of clay
Quote: לְגַבֵּי־חֹ֝֗מֶר גַּבֵּיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his friends’ defenses of God were literally made of clay. He likely means that, like clay, they are fragile and would shatter if struck. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “your defenses would crumble if anyone challenged you”
Job 13:13
and let come upon me what {will
Quote: וְיַעֲבֹ֖ר עָלַ֣י מָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if something might literally come upon him when he spoke. He means that something might happen to him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I will accept the consequences, whatever they may be”
Job 13:14
Why do I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hands
Quote: עַל־מָ֤ה ׀ אֶשָּׂ֣א בְשָׂרִ֣י בְשִׁנָּ֑י וְ֝נַפְשִׁ֗י אָשִׂ֥ים בְּכַפִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is posing to his friends a question whose answer he already knows. He is doing this to introduce the answer. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Let me tell you why I am taking my flesh in my teeth, yes, putting my life in my hands”
Why do I take my flesh in my teeth
Quote: עַל־מָ֤ה ׀ אֶשָּׂ֣א בְשָׂרִ֣י בְשִׁנָּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he were literally taking (that is, carrying) his own flesh in his teeth. The image seems to be that of an animal carrying in its mouth prey that it has caught and killed. Until the animal is able to bring the prey safely into its den, the prey is vulnerable and there is a risk that another animal will come and take it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Why am I putting my flesh at risk”
Why do I take my flesh in my teeth
Quote: עַל־מָ֤ה ׀ אֶשָּׂ֣א בְשָׂרִ֣י בְשִׁנָּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his flesh, to mean all of himself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Why am I putting myself at risk” or “I will tell you why I am putting myself at risk”
and put my life in my hands
Quote: וְ֝נַפְשִׁ֗י אָשִׂ֥ים בְּכַפִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he is literally holding his life in his hands, where once again it would be vulnerable, as in the preceding image in this verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “indeed, jeopardize my life” or, as a statement, “indeed, jeopardizing my life”
Job 13:15
he kills me, I will hope in him
Quote: יִ֭קְטְלֵנִי ל֣וֹ אֲיַחֵ֑ל\n (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/ grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical
Job is using the statement form to describe a conditional relationship, that is, to say what he would do if God did a specific thing. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “even if he kills me, I will still hope in him”
my ways
Quote: דְּ֝רָכַ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of how he has been living as if he had been walking along certain ways or paths. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my conduct”
to his face
Quote: אֶל־פָּנָ֥יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word face represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “in his presence”
Job 13:16
Even this {will be} for salvation to me
Quote: גַּם־הוּא־לִ֥י לִֽישׁוּעָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of salvation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “This is what will actually save me”
the godless
Quote: חָנֵ֥ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective godless as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “a godless person”
to his face
Quote: לְ֝פָנָ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word face represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “into his presence”
Job 13:17
Hearing, hear
Quote: שִׁמְע֣וּ שָׁ֭מוֹעַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication
Job is repeating the verb hear in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “Make sure that you hear”
and {may} my declaration {be
Quote: וְ֝אַֽחֲוָתִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term word to mean what he is about to say to God in his own defense by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and may what I am about to say”
and {may} my declaration {be} in your ears
Quote: וְ֝אַֽחֲוָתִ֗י בְּאָזְנֵיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term ears by association to mean hearing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yes, listen carefully to my declaration”
Job 13:18
I am righteous
Quote: אֲנִ֥י אֶצְדָּֽק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb am righteous. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. Alternate translation: “I am certainly righteous” or “I am certainly innocent”
Job 13:19
Who {is} he {who} will contend with me
Quote: מִי־ה֭וּא יָרִ֣יב עִמָּדִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I do not believe that anyone could contend successfully with me”
For
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Job is using the word For to describe what would happen under the condition he has just described. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “If someone does prove me wrong,”
and expire
Quote: וְאֶגְוָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
See how you translated the similar expression in 3:11. Alternate translation: “and pass away”
Job 13:20
Only two {things
Quote: אַךְ־שְׁ֭תַּיִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarks
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, at this point in his speech Job stops addressing his three friends and starts addressing God directly. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this by putting a closing quotation mark (or some other punctuation or convention that your language uses to indicate the end of a quotation) at the end of verse 19 and an opening quotation mark (or similar punctuation) at the beginning of this verse.
do not do … from your face
Quote: אַל־תַּ֣עַשׂ & מִ֝פָּנֶ֗יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the word your and the implied “you” in the imperative do are singular here because Job is starting to address God directly. He continues to speak to God for the rest of this chapter and in all of chapter 14. So use singular forms of second-person pronouns and imperatives in your translation from here to the end of chapter 14 if your language marks that distinction.
from your face
Quote: מִ֝פָּנֶ֗יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word face represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “from you presence”
Job 13:21
Withdraw your hand from upon me
Quote: כַּ֭פְּךָ מֵעָלַ֣י הַרְחַ֑ק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand represents the power of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Stop using your power to make me suffer”
and {with} your fear
Quote: וְ֝אֵ֥מָתְךָ֗ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term fear by association to mean something that causes a person to feel fear, the awesome presence of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and with your fearsome presence”
Job 13:23
How many iniquities and sins {are} to me? Make me know my transgression and my sin
Quote: כַּמָּ֣ה לִ֭י עֲוֺנ֣וֹת וְחַטָּא֑וֹת פִּֽשְׁעִ֥י וְ֝חַטָּאתִ֗י הֹדִיעֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
While the terms iniquities, sins, and transgression mean similar things, Job is not necessarily using the three terms together for emphasis. There is a slight distinction between the kinds of activities that these terms describe, and Job may be naming these different activities as specific examples of potential wrongdoing in order to represent all types of wrongdoing. To show this, in your translation you could use three different terms that your language may have for wrongdoing. Alternatively, you could express the general meaning. Alternate translation: “Please tell me what crimes or misdeeds or offenses I may have committed” or “Please tell me if I have done wrong in any way”
Job 13:24
Why do you hide your face
Quote: לָֽמָּה־פָנֶ֥יךָ תַסְתִּ֑יר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the expression hide your face means to show disfavor or hostility to someone. Alternate translation: “Why do you treat me with hostility”
Job 13:25
Will you terrify a driven leaf? Or will you pursue dry stubble
Quote: הֶעָלֶ֣ה נִדָּ֣ף תַּעֲר֑וֹץ וְאֶת־קַ֖שׁ יָבֵ֣שׁ תִּרְדֹּֽף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You do not need to terrify a driven leaf! You do not need to pursue dry stubble!”
Will you terrify a driven leaf? Or will you pursue dry stubble
Quote: הֶעָלֶ֣ה נִדָּ֣ף תַּעֲר֑וֹץ וְאֶת־קַ֖שׁ יָבֵ֣שׁ תִּרְדֹּֽף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he were literally a driven leaf and dry stubble. By comparing himself to those things, he is indicating that he is fragile and insignificant and that God does not need to oppose him powerfully. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You do not need to terrify someone who is as fragile as I am! You do not need to pursue someone who is as insignificant as I am!”
a driven leaf
Quote: הֶעָלֶ֣ה נִדָּ֣ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Job is referring to a leaf that is driven by the wind. Alternate translation: “a leaf that the wind is driving” or “a leaf that the wind is blowing about”
Job 13:26
you write bitter things against me
Quote: תִכְתֹּ֣ב עָלַ֣י מְרֹר֑וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God were literally writing down charges against him. In this culture, that was the way of formally filing legal charges against someone. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you charge me with bitter crimes”
you write bitter things against me
Quote: תִכְתֹּ֣ב עָלַ֣י מְרֹר֑וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if the things that God is holding against him were bitter or bad-tasting. He means that they are things that would make someone feel unpleasant, just as bitter food or drink does. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you charge me with horrible crimes”
and you make me inherit the iniquities of my youth
Quote: וְ֝תוֹרִישֵׁ֗נִי עֲוֺנ֥וֹת נְעוּרָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God is literally giving him an inheritance. He means that God is punishing him for the wrong things that he did in his youth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you punish me for the iniquities of my youth”
and you make me inherit the iniquities of my youth
Quote: וְ֝תוֹרִישֵׁ֗נִי עֲוֺנ֥וֹת נְעוּרָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is suggesting implicitly that God should not judge him strictly for things he did in his youth, since youths are immature and impulsive and they do wrong things without having the kind of self-control and knowledge that adults should have. The Bible expresses this same perspective in Psalm 25:7. You could indicate this implication in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you judge me strictly for the immature things I did as a youth, which is not fair”
Job 13:27
and you put my feet in shackles
Quote: וְתָ֘שֵׂ֤ם בַּסַּ֨ד ׀ רַגְלַ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God literally has put his feet in shackles. He means that God has restrained his actions severely by punishing him for the slightest infractions. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you restrain my actions severely by punishing me for the slightest infractions”
and you watch all my paths
Quote: וְתִשְׁמ֥וֹר כָּל־אָרְחוֹתָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his courses of action were literally paths that he was walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you watch everything I do”
you engrave around the soles of my feet
Quote: עַל־שָׁרְשֵׁ֥י רַ֝גְלַ֗י תִּתְחַקֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God were literally taking some action regarding his feet. Interpreters are unsure of the exact meaning of this image. Job could be speaking as if: (1) God had drawn lines in the ground to mark foot-shaped areas where Job would have to step. Alternate translation: “you only allow me to step in a few small places” or “you only permit me to do a limited number of things without being punished” (2) God had put some kind of mark on his feet so that he would leave a distinctive footprint that God could easily track. Alternate translation: “you closely watch all of my actions”
Job 13:28
and he decays
Quote: וְ֭הוּא & יִבְלֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Job is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “and I … decay”
and he decays
Quote: וְ֭הוּא & יִבְלֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Job is using the word and to introduce the result of the sufferings he is experiencing, which he considers to be punishments from God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “so that he decays” or “so that I decay”
Job 14
Job 14 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter is the conclusion of Job’s response to Zophar’s first speech. - Verses 1–12: Job says that God should not pay so much attention to humans, since they have short and troubled lives. - Verses 13–17: Job speculates about what it would be like if God could bring him back to life and be friendly towards him again. - Verses 18–22: Job concludes pessimistically that he will likely just die and be separated forever from human community.
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is poetry.
Special concepts in this chapter
Resurrection
Job lived at a time when people did not know for certain whether there would be a resurrection of the dead, so Job speculates about this in his speeches. Sometimes he is more hopeful about it, and at other times he is less hopeful about it. In your translation, reflect what he is feeling and saying. It is not necessary to adjust his words in order to make them a confident proclamation about the resurrection.
Translation issues in this chapter
singular and plural “you”
The words “you” and “your” and the implied “you” in imperative verbs are singular throughout this chapter because Job is addressing God. If your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you,” use the singular form in your translation.
“man” in a generic sense
In several places in this chapter, Job uses the word “man” in a generic sense that is inclusive of both men and women. It may be helpful in your translation to say “men and women” or to use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women, such as “people,” “mortals,” or “humans.”
Job 14:1
Man, born of woman: few of days and full of trouble
Quote: אָ֭דָם יְל֣וּד אִשָּׁ֑ה קְצַ֥ר יָ֝מִ֗ים וּֽשְׂבַֽע־רֹֽגֶז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. However, Job is being deliberately terse in order to describe the human condition as pitiful, so you may wish to translate this statement with fewer words than your language would ordinarly use. Alternate translation: “Man, who is born of woman, is few of days and full of trouble”
Man, born of woman
Quote: אָ֭דָם יְל֣וּד אִשָּׁ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Every child of a human mother”
Man, born of woman
Quote: אָ֭דָם יְל֣וּד אִשָּׁ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the phrase born of woman by association to mean that people are mortal. In other words, just as they are naturally born, they will naturally die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Mortal man”
Man, born of woman
Quote: אָ֭דָם יְל֣וּד אִשָּׁ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, although the term Man is masculine, Job is using the word here and throughout the chapter in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, in all such instances you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “Mortal humans”
few of days and full of trouble
Quote: קְצַ֥ר יָ֝מִ֗ים וּֽשְׂבַֽע־רֹֽגֶז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job does not mean that in general people live for only a few days. He is using the term days to mean time in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “His life is short, and it is full of trouble”
and full of trouble
Quote: וּֽשְׂבַֽע־רֹֽגֶז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of Man as if he were a container that trouble fills. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and continually troubled”
Job 14:2
Like a flower, he comes forth and withers, and like a shadow, he flees and does not stand
Quote: כְּצִ֣יץ יָ֭צָא וַיִּמָּ֑ל וַיִּבְרַ֥ח כַּ֝צֵּ֗ל וְלֹ֣א יַעֲמֽוֹד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean similar things. Job is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. Since Job is using two different images together, it may be helpful to connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is conveying the same idea as the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “He comes forth and withers like a flower, yes, he flees like a shadow and does not stand”
and like a shadow, he flees and does not stand
Quote: וַיִּבְרַ֥ח כַּ֝צֵּ֗ל וְלֹ֣א יַעֲמֽוֹד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the word stand means to stay in one place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he flees like a shadow, indeed, he does not remain”
Job 14:3
Even on such do you open your eye, and do you bring me into judgment with you
Quote: אַף־עַל־זֶ֭ה פָּקַ֣חְתָּ עֵינֶ֑ךָ וְאֹ֘תִ֤י תָבִ֖יא בְמִשְׁפָּ֣ט עִמָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. It may be helpful to make this two sentences. Alternate translation: “And yet on such you open your eye! You bring me into judgment with you!”
Even on such do you open your eye
Quote: אַף־עַל־זֶ֭ה פָּקַ֣חְתָּ עֵינֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the phrase open your eye by association to mean watching. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Must you really watch such creatures”
do you open your eye, … do you bring … with you
Quote: פָּקַ֣חְתָּ עֵינֶ֑ךָ & תָבִ֖יא & עִמָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the words you and your are singular here because Job is continuing to address God directly. So use the singular forms of those pronouns in your translation here and throughout this chapter if your language marks that distinction.
Job 14:4
Who will bring clean from unclean? Not one
Quote: מִֽי־יִתֵּ֣ן טָ֭הוֹר מִטָּמֵ֗א לֹ֣א אֶחָֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
For emphasis, Job is posing a question and then answering it himself. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No one can bring clean from unclean!”
Who will bring clean from unclean? Not one
Quote: מִֽי־יִתֵּ֣ן טָ֭הוֹר מִטָּמֵ֗א לֹ֣א אֶחָֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjectives clean and unclean as nouns, probably to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “Every person is unclean, so no person can bear and raise someone who is clean”
Who will bring clean from unclean? Not one
Quote: מִֽי־יִתֵּ֣ן טָ֭הוֹר מִטָּמֵ֗א לֹ֣א אֶחָֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if people who are sinful are literally unclean or dirty and as if people who are not sinful are literally clean. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Every person is sinful, so no person can bear and raise someone who is not sinful”
Job 14:5
his days are determined
Quote: חֲרוּצִ֨ים ׀ יָמָ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun his refers to a person in general, as in verse 2. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “a person’s days are determined”
his days are determined
Quote: חֲרוּצִ֨ים ׀ יָמָ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you have determined his days” or “you determine for how many days each person will live”
the number of his months {is} with you
Quote: מִֽסְפַּר־חֳדָשָׁ֥יו אִתָּ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression is with you describes something that the person being addressed has the power and authority to decide. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “is up to you” or “is something that you decide”
Job 14:6
look away from him, that he may desist
Quote: שְׁעֵ֣ה מֵעָלָ֣יו וְיֶחְדָּ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “so that he may desist, look away from him”
that he may desist
Quote: וְיֶחְדָּ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In the context of this speech by Job, the word desist implicitly means to stop being continually concerned that God is watching and will judge and punish the slightest infraction. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “that he may live without continually fearing your punishment”
until he fulfills his day like a hireling
Quote: עַד־יִ֝רְצֶ֗ה כְּשָׂכִ֥יר יוֹמֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that a hireling, that is, someone hired by the day for manual labor, has difficult work, but he knows that it is only for a short time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “until he finishes living his difficult but short life”
he fulfills his day
Quote: יִ֝רְצֶ֗ה & יוֹמֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if a human being’s brief life as if it were literally only a day. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he lives out his brief life”
Job 14:7
there is hope for a tree if it is cut down, that it will sprout again and its stalk will not cease
Quote: יֵ֥שׁ לָעֵ֗ץ תִּ֫קְוָ֥ה אִֽם־יִ֭כָּרֵת וְע֣וֹד יַחֲלִ֑יף וְ֝יֹֽנַקְתּ֗וֹ לֹ֣א תֶחְדָּֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hope, you could express the same idea in another way, such as with the verb “hope.” Alternate translation: “people may hope that if a tree is cut down, it will sprout again”
it is cut down
Quote: יִ֭כָּרֵת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone cuts it down”
Job 14:8
and its stump dies in the ground
Quote: וּ֝בֶעָפָ֗ר יָמ֥וּת גִּזְעֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that the stump of the tree he is using as an example begins to die. If the tree had died completely, it could not regenerate, as he describes in the next verse. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “its stump begins to die”
Job 14:9
from the scent of waters
Quote: מֵרֵ֣יחַ מַ֣יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the tree he is describing as if it could actually smell the scent of waters. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as soon as the ground becomes moist”
and make a branch
Quote: וְעָשָׂ֖ה קָצִ֣יר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific branch. He actually means that the stump of the tree will send forth many branches or shoots. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and send forth many shoots”
like a plant
Quote: כְּמוֹ־נָֽטַע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is referring implicitly to a young plant, which would grow rapidly. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “as young plants do” or “as if it were a young plant”
Job 14:10
But a man … a man
Quote: וְגֶ֣בֶר & אָדָ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
In this verse, the two instances of the word man translate two different words that have essentially the same meaning. Both words are masculine, but Job is using them in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use terms in your language that are clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “but a mortal … a human being”
and expires
Quote: וַיִּגְוַ֖ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
See how you translated the similar expression in 3:11. Alternate translation: “and passes away”
and where {is} he
Quote: וְאַיּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “and he is gone completely”
Job 14:11
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridgeThis verse is the beginning of a sentence that Job completes at the start of the next verse. The entire sentence draws a comparison. To show this, you could create a verse bridge for verses 11–12. Within it, this sentence might say something like this: “Just as waters disappear from a lake and a river dwindles and dries up, so a man lies down and does not arise.”
dwindles and dries up
Quote: יֶחֱרַ֥ב וְיָבֵֽשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms dwindles and dries up mean similar things. Job is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “steadily dries up”
Job 14:12
lies down and does not arise
Quote: שָׁכַ֗ב וְֽלֹא־יָ֫ק֥וּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Job is using the expression lies down as a mild way to refer to death, and he is using the expression arise to mean “come back to life.” Your language may have similar expressions that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “passes away and does not return to this life”
they will not awake and they will not be roused from their sleep
Quote: לֹ֣א יָקִ֑יצוּ וְלֹֽא־יֵ֝עֹ֗רוּ מִשְּׁנָתָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of people who are dead as if they were asleep. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will remain dead; they will not be brought back to life”
they will not awake and they will not be roused from their sleep
Quote: לֹ֣א יָקִ֑יצוּ וְלֹֽא־יֵ֝עֹ֗רוּ מִשְּׁנָתָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun their and both instances of the pronoun they refer to people who die. Up to this point in this speech, Job has been talking about people dying by referring to a “man.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use singular pronouns in this sentence for continuity. Alternate translation: “he will not awake, no, he will not be roused from his sleep”
and they will not be roused from their sleep
Quote: וְלֹֽא־יֵ֝עֹ֗רוּ מִשְּׁנָתָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and no one will rouse them from their sleep” or “and no one will rouse him from his sleep”
Job 14:13
Who will give {that} you will conceal me in Sheol, that} you will hide me until the turning of your nose, that} you will set a limit for me and remember me
Quote: מִ֤י יִתֵּ֨ן ׀ בִּשְׁא֬וֹל תַּצְפִּנֵ֗נִי תַּ֭סְתִּירֵנִי עַד־שׁ֣וּב אַפֶּ֑ךָ תָּ֤שִׁ֥ית לִ֖י חֹ֣ק וְתִזְכְּרֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated the expression Who will give in 11:5–6. Alternate translation: “I wish that you would conceal me in Sheol, {that} you would hide me until the turning of your nose, {that} you would set a limit for me and remember me!”
until the turning of your nose
Quote: עַד־שׁ֣וּב אַפֶּ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated the word nose in 9:5. Alternate translation: “until the turning of your anger”
until the turning of your nose
Quote: עַד־שׁ֣וּב אַפֶּ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God’s anger might literally turn and go in a different direction. Job actually means that God would stop being angry. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “until you stop being angry with me”
that} you will set a limit for me
Quote: תָּ֤שִׁ֥ית לִ֖י חֹ֣ק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean implicitly: (1) that God would set a limit on the time that Job had to spend in Sheol before God would remember him (see the explanation of the term “remember” in the next note). Alternate translation: “that you would decide how long I needed to spend in Sheol before you would remember me” (2) that God would choose a particular time sometime in the future when he would remember Job. Alternate translation: “that you would choose a particular time when you would remember me”
and remember me
Quote: וְתִזְכְּרֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using the expression remember in a particular sense. He is not suggesting that God would forget anything or that there are limits to God’s knowledge or memory. Rather, in contexts such as this, the word “remember” means to be aware that someone needs help and to help that person. (For example, Genesis 8:1 says that at the height of the Great Flood, “God remembered Noah and all the living things and all the livestock that were with him in the ark, and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided.”) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and help me”
Job 14:14
If a man dies, will he live
Quote: אִם־יָמ֥וּת גֶּ֗בֶר הֲיִ֫חְיֶ֥ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Even if a man dies, he might live again!”
All the days of my hardship
Quote: כָּל־יְמֵ֣י צְבָאִ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using the term days to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Throughout the time of my hardship”
All the days of my hardship
Quote: כָּל־יְמֵ֣י צְבָאִ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hardship, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Throughout the time when things are hard for me”
All the days of my hardship
Quote: כָּל־יְמֵ֣י צְבָאִ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Since Job said in 7:1 that a person experiences “hardship” on earth, in this phrase he is probably referring implicitly to life on earth. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “For as long as I live on this earth”
I will wait until the coming of my change
Quote: אֲיַחֵ֑ל עַד־בּ֝֗וֹא חֲלִיפָתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Since Job suggests at the beginning of this verse that people could live again after they die, and since he describes his present life on earth as hardship, the implication seems to be that by my change, he means his death, which presumably would lead to a better life. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I will wait patiently to die and then live a better life” or “I will hope expectantly that after I die I will live a better life”
Job 14:15
You would call, and I would answer you. You would desire the work of your hands
Quote: תִּ֭קְרָא וְאָנֹכִ֣י אֶֽעֱנֶ֑ךָּ לְֽמַעֲשֵׂ֖ה יָדֶ֣יךָ תִכְסֹֽף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
In this verse, Job is describing what would happen under the condition he described in the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, to indicate this you could add a connecting word at the start of this verse. You could also use the conditional tense rather than the future tense if that would be more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then you would call, and I would answer you. You would desire the work of your hands”
You would call, and I would answer you
Quote: תִּ֭קְרָא וְאָנֹכִ֣י אֶֽעֱנֶ֑ךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is using very similar words here to the ones that he used in 13:22 to challenge God to argue his case with him. But now he means that he and God would converse in a friendly way. To help your readers appreciate this use of language, it would be helpful to translate the terms here the same way you translated them in 13:22.
and I would answer you
Quote: וְאָנֹכִ֣י אֶֽעֱנֶ֑ךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb answer. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. Alternate translation: “and I will gladly answer you”
the work of your hands
Quote: לְֽמַעֲשֵׂ֖ה יָדֶ֣יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of God, his hands, to mean all of him in the act of creating Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the person whom you created”
Job 14:16
then you would number my steps; you would not watch over my sin
Quote: עַ֭תָּה צְעָדַ֣י תִּסְפּ֑וֹר לֹֽא־תִ֝שְׁמ֗וֹר עַל־חַטָּאתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God literally will literally number or count the steps he is taking. He is speaking of living as if it were walking along a path. Job is alluding to what he said in 13:27, that God was watching his paths and marking places where he had to step. Job could mean here: (1) that once God was no longer angry with him, God would caringly observe all that he did in order to make sure that he was all right, but God would no longer be looking to see whether he was doing wrong. Alternate translation: “then you would caringly observe all that I did, but you would no longer be looking to see whether I was doing wrong” (2) that God is currently restricting his activities, but once God was no longer angry with him, God would not watch him so closely. Alternate translation: “now you are restricting my activities to keep me from doing the slightest thing wrong, but then you would no longer watch me so closely”
you would not watch over my sin
Quote: לֹֽא־תִ֝שְׁמ֗וֹר עַל־חַטָּאתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using his sin to mean all of him in the act of sinning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will not watch over me to see whether I am doing wrong”
Job 14:17
My transgression {would be} sealed in a bag
Quote: חָתֻ֣ם בִּצְר֣וֹר פִּשְׁעִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You will seal my transgression in a bag”
My transgression {would be} sealed in a bag
Quote: חָתֻ֣ם בִּצְר֣וֹר פִּשְׁעִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God would literally seal his transgression in a bag. He means that God would forgive his transgression and no longer regard it, as if it were hidden from view and inaccessible. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You would completely forgive my transgression”
and you would plaster over my iniquity
Quote: וַ֝תִּטְפֹּ֗ל עַל־עֲוֺנִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God would literally plaster over his iniquity. Once again he means that God would forgive him and no longer regard his iniquity, as if it were hidden from view. Job is using the same terminology as in 13:4, where he said that his friends were plastering him with a lie. There he meant that while he was righteous, his friends were making it appear that he was sinful. Here he means that God would make him appear righteous because God would have forgiven all of his sin. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you would make me appear righteous”
Job 14:18
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridgeThis verse is the beginning of a sentence that Job completes in the next verse. The entire sentence draws a comparison. To show this, you could create a verse bridge for verses 18–19. It might say something like this: “However, just a falling mountain crumbles and a rock moves from its place, just as waters wear down stones and its flooding washes away the dust of the earth, so you destroy the hope of man”
However
Quote: וְ֭אוּלָם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
Job is using the word translated However to indicate a strong contrast between the possibility of renewed life and reconciliation with God after death, which he was discussing in verses 14–17, and what seems to him to be the actual human condition, which he will describe in the rest of this chapter. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But unfortunately” or “I wish that all of that could happen, but instead it seems that”
a falling mountain crumbles
Quote: הַר־נוֹפֵ֣ל יִבּ֑וֹל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if a mountain might literally be falling. He means that the mountain is becoming lower in elevation because it is eroding. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “an eroding mountain crumbles”
and a rock moves from its place
Quote: וְ֝צ֗וּר יֶעְתַּ֥ק מִמְּקֹמֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific rock. He means rocks in general. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and rocks move from their places”
and a rock moves from its place
Quote: וְ֝צ֗וּר יֶעְתַּ֥ק מִמְּקֹמֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The meaning of this phrase may be similar to the meaning of the phrases “his place will not know him again” in 7:10 and “one destroys it from its place” in 8:18. The emphasis may be not on the rock moving but on its no longer being in its place. Alternate translation: “yes, even large rocks disappear”
Job 14:19
its flooding
Quote: סְפִיחֶ֥יהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun its refers to the earth. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the flooding of the earth washes away its dust” or “when the earth floods, that washes away its dust”
Job 14:20
You forever overpower him
Quote: תִּתְקְפֵ֣הוּ לָ֭נֶצַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if each person were in a lifelong struggle with God and as if God were able to overpower or defeat each person throughout his life. Job likely means that people struggle to live, but God is able to enforce his decree that each person must ultimately die after living for a certain time. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You make people’s bodies wear out throughout their lives”
and he goes away
Quote: וַֽיַּהֲלֹ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Job is using the expression goes away to mean “dies.” This is a mild way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “and he passes away”
changing his face
Quote: מְשַׁנֶּ֥ה פָ֝נָ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression changing his face describes a person’s face becoming wrinkled as that person ages. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “making his face wrinkled”
changing his face
Quote: מְשַׁנֶּ֥ה פָ֝נָ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job may be using one part of the aging process, the changing of the face to become wrinkled, to mean the entire process. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “causing him to age”
you send him away
Quote: וַֽתְּשַׁלְּחֵֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is implicitly describing how God will send a person away from the community of living people to the abode of the dead. Job will describe this isolation in more detail in the next two verses. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you send him away from the community of living people to the abode of the dead”
Job 14:21
His sons
Quote: בָ֭נָיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the term sons is masculine, Job is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “His children”
Job 14:22
Only his flesh grieves for him, and {only} his soul mourns for him
Quote: אַךְ־בְּ֭שָׂרוֹ עָלָ֣יו יִכְאָ֑ב וְ֝נַפְשׁ֗וֹ עָלָ֥יו תֶּאֱבָֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using parts of a person, his flesh and his soul, to mean all of a person in the act of grieving and mourning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He alone grieves for himself, yes, he alone mourns for himself”
Job 15
Job 15 General Notes
Structure and formatting
In this chapter, Job’s friend Eliphaz speaks to him once again. This time he speaks more strongly than he spoke before. - Verses 1–10: Eliphaz argues that the insights of traditional wisdom are on his side. - Verses 11–16: Eliphaz argues that Job should not defiantly insist that he is righteous. - Verses 17–19: Eliphaz invites Job to consider the insights of traditional wisdom. - Verses 20–35: Eliphaz quotes the insights of traditional wisdom.
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is poetry.
Job 15:2
Will the wise answer {with} knowledge of wind and fill his belly {with} the east wind
Quote: הֶֽחָכָ֗ם יַעֲנֶ֥ה דַֽעַת־ר֑וּחַ וִֽימַלֵּ֖א קָדִ֣ים בִּטְנֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. This verse is the beginning of a question that continues into the next verse, but if you translate it as a statement or as an exclamation, it may be helpful to make it a separate sentence in your translation. Alternate translation: “A wise person does not answer with knowledge of wind or fill his belly with the east wind!”
Will the wise answer {with} knowledge of wind and fill his belly {with} the east wind
Quote: הֶֽחָכָ֗ם יַעֲנֶ֥ה דַֽעַת־ר֑וּחַ וִֽימַלֵּ֖א קָדִ֣ים בִּטְנֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Eliphaz is talking about Job in the third person, even though he is speaking to him directly. He is saying that Job himself must not be a wise person, since he has been talking in this way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “I can tell that you are not a wise person, because you have answered with knowledge of wind, yes, you have filled your belly with the east wind!”
Will the wise answer
Quote: הֶֽחָכָ֗ם יַעֲנֶ֥ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjective wise as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “Would a wise person answer”
with} knowledge of wind
Quote: דַֽעַת־ר֑וּחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if Job’s knowledge consisted literally of wind. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language, as the UST models. Eliphaz could mean: (1) that Job is talking a lot, making a loud sound, but not saying anything of substance, just as the wind blows loudly but is only air. Alternate translation: “with such bluster” (2) that what Job is saying is insubstantial, as if it were the air that the wind was blowing around. Alternate translation: “with such empty statements”
with} the east wind
Quote: קָדִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if Job has literally filled his belly with the east wind. In this location, the wind from the east brought hot air from the desert. Eliphaz is using this image to portray Job as taking deep breaths so that he can speak at length and then breathing out hot air as he speaks. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language, as the UST models. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “No, a wise man would not be so full of hot air”
Job 15:3
reasoning with a word {that} does not benefit and {with} words {that} do not have profit in them
Quote: הוֹכֵ֣חַ בְּ֭דָבָר לֹ֣א יִסְכּ֑וֹן וּ֝מִלִּ֗ים לֹא־יוֹעִ֥יל בָּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. This verse is the continuation of a question that began in the previous verse, but it may be helpful to make it a separate sentence in your translation. Alternate translation: “No, a wise person does not reason with a word that does not benefit or with words that do not have profit in them!”
reasoning with a word {that} does not benefit and {with} words {that} do not have profit in them
Quote: הוֹכֵ֣חַ בְּ֭דָבָר לֹ֣א יִסְכּ֑וֹן וּ֝מִלִּ֗ים לֹא־יוֹעִ֥יל בָּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the terms word and words to mean what Job has been saying by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “reasoning by saying things that do not benefit and by making statements that do not have profit in them”
Job 15:4
you destroy fear
Quote: אַ֭תָּה תָּפֵ֣ר יִרְאָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Eliphaz is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already present in the verb destroy. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. Alternate translation: “you are completely destroying fear”
fear
Quote: יִרְאָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By fear, Eliphaz implicitly means the fear of God, that is, reverent respect for God. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the fear of God” or “reverent respect for God”
devotion to the face of God
Quote: שִׂ֝יחָ֗ה לִפְנֵי־אֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word face represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Eliphaz is using the term to describe devotion that someone would offer to God as one person to another. Alternate translation: “personal devotion to God”
Job 15:5
your iniquity teaches your mouth
Quote: יְאַלֵּ֣ף עֲוֺנְךָ֣ פִ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Eliphaz is speaking as if Job’s iniquity were a living thing that was teaching his mouth what to say. He means that Job is saying wrong things about God in order to excuse his own sin. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are saying things to excuse your inquity”
and you choose the tongue of the crafty
Quote: וְ֝תִבְחַ֗ר לְשׁ֣וֹן עֲרוּמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the term tongue by association to mean speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are deliberately speaking as the crafty do” or “you know that you are speaking deceitfully”
the crafty
Quote: עֲרוּמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjective crafty as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “crafty people”
Job 15:6
Your mouth condemns you, and not I, and your lips testify against you
Quote: יַרְשִֽׁיעֲךָ֣ פִ֣יךָ וְלֹא־אָ֑נִי וּ֝שְׂפָתֶ֗יךָ יַעֲנוּ־בָֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Eliphaz is speaking of Job’s mouth and lips as if they were living things that could condemn and testify against him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It is clear from what you say that you are wrong; I do not need to prove that myself. Indeed, what you say provides evidence that you are wrong”
Job 15:7
Were you born the first man, and to the face of the hills were you formed
Quote: הֲרִאישׁ֣וֹן אָ֭דָם תִּוָּלֵ֑ד וְלִפְנֵ֖י גְבָע֣וֹת חוֹלָֽלְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You were not born the first man! No, you were not formed to the face of the hills!”
