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.
What title should translators give to this book?
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: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning)
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.
The “sea monster”
Ancient peoples seem to have been aware of a large, fierce creature that lived in the ocean. They referred to it as the “sea monster.” People in Job's culture regarded the sea as the realm of watery chaos, and they associated this sea monster with that chaos. There are references to this creature in the book of Job under the names Leviathan in 3:8, the “sea monster” in 7:12, Rahab in 9:13 and 26:12, and the “fleeing serpent” in 26:13. The description of Leviathan in chapter 41 also seems to be a description of this same creature. Notes at these various places suggest how you might represent these references in your translation.
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 the 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: Hendiadys)
“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: Idiom)
“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 could use in your translation in these instances.
“nose”
In several places in the book, various characters use the term “nose” to mean anger. They do this 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 and say “anger.”
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: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
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:godly, godliness, ungodly, godless, ungodliness, godlessness and law, law of Moses, law of Yahweh, law of God)
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 could 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 language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women, as the 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 the 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 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 express the emphasis in a different way. 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 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 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 the 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 could use in your translation.
is} in your hand
Quote: בְּיָדֶ֔ךָ (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: “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: sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and curse, cursed, cursing)
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 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 the 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 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 the 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 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: Rhetorical Question)
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: When to Keep Information Implicit)
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 dark shadow 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 a dark shadow 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 the 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
As the General Introduction to Job explains, ancient peoples seem to have been aware of a large, fierce creature that lived in the ocean, which they called the “sea monster.” People in Job's culture regarded the sea as the realm of watery chaos, and they associated this sea monster with that chaos. That is the association that Job is making here, calling the sea monster by the name Leviathan. You could retain the name Leviathan in your translation. Alternatively, you could use a general expression to convey the idea here. Alternate translation: “the sea monster that is associated with 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. By dawn, Job means the sunrise itself, not the first faint light that appears on the horizon to indicate that a new day is beginning. Alternate translation: “the first flashes of light from the sunrise”
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 to 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 could 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 could 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 express the emphasis in a different way. 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 introduce 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 introduce 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: Rhetorical Question)
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
Here the masculine term men has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation 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 … a man
Quote: הַֽ֭אֱנוֹשׁ & גָּֽבֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
In each instance, the masculine term man has generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a person … 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 an equivalent 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 poetry. 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 could 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 introduce 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 could use in your translation.
Job 5:3
I myself have seen
Quote: אֲֽנִי־רָ֭אִיתִי (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 translated have seen. 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. The 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 introduce 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
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation 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 could 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 word translated 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 humble 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 humble
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 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
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “is anyone” or “is any person”
and the chastening of the Almighty 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 the Almighty”
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 word translated 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/writing-poetry
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 a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could express the emphasis in another way. 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 {will be} great
Quote: רַ֣ב זַרְעֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, seed means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your descendants will be many”
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 poetic way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you could 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 word translated 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, people who are supposed to help him during difficult times. (See: Metaphor)
In 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.
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: Rhetorical Question)
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 my calamity warrants the amount of anguish that I am feeling and showing”
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 the Almighty 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 the Almighty has done to me”
the arrows of the Almighty 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 the Almighty 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 that all terrify me”
Job 6:5
Does a wild donkey bray over grass? If an ox bellows 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!”
If an ox bellows over its fodder
Quote: אִ֥ם יִגְעֶה־שּׁ֝֗וֹר עַל־בְּלִילֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job 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: “An ox does not bellow over its fodder, does it?”
Does a wild donkey bray over grass? If an ox bellows 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, which in this context means “without flavor,” 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 him. 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 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 the Almighty 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 the Almighty (as Job’s friends believe he may be doing). Alternate translation: “even if that despairing person forsakes the fear of the Almighty” (2) that if a friend does not show faithfulness to a despairing person, that friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. Alternate translation: “otherwise that friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty”
and the fear of the Almighty 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 the Almighty” or “otherwise he does not respect and obey the Almighty”
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
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: “In the cold season, these streams are dark from ice over their channel, indeed, snow covers that channel. But in the hot season, the streams go dry and vanish, the heat dries them up completely”
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 could 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 ideas 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 the enemy’? Or, ‘From the hand of the oppressors
Quote: מִיַּד־צָ֑ר וּמִיַּ֖ד עָרִיצִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand represents the capability and 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: “from the power of the enemy? Or, ‘From the power of the oppressors’”
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 translated 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 the fatherless, 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 the fatherless, 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 fatherless child 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.
the fatherless
Quote: יָת֥וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective fatherless 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 with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “a fatherless child” or “an orphan”
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 lie 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, their 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: Metaphor)
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: Rhetorical Question)
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
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation 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, as an exclamation: “Yes, his days are 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. Specifically, he means 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
From the narrative of the book of Job, it does not appear 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 an equivalent 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 could 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 with which God allowed the accuser to afflict him, 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 when weaving 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 word translated 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
See the General Introduction to Job for a discussion of the sea monster and see how you translated the name Leviathan in 3:8. Alternate translation: “the sea monster that is associated with 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 express the emphasis in a different way. 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 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 readingof the 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 laid 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 poetry.
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 the Almighty 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 the Almighty do things that are not righteous?”
Does God pervert justice? Or does the Almighty 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, the Almighty does not pervert righteousness!” or, positively, “God always does what is just! Yes, the Almighty 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 translated 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 the Almighty 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 the Almighty 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 express the emphasis in a different way. 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 refer 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 through tradition the ancestors have passed down 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 express the emphasis in a different way. 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 to the face of 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”
to the face of the sun
Quote: לִפְנֵי־שָׁ֑מֶשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the word to the face of 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 poetry.
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
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation 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 could 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 and mighty in strength
Quote: חֲכַ֣ם לֵ֭בָב וְאַמִּ֣יץ כֹּ֑חַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the heart represents the thoughts. Alternate translation: “God’s thoughts are wise and he is mighty in strength”
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. Rather, that person has decided 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
As the General Introduction to Job discusses, 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 and treading on the waves of the sea
Quote: נֹטֶ֣ה שָׁמַ֣יִם לְבַדּ֑וֹ וְ֝דוֹרֵ֗ךְ עַל־בָּ֥מֳתֵי יָֽם (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: “and 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.” Psalm 135:7 refers similarly to God bringing the wind out of his “storehouses.” 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 to 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 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 meaning of who will turn him back depends on the meaning of the phrase he takes away. That phrase could mean: (1) that God takes something away. Alternate translation: “who can make him give it back” (2) that God leaves. Alternate translation: “who can make him come back”
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”
of Rahab
Quote: רָֽהַב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Rahab is another name for the sea monster. See the General Introduction to Job for a discussion of the sea monster, and see how you translated the name Leviathan in 3:8. Alternate translation: “the sea monster that is associated with chaos”
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 translated 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 could 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 could 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, the term righteous implicitly describes 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 make this a direct quotation. 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, they flee
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 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 in 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 word translated 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 implication is 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 created by burning 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 from upon me his rod, and his terror
Quote: יָסֵ֣ר מֵעָלַ֣י שִׁבְט֑וֹ וְ֝אֵמָת֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun who 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, may it 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 could 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: Rhetorical Question)
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 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: “but 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, the act of 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: “but 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? If 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 kinds of things that people can see with their eyes”
Are} eyes of flesh to you? If 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!”
If you see according to the seeing of a man
Quote: אִם־כִּרְא֖וֹת אֱנ֣וֹשׁ תִּרְאֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job 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: “You do not see as people see, do you?”
according to the seeing of a man
Quote: כִּרְא֖וֹת אֱנ֣וֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation 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? If your years {are} 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? If your years {are} 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? If your years {are} 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 as short a lifetime as people do” or “You do not have as short a 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 of these masculine terms have a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a mortal … a human being”
like the days of
Quote: כִּ֣ימֵי (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”
If your years {are} like the days of a man
Quote: אִם־שְׁ֝נוֹתֶ֗יךָ כִּ֣ימֵי גָֽבֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job 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: “Your years are not like the days of a man, are they?”
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
In this verse and the previous one, Job seems to be asking implicitly 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 could 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: “If only 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 he is using 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 deep darkness
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 deep darkness
Quote: אֶל־אֶ֖רֶץ חֹ֣שֶׁךְ וְצַלְמָֽוֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the terms darkness and deep darkness 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 poetry.
Translation Issues in This Chapter
Zophar answering Job with his own words
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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?”
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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.
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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: Rhetorical Question)
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 the Almighty
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 the Almighty unto perfection, will you”
If unto perfection you will find the Almighty
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 the Almighty perfectly, will you”
If unto perfection you will find the Almighty
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 the Almighty 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 of 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 could 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 word translated 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 your heart”
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 it 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 anymore”
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. This contrasts 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: “the misery of your life may feel like obscurity now, but it 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 could 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 could 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 dying. This is a mild way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you could 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 himself knows. - 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 poetry.
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 nobles, 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 of 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 were the people and as if wisdom would 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: “and 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 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 could 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 could 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
the secure
Quote: שַׁאֲנָ֑ן (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 foot was 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. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. 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 could 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 in his own words. Job's language is more extensive, and so it is more emphatic. Job is using the inhabitants of three components of creation (the beasts of the land, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea), along with the earth itself, to mean all of creation. To show this, 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 one will teach you, the birds of the heavens, and one 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, one of them would teach you, and if you asked the birds of the heavens, one of them would declare to you”
But now ask the beasts, and one will teach you, the birds of the heavens, and one 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, one of them would teach you, and if you actually could ask the birds of the heavens, one of them 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 one will teach you, … and one 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
Which 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 (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!”
Which 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: “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. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He 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
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation 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 taste 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 taste 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 and the palate taste the food {that is} to it
Quote: הֲלֹא־אֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן וְ֝חֵ֗ךְ אֹ֣כֶל יִטְעַם־לֽוֹ (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, just as people discern with their mouths the taste of their food”
words
Quote: מִלִּ֣ין (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 and the palate taste the food {that is} to it
Quote: הֲלֹא־אֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן וְ֝חֵ֗ךְ אֹ֣כֶל יִטְעַם־לֽוֹ (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, just as people discern with their mouths the taste of their food”
and the palate taste 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”
With the aged {is} wisdom
Quote: בִּֽישִׁישִׁ֥ים חָכְמָ֑ה (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”
With the aged
Quote: בִּֽישִׁישִׁ֥ים (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”
and in length of days {is} understanding
Quote: וְאֹ֖רֶךְ יָמִ֣ים תְּבוּנָֽה (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
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/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
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation 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”
to him {are} the one straying and the one causing to stray
Quote: ל֝֗וֹ 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”
to him {are} the one straying and the one causing to stray
Quote: ל֝֗וֹ 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, and 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 kings 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 ones. 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 nobles
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 nobles. 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 nobles”
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 do those things. 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 ones. 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 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. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and 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: “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 was 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. He uses 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; 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 also know. I {am} not falling
Quote: יָדַ֣עְתִּי גַם־אָ֑נִי לֹא־נֹפֵ֖ל 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 words translated know and falling. 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, for example, by using the intensive pronoun “myself.” Alternate translation: “I myself also know. I myself am not falling”
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 the Almighty
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 the Almighty” or “I would rather speak with the Almighty”
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 could 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
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation 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 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
Would} not his majesty terrify you and the dread of him fall on you
Quote: הֲלֹ֣א שְׂ֭אֵתוֹ תְּבַעֵ֣ת אֶתְכֶ֑ם 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”
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 could 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 do I put 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 him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Why am I 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: “and jeopardize my life”
Job 13:15
he kills me, I will hope in him
Quote: יִ֭קְטְלֵנִי ל֣וֹ אֲיַחֵ֑ל (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 be”
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 or listening. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as a new sentence: “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 translated 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-explicit
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 explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “God, only two things do not do to me”
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. Either way, you could combine the question and the imperative into a polite request. 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, as exclamations: “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 of 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 clearly 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, here and throughout the chapter the masculine term “man” has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, in all such instances you could use language in your translation 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 could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “the number of his months is up to you” or “the number of his months 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 of 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 and it will live”
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: “and 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. These masculine terms have 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 could 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 (as an exclamation): “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
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 and remember me
Quote: תָּ֤שִׁ֥ית לִ֖י חֹ֣ק וְתִזְכְּרֵֽנִי (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
Here Job is using words that are very similar 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 word translated 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 would 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 number or count the steps he is taking. He is speaking of living as if it were walking along a path. Job alludes 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 to ensure 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 would 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 would 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: “and 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.
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: “and yes, even large rocks disappear”
Job 14:19
its flooding washes away the dust of the earth
Quote: תִּשְׁטֹֽף־ סְפִיחֶ֥יהָ עֲפַר־אָ֑רֶץ (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 could 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
Here the masculine term sons has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation 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: “Will the 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 could 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”
and fill his belly {with} the east wind
Quote: וִֽימַלֵּ֖א קָדִ֣ים בִּטְנֽוֹ (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 could 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 word translated 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. 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 express the emphasis in a different way. 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
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation 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? What} 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-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”
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 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-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using this adjective phrase as a noun phrase to mean a certain group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this phrase with an equivalent one. Alternate translation: “people who are greater than your father in days”
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: “people who are greater in age than your father” or “people who are 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
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 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 angry 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 pure, 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
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a human being”
he should be pure
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
indeed that the abominable and the corrupted
Quote: אַ֭ף כִּֽי־נִתְעָ֥ב וְֽנֶאֱלָ֑ח (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 the abominable and the corrupted”
indeed that 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 language in your translation 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. 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 as if that wicked person does not believe that 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 (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 (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
When Eliphaz says that the wicked person has stretched out his hand, he means specifically that he has stretched out a hand that is holding a sword or some other weapon. In other words, this expression means to fight against someone. 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”
with the neck
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: “though 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 shoots
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.”) 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 could 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 (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 of people who engage in bribery 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
This chapter is the beginning of Job’s response to Eliphaz’s second speech. In verses 1–6, Job complains that his friends have not helped him with their advice. In verses 7–22, Job describes how he feels God has made him suffer. Job briefly addresses God directly in verses 7 and 8.
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
“witness,” “advocate,” and “intercessor”
In verses 19–21, Job describes the need for someone to plead his case to God in heaven. This is likely the same figure whom Job calls his “redeemer” in 19:25. Although Job does not seem to be giving a prophecy knowingly about the Messiah, the role that he describes closely parallels the way that Jesus intercedes for people in heaven. He says that such a person would testify that he had not done wrong (be his “witness”), take his side (be his “advocate”), and plead with God not to punish him (be his “intercessor”). In your translation, use words that describe someone in your culture who does these things for another person. (See: intercede, intercession and testimony, testify, witness, eyewitness, evidence)
Translation Issues in This Chapter
Variation between singular and plural “you”
In verses 1–8, Job sometimes uses the singular form of “you” to address either Eliphaz or God and he sometimes uses the plural form of “you” to address all three of his friends together. Notes identify which form he is using in each instance so that you can use the appropriate form in your translation if your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you.”
Job 16:2
all of you {are
Quote: כֻּלְּכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
As the context suggests, the word you is plural here because Job is using it to refer to his three friends. So use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
comforters of trouble
Quote: מְנַחֲמֵ֖י עָמָ֣ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is not using this possessive form to say that his friends are providing comfort to trouble. He is using the form to say that in their attempts to be his comforters, they are causing him further trouble. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “troublesome counselors”
Job 16:3
Is there} an end to words of wind? Or what compels you that you answer
Quote: הֲקֵ֥ץ לְדִבְרֵי־ר֑וּחַ א֥וֹ מַה־יַּ֝מְרִֽיצְךָ֗ כִּ֣י תַעֲנֶֽה (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 that you would stop speaking these words of wind! I do not think anything compels you to answer.”
to words of wind
Quote: לְדִבְרֵי־ר֑וּחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is answering Eliphaz with his own words. See how you translated the similar expression in 15:2. Alternate translation: “to insubstantial words” or “to such bluster”
you answer
Quote: תַעֲנֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The word you is singular here because Job is using it to refer only to Eliphaz, who has just spoken to him. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
Job 16:4
if your souls were where my soul is
Quote: ל֤וּ־יֵ֪שׁ נַפְשְׁכֶ֡ם תַּ֤חַת נַפְשִׁ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself and his friends, their souls, to mean all of them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if you were in my place”
like you … your souls … against you … at you
Quote: כָּכֶ֪ם & נַפְשְׁכֶ֡ם & עֲלֵיכֶ֣ם & עֲ֝לֵיכֶ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The word you is plural in each of these instances because Job is using it to refer to his three friends. So use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
I would join words together