Were you born the first man, and to the face of the hills were you formed
Quote: הֲרִאישׁ֣וֹן אָ֭דָם תִּוָּלֵ֑ד וְלִפְנֵ֖י גְבָע֣וֹת חוֹלָֽלְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz is implicitly challenging Job not to consider himself wiser than everyone else because, after all, he is not older than everyone else. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “You should not think that you are wiser than everyone else, because you were not born the first man! No, you were not formed to the face of the hills!”
Were you born the first man, and to the face of the hills were you formed
Quote: הֲרִאישׁ֣וֹן אָ֭דָם תִּוָּלֵ֑ד וְלִפְנֵ֖י גְבָע֣וֹת חוֹלָֽלְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Eliphaz is overstating his point for emphasis as he challenges Job not to consider himself wiser than others. If a speaker of your language would not make this kind of overstatement, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: Alternate translation: “You should not think that you are wiser than everyone else, because you are not older than the other wise people in our community”
Were you born the first man
Quote: הֲרִאישׁ֣וֹן אָ֭דָם תִּוָּלֵ֑ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Are you the first person who ever lived”
the first man
Quote: הֲרִאישׁ֣וֹן אָ֭דָם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the term man is masculine, Eliphaz is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “the first human”
and to the face of the hills were you formed
Quote: וְלִפְנֵ֖י גְבָע֣וֹת חוֹלָֽלְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word face represents the presence of something by association with the way people can see the face of a person who is present. By asking whether Job was formed in the presence of the hills, Eliphaz is asking whether Job was formed at the same time as the hills, that is, long ago. Alternate translation: “and were you formed when the hills were formed”
and to the face of the hills were you formed
Quote: וְלִפְנֵ֖י גְבָע֣וֹת חוֹלָֽלְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and did God form you when he formed the hills”
the hills
Quote: גְבָע֣וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Eliphaz is using one part of the earth, its hills, to mean all of it as God created it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the earth”
Job 15:8
Do you hear the counsel of God? Do you limit wisdom to yourself
Quote: הַבְס֣וֹד אֱל֣וֹהַ תִּשְׁמָ֑ע וְתִגְרַ֖ע אֵלֶ֣יךָ חָכְמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You do not hear the counsel of God! You cannot limit wisdom to yourself!”
Job 15:9
What do you know and we do not know, do you understand and it {is} not with us
Quote: מַה־יָּ֭דַעְתָּ וְלֹ֣א נֵדָ֑ע תָּ֝בִ֗ין וְֽלֹא־עִמָּ֥נוּ הֽוּא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You do not know anything that we do not know! You do not understand anything that we do not understand!”
do you understand and it {is} not with us
Quote: תָּ֝בִ֗ין וְֽלֹא־עִמָּ֥נוּ הֽוּא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Eliphaz is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “What do you understand that we do not understand?”
and it {is} not with us
Quote: וְֽלֹא־עִמָּ֥נוּ הֽוּא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the expression with us indicates understanding. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that we do not understand”
Job 15:10
Both the gray-haired and the aged
Quote: גַּם־שָׂ֣ב גַּם־יָשִׁ֣ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms gray-haired and aged mean similar things. Eliphaz is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “The most senior”
Both the gray-haired and the aged
Quote: גַּם־שָׂ֣ב גַּם־יָשִׁ֣ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjectives gray-haired and aged as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “Both gray-haired people and aged people” or “The most senior people”
are} with us
Quote: בָּ֑נוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the expression with us indicates agreement. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “agree with us”
greater than your father {in} days
Quote: כַּבִּ֖יר מֵאָבִ֣יךָ יָמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the term days to refer by association to how long a person has lived. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “greater than your father in age” or “older than your father”
Job 15:11
Are} the consolations of God too small for you, or a word in gentleness to you
Quote: הַמְעַ֣ט מִ֭מְּךָ תַּנְחֻמ֣וֹת אֵ֑ל וְ֝דָבָ֗ר לָאַ֥ט עִמָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You seem to consider the consolations of God to be too small for you. You seem to feel the same way about a word spoken in gentleness to you”
Are} the consolations of God too small for you
Quote: הַמְעַ֣ט מִ֭מְּךָ תַּנְחֻמ֣וֹת אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if Job literally considered the consolations of God to be small in size. He means that Job does not appear to consider them significant. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do you consider the consolations of God to be insignificant” or “You seem to consider the consolations of God to be insignificant”
the consolations of God
Quote: תַּנְחֻמ֣וֹת אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of consolations, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Is what God is doing to comfort you”
or a word in gentleness to you
Quote: וְ֝דָבָ֗ר לָאַ֥ט עִמָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “or is a word in gentleness to you too small for you”
or a word in gentleness to you
Quote: וְ֝דָבָ֗ר לָאַ֥ט עִמָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the term word to mean what he and the other friends have been saying to Job by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or what we have been telling you in gentleness”
or a word in gentleness to you
Quote: וְ֝דָבָ֗ר לָאַ֥ט עִמָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of gentleness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “or what we have been telling you gently”
or a word in gentleness to you
Quote: וְ֝דָבָ֗ר לָאַ֥ט עִמָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It may not seem that Job’s friends have been speaking to him in gentleness. Eliphaz has just said that he is wicked and guilty, and the other friends have said similar things. Eliphaz could mean: (1) that he and the other friends have been trying to speak to Job as gently as they could. Alternate translation: “or words that your friends have been speaking to you as gently as they could” (2) that given Job’s apparent disregard for God’s consolations, he and the other friends have been too gentle with Job. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Perhaps we need to speak even more sternly to you!”
Job 15:12
Why does your heart carry you away and why do your eyes flash
Quote: מַה־יִּקָּחֲךָ֥ לִבֶּ֑ךָ וּֽמַה־יִּרְזְמ֥וּן עֵינֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. (This is the beginning of a sentence that Eliphaz completes in the next verse.) Alternate translation: “Your heart should not carry you away and your eyes should not flash”
Why does your heart carry you away
Quote: מַה־יִּקָּחֲךָ֥ לִבֶּ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Eliphaz is speaking of Job’s heart as if it were a living thing that could carry him away. He is using Job’s heart to represent his emotions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Why are you allowing yourself to become so emotional” or, as a statement, “You should not allow yourself to become so emotional”
and why do your eyes flash
Quote: וּֽמַה־יִּרְזְמ֥וּן עֵינֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is speaking of anger by association with the way that the eyes of a person who is angery will appear to flash or give off light. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and why are you so angry” or as a statement, “and you should not be so angry”
Job 15:13
that you turn your spirit against God
Quote: כִּֽי־תָשִׁ֣יב אֶל־אֵ֣ל רוּחֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Eliphaz is using one part of Job, his spirit, to mean all of him in the act of turning against God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that you turn yourself against God”
and bring out words from your mouth
Quote: וְהֹצֵ֖אתָ מִפִּ֣יךָ מִלִּֽין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the term words to mean what Job has been saying by using words and the term mouth to mean speaking. He is suggesting that the things Job has been saying are inappropriate. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and say such inappropriate things”
Job 15:14
What {is} man, that he should be clean, or that one born of a woman should be righteous
Quote: מָֽה־אֱנ֥וֹשׁ כִּֽי־יִזְכֶּ֑ה וְכִֽי־יִ֝צְדַּ֗ק יְל֣וּד אִשָּֽׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Man cannot be clean! No, one born of a woman cannot be righteous!”
man
Quote: אֱנ֥וֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the term man is masculine, Eliphaz is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a human being”
he should be clean
Quote: יִזְכֶּ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if people who are innocent of wrongdoing are literally clean. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he should be innocent”
one born of a woman
Quote: יְל֣וּד אִשָּֽׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “someone to whom a woman has given birth”
one born of a woman
Quote: יְל֣וּד אִשָּֽׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is speaking of human mortality by association with the way that people are born physically and, by implication, will also die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a mortal”
Job 15:15
he does not trust
Quote: לֹ֣א יַאֲמִ֑ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun he refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God does not trust”
in his holy ones
Quote: בִּ֭קְדֹשָׁיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the expression holy ones to refer to the angels, by association with the way that angels are holy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in his angels”
and the heavens are not clean
Quote: וְ֝שָׁמַ֗יִם לֹא־זַכּ֥וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if things that are pure are literally clean, that is, not physically dirty. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the heavens are not pure”
and the heavens are not clean
Quote: וְ֝שָׁמַ֗יִם לֹא־זַכּ֥וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By the heavens, Eliphaz likely means the sky, which is a created object and therefore finite and incapable of perfection. It is unlikely that Eliphaz is referring to heaven, the abode of God, and saying that it is not clean, meaning “pure.” You could clarify this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and not even the sky is pure”
in his eyes
Quote: בְעֵינָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the term eyes by association to mean sight. Sight, in turn, represents attention, perspective, and judgment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from his perspective”
Job 15:16
how much less the abominable and the corrupted
Quote: אַ֭ף כִּֽי־נִתְעָ֥ב וְֽנֶאֱלָ֑ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Eliphaz is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “how much less are the abominable and the corrupted clean in his eyes”
the abominable and the corrupted
Quote: נִתְעָ֥ב וְֽנֶאֱלָ֑ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjectives abominable and corrupted as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “abominable and corrupt people”
the abominable and the corrupted
Quote: נִתְעָ֥ב וְֽנֶאֱלָ֑ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms abominable and corrupted mean similar things. Eliphaz is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “humans, who are so very wicked”
and the corrupted
Quote: וְֽנֶאֱלָ֑ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and the corrupt”
a man drinking iniquity like water
Quote: אִישׁ־שֹׁתֶ֖ה כַמַּ֣יִם עַוְלָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz seems to be referring implicitly to Job when he speaks of a man drinking iniquity like water. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “such as a man like you who drinks iniquity like water”
a man drinking iniquity like water
Quote: אִישׁ־שֹׁתֶ֖ה כַמַּ֣יִם עַוְלָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if Job were literally drinking iniquity the way he would drink water. He means that Job eagerly and willingly does wrong things, the way thirsty people eagerly and willingly drink water. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a man who freely commits iniquity” or “such as a man like you who freely commits iniquity”
Job 15:18
what the wise have declared, and not hidden, from their fathers
Quote: אֲשֶׁר־חֲכָמִ֥ים יַגִּ֑ידוּ וְלֹ֥א כִֽ֝חֲד֗וּ מֵאֲבוֹתָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
Eliphaz is not suggesting that the wise might have hidden something from their fathers. He means that they have declared what they learned from their fathers and not hidden any of it from the people of their own generation. It may be helpful to move the information that the wise have not hidden what they learned to the end of the sentence. Alternate translation: “what the wise have declared from their fathers and not hidden”
the wise
Quote: חֲכָמִ֥ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjective wise as a noun to mean a certain group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “wise people”
from their fathers
Quote: מֵאֲבוֹתָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the term fathers is masculine, Eliphaz is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “from their ancestors”
Job 15:19
To them alone the land was given, and no stranger passed in their midst
Quote: לָהֶ֣ם לְ֭בַדָּם נִתְּנָ֣ה הָאָ֑רֶץ וְלֹא־עָ֖בַר זָ֣ר בְּתוֹכָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By them, Eliphaz means the “fathers” or ancestors whom he described in the previous verse, and by the land he probably means Edom and specifically his home city of Teman, which was renowned for its wisdom (see Jeremiah 49:7). By saying that only those ancestors lived there and no stranger passed among them, he means that their wisdom was not diluted by outside influences. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “My wise ancestors lived by themselves in Teman, where there were no outside influences to dilute their wisdom”
the land was given
Quote: נִתְּנָ֣ה הָאָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gave the land”
Job 15:20
All of the days of the wicked
Quote: כָּל־יְמֵ֣י רָ֭שָׁע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Eliphaz is using the term days to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “For the whole lifetime of the wicked”
the wicked
Quote: רָ֭שָׁע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjective wicked as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the wicked person”
is writhing
Quote: מִתְחוֹלֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz means implicitly that a wicked person will be writhing in pain because God will be punishing him for his sin. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “he is writhing in pain from God’s punishments”
and the number of years, they are reserved for the oppressor
Quote: וּמִסְפַּ֥ר שָׁ֝נִ֗ים נִצְפְּנ֥וּ לֶעָרִֽיץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Eliphaz is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and the number of years that he must suffer punishment for his own sins, they are reserved for the oppressor”
they are reserved
Quote: נִצְפְּנ֥וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God has reserved them”
Job 15:21
The sound of terrors {is} in his ears
Quote: קוֹל־פְּחָדִ֥ים בְּאָזְנָ֑יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the term ears by association to mean hearing, and by saying that the wicked person hears the sound of terrors, Eliphaz means by association that he experiences those terrors. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He experiences terrible things”
in prosperity
Quote: בַּ֝שָּׁל֗וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word translated prosperity can also mean “peace.” Eliphaz could be describing: (1) how wicked people may become prosperous for a time. Alternate translation: “though he may become prosperous,” (2) how wicked people may enjoy peace for a time. Alternate translation: “just when he is at peace,”
the destroyer comes upon him
Quote: שׁוֹדֵ֥ד יְבוֹאֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Eliphaz is describing how the wicked experience the destruction and loss of their property, and he is speaking of that destruction as if it were a living thing that comes upon the wicked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his property is suddenly destroyed” or “he suddenly loses his property”
Job 15:22
He does not believe to return from darkness
Quote: לֹא־יַאֲמִ֣ין שׁ֭וּב מִנִּי־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if this wicked person has literally gone to a place where there is darkness and that he does not believe he can return from there. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He does not believe that his troubles will ever end”
He does not believe to return from darkness
Quote: לֹא־יַאֲמִ֣ין שׁ֭וּב מִנִּי־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this with a positive expression. Alternate translation: “He believes that he will always have troubles”
and he is selected for the sword
Quote: וְצָפ֖וּי ה֣וּא אֱלֵי־חָֽרֶב\n \n\n (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is possible that this second part of the verse also describes what wicked people believe. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and he is afraid that he is selected for the sword”
and he is selected for the sword
Quote: וְצָפ֖וּי ה֣וּא אֱלֵי־חָֽרֶב\n \n (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and God has selected him for the sword” or “and God has determined that someone will kill him with a sword”
the sword
Quote: חָֽרֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using one kind of deadly weapon, the sword, by association to mean violent death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “violent death”
Job 15:23
He {is} wandering for bread—‘Where {is it
Quote: נֹ֘דֵ֤ד ה֣וּא לַלֶּ֣חֶם אַיֵּ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “He is wandering for bread, asking where it is” or “He is wandering for bread, wondering where he will find it”
for bread
Quote: לַלֶּ֣חֶם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Eliphaz is using one kind of food, bread, to mean food in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for food”
the day of darkness
Quote: יֽוֹם־חֹֽשֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Eliphaz is using the term day to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a time of darkness”
the day of darkness
Quote: יֽוֹם־חֹֽשֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if this wicked person knows that a time is coming when there will literally be darkness during the day. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a time of great trouble”
is} prepared at hand
Quote: נָכ֖וֹן בְּיָד֣וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that God has prepared for him is at hand”
is} prepared at hand
Quote: נָכ֖וֹן בְּיָד֣וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Eliphaz is using the expression at hand to mean “nearby,” and he means near in time rather than near in place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is prepared and just about to happen”
Job 15:24
Distress and anguish terrify him
Quote: יְֽ֭בַעֲתֻהוּ צַ֣ר וּמְצוּקָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Eliphaz is speaking of Distress and anguish as if they were living things that could terrify a wicked person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He is so afraid of what is going to happen to him that he continually feels distress and anguish”
Distress and anguish terrify him
Quote: יְֽ֭בַעֲתֻהוּ צַ֣ר וּמְצוּקָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms Distress and anguish mean similar things. Eliphaz is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Great distress terrifies him” or “He is so afraid of what is going to happen to him that he continually feels great distress”
it overpowers him
Quote: תִּ֝תְקְפֵ֗הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers to Distress and anguish. Eliphaz is speaking of these two similar things as if they were one thing. Your language may permit you to do that in your translation. Alternatively, it may be more natural in your language to use a plural pronoun. Alternate translation: “they overpower him”
Job 15:25
he has stretched out his hand against God
Quote: נָטָ֣ה אֶל־אֵ֣ל יָד֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression means to attack a person, the implication being that someone has stretched out a hand that is holding a sword or some other weapon to use against that person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he has fought against God”
Job 15:26
He rushes against him with the neck, with the thickness of the bosses of his shields
Quote: יָר֣וּץ אֵלָ֣יו בְּצַוָּ֑אר בַּ֝עֲבִ֗י גַּבֵּ֥י מָֽגִנָּֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if a wicked person would literally attack God in this way. He is actually making a comparison to describe the arrogant confidence with which a wicked person defies God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this as a comparison rather than as a literal statement. Alternate translation: “He opposes God as if he were a warrior arrogantly attacking God, confident that his thick shield would protect him”
He rushes against him
Quote: יָר֣וּץ אֵלָ֣יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun He refers to the wicked person, while the pronoun him refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “The wicked person rushes against God”
the neck, with
Quote: בְּצַוָּ֑אר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression refers to the attitude of someone who is holding his neck straight and his head high, displaying arrogant confidence with his posture. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “arrogantly”
with … the thickness of the bosses of his shields
Quote: בַּ֝עֲבִ֗י גַּבֵּ֥י מָֽגִנָּֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The word “boss” describes the outwardly rounded part of a shield. A warrior would face this part of the shield against an enemy, holding the shield by a handle inside the boss. If a shield had a thick boss, that would protect the warrior against blows from swords and spears, and it would also allow a warrior to use the shield to knock an opponent down and pin him to the ground. If your readers would not be familiar with what bosses of shields are, in your translation you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “confident that he can use his thick shield to protect himself and attack his opponent”
with … the thickness of
Quote: בַּ֝עֲבִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
Eliphaz speaks in this verse of the *thickness of the shield that the wicked person would use against God, but in the next verse he indicates that the wicked person is actually “fat” and so not in shape physically for combat. So while Eliphaz seems to suggest here that the wicked person is a formidable foe, he actually means the opposite of what he is saying, as the next verse reveals. To help your readers recognize this, if your language has a word that can mean both “thick” and “fat,” it would be appropriate to use that word here in your translation.
the bosses of his shields
Quote: גַּבֵּ֥י מָֽגִנָּֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
By using the plural forms bosses and shields, Eliphaz seems to be portraying the wicked person as if he were an army or as if he were commanding an army. It may be more natural in your language to use singular forms. Alternate translation: “the boss of his shield”
Job 15:27
though he has covered his face with his fat and made blubber on the flanks
Quote: כִּֽי־כִסָּ֣ה פָנָ֣יו בְּחֶלְבּ֑וֹ וַיַּ֖עַשׂ פִּימָ֣ה עֲלֵי־כָֽסֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Eliphaz is using two parts of the wicked person, his face and his flanks, to indicate that his whole body is obese. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he is very fat”
though he has covered his face with his fat and made blubber on the flanks
Quote: כִּֽי־כִסָּ֣ה פָנָ֣יו בְּחֶלְבּ֑וֹ וַיַּ֖עַשׂ פִּימָ֣ה עֲלֵי־כָֽסֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that the wicked person has a face that is fat and flanks that have blubber because he overeats and lives indolently. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “he is very fat because he eats too much and lives a lazy life”
Job 15:28
And he lives
Quote: וַיִּשְׁכּ֤וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Eliphaz is using the word And to describe what happens to the wicked after he unsuccessfully opposes God. In the previous verse, Eliphaz was describing the former prosperity of the wicked person. In this verse, he is describing what happens to the wicked person after he loses his prosperity. The implication may be that the wicked person needs to live in abandoned places not only because he is poor but also because he is an outcast, that is, because others have rejected him. Alternate translation: “Then he becomes poor and outcast, and so”
Job 15:29
and his wealth will not stand
Quote: וְלֹא־יָק֣וּם חֵיל֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated the term stand in 14:2. Alternate translation: “and his wealth will not remain”
and their possessions will not spread over the land
Quote: וְלֹֽא־יִטֶּ֖ה לָאָ֣רֶץ מִנְלָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated the similar expression in 1:10. Alternate translation: “and they will not have large herds of cattle” or “and he will not have large herds of cattle”
their possessions
Quote: מִנְלָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun their refers to wicked people. Since Eliphaz speaks of a wicked person in the singular in the first part of this verse, it may be more natural in your language to use the singular here as well. Alternate translation: “his possessions”
Job 15:30
He will not depart from darkness
Quote: לֹֽא־יָס֨וּר ׀ מִנִּי־חֹ֗שֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated the similar expression in 15:22. Alternate translation: “His troubles will never end”
a flame will dry up his stalks
Quote: יֹֽ֭נַקְתּוֹ תְּיַבֵּ֣שׁ שַׁלְהָ֑בֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if the wicked person were literally a plant or bush whose stalks a flame could dry up or burn up. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He will certainly perish”
and he will depart at the breath of his mouth
Quote: וְ֝יָס֗וּר בְּר֣וּחַ פִּֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if a hot wind that dried up plants were actually breath from God’s mouth. (The same image appears elsewhere in the Bible, for example, in Isaiah 40:7, “The grass withers, the flower wilts, for the breath of Yahweh blows on it.”) He means that text. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, God will destroy him”
his mouth
Quote: פִּֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun his refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God’s mouth”
and he will depart
Quote: וְ֝יָס֗וּר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Eliphaz is using the word depart to mean “die.” This is a mild way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “and he will pass away” or “and he will die”
Job 15:31
Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself
Quote: אַל־יַאֲמֵ֣ן בשו נִתְעָ֑ה\n\n (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of emptiness and recompense, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “Let him not trust in things that have no value… for in return he will receive things that have no value”
Job 15:32
When {it is} not his day
Quote: בְּֽלֹא־י֭וֹמוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz assumes that Job will understand that by his day, he means the day for the wicked to die. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “When it is not his day to die” or “Before the time would have come for him to die”
it will be fulfilled
Quote: תִּמָּלֵ֑א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “this will happen”
and his branch will not be green
Quote: וְ֝כִפָּת֗וֹ לֹ֣א רַעֲנָֽנָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is continuing the image from the previous verse of the wicked person being like a plant or bush. He is speaking of this plant or bush being alive by association with the way that its branches would be green inside if it were alive. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, he will die”
Job 15:33
He will shake off his unripe grapes like a grapevine, and he will cast off his blossoms like an olive tree
Quote: יַחְמֹ֣ס כַּגֶּ֣פֶן בִּסְר֑וֹ וְיַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ כַּ֝זַּ֗יִת נִצָּתֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of these comparisons is that the wicked person will not be able to succeed in his endeavors. They will all end in failure, just as a grapevine may not be able to nourish its grapes and so they will fall off while they are still unripe, and just as an olive tree might lose its blossoms due to cold weather in the spring and not bear any fruit that year. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “His endeavors will fail, as if he were a grapevine that lost its grapes because it could not nourish them or an olive tree that bore no fruit because it shed its blossoms due to cold weather in the spring”
He will shake off his unripe grapes like a grapevine, and he will cast off his blossoms like an olive tree
Quote: יַחְמֹ֣ס כַּגֶּ֣פֶן בִּסְר֑וֹ וְיַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ כַּ֝זַּ֗יִת נִצָּתֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Eliphaz speaks as if the grapevine itself would shake off its grapes and as if the olive tree itself would cast off its blossoms. He means that the grapes will drop from the vine and the blossoms will fall off the tree. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He will be like a grapevine whose grapes drop off and an olive tree whose blossoms fall off”
Job 15:34
the godless
Quote: חָנֵ֣ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjective godless as a noun to mean a certain group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “godless people”
is} barren
Quote: גַּלְמ֑וּד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) that godless people literally will have no children or that they will have no children who survive them. Alternate translation: “will have no children who survive them” (2) that godless people will produce nothing of enduring value, as if they had no descendants. Alternate translation: “will produce nothing of enduring value”
and fire devours the tents of bribery
Quote: וְ֝אֵ֗שׁ אָכְלָ֥ה אָֽהֳלֵי־שֹֽׁחַד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if fire would literally devour or eat up these tents. He means that fire would destroy them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and fire destroys the tents of bribery”
and fire devours the tents of bribery
Quote: וְ֝אֵ֗שׁ אָכְלָ֥ה אָֽהֳלֵי־שֹֽׁחַד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the term bribery by association to mean people who pay and demand bribes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and fire destroys the tents of people who engage in bribery”
and fire devours the tents of bribery
Quote: וְ֝אֵ֗שׁ אָכְלָ֥ה אָֽהֳלֵי־שֹֽׁחַד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if the tents in which people engaged in bribery live will literally burn up in a fire. He means that they will be destroyed by one means or another. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the tents of people who engage in bribery will be destroyed”
and fire devours the tents of bribery
Quote: וְ֝אֵ֗שׁ אָכְלָ֥ה אָֽהֳלֵי־שֹֽׁחַד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Eliphaz is using one possession of wicked people, the tents in which they live, to mean all of their possessions and their standing in the community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar expression in 8:22. Alternate translation: “and those who practice bribery will be without status or means”
Job 15:35
They conceive trouble and bear iniquity, and their womb fashions deceit
Quote: הָרֹ֣ה עָ֭מָל וְיָ֣לֹד אָ֑וֶן וּ֝בִטְנָ֗ם תָּכִ֥ין מִרְמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if wicked people were literally women who had trouble, iniquity, and deceit as their children. He means that wicked people produce these things in their lives. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They think of bad things to do and they do wicked things, yes, they intentionally deceive others”
Job 16
Job 16 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Job’s response to Eliphaz.
Special concepts in this chapter
Job’s response
Job expresses shock and disgust at the advice Eliphaz gives to him. He even mocks Eliphaz. He describes the difficulties of his circumstances but never curses Yahweh. (See: прокляття, проклинати, проклятий, що проклинає)
Advocate
Job describes the need for someone to intercede for him in heaven. This person would be his advocate and provide a witness for him. Although this is probably not intended as a prophecy, it closely parallels the way Jesus intercedes for people in heaven. (See: клопотати, клопотання, небеса, небо, Небесний and свідоцтво, свідчити, свідок and пророк, пророчиця, пророцтво, пророкувати)
Job 16:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are all miserable comforters (0)Alternate translation: “instead of comforting me, you all make me more miserable”
Job 16:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will useless words ever have an end? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this rhetorical question to express that he wishes that they would stop speaking useless words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “How I wish your useless words would end!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What is wrong with you that you answer like this? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this rhetorical question to rebuke Eliphaz. Here the word “you” is singular and refers to Eliphaz, who just finished speaking to Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Eliphaz, you should stop answering me like this!”
Job 16:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I could collect and join words together (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of thinking of useless things to say as if his words were random items that he collected and joined together. Alternate translation: “I could think of things to say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shake my head (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is an action that shows disapproval.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in mockery (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “mockery” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “to mock you”
Job 16:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the quivering of my lips will bring you relief! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The words “mouth” and “lips” are metonyms for the words or messages that a person speaks using his mouth and lips. Here Job is speaking sarcastically and means the opposite of what he says. Alternate translation: “My words would surely not be encouraging to you! They would surely not lighten your grief” or “By speaking to you as you spoke to me earlier, I would not encourage you or lighten your grief!” (See also: Ирония)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with my mouth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here Job’s “mouth” represents what he says. Alternate translation: “with what I say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the quivering of my lips (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is a metonym for the words or message that he speaks. Alternate translation: “my comforting words”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will bring you relief (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of grief as if it were a heavy physical burden. Alternate translation: “will lessen your grief” or “will help you feel less grief”
Job 16:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: grief (0)Job has experienced great loss of family and health that is unexplained and therefore causes him “great sorrow and emotional pain.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: how am I helped? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this rhetorical question to express that keeping quiet does not lessen his grief. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “it does not help me at all.”
Job 16:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But now, God, you (0)Job now turns his complaining to God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: made all my family desolate (0)Alternate translation: “destroyed all my family”
Job 16:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You have made me dry up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that Job’s body has shriveled and become wrinkled. Alternate translation: “You have made my body shrivel up”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: which itself is a witness against me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job describes the shriveling of his body as if it were an accuser against him. Alternate translation: “and people think that shows me to be a sinner”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the leanness of my body rises up against me, and it testifies against (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job describes the thinness of his body as if it were accuser against him. Alternate translation: “They see how thin my body is, and they think that proves that I am guilty”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: against my face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Job is referred to by his “face.” Alternate translation: “against me”
Job 16:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God has torn me in his wrath and persecuted me … as he tears me apart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of God causing Job pain as if God were a wild animal and Job were his prey that he was killing. Alternate translation: “Because God is very angry with me, it is as though he were a wild animal that tore my body apart with his teeth because he was my enemy”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my enemy (0)Job refers to God as his “enemy” as he describes how he has caused him great pain.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fastens his eyes on me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “glares at me”
Job 16:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: People have gaped with open mouth (0)To “gape” means to stare in amazement with open mouth.
Job 16:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hands me over to ungodly people, and throws me into the hands of wicked people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two lines mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize Job’s feeling of having been betrayed by God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hands me over to (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “puts me under the control of”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: throws me into the hands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here a person’s “hands” refer to his “control.” Alternate translation: “delivers me to the control”
Job 16:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and he broke me apart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of his pain and despair as if he himself were something that was broken into pieces. Alternate translation: “but then it felt as though he broke me apart”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dashed me to pieces (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of God causing him pain and despair as if he were something that God had taken and smashed into pieces. Alternate translation: “it is as though he has taken me by the neck and smashed me to pieces”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he has also set me up as his target (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of himself being the focus of God’s attacks as if God has set him up as a target to shoot arrows at. Alternate translation: “it is as though he set me up like a target”
Job 16:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His archers surround me all around (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of himself being the focus of God’s attacks as if God has set him up as a target and God had archers surrounding him to attack him. Alternate translation: “It is as though his archers have me surrounded”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God pierces my kidneys and does not spare me; he pours out my bile on the ground (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of the pain he is feeling by comparing it to God piercing his body with arrows. Here “God” represents the arrows that he shoots. Alternate translation: “It feels like God’s arrows have pierced my kidneys and my liver, spilling my bile on the ground. He does not spare me”
Job 16:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He smashes through my wall (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of the pain that he feels by comparing himself to a wall that God smashes through. Alternate translation: “I feel like a wall that God smashes through” or “I feel like a wall that God breaks through”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he runs upon me like a warrior (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job describes God as a soldier that attacks him. Alternate translation: “it is like he is a warrior who runs at me to attack me”
Job 16:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have sewn sackcloth on my skin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of wearing clothing made of sackcloth as if the cloth were attached to his body. People often wore sackcloth to express mourning or great grief. Alternate translation: “Because I am mourning, I have sewn together sackcloth to wear as my clothing” or “I wear clothing that I made from sackcloth, because I am mourning”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have thrust my horn into the ground (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job’s “horn” represents the power and authority he had before but now is no more. Alternate translation: “I sit here in the dirt, very depressed”
Job 16:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on my eyelids is the shadow of death (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Job’s eyes are represented by his “eyelids.” Job speaks of his eyes’ dark appearance as if his eyes looked like the eyes of a dead person. Alternate translation: “there are dark circles around my eyes” or “my eyes are dark, like the eyes of a dead person” (See also: Метафора)
Job 16:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there is no violence in my hands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Hands” refers to a person’s ability and activity. Alternate translation: “I have not acted violently”
Job 16:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Earth, do not cover up my blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
Jobs speaks to the “earth” directly even though it cannot hear him, to add strength to his statement. The earth is personified as purposefully covering up his blood after he dies. Alternate translation: “I wish my blood would not soak into the ground but that it would remain on top of the ground as proof of how I died” (See also: Олицетворение)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Earth, do not cover up my blood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job speaks of himself dying as if he would be murdered. Here his “blood” is a metonym referring to his death. Alternate translation: “Earth, when I die, do not hide how I died unfairly” or “Let it not be hidden how I died unfairly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let my cry have no resting place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job speaks of wanting everyone to know what happened to him as if his “cry” were a person that never stopped testifying to what happened to him and never rested. Alternate translation: “let everyone hear about what has happened to me”
Job 16:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: see (0)Job uses this word to draw attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “listen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: vouches for me (0)Alternate translation: “testifies that I am righteous”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on high (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in heaven” or “in heaven on high”
Job 16:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: scoff at (0)Alternate translation: “scorn” or “ridicule”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my eye pours out tears (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Job describes how strongly he feels his sorrow. Here he exaggerates how he often cries by saying that tears pour from his eyes. Alternate translation: “my eyes are full of tears while I cry out”
Job 16:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for this man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
“for me.” Here Job refers to himself in the third person.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as a man does with his neighbor! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
“as a man does for his neighbor.” Job describes how he wants that one in heaven to plead for him.
Job 16:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will go to a place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Job is referring to himself dying. Alternate translation: “I will die and go to a place”
Job 17
Job 17 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Job’s response to Eliphaz, but it is more directly addressed to Yahweh.
Special concepts in this chapter
Job’s grief
Job expresses grief or great sadness in this chapter. He awaits the justice and intercession of Yahweh as he awaits his own death. (See: прокляття, проклинати, проклятий, що проклинає and клопотати, клопотання)
Advocate
Job describes the need for someone to intercede for him in heaven. This person would be his advocate and provide a witness for him. Although this is probably not intended as a prophecy, it closely parallels the way Jesus intercedes for people in heaven. (See: небеса, небо, Небесний and свідоцтво, свідчити, свідок and пророк, пророчиця, пророцтво, пророкувати)
Job 17:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My spirit is consumed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job refers to himself by his “spirit” to emphasize his inner emotions. He speaks of not having any strength left as if he were something that has been used up. Alternate translation: “I am consumed” or “I have lost all of my strength” (See also: Метафора)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my days are over (0)Alternate translation: “my time is over” or “I am going to die soon”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the grave is ready for me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This phrase describes “the grave” as if it is a person who will receive Job as a guest. Alternate translation: “soon I will be dead and buried”
Job 17:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Surely there are mockers with me (0)Alternate translation: “Those who are around me are mocking me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Surely (0)Alternate translation: “Certainly” or “There is no doubt that”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my eye must always see (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job refers to himself by his “eyes” to emphasize what he sees. Alternate translation: “I must always see” or “I must always hear”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their provocation (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
“their insults.” The word “provocation” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “them provoking me” or “them, trying to make me angry”
Job 17:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Give now a pledge, be a guarantee for me with yourself (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job begins to speak to God. Here he speaks of his situation as if he were in prison. He is asking God to provide a pledge so that he may be released. Alternate translation: “God, give now a pledge so that I may be released from this prison” or “pay for my release from prison”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who else is there who will help me? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no one else to help him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “there is no one else who will help me.”
Job 17:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have kept their hearts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “their” refers to his friends. They are referred to by their “hearts” to emphasize their emotions. Alternate translation: “have kept them” or “have kept my friends”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you will not exalt them over me (0)Alternate translation: “you will not allow them to triumph over me”
Job 17:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He who (0)Alternate translation: “Anyone who”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: denounces his friends for a reward (0)Alternate translation: “falsely accuses his friends in order to get a profit” or “betrays his friends to receive a reward”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the eyes of his children will fail (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The person’s children are referred to here by their “eyes.” This phrase describes the children suffering because of what their father or mother did. Alternate translation: “his children will suffer for it” (See also: Предположение и имплицитная информация)
Job 17:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he has made me a byword of the people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that people speak of him in a mocking way and use his name as an insult. Alternate translation: “because of him, people use my name as an insult” or “because of them, people use my name as a byword”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they spit in my face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
“people spit in my face.” In this culture spitting on someone was a great insult. If spitting has a different meaning in your culture you can write this differently. Alternate translation: “people insult me greatly, by spitting in my face”
Job 17:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My eye is also dim because of sorrow (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job speaks of his vision as his “eyes.” Alternate translation: “My vision has become weak because I am so sad” or “I am almost blind because of my sorrow”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all my body parts are as thin as shadows (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Shadows have no thickness and are infinitely thin. That is an exaggeration of how thin Job’s body parts are. Alternate translation: “all my body parts are very thin” (See also: Гипербола и обобщение)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all my body parts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
This is a generalization used to emphasize that his whole body is thin, but refers specifically to his arms and legs. Alternate translation: “my arms and legs”
Job 17:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will be stunned (0)Alternate translation: “will be shocked” or “will be horrified”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by this (0)Alternate translation: “by what has happened to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will stir himself up against (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will be distressed because of” or “will be very angry with”
Job 17:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will keep to his way (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will continue to live in a righteous way”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he who has clean hands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of a person being innocent as having clean hands. Alternate translation: “he who does what is right” or “he who is innocent”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will grow stronger and stronger (0)This does not refer only to physical strength but also to the strength of a person’s will and emotions.
Job 17:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you all (0)Job is speaking to Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: come on now (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job invites his friends to debate what he has said. Alternate translation: “come on now, argue with me again”
Job 17:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My days are past (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “My time is past” or “My life is over”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my plans are shattered, and so are the desires of my heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here Job’s “heart” represents his inner being. Alternate translation: “my plans will never happen, nor will the things that I have desired most”
Job 17:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: These people, these mockers (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases refer to the same people, namely Job’s friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. The second phrase emphasizes their unfriendly attitude.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: change the night into day (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the people claiming that night is day as if they actually changed night into day. Alternate translation: “claim it is daytime when it is night” or “say the opposite of what is true, just as night is the opposite of day”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: light is near to darkness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that the mockers claim that it is light when it is close to dark. Alternate translation: “they claim that light is near to darkness” or “they claim that when it is becoming dark, that it is getting light”
Job 17:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If the only home … and if I have spread (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
The instances of “if” here have the meaning of “since”; Job is speaking as if all these things were true. “Since the only home … and since I have spread”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have spread my couch in the darkness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Job speaks of being prepared to die as having laid his bed in the darkness. Alternate translation: “have prepared myself to go and sleep among the dead”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have spread my couch (0)Alternate translation: “have made my bed”
Job 17:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if I have said (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
The word “if” here has the meaning of “since”; Job is speaking as if this were true. “since I have said”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have said to the pit … and to the worm (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two lines are a variation to each other and are used together to emphasize how desperate Job is.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pit (0)Alternate translation: “the grave”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are my father (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of the closeness he will soon have with his grave by comparing it to the closeness a man has with his father. Alternate translation: “You are as close to me as my father” or “When I am buried, you will be as close to me as a father”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the worm (0)“the maggot.” Worms are the small creatures that eat dead bodies.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You are my mother or my sister (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of the closeness he will soon have with the worms in his grave by comparing it to the closeness a man has with his mother and sisters. Alternate translation: “You are as close to me as my mother or my sister” or “You will be as close to me as a mother or sister”
Job 17:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: where then is my hope? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The implicit answer is “nowhere,” because he has no hope. This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “I have no hope.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As for my hope, who can see any? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that no one expects him to have any hope. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can see any hope for me.” or “No one expects me to have any more hope.”
Job 17:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will hope go down with me … dust? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The implicit answer is “no.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Hope will not go down with me … dust.” or “I will no longer hope when I go down … dust.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gates of Sheol (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Sheol does not really have gates, but it is a metaphor for Job entering Sheol. Alternate translation: “when I go into Sheol”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when we (0)“when I and the things that I hope for” or “when I and my hopes.” The word “we” refers to Job and his hope.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: descend to the dust (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “die and are buried” or “go to the grave”
Job 18
Job 18 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is the advice of Job’s friend, Bildad. His words in this chapter are much stronger than when he previously spoke, and he is even angry at Job.
Special concepts in this chapter
Bildad’s advice
Bildad tells Job to curse Yahweh. The advice Bildad gives to Job is bad advice. He tries to convince Job that he is sinning and has been punished by Yahweh. (See: прокляття, проклинати, проклятий, що проклинає and грішити, грішити, гріх, гріхи, грішник)
Job 18:1
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryGeneral Information:
Bildad the Shuhite is speaking to Job. (See also: Параллелизм)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said (0)“Bildad” is the name of a man who is a member of the tribe of Shuah. See how you translated this in Job 8:1.
Job 18:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When will you stop your talk? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question means that Job has been talking for too long. Alternate translation: “Stop talking!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Consider, and (0)Alternate translation: “Be reasonable, and” or “Think about these things, and”
Job 18:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why are we regarded as beasts, stupid in your sight? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Bildad uses this rhetorical questions to emphasize to Job that he should not consider his friends as animals who cannot think or speak. It can be written as a statement in active form. Alternate translation: “We should not be regarded as beasts, as stupid in your sight.” or “You should not regard us as beasts or think of us as stupid.” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why are we (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
The word “we” probably refers to Bildad and Job’s other friends and so is exclusive.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: regarded (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Regarding, looking, is a metonym here for thinking well or badly of someone.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in your sight (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “in your judgment” or “in your thinking”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your sight (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The word “your” here is plural. Bildad is using sarcasm to tell Job that Job should not think of himself as a great man. Alternate translation: “your sight, you who wrongly think you are great” (See also: Ирония)
Job 18:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You who tear at yourself in your anger (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here Bildad is stating that it is because of Job’s anger and disobedience that he has been injured, not because of God’s anger as Job has previously claimed. The word “tear” here means to “injure.” Alternate translation: “You who have caused your own injuries because of your anger”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: should the earth be forsaken for you or should the rocks be removed out of their places? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question suggests that letting Job, whom they consider a guilty man, go free would be like changing the whole world. Bildad uses these huge exaggerations here to emphasize how outrageous he thinks this is. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “asking God to let you, a guilty man, go free is as silly as asking for God to forsake the earth for your sake or for God to move the rocks out of their places to please you!” (See also: Гипербола и обобщение)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: should the earth be forsaken (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “should everyone leave the earth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: should the rocks be removed out of their places (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The word “rocks” here refers to large rocks, such as those in the mountains. Alternate translation: “should God remove the rocks from their places” or “should God move mountains around”
Job 18:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Indeed, the light of the wicked person will be put out; the spark of his fire will not shine (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad speaks of a wicked person dying as if his lamp were being blown out. Alternate translation: “What will happen is that the lives of wicked people like you end as quickly as we can put out a light or extinguish the flame of a fire”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will be put out (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will go out”
Job 18:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The light will be dark in his tent; his lamp above him will be put out (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad continues to speak of the wicked person dying. He speaks of the wicked man’s life as if it were the light in his tent. Alternate translation: It will be like the light in his tent has turned to darkness, like the lamp above him has gone out”
Job 18:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The steps of his strength will be made short (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the wicked person suddenly experiencing disaster as if he no longer had strength to walk. Alternate translation: “It will be like he no longer has the strength to walk”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his own plans will cast him down (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“his own advice makes him fall down.” This speaks of the wicked person undergoing disaster as if he fell down. Alternate translation: “his own plans will lead him into disaster”
Job 18:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For he will be thrown into a net by his own feet; he will walk into a pitfall (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“His own feet will lead him into a net.” Bildad uses this image to say that the way that a wicked person lives his life leads him to sudden disaster. Alternate translation: “It will be as though he led himself into a net, as if he walked right into a pitfall”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a net (0)cords or ropes that people weave together to create a mesh. People used nets to catch animals.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a pitfall (0)a pit that has branches and leaves over it so that an animal will walk onto the branches and leaves and fall into the pit
Job 18:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A trap will take him … a snare will (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
These four phrases speak of the wicked man experiencing disaster as if he were caught in a trap. Alternate translation: “It will be as though a trap will take him … a snare will”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A trap (0)People used this kind of trap to catch birds. The trap snapped shut and held on to the foot of the bird.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will take him by the heel (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the “heel” refers to the whole foot. Alternate translation: “will take hold of his foot”
Job 18:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A noose is … and a trap for him in the way (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
These four phrases speak of the wicked man experiencing disaster as if he were caught in a trap. Alternate translation: “It will be as though a noose is … and a trap for him in the way”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A noose is hidden for him on the ground (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Someone has hidden a noose on the ground in order to catch him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A noose (0)a rope with a loop that grabs hold of an animal’s leg when the animal steps in the middle of the loop
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a trap for him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The understood verbal phrase “is hidden” may be supplied. Alternate translation: “a trap is hidden on the path to catch him” or “someone will hide a trap to catch him in the way”
Job 18:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Terrors will make him afraid on every side (0)Alternate translation: “Terrors all around will make him afraid”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will chase him at his heels (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This speaks of the things that terrify the wicked person as if they were enemies who chased him. Alternate translation: “it will be as if the terrors will chase him all around”
Job 18:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His wealth will turn into hunger (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the wicked man becoming poor and hungry as if his wealth were something that turned into something else. Alternate translation: “Instead of being wealthy, he will become poor and hungry”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: calamity will be ready at his side (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “ready at his side” is an idiom that means that something is continually present. Alternate translation: “he will continually experience disaster” or “he will not be able to avoid calamity”
Job 18:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The parts of his body will be devoured (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Also, this speaks of a disease destroying his body as if it were an animal that had attacked him and was eating him. Alternate translation: “Disease will eat away at his skin” or “Disease will destroy his skin” (See also: Метафора)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the firstborn of death will devour his parts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here a disease that kills many people is referred to as “the firstborn of death.” This speaks of that disease destroying his body as if it were an animal that had attacked him and was eating him. Alternate translation: “a deadly disease will destroy the different parts of his body”
Job 18:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He is torn from the safety of his tent (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Disaster rips him out of his tent, where he is safe”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: marched off (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it marches him off” or “it forces him to go”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the king of terrors (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This is a reference to “King Death,” a pagan god who was believed to rule over death. Alternate translation: “the one who rules over the dead” or “the king of death”
Job 18:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: People not his own (0)Alternate translation: “People who are not his family”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: after they see that sulfur is scattered within his home (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
People used sulfur to get rid of any diseases from a dying person. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “after they spread sulfur all over his home”
Job 18:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His roots will be dried up … branch be cut off (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the wicked man dying and having no descendants as if he were a tree whose roots dried up and branches withered, producing no fruit. Alternate translation: “He will die and leave no descendants, he will be like a tree whose roots have dried up and whose branches have all withered”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will his branch be cut off (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “his branches will wither”
Job 18:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His memory will perish from the earth; he will have no name in the street (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases have the same meaning and are used together to emphasize the fact that nobody will remember him after he dies.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His memory will perish from the earth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the “memory” of the wicked man as if it were a person who died. Alternate translation: “No one on the earth will remember him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will have no name in the street (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “no one walking along the street will even remember his name”
Job 18:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will be driven from light into darkness … and be chased out of this world (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases together emphasize the fact that the wicked person will be sent to Sheol, the place of the dead.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will be driven from light into darkness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will drive the wicked person from light into darkness”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from light into darkness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “light” refers to life, and the word “darkness” refers to death. Alternate translation: “from the light of life to the darkness of death”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: be chased out of this world (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of God making him leave earth and go where dead people go as if he were chasing him. Alternate translation: “God will make him leave this world” or “God will send him to the place where dead people go”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: be chased out (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will chase him”
Job 18:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will have no son … nor any remaining kinfolk where he had stayed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Together these two phrases emphasize that he will have no family or descendants left.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: son’s son (0)Alternate translation: “grandson” or “grandchild”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: kinfolk (0)Alternate translation: “relatives”
Job 18:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Those who live in the west … those who live in the east will be frightened by it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
The phrases “in the west” and “in the east” are together a merism that refers to all people living everywhere. This is an exaggeration as not everyone on the earth will hear about what happened to a specific wicked person. Alternate translation: “Everyone in the whole world will be horrified and frightened when they see what happens to the wicked person” or “Many people who live in the east and in the west will be horrified and frightened when they see what happens to the wicked person” (See also: Гипербола и обобщение)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one day (0)Alternate translation: “someday”
Job 18:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the homes of unrighteous people, the places of those who do not know God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have the same meaning and refer to the same people. Here these people are referred to by the places where they live. Alternate translation: “unrighteous people, those who do not know God” (See also: Метонимия)
Job 19
Job 19 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Job’s response to Bildad.
Verses 25–27 are very important to this book. They show the great depth of Job’s faith in Yahweh after his most difficult time. (See: віра, вірність)
Job 19:1
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryGeneral Information:
(See also: Параллелизм)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job speaks to his three friends.
Job 19:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How long will you make me suffer and break me into pieces with words? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to complain about how his friends are treating him. Alternate translation: “Stop making me suffer and breaking me into pieces with words.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: break me into pieces with words (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job uses this image to say that their words make him feel very sad and hopeless. Alternate translation: “torment me with your words”
Job 19:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: These ten times you have reproached me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “These ten times” refers to the way that the friends have completely rebuked Job. Alternate translation: “You have completely reproached me” or “You have reproached me many times”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are not ashamed that you have treated me harshly (0)Job is rebuking them for this. This can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: “You should be ashamed that you have treated me so harshly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have treated me harshly (0)Alternate translation: “have despised me” or “have publicly ridiculed me”
Job 19:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have erred (0)Alternate translation: “have sinned by accident” or “mistakenly sinned”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my error remains my own concern (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job implies that his friends are not responsible for continuing to rebuke him since he is the one who made the error. Alternate translation: “my error is my own responsibility, so you should not continue to rebuke me” or “my error did not hurt you, so you should not continue to rebuke me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my error (0)Alternate translation: “my sin” or “my mistake”
Job 19:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If indeed you will exalt yourselves above me (0)Alternate translation: “If you think you are better than I am” or “Since you act as though you are better than I am”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: use my humiliation against me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
How his friends would do this can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “claim that my humiliation is proof against me” or “use my humiliation as evidence that I am guilty”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: use my humiliation against me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word humiliation, you can express the same idea with the verb “humiliate.” Alternate translation: “claim that what has happened to humiliate me proves that I am guilty”
Job 19:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has caught me in his net (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks as if God were a hunter that has trapped Job in his net. This metaphor represents God taking control of Job and Job’s feeling of helplessness. Alternate translation: “has trapped me” or “has taken control of me” or “has control of what happens to me, so that I am helpless”
Job 19:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See, I cry out (0)Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: I cry out”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Violence! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This is a cry for help. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Violence! Help!” or “Help! I am being attacked!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I call out for help (0)Alternate translation: “I shout for help” or “I cry for help”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but there is no justice (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you can express the same idea with a phrase that makes the meaning clear. Alternate translation: “but no one protects me from those who do me wrong” (See also: Предположение и имплицитная информация)
Job 19:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He has walled up … darkness in my path (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job uses these images to describe how God has made him feel helpless and hopeless.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He has walled up my way so that I cannot pass (0)Alternate translation: “God has put a wall on the road that I am walking on” or “He has blocked the way so I cannot keep going”
Job 19:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He has stripped … the crown from my head (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job uses these images to say that God has taken his good reputation, wealth, and dignity away from him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He has stripped me of my glory (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of his glory as if it were a robe that God has taken away. Alternate translation: “He has taken away my glory”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he has taken the crown from my head (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The crown refers to Job’s dignity or honor. Alternate translation: “he has taken away my dignity and honor” or “it is as though he has taken my crown off my head”
Job 19:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He has broken me down on every side (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of God ruining him as if Job were building that God is smashing down. Alternate translation: “He has ruined me in every way” or “He has attacked me in every way”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am gone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The metaphor “being gone” represents being completely destroyed. Alternate translation: “I am completely destroyed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he has pulled up my hope like a tree (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Job speaks of God causing Job not to have hope as if Job’s hope were a tree that God has pulled with its roots out of the ground. Alternate translation: “he has completely taken away all my hope” or “because of what he has done, I can no longer hope for anything good”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like a tree (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This simile is also an ellipsis. You may need to supply the omitted words. Alternate translation: “the way a man pulls a tree up by its roots” (See also: Эллипсис)
Job 19:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He has also kindled his wrath against me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of God’s wrath as if it were a fire. Alternate translation: “God has also lit a fire of anger against me” or “God has also become very angry with me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he regards me as one of his adversaries (0)Alternate translation: “he thinks of me as an enemy”
Job 19:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His troops come on together (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of God attacking him as if Job was a city and God was sending an army to attack it. Alternate translation: “God sends his army to attack me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they cast up siege mounds against me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of God attacking him as if Job was a city and God’s army was piling up dirt against the city wall in order to climb over the wall and attack the city. Alternate translation: “the soldiers pile up dirt in order to climb over my wall”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: encamp around my tent (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of God attacking him as if Job was in his tent and God’s army was camping around him and preparing to attack him. Alternate translation: “they camp around my tent and prepare to attack me”
Job 19:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He has put my brothers far from me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being “far from” someone represents being unwilling to relate to him or help him. Alternate translation: “God has caused my brothers to stay away from me” or “God caused my brothers to refuse to help me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my acquaintances are wholly alienated from me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “my acquaintances have alienated themselves from me” or “my friends treat me like a stranger”
Job 19:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My kinsfolk have failed me (0)Alternate translation: “My relatives have left me without help”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my close friends (0)Alternate translation: “my intimate friends”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have forgotten me (0)“have abandoned me” or “have neglected me.” This means that they refuse to treat him according to how he and they had related to each other in the past. It implies that they abandoned him.
Job 19:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: regard me (0)Alternate translation: “consider me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am an alien in their sight (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job describes how people now think of him as an outsider. Here sight represents judgement or evaluation. Alternate translation: “they think of me as a foreigner”
Job 19:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but he gives me no answer (0)“but he does not respond to me” or “but he does not come to me.” The answer is a response to Job’s call.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: although I entreat him with my mouth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “my mouth” is a metonym which refers to Job speaking. Alternate translation: “even though I speak to him and plead with him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: entreat him (0)Alternate translation: “plead with him”
Job 19:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My breath is offensive to my wife (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “breath” represents the smell of his breath. If something is offensive to someone, it means that he hates it. Alternate translation: “My wife hates the smell of my breath”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who were born from my mother’s womb (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job refers to his brothers and sisters this way to imply that they are people who should love him. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “my own brothers who should love me” or “my brothers and sisters who should love me”
Job 19:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: despise me (0)Alternate translation: “hate me” or “detest me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they speak against me (0)Alternate translation: “they ridicule me” or “they make fun of me”
Job 19:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: All my familiar friends (0)“All my closest friends” or “All of my friends with whom I shared my secrets.” This refers to his closest friends.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: abhor me (0)Alternate translation: “think I am disgusting”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: have turned against me (0)Alternate translation: “have betrayed me”
Job 19:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My bones cling to my skin and to my flesh (0)“I am just skin and bones” or “My skin sticks to my bones.” Job speaks of his bones, skin, and flesh to describe his appearance. He was extremely thin, and people could easily see the shape of his bones. Some languages have idioms for this.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I survive only by the skin of my teeth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means that he is barely surviving, that he almost does not survive. Alternate translation: “I am barely alive” or “I hardly survive”
Job 19:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have pity upon me (0)Alternate translation: “Have compassion on me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the hand of God has touched me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “touched me” is a metonym for “hit me.” And, “hand” represents God’s power. Causing Job to suffer is spoken of as if Yahweh were physically hitting him with his hand. Alternate translation: “because God has afflicted me” (See also: Метафора)
Job 19:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why do you pursue me … God does? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to complain about how his friends are treating him. Alternate translation: “Do not persecute me … God does!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will you ever be satisfied with my flesh? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to complain about how his friends are treating him. Alternate translation: “You have consumed my flesh enough!” or “Stop consuming my flesh!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will you ever be satisfied with my flesh? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of his friends speaking so cruelly to him as if they were wild beasts eating up another animal. Alternate translation: “Stop violently slandering me.” or “Stop attacking me with your words.”
Job 19:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oh, that my words were now written down (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
This exclamation tells what Job wishes for. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I wish that someone would write down my words” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my words (0)Alternate translation: “what I am saying”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oh, that they were inscribed in a book (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
This exclamation tells what Job wishes for. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I wish that someone would write them in a book” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
Job 19:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oh, that with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
This exclamation tells what Job wishes for. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I wish that someone would use an iron pen and lead to carve them in the rock forever” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: an iron pen (0)“an iron chisel.” This was a tool used for writing. It was made of iron so that people could carve words in rock.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lead (0)Lead is a soft metal. We do not know how people used lead when carving rock. They may have filled the letters of the inscription with lead in order to make the inscription last longer.
Job 19:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my Redeemer (0)“My Defender.” Here “Redeemer” refers to a person who will rescue Job by proving Job’s innocence, restoring his honor, and giving him justice.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at last he will stand on the earth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to standing to speak in court. This could mean: (1) the Redeemer will be the last one to speak in the court. Alternate translation: “he will judge whether or not I am guilty” or (2) the Redeemer will stand in this final court to defend Job. Alternate translation: “at last he will defend me in court”
Job 19:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: after my skin … is destroyed (0)Possible meanings are that this refers to: (1) his body being destroyed by disease or (2) his body decaying after he has died.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in my flesh I will see God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
His flesh represents his body, and “in my flesh” represents being alive. Alternate translation: “while I live in my body, I will see God”
Job 19:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my own eyes—I, and not someone else (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The synecdoche “my own eyes” represents Job. The phrases “my eyes” and “and not someone else” emphasize that Job himself will actually see God. It is not that someone else will see God and tell Job about him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My heart fails within me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People thought of the heart as being where the emotions are. So the heart failing represents him having very many emotions. Alternate translation: “I am very emotional about it” or “My emotions overwhelm me as I think about that”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My heart fails within me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean: (1) Job feels very hopeful, thankful, and happy or (2) Job feels exhausted waiting to see his Redeemer.
Job 19:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How we will persecute him! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
This is an exclamation. This could mean: (1) that they will certainly persecute Job or (2) that they will persecute him severely.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The root of his troubles lies in him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The “root” represents the source. Alternate translation: “He is the source of all his troubles” or “He has all these troubles because of what he has done”
Job 19:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: then be afraid of the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Possible meanings are that the sword represents: (1) God judging them. Alternate translation: “then be afraid that God will judge you” or (2) God killing them. Alternate translation: “then be afraid that God will kill you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because wrath brings the punishment of the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “wrath” and “punishment” can be expressed with the adjective “angry” and the verb “punish.” This could mean: (1) God’s anger results in punishment. Alternate translation: “because God will be angry with you and punish you” or (2) the anger of Job’s friends results in punishment. Alternate translation: “because if you are so angry with me, God will punish you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brings (0)Alternate translation: “causes” or “results in”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there is a judgment (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word judgment, you can express the same idea with the verb “judge.” Alternate translation: “God judges people”
Job 20
Job 20 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is the advice of Job’s friend, Zophar. His words in this chapter are much stronger than when he previously spoke, and he is even angry at Job. He claims that Job took advantage of the poor and is being punished for it.
Special concepts in this chapter
Zophar’s advice
Zophar tells Job to curse Yahweh. The advice Zophar gives to Job is bad advice. He tries to convince Job that he is sinning and has been punished by Yahweh. (See: прокляття, проклинати, проклятий, що проклинає and грішити, грішити, гріх, гріхи, грішник)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Metaphors
There are many metaphors used in this chapter. Zophar uses them to explain the temporary nature of life and riches. He also uses them to describe God’s punishment of Job. (See: Метафора)
Job 20:1
General Information:
Zophar replies to Job.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Zophar the Naamathite (0)See how you translated this man’s name in Job 2:11. Since this is the second time that Zophar speaks, some translations omit “the Naamathite” here.
Job 20:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My thoughts make me answer quickly (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The idea of Zophar’s thoughts making him do something represents his strong desire to do something. Alternate translation: “I want very much to answer you quickly”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because of the worry that is in me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word worry, you can express the same idea with the adjective “worried.” The reason for the worry can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “because I am very worried about you” or “because I am very worried because of what you said” (See also: Предположение и имплицитная информация)
Job 20:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I hear a rebuke that dishonors me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word rebuke, you can express the same idea with the verb “rebuke.” Alternate translation: “I hear you rebuke me, and what you say dishonors me” or “You insult me by how you rebuke me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a spirit from my understanding answers me (0)Here “spirit” probably refers to a thought or idea. Alternate translation: “a thought from my understanding answers me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a spirit from my understanding answers me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
This “spirit” or thought is spoken of as if it were a person that could answer Zophar. Alternate translation: “I have a thought from my understanding, and now I know what I wanted to know”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a spirit from my understanding answers me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The content of the answer can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “a thought from my understanding answers me about how I can reply to you” or “I have a thought from my understanding, and now I know how I can reply to you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a spirit from my understanding answers me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “spirit” and “understanding” can be expressed with the verbs “think” and “understand.” Alternate translation: “because I understand things, I have thought, and now I know how I can reply to you”
Job 20:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you not know this fact from ancient times … man on earth (0)Zophar begins a rhetorical question to cause Job to think deeply about what he will now say.
Job 20:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Zophar finishes the rhetorical question he began in verse 4.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the triumph … for a moment? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Zophar uses a rhetorical question to cause Job to think deeply about what he will now say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. “Surely you know … man on earth; the triumph … for a moment.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the triumph of a wicked man is short (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word triumph, you can express the same idea with the verbs “triumph” or “celebrate.” Alternate translation: “the wicked man triumphs only a short time” or “the wicked person celebrates for only a little while”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the joy of a godless man lasts only for a moment (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word joy, you can express the same idea with the verb “rejoice” or the adjective “happy.” The word “moment” is an exaggeration to emphasize that the time is very short. Alternate translation: “a godless man rejoices for only a moment” or “the godless man is happy for only a very short time” (See also: Гипербола и обобщение)
Job 20:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Though his height reaches up to the heavens (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
“Though the wicked person’s height reaches up to the heavens.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word height, you can express the same idea with the adjective “tall.” Alternate translation: “Though he is as tall as the heavens”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Though his height reaches up to the heavens (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The wicked man’s height represents either his reputation or his pride. Also, here “reaches up to the heavens” represents being very great. Alternate translation: “Though his reputation is great” or “Though his pride is great”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his head reaches to the clouds (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“and though his head is as high as the clouds.” This also represents his reputation or pride being great. This means the same as the previous phrase. (See also: Параллелизм)
Job 20:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will perish permanently like his own feces (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Feces mixes in with the ground and disappears. The reference to feces may also imply that the wicked person is worthless. Alternate translation: “will perish permanently like his feces, which completely disappears in the ground”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will perish permanently like his own feces (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
If people are embarrassed about the word feces, translators may refer to something else that disappears completely. Alternate translation: “will disappear permanently like dust that the wind blows away”
Job 20:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will (0)Alternate translation: “The wicked person will”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will fly away like a dream … he will be chased away like a vision of the night (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Here “fly away” and “be chased away” represent disappearing. They may also imply being forgotten, since dreams and visions disappear when people forget them. Alternate translation: “He will disappear like a dream … he will be forgotten like a vision of the night” (See also: Сравнение)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will not be found (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will find him”
Job 20:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The eye that saw him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The eye represents a person. Alternate translation: “Anyone who saw him” or “The people who saw him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The phrase “his place” represents those who live in his place. Alternate translation: “the people who live in his place” or “his family”
Job 20:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His children (0)Alternate translation: “The wicked person’s children”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his hands will have to give back his wealth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “hands” refers to the wicked man’s children. When he dies, his children will have to return everything that he took from others.
Job 20:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His bones are full of youthful strength (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The word “bones” represents his body. Being “full of youthful strength” represents being strong like a young person. Alternate translation: “His body is strong like a young person’s body” (See also: Метафора)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but it will lie down with him in the dust (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “it” refers to his youthful strength. The metonym “lie down … in the dust” represents dying. The strength dying is a metaphor for disappearing. Alternate translation: “but his youthful strength will die with him” or “but his youthful strength will disappear when he dies” (See also: Метафора)
Job 20:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Although wickedness is sweet in his mouth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “wickedness is sweet” represents a person enjoying doing wicked things. Alternate translation: “Although doing wicked things is pleasurable like tasting sweet food in the mouth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: although he hides it under his tongue (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar speaks of wickedness as if it were sweet food that a person puts under his tongue so it will stay in his mouth and he can taste it for a long time.
Job 20:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he holds it there and does not let it go but keeps it still in his mouth (0)Zophar speaks of wickedness as if it were sweet food that a person puts under his tongue so it will stay in his mouth and he can taste it for a long time. (See: https://git.door43.org/ukgt/ukta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-metaphor/01.md)
Job 20:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the food in his intestines turns bitter (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
When food turns bitter in the stomach, it causes pain and a bitter taste. This is a metaphor for a person experiencing the painful consequences of doing wicked things. Alternate translation: “those wicked things become like food that has turned bitter in the stomach” or “the consequences of those wicked things are painful like food that becomes sour in the stomach”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it becomes the poison of asps inside him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This image is even worse than sour food in the stomach. This is a metaphor for a person experiencing the terrible consequences of doing wicked things. Alternate translation: “the consequences of doing those wicked things are painful like the poison of asps inside him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: asps (0)poisonous snakes
Job 20:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He swallows down riches … cast them out of his stomach (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar speaks of gaining and losing wealth as if it were food that a person eats and vomits. Alternate translation: “The wicked person becomes very wealthy, but he loses his wealth like a person who vomits up his food. God causes him to lose it all”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He swallows down riches (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, swallows down riche could mean: (1) accumulating riches and storing them selfishly. Alternate translation: “The wicked man gains much wealth and keeps it all for himself” or (2) accumulating riches in wicked ways. Alternate translation: “The wicked man steals many riches”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God will cast them out of his stomach (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “cast them out of his stomach” is a metonym for causing the man to vomit them. This is a metaphor for causing the man to lose his riches. (See also: Метафора)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cast (0)throw
Job 20:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He will suck the poison of asps (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “suck the poison of asps” represents doing evil things. Both are very dangerous. Alternate translation: “Doing evil things is like sucking the poison of asps” or “He will do evil things and endanger his life like a person who sucks the poison of asps”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: asps (0)poisonous snakes
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the viper’s tongue will kill him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The viper is a poisonous snake. Its tongue represents its poisonous bite. Alternate translation: “the viper’s poisonous bite will kill him” or “the viper will bite him and he will die”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the viper’s tongue will kill him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The viper represents the man’s wickedness. Alternate translation: “his wickedness will kill him like a viper’s bite”
Job 20:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the streams, the torrents of honey and butter (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Streams” and “torrents” are metaphors that represent abundance. “Honey” and “butter” are metonyms that represent the good things that God gives people. Alternate translation: “the abundance of good things that God gives his people” (See also: Метонимия)
Job 20:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the fruit of his labor (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Normally “the fruit of his labor” simply refers to the results of his labor. In this case it refers to the things the wicked man had stolen. Alternate translation: “the things he had worked to get” or “the things he had stolen” (See also: Предположение и имплицитная информация)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will not be able to eat it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “to eat” the fruit of his labor represents enjoying the things he had stolen. Alternate translation: “will not be able to enjoy them”
Job 20:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There is nothing left that he did not devour (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives
This can be reworded with only one of the negatives. Alternate translation: “He devoured everything, and there is nothing left” or “There is nothing left because he devoured everything”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There is nothing left that he did not devour (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “devour” represents taking things for himself. Alternate translation: “There is nothing left that he did not take for himself” or “He took everything for himself, and there is nothing left”
Job 20:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will fall into trouble (0)Alternate translation: “he will suddenly experience trouble”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hand of everyone who is in poverty will come against him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hand” represents power, and “hand … will come against him” represents people attacking him. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word poverty, you can express the same idea with the adjective “poor.” Alternate translation: “everyone who is in poverty will attack him” or “everyone who is poor will attack him” (See also: Абстрактные существительные)
Job 20:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to fill his stomach (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “fill his stomach” is a metonym meaning eat a lot.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God will throw the fierceness of his wrath on him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The “fierceness of his wrath” represents God’s anger and punishment. Throwing the punishment on him represents punishing him severely. Alternate translation: “God will be angry and throw down his punishment on him” or “God will be angry and punish him severely”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God will rain it down on him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“God will cause it to rain down on him.” Here “rain it down on him” represents causing much punishment to happen to the man. Alternate translation: “God will punish him severely”
Job 20:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will flee from the iron weapon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The iron weapon represents the person carrying it. Alternate translation: “will flee from the person carrying an iron weapon”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a bow of bronze will shoot him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The bow represents the person who shoots an arrow with it. Alternate translation: “someone with a bronze bow will shoot him”
Job 20:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: liver (0)This is a large and important part of the body. If someone shoots through it with an arrow, the person who is shot will die.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Terrors come over him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
He will suddenly become very afraid. Alternate translation: “he is terrified”
Job 20:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Complete darkness is reserved for his treasures (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Complete darkness” here is a metaphor for destruction. Alternate translation: “Destruction is reserved for his treasures” or “His treasures will be destroyed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a fire not fanned will devour him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “devour” is a metaphor meaning destroy. Alternate translation: “a fire that is not fanned will destroy him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a fire not fanned will devour him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The phrase “not fanned” implies that no human will start the fire. Rather, God will cause the fire. Alternate translation: “a fire that is not started by humans will destroy him” or “God will cause a fire to destroy him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it will consume (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “consume” is a metaphor meaning destroy. Alternate translation: “the fire will destroy”
Job 20:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The heavens … the earth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Possible meanings are: (1) those who live in the heavens and the earth or (2) Zophar is describing the heavens and the earth as if they are humans who will testify in court against the wicked person. (See also: Олицетворение)
Job 20:28
General Information:
This concludes Zophar’s speech to Job.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: vanish (0)disappear
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his goods will flow away on (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “flow away” represents being taken away from him. Alternate translation: “his goods will be taken away from him, like goods that float away in a flood, on”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his goods (0)Alternate translation: “his possessions”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the day of God’s wrath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “wrath” represents punishment. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wrath, you can express the same idea with the verb punish. Alternate translation: “the day when God punishes people”
Job 20:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: This is the wicked man’s portion from God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “portion from God” represents what God has decided should happen to someone. It is spoken of as if it were something that God would give him. Alternate translation: “This is what God has decided should happen to the wicked man”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the heritage reserved for him by God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This represents what God has decided should happen to someone. It is spoken of as if it were something that God would give him as an inheritance. Alternate translation: “what God has planned to give to him” or “what God has planned should happen to him”
Job 21
Job 21 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Job’s response to Zophar. It is also a response to all three of his friends in general.