Quote: אַחְבִּ֣ירָה& בְּמִלִּ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term words to mean the things that he would say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I would say one thing after another”
and I would shake my head at you
Quote: וְאָנִ֥יעָה עֲ֝לֵיכֶ֗ם בְּמ֣וֹ רֹאשִֽׁי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
To shake the head at someone is a symbolic action indicating disapproval. This action may have the same meaning in your culture. If not, your culture may have a comparable gesture that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “and I would point my finger at you”
Job 16:5
I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips would relieve {you
Quote: אֲאַמִּצְכֶ֥ם בְּמוֹ־פִ֑י וְנִ֖יד שְׂפָתַ֣י יַחְשֹֽׂךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
For emphasis, Job is saying the opposite of what he means. He does not feel that his friends actually have been strengthening him or relieving him. If a speaker of your language would not say the opposite of what he means for emphasis, in your translation you could indicate what Job actually means. Alternate translation: “I would say things such as you have been saying, thinking that I was strengthening and comforting you, even though saying such things would actually make you feel worse, as you have been making me feel worse”
I would strengthen you
Quote: אֲאַמִּצְכֶ֥ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The word you is plural here because Job is using it to refer to his three friends. So use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
with my mouth, and the moving of my lips
Quote: בְּמוֹ־פִ֑י וְנִ֖יד שְׂפָתַ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the terms mouth and lips by association to mean speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by what I said, and the things that I spoke”
Job 16:6
my pain is not relieved
Quote: לֹא־יֵחָשֵׂ֣ךְ כְּאֵבִ֑י (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 does not relieve my pain”
what goes from me
Quote: מַה־מִנִּ֥י יַהֲלֹֽךְ (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: “that does not make the pain go away”
Job 16:7
he has exhausted me
Quote: הֶלְאָ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun he most likely refers to God, since the following pronoun you seems clearly to address God. Job seems to be referring to God in the third person in order to make a transition from speaking to his friends, and he then seems to be addressing God directly in the second person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “you, God, have exhausted me”
you have devastated
Quote: הֲ֝שִׁמּ֗וֹתָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The word you is singular here because Job is using it to refer to God. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
Job 16:8
and you have shriveled me— it has become a witness, and my leanness rises up against me, it testifies against my face
Quote: וַֽ֭תִּקְמְטֵנִי לְעֵ֣ד הָיָ֑ה וַיָּ֥קָם בִּ֥י כַ֝חֲשִׁ֗י בְּפָנַ֥י יַעֲנֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking as if his shriveled condition, his leanness, were a living thing that was serving as a witness and testifying against him. He means that people consider him to be guilty of sin because they believe that God is punishing him with a sickness that has made him lose weight. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and because you have afflicted me with a sickness that has made me emaciated, people consider that to be evidence that I have sinned”
and you have shriveled me
Quote: וַֽ֭תִּקְמְטֵנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The word you is singular here because Job is using it to refer to God. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
against my face
Quote: בְּפָנַ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Here the word face could mean: (1) Job himself, using one part of him to represent all of him. Alternate translation: “against me” (2) Job’s reputation as a righteous person, in a specific sense of the word face. Alternate translation: “against my good reputation”
Job 16:9
he has torn {me} and he has attacked me
Quote: טָרַ֨ף ׀ וַֽיִּשְׂטְמֵ֗נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God were literally a wild animal that had attacked and torn him. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as a comparison. Alternate translation: “he has been like a wild animal, tearing and attacking me”
he has torn {me} and he has attacked me
Quote: טָרַ֨ף ׀ וַֽיִּשְׂטְמֵ֗נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
Since a wild animal would attack its prey before tearing it, it might be more natural to reverse the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: “he has attacked me and he has torn me”
he gnashes his teeth against me
Quote: חָרַ֣ק עָלַ֣י בְּשִׁנָּ֑יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
This action expresses strong anger. If there is a similar gesture in your culture, you could consider using it here in your translation. You could also indicate the meaning of this gesture. Alternate translation: “he is so angry at me that he grinds his teeth together”
sharpens his eyes against me
Quote: יִלְט֖וֹשׁ עֵינָ֣יו לִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God, whom he believes is acting towards him as an enemy, were literally sharpening his eyes, the way one would sharpen a sword in order to use it dangerously as a weapon. Job means that God is focusing his eyes intently on him to recognize ways to attack him further and to ensure that he, Job, does not escape. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “focuses his eyes intently on me”
Job 16:10
They have gaped at me with their mouth
Quote: פָּעֲר֬וּ עָלַ֨י ׀ בְּפִיהֶ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Opening the mouth wide at someone was a symbolic action that expressed ridicule. If there is a similar gesture in your culture, you could consider using it here in your translation. You could also indicate the meaning of this gesture. Alternate translation: “They open their mouths wide at me in order to ridicule me”
with their mouth
Quote: בְּפִיהֶ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
Since Job is speaking of many people, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of mouth. Alternate translation: “with their mouths”
Job 16:11
the hands of
Quote: יְדֵ֖י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hands 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 power of”
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 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: “wicked people”
he throws me
Quote: יִרְטֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God were literally throwing him into the hands of the wicked. He means that God is abandoning him to whatever it is that wicked people would want to do to him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he abandons me”
Job 16:12
but he has shattered me, and he has seized my neck and shaken me to pieces
Quote: וַֽיְפַרְפְּרֵ֗נִי וְאָחַ֣ז בְּ֭עָרְפִּי וַֽיְפַצְפְּצֵ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God has literally shattered him, breaking him into many parts, and seized his neck and shaken him to pieces. He means that God has destroyed everything important in his life—his family, his health, and his possessions. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this as a comparison, as the UST does, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but he has destroyed my family, my health, and my possessions”
And he has set me up as a target for him
Quote: וַיְקִימֵ֥נִי ל֝֗וֹ לְמַטָּרָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God has literally set him up as a target. (He continues this image in the first line of the next verse.) He means that it seems as if God has harmed him very intentionally. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this as a comparison, as the UST does, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yes, it seems as if he has harmed me very intentionally”
Job 16:13
his archers have surrounded me
Quote: יָ֘סֹ֤בּוּ עָלַ֨י ׀ רַבָּ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if archers whom God commands have literally surrounded him. He means that God has caused him to experience many different troubles. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly, as long as you also used plain language in the last sentence of the previous verse. Alternate translation: “he has caused me to experience many troubles”
He pierces my kidneys and he does not spare; he pours my bile on the ground
Quote: יְפַלַּ֣ח כִּ֭לְיוֹתַי וְלֹ֣א יַחְמ֑וֹל יִשְׁפֹּ֥ךְ לָ֝אָ֗רֶץ מְרֵרָֽתִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that these archers are seeking mercilessly to kill him by shooting their arrows into his vital organs. (By saying that God pours his bile on the ground, Job means that God’s archers have pierced his liver as well as his kidneys, since the liver produces bile and that fluid would spill out of the body if the liver were pierced.) You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “They are seeking mercilessly to kill me by shooting their arrows into my vital organs”
He pierces my kidneys and he does not spare; he pours my bile on the ground
Quote: יְפַלַּ֣ח כִּ֭לְיוֹתַי וְלֹ֣א יַחְמ֑וֹל יִשְׁפֹּ֥ךְ לָ֝אָ֗רֶץ מְרֵרָֽתִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job does not mean that arrows have literally pierced his kidneys and liver. He is continuing the image of the archers to indicate that it feels to him as if God is mercilessly trying to kill him in a way that he could not possibly survive. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It feels to me as if God is mercilessly trying to kill me in a way that I could not possibly survive”
He pierces … and he does not spare; he pours
Quote: יְפַלַּ֣ח & וְלֹ֣א יַחְמ֑וֹל & יִשְׁפֹּ֥ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronouns He and he refer to God. Job means that God is doing these things through the symbolic archers that he describes in the previous sentence. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use plural pronouns to show that this is a continuation of the image of the archers. Alternate translation: “They pierce my kidneys and do not spare; they pour my bile on the ground”
Job 16:14
He breaches me, breach upon the face of breach
Quote: יִפְרְצֵ֣נִי פֶ֭רֶץ עַל־פְּנֵי־פָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he were a defensive wall around a city and God was smashing openings or breaches in that wall. He means that the continual sufferings that he is experiencing are making him less and less able to be resilient. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He causes me continual sufferings that are making me less and less resilient”
breach upon the face of breach
Quote: פֶ֭רֶץ עַל־פְּנֵי־פָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression could mean: (1) that God is smashing openings in many different places in this wall (which represents Job). Alternate translation, if you choose to represent the image in your translation: “smashing openings in many different places in my wall” (2) that after succeeding in smashing an opening in this wall, God smashes repeatedly in the same place to make that opening bigger. Alternate translation: “ever enlarging the opening in my wall”
he runs against me like a warrior
Quote: יָרֻ֖ץ עָלַ֣י כְּגִבּֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God were literally running against him the way a warrior would run to attack an enemy soldier. Job is answering Eliphaz with his own words. In 15:26, Eliphaz used the same image to describe how wicked people oppose God. If you used the image or represented it as a comparison in your translation in that verse, you may wish to translate the corresponding image here in the same way. If you used plain language there, you could use similar language here. Alternate translation: “he opposes me very forcefully”
Job 16:15
I have sewn sackcloth on my skin
Quote: שַׂ֣ק תָּ֭פַרְתִּי עֲלֵ֣י גִלְדִּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he had literally sewn sackcloth onto his skin. He could mean: (1) that he is continually in mourning, as if he wore sackcloth (a sign of mourning) so frequently that it seemed to be sewn onto his skin. Alternate translation: “I am continually in mourning” (2) that he actually has been wearing sackcloth (although the narrative at the beginning of the book does not say so) and it has stuck to his skin because of his boils, as if it were sewn to his skin. Alternate translation: “The sackcloth I have been wearing in grief has stuck to my skin”
and I have thrust my horn into the dust
Quote: וְעֹלַ֖לְתִּי בֶעָפָ֣ר קַרְנִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People in the biblical culture used the horn of an animal to represent strength and honor. When they did, they would speak of humans as if they had horns like animals. For example, Psalm 112:9 says of the person who fears Yahweh, “His horn rises high in honor.” Job is using the image in the opposite way to say that he is suffering disgrace. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I am suffering great disgrace”
Job 16:16
and on my eyelids {is} a dark shadow
Quote: וְעַ֖ל עַפְעַפַּ֣י צַלְמָֽוֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is describing the fact that he has not been sleeping well, by association with the way that dark circles form around the eyes of someone who lacks sleep. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and I have dark circles around my eyes from lack of sleep”
Job 16:17
violence {is} not in my hands
Quote: לֹא־חָמָ֣ס בְּכַפָּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his hands, to mean all of him in the potential act of committing violence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have not committed any violence”