Special concepts in this chapter
Ancestor’s sin
In the ancient Near East, it was common to believe that a person could be punished because of the sins of their fathers and ancestors. It was seen as the punishment of a god. While a father’s sin may have consequences for their children, Yahweh does not punish people because of their father’s sin. (See: вірити, повірити, віруючий, невіруючий, що повірив and грішити, грішити, гріх, гріхи, грішник and Предположение и имплицитная информация)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Rhetorical questions
Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Zophar that he is wrong. These questions help to build Job’s argument. (See: Риторический вопрос)
Job 21:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job begins to answer Zophar’s accusations.
Job 21:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Put up with me (0)Alternate translation: “Allow me” or “Be patient with me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: mock on (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
“you can continue mocking me.” Job is using sarcasm to imply that his friends would ignore what he would say and continue to mock him.
Job 21:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking to his friends.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As for me, is my complaint to a person? Why should I not be impatient? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses questions to emphasize that he thinks it is fair for him to complain to God. Alternate translation: “I am not complaining to a person. I have the right to be impatient”
Job 21:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lay your hand upon your mouth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
“cover your mouth with your hand.” Possible meanings are that: (1) this is a response to being astonished. Alternate translation: “cover your mouth with your hand” or (2) this is a symbol that the person will not speak. Alternate translation: “do not say anything”
Job 21:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: trembling seizes my body (0)Alternate translation: “fear causes my body to tremble” or “I shake with fear”
Job 21:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking to his friends.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why do wicked people continue to live, become old, and grow mighty in power? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to show that his friends are wrong to think evil men always suffer. Alternate translation: “Wicked people indeed continue to live, become old, and become wealthier.”
Job 21:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their descendants are established with them in their sight … their offspring are established before their eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
This two clauses mean the same thing and emphasize that this is true.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in their sight … before their eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases mean the same thing because “eyes” refers to sight. Wicked people get to watch their descendants grow strong and wealthy. (See also: Метонимия)
Job 21:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Their houses (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “houses” refers to the family members that lives in them. Alternate translation: “Their families”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rod of God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This refers to God’s punishment.
Job 21:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking to his friends.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: does not lose her calf prematurely (0)Alternate translation: “she does not miscarry” or “her calf is born healthy and strong”
Job 21:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: little ones like a flock (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Job compares these children to lambs to emphasize that they run, play, and are happy.
Job 21:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tambourine (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
a musical instrument with a head like a drum that can be hit and with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instrument is shaken
Job 21:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking with his friends.
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Quote: their days (0)Alternate translation: “their lifetime”
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Quote: they go down quietly to Sheol (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way of saying that they die. Alternate translation: “they die peacefully”
Job 21:14
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Quote: your ways (0)This refers to how God wants people to behave.
Job 21:15
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Quote: What is the Almighty, that we should worship him? What advantage would we get if we prayed to him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The wicked people use these questions to mock God. Alternate translation: “We do not believe that this Almighty God is worthy of our worship. He can do nothing for us.”
Job 21:16
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking to his friends.
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Quote: See, is not their prosperity in their own hands? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hands” refers to their power or control. Job uses this question to challenge his friends. Alternate translation: “Look, these wicked people claim that they make themselves prosper!” (See also: Риторический вопрос)
Job 21:17
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Quote: How often is it … their calamity comes upon them? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to emphasize that it seems to him that God does not punish the wicked very often. Alternate translation: “It is not often … their calamity comes upon them.”
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Quote: the lamp of wicked people is put out (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job compares extinguishing the lamp to a person dying. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that God causes them to die suddenly” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
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Quote: the lamp of wicked people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job compares the life of the wicked to a lamp that is burning.
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Quote: How often does it happen … in his anger? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this second question to emphasize that it seems to him that God does not punish the wicked very often. Alternate translation: “It is not often … in his anger.”
Job 21:18
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Quote: How often is it … the storm carries away? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this third question to emphasize that it seems to him that God does not punish the wicked very often. Alternate translation: “It is not often … the storm carries away.”
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Quote: they become like stubble before the wind or like chaff that the storm carries away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The death of the wicked is spoken of as if they were worthless less chaff and stubble that blows away. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God takes them away like the wind blows away the chaff” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
Job 21:19
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking to his friends.
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Quote: You say (0)These words are added by most versions in order to make it clear that the Job is quoting his friends in the next statement.
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Quote: God lays up one’s guilt for his children to pay (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Guilt is spoken of as something that can be stored for later use. Here “to pay” refers to punishment for sin. Alternate translation: “God keeps a record of a person’s sins, then he punishes the person’s children for his wicked deeds”
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Quote: Let him pay it himself, & know his guilt (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job now begins to state his own opinion. It may be helpful to state this explicitly using an indirect quotation. “But I say that he should pay it himself, … know his guilt’”
Job 21:20
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Quote: Let his eyes see (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “eyes” refers to the person. Alternate translation: “Let him see”
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Quote: let him drink of the wrath of the Almighty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the wrath of God is spoken of as if it were a drink that a person can taste, and tasting is a metonym for experiencing the drink. Job wants the wicked person to experience God’s punishment. (See also: Метонимия)
Job 21:21
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Quote: For what does he care about his family after him when the number of his months is cut off? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to show that punishing the evil man’s children is not effective. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “For the wicked man does not care what happens to his family after he has died!” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
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Quote: the number of his months is cut off (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way of saying that he dies.
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Quote: the number of his months (0)This refers to the length of his life.
Job 21:22
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Job continues speaking to his friends.
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Quote: Can anyone teach God knowledge since he judges even those who are high? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job asks this question to emphasize that God knows everything. Alternate translation: “Obviously, no one can teach anything to God since he even judges those in heaven.”
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Quote: those who are high (0)This could mean: (1) “those who are in heaven” or (2) “powerful people.”
Job 21:23
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Quote: One man dies in his full strength (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job contrasts this man who dies in health and peace to the man who dies in sorrow and pain in Job 21:25. You can make this explicit. Alternate translation: “If there are two men, one may die in his full strength”
Job 21:24
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Quote: His body is full of milk … the marrow of his bones is moist (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these phrases mean that the person is very healthy.
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Quote: His body is full of milk (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The word for “milk” may mean “fat.” Either rendering means he is well-fed. Alternate translation: “His body if full of fat”
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Quote: the marrow of his bones is moist (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom means his body is youthful and healthy.
Job 21:25
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking to his friends.
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Quote: Another man dies (0)Job contrasts this man to the man who dies in peace in Job 21:23.
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Quote: in bitterness of soul (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here sorrow is spoken of as if it tasted bitter, and “soul” refers to the whole man. Alternate translation: “with anger and resentment” or “after living a sad life” (See also: Синекдоха)
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Quote: has never experienced anything good (0)This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “has experienced only bad things”
Job 21:26
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Quote: They lie down alike in the dust (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This is a polite way to say that they died. Alternate translation: “They both die and people bury them”
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Quote: the worms cover them both (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Worms are associated with decay of dead bodies. Alternate translation: “the worms in the dirt eat their dead bodies”
Job 21:27
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking to his friends.
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Quote: See (0)Job uses this phrase to call attention to the statement that follows. Alternate translation: “Listen”
Job 21:28
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Quote: Where now is the house of the prince? Where is the tent in which the wicked man once lived? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job believes his friends will ask these question to scold him. Both questions mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “See, the house of the evil ruler is gone. The tent of the wicked man has disappeared.” (See also: Параллелизм)
Job 21:29
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking to his friends.
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Quote: Have you never asked traveling people? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses these questions to rebuke his friends for not learning from people who travel. Alternate translation: “You should listen to those who have traveled to distant places.”
Job 21:30
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job finishes asking a rhetorical question that begins with the words “Do you not know” in verse 29.
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Quote: the wicked man is kept … from the day of wrath? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses these questions to rebuke his friends for not learning from people who travel. “Those who have traveled to distant places will tell you … from the day of wrath.”
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Quote: the wicked man is kept from the day of calamity … he is led away from the day of wrath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God keeps the wicked man from the day of calamity … God leads him away from the day of wrath”
Job 21:31
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Job continues speaking to his friends.
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Quote: Who will condemn the wicked man’s way to his face? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to contradict his friends’ belief that the wicked are always judged. Alternate translation: “No one condemns the wicked man to his face.”
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Quote: to his face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means no one will go directly to the wicked person and condemn him personally.
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Quote: Who will repay him for what he has done? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to contradict his friends’ belief that the wicked are always judged. Alternate translation: “No one repays him for the bad things that he has done.”
Job 21:32
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Quote: he will be borne (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will carry him”
Job 21:33
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Quote: The clods of the valley will be sweet to him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job imagines that the dead person will even enjoy the dirt that is put on him. This means the wicked person will even have a good death and a nice burial after a fulfilling life. “Clods” refer to the earth that covers the grave. Alternate translation: “He will enjoy being covered with the dirt of the valley” or “He will enjoy being buried in the dirt of the valley”
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Quote: all people will follow after him, as there were innumerable people before him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
Job emphasizes that a large crowd of people will be in the funeral procession of this imaginary wicked man to honor him. Alternate translation: “a huge number of people go to the grave site; some go in front of the procession and some come behind”
Job 21:34
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
This concludes Job’s speech to his friends.
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Quote: How then do you comfort me with nonsense, since in your answers there is nothing but falsehood? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses a question to scold his friends. Alternate translation: “You cannot comfort me with nonsense. All of your answers are false.”
Job 22
Job 22 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of the advice of Job’s friend, Eliphaz. His words in this chapter are much stronger than when he previously spoke.
Special concepts in this chapter
Repentance
Eliphaz tries to get Job to repent in this chapter. Eliphaz assumes that he is righteous, while assuming Job is not. (See: каятися, покаяння and праведність, праведний, праведник, неправедність)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Rhetorical questions
Eliphaz uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job that he is wrong. These questions help to build Eliphaz’s argument. (See: Риторический вопрос)
Job 22:1
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Quote: Eliphaz the Temanite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in Job 2:11.
Job 22:2
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Quote: Can a man be useful to God? Can a wise man be useful to him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both questions mean basically the same thing. Eliphaz uses questions to emphasize that a person’s actions and wisdom do not benefit God. Alternate translation: “A man cannot be useful to God. A wise man cannot be useful to him.” (See also: Риторический вопрос)
Job 22:3
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Quote: Is it any pleasure to the Almighty if you are righteous? Is it gain to him if you make your ways blameless? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these statements mean the same thing. Eliphaz uses questions to emphasize that Job’s actions do not help God. Alternate translation: “The Almighty does not receive any pleasure if you are righteous. He does not gain anything if you make your ways blameless.” (See also: Риторический вопрос)
Job 22:4
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
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Quote: Is it because of your reverence for him that he rebukes you and takes you to judgment? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Eliphaz uses questions to scold Job and accuse him of committing terrible sins. Alternate translation: “It is certainly not because you have been devoted to him that God rebukes you and takes you to judgment!”
Job 22:5
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Quote: Is not your wickedness great? Is there no end to your iniquities? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Eliphaz uses questions to scold Job and accuse him of committing terrible sins. Alternate translation: “As you know, he judges you because your wickedness is great and you keep on sinning!”
Job 22:6
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
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Quote: you have demanded guarantee of a loan (0)This refers to a lender taking something from the borrower to ensure that the borrower pays him back.
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Quote: you have stripped away clothing from the naked (0)Eliphaz is accusing Job of taking clothes as security from poor people who borrowed from him.
Job 22:7
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Quote: withheld bread (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “bread” refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “withheld food”
Job 22:8
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Quote: possessed the earth … lived in it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Eliphaz is accusing Job of taking land from poor people and not allowing them to live on it. He is emphasizing this point by restating it twice.
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Quote: possessed the earth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Eliphaz is exaggerating the amount of land that Job owned in order to portray Job as greedy. Alternate translation: “possessed a great amount of land”
Job 22:9
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
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Quote: You have sent widows away empty (0)Alternate translation: “You made widows go away with nothing”
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Quote: widows (0)women whose husbands have died
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Quote: the arms of the fatherless have been broken (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “arms” refer to power. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you even oppressed orphans” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
Job 22:10
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Quote: snares are all around you … sudden fear troubles you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
These are metaphors for trouble and danger. Alternate translation: “you are always in danger … you become afraid for no reason”
Job 22:11
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Quote: There is darkness … an abundance of waters covers you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Each of these metaphors means troubles and dangers are all around Job because of his sin.
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Quote: an abundance of waters (0)Alternate translation: “a flood”
Job 22:12
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
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Quote: Is not God in the heights of heaven? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Eliphaz uses this question to say that God sees Job’s sin and will judge him. Alternate translation: “God is in the heights of heaven and sees everything that happens on earth.” (See also: Предположение и имплицитная информация)
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Quote: Look at the height of the stars, how high they are! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz implies that God is higher than the stars. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Look at how high the stars are. God is even higher than the stars!”
Job 22:13
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Quote: What does God know? Can he judge through the thick darkness? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Eliphaz uses these questions to imply that Job has said these things against God. Alternate translation: “God does not know what happens on earth. He sits in dark clouds and cannot see to judge us.”
Job 22:14
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Quote: he walks on the vault of heaven (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here “vault” refers to the barrier that ancient people believed separated the earth from heaven. Alternate translation: “he lives too far away in heaven to see what happens here”
Job 22:15
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
Job 22:16
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Quote: those who were snatched away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Dying is compared to God snatching them away. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those who died” or “those whom God took away” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
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Quote: those whose foundations have washed away like a river (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The death of wicked people is compared to buildings that had their foundations washed away by a flood.
Job 22:17
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Quote: What can the Almighty do to us? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Eliphaz quotes a question wicked people use to mock God. Alternate translation: “The Almighty cannot do anything to us!”
Job 22:18
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
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Quote: Yet he filled (0)Alternate translation: “Yet God filled”
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Quote: the plans of wicked people are far from me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The idiom “far from me” means Eliphaz rejects them. Alternate translation: “but I will not listen to their wicked plans”
Job 22:19
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Quote: see their fate (0)Alternate translation: “know what will happen to the wicked”
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Quote: laugh them to scorn (0)Alternate translation: “mock the wicked people”
Job 22:20
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Quote: They say (0)Alternate translation: “The righteous say”
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Quote: Surely those who rose up against us are cut off (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
Here “those who rose up” refers to the wicked people. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Surely God has destroyed the wicked people who harmed us”
Job 22:21
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
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Quote: Now (0)Eliphaz uses this word to introduce something important he is about to say.
Job 22:22
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Quote: instruction from his mouth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “from his mouth” represents what God has spoken. Alternate translation: “the instruction that God has spoken”
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Quote: store up his words (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
God’s words are compared to treasures that Job could keep in a storeroom. Alternate translation: “treasure his commands”
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Quote: your heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “heart” refers to Job’s thoughts. Alternate translation: “your mind”
Job 22:23
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
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Quote: you will be built up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz compares Job’s restoration to the rebuilding of a house that has fallen. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he will heal you and make you prosper again” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
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Quote: if you put unrighteousness far away from your tents (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Unrighteousness is pictured as a person who is living in Job’s tent who must be removed. Alternate translation: “if you and everyone in your house stops sinning”
Job 22:24
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Quote: Lay your treasure down in the dust (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To lay a treasure in the dust is to treat it as unimportant. Alternate translation: “Consider your riches as unimportant as dust”
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Quote: the gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
To put gold in the stream is to treat it as no more valuable than stones. Alternate translation: “the gold of Ophir is as worthless as stones in a stream”
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Quote: Ophir (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a region famous for its gold.
Job 22:25
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Quote: the Almighty will be your treasure, precious silver to you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This means God will be more valuable to Job than any treasure.
Job 22:26
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.
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Quote: you will lift up your face to God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means Job will no longer be ashamed but will trust in God. Alternate translation: “you will be able to approach God confidently”
Job 22:28
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Quote: it will be confirmed for you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will cause you to succeed”
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Quote: light will shine on your paths (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s blessing is compared to a light on all of Job’s paths. Alternate translation: “it will be like a light shining on the road in front of you”
Job 22:29
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
This concludes Eliphaz’s speech to Job.
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Quote: the one with lowered eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “lowered eyes” refers to humility. Alternate translation: “the humble person”
Job 22:30
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Quote: He will rescue even the man who is not innocent; who will be rescued through the cleanness of your hands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job being innocent is spoken of as if his hands were physically clean. The phrase “who will be rescued” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will rescue even the person who is not innocent because you do what is right” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
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Quote: He will rescue even the man who is not innocent; who will be rescued through the cleanness of your hands (0)Some versions of the Bible read, “He rescues the innocent person; so he will rescue you when your hands are clean”
Job 23
Job 23 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Job’s response to Eliphaz.
Special concepts in this chapter
Court
This chapter uses an extended metaphor of a court case to describe Job’s “case,” which he seeks to bring to Yahweh, who is a judge. Cultures without a legal system will have difficulty translating this chapter. (See: Метафора)
Job 23:2
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Quote: Even today my complaint is bitter (0)Here “Even today” emphasizes that his friends arguments have not changed Job’s situation at all. Alternate translation: “In spite of what you have said, my complaint is still bitter”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my complaint is bitter (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job speaks of his unanswered complaint against God as if it was a bitter taste in his mouth. Alternate translation: “my unanswered complaint is as bad as bitter food in my mouth”
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Quote: my hand … heavy because of my groaning (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) “I can barely lift my hand because of my groaning” or (2) “God’s hand continues to make me suffer in spite of my groaning” where “hand” refers to God’s power to punish.
Job 23:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oh, that I knew where … Oh, that I might come (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two lines mean the same thing and emphasize Job’s desire to meet with God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I might find him (0)Alternate translation: “I might find God”
Job 23:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lay my case … fill my mouth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two lines mean the same thing and emphasize Job’s desire to explain his situation to God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fill my mouth with arguments (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “fill my mouth” refers to speaking. Alternate translation: “I would speak all of my arguments”
Job 23:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I would learn the words … would understand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two lines mean basically the same thing and emphasize Job’s desire to hear God’s answer.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the words with which he would answer me (0)Alternate translation: “the answer that he would give me”
Job 23:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Would he (0)Alternate translation: “Would God”
Job 23:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: There (0)This refers to the place where God is.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I would be acquitted forever by my judge (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “my judge would acquit me forever” or “God, who is my judge, would say that I am innocent once and for all”
Job 23:8
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismJob continues speaking. He begins using a merism to say that he has looked everywhere.
Job 23:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: north … south (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
This is the end of the merism that begins with the words “eastward … westward” in verse 8. By mentioning these four directions, Job emphasizes that he has looked everywhere.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: where he hides himself (0)Job speaks of God as if he is a person who hides.
Job 23:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he knows the way that I take (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job’s actions are spoken of as if he is walking on a path. Alternate translation: “God knows what I do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will come out like gold (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Job believes that the test will prove that he is as pure as refined gold. Alternate translation: “he will see that I am as pure as gold when anything not pure has been burned away”
Job 23:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My foot has held fast to his steps (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “My foot” refers to Job. Alternate translation: “I have followed the path he has shown me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have kept to his way (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job’s obedience is spoken of as if he is walking in a path that God showed him. Alternate translation: “I have done what he told me to do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turned not aside (0)This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “followed it exactly”
Job 23:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have not gone back from (0)This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I have always obeyed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of his lips (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This phrase refers to the message that God spoke. Alternate translation: “that he spoke”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the words of his mouth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here God is represented by his “mouth.” Alternate translation: “what he said”
Job 23:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But he is one of a kind, who can turn him back? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to emphasize that there is no one like God and no one can force him to change. Alternate translation: “But there is no one like him, and nobody can make him change his mind.” or “But he alone is God, and no one can influence him.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What he desires, he does (0)Alternate translation: “He does whatever he wants to do”
Job 23:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he carries out his decree against me (0)Alternate translation: “he is doing to me what he said he would do”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there are many like them (0)Alternate translation: “he has many similar plans for me”
Job 23:15
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismGeneral Information:
Each of these verses has the form of a parallelism to emphasize the main point Job makes there.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking.
Job 23:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For God has made my heart weak; the Almighty has terrified me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two lines mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Job is very afraid of God.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: made my heart weak (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
A person whose heart is weak is a person who is timid or fearful. Alternate translation: “made me afraid”
Job 23:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have not been brought to an end by darkness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) “The thick darkness in front of me has not made me silent” or (2) “Darkness has not stopped me” or “God has stopped me, not the darkness.” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the gloom of my face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Job refers to himself by his “face.” Alternate translation: “my sadness”
Job 24
Job 24 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Job’s response to Eliphaz. It is a continuation of the previous chapter.
Special concepts in this chapter
Court
This chapter uses an extended metaphor of a court case to describe Job’s “case,” which he seeks to bring to Yahweh, who is a judge. Cultures without a legal system will have difficulty translating this chapter. (See: Метафора)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Rhetorical questions
Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Eliphaz that he is wrong. These questions help to build Job’s argument. (See: Риторический вопрос)
Job 24:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why are times for judging wicked people not set by the Almighty? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to express his frustration that God has not judged evil. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I do not understand why God does not set a time when he will judge wicked people.” or “The Almighty should set a time when he will judge wicked people.” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why do not those who are faithful to God see his days of judgment come? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to express his frustration that the righteous have not seen God judge evil. Alternate translation: “It seems that those who obey him never get to see him judge the wicked.” or “God should show the day he will judge the wicked to those who know him.”
Job 24:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: boundary markers (0)These are stones or other objects to mark the boundary between the lands owned by different people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: pastures (0)land with grass for animals to eat
Job 24:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They drive away (0)Alternate translation: “They steal”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those without fathers (0)Alternate translation: “orphans” or “children whose parents have died”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they take the widow’s ox as security (0)Alternate translation: “they take widows’ oxen to guarantee that the widows will pay back the money that they loaned to those widows”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: widow (0)a woman whose husband has died
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as security (0)A lender would take something from a borrower to ensure that the borrower pays him back.
Job 24:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: out of their path (0)Alternate translation: “out of their way” or “off the road”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: poor people of the earth all hide themselves (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
The word “all” is an exaggeration to show that many poor people are afraid of these wicked people.
Job 24:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: these poor people go out to their work like wild donkeys in the wilderness, looking carefully for food (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
These poor people are spoken of as if they are wild donkeys who do not know where they will find food. Alternate translation: “these poor people go out to search for food as if they were wild donkeys in the wilderness”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wild donkeys (0)Alternate translation: “donkeys that no one owns or cares for”
Job 24:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Poor people reap in the night … they glean grapes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two lines describe the same thing and are used together to emphasize that these people are so hungry that they are forced to steal food at night.
Job 24:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They lie naked … they have no covering (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two lines describe the same thing and are used together to emphasize that these people do not have enough clothing to keep warm.
Job 24:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They are wet with the showers of the mountains (0)Alternate translation: “They become wet when it rains in the mountains”
Job 24:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: orphans from their mothers’ breast (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “breast” refers to the mother. This implies that these orphans are still very young. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “young orphans out of their mothers’ arms” or “fatherless infants from their mothers” (See also: Предположение и имплицитная информация)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: orphans (0)This generally refers to children without parents. Here, however, it is used for children who have mothers but do not have fathers.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take children as security from poor people (0)Alternate translation: “take poor people’s children to guarantee that the poor people will pay back money that they borrowed from the wicked people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as security (0)A lender would take something from a borrower to ensure that the borrower pays him back. See how you translated this in Job 24:3.
Job 24:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: go about (0)Alternate translation: “walk around”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: naked without clothing (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “without clothing” mean the same thing as “naked.” Alternate translation: “completely naked” or “naked because they have no clothing”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they carry bundles of grain belonging to other people (0)This means their work will provide food for others but not for themselves.
Job 24:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The poor people make oil (0)they squeezed olives in order to extract olive oil from them
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: within the walls of those wicked men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “walls” refers to the whole house. Alternate translation: “in the houses of those evil men”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they tread the wicked men’s winepresses (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It may be helpful to state that they do this to produce juice to make wine. Alternate translation: “they tread on grapes to make juice for wine”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they themselves suffer thirst (0)Alternate translation: “they suffer from thirst” or “they are thirsty”
Job 24:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rebel against the light (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, light could mean: (1) visible light or (2) spiritual light, which refers to God or living righteously. Alternate translation: “hate the daylight” or “do not want to do things openly” or “rebel against God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they know not its ways, nor do they stay in its paths (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
These two lines describe the same thing, and are used together to emphasize that they do not want to follow the ways of the light. Alternate translation: “they do not know how to live a moral life; they stay far away from living a righteous life” (See also: Параллелизм)
Job 24:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: poor and needy people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “poor” and “needy” refer to the same group of people and emphasize that these are people who are unable to help themselves.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he is like a thief (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The murderer kills in secret just like a thief steals without anyone seeing what he does. Alternate translation: “he kills people secretly, just like a thief steals secretly”
Job 24:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the eye of the adulterer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “eye” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “the adulterer”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the twilight (0)Alternate translation: “for the sunset”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: No eye will see me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “eye” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “No one will see me”
Job 24:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wicked people dig into houses (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
They dig into the houses in order to steal from them. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “wicked people dig into houses to steal from them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they shut themselves up (0)Alternate translation: “they hide inside”
Job 24:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For all of them, thick darkness is like the morning (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The thick darkness is as comfortable for the wicked as light of the morning is for normal people.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the terrors of thick darkness (0)Alternate translation: “the scary things that happen at night”
Job 24:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like foam on the surface of the waters (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Foam lasts only a short time. This emphasizes how quickly God will cause the wicked to disappear.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their portion of the land is cursed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God curses the part of the land that they own”
Job 24:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: As drought and heat melt away … those who have sinned (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Job says that sinners will disappear in Sheol in the same way as snow melts and disappears when it becomes warm.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: drought and heat (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
These two words describe essentially the same weather and are used together to describe it fully.
Job 24:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The womb (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This refers to the mother. Alternate translation: “The mother”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the worm will feed sweetly on him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means that he will die and worms will eat his body. Alternate translation: “the worm will enjoy eating his dead body” or “he will die and then his body will be eaten by worms”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he will be remembered no more (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will remember him anymore”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: wickedness will be broken like a tree (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s destruction of the wicked man is describes as if he were cutting down a tree. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will destroy the wicked as if he were a tree” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
Job 24:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The wicked one devours (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This metaphor emphasizes how ruthless the wicked man is. Alternate translation: “Just like a wild animal kills its prey, so the wicked person harms”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the barren women who have not borne children (0)The people of that day considered that a woman who was barren was cursed by God. Therefore, this represents the most unfortunate women.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: widow (0)a woman whose husband has died
Job 24:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by his power (0)Alternate translation: “by using his power” or “because he is powerful”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he rises up and does not strengthen them in life (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “does not strengthen them in life” means God does not keep them alive. Alternate translation: “God rises up and does not give wicked people the strength to live” or “God rises up and causes them to die”
Job 24:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but his eyes are on their ways (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “eyes” refers to God. Alternate translation: “but he is always watching what they do”
Job 24:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
This concludes Job’s speech.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will be brought low (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will bring them low” or “God will destroy them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will be gathered up like all the others (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariants
Some translations are based on a different early text, which says “they wither and fade like weeds.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will be gathered up like all the others (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. What “the others” refers to can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “God will gather them up as he gathered up the other wicked people” (See also: Предположение и имплицитная информация)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will be cut off like the tops of ears of grain (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
These wicked people will be cut off in the same way heads of grain are cut off during harvest. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will cut them off like a farmer cuts off the top of a stalk of grain” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
Job 24:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If it is not so, who can prove me to be a liar; who can make my speech worth nothing? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to express the certainty of his argument. The implicit answer is: “no one.” Alternate translation: “This is true, and no one can prove that I am a liar; no one can prove me wrong.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make my speech worth nothing (0)Alternate translation: “prove what I say is wrong”
Job 25
Job 25 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of the advice of Job’s friend, Bildad. His words in this chapter are much stronger than when he previously spoke.
Special concepts in this chapter
God’s holiness and man’s sin
Bildad describes the holiness of Yahweh and the universal nature of man’s sinfulness. While his points are accurate, they are not convincing for Job because he has been righteous. (See: святість, святий, освячення, святиня and грішити, грішити, гріх, гріхи, грішник and праведність, праведний, праведник, неправедність)
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Rhetorical questions
Bildad uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job that he is wrong. These questions help to build Bildad’s argument. (See: Риторический вопрос)
Job 25:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Bildad the Shuhite (0)See how you translated this man’s name in Job 2:11.
Job 25:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Dominion and fear are with him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here “him” refers to God. The abstract nouns “dominion” and “fear” can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: “God rules over all and people should fear only him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he makes order in his high places of heaven (0)Alternate translation: “he makes peace in the high heaven”
Job 25:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Is there any end to the number of his armies? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Bildad uses this question to emphasize how great God is. The implicit answer is “no.” This refers to the armies of God’s angels. Alternate translation: “There is no end to the number of angels in his army.” or “His armies are so big that no one can count them.” (See also: Метонимия)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Upon whom does his light not shine? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Bildad uses this question to emphasize that God gives light to every person. Alternate translation: “There is no one upon whom his light does not shine.” or “God makes his light shine over everyone.”
Job 25:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Bildad continues speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How then can man … God? How can he who is born … him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two questions are used together to emphasize that it is impossible for a man to be good enough before God. (See also: Риторический вопрос)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How then can man be righteous with God? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The implicit reaction is that he cannot. Alternate translation: “A man can never be righteous before God.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How can he who is born … acceptable to him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The implicit reaction is that he cannot. Alternate translation: “He who is born of a woman cannot be clean or acceptable to him.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he who is born of a woman (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This idiom includes everyone. Alternate translation: “any person”
Job 25:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See (0)The word “See” here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Indeed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the moon has no brightness to him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word brightness, you can express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “the moon is not bright enough for God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the stars are not pure in his sight (0)Here “pure” means “perfect.” Alternate translation: “he does not think even the stars are perfect”
Job 25:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How much less man … a son of man, who is a worm (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two lines say the same thing and are used together to emphasize that man is not perfect.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who is a worm (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad states that human beings are as worthless as worms. Alternate translation: “who is as worthless as a worm”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a son of man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This is another way of referring to a person. Alternate translation: “a person”
Job 26
Job 26 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Job’s response to Bildad.
This chapter begins a section continuing through chapter 31.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s power
While Bildad describes Yahweh’s power as being so much greater than Job’s, Job understands the true extent of Yahweh’s power. It is not just over Job’s life, but over all of creation.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Sarcasm
Job uses sarcasm in this chapter. This is the use of irony to insult Bildad. (See: Job 1–4 and Ирония)
Job 26:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How you have helped one … the arm that has no strength (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
In these statements, Job is accusing Bildad. The word “one” refers to Job. And, the word “arm” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I am powerless and have no strength, but you act like you have helped me; but really, you have not helped me at all” (See also: Синекдоха)
Job 26:3
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Quote: How you have advised one who has no wisdom and announced to him sound knowledge (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
Job is saying that Bildad has not provided him with good advice and knowledge. Alternate translation: “You act like I have no wisdom and that you have advised me, that you have given me good advice”
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Quote: announced to him sound knowledge (0)Alternate translation: “given him good advice”
Job 26:4
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Quote: With whose help have you spoken these words? Whose spirit was it … you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
In these questions Job continues to mock Bildad. They are both rhetorical questions and have basically the same meaning. They are used together to strengthen each other. Alternate translation: “You must have had help speaking these words. Perhaps some spirit helped you speak them!”
Job 26:5
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Quote: The dead (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to dead people. Alternate translation: “Those who are dead” or “The spirits of the dead”
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Quote: tremble (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
They tremble because they are afraid of God. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “tremble in fear” or “tremble in fear of God”
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Quote: those who are beneath the waters (0)This refers to the dead people who tremble.