is} pure
Quote: זַכָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his prayer were literally pure, that is, as if it were a physical substance that had nothing else mixed in. He means that when he prays, he means just what he says and he has no other motives other than sincerely speaking with God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is sincere”
Job 16:18
Earth, do not conceal my blood
Quote: אֶ֭רֶץ אַל־תְּכַסִּ֣י דָמִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
Job is speaking to something that he knows cannot hear him, the Earth. He is doing that to show in a strong way how he feels about what has been happening to him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I hope that when I die, my blood will remain visible on the earth”
Earth, do not conceal my blood
Quote: אֶ֭רֶץ אַל־תְּכַסִּ֣י דָמִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he were literally going to be murdered and as if his blood were going to fall to the ground and soak into the earth unless something prevented that. He means that he is like the victim of a deadly crime in that he deserves justice but there is a risk that he will not receive it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I want to receive justice for what is happening to me”
and may {there} not be a {hiding} place for my cry
Quote: וְֽאַל־יְהִ֥י מָ֝ק֗וֹם לְזַעֲקָתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
It is likely that Job is continuing to address the Earth in this part of the verse. Once again he is doing that in order to show in a strong way how he feels about what has been happening to him. Job is speaking as if the earth could hear him and as if it could make sure that none of its locations would provide a place for anyone to hide Job’s cry so that it was not answered. The context makes clear that this is a cry for justice. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly Alternate translation: “and I hope that my cry for justice is answered and not hidden”
Job 16:19
my witness {is} in the heavens, and my advocate {is} in the heights
Quote: בַשָּׁמַ֣יִם עֵדִ֑י וְ֝שָׂהֲדִ֗י בַּמְּרוֹמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter to decide how to translate the terms witness and advocate, which both describe the same person, someone whom Job expects will intercede for him in heaven. Alternate translation: “the person who has taken my side is pleading my case to God in heaven”
is} in the heights
Quote: בַּמְּרוֹמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
Job is using the term heights to mean heaven, which is high above the earth. The plural form probably identifies these heights as the supreme example of their class. That is, while being on top of a mountain gives someone a commanding position, ruling from heaven gives God the supremely commanding position. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is in highest heaven” or “is in heaven, where he rules supremely”
Job 16:20
My intercessors {are} my friends
Quote: מְלִיצַ֥י רֵעָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
This could mean: (1) that Job has a single individual in mind here, the one he called his “witness” and “advocate” in the previous verse. While the terms intercessors and friends are plural, it seems Job could be using plural forms to indicate an indefinite individual. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “There is a certain intercessor who is my friend” (2) that Job is saying that by contrast with the way this “witness” and “advocate” will take his side, his friends have been scoffing at him. The word translated intercessors can also mean “scoffers” (although Job uses it again in 33:23 to mean “intercessor”). Alternate translation: “My friends are scoffing at me”
my eye weeps to God
Quote: אֶל־אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַ דָּלְפָ֥ה עֵינִֽי (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 weeping. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am pleading tearfully to God for mercy”
Job 16:21
for a man
Quote: לְגֶ֣בֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
When he refers to a man in the first part of this verse, Job seems to be 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: “for me”
and a son of man for his neighbor
Quote: וּֽבֶן־אָדָ֥ם לְרֵעֵֽהוּ (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 a son of man argues for his neighbor”
and a son of man for his neighbor
Quote: וּֽבֶן־אָדָ֥ם לְרֵעֵֽהוּ (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: “just as a son of man argues for his neighbor”
and a son of man for his neighbor
Quote: וּֽבֶן־אָדָ֥ם לְרֵעֵֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the terms son and man are masculine, the phrase a son of man has a generic sense and means “a human being.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “just as one human being argues on behalf of another human being”
Job 16:22
years of number will come
Quote: שְׁנ֣וֹת מִסְפָּ֣ר יֶאֱתָ֑יוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using the expression years of number to mean “a few years.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a few years will go by”
and I will go {on} a path, I will not return
Quote: וְאֹ֖רַח לֹא־אָשׁ֣וּב אֶהֱלֹֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
When Job says that he will go on a path and not return, he means that he will die. This is a mild way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “and I will pass away” or “and then I will die”
Job 17
Job 17 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is the conclusion of Job’s response to Eliphaz’s second speech. Job expresses his disappointment with his friends’ advice, he asks Yahweh to help him, and he wishes that he had good things to hope for.
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 17:1
My spirit is destroyed, my days are extinguished
Quote: רוּחִ֣י חֻ֭בָּלָה יָמַ֥י נִזְעָ֗כוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Job is making an overstatement when he says that his spirit has already been destroyed and his days have already been extinguished. He means that this is nearly the case. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My spirit is nearly destroyed, my days are nearly extinguished”
My spirit is destroyed, my days are extinguished
Quote: רוּחִ֣י חֻ֭בָּלָה יָמַ֥י נִזְעָ֗כוּ (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: “My troubles have nearly destroyed my spirit and extinguished my days”
My spirit
Quote: רוּחִ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This could mean: (1) Job’s life. Job would be using one part of himself, his spirit, to mean all of him. Alternate translation: “My life” (2) Job’s strength and morale. Alternate translation: “My strength” or “My morale”
my days are extinguished
Quote: יָמַ֥י נִזְעָ֗כוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using the term days to mean a specific period of time, his lifetime. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my life is extinguished”
my days are extinguished
Quote: יָמַ֥י נִזְעָ֗כוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his life were literally a flame that something had extinguished or snuffed out. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my life is almost over”
graves {are} for me
Quote: קְבָרִ֥ים לִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
While the term graves is plural, it seems unlikely that Job means he will be buried in more than one grave. (1) Job could be using the plural form to indicate an indefinite thing. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “there is a grave ready for me somewhere” (2) Job could be speaking of a graveyard or cemetery by association with the way that such a place contains many graves. Alternate translation: “the graveyard is ready for me”
graves {are} for me
Quote: קְבָרִ֥ים לִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Job is saying that graves are ready for him to mean that he will die soon. This is a mild way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “soon I will die”
Job 17:2
If {there are} not mockers with me
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א הֲ֭תֻלִים עִמָּדִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job 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: “There are mockers with me, are there not?”
If {there are} not mockers with me
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א הֲ֭תֻלִים 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: “Surely there are mockers with me!”
If {there are} not mockers with me
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א הֲ֭תֻלִים עִמָּדִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
By mockers, Job most likely means his friends. He would be speaking of them in the third person even though they are present. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “All three of you have been mocking me!”
And on their provocations my eye lingers
Quote: וּ֝בְהַמְּרוֹתָ֗ם תָּלַ֥ן עֵינִֽי (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, using the second person: “Yes, all I can see is your provocations”
And on their provocations my eye lingers
Quote: וּ֝בְהַמְּרוֹתָ֗ם תָּלַ֥ן עֵינִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of provocations, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Yes, all I can see is you provoking me”
And on their provocations my eye lingers
Quote: וּ֝בְהַמְּרוֹתָ֗ם תָּלַ֥ן עֵינִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that Job’s friends have only been provoking him, not comforting him, because otherwise he would be able to recognize their comfort. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “You have only been provoking me, not comforting me”
Job 17:3
Please set down, be surety for me with you
Quote: שִֽׂימָה־נָּ֭א עָרְבֵ֣נִי עִמָּ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The word you and the implied “you” in the imperative set and in the imperative be surety for are singular because they refer to God. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
Please set down, be surety for me with you
Quote: שִֽׂימָה־נָּ֭א עָרְבֵ֣נִי עִמָּ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God would literally set down, that is, surrender to a court, something of value in order to guarantee Job’s appearance in court and good conduct. Job is similarly speaking as if God would literally be surety for him, that is, personally guarantee his appearance and conduct. Job speaks this way even though he says at the same time that God himself would be trying his case (that is the meaning of with you). Your culture may have a similar custom that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “Please put up a bond for me even as you try my case”
Who {is} he {who} will strike himself to my hand
Quote: מִֽי ה֝֗וּא לְיָדִ֥י יִתָּקֵֽעַ (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 else will strike himself to my hand”
Who {is} he {who} will strike himself to my hand
Quote: מִֽי ה֝֗וּא לְיָדִ֥י יִתָּקֵֽעַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Job is speaking of one person striking his hand against a second person’s hand as a symbolic action in order to show that he was committing himself to serve as a guarantor for that second person. Your culture may have a similar practice that you could use in your translation, and you can also explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “No one else will shake hands with me to pledge that he will be my guarantor”
Job 17:4
For
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Job is using the word For to introduce the reason why he said in the previous verse that he believed no one else would be a guarantor for him. Alternate translation: “My friends will not be my guarantors because”
you have hidden their hearts away from understanding
Quote: לִ֭בָּם צָפַ֣נְתָּ מִּשָּׂ֑כֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God had literally hidden the hearts of his friends in a place where their hearts would not come in contact with understanding. Within the context of this image, Job is using the heart to represent the mind. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have kept their minds from understanding”
you will not exalt {them
Quote: לֹ֣א תְרֹמֵֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God would literally exalt his friends or lift them up to a height. He means that God would honor them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will not honor them”
you will not exalt {them
Quote: לֹ֣א תְרֹמֵֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that since God has kept his friends from understanding that he is innocent, God will not exalt or honor his friends by giving a guilty verdict against him, thereby vindicating what the friends have been saying. That would be allowing error to triumph. You could indicate that explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you will not vindicate what they have been erroneously saying by giving a guilty verdict against me”
Job 17:5
He {who} denounces friends for a reward, even the eyes of his sons will fail
Quote: לְ֭חֵלֶק יַגִּ֣יד רֵעִ֑ים וְעֵינֵ֖י בָנָ֣יו תִּכְלֶֽנָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one thing that God does to maintain justice, punish those who commit perjury for a bribe, to represent all that God does to maintain justice. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “After all, you maintain justice by punishing people who corrupt court proceedings”
even the eyes of his sons will fail
Quote: וְעֵינֵ֖י בָנָ֣יו תִּכְלֶֽנָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Job is speaking of how the eyes of people who are dying fail (no longer see) in order to describe those people dying. This is a poetic way of speaking about death. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “his sons will certainly die”