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Quote: all who dwell in them (0)This refers to the dead people who dwell in the waters.
Job 26:6
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Quote: Sheol is naked before God; destruction itself has no covering (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Sheol is spoken of as if it were a person. These two phrases have the same meaning. To be “naked” or have “no covering” is to be completely exposed and not able to hide anything. Alternate translation: “It is like sheol is naked before God, for nothing in sheol, the place of destruction, is hidden from God” (See also: Параллелизм)
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Quote: destruction (0)This is another name for sheol. Alternate translation: “the place of destruction”
Job 26:7
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Quote: He stretches out the northern skies over the empty space (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The northern skies represent heaven, the place where God dwells with the beings he created to dwell there.
Job 26:8
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Quote: He binds up the waters in his thick clouds (0)The clouds are compared to a large blanket in which God wraps the rainwater. Alternate translation: “He wraps up the water in his thick clouds”
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Quote: but the clouds are not torn under them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be stated actively. The word “them” refers to the waters. Alternate translation: “but the weight of the waters does not tear the clouds”
Job 26:9
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Quote: and spreads his clouds on it (0)This phrase tells how he covers the surface of the moon. Alternate translation: “by spreading his clouds in front of it”
Job 26:10
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Quote: He has engraved a circular boundary on the surface of the waters (0)This speaks of the horizon, where the earth appears to meet the sky, as if God has marked a boundary on the ocean.
Job 26:11
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Quote: The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his rebuke (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
People thought of heaven or the sky as resting on pillars. Job speaks as though the pillars are humans that shake in fear when God is angry. Alternate translation: “The pillars that hold up heaven shake in fear when God rebukes them” or “The pillars that hold up the sky shake like people who are afraid when God rebukes them”
Job 26:12
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Quote: he shattered Rahab (0)Alternate translation: “he destroyed Rahab”
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Quote: Rahab (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a frightening monster that lived in the sea. See how you translated this in Job 9:13.
Job 26:13
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Quote: By his breath he made the skies clear (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The noun “breath” can be translated with the verb “breathe” or “blow.” This image represents God causing the wind to blow away the clouds. Alternate translation: “God blew away the clouds so that the skies were clear”
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Quote: his hand pierced the fleeing serpent (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that God his holding a sword, and here “his hand” represents that sword. Also, “pierced” represents killing. Alternate translation: “With his sword he pierced the fleeing serpent” (See also: Метонимия)
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Quote: the fleeing serpent (0)“the serpent as it was trying to escape from him.” This refers to Rahab, the monster in the sea. See Job 26:12.
Job 26:14
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Quote: See, these are but the fringes of his ways (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “fringes” represents a small part that we can see of something that is much bigger. Alternate translation: “See, these things that God has done show only a small part of his great power”
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Quote: how small a whisper do we hear of him! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
This is an exclamation that expresses Job’s amazement of all the great things that God does that we do not even know about. Seeing what God does is spoken of as hearing God’s voice. Alternate translation: “it is as if we heard only his quiet whisper!” (See also: Метафора)
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Quote: Who can understand the thunder of his power? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The “thunder of his power” represents God’s greatness. Job uses this question to emphasize that God’s power is so great that no one can understand it. Alternate translation: “The thunder displays the greatness of his power which no one can understand!” (See also: Метафора)
Job 27
Job 27 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Job’s response to Bildad.
Special concepts in this chapter
Job’s righteousness
Despite being upset about his circumstances, Job does not curse God. Instead, he recognizes Yahweh’s authority. (See: прокляття, проклинати, проклятий, що проклинає)
Job 27:2
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Quote: As surely as God lives (0)This phrase shows that Job is taking an oath. Job compares the certainty that God is alive to the certainty of what he is saying. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: “I swear by God”
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Quote: has taken away my justice (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Justice is spoken of as if it were an object that could be taken away or given. Taking it away represents refusing to treat Job with justice. Alternate translation: “has refused to treat me justly”
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Quote: made my life bitter (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job’s “life” being bitter represents Job feeling resentful toward God. Alternate translation: “has caused me to become resentful” or “has made me feel angry because of the unfair way he has treated me”
Job 27:3
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Quote: while my life is yet in me (0)This refers to the duration of the rest of his life. Alternate translation: “during the whole time that my life is yet in me” or “as long as my life is yet in me”
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Quote: while my life is yet in me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word life, you can express the same idea with the adjective “alive” or the verb “live.” Alternate translation: “as long as I am still alive” or “while I still live”
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Quote: the breath from God is in my nostrils (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“Breath … in my nostrils” represents being able to breathe. “Breath from God” represents God making him able to breathe. Alternate translation: “God enables me to breathe”
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Quote: nostrils (0)Alternate translation: “nose”
Job 27:4
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Quote: My lips will not speak wickedness, neither will my tongue speak deceit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have basically the same meaning and are used together to emphasize that he will not speak in such ways. The phrases “My lips” and “my tongue” represent Job himself. Alternate translation: “I will not speak wickedness or deceit” (See also: Синекдоха)
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Quote: speak wickedness … speak deceit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The abstract nouns “wickedness” and “deceit” can be expressed with “wickedly” and “deceitfully.” Alternate translation: “speak wickedly … speak deceitfully”
Job 27:5
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Quote: I will never admit that you three are right (0)Alternate translation: “I will never agree with you and say that you three are right”
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Quote: that you three are right (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
The word “you” here is plural. It refers to Job’s friends.
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Quote: I will never deny my integrity (0)Alternate translation: “I will never say that I am not innocent” or “I will always say that I am innocent”
Job 27:6
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Quote: I hold fast to my righteousness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “hold fast” is a metaphor that represents being determined to continue to say something. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word righteousness, you can express the same idea with “righteous.” Alternate translation: “I am determined to continue saying that I am righteous” (See also: Абстрактные существительные)
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Quote: will not let it go (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “will not let it go” is a metaphor that represents not stopping saying something. Alternate translation: “will not stop saying that I am righteous” or “will not stop saying so”
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Quote: my thoughts will not reproach me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the phrase “my thoughts” represents Job. Alternate translation: “even in my thoughts, I will not reproach myself”
Job 27:7
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Quote: Let my enemy be … let him who rises up against me be (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The two clauses that start with these words share the same meaning. They are used together to emphasize Job’s strong desire that this should happen.
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Quote: Let my enemy be like a wicked man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
How he wants his enemy to be like a wicked person can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Let my enemy be punished like a wicked man” or “Let God punish my enemy as he punishes wicked people”
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Quote: let him who rises up against me be like an unrighteous man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
How he wants this person to be like an unrighteous man can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “let him who rises up against me be punished like an unrighteous man”
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Quote: him who rises up against me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “rises up against me” is a metaphor meaning “opposes me.” The whole phrase refers to Job’s adversary. Alternate translation: “him who opposes me” or “my adversary”
Job 27:8
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Quote: For what is the hope of a godless man when … when God takes away his life? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to say that such a man has no hope. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate translation: “There is no hope for the godless when God … takes away his soul.”
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Quote: when God cuts him off, when God takes away his life (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have the same meaning. Alternate translation: “when God cuts him off and takes away his life” or “when God causes him to die”
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Quote: cuts him off (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is a metaphor meaning “kills him” or “causes him to die”
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Quote: takes away his life (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is a metaphor meaning “kills him” or “makes him stop living”
Job 27:9
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Quote: Will God hear his cry when trouble comes upon him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to say that God will not help that person. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate translation: “God will not hear his cry when trouble comes upon him.” or “When trouble comes upon him and he cries out for help, God will not hear him.”
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Quote: Will God hear his cry (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hear his cry” represents responding to the godless man’s cry and helping him. Alternate translation: “Will God respond to his cry”
Job 27:10
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Quote: Will he delight himself in the Almighty and call upon God at all times? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to say that the godless man will not do these things. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate translation: “He will not delight himself in the Almighty and call upon God at all times.” or “He will not be happy about what the Almighty does and he will not pray to God often.”
Job 27:11
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Quote: I will teach you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Each occurrence of “you” in these verses is plural and refers to Job’s three friends.
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Quote: the hand of God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
God’s “hand” represents his power. Alternate translation: “the power of God”
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Quote: I will not conceal the thoughts of the Almighty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word thoughts, you can express the same idea with the verb “think.” Alternate translation: I will not hide from you what the Almighty thinks”
Job 27:12
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Quote: why then have you spoken all this nonsense? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to rebuke his friends for saying such foolish things. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate translation: “you should not have spoken so foolishly!”
Job 27:13
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Quote: This is the portion of a wicked man with God (0)Alternate translation: “This is what God has planned for the wicked man”
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Quote: the heritage of the oppressor that he receives from the Almighty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “the heritage of the oppressor” is a metaphor representing what will happen to the oppressor. What God will do to him is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that God will give him. Alternate translation: “what the Almighty will do to the oppressor”
Job 27:14
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Quote: it is for the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the sword” represents dying in battle. Alternate translation: “they will die in battle”
Job 27:15
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Quote: Those who survive him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to the wicked man’s children. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Those who continue to live after their wicked father dies”
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Quote: will be buried by plague (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “be buried” represents dying. Alternate translation: “will die by plague”
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Quote: their widows … them (0)The words “their” and “them” refer to “Those who survive him,” that is, the children of the wicked man.
Job 27:16
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Quote: heaps up silver like the dust (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here “heaps up” is a metonym meaning “gathers much.” Job speaks as if the silver were as easy to get as dust. Alternate translation: “gathers large piles of silver” or “gathers silver as easily as he could gather dust”
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Quote: heaps up clothing like clay (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here “heaps up” is a metonym meaning “gathers much.” Job speaks as if the clothing were as easy to get as clay. Alternate translation: “gathers large piles of clothing” or “gathers clothing as easily as he could gather clay”
Job 27:18
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Quote: He builds his house like a spider (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
After “spider,” the phrase “builds its web” is understood information. It can be made clear. Alternate translation: “He builds his house as a spider builds its web”
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Quote: He builds his house like a spider (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
A spider web is fragile and easily destroyed. Alternate translation: “He builds his house as fragile as a spider builds its web” or “He builds his house as fragile as a spider’s web”
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Quote: like a hut (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
A hut is a temporary house that is also not very strong. Alternate translation: “like a temporary hut”
Job 27:19
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Quote: He lies down in bed rich (0)“He is wealthy when he lies down in bed.” This refers to his lying down in bed at night and sleeping.
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Quote: but he will not keep doing so (0)Alternate translation: “but he will not keep lying down in bed rich” or “but he will not continue to be wealthy when he lies down in bed”
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Quote: he opens his eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Opening his eyes represents waking up in the morning. Alternate translation: “he wakes up”
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Quote: everything is gone (0)Alternate translation: “all of his riches are gone” or “everything has vanished”
Job 27:20
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Quote: Terrors overtake him (0)Here “overtake him” represents suddenly happening to him. Possible meanings are that terrors is a metonym for:: (1) things that cause people to be afraid. Alternate translation: “Terrifying things suddenly happen to him” or (2) fear. Alternate translation: “He suddenly becomes terrified”
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Quote: like waters (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The word “waters” refers to a flood. Floods can happen very suddenly when people do not expect them, and they are dangerous and frightening. Alternate translation: “like a flood” or “like waters that rise up suddenly”
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Quote: a storm takes him away (0)Alternate translation: “a violent wind blows him away”
Job 27:21
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Quote: it sweeps him out of his place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job speaks of the wind blowing the wicked man out of his house as if the wind were a person sweeping dust out of a house with a broom. Alternate translation: “the wind sweeps him out of his place like a woman who sweeps dirt out of a house” or “the wind easily blows him out of his place”
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Quote: his place (0)Alternate translation: “his home”
Job 27:22
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationGeneral Information:
In verses 22–23 Job speaks of the wind as if it were a person attacking the wicked person.
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Quote: It throws itself at him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here the phrase “throws itself at him” represents the wind blowing strong against him like an attacker. Alternate translation: “It blows strong against him like someone attacking him”
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Quote: he tries to flee out of its hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here “hand” represents the power or control that the wind has over the wicked man. Alternate translation: “he tries to flee out of its control” (See also: Метонимия)
Job 27:23
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Quote: It claps its hands at him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Clapping the hands is a way of mocking someone. Here it represents the wind making loud noises. Alternate translation: “It makes loud noises like someone clapping his hands to mock him” (See also: Олицетворение)
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Quote: hisses him from his place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
The wind makes a noise as it blows him out of his place, and the noise is like the hissing sound that people make to mock someone. Alternate translation: “it makes a hissing noise as it causes him to leave his home” or “it blows him out of his place and makes a hissing noise like someone who hisses at him to mock him” (See also: Олицетворение)
Job 28
Job 28 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Job’s response to Bildad.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s wisdom
Despite being upset about his circumstances, Job does not curse God. Instead, he recognizes Yahweh’s wisdom and authority. This chapter especially focuses on Yahweh’s wisdom as he controls the circumstances of Job’s life. Men cannot understand because they do not have Yahweh’s wisdom. (See: прокляття, проклинати, проклятий, що проклинає and мудрий, мудрість)
Job 28:1
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Quote: mine (0)This is a place where people dig rocks out of the earth. These rocks have metal in them.
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Quote: refine (0)This is the process of heating a metal to remove all of the impurities that are in it.
Job 28:2
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Quote: Iron is taken out of the earth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People take iron out of the earth”
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Quote: copper is smelted out of the stone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people smelt copper out of the stone” or “people heat stone to melt copper out of it”
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Quote: copper (0)an important red-brown colored metal
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Quote: smelted (0)This is a process of heating rocks to melt the metal in them in order to get the metal out of the rocks.
Job 28:3
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Quote: A man sets an end to darkness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “sets an end to darkness” represents shining a light in the darkness. People used a lantern or a torch for light. Alternate translation: “A man carries light into dark places”
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Quote: to the farthest limit (0)Alternate translation: “to the farthest parts of the mine”
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Quote: obscurity … thick darkness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases are used together to emphasize that the mine is extremely dark.
Job 28:4
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Quote: shaft (0)a deep narrow hole dug into the ground or rock. People go down into the hole to mine it.
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Quote: places that are forgotten by anyone’s foot (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The foot is spoken of as if it is a person who can remember. Alternate translation: “places where people no longer walk” or “where no one ever walks”
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Quote: He hangs far away from people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
How and where he hangs can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Far away from people, he hangs from a rope in the shaft”
Job 28:5
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Quote: the earth, out of which comes bread (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “bread” represents food in general. Food coming out of the ground is a metaphor for food growing out of the ground. Alternate translation: “the earth, where food grows” (See also: Метафора)
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Quote: it is turned up below as if by fire (0)This could mean: (1) people made fires under the ground to break apart the rock. Alternate translation: “it is broken up below by the fires that the miners make” or (2) “turned” is a metaphor for changed. Alternate translation: “it is broken up below so much that it appears that it was destroyed by fire”
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Quote: it is turned (0)The word “it” refers to the earth.
Job 28:6
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Quote: Its stones … its dust (0)The word “its” refers to the earth.
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Quote: sapphires (0)a rare and valuable blue gemstone
Job 28:7
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Quote: No bird of prey knows the path to it … nor has the falcon’s eye seen it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These clauses express a similar meaning. Alternate translation: “No bird of prey or falcon knows or has ever seen the path that goes to the mine”
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Quote: bird of prey (0)a bird that eats other animals
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Quote: falcon (0)This may also be translated “hawk.” Both are birds that hunt and eat other animals. You may translate this with a similar bird from your culture.
Job 28:8
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Quote: The proud animals have not walked such a path … nor has the fierce lion passed there (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These clauses also express similar meaning.
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Quote: The proud animals (0)This refers to very strong, wild animals.
Job 28:9
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Quote: lays his hand on the flinty rock (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents breaking up the rock. Alternate translation: “digs into the flinty rock”
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Quote: flinty rock (0)Alternate translation: “hard rock”
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Quote: he overturns mountains by their roots (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Digging up the mountains and the ground underneath them is a metaphor from digging out weeds or trees, an exaggeration that represents digging minerals out of the ground. Alternate translation: “he turns the mountains upside down by pulling out their roots” (See also: Метафора)
Job 28:10
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Quote: his eye sees (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “his eye” represents him. Alternate translation: “he sees”
Job 28:11
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Quote: He ties up the streams so they do not run (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “ties up the streams” means damming or blocking the streams. Alternate translation: “He blocks the streams so they do not flow”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what is hidden there (0)This refers to things that people normally do not see because they are in the ground or underwater.
Job 28:12
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGeneral Information:
In 28:12–28, wisdom and understanding are spoken of as if they were precious objects that are in some place and people want to find them. Finding wisdom and understanding represents becoming wise and learning to understand things well.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Where will wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These questions mean the same thing and are used to show that it is very difficult to find wisdom and understanding. Alternate translation: “It is very difficult to find wisdom and understanding.” (See also: Риторический вопрос)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Where will wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Becoming wise and understanding is spoken of as finding wisdom and understanding. Alternate translation: “How do people become wise? How do people learn to understand things well”
Job 28:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Man does not know its price (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) wisdom is spoken of as if it were something that people can buy. Alternate translation: “People do not know what it is worth” or (2) the word translated as “price” means “place.” Alternate translation: “People do not know where it is”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: neither is it found in the land of the living (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
“and it is not found in the land of the living.” The “land of the living” refers to this world where people live. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and no one can find wisdom in this world”
Job 28:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The deep waters … say, ‘It is not in me’; the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’ (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The deep waters and the sea are presented as if they are people that can speak. Alternate translation: “Wisdom is not in the deep waters under the earth, nor is it in the sea”
Job 28:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It cannot be gotten for gold (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This implies that wisdom is worth much more than gold. Alternate translation: “People cannot pay for wisdom with gold”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: neither can silver be weighed as its price (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This implies that wisdom is worth much more than silver. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “and people cannot weigh out enough silver to pay for wisdom”
Job 28:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: It cannot be valued with … sapphire (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than the gold of Ophir, precious onyx and sapphire.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Ophir (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a land where there was fine gold.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: onyx (0)a valuable black gemstone
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sapphire (0)a valuable blue gemstone
Job 28:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Gold and crystal cannot equal it in worth (0)This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than gold and crystal.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: crystal (0)a valuable gemstone that is clear or lightly colored
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: neither can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold (0)“and it cannot be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.” This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than jewels of fine gold.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: exchanged (0)Alternate translation: “traded”
Job 28:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: No mention is worth making of coral or jasper (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
“It is not worth making mention of coral and jasper.” This implies that wisdom is worth so much more than coral and jasper that there is no need for Job to say anything about them. Alternate translation: “I will not bother to mention coral or jasper” or “Coral and jasper are worthless compared to wisdom”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: coral (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
This is a beautiful, hard substance that grows on ocean reefs.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: jasper … rubies (0)These are valuable gemstones.
Job 28:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The topaz of Cush does not equal it (0)This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than the finest topaz.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: topaz (0)This is a valuable gemstone.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: neither can it be valued in terms of pure gold (0)“and wisdom cannot be valued in terms of pure gold.” This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than pure gold.
Job 28:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: From where, then, comes wisdom? Where is the place of understanding? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses these questions to introduce how people get wisdom and understanding. Alternate translation: “I will tell you where wisdom comes from and where understanding is.” or “I will tell you how to become wise and how to learn to understand things.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: From where, then, comes wisdom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Wisdom is spoken of as if it were in a place and comes to people. Its coming represents people becoming wise.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Where is the place of understanding (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Understanding is spoken of as if it were in a place.
Job 28:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Wisdom is hidden from the eyes of all living things (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This means that living things are unable to see wisdom. It can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “No living thing can see wisdom” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: is kept hidden from the birds of the heavens (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This means that the birds are unable to see wisdom. This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “even the birds that fly in the skies cannot see wisdom”
Job 28:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Destruction and Death say (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here “Destruction” and “Death” are spoken of as if they are living things who can speak.
Job 28:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God understands the way to it; he knows its place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Wisdom is spoken of as if it were in a certain place. Alternate translation: “God knows how to find wisdom. He knows where it is”
Job 28:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the very ends of the earth (0)Alternate translation: “the farthest places on the earth”
Job 28:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: parceled out the waters by measure (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This describes God deciding how much water should be in each place. Possible meanings are that this refers to deciding: (1) how much rain should be in each cloud or (2) how much water should be in each sea. Alternate translation: “decided how much water should be in each place”
Job 28:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a path for the thunder (0)Alternate translation: “he decided how the thunder can be heard” or “he decided the path of the thunderstorm”
Job 28:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See, the fear of the Lord—that is wisdom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word fear, you can express the same idea with the verbs “fear” or “respect.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wisdom, you can express the same idea with another word such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “Listen, if you fear the Lord, you will be wise”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to depart from evil is understanding (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “depart from evil” means refusing to do evil things. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word understanding, you can express the same idea with the verb “understand.” Alternate translation: “if you refuse to do evil, then you will understand many things”
Job 29
Job 29 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Job’s statement, but now it is directly addressed to Yahweh.
In this chapter, Job recalls the days before Yahweh’s blessings were taken from him. This is only one part of Job’s argument that continues for the next 3 chapters.
Job 29:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oh, that I were as I was in the past months (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Job uses this exclamation to express a wish. Alternate translation: “I wish that I were as I was in past months”
Job 29:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when his lamp shined on my head (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
God’s lamp shining on Job represents God blessing Job. Alternate translation: “when God’s blessing was like a lamp shining its light on my head”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I walked through darkness by his light (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Walking through darkness represents experiencing difficult situations.
Job 29:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the ripeness of my days (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of when he was young and strong as if his days were the time when the harvest is ripe. Alternate translation: “when I was young and strong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when the friendship of God was on my tent (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word friendship, you can express the same idea with the noun “friend.” The word “tent” represents Job’s home. Alternate translation: “when God was my friend and protected my home” (See also: Метонимия)
Job 29:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when my way was covered with cream (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
“when my path was flowing with cream.” Job uses this exaggeration to express that he had many cows and they produced much more cream than he and his family needed. Alternate translation: “when my cows provided an abundance of cream”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and the rock poured out for me streams of oil (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
“and the rock poured out streams of oil for me.” Job uses this exaggeration to express that he had many olive vines and great amounts of olive oil. The rock is where his servants pressed the oil out of the olives. Alternate translation: “when my servants pressed out a great amount of olive oil” or “when oil flowed like streams from the pressing rock” (See also: Метафора)
Job 29:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: city square (0)This is an open area in a village or city where two or more streets meet.
Job 29:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rose and stood for me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This is a symbol of respect. It can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “rose and stood respectfully for me”
Job 29:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The princes used to refrain from talking when I came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This was a sign of respect.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they would lay their hand on their mouths (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
They did this to show that they would not speak. This was a sign of their respect for Job.
Job 29:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The voices of the noblemen were hushed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The noblemen hushed their voices” or “The noblemen stopped speaking”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their tongue clung to the roof of their mouths (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents them having so much respect for Job that they had nothing to say. Alternate translation: “they felt that they were unable to speak” or “they had nothing to say”
Job 29:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: after their ears heard me … after their eyes saw me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The ears represent those who heard him, and the eyes represent those who saw him. Alternate translation: “after they heard what I told them … after they saw me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they would then give witness to me and approve of me (0)Alternate translation: “they would witness approvingly of me”
Job 29:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I rescued the one who was poor when he cried out (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Here “the one who was poor” refers to any poor person. Alternate translation: “I used to rescue poor people who cried out”
Job 29:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The blessing of him who was about to perish came on me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Someone’s blessing coming on another represents that person blessing another. Alternate translation: “He who was about to perish would bless me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: him who was about to perish (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
This represents anyone who was about to die. Alternate translation: “those who were about to die”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “the widow’s heart” represents any widow. Alternate translation: “I caused widows to sing joyfully” (See also: Общие именные фразы)
Job 29:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I put on righteousness, and it clothed me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People often spoke of righteousness as if it were clothing. Alternate translation: “I did what was righteous, and it was like clothing that I put on”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my justice was like a robe and a turban (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
People often spoke of justice as if it were clothing. Alternate translation: “I did what was just, and it was like a robe and a turban on me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: turban (0)a long cloth that men wrap around their heads and wear as a hat
Job 29:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I was eyes to blind people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This represents helping blind people. Alternate translation: “I was like eyes for blind people” or “I guided blind people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I was feet to lame people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This represents helping blind people. Alternate translation: “I was like feet for lame people” or “I supported lame people”
Job 29:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I was a father to needy people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “I was a father” represents providing for people. Alternate translation: “I provided for needy people as a father provides for his children”
Job 29:17
General Information:
In verses 18–20 Job tells about the things he used to say before bad things happened to him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I broke the jaws of … I plucked the victim (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of unrighteous people who persecute others as if they were wild animals that attack their victims by picking them up between their teeth. Alternate translation: “I made unrighteous people stop persecuting people, like someone who breaks the jaw of a wild animal and rescues its victim from between its teeth”
Job 29:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will die in my nest (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “nest” represents Job’s home and family. Job used to speak as if he were a bird that lived in a nest with his baby birds. Alternate translation: “I will die at home with my family” or “I will die in the safety of my home”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will multiply my days like the grains of sand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
There are more grains of sand on the shore than anyone can count. To say that he would live more days than anyone could count is an exaggeration to express that he would live a very long time. Alternate translation: “I will live a very long time” or “I will live many years” (See also: Сравнение)
Job 29:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My roots … my branches (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job used to speak of his strength as if he were strong like a well-watered tree.
Job 29:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The honor in me is always fresh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word honor, you can express the same idea with the verb “honor.” Here “fresh” represents the honor being constantly given. Alternate translation: “People constantly give me honor” or “People always honor me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the bow of my strength is always new in my hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A new bow is very strong. Job’s bow of strength in his hand represents his physical strength. Alternate translation: “I am always strong like a new bow”
Job 29:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my speech dropped like water on them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here “dropped like water on them” represents refreshing the people who heard him. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word speech, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “speak” or “say.” Alternate translation: “my speech refreshed their hearts as drops of water refresh people’s bodies” or “what I said to them refreshed them like drops of water” (See also: Абстрактные существительные)
Job 29:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They always waited for me as they waited for rain (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
People waited for Job patiently and expected to hear good things.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they opened their mouth wide to drink in my words (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This represents waiting eagerly for Job to speak in order to benefit from what said. Alternate translation: “they eagerly waited for me to speak in order to benefit from what I said”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as they would do for the latter rain (0)Alternate translation: “as farmers wait eagerly for the latter rain”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the latter rain (0)This refers to the large amount of rain that falls just before the dry season.
Job 29:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I smiled on them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It can be stated clearly that the purpose of smiling was to encourage them. Alternate translation: “I smiled on them to encourage them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the light of my face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This represents the kindness they saw in Job’s face.
Job 29:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I selected their way (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “selected their way” represents deciding what they should do.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sat as their chief (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “sat” represents ruling or leading. Chiefs sat down when they made important decisions. Alternate translation: “led them as their chief”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sat as their chief (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job was their chief. Alternate translation: “led them because I was their chief”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I lived like a king in his army (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Job speaks of how he led the people and how they obeyed him as if he were a king and they were his army.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like one who comforts mourners (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This phrase means that Job actually was one who comforted people. Alternate translation: “I comforted them when they mourned”
Job 30
Job 30 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Job’s statement, but now it is directly addressed to Yahweh.
In this chapter, Job laments his current condition as others insult him. (See: плакати, стогнати, плач, стогнання)
Job 30:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: whose fathers I would have refused to allow to work beside the dogs of my flock (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This shows how much he despised those fathers. They were not even good enough to be with his dogs. Alternate translation: “whose fathers I despised and would not have allowed to work beside the dogs of my flock”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the dogs of my flock (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The dogs’ relationship to the flock can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the dogs that guarded my flock”
Job 30:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Indeed, the strength of their fathers’ hands, how could it have helped me … perished? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to mock the weakness of those men. Alternate translation: “The strength of their fathers’ hands could not have helped me … perished.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: men in whom the strength of their mature age had perished (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Their strength perishing is a metaphor that represents no longer being strong but weak. The phrase “mature age” refers to them being old. Alternate translation: “men who had become old and had no strength” or “men who had become old and weak”
Job 30:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They were thin from poverty and hunger (0)The word “They” refers to the fathers of the young mockers.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They were thin from poverty and hunger (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word poverty, you can express the same idea with another word such as “poor.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word hunger, you can express the same idea with the words “hungry” or “starving.” Alternate translation: “They were very thin because they were poor and starving”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they gnawed at the dry ground (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) “dry ground” is a metonym for the dry roots that grow in the ground. Alternate translation: “they chewed on the dry roots they found in the ground” or (2) “gnawed at the dried ground” is a metonym for eating whatever they could find in the dry ground.
Job 30:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues to talk about the fathers of the mockers.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: saltwort … bushes’ leaves … the roots of the broom tree (0)These are plants that people would eat only if they could find nothing better.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the roots of the broom tree were their food (0)This could mean: (1) the people ate the roots of the broom tree or (2) the people warmed themselves by burning the roots of broom trees.
Job 30:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They were driven out from among people who shouted after them as … a thief (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The phrase “were driven out” means “were forced to leave.” These phrases can be reordered and stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The people shouted after them as … a thief and forced them to leave”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shouted after them as one would shout after a thief (0)Alternate translation: “shouted at them as though they were thieves”
Job 30:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues to talk about the fathers of the mockers.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brayed like donkeys (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Job speaks of the men crying out in hunger as if they were wild donkeys making a loud noise. Alternate translation: “cried out like wild donkeys because they were hungry”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they gathered together under the nettles (0)“Nettles” are bushes with sharp thorns. This implies that they did not have a home.
Job 30:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They were the sons of fools (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “were the sons of fools” represents having the characteristics fools. Alternate translation: “They were like fools” or “they were fools”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: indeed, sons of nameless people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “indeed” shows that what follows strengthens the previous thought. Here “sons of nameless people” represents having the characteristics of nameless people. Alternate translation: “indeed, they were nameless people” or “indeed, they were worthless”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: nameless people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here being “nameless” represents having no honor or respect. It means that they are worthless. Alternate translation: “worthless people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They were driven out of the land with whips (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) the idea of whips implies that they were being treated like criminals. Alternate translation: “People treated them like criminals and forced them to leave the land” or (2) people actually used whips to force them out. Alternate translation: “People whipped them and forced them to leave the land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They were driven out of the land (0)Here “the land” refers to the land where they lived before they were forced to go out to the wilderness.
Job 30:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job speaks again about the people who were mocking him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: But now I have become the subject of their taunting song (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word song, you can express the same idea with the verb “sing.” Alternate translation: “But now they sing songs about me to taunt me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have become a byword for them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “byword” is a metonym for the person about whom people make cruel jokes. Alternate translation: “I am now one whom they make cruel jokes about” or “They joke and say cruel things about me”
Job 30:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they do not refrain from spitting in my face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “they even spit in my face”
Job 30:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God has unstrung the string to my bow (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A bow that is unstrung is not useful. The phrase “has unstrung the string of my bow” is a metaphor for making Job powerless. Alternate translation: “God has taken away my power to defend myself”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who taunt me (0)Alternate translation: “those who mock me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cast off restraint before my face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A restraint keeps a person from moving freely and doing what he wants. Here “restraint” represents refraining from doing something, and “cast off restraint” represents not refraining from doing something. In this case the mockers did not refrain from being cruel to Job. Alternate translation: “do not refrain from being cruel to me” or “do whatever cruel things they want to do to me” (See also: Предположение и имплицитная информация)
Job 30:12
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGeneral Information:
Job speaks about the mockers treating him cruelly as if they were a mob and an army attacking him.
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues to speak about the people who were mocking him.
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Quote: Upon my right hand rise the rabble (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
“the rabble rise upon my right hand.” This could mean: (1) rising upon Job’s right hand represents attacking his strength. Alternate translation: “Gangs of young people attack my strength” or (2) rising upon Job’s right hand represents attacking his honor. Alternate translation: “Mobs attack my honor” (See also: Метафора)
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Quote: they drive me away (0)Alternate translation: “they force me to run away”
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Quote: pile up against me their siege mounds (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Armies would pile up mounds of dirt along a city’s wall in order to climb over the wall and attack the city. Job speaks of the mockers preparing to attack him as if they were doing that. Alternate translation: “prepare to attack me like an army that prepares to attack a city”
Job 30:13
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Quote: They destroy my path (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This represents keeping Job from escaping their attack. Alternate translation: “They prevent me from escaping from them”
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Quote: they push forward disaster for me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “push forward disaster” represents trying to make disaster happen. Alternate translation: “they try to make disaster happen to me” or “they try to destroy me”
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Quote: men who have no one to hold them back (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “hold them back” represents stopping them from doing something. Alternate translation: “men who have no one to stop them from attacking me”
Job 30:14
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGeneral Information:
Job speaks about the mockers treating him cruelly as if they were an army attacking him.
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues to speak about the people who were mocking him.
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Quote: They come against me like an army through a wide hole in a city wall (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This represents attacking Job forcefully.
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Quote: they roll themselves in on me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This represents many coming to attack him at once, like giant ocean waves rolling in on him.
Job 30:15
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Quote: Terrors are turned upon me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) Job has become terrified or (2) things are happening to Job that make him afraid.