his sons
Quote: בָנָ֣יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term sons has a generic sense that includes both sons and daughters. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “his children”
Job 17:6
But he has made me
Quote: וְֽ֭הִצִּגַנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun he refers to God. After briefly speaking directly to God in verses 3 and 4, Job now speaks of God once again in the third person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “But God has made me”
a saying of the peoples
Quote: לִמְשֹׁ֣ל עַמִּ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is using the word saying to mean that the peoples are citing him by name as an outstanding example of someone who seemed to be prospering because he was righteous but who came to ruin because he was actually wicked. Your language may have an expression for this practice of citing people by name as examples that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “a byword for the peoples”
and I have become a spitting in the face
Quote: וְתֹ֖פֶת לְפָנִ֣ים אֶֽהְיֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
People were spitting in Job’s face as a symbolic action to show their contempt for him as a wicked person, which he appeared to them to be. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “and people have even been spitting in my face to show their contempt for me because they think I am a wicked person”
Job 17:7
and my eye is dim from sorrow
Quote: וַתֵּ֣כַהּ מִכַּ֣עַשׂ עֵינִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term eye by association to mean sight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because of my sorrow, I can only see dimly”
are} like a shadow
Quote: כַּצֵּ֣ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as a shadow is insubstantial, so Job’s members, that is, the parts of his body, have become very thin. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “have become as thin as a shadow”
Job 17:8
The upright … and the innocent … the godless
Quote: יְשָׁרִ֣ים & וְ֝נָקִ֗י & חָנֵ֥ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjectives upright, innocent, and godless 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: “Upright people … and innocent people … godless people”
Job 17:9
the righteous … and the clean of hands
Quote: צַדִּ֣יק & וּֽטֳהָר־יָ֝דַ֗יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjectives righteous and clean 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: “righteous people … and people whose hands are clean”
And … will hold his way
Quote: וְיֹאחֵ֣ז & דַּרְכּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of how God wants a person to live, or of the future that God has planned for a person, as if that were a way or path that God wants the person to walk along. When Job says that the righteous will hold his way, he means that that person will continue to walk along that path. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And … will continue to live as God desires”
and the clean of hands
Quote: וּֽטֳהָר־יָ֝דַ֗יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if people who are innocent of wrongdoing have hands that are literally clean. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and innocent people”
will add strength
Quote: יֹסִ֥יף אֹֽמֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
When Job says that innocent people will add strength, he means by this expression that they will continually grow stronger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will grow stronger and stronger”
Job 17:10
all of them
Quote: כֻּלָּ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Job is speaking about his friends in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “all of you”
may you return, and come
Quote: תָּ֭שֻׁבוּ וּבֹ֣אוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase may be expressing a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word return tells in what way Job wants his friends to come. He wants them to try speaking with him “again.” 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: “come again”
a wise {person} among you
Quote: בָכֶ֣ם חָכָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective wise as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. The ULT indicates this by adding the word person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “anyone among you who is wise”
Job 17:11
My days have passed
Quote: יָמַ֣י עָ֭בְרוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using the term days to refer to a specific time, his lifetime. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My life is almost over”
my plans are broken
Quote: זִמֹּתַ֣י נִתְּק֑וּ (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 will not be able to fulfill my plans”
the desires of my heart
Quote: מ֖וֹרָשֵׁ֣י לְבָבִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of his heart as if it were a living thing that could have desires. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the things that I deeply desired”
Job 17:12
They change night into day
Quote: לַ֭יְלָה לְי֣וֹם יָשִׂ֑ימוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking about troubled times in life as if they were literally night and happy, prosperous times in life as if they were literally day. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They claim that what is happening to me is actually good”
They change
Quote: יָשִׂ֑ימוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun They refers to Job’s friends. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “My friends change”
They change
Quote: יָשִׂ֑ימוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Job is speaking about his friends in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “You, my friends, change” or “You change”
Light is near from the face of darkness
Quote: א֝֗וֹר קָר֥וֹב מִפְּנֵי־חֹֽשֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
Many interpreters believe that in this sentence, Job is summarizing what his friends have been telling him. You may wish to represent the sentence in your translation as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “You say, ‘Light is near from the face of darkness’”
Light is near from the face of darkness
Quote: א֝֗וֹר קָר֥וֹב מִפְּנֵי־חֹֽשֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word face represents the presence of something, by association with the way that people can see the face of a person who is present. Alternate translation: “Light is near from the presence of darkness”
Light is near from the face of darkness
Quote: א֝֗וֹר קָר֥וֹב מִפְּנֵי־חֹֽשֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbs
Job may be using a proverb, a short, popular saying about something that is generally true in life, to summarize what his friends have been telling him. Or his friends may have been quoting this proverb themselves in their advice to Job. Your language may have a similar saying that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “It’s always darkest before the dawn”
Job 17:13
if} in the darkness I have spread out my bed
Quote: בַּ֝חֹ֗שֶׁךְ רִפַּ֥דְתִּי יְצוּעָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using the single activity of preparing a bed on which to sleep to mean all that is involved in making a place one’s home. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if I have made my home in the realm of the dead”
if} in the darkness
Quote: בַּ֝חֹ֗שֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term darkness to mean the realm of the dead, Sheol, by association with the way that it is dark there. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if in the realm of the dead”
Job 17:14
if} I call to the pit, ‘You {are} my father
Quote: לַשַּׁ֣חַת קָ֭רָאתִי אָ֣בִי אָ֑תָּה (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: “if I tell the pit that it is my father” or “if I call the pit my father”
if} I call to the pit, ‘You {are} my father
Quote: לַשַּׁ֣חַת קָ֭רָאתִי אָ֣בִי אָ֑תָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
If Job said this, he would be saying that the pit was his home, by association with the way that a person lives in the home of his father. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if I call to the pit, ‘You {are} my home’”
if} I call to the pit, ‘You {are} my father
Quote: לַשַּׁ֣חַת קָ֭רָאתִי אָ֣בִי אָ֑תָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
If Job did speak this way to the pit, that is, to the realm of the dead, he would be speaking to something that he knew could not hear and understand him in order to make an emphatic statement. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if I said that the pit was certainly going to be my home”
to the worm, ‘My mother’ or ‘My sister
Quote: אִמִּ֥י וַ֝אֲחֹתִ֗י לָֽרִמָּֽה (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 if I call to the worm and say, ‘You are my mother,’ or, ‘You are my sister’”
to the worm, ‘My mother’ or ‘My sister
Quote: אִמִּ֥י וַ֝אֲחֹתִ֗י לָֽרִמָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
If Job said this to a worm, such as would be found in a grave, he would be saying that the grave was going to be his home, by association with the way that a person shares a home with his mother and sister. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or if I call to the worm, ‘I am going to share the grave with you’” or “or if I call to the worm, ‘I am going to be in a grave, just as you are’”
to the worm, ‘My mother’ or ‘My sister
Quote: אִמִּ֥י וַ֝אֲחֹתִ֗י לָֽרִמָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
If Job did speak this way to a worm, he would be speaking to something that he knew could not hear and understand him in order to make an emphatic statement. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if I said that I was certainly going to be in a grave”
to the worm
Quote: לָֽרִמָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific worm. He means any worm. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to a worm”
to the worm
Quote: לָֽרִמָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A worm is a small, legless creature that burrows through the ground, passing the soil through its digestive system in order to extract the nutrients that the soil contains. Worms also pass whatever else they find underground through their digestive systems, including dead bodies. If your readers would not be familiar with what a worm is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable creature in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “to a small burrowing creature”
Job 17:15
where then {would be} my hope? And my hope, who would see it
Quote: וְ֭אַיֵּה אֵפ֣וֹ תִקְוָתִ֑י וְ֝תִקְוָתִ֗י מִ֣י יְשׁוּרֶֽנָּה (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 I would not have any real hope! No, I would not have any hope that anyone could see!”
where then {would be} my hope? And my hope, who would see it
Quote: וְ֭אַיֵּה אֵפ֣וֹ תִקְוָתִ֑י וְ֝תִקְוָתִ֗י מִ֣י יְשׁוּרֶֽנָּה (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: “then I would not really have anything to hope for! No, I would not have anything to hope for that anyone could see!”
Job 17:16
Will they descend to the bars of Sheol? If {our} rest {will be} together in the dust
Quote: בַּדֵּ֣י שְׁאֹ֣ל תֵּרַ֑דְנָה אִם־יַ֖חַד עַל־עָפָ֣ר נָֽחַת (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: “Then they would descend to the bars of Sheol! Then our rest would be together in the dust!”
Will they descend
Quote: תֵּרַ֑דְנָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
The pronoun they refers to the hope that Job described in the previous verse. Job may be using a plural term to speak of the hope that he said would not be and the hope that he said no one would see, even though this is basically the same hope. If it would be more natural in your language, you could use a singular pronoun in your translation. Alternate translation: “Will it descend” or, as a statement, “Then it would descend”
to the bars of Sheol
Quote: בַּדֵּ֣י שְׁאֹ֣ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term bars to mean “gates,” by association with the way that bars keep a gate locked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the gates of Sheol”
to the bars of Sheol
Quote: בַּדֵּ֣י שְׁאֹ֣ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that if his hope went down to the bars or gates of Sheol, it would be admitted there. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to Sheol and be admitted there”
If {our} rest {will be} together in the dust
Quote: אִם־יַ֖חַד עַל־עָפָ֣ר נָֽחַת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
When Job speaks of having rest in the dust, he means having died. This is a poetic way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Will we die together” or “Will my hope die with me”
If {our} rest {will be} together in the dust
Quote: אִם־יַ֖חַד עַל־עָפָ֣ר נָֽחַת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of his hope as if it were a living thing that could have rest. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do I have nothing more to hope for in this life”
Job 18
Job 18 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
In this chapter, Job’s friend Bildad speaks to him for a second time. As Eliphaz did in his second speech to Job in chapter 15, Bildad speaks more strongly to Job in this speech than he did in his first speech. Using much of the same language that Job used in chapters 16 and 17, Bildad defends himself and the other two friends and warns Job that God will punish him severely if he continues to be wicked (as Bildad believes him to be).
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 18:2
Until when will you make ends of words
Quote: עַד־אָ֤נָה ׀ תְּשִׂימ֣וּן קִנְצֵ֣י לְמִלִּ֑ין (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 make an end of words right now!” or “It is not helpful for you to keep saying such things!”
Until when will you make ends of words
Quote: עַד־אָ֤נָה ׀ תְּשִׂימ֣וּן קִנְצֵ֣י לְמִלִּ֑ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Bildad is using the term 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. Bildad is answering Job by using the same language that Job used in 16:3. See how you translated the expression “an end to words” there; ends of words here is a slight variation. Alternate translation: “For how long will you keep talking”
will you make … Consider
Quote: תְּשִׂימ֣וּן & תָּ֝בִ֗ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
The pronoun you and the implied “you” in the imperative Consider are plural. Bildad may be using these plural forms because he is answering Job in his own words and Job addressed “all of you” (meaning his three friends) when he asked in 16:3](../16/03.md), “Is there an end to words of wind?” Bildad could be portraying Job as representative of a group of people who think and speak as he does. If your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you,” it may be more natural to use singular forms in your translation.
Job 18:3
Why are we regarded as beasts, as if} we are stupid in your eyes
Quote: מַ֭דּוּעַ נֶחְשַׁ֣בְנוּ כַבְּהֵמָ֑ה נִ֝טְמִ֗ינוּ בְּעֵינֵיכֶֽם (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: “We should not be regarded as beasts, stupid in your eyes!”
Why are we regarded as beasts
Quote: מַ֭דּוּעַ נֶחְשַׁ֣בְנוּ כַבְּהֵמָ֑ה (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: “Why do you regard us as beasts”
as beasts
Quote: כַבְּהֵמָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Bildad is using this comparison to say that just as beasts have no understanding, so Job regards his friends as having no understanding. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “as beasts that have no understanding”
in your eyes
Quote: בְּעֵינֵיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Bildad 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 your perspective”
in your eyes
Quote: בְּעֵינֵיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
The word your is plural here, like the word “you” in the previous verse. Since Bildad is addressing Job, it may be more natural to use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
Job 18:4
The one tearing himself in his nose
Quote: טֹֽרֵ֥ף נַפְשׁ֗וֹ בְּאַ֫פּ֥וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Bildad is speaking about Job in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “You who tear yourself in your nose”
The one tearing himself in his nose
Quote: טֹֽרֵ֥ף נַפְשׁ֗וֹ בְּאַ֫פּ֥וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Bildad is continuing to answer Job in his own words. In 16:9, Job spoke as if God were literally a wild animal that had torn him in his anger. Bildad is saying that it is actually Job who is tearing himself apart in his own anger. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “It is you who are tearing yourself apart in your anger”
will the earth be forsaken for your sake, or will the rock move from its place
Quote: הַ֭לְמַעַנְךָ תֵּעָ֣זַב אָ֑רֶץ וְיֶעְתַּק־צ֝֗וּר מִמְּקֹמֽוֹ (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: “The earth will not be forsaken for your sake, and the rock will not move from its place!”
will the earth be forsaken
Quote: תֵּעָ֣זַב אָ֑רֶץ (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 forsake the earth” or “will people stop living on the earth”
or will the rock move from its place
Quote: וְיֶעְתַּק־צ֝֗וּר מִמְּקֹמֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Bildad is continuing to answer Job in his own words. In 14:18–19, Job said to God, “you destroy the hope of man,” and he compared that to the way “a rock moves from its place.” This could be a reference to an earthquake or a landslide. Bildad is implying that Job is being overly grandiose by comparing his individual situation with great natural events. 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: “It is not as if your individual situation is a great earthquake!”
Job 18:5
the light of the wicked goes out; the flame of his fire will not shine
Quote: א֣וֹר רְשָׁעִ֣ים יִדְעָ֑ךְ וְלֹֽא־יִ֝גַּ֗הּ שְׁבִ֣יב אִשּֽׁוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking of the happiness and prosperity of a wicked person as if those things were literally a light or flame. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “any happiness or prosperity that wicked people enjoy will not last for very long”
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 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: “wicked people” or, since Bildad uses the singular his later in the verse, “a wicked person”
Job 18:6
The light in his tent will be dark, and his lamp will go out above him
Quote: א֭וֹר חָשַׁ֣ךְ בְּאָהֳל֑וֹ וְ֝נֵר֗וֹ עָלָ֥יו יִדְעָֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is continuing to speak of the happiness and prosperity of a wicked person as if those things were literally a light or lamp. He is also continuing to answer Job in his own words. In 17:12, Job said that his friends were telling him that light must be near because it was presently so dark in his life. Bildad is saying here in response that wicked people may be in the light, but soon it will become dark for them. To help make this clear to your readers, it may be helpful to use the same language here that you used in 17:12. Alternate translation: “Even though a wicked person may have light, darkness is near” or “Even though a wicked person may experience prosperity, soon he will have trouble instead”
Job 18:7
The steps of his strength will shorten
Quote: יֵֽ֭צְרוּ צַעֲדֵ֣י אוֹנ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Bildad is using one sign of weakness, a shortening stride, to indicate weakness in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He will become weak”
The steps of his strength
Quote: צַעֲדֵ֣י אוֹנ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Bildad is using this possessive form to speak of steps that are characterized by strength. It may be more natural for you to express this meaning using a form other than a possessive. Alternate translation: “His vigorous stride”
and his plan will cast him down
Quote: וְֽתַשְׁלִיכֵ֥הוּ עֲצָתֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Bildad is speaking of a plan that a wicked person might make as if it were a living thing that could cast him down, that is, throw him or make him fall onto the ground. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and his schemes will only harm him in the end”
Job 18:8
he will be cast into a net by his feet, and he will wander into a pitfall
Quote: שֻׁלַּ֣ח בְּרֶ֣שֶׁת בְּרַגְלָ֑יו וְעַל־שְׂ֝בָכָ֗ה יִתְהַלָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking as if a wicked person would literally be caught in a net or pitfall. He means that such a person will experience troubles that will keep him from fulfilling his plans. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will experience troubles that will keep him from fulfilling his plans”
he will be cast into a net by his feet
Quote: שֻׁלַּ֣ח בְּרֶ֣שֶׁת בְּרַגְלָ֑יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Bildad is speaking of the feet of a wicked person as if they were a living thing that could cast him into a net. The implication seems to be that if the feet of the wicked person, rather than his eyes and his mind, are determining where he is going, he will walk into dangers unawares. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will walk unawares into a net”
a pitfall
Quote: שְׂ֝בָכָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A pitfall is a type of trap for animals. To make it, people dig a pit in the ground and cover it with netting. They then put plant materials all over the netting to make it appear that the ground above the pit is just ordinary ground. If your readers would not be familiar with what a pitfall 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 concealed trap”
Job 18:9
A snare will seize {him} by the heel; a trap will hold onto him
Quote: יֹאחֵ֣ז בְּעָקֵ֣ב פָּ֑ח יַחֲזֵ֖ק עָלָ֣יו צַמִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is continuing to speak of a wicked person as if he would literally be caught in a snare or trap. If you decided in the previous verse to express the meaning of this image rather than retain it in your translation, you could restate the meaning here. Alternate translation: “Yes, a wicked person will not be able to succeed; he will fail because of all the trouble that he causes for himself”
A snare will seize {him} by the heel
Quote: יֹאחֵ֣ז בְּעָקֵ֣ב פָּ֑ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A snare was a device that people in this culture used to catch birds. It consisted of a loose loop of cord. A hunter would put seeds or other bait inside the loop. When a bird came inside the loop to eat the bait, the hunter would pull on the cord and catch the bird by its feet. A snare might also have a mechanism that a bird would trigger automatically by stepping inside the loop. Bildad is speaking as if this would happen to a wicked person, so that he would be caught by the heel. If your readers would not be familiar with what a snare 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: “He will step into a device that will seize his foot”
a trap
Quote: צַמִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
By trap, Bildad means some other device for catching birds or animals. Interpreters are unsure exactly what this device is. The word Bildad uses suggests the idea of braiding, and so this could be a net of some kind. Alternate translation: “a net”
Job 18:10
His rope is hidden in the ground, and his trap for him {on} the path
Quote: טָמ֣וּן בָּאָ֣רֶץ חַבְל֑וֹ וּ֝מַלְכֻּדְתּ֗וֹ עֲלֵ֣י נָתִֽיב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is continuing to speak of a wicked person as if he would literally be caught by a rope or trap. If you decided in the previous two verses to express the meaning of this image rather than retain it in your translation, you could restate the meaning in another way here.