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Quote: my honor is driven away as if by the wind (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Job speaks of suddenly having no honor as if the wind had blown it from him. Alternate translation: “Nobody honors me” or “I am now a person that people do not honor”
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Quote: my prosperity passes away as a cloud (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Job speaks of his prosperity ending as if it were a cloud that was blown away. Here “prosperity” may refer to well-being or safety. Alternate translation: “I no longer prosper at all” or “I am no longer safe”
Job 30:16
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Quote: Now my life is pouring out from within me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks as if his life were a liquid and his body were a container. He feels he is about to die. Alternate translation: “Now I am dying”
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Quote: many days of suffering have laid hold on me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job speaks of his continuous suffering as if the days of suffering have grabbed hold of him. Alternate translation: “I suffer many days, and the suffering does not end”
Job 30:17
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Quote: my bones in me are pierced (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of the pain in his bones as if his bones were being pierced. Alternate translation: “my bones ache terribly” or “I have sharp pain in my bones”
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Quote: the pains that gnaw at me take no rest (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job speaks of his constant pain as if it were alive and biting him and refuses to rest. Alternate translation: “the pains that cause me to suffer do not stop” or “I am in constant pain”
Job 30:18
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Quote: God’s great force has seized my clothing (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job speaks of God using his force as if God’s force were actually doing something. Here “God’s … force” stands for “God.” Alternate translation: “God has seized my clothing by his great force”
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Quote: God’s great force has seized my clothing (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The image of God’s force seizing Job is a metaphor. This could mean: (1) it represents Job’s pain. Alternate translation: “My pain feels like God has grabbed my clothing tightly” or (2) it represents God’s causing Job’s many problems. Alternate translation: “It is as though by his great force God has grabbed me by my clothes”
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Quote: it wraps around me like the collar of my tunic (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The image of God’s force wrapping around Job is a metaphor. This could mean: (1) it represents Job’s pain. Alternate translation: “he wraps the collar of my tunic tightly around me” or (2) it represents God’s causing Job’s many problems. Alternate translation: “It is as though he grabs me by the collar of my tunic”
Job 30:19
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Quote: He has thrown me into the mud (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job says that God has humiliated him. Alternate translation: “It is as though he has thrown me in the mud” or “He has humiliated me, like a person thrown in the mud”
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Quote: I have become like dust and ashes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This represents Job’s feeling of being worthless. Alternate translation: “I have become as worthless as dust and ashes”
Job 30:21
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Quote: cruel (0)This word means unkind.
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Quote: with the strength of your hand you persecute me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “hand” represents God’s power. Alternate translation: “you persecute me with your power”
Job 30:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking to God.
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Quote: lift me up to the wind … throw me back and forth in a storm (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
These expressions represent the extreme suffering that God made Job endure.
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Quote: cause it to drive me along (0)Alternate translation: “cause the wind to push me along”
Job 30:23
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Quote: you will bring me to death (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “bring me to death” represents causing Job to die. Alternate translation: “you will cause me to die”
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Quote: the house appointed for all the living (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of the world of the dead as if it were a house to which God has appointed all living things to go. Alternate translation: “the world of the dead, to which everything that has ever lived goes”
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Quote: all the living (0)That is, all things now alive, but that will die one day.
Job 30:24
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Job continues speaking to God.
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Quote: does no one reach out with his hand to beg for help when he falls? Does no one in trouble call out for help? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses these questions to justify himself for crying out to God for help. Alternate translation: “Everyone reaches out with his hand to beg for help when he falls. Everyone who is in trouble calls out for help.” or “I have fallen, and so God should not think I am doing wrong when I beg for his help. I am in trouble, so of course I call out for help!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: does no one reach out with his hand to beg for help when he falls? Does no one in trouble call out for help? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Some versions interpret these questions as Job complaining that God has reached out with his hand to harm Job when Job was in trouble and crying out for help. Alternate translation: “Surely no one would reach out with his hand against someone who falls and calls out for help.”
Job 30:25
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Quote: Did not I weep … trouble? Did I not grieve … man? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses these questions to remind God of how Job had done good to others. A: “You know that I wept … trouble, and I grieved … man!”
Job 30:26
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Quote: When I hoped for good, then evil came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Looking for good represents hoping for good things, and evil coming represents evil things happening.
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Quote: I waited for light … darkness came (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “light” represents God’s blessing and favor and “darkness” represents trouble and suffering. Alternate translation: “I waited for the light of God’s blessing, but instead I experienced the darkness of suffering”
Job 30:27
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Quote: My heart is troubled and does not rest (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job speaks of his heart as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “I am troubled in my heart and the feeling does not end”
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Quote: days of affliction have come on me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Days of affliction coming on Job represents Job experiencing affliction for many days. Alternate translation: “I experience affliction many days” or “I suffer every day”
Job 30:28
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Quote: I have gone about (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “have gone about” represents living. Alternate translation: “I have lived” or “I live”
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Quote: like one who was living in the dark, but not because of the sun (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “living in the dark” is a metaphor that represents being extremely sad. The phrase “but not because of the sun” clarifies that “living in the dark” is a metaphor, that is, the darkness is not caused by the sun being hidden. Alternate translation: “like one who is terribly sad”
Job 30:29
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Quote: a brother to jackals, a companion of ostriches (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Being a brother to these animals is a metaphor for being like them. Alternate translation: “I am like jackals and ostriches that cry out in the wilderness”
Job 30:30
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Quote: my bones are burned with heat (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “bones” refers to the whole body, which suffers from fever.
Job 30:31
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Quote: my harp is tuned for songs of mourning (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “my harp” represents Job himself, and also represents his desire to sing only songs of mourning. Alternate translation: “I play only songs of mourning on my harp”
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Quote: my flute for the singing of those who wail (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “my flute” represents Job himself, and also his desire to sing only songs of crying. Alternate translation: “I play only songs of wailing on my flute”
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Quote: wail (0)To wail is to cry very loudly because of terrible sadness or pain.
Job 31
Job 31 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Job’s statement and it is directly addressed to Yahweh.
In this chapter, Job presents his case to Yahweh that he is upright and not guilty of the sins he is being accused of. (See: праведність, праведний, праведник, неправедність and вина and грішити, грішити, гріх, гріхи, грішник)
Job 31:1
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Quote: I have made a covenant with my eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of making a promise about what he would look at as though his eyes were a person and he made a covenant with them. Alternate translation: “I have made a firm promise about what I will look at” (See also: Олицетворение)
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Quote: I have made a covenant with my eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
What job promised can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I made a promise that I will not look lustfully on a virgin” or “I promised that I will not look lustfully on a virgin”
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Quote: how then should I look with desire on a virgin? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to emphasize that he would never break his promise. Alternate translation: “So I certainly will not look with lust at a virgin.”
Job 31:2
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Quote: For what is the portion from God above, the inheritance from the Almighty on high? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of God’s response to people’s behavior as if it were the portion of an inheritance that God gives. Alternate translation: “For how will God above respond to me? What will the Almighty on high do?” (See also: Параллелизм)
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Quote: For what is the portion from God above, the inheritance from the Almighty on high? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Possible meanings are Job uses this question to emphasize: (1) that God will not bless bad behavior. Alternate translation: “For if I look lustfully on a woman, God Almighty on high will not bless me.” or (2) that God will punish bad behavior. Alternate translation: “For if I look lustfully on a woman, God Almighty on high will certainly punish me.”
Job 31:4
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Quote: Does not God see my ways and count all my steps? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “my ways” and “my steps” are metaphors for Job’s behavior. Here “see my ways” and “count all my steps” are metaphors for knowing everything Job does. Job uses this question to emphasize that God does know all he does. Alternate translation: “Certainly God watches me and knows everything that I do.” (See also: Риторический вопрос)
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Quote: Does not God see my ways and count all my steps? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job may be implying that God should know that Job is righteous and does not deserve calamity and disaster.
Job 31:5
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Quote: If I have (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
In 31:5–40 Job describes different situations in which he would deserve God’s punishment. But, he knows that they are not true and he is innocent.
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Quote: walked with falsehood, if my foot has hurried to deceit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “walked” and “hurried” are metaphors that represent how Job lived. Alternate translation: “done anything false or purposely deceived anyone”
Job 31:6
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Quote: let me be weighed in an even balance (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People used balances to weigh items and to determine their value. This image represents judging honestly. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “let me be judged honestly” or “let God judge me honestly” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
Job 31:7
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Quote: If my step has turned aside from the way (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “my step” is a metaphor for Job’s behavior, and “turned out of the right way” is a metaphor for changing from living right. Alternate translation: “If I have changed from living right” or “If I have stopped doing what is right”
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Quote: if my heart has gone after my eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “my heart” and “my eyes” are metonyms for what Job desires and sees. The heart going after the eyes is a metaphor for desiring to do what he sees. It is implied that this refers to sinful things that Job sees. Alternate translation: “if I have wanted to do any sinful things that I see” (See also: Метафора)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if any spot has stuck to my hands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This is a metaphor for being guilty. Alternate translation: “if I am guilty of any sin at all”
Job 31:8
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Quote: then let me sow, and let another eat, and let my crops be uprooted (0)Job is saying that if he really has sinned, then this bad thing should happen to him. He would do the hard work of sowing his fields, but he would not be able to eat any of it.
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Quote: let my crops be uprooted (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “let someone else come and take the harvest from my field”
Job 31:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If my heart has been deceived by a woman (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my heart” represents Job. Here the word “deceived” expresses the idea of “enticed.” The word “woman” expresses the idea of “another man’s wife.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If another man’s wife has enticed me” or “If I have desired another man’s wife” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if I have lain in wait at my neighbor’s door (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It can be stated clearly why he was waiting at his neighbor’s door. Alternate translation: “if I have waited at my neighbor’s door so I could sleep with his wife”
Job 31:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: then let my wife grind grain for another (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This could mean: (1) this is an euphemism which means Job is saying may his wife sleep with another man or (2) it means she will become a slave and work for another man.
Job 31:11
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Quote: For that would be a terrible crime (0)The word “that” refers to Job sleeping with another woman.
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Quote: it would be a crime to be punished by judges (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it would be a crime for which judges would be right to punish me”
Job 31:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For that is a fire that consumes as far as Abaddon, and it would burn all my harvest to the root (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job speaks of the harm that sleeping with another woman causes as if it were a fire that destroys everything. The words “that” and “it” refer to sleeping with another man’s wife. Alternate translation: “For adultery is like a fire that burns up everything from here to Abaddon and that would burn up all my harvest”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: consumes as far as Abaddon (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
These words are probably a metaphor for “destroys everything so I have nothing good for the rest of my life,” but you should probably translate this literally.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it would burn all my harvest to the root (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word “it” here refers to the action sleeping with another man’s wife. This action is a metonym for the punishment that Job would suffer as a result of the action. A fire burning up his harvest is a synecdoche for losing everything he has worked for. Alternate translation: “those who punish me would take away everything I have worked for” (See also: Синекдоха)
Job 31:14
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Quote: what then would I do when God rises up to accuse me? When he comes to judge me, how would I answer him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses these questions to emphasize that if God were to judge him, Job would not be able to make himself appear to be good. Alternate translation: “then there would be absolutely nothing I could say to defend myself when God comes to judge me.”
Job 31:15
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Quote: Did the one who made me in the womb not make them also? Did not the same one mold us all in the womb? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses these questions to emphasize that he is no different from his servants. He implies that God would be angry if Job were to treat his servants as less valuable than himself. Alternate translation: “The one who made me in the womb also made them. He formed us all in the womb.”
Job 31:16
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Quote: If I have withheld poor people from their desire (0)Alternate translation: “If I have kept poor people from getting what they desire”
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Quote: if I have caused the eyes of the widow to grow dim from crying (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here “to grow dim” refers to the widow having bad eyesight from crying a lot. Alternate translation: “if I have caused a widow to cry in great sadness”
Job 31:17
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Quote: my morsel (0)Alternate translation: “my food”
Job 31:18
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Quote: because from my youth the orphan grew up with me as with a father (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Here “the orphan” represents orphans in general. Job is describing how he truly treated orphans. Alternate translation: “because even when I was young I took care of orphans like a father”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because from my youth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The phrase “But I have done none of those things” is understood from the context. Alternate translation: “But I have done none of those things, because from my youth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have guided his mother, a widow, from my own mother’s womb (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Job is describing how he truly treated widows. With the phrase “from my own mother’s womb” he uses exaggeration to emphasize that he did this all his life. Alternate translation: “all my life I have guided the orphan’s mother, a widow” or “all my life I have guided widows”
Job 31:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if his heart has not blessed me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The phrase “his heart” represents the poor man who needs clothing. Alternate translation: “if he has not blessed me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because he has not been warmed with the wool of my sheep (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the wool of my sheep” represents blankets or clothing made from the wool of Job’s sheep. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because the wool of my sheep has not warmed him” or “because I have not given him clothing made from the wool of my sheep” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
Job 31:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if I have lifted up my hand against fatherless people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Lifting up the hand against someone represents threatening to harm him. Alternate translation: “if I have threatened to harm fatherless people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I saw my support in the city gate (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “saw” is a metaphor for “knew,” “support” is a metaphor for “approval,” and “the city gate” is a metonym for the leaders who sit at the city gate. Alternate translation: “I knew that the leaders at the city gate would approve of me” (See also: Метонимия)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the city gate (0)This is where the important men of the city would gather to make decisions.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: then bring charges against me (0)This phrase is not in the original language or in other versions of the Bible. It was added here to help preserve the meaning of Job’s statement in this long sentence.
Job 31:22
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Quote: then let my shoulder fall from the shoulder blade, and let my arm be broken from its joint (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “then let someone tear off my shoulder from the shoulder blade and break my arm from its joint”
Job 31:23
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Quote: For I dreaded … his majesty (0)This is the reason that Job did not do any of the wicked things he spoke of in verses 7 through 21.
Job 31:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If I have made gold my hope (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word hope, you can express the same idea with the verbs “trust” or “hope.” Alternate translation: “If I trusted in gold” or “If I hoped that having a lot of gold would make me secure”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if I have said to fine gold, ‘You are what I am confident in’ (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
This line means the same as the previous line.
Job 31:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my hand had gotten many possessions (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “my hand” represents Job’s ability to do things. Alternate translation: “I have gained many possessions by my own ability”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: then bring charges against me (0)This phrase is not in the original language or in other versions of the Bible. It was added here to help preserve the meaning of Job’s statement in this long sentence.
Job 31:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the moon walking (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Here “walking” represents moving slowly. Alternate translation: “the moon moving across the sky”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the moon walking in its brightness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word brightness, you can express the same idea with the words “bright” or “brightly.” Alternate translation: “the bright moon moving across the sky” or “the moon moving brightly across the sky”
Job 31:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if my heart has been secretly attracted (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my heart” represents Job. This phrase can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if I have been secretly attracted to them” or “if I have secretly desired to worship them” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so that my mouth has kissed my hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Here “my mouth” represents Job. This is a sign of love and devotion. Alternate translation: “so that I have kissed my hand”
Job 31:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to be punished by judges (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for which judges would be right to punish me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I would have denied the God who is above (0)Alternate translation: “I would have been unfaithful to the God who is above”
Job 31:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at the destruction of anyone who hated me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “destroy.” Alternate translation: “when anyone who hated me was destroyed” or “when bad things happened to anyone who hated me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when disaster overtook him (0)Alternate translation: “when he experienced disasters”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: then bring charges against me (0)This phrase is not in the original language or in other versions of the Bible. It was added here to help preserve the meaning of Job’s statement in this long sentence.
Job 31:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Indeed, I have not even allowed my mouth to sin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “my mouth” represents Job speaking. Alternate translation: “Truly I did not let myself sin” or “Truly, I did not sin”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by asking for his life with a curse (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “asking for his life with a curse” represents cursing someone’s life so that he will die. Alternate translation: “by cursing him so that he would die” or “by cursing his life”
Job 31:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the men of my tent (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The tent represents Job’s household. The men of his tent includes family members and servants. All of these knew Job well. Alternate translation: “the men of my household” or “my family members and servants”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who can find one who has not been filled with Job’s food? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job’s men would have used this question to emphasize that Job was generous to everyone. Alternate translation: “Everyone has been filled with Job’s food!” or “Everyone we know of has eaten as much of Job’s food as he wanted!”
Job 31:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: even the foreigner has never had to stay in the city square (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is explaining how he truly treated foreigners. Here “stay in the city square” represents sleeping overnight in the city square. Alternate translation: “foreigners have never had to sleep in the city square” or “foreigners have never had to sleep outside”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have always opened my doors to the traveler (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “opened my doors to the traveler” represents welcoming the traveler into his home. Alternate translation: “I have always welcomed the traveler into my home”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and if that is not so, then bring charges against me (0)This phrase is not in the original language or in other versions of the Bible. It was added here to help preserve the meaning of Job’s statement in this long sentence.
Job 31:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If … I have hidden my sins (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “have hidden my sins” represents trying to keep people from knowing that he had sinned. Alternate translation: “If … I have tried to keep my sins a secret”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by hiding my guilt inside my tunic (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This represents trying to keep people from knowing that he is guilty. Alternate translation: “by hiding the evidence of my guilt inside my tunic” or “like one who hides the evidence of his guilt inside his tunic”
Job 31:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because I feared the great multitude, because the contempt of families terrified me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
This would be the reason for hiding his sins. These mean the same thing. They emphasize that a person may hide his sin because he fears what other people may think about him.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: then bring charges against me (0)This phrase is not in the original language or in other versions of the Bible. It was added here to help preserve the meaning of Job’s statement in this long sentence.
Job 31:35
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Oh, if only I had someone to hear me! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
This exclamation expresses Job’s wish. Alternate translation: “I wish I had someone to hear me” or “I wish that someone would listen to me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: here is my signature (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “my signature” represents Job’s promise that everything he is saying is true. He speaks of his complaint as if he had written a legal document. Alternate translation: “I solemnly promise that all I have said is true”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: let the Almighty answer me! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here an answer probably refers to telling Job what wrong he accuses Job of doing. Alternate translation: “let the Almighty tell me what I have done wrong” or “I wish the Almighty would say what I have done wrong”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If only I had the indictment that my opponent has written! (0)This expresses Job’s wish. Job speaks as though his troubles are evidence that someone has written something accusing him of terrible sin. Alternate translation: “I wish I had the accusation that my opponent has written” or “If only I could read my opponent’s complaint against me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my opponent (0)This could mean: (1) this refers to God or (2) this refers to someone else.
Job 31:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Surely I would carry it openly on my shoulder; I would put it on like a crown (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This represents putting it where everyone could read it.
Job 31:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I would declare to him an accounting for my steps (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “my steps” represents Job’s actions. Alternate translation: “I would declare to him an accounting for all I have done” or “I would tell him everything I have done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as a confident prince I would go up to him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This means Job would approach God without any fear. Job implies that he could do this because he was not guilty. Alternate translation: “I would approach him boldly”
Job 31:38
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoGeneral Information:
This concludes Job’s description of situations in which he would deserve God’s punishment, but he knows they are not true.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If my land ever cries out against me, and its furrows weep together (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job speaks of being guilty as if his land were a person who cries out against Job because of the wrong Job has done to the land. Alternate translation: “If I have done wrong concerning my land” or “If I have stolen my land from someone”
Job 31:39
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to lose their lives (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This represents dying. Alternate translation: “to die”
Job 31:40
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: weeds instead of barley (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “let” and “grow” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “let weeds grow instead of barley”
Job 32
Job 32 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Job’s friends give up on trying to convince him that he is being punished for sinning. This chapter introduces Elihu who was a witness to these interactions between Job and his friends. According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is the first of Elihu’s four statements. (See: грішити, грішити, гріх, гріхи, грішник and свідоцтво, свідчити, свідок)
Some translations prefer to set apart extended quotations, prayers, or songs. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of 32:6–22, which is an extended quotation, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. This quotation continues through the next chapter.
Job 32:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he was righteous in his own eyes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “he considered himself righteous”
Job 32:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then was kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram; it was kindled against Job (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This compares Elihu’s anger to someone starting a fire. Also, If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Elihu … Barakel … Ram (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
These are names of men.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Buzite (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
This is the name of a people-group.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he justified himself rather than God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that he considered himself innocent and believed God had been wrong to punish him. Alternate translation: “he justified himself and claimed that God had been wrong to punish him”
Job 32:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Elihu’s anger was also kindled against his three friends (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This compares Elihu’s anger to someone starting a fire. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Elihu also became very angry with his three friends” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
Job 32:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-background
This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. This tells background information about Elihu.
Job 32:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that there was no answer in the mouths of these three men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This means that the men were done speaking to Job. This speaks of the men possibly having an answer as if the answer were an object that would be in their mouths. Alternate translation: “that these three men had nothing else to say” or “that these three men had no more answers to give Job”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his anger was kindled (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This compares Elihu’s anger to someone starting a fire. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he became very angry” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
Job 32:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are very old (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here “you” is plural and refers to Job and his three friends.
Job 32:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Length of days should speak; a multitude of years should teach wisdom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
These two lines mean the same thing. Elihu emphasizes that since older people are wiser than younger people, they should be the first to speak of what they know. Alternate translation: “He who has lived many years should speak; He would is older should teach wisdom” (See also: Параллелизм)
Job 32:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there is a spirit in a man; the breath of the Almighty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both phrases mean the same thing. Elihu is emphasizing that a man’s wisdom comes from God. Alternate translation: “there is a spirit in a man, that is, the breath of the Almighty that”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the breath of the Almighty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the spirit is represented by “breath.” Alternate translation: “the spirit of the Almighty”
Job 32:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See (0)Elihu uses this word here to draw the mens’ attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Listen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I waited for your words (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
“I waited to hear what you would say.” The word “your” refers to Job’s friends.
Job 32:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who could respond to his words (0)Here the word “respond” does not just mean to answer, but to answer with a helpful response.
Job 32:13
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Quote: We have found wisdom (0)This means that they believe that they have figured out what is wise. Alternate translation: “We have discovered what is wise”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to defeat Job (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of God responding to Job and correcting him as if he were defeating him in battle. Alternate translation: “to refute Job” or “to answer Job”
Job 32:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with your words (0)Alternate translation: “by saying what you have said”
Job 32:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dumbfounded (0)amazed, unable to speak
Job 32:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Should I wait because they are not speaking, because they stand there silent and answer no more? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu uses a question to emphasize that he will not wait any longer to speak. Elihu answers this question himself in the next verse. Alternate translation: But because you do not speak, I certainly will not wait any longer; you merely stand there and do not reply anymore.
Job 32:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I also will answer on my part (0)Alternate translation: “I will now take my turn to answer”
Job 32:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am full of words (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of having a lot to say as being full of words. Alternate translation: “I have so much to say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the spirit in me compels me (0)Alternate translation: “my spirit forces me to say it”
Job 32:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my breast is like fermenting wine that has no vent; like new wineskins, it is ready to burst (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
While wine is fermenting, gas collects in the container. If the gas is not let out the container will burst. Elihu means that he has so much to say that if he does not speak he feels like he will burst. Also, these two phrases are parallel and have the same meaning. Alternate translation: “I feel like my breast is about to burst, like a container of fermenting wine that has no vent” (See also: Параллелизм)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my breast is (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This represents Elihu, specifically his spirit. Alternate translation: “my spirit is” or “I am”
Job 32:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I may be refreshed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I may feel better”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: open my lips (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the “lips” represent the mouth. Alternate translation: “open my mouth”
Job 32:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: neither will I give honorific titles to any man (0)Alternate translation: “neither will I praise any man or give him titles of honor”
Job 32:22
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Quote: my Maker (0)This is a name referring to God. Alternate translation: “God who made me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take me away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This means that he would destroy him. Alternate translation: “destroy me”
Job 33
Job 33 General Notes
Structure and formatting
According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is a continuation of the first of Elihu’s four statements and it is addressed to Job. (See: грішити, грішити, гріх, гріхи, грішник and свідоцтво, свідчити, свідок)
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This quotation is a continuation of the previous chapter.
Special concepts in this chapter
God’s mercy
While Job has been complaining about the lack of justice and response from Yahweh, Elihu shows Job that Yahweh has shown him great mercy along the way. He is still alive because of Yahweh’s mercy. (See: милість, бути помилуваним, милостивий)
Job 33:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hear my speech; listen to all my words (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean the same thing. Elihu is emphasizing that Job must listen carefully.
Job 33:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have opened my mouth … my tongue has spoken in my mouth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These mean the same thing. Elihu is emphasizing that he is now ready to speak. His “tongue” speaking represents himself speaking. Alternate translation: “I have opened my mouth and I have begun to speak” (See also: Метонимия)
Job 33:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My words come from the uprightness of my heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Elihu refers to himself by his “heart” as he speaks of being upright. Alternate translation: “I will speak with uprightness” or “I will speak with complete honesty”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my lips speak pure knowledge (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here Elihu refers to himself by his “lips” to emphasize his speech. Alternate translation: “I will speak sincerely to you the things I know”
Job 33:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The Spirit of God … has given me life (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two lines mean the same thing. Elihu is emphasizing that God has made him and so gives authority to what he is saying.
Job 33:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: set your words in order before me and stand up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of Job preparing what he will say as if he were setting up and organizing physical objects. Alternate translation: “prepare what you will say, and stand up and answer me”
Job 33:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See (0)Elihu uses this word here to draw Job’s attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Listen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am just as you are in God’s sight (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “I am just as you are in God’s judgment” or “God judges me the same way that he judges you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I also have been formed out of the clay (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Though people are not made out of clay, God has made everyone as a potter carefully makes things out of clay. Alternate translation: “God has made both of us just as a potter forms things from clay”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I also have been formed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God has also made me” or “God has formed both of us”
Job 33:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: terror of me will not make you afraid (0)Alternate translation: “you do not need to be afraid of me”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: neither will my pressure be heavy upon you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This means that he will not hinder Job or burden him. He speaks of emotional burden here as if it were a heavy physical burden. Alternate translation: “neither will I burden you” or “I will not oppress you with what I say”
Job 33:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in my hearing (0)Alternate translation: “where I could hear you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have heard the sound of your words saying (0)Alternate translation: “I have heard you say”
Job 33:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: clean (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
A person who God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there is no sin in me (0)Alternate translation: “I have not sinned”
Job 33:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See (0)The speaker uses this word here to draw attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Listen”
Job 33:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He puts my feet in stocks (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“Stocks” are wooden blocks a jailer puts around a prisoner’s feet to restrict his movement. Job speaks of feeling like he is a prisoner by saying that he is in stocks. Alternate translation: “I feel he has made me a prisoner”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my paths (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
These words refer to where he goes. Here where he goes represents what he does. Alternate translation: “everything that I do”
Job 33:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will answer you (0)Elihu is speaking to Job.
Job 33:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Why do you struggle against him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu uses this question to emphasize that Job should not struggle against God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not struggle against God.” or “You should not try to argue with God.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He does not account for any of his doings (0)Alternate translation: “He does not have to explain to us anything he does”
Job 33:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God speaks once—yes, twice (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “God speaks again and again in different ways”
Job 33:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a dream … a vision of the night (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These phrases have the same meaning.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when deep sleep falls upon men, in slumber on the bed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of people being in a deep sleep as if the sleep fell upon them or overcame them. Alternate translation: “when people are fully asleep on their bed”
Job 33:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: then God opens the ears of men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of God making people aware of things as if he were opening their ears so that they could hear. Alternate translation: “then God reveals things to people”
Job 33:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in order to pull man back from (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of God keeping someone from doing something as if he were physically pulling him away from harm. Alternate translation: “in order to keep him from”
Job 33:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God keeps man’s life back from the pit … his life from crossing over to death (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these statements mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “God saves people from the grave and from death”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The place where people go when they die is referred to here as “the pit.” Alternate translation: “the place where dead people are”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: man’s life back … his life (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “man from dying and … he keeps him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from crossing over to death (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “death” represents the place where people go when they die, that is, sheol. Alternate translation: “from going to sheol”
Job 33:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Man is punished also (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God also punishes a person”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with pain on his bed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that the person is experiencing such pain that he must lie in bed. Alternate translation: “with pain so that he must lie in bed”
Job 33:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so that his life abhors food, and his soul abhors delicacies (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing, that the person is in so much pain that he cannot even eat. The person is represented by his “life” and his “soul.” Alternate translation: “the result is that he does not desire any food, not even very special food” (See also: Синекдоха)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: abhors delicacies (0)Alternate translation: “hates even very special food”
Job 33:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His flesh is consumed away so that it cannot be seen; his bones, once not seen, now stick out (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “His flesh” refers to his fat and muscles, not to his body’s outer skin. Alternate translation: “Disease makes his body weak and thin so that a person can see his bones”
Job 33:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his soul draws close to the pit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here a person is represented by his “soul.” Alternate translation: “he is close to going into the grave”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The place where people go when they die is referred to here as “the pit.” Alternate translation: “the place where dead people are”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his life to those who wish to destroy it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the person is represented by his “life.” The phrase “those who wish to destroy it” refers to the place where people go after they die. Alternate translation: “and he is close to going to the place where dead people go” or “and he will soon go to the place of the dead” (See also: Метонимия)
Job 33:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for him (0)This does not refer to a specific person. Elihu continues speaking about any person in general.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: one out of a thousand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
In some languages it may be more natural to refer to “a great number” instead of “a thousand.” Alternate translation: “one from the great number of angels”
Job 33:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The place where people go when they die is referred to here as “the pit.” Alternate translation: “the place where dead people are”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I have found a ransom for him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that the angel has found a way to pay for the sins of the man so that he does not have to die. Alternate translation: “for I have found a way for you to keep him from dying”
Job 33:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then (0)This word is used here to mark what will happen if God grants the angel’s request. Alternate translation: “Then as a result” or “As a result of the angel’s request to God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his flesh will become fresher than a child’s (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This speaks of the man being healed and his body growing strong again as if his body became new like a child’s body. Alternate translation: “the sick man’s body will become new again like a young person’s body”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fresher than a child’s (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
In this comparison, the word “fresher” is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: “fresh like a child’s”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a child’s (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This refers to a child’s flesh. Alternate translation: “a child’s flesh”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it is restored to the days of his youth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of the man’s flesh again being as strong as it was when he was young. Alternate translation: “it will become strong again, as it was when he was young”
Job 33:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he sees God’s face with joy (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “he joyfully worships God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God’s face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here God is represented by his “face.” Alternate translation: “God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God will give the person his triumph (0)Alternate translation: “God will save the person” or “God will make things right for the person again”
Job 33:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: but my sin was not punished (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but God did not punish me for sinning”
Job 33:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: rescued my soul from going down into the pit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the person is referred to by his “soul.” Alternate translation: “rescued me from dying and going to the pit”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The place where people go when they die is referred to here as “the pit.” Alternate translation: “the place where dead people are”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my life will continue to see light (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the person is represented by his “life.” Also, living is spoken of as seeing the light. Alternate translation: “I will continue to live and see the daylight” or “I will continue to live” (See also: Метафора)
Job 33:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See (0)Elihu uses this word here to draw Job’s attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Listen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: twice, yes, even three times (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “again and again”
Job 33:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his soul (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The person is represented by his “soul.” Alternate translation: “him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to bring his soul back from the pit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This speaks of saving the man from dying as if he had died and was being brought back to life. Alternate translation: “to keep him from dying and going to the pit”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the pit (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The place where people go when they die is referred to here as “the pit.” Alternate translation: “the place where dead people are”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he may be enlightened with the light of life (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This is an idiom and may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he may be happy to still be alive” (See also: Идиома)
Job 33:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Pay attention, Job, and listen to me (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These phrases mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully to me, Job”
Job 33:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that you are in the right (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “that you are innocent”
Job 34
Job 34 General Notes
Structure and formatting
According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is the second of Elihu’s four statements and it is addressed first to Job’s friends and then to Job. (See: грішити, грішити, гріх, гріхи, грішник and свідоцтво, свідчити, свідок)
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. Elihu uses many of Job’s statements against him. His attitude is not too different from Job’s friends.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s justice
Elihu defends the justice of Yahweh after Job claimed that Yahweh was being unjust. (See: справедливий, правильний, виправдовувати, бути виправданим)
Job 34:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Moreover, Elihu (0)Alternate translation: “Then, Elihu”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Elihu (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated this man’s name in Job 32:2.
Job 34:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Listen to my words (0)Alternate translation: “Listen to what I say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you wise men … you who have knowledge (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
Elihu is criticizing Job and his friends. He does not think they are actually wise.
Job 34:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For the ear tries words as the palate tastes food (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Elihu means people listen carefully to determine what is right or wrong just like we taste food to determine if it is good or bad. Here people are referred to by their “ear” and their “palate” to emphasize that they are tasting and hearing. Alternate translation: “For we listen to words to know what is good and bad, just as we taste foods to know what is good to eat” (See also: Синекдоха)
Job 34:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Let us (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
Here “us” refers to Elihu, Job, and his three friends.
Job 34:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: has taken away my rights (0)Alternate translation: “refused to give me justice”
Job 34:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am considered to be a liar (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God considers me to be a liar”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My wound is incurable (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here Job’s sickness and suffering is spoken of as if it were a “wound.” Alternate translation: “I am sick and no one can heal me”
Job 34:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What man is like Job (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu uses this rhetorical question to scold Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is no one else like Job”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who drinks up mockery like water (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Elihu is accusing Job of mocking others as often as a person drinks water. Alternate translation: “who mocks other people as frequently as he drinks water”
Job 34:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who walks with wicked men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here “walk” is an idiom for how a person acts. Alternate translation: “who behaves like wicked men”
Job 34:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you men of understanding (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
Elihu is criticizing Job and his friends. He does not actually think they are wise.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: far be it from God … far be it from the Almighty that he should commit sin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have the same meaning and are used together to emphasize that God would never do anything wrong. The phrase “far be it from” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Almighty God would never consider doing anything that is wicked or wrong” (See also: Идиома)
Job 34:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For he pays back a person’s work (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This means that he gives to a person what he deserves for the work he has done. Here “work” is a metaphor for what a person does. Alternate translation: “For he gives to a person what he deserves in return for he does”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he makes every man come upon the reward of his own ways (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase “his own ways” is an idiom for how a person lives his life. Elihu emphasizes that God gives to people what they deserve. Alternate translation: “he causes every man to receive the reward he deserves for how he lives”
Job 34:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who put him in charge over the earth? Who put the whole world under him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
Both of these rhetorical questions have the same meaning and emphasize that no one needed to grant God authority because it was already his. These questions can be written as statements. Alternate translation: “No one needed to give permission to God to take responsibility over all the earth. He is the rightful one to rule the world.” (See also: Риторический вопрос)
Job 34:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If he ever (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
Elihu is describing a situation that he does not believe would ever happen.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his spirit and his breath (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The “spirit” and “breath” of God are what makes all living things alive. Alternate translation: “his spirit and breath which give us life”
Job 34:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all flesh (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here all living things are represented by their “flesh.” Alternate translation: “all living things”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: mankind would return to dust again (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that all people would die and their bodies would decay and become soil. In the beginning God created man from the dust. Alternate translation: “the bodies of mankind would soon become soil again”
Job 34:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: now (0)Elihu uses this word to bring attention to something important he is about to say.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you have (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here “you” is singular and refers to Job.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: listen to the sound of my words (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
“listen to what I say.” This means the same as the previous part of the sentence.
Job 34:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Can one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn God, who is righteous and mighty? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu uses this question to rebuke Job for implying that God hates justice. Alternate translation: “One who hates justice cannot be expected to rule over people. So you really cannot criticize God, who is righteous and powerful, and you cannot say that what he has done is wrong.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Can one who hates justice govern? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The implicit answer to this rhetorical question is “no.” This question implies that God could not rule the world if he hated justice. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “One who hates justice cannot govern the world.” or “God could certainly never hate what is right and still rule the world.” (See also: Предположение и имплицитная информация)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will you condemn God, who is righteous and mighty? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that Job does not have the authority or a reason to condemn God. Alternate translation: “You cannot condemn God, who is righteous and mighty!”
Job 34:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God, who says to a king, ‘You are vile,’ or says to nobles, ‘You are wicked’? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This continues the rhetorical question from the previous verse, emphasizing to Job that he cannot condemn God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “He says to some kings, ‘You are vile,’ and he says to some nobles, ‘You are wicked.’”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God, who says to a king (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
This is part of the previous question. The understood words from the previous verse, “will you condemn God,” may be supplied. Alternate translation: “Will you condemn God, who says to a king”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: vile (0)Alternate translation: “evil” or “worthless”
Job 34:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for they all are the work of his hands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “hands” refer to power. Alternate translation: “for God made them all”
Job 34:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at midnight (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Midnight is the time when one day ends and another begins. Here “midnight” is used as an idiom. Alternate translation: “at night” or “suddenly, at night”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: people will be shaken and will pass away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The phrase “will be shaken” is an idiom that means to be “struck.” Alternate translation: “God strikes them and they die” (See also: Идиома)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: mighty people will be taken away, but not by human hands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This means that it is God who causes people to die, not people. Also, If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it is God and not humans who cause mighty people to die” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: not by human hands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here people are represented by their “hands.” Alternate translation: “not by humans” or “not by people”
Job 34:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For God’s eyes are upon a person’s ways (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
God’s “eyes” represent his sight. The phrase “a person’s ways” is an idiom for what he does and how he lives. Alternate translation: “For God watches everything a person does” (See also: Идиома)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he sees all his steps (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that he always knows where the person is and where he is going. Alternate translation: “he sees him wherever he goes”
Job 34:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: no darkness, no thick gloom (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “thick gloom” mean basically the same thing as, and intensify, the word “darkness.”
Job 34:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in judgment (0)Alternate translation: “so he may judge him” or “to be judged”
Job 34:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He breaks mighty men into pieces (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This speaks of God destroying these men as if he actually broke their bodies into pieces. Alternate translation: “He destroys mighty men” or “He destroys important people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for their ways that need no further investigation (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
He does not need to investigate what they have done because he already knows everything about them. Alternate translation: “without needing to do further investigation, because he already knows their ways”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their ways (0)This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the things they have done”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he puts others in their places (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that he appoints other people to rule in their positions. Alternate translation: “and he chooses other people to rule in their places”
Job 34:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the night (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “when they are not expecting it”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they are destroyed (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and destroys them”
Job 34:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In the open sight of others, he kills them for their wicked deeds like criminals (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This phrase compares the way that these people die to how criminals die. Alternate translation: “He kills them for their wicked deeds, in the open sight of others as if they were criminals”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: In the open sight of others (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “In a place where everyone can see”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he kills them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This speaks of God causing these people to die, though he does not actually strike them with a sword himself. He may cause someone else to kill them or disaster to come upon them. Alternate translation: “he causes them to die”
Job 34:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his ways (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to God’s instructions for how people should behave.
Job 34:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they made the cry of poor people come to him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “cry” can be expressed as a verb. This speaks of God hearing their cry as if the cry were a person that came to him. Alternate translation: “they made the poor people cry, and God heard them” (See also: Олицетворение)
Job 34:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When he stays silent, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can perceive him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
These two questions speak of God not punishing wicked people as if he were being silent and hiding his face.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: When he stays silent, who can condemn him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu uses this rhetorical question to teach Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can criticize God if he decides to remain silent”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If he hides his face, who can perceive him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu uses this rhetorical question to teach Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can go and see him if he decides to hide his face”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his face (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here God is represented by his “face.” Alternate translation: “himself”
Job 34:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: no one to entrap people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This compares a godless ruler harming people as if he were a hunter trapping his prey. Alternate translation: “no one to harm the people”
Job 34:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: teach me what I cannot see (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here to “see” means to know. Alternate translation: “teach me what I have done wrong that I am not aware of”
Job 34:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you think that God will punish that person’s sin, since you dislike what God does? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
“Since you dislike what God does, do you think that God should punish this person’s sin?” Elihu uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he should not think that God will not punish this man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Even though you do not like what God does, surely even you do not think that God will punish this person”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that person’s sin (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here punishing the person because of his sin is referred to as punishing the “person’s sin.” Alternate translation: “that person because of his sin”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: since you dislike (0)Alternate translation: “because you dislike”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: what it is that you know (0)Alternate translation: “what you are thinking about this”
Job 34:34
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who hears me (0)Alternate translation: “who hears me speaking”
Job 34:36
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If only Job were put on trial in (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If only we could put Job on trial in” or “If only we could take Job to court so a judge could listen to”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: in the smallest details of his case (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “to listen to his case thoroughly” or “to hear all of the details of his case”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of his talking like wicked men (0)Alternate translation: “of how he has spoken like a wicked man”
Job 34:37
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he adds rebellion (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This refers to rebellion against God. Alternate translation: “he adds rebellion against God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he claps his hands in mockery in our midst (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In this accusation, this means that Job clapped his hands to strengthen his mockery of God. Alternate translation: “he claps his hands as he mocks God in our midst” or “he mocks God right in front of us” (See also: Символическое действие)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he piles up words against God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of “words” as if they were objects, and of speaking many words as if it were piling those objects one on top of the other. Alternate translation: “he speaks many words against God”
Job 35
Job 35 General Notes
Structure and formatting
According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is the third of Elihu’s four statements and it is addressed first to Job’s friends and then to Job. (See: грішити, грішити, гріх, гріхи, грішник and свідоцтво, свідчити, свідок)
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. Elihu uses many of Job’s statements against him.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Rhetorical questions
Elihu uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job. These questions help to build Elihu’s argument. (See: Риторический вопрос)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Ironic situation
Elihu explains the irony of Job’s claim. He claimed to be righteous and desired Yahweh to intervene. In this chapter, Elihu explains to Job that his claims of righteousness are prideful. This makes him unrighteous. (See: Ирония and праведність, праведний, праведник, неправедність)
Job 35:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you think this is just & ‘My right before God’? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu uses questions to challenge Job. Alternate translation: “You must think you are right … ‘My right before God.’” or “It is not just … ‘My right before God.’”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you think this is just when you say (0)Alternate translation: “Do you think it is right for you to say”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you think (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-you
Here “you” is singular and refers to Job.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: My right before God (0)This could mean: (1) Job is claiming to be innocent before God or (2) Job is claiming that he, rather than God, is right.
Job 35:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: For you ask, ‘What use is it to me?’ and, ‘Would I be better off if I had sinned?’ (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu quotes Job as saying the these two rhetorical questions. Alternate translation: “For you say, ‘It does not benefit me’ and, ‘I am no better off than if I had sinned.’”
Job 35:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Elihu continues speaking.
Job 35:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Elihu continues speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If you have sinned … what do you do to him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two lines share similar meanings. The second line intensifies the meaning of the first line.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If you have sinned, what harm do you do to God? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job’s sins cannot actually do anything to God. Alternate translation: “If you have sinned, you have not done any harm to God.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If your transgressions pile up high, what do you do to him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of “transgressions” as if they were objects, and of committing many transgressions as if it were piling those objects one on top of the other. He asks this question to emphasize that Job does nothing to God by his transgressions. Alternate translation: “If you committed a great many transgressions, you still do nothing to him.” (See also: Риторический вопрос)
Job 35:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If you are righteous, what can you give to him? What will he receive from your hand? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The two rhetorical questions mean basically the same thing, that Job’s righteousness adds nothing to God. Alternate translation: “If you are righteous, that does not enable you to give anything to him, and there is nothing that he will receive from your hand.” (See also: Параллелизм)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: receive from your hand (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “hand” represents Job. Alternate translation: “receive from you”
Job 35:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: another son of man (0)Alternate translation: “another human-being” or “another person”
Job 35:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Because of many acts of oppression (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “oppression” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “Because of the many things that people do to oppress others”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they call for help from the arms of mighty men (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “arms” refers to power or strength. Alternate translation: “they call for someone to deliver them from the power of mighty men”
Job 35:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who gives songs in the night (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of God enabling people to have hope in troubling circumstances as if he were giving to them songs which they can sing during the night.
Job 35:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Elihu continues speaking.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they cry out (0)Alternate translation: “the oppressed people cry out”
Job 35:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: How much less will he answer you … that you are waiting for him! (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Since God will not hear the prayers of prideful, evil men, it is even less likely that he will hear Job, who is complaining against him. Alternate translation: “So he certainly will not answer you … that you are waiting for him!”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that your case is before him (0)Alternate translation: “you have presented your case to him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are waiting for him (0)Alternate translation: “you are waiting for him to respond”
Job 35:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Now you say that his anger does not punish, and he does not take even a litte notice of transgression (0)Because Job is saying these things about God that are untrue, it is even less likely that God will answer Job’s prayers.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his anger does not punish (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “his anger” is a metonym for “him.” Alternate translation: “he never punishes anyone because he is angry”
Job 35:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he piles up words without knowledge (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of “words” as if they were objects, and of speaking many words as if it were piling those objects one on top of the other. The word “knowledge” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “he speaks many words without knowing what he is talking about” (See also: Абстрактные существительные)
Job 36
Job 36 General Notes
Structure and formatting
According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is the last of Elihu’s four statements and it is addressed first to Job’s friends and then to Job. (See: грішити, грішити, гріх, гріхи, грішник and свідоцтво, свідчити, свідок)
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. His attitude is not too different from Job’s friends.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s justice
This chapter focuses on the justice of Yahweh. It is important to remember that justice won’t always come in this life. (See: справедливий, правильний, виправдовувати, бути виправданим)
Job 36:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will show you some things (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of explaining things to Job as if he were going to show those things to Job. Alternate translation: “I will explain some things to you”
Job 36:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will obtain my knowledge from far off (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of having knowledge of many different subjects as if it were getting his knowledge from far away places. Alternate translation: “I will show you my great knowledge”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that righteousness belongs to my Maker (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
Here the word “righteousness” can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: “that my Maker is righteous”
Job 36:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my words will not be false (0)Alternate translation: “what I say will not be false”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: someone who is mature in knowledge is with you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “someone” refers to Elihu himself. He speaks of being very knowledgeable as if it were being mature in knowledge. Alternate translation: “I, who am with you, am very knowledgeable”
Job 36:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See (0)Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he is mighty in strength of understanding (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The phrase “mighty in strength” forms a doublet that means “very strong.” Elihu speaks of God understanding everything perfectly as if his understanding were very strong. Alternate translation: “he is very strong in understanding” or “he understands everything completely” (See also: Метафора)
Job 36:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He does not withdraw his eyes from righteous people (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of God protecting righteous people as if God were watching them with his eyes, and of God ceasing to protect them as if he withdrew his eyes from them. Alternate translation: “He does not stop protecting the righteous people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sets them on thrones like kings (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of God honoring the righteous people as if God were causing them to sit on thrones like kings do.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they are lifted up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of God honoring the righteous people as if he lifted them up to a high place. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he lifts them up” or “he honors them” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
Job 36:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: If they are bound in chains (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
Here the word “they” refers righteous people whom God will discipline if they sin. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If someone binds them in chains” or “If someone makes them a prisoner”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: trapped in cords of suffering (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of a person being made to suffer as if that person were trapped in ropes that cause suffering. Alternate translation: “someone causes them to suffer” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
Job 36:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their transgressions and their pride (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “he reveals to them their transgressions and their pride”
Job 36:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He also opens their ears (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of causing a person to listen as if it were opening that person’s ear. Alternate translation: “He also causes them to listen”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to his instruction (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The noun “instruction” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “to what he is instructing them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to turn back from iniquity (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of stopping an action as if it were turning back from it. Alternate translation: “to stop committing iniquity”
Job 36:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will spend their days in prosperity, their years in contentment (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The words “days” and “years” both refer to the person’s lifetime. Alternate translation: “they will spend their lives in prosperity and contentment”
Job 36:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they will perish by the sword (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of a person dying violently as if someone had killed them with a sword. Alternate translation: “they will die a violent death”
Job 36:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who are godless in heart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word “heart” refers to the thoughts and emotions. The phrase may indicate that the person stubbornly refuses to trust God. Alternate translation: “who refuse to trust in God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: store up their anger (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of a person remaining angry as if that person stored up their anger like one would store up treasure. Alternate translation: “are always angry”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: even when God ties them up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of God disciplining people as if God were tying them up with ropes. Alternate translation: “even when God punishes them”
Job 36:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their lives end among the cultic prostitutes (0)Here “cultic prostitutes” refers to young men who served in pagan temples performing sexually immoral acts as part of their rituals. This phrase could mean: (1) the godless die because of their immoral behavior or (2) the godless die in shame and disgrace.
Job 36:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he opens their ears (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of God causing a person to listen as if God were opening their ears. See how you translated this in Job 36:10. Alternate translation: “he causes them to listen”
Job 36:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: into a broad place where there is no hardship (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of living without trouble as if it were being in a wide-open space where there were no hardships.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: where your table would be set with food full of fatness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of living prosperously as if it were having one’s table filled with the best foods.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: your table would be set (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “your servants would set your table”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: food full of fatness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Meat that had plenty of fat on it was a sign of prosperity because the animals were healthy and well-fed. Alternate translation: “the very best food”
Job 36:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are full of judgment on wicked people (0)This could mean: (1) “God is punishing you as he would punish the wicked” or (2) “you are obsessed with the judgment that the wicked deserve.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: judgment and justice have laid hold of you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Elihu speaks of God judging Job and giving him justice as if judgment and justice were people that have laid hold of Job. Alternate translation: “God has brought you to judgment and given you justice”
Job 36:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do not let your anger entice you to mockery (0)Some versions of the Bible translate this as “Beware that you are not enticed by wealth.”
Job 36:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Can your wealth benefit you, so that you will not be in distress, or can all the force of your strength help you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu asks these questions to state that money and power will not be able to help Job if he acts unjustly. Alternate translation: “Your wealth cannot cause you to no longer be in distress, and all the force of your strength cannot help you.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all the force of your strength (0)Alternate translation: “all of your great strength” or “all of your mighty efforts”
Job 36:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when peoples are cut off in their place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) that “peoples” refers to people in general and “cut off in their place” is a metaphor for oppressing others by dragging them away from their homes. Alternate translation: “when people drag others away from their homes” or (2) that “peoples” represents nations and “cut off in their place” is a metaphor for nations being destroyed. Alternate translation: “when nations will perish”
Job 36:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: you are being tested by suffering (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God is testing you by making you suffer”
Job 36:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See, God (0)Alternate translation: “You know this already: God”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: God is exalted in his power (0)This could mean: (1) “God is extremely powerful” or (2) “people exalt God because he is powerful”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: who is a teacher like him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one is a teacher like God. Alternate translation: “no one is a teacher like him.” or “no one teaches like he does.”
Job 36:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who has ever instructed him about his way? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one has ever taught God what to do. Alternate translation: “No one has ever instructed him about what he should do.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who can ever say to him, ‘You have committed unrighteousness?’ (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can accuse God of having committed unrighteousness. Alternate translation: “No one can ever say to him, ‘You have committed unrighteousness.’”
Job 36:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they see those deeds only from far away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of people not being fully able to understand God’s deeds as if people were only able to see those deeds from far away. Alternate translation: “they do not fully understand them”
Job 36:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See (0)Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the number of his years is incalculable (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This refers to how long God has existed. Alternate translation: “people cannot know how long he has lived” or “people cannot know his age”
Job 36:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: that he distills as rain from his vapor (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word “distills” can also mean “refine” or “filter.” Elihu describes how God turns the drops of water, or vapor, that he draws up into rain. Alternate translation: “that he turns into rain”
Job 36:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: can anyone understand the extensive spread of the clouds and the thunder from his hut? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can do these things. Alternate translation: “no one can understand the extensive spread of the clouds and the thunder from his hut.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the extensive spread of the clouds (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The phrase “the extensive spread” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “how the clouds spread across the sky”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from his hut (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of the sky as if it were a “hut” in which God lives. Alternate translation: “from the sky, where God lives”
Job 36:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See, he spreads (0)Alternate translation: “Look carefully and see how he spreads”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: and covers the roots of the sea (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of the deep parts of the sea as if the sea were a plant and its depths were its roots. This could mean: (1) although the lightning causes light in the sky, the deep parts of the sea remain dark. Alternate translation: “but the depths of the sea remain dark” or (2) the lightning in the sky cause even the depths of the sea to have light. Alternate translation: “and lights up the depths of the sea”
Job 36:32
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He fills his hands with the lightning (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of the lightning that storms cause as if God were holding the lightning in his hand and directing it to strike where he wills. This could mean: (1) that God holds the lightning bolts in his hands in order to throw them, or (2) that God hides the lightning bolts in his hands until he is ready to use them.
Job 36:33
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Its thunder (0)Alternate translation: “The thunder caused by the lightning” or “The thunder”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hear it is coming (0)Alternate translation: “hear that the storm is coming”
Job 37
Job 37 General Notes
Structure and formatting
According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is a continuation of the previous chapter and the last of Elihu’s four statements, and it is addressed first to Job’s friends and then to Job. (See: грішити, грішити, гріх, гріхи, грішник and свідоцтво, свідчити, свідок)
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. His attitude is not too different from Job’s friends.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s justice
This chapter focuses on the justice of Yahweh. It is important to remember that justice won’t always come in this life. (See: справедливий, правильний, виправдовувати, бути виправданим)
Job 37:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my heart trembles … it is moved out of its place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of his fear.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: my heart trembles at this (0)The word “this” refers to the storm in Job 36:33.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: it is moved out of its place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of his heart beating violently as if it were to jump out of his chest. Alternate translation: “it moves out of its place” or “it beats violently” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
Job 37:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the noise of his voice, the sound that goes out from his mouth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Elihu speaks of the thunder as if it is God’s voice. (See also: Параллелизм)
Job 37:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the edges of the earth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of the farthest places on the earth as if they were the earth’s borders. Alternate translation: “everywhere in the world”
Job 37:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: A voice roars after it … the voice of his majesty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu continues to speak of the thunder as if it is God’s voice.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: roars after it (0)Alternate translation: “roars after the lightning”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the voice of his majesty (0)Alternate translation: “his majestic voice”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when his voice is heard (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when people hear his voice”
Job 37:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: likewise to the rain shower (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “likewise, he says to the rain shower”
Job 37:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He stops the hand of every man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word “hand” represents the entire person. Alternate translation: “He stops every man”
Job 37:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The storm comes from its chamber in the south and the cold from the scattering winds in the north (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In Israel, strong wind storms blow in from the south and cold weather approaches from the north.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The storm comes from its chamber in the south (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of the storm blowing in from the south as if the storm has a place where it resides until it comes.
Job 37:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: By the breath of God ice is given (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of the cold north wind as if it were God’s breath. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God’s breath makes ice” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: frozen like metal (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Elihu compares the hardness of ice to the hardness of metal. Alternate translation: “frozen, as hard as metal”
Job 37:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he weighs down the thick cloud with moisture (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of God causing the storm clouds to be full of water as if the moisture weighed heavily on the clouds. Alternate translation: “he causes the thick clouds to be full of moisture”
Job 37:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sometimes it happens for correction (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
The word “correction” can be translated with a verbal phrase. The object of his “correction” is people. Alternate translation: “sometimes it happens to correct his people” (See also: Предположение и имплицитная информация)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sometimes for his land (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This means that the rain waters the ground and causes vegetation to grow. Alternate translation: “sometimes to water the land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sometimes as acts of covenant faithfulness (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithful” or “faithfully.” Alternate translation: “sometimes to act faithfully to his covenant” or “sometimes to be faithful to his people”
Job 37:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you know how God establishes the clouds and makes the lightning bolts to flash in them? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job cannot know this. Alternate translation: “You cannot understand how God establishes the clouds and makes the lightning bolts to flash in them.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: establishes the clouds (0)Alternate translation: “controls the clouds” or “makes the clouds obey him”
Job 37:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you understand the floating of the clouds, the marvelous deeds of God, who is perfect in knowledge? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job does not know these things. Alternate translation: “You do not understand the floating of the clouds, the marvelous deeds of God, who is perfect in knowledge.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the floating of the clouds (0)Alternate translation: “how the clouds float”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the marvelous deeds of God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “or do you understand the marvelous deeds of God” or “and you do not understand the marvelous deeds of God”
Job 37:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Do you understand how your garments become hot … from the south? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job does not know these things. Alternate translation: “You do not understand how your garments become hot … from the south.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: how your garments become hot (0)Alternate translation: “how you become hot in your clothes” or “how you sweat in your clothes”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because the wind comes from the south (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In Israel, hot winds blow in across the desert from the south and cause hot temperatures. Alternate translation: “because of the hot, dry wind blowing in from the south”
Job 37:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Can you spread out the sky … a mirror of cast metal? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job cannot do this. Alternate translation: “You cannot spread out the sky … a mirror of cast metal.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as strong as a mirror of cast metal (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
In biblical days, mirrors were made of metal. Elihu speaks of the sky giving no rain as if it were as hard as solid metal.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: cast metal (0)This refers to metal that is melted, poured into a mold, and then hardens as it cools.
Job 37:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Teach us what we should say to him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
Here the words “us” and “we” refer to Elihu, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, but not to Job. Elihu uses this phrase sarcastically.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: because of the darkness of our minds (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of the inability to understand as if it were having darkness in one’s mind. Alternate translation: “because we do not understand”
Job 37:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Should he be told that I wish to speak with him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can do this. Alternate translation: “I cannot have someone tell him that I wish to speak with him.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Should he be told (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Should I have someone tell him”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Would a person wish to be swallowed up? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one would want this to happen. Alternate translation: “No person would want to be swallowed up.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to be swallowed up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu speaks of a person being destroyed as if the person were swallowed up. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for God to destroy him” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
Job 37:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: over God is fearsome majesty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “fearsome” means that it causes fear. Elihu speaks of God’s majesty as if it were something that rests upon God. Alternate translation: “God’s majesty causes people to fear”
Job 37:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: we cannot find him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This could mean: (1) “we cannot approach him” or (2) this is a metaphor in which Elihu speaks of a person’s being unable to fully understand God as if he could not find God. Alternate translation: “we cannot comprehend him”
Job 37:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: those who are wise in their own minds (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “minds” represents the person’s thoughts. Alternate translation: “those who are wise in their own thinking” or “those who consider themselves to be wise”
Job 38
Job 38 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. Yahweh finally speaks in this chapter.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s greatness
Yahweh is far greater than any man. He is the creator of the earth, and his ways will not always be understood by men because their knowledge is always limited.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Rhetorical questions
Yahweh uses a series of rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to defend his character. (See: Риторический вопрос)
Job 38:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Then Yahweh called (0)Here, the word “then” marks the beginning of a new part of the book. See if your language has a similar way to introduce a new scene. Alternate translation: “After all that had happened, Yahweh called.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: called to Job (0)Alternate translation: “answered Job” or “responded to Job”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: out of a fierce storm (0)Alternate translation: “from a powerful storm”
Job 38:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who is this who brings darkness to plans by means of words without knowledge? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that Job spoke of things he did not know about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You bring darkness to my plans by means of words without knowledge.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who is this who brings (0)Alternate translation: “Who are you to bring”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: brings darkness to plans (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
“obscures my plans” or “confuses my purposes.” How Job confuses God’s plans is spoken of as if he were making God’s plans harder to see. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word darkness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “darkens.” Alternate translation: “darkens plans” or “makes plans hard to see” (See also: Абстрактные существительные)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: by means of words without knowledge (0)Alternate translation: “by speaking of things about which you do not know”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: words without knowledge (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word knowledge, you can express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “unknowing words” or “ignorant words”
Job 38:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gird up your loins like a man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
“tie your robe up around your waist like a man.” Men tied up their robes around their waists so that their legs could move more freely as they did heavy work. The idiom “gird up your loins like a man” means to get ready to do something involving action such as work, a contest, or a battle. Job was to prepare for the hard work of answering God. Alternate translation: “get yourself ready for hard work”
Job 38:4
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
Yahweh begins to challenge Job with a series of questions that emphasize he created the earth and Job did not.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundations? Tell me, if you have so much understanding (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Tell me where you were when I laid the foundations of the earth, if you have so much understanding”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I laid the earth’s foundations (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh describes creating the earth as though he was building a structure.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if you have so much understanding (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word understanding, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “understand.” Alternate translation: “if you understand so much”
Job 38:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who determined its dimensions? Tell me, if you know (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Tell me who determined its dimensions, if you know”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dimensions (0)Alternate translation: “size”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who stretched the measuring line over it? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Tell me who stretched the measuring line over it.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: measuring line (0)a rope or cord that people use to make something the right size and shape
Job 38:6
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
The word “its” refers to the earth. Yahweh uses more questions to emphasize that Job could never understand how great God is.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: On what were its foundations laid? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “On what did I set its foundations?” or “Tell me on what its foundations were laid.” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who laid its cornerstone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Tell me who laid its cornerstone”
Job 38:7
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionJob finishes the rhetorical question that begins with the words “Who laid its cornerstone” in verse 6.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when the morning stars … the sons of God shouted for joy? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job finishes the rhetorical question that begins with the words “Who laid its cornerstone” in verse 6. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. “Tell me who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars … the sons of God shouted for joy.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when the morning stars sang together (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The morning stars are spoken of as singing like people sing. Possible meanings are: (1) the “morning stars” are the same as the “sons of God” in the next line or (2) “the morning stars” refer to stars in the sky.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the morning stars (0)Alternate translation: “the bright stars that shine in the morning”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: sons of God (0)This refers to angels, heavenly beings. See how you translated this in Job 1:6.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shouted for joy (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word joy, you can express the same idea with the adverb “joyfully.” Alternate translation: “shouted joyfully”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for joy (0)Alternate translation: “because they were full of joy”
Job 38:8
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
Yahweh uses another question to emphasize that he created the earth and Job did not.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who shut up the sea … of the womb (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This can be translated as a command. Alternate translation: “Tell me who shut up the sea … of the womb”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shut up the sea with doors (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh compares the way that he prevented the sea from covering all of the earth to holding it back with doors. Alternate translation: “prevented the water from flooding over the land”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: as if it had come out of the womb (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Yahweh compares his creation of the sea to childbirth.
Job 38:9
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionThis is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words “Who shut up” in verse 8.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I made clouds … and thick darkness its swaddling bands? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This can be translated as a command. Alternate translation: “Tell me who shut up … when I made clouds … and thick darkness its swaddling bands.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: its clothing (0)Alternate translation: “as clothes for the sea”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: thick darkness its swaddling bands (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word darkness, you can express the same idea with the adjective “dark.” Alternate translation: “made dark clouds its swaddling bands”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: swaddling bands (0)long pieces of cloth that people use to wrap a baby in after it is born
Job 38:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I marked out for the sea my boundary (0)Alternate translation: “I made a boundary for the sea”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: boundary (0)Yahweh set a limit beyond which the sea was not allowed to cross.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I placed its bars and doors (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh compares the way that he made a boundary for the sea to containing the sea with bars and doors. Alternate translation: “I set up its barriers”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bars (0)long pieces of wood or metal that are used to keep a door shut
Job 38:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: when I said to it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
“when I said to the sea.” Yahweh speaks to the sea as though it were a person.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: You may come this far, but no farther (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The words “this far” mean only as far as the boundary that Yahweh set up. Alternate translation: “You may come as far as this boundary, but no farther”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to the pride of your waves (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
“to the power of your waves.” The waves are spoken of as if they could have pride. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word pride, you can express the same idea with the adjective “proud.” Alternate translation: “to your proud waves” or “to your powerful waves” (See also: Абстрактные существительные)
Job 38:12
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he created the light of day and Job did not.
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionYahweh continues to challenge Job. He begins to ask a rhetorical question.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have you … to know its place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question expects a negative answer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have never … shaken the wicked out of it.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: given orders to the morning (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh describes the morning as being able to receive orders and know things like a person.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: caused the dawn to know its place (0)Alternate translation: “caused the dawn to know where it belongs”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: dawn (0)the daylight that appears in the morning sky before the sun rises
Job 38:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words “Have you given” in verse 12.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: so that it might take hold … shake the wicked out of it? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words “Have you given” in verse 12. This question expects a negative answer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. “You have never given … so that it might take hold … shaken the wicked out of it.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: take hold of the edges of the earth (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The light of dawn is spoken of as if it seizes the horizons of the earth. Alternate translation: “grasp the ends of the earth” (See also: Олицетворение)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shake the wicked out of it (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The daylight is pictured as causing wicked people to leave like shaking something to remove unwanted things. Alternate translation: “shake wicked people out of the earth”
Job 38:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The earth is changed in appearance like clay changes under a seal (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
At nighttime, people cannot see clearly, but in the morning the light reveals the distinct shape of everything, just like a seal creates distinct images in clay.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: all things on it stand out clearly like the folds of a piece of clothing (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here “it” refers to the earth. This phrase has a similar meaning to the first phrase in this verse. (See also: Параллелизм)
Job 38:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: From wicked people their ‘light’ is taken away (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The morning takes away the ‘light’ of wicked people”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their ‘light’ (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
The wicked consider darkness to be their light, because they do their evil deeds in the darkness and they are familiar with the darkness.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their uplifted arm is broken (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The raised arm of the wicked represents their power and intention to do evil things, but the wicked stop doing those evil things when the morning light comes.
Job 38:16
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
Yahweh uses five questions to emphasize that he understands the earth and seas and Job does not.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have you gone to the sources of the waters of the sea? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have not gone to the sources of the waters of the sea.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have you walked in the lowest parts of the deep? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have not walked in the lowest parts of the deep.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sources of the waters (0)Alternate translation: “the springs”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the deep (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to the sea or ocean where the water is very deep. Alternate translation: “the deep sea” or “the ocean depths” or “the deep water”
Job 38:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have the gates of death been revealed to you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Death is spoken of as if it were a city that had gates through which people enter into it. This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “Has anyone shown the gates of death to you” (See also: Активные и пассивные конструкции)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the shadow of death (0)See how you translated this in Job 3:5.
Job 38:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have you understood the earth in its expanse? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You do not understand the earth in its expanse.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the earth in its expanse (0)Alternate translation: “the great broad places of the earth”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: if you know it all (0)Alternate translation: “if you know all about these things”
Job 38:19
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
Yahweh uses three questions to emphasize that he understands light and darkness and Job does not. Each of these verses have two parallel phrases. (See also: Параллелизм)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Where is the way to the resting place of light—as for darkness, where is its place? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “You do not know the way to the resting place of light or the place of darkness.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the resting place of light (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
“the dwelling of light.” Light is spoken of as having a resting place from which it comes forth each day.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: light (0)Alternate translation: “daylight” or “sunlight”
Job 38:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Can you lead light and darkness to their places of work? Can you find the way back to their houses for them? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
These questions expect a negative answer. They can be expressed as statements. Alternate translation: “You cannot lead light and darkness to their places of work, or find the way back to their houses for them.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to their places of work (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
“to their territory.” Light and darkness are spoken of as being led out and back each day to accomplish Yahweh’s purposes.
Job 38:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Undoubtedly … so large (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
Yahweh uses mocking irony to emphasize that Job does not understand light and darkness. Alternate translation: “It is obvious that you do not know, because you were not born when I created them, and you are not very old”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for you were born then (0)The word “then” refers to the time when light was created and separated from darkness. Alternate translation: “for you were already born when I created them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the number of your days is so large (0)Alternate translation: “you have lived so many years”
Job 38:22
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he rules over the natural world and Job does not.
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionYahweh continues to challenge Job. He bgins to ask a rhetorical question.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: storehouses for the snow … storehouses for the hail (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Snow and hail are pictured as being stored by Yahweh to do his will.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: hail (0)balls of ice (usually small) that sometimes fall down from the sky during a storm
Job 38:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Have you entered” in verse 22 ends here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: these things that I have kept … and war? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Have you entered” in verse 22 ends here. “You have never entered the storehouses for the snow, and you have never seen the storehouses for the hail, these things that I have kept … and war.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: these things that I have kept (0)The words “these things” refer to the snow and the hail (verse 22).
Job 38:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: What is the path to where the lightning bolts are distributed or to where the winds are scattered from the east over the earth? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
These can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “What is the path to where I distribute the lightning bolts or to where I scatter the winds from the east over the earth?”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the winds are scattered (0)Alternate translation: “the winds are blown”
Job 38:25
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
Yahweh questions Job to emphasize that he causes it to rain and thunder and Job does not.
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionYahweh continues to challenge Job. He begins to ask a series of rhetorical questions.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who has created the channels for the floods of rain (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Only I have created the channels for the floods of rain”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: or who has made a path for the thunder (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “and only I have made a path for the thunder”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the floods of rain (0)Alternate translation: “the torrents of rain”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a path for the thunder (0)Alternate translation: “a way for the rumble of thunder to be heard.”