His rope … and his trap for him
Quote: חַבְל֑וֹ וּ֝מַלְכֻּדְתּ֗וֹ עֲלֵ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
In these possessive forms, His and his are the objects rather than the subjects of rope and trap. That is, Bildad is not speaking of a rope and trap that the wicked person owns but of a rope and trap that will catch the wicked person. Alternate translation: “The rope that will catch him … and the trap that will catch him is hidden”
His rope is hidden in the ground
Quote: טָמ֣וּן בָּאָ֣רֶץ חַבְל֑וֹ (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: “The ground is concealing the rope that will catch him”
His rope
Quote: חַבְל֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
By rope, Bildad means some further device for catching birds or animals. He seems to mean some larger device for catching animals that would work the same way as a “snare” that catches birds. A hunter might hide a loop of rope in the ground and pull on the rope to catch an animal once it stepped inside the loop. Alternate translation: “a loop of rope to catch him”
and his trap for him {on} the path
Quote: וּ֝מַלְכֻּדְתּ֗וֹ עֲלֵ֣י נָתִֽיב (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 a trap is hidden for him on the path”
and his trap
Quote: וּ֝מַלְכֻּדְתּ֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
It is unclear whether Bildad is talking about a specific type of trap here. He may be using a general term for any device that would catch a bird or animal. If your language has such a general term, it would be appropriate to use it here in your translation.
Job 18:11
and they will chase him at his feet
Quote: וֶהֱפִיצֻ֥הוּ לְרַגְלָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Bildad is speaking of these Terrors as if they were a living thing that could chase a wicked person the way a dog or wolf would, nipping at his feet to disable him so that he could not run away to safety. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he will not be able to escape from these troubles”
Job 18:12
His strength becomes hungry
Quote: יְהִי־רָעֵ֥ב אֹנ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Bildad is speaking of the strength of a wicked person as if it were a living thing that could become hungry. He means that a wicked person’s strength becomes weakened as if by hunger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He is weakened as if by hunger”
and disaster {is} prepared
Quote: וְ֝אֵ֗יד נָכ֥וֹן (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: “and God has prepared disaster”
at his side
Quote: לְצַלְעֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking as if disaster were literally at the side of a wicked person. He means that it will strike him as soon as there is opportunity. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to strike him as soon as there is opportunity”
Job 18:13
It devours parts of his skin; the firstborn of death devours his parts
Quote: יֹ֭אכַל בַּדֵּ֣י עוֹר֑וֹ יֹאכַ֥ל בַּ֝דָּ֗יו בְּכ֣וֹר מָֽוֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun It refers to the firstborn of death later in the verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could put the noun phrase in the first part of the verse and the pronoun in the second part of the verse. Alternate translation: “The firstborn of death devours parts of his skin; it devours his parts”
the firstborn of death
Quote: בְּכ֣וֹר מָֽוֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression the firstborn of death means the strongest kind of death or a terrible kind of death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a deadly disease”
his parts
Quote: בַּ֝דָּ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Since the pronoun his in this possessive form refers to the wicked person as a whole, it is likely that the word parts describes his arms and his legs. Alternate translation: “his arms and his legs”
Job 18:14
He is pulled … and one marches him
Quote: יִנָּתֵ֣ק & וְ֝תַצְעִדֵ֗הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
If terror is indeed the agent that Bildad says pulls the wicked person from his tent, then Bildad is speaking of terror as if it were a living thing that could do this. He actually means that the disasters that cause a wicked person to feel terror also deprive him of safety and security. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The disasters that cause him to feel terror take him away … and they march him”
He is pulled
Quote: יִנָּתֵ֣ק (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, from the context it appears that this may be terror itself, since terror seems to be personified in the second part of the verse. Alternate translation: “Terror pulls him”
and one marches him to the king of terrors
Quote: וְ֝תַצְעִדֵ֗הוּ לְמֶ֣לֶךְ בַּלָּהֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun one probably refers to terror. The pronoun is feminine, as is the word “terror,” and Hebrew speakers sometimes used feminine pronouns to represent feminine subjects they had not yet named but which they had in mind. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and terror marches him to its king”
and one marches him to the king of terrors
Quote: וְ֝תַצְעִדֵ֗הוּ לְמֶ֣לֶךְ בַּלָּהֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
If the pronoun one does refer to terror, then Bildad is speaking of terror as if it were a living thing, a soldier, who could march a captured enemy to his king as a prisoner. Once again Bildad would be using terror to mean the disasters that cause a wicked person to feel terror. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the disasters that cause him to feel terror bring him to the king of terrors”
and one marches him to the king of terrors
Quote: וְ֝תַצְעִדֵ֗הוּ לְמֶ֣לֶךְ בַּלָּהֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Like the expression “the firstborn of death” in the previous verse, the expression the king of terrors here is a superlative. It means the worst terror there is, specifically, death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the disasters that cause him to feel terror ultimately cause him to die”
Job 18:15
One will dwell in his tent
Quote: תִּשְׁכּ֣וֹן בְּ֭אָהֳלוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun One is feminine in this verse, as in the previous verse, and so it may refer once again to terror. (However, interpreters have a range of understandings of what this verse means.) Alternate translation: “Terror will dwell in his tent”
which is} not to him
Quote: מִבְּלִי־ל֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Bildad means implicitly that the tent will no longer belong to the wicked person, probably because he will be dead (a prisoner of the “king of terrors,” death, as the previous verse describes). You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “which will be abandoned because he is dead”
sulfur is scattered upon his home
Quote: יְזֹרֶ֖ה עַל־נָוֵ֣הוּ גָפְרִֽית (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 scatters sulfur upon his home” or “God destroys his home by raining burning sulfur on it”
Job 18:16
Below, his roots dry up, and above, his branch withers
Quote: מִ֭תַּחַת שָֽׁרָשָׁ֣יו יִבָ֑שׁוּ וּ֝מִמַּ֗עַל יִמַּ֥ל קְצִירֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking as if the wicked person were literally a tree that dies from lack of moisture. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He fails in every aspect of life and finally he dies”
his branch withers
Quote: יִמַּ֥ל קְצִירֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Bildad is not referring to a specific branch. He means every branch on the tree that he is using to symbolize the wicked person. If you retain the image in your translation, it may be more natural in your language to use a plural form. Alternate translation: “his branches wither”
Job 18:17
His memory
Quote: זִֽכְרוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Bildad is using this possessive form to mean other people’s memory of the wicked person, not the wicked person’s memory of things. Alternate translation: “The memory of him”
from the earth
Quote: מִנִּי־אָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Bildad is using the term earth by association to mean the people who live on the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from among the people who live on the earth”
name
Quote: שֵׁ֥ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, name represents a person’s fame and reputation. Alternate translation: “reputation”
upon the face of the land
Quote: עַל־פְּנֵי־חֽוּץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking as if the surface of the land or ground were literally its face. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “upon the surface of the land”
Job 18:18
They will drive him from light into darkness
Quote: יֶ֭הְדְּפֻהוּ מֵא֣וֹר אֶל־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ (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. If it would be more natural in your language, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “He will be driven from light into darkness”
They will drive him from light into darkness
Quote: יֶ֭הְדְּפֻהוּ מֵא֣וֹר אֶל־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is using the term light to represent life and the term darkness to represent death. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He will be driven from among the living into the abode of the dead”
and they will chase him from the world
Quote: וּֽמִתֵּבֵ֥ל יְנִדֻּֽהוּ (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. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “yes, he will be chased from the world”
Job 18:20
The ones after will wonder at his day, and the ones before will seize horror
Quote: עַל־י֭וֹמוֹ נָשַׁ֣מּוּ אַחֲרֹנִ֑ים וְ֝קַדְמֹנִ֗ים אָ֣חֲזוּ שָֽׂעַר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Bildad is using two groups of people to mean all people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. This could mean: (1) people who live after God punishes the wicked person and people who were alive beforehand and recognized that God would punish the wicked person. Alternate translation: “The way God punishes him will make a great impression on everyone who ever hears of him” (2) people who live to the west of the wicked person and people who live to the east of the wicked person. Alternate translation: “The way God punishes him will make a great impression on the people who live all around him”
The ones after … and the ones before
Quote: אַחֲרֹנִ֑ים וְ֝קַדְמֹנִ֗ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
If Bildad is speaking of people who live after and before God punishes the wicked person, then he is using those adjectives as nouns to mean certain groups of people. The ULT adds the word ones in each case to suggest this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “Those who live after him … and those who see what is going to happen to him”
his day
Quote: י֭וֹמוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Bildad is using the term day to mean what happens to the wicked person at a particular time, the time when God punishes him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what happens to him when God punishes him”
will seize horror
Quote: אָ֣חֲזוּ שָֽׂעַר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking as if horror were literally an object that people could seize. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will become horrified”
Job 18:21
Surely these {are} the dwellings of the wicked, and this {is} the place of one {who} does not know God
Quote: אַךְ־אֵ֭לֶּה מִשְׁכְּנ֣וֹת עַוָּ֑ל וְ֝זֶ֗ה מְק֣וֹם לֹא־יָדַֽע־אֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking as if all the misfortunes he has described were literally the dwellings of wicked people, the place where they live. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “this is what will happen to the wicked, yes, this is the fate of one who does not know God”
the wicked
Quote: עַוָּ֑ל (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”
Job 19
Job 19 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is Job’s response to Bildad’s second speech. It is structured as a chiasm. (See the discussion of that poetic form in the General Introduction to Job.) - Verses 1–7: Job rebukes his friends for not being sympathetic to him. - Verses 8–1: Job uses images to describe how God has made him suffer. - Verses 13–19: Job describes how his family and friends have abandoned him. - Verses 20–21: Job uses images to describe how God has made him suffer. - Verse 22: Job rebukes his friends for not being sympathetic to him. - Verses 23–24: Job wishes that people would hear his defense and he foresees that God will vindicate him.