Job 38:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: on lands where no person exists, and on the wilderness, in which there is no one (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
These two phrases have nearly the same meaning.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: where no person exists (0)Alternate translation: “where there are no people”
Job 38:27
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionThe rhetorical question that begins with the words “Who has created” in verse 25 ends here.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to satisfy … sprout with grass? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Who has created” in verse 25 ends here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. “I am the one who has created … of rain, and I am the one who has made … to satisfy … sprout with grass.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to satisfy (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that it is the rain that meets the needs of the land to grow grass. Alternate translation: “so that the rain can satisfy the needs of”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: devastated and desolate (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
“ruined and wasted.” These two words have nearly the same meaning and emphasize the ruined and empty nature of these regions.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: with grass (0)“the new grass” or “the fresh grass.” This is grass that is just starting to grow.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: make the ground sprout with (0)Alternate translation: “make the ground support new grass”
Job 38:28
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionYahweh begins a series of four questions to emphasize to Job that he makes rain, dew, ice, and frost and Job does not. Rain, dew, ice, and frost are spoken of as though they could be born like people are. (See also: Олицетворение)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Does the rain have a father, or, who fathers the drops of dew? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “Tell me who the rain’s father is, and tell me who has become the father of the drops of dew.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: fathers the drops of dew (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Becoming the father of the dew is a metaphor for creating it. Alternate translation: “causes the drops of dew to exist”
Job 38:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Out of whose womb did the ice come? Who bore the white frost out of the sky? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “Tell me whose womb the ice came out of. Tell me who bore the white frost out of the sky.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: ice (0)Alternate translation: “frozen water”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bore (0)Alternate translation: “gave birth to”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the white frost (0)dew that freezes on the ground on cold, clear nights
Job 38:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: The waters hide themselves and become like stone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The waters are spoken of as being able to hide. During the winter the ice hides the water underneath it. (See also: Возвратные местоимения)
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Quote: become like stone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The hardness of ice is spoken of as if it was stone. Alternate translation: “become hard like stone”
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Quote: the deep (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
This refers to the sea or ocean where the water is very deep. Alternate translation: “the deep sea” or “the ocean depths” or “the deep water”
Job 38:31
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
Yahweh uses five questions to emphasize to Job that he rules the heavens and Job does not.
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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Quote: Can you fasten chains on the Pleiades, or undo the cords of Orion? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “You cannot fasten chains on the Pleiades, and you cannot undo the cords of Orion.”
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Quote: fasten chains on (0)Alternate translation: “bind chains onto” or “tie the bonds of”
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Quote: the Pleiades … Orion (0)These are the names of constellations. See how you translated them in Job 9:9.
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Quote: undo the cords of Orion (0)Alternate translation: “loosen the cords that hold Orion”
Job 38:32
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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Quote: Can you lead the constellations … proper times? Can you guide … children? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “You cannot lead the constellations … proper times. You cannot guide … children.”
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Quote: constellations (0)groups of stars that seem like they form a particular shape in the sky
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Quote: to appear at their proper times (0)Alternate translation: “so that they appear at the right time”
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Quote: the Bear (0)This is the name of a constellation. Translate as in Job 9:9.
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Quote: its children (0)Alternate translation: “its cubs”
Job 38:33
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Quote: Do you know the regulations of the sky? Could you set in place the sky’s rule over the earth? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “You do not know the regulations of the sky? You could not set in place the sky’s rule over the earth.”
Job 38:34
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
Yahweh uses two questions to emphasize to Job that he rules the rain clouds and lightning and Job does not.
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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Quote: Can you raise … may cover you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “You cannot raise … may cover you.”
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Quote: an abundance of rainwater (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word abundance, you can express the same idea with the adjective “abundant.” Alternate translation: “an abundant amount of rainwater” or “a flood of waters”
Job 38:35
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Quote: Can you send out … you, ‘Here we are’? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “You cannot send out you, ‘Here we are!’”
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Quote: Here we are (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The lightning bolts are spoken of as servants saying they are ready to follow commands.
Job 38:36
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
Yahweh uses three questions to emphasize to Job that he rules the clouds and rain and Job does not.
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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Quote: Who has put wisdom in the clouds or has given understanding to the mists? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind these questions as statements. Alternate translation: “I am the one who has put wisdom in the clouds and given understanding to the mists.”
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Quote: has put wisdom in the clouds (0)Alternate translation: “has given wisdom to the clouds”
Job 38:37
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionA rhetorical question begins here.
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Quote: Who can pour out the water skins of the sky (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am the one who can pour out the water skins of the sky.”
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Quote: the water skins (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
These are skins that people sew together so that they can hold water. Yahweh refers to the thick clouds as “waters skins” because they hold much water just like water skins.
Job 38:38
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Quote: when the dust runs … tightly together? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Who can pour out” in verse 37 ends here. “Only I can pour out … when the dust runs … tightly together.”
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Quote: when the dust runs into a hard mass (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The rain makes the loose dry dirt stick together like one piece of dirt. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when the rain molds the dirt into a hard mass”
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Quote: the clods of earth clump tightly together (0)Alternate translation: “the lumps of soil stick together”
Job 38:39
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he knows how to feed the lions and Job does not.
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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Quote: Can you hunt down a victim for a lioness or satisfy the appetite of her young lion cubs (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that you cannot hunt down a victim for a lioness or satisfy the appetite of her young lion cubs”
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Quote: a victim (0)“prey.” This is an animal that a lion could eat.
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Quote: lioness (0)This is a female lion.
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Quote: appetite (0)hunger
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Quote: of her young lion cubs (0)“of young lions.” These are young lions that are old enough to hunt for themselves.
Job 38:40
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Can you hunt” in verse 39 ends here.
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Quote: when they are crouching … to lie in wait? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Can you hunt” in verse 39 ends here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. “You know that you cannot hunt down … when they are crouching … to lie in wait.”
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Quote: dens (0)A “den” is a lair or shelter where lions live.
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Quote: sheltering in hiding (0)“hiding in a thicket.” Lions hide in thick vegetation when hunting their prey.
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Quote: to lie in wait (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that the lions are hiding and waiting for their prey to come near. Alternate translation: “to lie waiting for a victim”
Job 38:41
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he provides food for the ravens and Job does not.
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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Quote: Who provides victims … for lack of food? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Tell me who provides victims … for lack of food.”
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Quote: provides victims (0)“provides food.” This refers to animals that ravens look for and can eat.
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Quote: ravens (0)large birds with shiny black feathers that feed on dead animals
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Quote: cry out to God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implied information is that the ravens are crying out for food. Alternate translation: “cry to God for help” or “cry out for God to give them food”
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Quote: stagger about (0)This means to walk around in an unsteady way.
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Quote: for lack of food (0)Alternate translation: “because they have no food” or “because they have nothing to eat”
Job 39
Job 39 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. Yahweh continues to speak in this chapter.
Special concepts in this chapter
Yahweh’s greatness
Yahweh is far greater than any man. He is the creator of the earth, and his ways will not always be understood by men because their knowledge is always limited. Since Job cannot understand creation, he cannot truly understand Yahweh.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Rhetorical questions
Yahweh uses a series of rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to defend his character. Many of these questions focus on nature because Yahweh is the creator of the heavens and the earth. (See: Риторический вопрос and небеса, небо, Небесний)
Job 39:1
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
Yahweh uses four questions to emphasize that he is greater than Job because Yahweh takes care of the wild mountain goats and deer and Job does not.
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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Quote: Do you know at what time … bear their young? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you do not know when … bear their young!”
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Quote: Can you watch when the deer are having their fawns? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are not able to watch to make sure everything goes well when the deer give birth to their fawns!”
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Quote: are having their fawns (0)Alternate translation: “give birth to their fawns”
Job 39:2
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Quote: Can you count the months that they gestate? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You cannot count the months that they are pregnant.”
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Quote: that they gestate (0)Alternate translation: “to complete their pregnancy”
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Quote: they (0)The word “they” refers to the goats and the deer.
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Quote: gestate (0)Alternate translation: “are pregnant”
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Quote: Do you know the time when they bear their young? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Of course you do not know when they give birth to their young.”
Job 39:3
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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Quote: They crouch down (0)The word “They” refers to the wild mountain goats and the deer.
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Quote: birth their young (0)Alternate translation: “give birth to their offspring”
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Quote: then they finish their labor pains (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This could mean: (1) their labor pains are over when the birth is finished or (2) “labor pains” is a metonym that refers to the offspring of the goats and deer because they are the result of the mother’s labor and pain. Alternate translation: “send out their offspring from their womb”
Job 39:4
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Quote: the open fields (0)Alternate translation: “the countryside” or “the wild”
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Quote: do not come back again (0)Alternate translation: “do not come back to them” or “do not come back to their mothers”
Job 39:5
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
Yahweh uses two questions to emphasize that he is greater than Job because Yahweh takes care of the wild donkeys and Job does not.
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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Quote: Who let the wild donkey go free? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am the one who let the wild donkey go free.”
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Quote: the wild donkey … the swift donkey (0)These are different names for the same kind of donkey.
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Quote: Who has untied the bonds of the swift donkey (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am the one who untied the bonds of the swift donkey”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bonds (0)ropes, chains, or straps that hold an animal and keep it from running away
Job 39:6
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Who has untied” in verse 5 ends here.
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Quote: whose home I have made … in the salt land? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Who has untied” in verse 5 ends here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. “I am the one who has untied … whose home I have made in the Arabah, his house in the salt land.”
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Quote: whose home I have made in the Arabah (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh describes the donkey as though he were a person that had a house. “I gave him the Arabah as a place to live”
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Quote: the salt land (0)the land around the Salt Sea that has a lot of salt in it
Job 39:7
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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Quote: He (0)The word “He” refers to the wild donkey.
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Quote: laughs in scorn (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh describes the donkey as though he were a person. The donkey laughs because those in the city have to hear loud noise, but he lives in a quiet place.
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Quote: the driver’s (0)someone who forces an animal to work
Job 39:8
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Quote: pastures (0)places where animals can eat plants growing in the field
Job 39:9
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
Here Yahweh uses four questions to emphasize that Job is not like Yahweh because Job cannot control the wild ox.
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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Quote: Will the wild ox be happy to serve you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “The wild ox will not be happy to serve you.”
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Quote: the wild ox (0)This could mean: (1) a type of ox that used to live in the wild or (2) some kind of buffalo that looked like oxen.
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Quote: be happy (0)Alternate translation: “be willing”
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Quote: Will he consent to stay by your manger? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “He will not consent to stay by your manger.”
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Quote: consent to stay by your manger (0)Alternate translation: “stay by your manger through the night”
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Quote: manger (0)something that holds food so that animals can eat it
Job 39:10
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Quote: Can you use ropes to hold the wild ox in the furrows? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You cannot control the wild ox with a rope in order to plow furrows in your fields.”
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Quote: ropes (0)Farmers would tie ropes to animals’ heads or necks in order to lead them.
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Quote: furrows (0)These are long channels made in the dirt while plowing. See how you translated this in Job 31:38.
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Quote: Will he harrow the valleys as he follows after you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “He will never harrow the valleys as he follows after you.”
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Quote: harrow (0)to smooth and break up the soil
Job 39:11
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
Here Yahweh uses three questions to continue his argument that Job is not like Yahweh because Job cannot control the wild ox.
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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Quote: Will you trust him because his strength is great? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You cannot trust him because his strength is great.”
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Quote: trust him (0)The word “him” refers to the “wild ox.”
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Quote: Will you leave your work to him to do? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You will not be able to make him do your work for you.”
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Quote: leave your work to him to do (0)Alternate translation: “have him do your hard work for you”
Job 39:12
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Quote: Will you depend on him … grain for your threshing floor? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
These two clauses basically mean the same thing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You will not be able to depend on him … grain for your threshing floor.” (See also: Параллелизм)
Job 39:13
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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Quote: The wings of the ostrich … pinions and plumage of love? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that Job cannot explain why ostriches behave the way they do. Alternate translation: “You do not know whether the pinions and plumage of the ostrich represent love when they wave their wings proudly.”
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Quote: ostrich (0)a very large bird that can run very fast but cannot fly
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Quote: wave proudly (0)Alternate translation: “move with joy”
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Quote: pinions (0)the very long feathers on the wings of birds
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Quote: plumage (0)the smaller feathers that cover the body of a bird
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Quote: of love (0)The Hebrew word is uncertain. This could mean: (1) “of faithfulness” or (2) “of a stork.” The name of the stork meant “the faithful one” or “the loving one” because people knew that storks take very good care of their chicks.
Job 39:14
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Quote: on the earth (0)Alternate translation: “on the ground”
Job 39:15
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Quote: crush them (0)The word “them” refers to the eggs.
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Quote: trample them (0)Alternate translation: “step on them”
Job 39:16
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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Quote: She deals roughly (0)The word “She” refers to the female ostrich.
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Quote: her labor (0)the work that she does when she lays the eggs
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Quote: might have been in vain (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
If the chicks die, all of her work was useless. Alternate translation: “might have been useless if the chicks die”
Job 39:17
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Quote: deprived her of wisdom (0)Alternate translation: “made her forget wisdom” or “not given her wisdom”
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Quote: understanding (0)See how you translated this in Job 11:6.
Job 39:18
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Quote: When she runs (0)This verse is in contrast to her weakness in caring for her chicks. Alternate translation: “However, when she runs”
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Quote: she laughs … its rider (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that she laughs because she is faster than the horse. Alternate translation: “she laughs … its rider because she can run faster than the horse”
Job 39:19
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGeneral Information:
Yahweh uses three questions to emphasize that Job is not like Yahweh because Job cannot control the wild horse.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Have you given the horse his strength? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have never given the horse his strength.”
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Quote: Did you clothe his neck with his flowing mane? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You cannot clothe his neck with his flowing mane.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: clothe his neck with his flowing mane (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The horse’s “mane” is spoken of as if it was clothing for the neck of the horse. Alternate translation: “made his flowing main to cover his neck like clothes”
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Quote: flowing mane (0)the long hair on the top of the neck of a horse
Job 39:20
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Quote: Have you ever made him jump like a locust? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are not able to make him jump like a locust.”
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Quote: a locust (0)a large kind of grasshopper that can jump very far and very quickly
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Quote: snorting (0)a very loud sound that horses make with their nose
Job 39:21
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Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
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Quote: He paws (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word “He” refers to the horse. The horse paws the ground because he is very excited to begin the fight. Alternate translation: “He paws with excitement and”
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Quote: paws (0)Alternate translation: “digs at the ground with his hooves”
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Quote: to meet the weapons (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here “the weapons” represent the battle in which they are used. Alternate translation: “to join in the battle”
Job 39:22
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Quote: He mocks fear (0)Alternate translation: “He is not afraid at all”
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Quote: mocks (0)Alternate translation: “laughs at”
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Quote: dismayed (0)discouraged
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Quote: does not turn back (0)Alternate translation: “does not run away”
Job 39:23
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Quote: quiver (0)a container that holds arrows
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Quote: rattles (0)shakes and makes noise
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Quote: flank (0)the side of a horse
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Quote: javelin (0)a long stick with a sharp end that people throw at their enemies
Job 39:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He (0)The word “He” refers to the horse.
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Quote: swallows up ground (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The horse runs over the ground so quickly that the ground passes by like water that a person drinks. Alternate translation: “runs very fast over the ground”
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Quote: with fierceness and rage (0)The horse is very excited, so he moves quickly and strongly.
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Quote: at the trumpet’s sound (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It can be stated that someone blows the trumpet. Alternate translation: “when someone blows a trumpet to announce that a battle has begun”
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Quote: he cannot stand in one place (0)Alternate translation: “he is too excited to stand still”
Job 39:25
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Quote: he says, ‘Aha (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The word “Aha” is a sound people make when they discover something. The horse makes a sound because he has discovered the battle.
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Quote: the thunderous shouts (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is implied that the horse hears these things. Alternate translation: “he hears the thunderous shouts”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the outcries (0)“the battle cries.” People have special shouts that they use in war to show their great strength and bravery and to scare the enemy.
Job 39:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Is it by your wisdom … for the south? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh uses this question to prove that Job is not as great as Yahweh. The implicit answer to this question is “no.” Alternate translation: “It is not by your wisdom … for the south.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: stretches out his wings for the south (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the stretching out of his wings refers to flying. Alternate translation: “flies to the south”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for the south (0)In the biblical geography, birds fly south during the winter in order to live in warmer climates.
Job 39:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Is it at your orders … nest in high places? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh uses this question to prove that Job is not powerful enough to command the eagles. The implicit answer to this question is “no.” Alternate translation: “You are not able to command the eagle to mount up and build his nest in high places.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: at your orders (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word orders, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “because you tell it to do so”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: mounts up (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This means he flies upward. Alternate translation: “flies up into the sky”
Job 39:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a stronghold (0)The high cliffs are strongholds for eagles because the animals that would want to eat them cannot reach them.
Job 39:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he searches for victims (0)Here the word “he” refers to the eagle.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: for victims (0)Alternate translation: “for animals that he can kill and eat”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his eyes see them (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here “his eyes” refer to the eagle. Alternate translation: “he sees them”
Job 39:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His young (0)It may be helpful to state that this happens after the eagle kills and animal. Alternate translation: “After an eagle kills an animal, the baby eagles”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: drink up blood (0)Alternate translation: “drink the blood of the animal that he killed”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: where killed people are (0)“where there are dead people.” This phrase refers to dead bodies that are lying out in the open, not to bodies that are buried in the ground.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: there he is (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It can be made explicit that he comes to eat the dead bodies. Alternate translation: “he is there to eat them”
Job 40
Job 40 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Some translations prefer to set apart extended quotations, prayers, or songs. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of 40:1–2, 4–5, 7–24, which are extended quotations of Job and Yahweh, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text.
Special concepts in this chapter
Job’s righteousness
In seeking to defend his own righteousness, Job accuses Yahweh of being unjust. Yahweh asks a very important question: “Will you condemn me so you may claim you are right?” This is the essence of Job’s error.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Irony
Yahweh states, “He who argues with God, let him answer.” Job immediately answers him. This is irony. While Job is forced to acknowledge the power of Yahweh, he does not repent of his former statements. Because of this, Yahweh asks him more questions. (See: каятися, покаяння)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Animals
There are several animals mentioned in this chapter that do not exist and may never have existed. It may be necessary to leave these names untranslated or to translate their names as adjectives.
Job 40:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
Job 40:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Should anyone who wishes to criticize try to correct the Almighty? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is rebuking Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one who wants to criticize me should try to argue with me, for I am Almighty God.” or “You, a person, want to criticize me, Almighty God, but you should not try to correct me.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He who argues with God, let him answer (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
Yahweh speaks of Job and himself as if they were two other people to remind Job that no person anywhere should argue with God. Alternate translation: “You want to argue with me, so answer me”
Job 40:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See, I am (0)Alternate translation: “You are right when you say that I am” or “Look at me and you will see that I am”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I am insignificant (0)Alternate translation: “I am not important”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: how can I answer you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job uses this question to apologize for questioning God. Alternate translation: “I cannot answer you.”
Job 40:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: gird up your loins like a man (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
A man who tucks his robe up under his sash or belt is preparing for hard physical work, and Job was to prepare for the hard work of answering God. See how you translated this in Job 38:3. (See also: Метафора)
Job 40:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to challenge Job.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will you actually say that I am unjust? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The word “actually” indicates that Yahweh is surprised that Job would say that Yahweh is unjust and that Job should make sure that he really wants to say that. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am surprised that you are saying I am unjust.” or “You should be sure that you want to say that I am unjust, because that is what you are saying.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will you condemn me so you may claim you are right? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are condemning me so you could claim that you are innocent.”
Job 40:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: an arm like God’s (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The arm is a metonym for the strength in the arm. Alternate translation: “strength like God’s strength”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Can you thunder with a voice like him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You certainly cannot cause thunder with your voice the way God does with his.” (See also: Метонимия)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a voice like him (0)Alternate translation: “a voice the way he does” or “a voice like his voice”
Job 40:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: clothe yourself in glory and dignity; array yourself in honor and majesty (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The abstract nouns “glory,” “dignity,” “honor,” and “majesty” are spoken of as if they were clothing that a person could put on. They can be translated as adjectives and verbs. Alternate translation: “make yourself glorious; do something great so people will respect you and honor you; make people think you are a great king” (See also: Абстрактные существительные)
Job 40:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Scatter around the excess of your anger (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word anger, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Here, anger is spoken of as if it were something that usually could be held in a container, but in this situation there is so much of it that what does not fit needs to be spread around. It is also a metonym for the actions a person takes when he is angry. You may need to make explicit why the person is angry. Alternate translation: “Be angry because people are proud, and punish them” (See also: Абстрактные существительные and Метонимия)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: bring him down (0)Alternate translation: “take away everything he is proud of”
Job 40:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: their faces (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The “face” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “them”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hidden place (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
a euphemism for the place where people’s spirits go when they die
Job 40:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: behemoth (0)a large water animal, possibly the hippopotamus
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he eats (0)the behemoth eats
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: eats grass like an ox (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Both the behemoth and the ox eat grass.
Job 40:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: loins … belly’s muscles (0)These two phrases refer to the same part of the body.
Job 40:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like a cedar (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Cedar is a very hard wood, and his tail becomes very hard.
Job 40:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like tubes of bronze (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Here, his bones are compared to tubes made of bronze to show how tough this animal is.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: like bars of iron (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This last comparison describes the strength of this great animal.
Job 40:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: chief of the creatures (0)Alternate translation: “most important of the creatures” or “strongest of the creatures”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the creatures of God. Only God (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronouns
Yahweh speaks as if he were another person. Alternate translation: “of my creatures. Only I, God”
Job 40:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the hills provide him with food (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The hills are spoken of as if they were people capable of giving him food. Alternate translation: “food grows on the hills for him”
Job 40:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lotus plants (0)flowering plants that float on the water in swampy areas
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: reeds (0)tall grasses found in swamps or marshes
Job 40:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: lotus plants (0)flowering plants that float on the water in swampy areas. See how you translated this in Job 40:19.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: willows of the brook (0)Willows are large trees that grow in damp ground. If they are unknown in your culture, you can use a general term for trees that grow near water.
Job 40:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: banks (0)sides of the river
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: though the Jordan should surge up to his mouth (0)Alternate translation: “even if the flood of the Jordan should come up to his mouth”
Job 40:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Can anyone capture him with a hook … snare? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can capture him with a hook or pierce his nose through with a snare.”
Job 41
Job 41 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Some translations prefer to set apart extended quotations, prayers, or songs. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of this chapter, which is an extended quotation of Yahweh, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. It is a continuation of the previous chapter.
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Rhetorical questions
Yahweh uses a series of rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to defend his character and to convince Job to repent. (See: Риторический вопрос and каятися, покаяння)
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Animals
There are several animals mentioned in this chapter that do not exist and may never have existed. It may be necessary to leave these names untranslated or to translate their names as adjectives.
Job 41:1
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that you cannot draw out Leviathan with a fishhook.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: draw out (0)pull out of the water
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Or tie up his jaws with a cord? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “can you” are understood from the previous question. They can be repeated here. God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Or can you tie up his jaws with a cord?” or “And you know that you cannot tie up his jaws with a cord.” (See also: Риторический вопрос)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his jaws (0)Leviathan’s jaws
Job 41:2
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Can you put a rope into his nose … with a hook? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that you cannot put a rope into Leviathan’s nose … with a hook.”
Job 41:3
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will he make many pleas to you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that he will not make pleas to you.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he (0)Leviathan
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will he speak soft words to you? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that he will not speak soft words to you.”
Job 41:4
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to rebuke Job. He uses rhetorical questions to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will he make a covenant with you, that you should take him for a servant forever? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that he will not make a covenant with you, that you should take him for a servant forever.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he … him (0)The words “he” and “him” refer to Leviathan.
Job 41:5
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will you play with him as you would with a bird? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that you cannot play with him as you would play with a bird.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will you tie him up for your servant girls? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that you cannot tie him up for your servant girls.”
Job 41:6
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will the groups of fishermen bargain for him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that the groups of fishermen will not bargain for him.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will they divide him up to trade among the merchants? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that they will not divide him up to trade among the merchants.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Will they divide (0)Alternate translation: “Will the groups of fishermen divide”
Job 41:7
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to rebuke Job. He uses rhetorical questions to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Can you fill his hide with harpoons or his head with fishing spears? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You cannot pierce his skin with your hunting weapons, nor can you pierce his head with fishing spears.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his (0)Leviathan’s
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: harpoons (0)large spears with barbed points that people use to hunt large sea creatures
Job 41:8
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: him (0)Leviathan
Job 41:9
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: See (0)Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: will not anyone be thrown down to the ground just by the sight of him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This generalization can be translated as a statement in active form. Alternate translation: “Anyone who looks at him will be so frightened that he will throw himself on the ground.” (See also: Риторический вопрос)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the sight of him (0)Alternate translation: “by looking at him” or “by seeing him”
Job 41:10
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to rebuke Job by asking him rhetorical questions. He uses rhetorical questions to remind Job that Yahweh is much more powerful than both Leviathan and Job.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: None is so fierce that he dare stir Leviathan up; who, then, is he who can stand before me? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
It would be easier to stir up Leviathan than to stand before Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Since you know that no person is so fierce that he dare stir Leviathan up, you should certainly know that no one can stand before me.”
Job 41:11
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who has first given anything to me in order that I should repay him? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that no one has first given anything to me, so there is no one whom I need to repay.”
Job 41:12
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: I will not keep silent concerning … nor about … nor about (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
This can be translated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I will certainly speak about … and about … and about”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: concerning Leviathan’s legs, nor about the matter of his strength, nor about his graceful form (0)These are three things about which God will not keep silent.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his (0)The word “his” refers to Leviathan.
Job 41:13
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Connecting Statement: (0)Connecting Statement:
Yahweh continues to rebuke Job by asking him rhetorical questions.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who can strip off his outer covering? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can strip off his outer clothing.”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his … his (0)Leviathan’s
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who can penetrate his double armor? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “armor” is a metaphor for the hard scales or hide on his back. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can penetrate his very thick hide.” (See also: Риторический вопрос)
Job 41:14
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Who can open the doors of his face … terror? (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can pry his jaws apart … terror.”
Job 41:15
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: shields (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The word “shields” is a metaphor for Leviathan’s hide. Both shields and Leviathan’s hide protect well and deflect arrows and other weapons.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: tight together as with a close seal (0)This means the “shields” are very close to one another and nothing can get between them.
Job 41:16
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: One is so near to another (0)One row of shields is so near to another (Job 41:15).
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: between them (0)between the rows of shields (Job 41:15)
Job 41:17
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: They … they … they (0)the rows of shields (Job 41:15).
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they cannot be pulled apart (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one can pull them apart”
Job 41:18
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: from his snorting (0)A snort is a sound like a short snore. Another possible meaning is “from his sneezing” or “when he sneezes.” Alternate translation: “when he snorts”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning dawn (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
This means that his eyes are red as the morning dawn is red.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his (0)The word “his” refers to Leviathan.
Job 41:19
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Out of his mouth go burning torches, sparks of fire leap out (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
God expresses the same idea in two different ways in order to emphasize the terrifying appearance of Leviathan. You can make this clear by adding the omitted words. Alternate translation: “Out of his mouth go burning torches, sparks of fire leap out of his mouth” (See also: Эллипсис)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his (0)The word “his” refers to Leviathan.
Job 41:20
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: nostrils (0)the two openings of the nose
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: smoke like a boiling pot (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Both the smoke and a boiling pot are very hot.
Job 41:21
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: kindles coals into flame (0)Alternate translation: “causes coals to catch fire”
Job 41:22
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: his … him (0)The words “his” and “him” refer to Leviathan.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: terror dances in front of him (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terror, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “be afraid.” Alternate translation: “when people see him coming, they are very afraid”
Job 41:23
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: they cannot be moved (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one can move them”
Job 41:24
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His heart is as hard as a stone (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
A rock or stone does not change and become soft. This could mean: (1) Leviathan’s physical chest and the organs inside it are physically hard or (2) Leviathan is not afraid of anything or (3) Leviathan is spoken of as a person who kills without ever being sorry. (See also: Олицетворение)
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: a lower millstone (0)“the hardest of rocks.” The lower millstone is the larger and harder of the two rocks used to grind grain. It would be the hardest rock people could find.
Job 41:25
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he … himself (0)Leviathan
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: the gods (0)This could mean: (1) “mighty people” or (2) “very strong people” .
Job 41:26
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: strikes him (0)strikes Leviathan
Job 41:27
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He thinks of iron as if it were straw (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
“He thinks of weapons made of iron as if they were weapons made of straw.” Straw would not get through his hide, and iron weapons do not get through his hide.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: of bronze as if it were rotten wood (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
You can make this clear by adding the omitted words. Alternate translation: “he thinks of weapons made of bronze as if they were weapons made of rotten wood” (See also: Сравнение)
Job 41:28
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: to him sling stones become chaff (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Chaff cannot hurt Leviathan, and sling stones are just as ineffective as chaff.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: him … him (0)Leviathan
Job 41:29
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: Clubs are regarded as straw (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
A club made of straw would not hurt him, and a club made of wood would not hurt him. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “He thinks of clubs as if they were straw”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he laughs at the whirring flight of a spear (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
The person throwing the spear hopes that the spear will kill Leviathan, but the writer speaks as if Leviathan knows the spear will not kill him and so laughs.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he laughs (0)Leviathan laughs
Job 41:30
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: His … he … he (0)These words refer to Leviathan.
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: he leaves a spreading trail in the mud as if he were a threshing sledge (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Just as a threshing sledge goes over grain on a threshing floor and turns it to powder, so Leviathan’s tail leaves a trail in the mud as he wags it when he walks.
Job 41:31
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He makes the deep to foam up like a pot of boiling water (0)Alternate translation: “As he passes through the water, he leaves a trail of bubbles behind him, like the bubbling of boiling water in a pot”
[GL Quote Not Found!]
Quote: He (0)The word “he” refers to Leviathan.
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Quote: he makes the sea like a pot of ointment (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The ointment in a pot is cloudy if someone shakes it, and the sea is muddy when Leviathan swims in it.
Job 41:32
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Quote: one would think the deep had gray hair (0)This is because the bubbles in his wake are white.
Job 41:33
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Quote: there is no equal to him (0)Alternate translation: “no other creature is like Leviathan”
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Quote: him (0)Leviathan
Job 41:34
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Quote: He sees everything that is proud (0)Alternate translation: “He is very, very proud”
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Quote: he is king over all the sons of pride (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Leviathan is spoken of as if he were a person who is able to become king and be proud. Alternate translation: “Leviathan has more reason to be proud than anyone else on earth”
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Quote: He … he (0)Leviathan
Job 42
Job 42 General Notes
Structure and formatting
Some translations prefer to set apart extended quotations, prayers, or songs. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of 42:1–6, which is an extended quotation of Job, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text.
Having faced the temptation to curse Yahweh, and after being rebuked by him, in the end Job shows his complete trust in Yahweh. (See: спокушати and прокляття, проклинати, проклятий, що проклинає and довіряти)
Special concepts in this chapter
Justice
Yahweh enacts justice at the end of this book. He punishes Job’s friends and restores Job’s blessings. Yahweh’s blessing was not dependent upon Job’s repentance, but upon Yahweh’s grace. (See: справедливий, правильний, виправдовувати, бути виправданим, відновлювати, відновлення, відновлений, благословляти, благословенний, благословенний, благословення and каятися, покаяння and благодать, милість, добрий)
Job 42:2
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Quote: I know that you can do all things, that no purpose of yours can be stopped (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
You may want to repeat the words “I know.” Alternate translation: “I know that you can do all things. I know that no purpose of yours can be stopped”
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Quote: no purpose of yours can be stopped (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one can stop any of your plans”
Job 42:3
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Quote: Who is this (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The ULT and most modern versions agree that Job is loosely quoting God’s own words from Job 38:2. You may decide, as does the UST, to make it clear that God asked this question of Job and that Job is now remembering it. Alternate translation: “You said to me, ‘Who is this”
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Quote: conceals plans (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
That is, hides or misrepresents God’s plans.
Job 42:5
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Quote: but now my eye sees you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents understanding. Alternate translation: “but now I really understand you”
Job 42:6
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Quote: despise myself (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job’s self is a metonym for what he said. Alternate translation: “I despise the things I said”
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Quote: despise (0)intensely dislike
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Quote: I repent in dust and ashes (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Sitting in dust and ashes is a symbolic act showing the person is sorry.
Job 42:7
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Quote: It came about that (0)This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.
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Quote: Eliphaz the Temanite (0)See how you translated this man’s name in Job 2:11
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Quote: My wrath is kindled against you (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Fire is a metaphor for anger, and starting a fire is a metaphor for becoming angry. Alternate translation: “I have become very angry with you”
Job 42:8
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Quote: seven bulls (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“7 bulls”
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Quote: so that I may not deal with you after your folly (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word folly, you can express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “even though you have been very foolish, I will not punish you as you deserve”
Job 42:9
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Quote: Bildad the Shuhite (0)See how you translated this man’s name in Job 2:11
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Quote: Zophar the Naamathite (0)See how you translated this man’s name in Job 2:11
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Quote: Yahweh accepted Job (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The person is a metonym for the prayer he prays. Alternate translation: “God accepted Job’s prayer for his three friends”
Job 42:10
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Quote: Yahweh restored his fortunes (0)Alternate translation: “Yahweh restored his riches” or “Yahweh restored his wealth”
Job 42:11
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Quote: all who knew him before (0)Alternate translation: “all the people he had known before”
Job 42:12
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Quote: more than the first (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The words “he blesed” and “of Job’s life” are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated here Alternate translation: “more than he blessed the first part of Job’s life”
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Quote: fourteen thousand sheep (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
14,000 sheep
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Quote: six thousand camels (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
6,000 camels
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Quote: one thousand yoke of oxen (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
1,000 yoke of oxen
Job 42:13
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Quote: seven sons and three daughters (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
7 sons and 3 daughters
Job 42:14
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Quote: Jemimah … Keziah … Keren-Happuch (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
women’s names
Job 42:15
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Quote: no women were found as beautiful as Job’s daughters (0)Alternate translation: “Job’s daughters were more beautiful than all the other women”
Job 42:16
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Quote: lived 140 years (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers
“lived 140 years”
Job 42:17
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Quote: being old and full of days (0)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The words “full of days” means basically the same thing as “being old.” The two phrases form a common idiom. Alternate translation: “a very old man” (See also: Идиома)