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
Job’s Faith
In verses 25–27, Job shows the great depth of his faith in God even after suffering so much. Job believes that even if God is treating him unfairly now, God will ultimately do the right thing. Job does not understand that God is actually not treating him unfairly. But the faith and confidence that he nevertheless has in God are remarkable. (See: faith)
Job 19:2
Until when will you afflict my soul and crush me with words
Quote: עַד־אָ֭נָה תּוֹגְי֣וּן נַפְשִׁ֑י וּֽתְדַכְּאוּנַ֥נִי בְמִלִּֽים (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 afflicted my soul and crushed me with words for long enough!”
will you afflict … and crush me
Quote: תּוֹגְי֣וּן & וּֽתְדַכְּאוּנַ֥נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The word you is plural here and through verse 5 because Job is addressing his three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
my soul
Quote: נַפְשִׁ֑י (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: “me”
and crush me with words
Quote: וּֽתְדַכְּאוּנַ֥נִי בְמִלִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his friends could literally crush him with their words. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and discourage me deeply with your words”
with words
Quote: בְמִלִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term words to mean what his friends have been saying by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by what you have been saying”
Job 19:3
ten times
Quote: עֶ֣שֶׂר פְּ֭עָמִים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression ten times means “many times,” not literally ten times, no more and no less. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “many times”
you are not ashamed, you mistreat me
Quote: לֹֽא־תֵ֝בֹ֗שׁוּ תַּהְכְּרוּ־לִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-sentences
In this sentence structure, the verb mistreat is dependent on the verb ashamed. It may be more natural in your language to use a different sentence structure. Alternate translation: “you are not ashamed to mistreat me”
Job 19:4
my error remains with me
Quote: אִ֝תִּ֗י תָּלִ֥ין מְשׁוּגָתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Interpreters are not certain what Job means by this statement. He could mean: (1) that any sin he might have committed would be his own private concern. This would be consistent with his rebuke of his friends for reproaching him publicly as a sinner. Alternate translation: “that would be my own private concern” (2) that he would be the only one who would know for sure whether he had sinned. Alternate translation: “that would be for me to determine”
Job 19:5
you will exalt yourselves above me and plead my disgrace against me
Quote: עָלַ֣י תַּגְדִּ֑ילוּ וְתוֹכִ֥יחוּ עָ֝לַ֗י חֶרְפָּתִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
See how you translated the similar use of the term exalt in 17:4. Alternate translation: “you want to prove that you are right and I am wrong by appealing to the way that I am suffering”
Job 19:6
and his net has closed around me
Quote: וּ֝מְצוּד֗וֹ עָלַ֥י הִקִּֽיף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if a net that God had set as a trap had literally closed around him. Job is answering Bildad in his own words, but Job is making the net a symbol of the unjust punishment of the innocent rather than of the just punishment of the wicked. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, he has unfairly punished me even though I am innocent”
Job 19:7
I cry, ‘Violence
Quote: אֶצְעַ֣ק חָ֭מָס (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression Violence! refers generally to mistreatment, including but not limited to actual violence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I cry, ‘Someone is mistreating me’”
I cry, ‘Violence
Quote: אֶצְעַ֣ק חָ֭מָס (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: “I protest that someone is mistreating me”
but I am not answered
Quote: וְלֹ֣א אֵעָנֶ֑ה (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 no one answers me”
but {there is} no justice
Quote: וְאֵ֣ין מִשְׁפָּֽט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “but no one ensures that I am treated justly”
Job 19:8
He has walled up my way and I do not pass
Quote: אָרְחִ֣י גָ֭דַר וְלֹ֣א אֶעֱב֑וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of his life as if it were a way or path that he was walking along, and he is speaking as if God had built a wall to block that path so that he could not continue on it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar image in 3:23. Alternate translation: “God has kept me from being able to overcome my troubles and resume my regular life”
and he has set darkness upon my paths
Quote: וְעַ֥ל נְ֝תִיבוֹתַ֗י חֹ֣שֶׁךְ יָשִֽׂים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
In a parallel image, Job is speaking of his activities as if they were paths on which he was walking, and he is speaking as if God had made it so dark on those paths that he could not walk on them because he could not see where he was going. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, God has prevented me from knowing the right things to do”
Job 19:9
He has stripped my glory from upon me
Quote: כְּ֭בוֹדִי מֵעָלַ֣י הִפְשִׁ֑יט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if the glory or honor that he formerly had were literally an article of clothing that God had stripped from him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He has taken away the honor that I formerly had”
and he has removed the crown of my head
Quote: וַ֝יָּ֗סַר עֲטֶ֣רֶת רֹאשִֽׁי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he had formerly been wearing an actual crown, a symbol of ruling authority, and that God had removed that crown from his head. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, he has deprived me of the authority I once had”
the crown of my head
Quote: עֲטֶ֣רֶת רֹאשִֽׁי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is using this possessive form to speak symbolically of a crown that he once wore on his head. In the context, the phrase the crown of my head does not mean the very top of Job’s head. Alternate translation: “the crown that I once wore on my head”
Job 19:10
He has broken me down on every side
Quote: יִתְּצֵ֣נִי סָ֭בִיב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as he were literally a building and God had broken him down completely. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He has destroyed everything in my life”
and I have gone away
Quote: וָאֵלַ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he has literally gone away or left the area where he was formerly living. See how you translated the similar expression in 14:20. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Job is speaking of what he expects to happen imminently as if it had already happened. Alternate translation: “and I am about to die”
and he has removed my hope like a tree
Quote: וַיַּסַּ֥ע כָּ֝עֵ֗ץ תִּקְוָתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Job is using this comparison to say that just as a tree will not grow again once it has been completely uprooted, so he believes that God has taken away his hope forever. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and he has taken away my hope forever, just as an uprooted tree will never grow back”
and he has removed my hope like a tree
Quote: וַיַּסַּ֥ע כָּ֝עֵ֗ץ תִּקְוָתִֽי (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 he has kept me from ever hoping again, just as an uprooted tree will never grow back”
Job 19:11
And he has kindled his nose against me
Quote: וַיַּ֣חַר עָלַ֣י אַפּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God had literally kindled his anger or set it on fire. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And he has allowed himself to become very angry with me”
Job 19:12
His troops come together, and they build up their ramps against me, and they encamp around my tent
Quote: יַ֤חַד ׀ יָ֘בֹ֤אוּ גְדוּדָ֗יו וַיָּסֹ֣לּוּ עָלַ֣י דַּרְכָּ֑ם וַיַּחֲנ֖וּ סָבִ֣יב לְאָהֳלִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he were literally a city and God had sent troops to lay siege to that city, building ramps by which they could get over its walls. Job is likely speaking of the troubles he is experiencing as if they were soldiers whom God had sent to attack him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God has made me experience many kinds of troubles, and they are causing me more and more distress”
and they encamp around my tent
Quote: וַיַּחֲנ֖וּ סָבִ֣יב לְאָהֳלִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job continues the military image but changes it slightly when he speaks as if he were literally a tent around which an enemy army had encamped. Job may be picturing himself as one of a number of soldiers who are all staying in tents but whose camp an enemy army has surrounded. Or Job may be using the word tent simply to mean the place where he lives, that is, his life. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, I am experiencing troubles in many different aspects of my life”
Job 19:13
He has put my brothers far from me
Quote: אַ֭חַי מֵעָלַ֣י הִרְחִ֑יק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God had removed his brothers to a distance from him. Job is actually speaking of the diminished quality of the relationship he now has with them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He has caused my brothers to withdraw from me”
my brothers
Quote: אַ֭חַי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is probably using the word brothers to mean close relatives, both male and female, who may not literally be his siblings. Your language may use that word or an equivalent term in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in plain language. Alternate translation: “my close relatives”
and my acquaintances indeed have turned away from me
Quote: וְ֝יֹדְעַ֗י אַךְ־זָ֥רוּ מִמֶּֽנִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his acquaintances had literally turned away from him, that is, turned to face in another direction so that they could not see him or turned and walked away from him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and my acquaintances now act as if they do not even know me”
Job 19:14
and my familiar friends have forgotten me
Quote: וּֽמְיֻדָּעַ֥י שְׁכֵחֽוּנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his familiar friends had literally forgotten him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “act as if they never knew me”
Job 19:15
Guests of my house
Quote: גָּ֘רֵ֤י בֵיתִ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is using this possessive form to refer to people who have stayed in his house as Guests. Alternate translation: “People who once stayed in my house as guests”
in their eyes
Quote: בְעֵינֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job 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 their perspective” or “as far as they are concerned”
Job 19:16
I call to my servant, but he does not answer
Quote: לְעַבְדִּ֣י קָ֭רָאתִי וְלֹ֣א יַעֲנֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In this context, the word call implicitly means “summon” and the word answer implicitly means “obey.” You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I summon my servant, but he does not obey and come to me”
to my servant
Quote: לְעַבְדִּ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific servant. He means all of his servants. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “to my servants“
with my mouth I entreat him
Quote: בְּמוֹ־פִ֝֗י אֶתְחַנֶּן־לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term mouth to mean by association what he has to say with his mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have to speak pleadingly to him”
Job 19:17
My breath is strange to my wife
Quote: ר֭וּחִֽי זָ֣רָה לְאִשְׁתִּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
This could mean: (1) that Job is using one part of himself, his breath, to mean all of himself. In verses 13–19, Job is talking about how all of his friends and relatives now treat him as if they did not know him. In verses 13 and 15, Job uses words related to the word that the ULT translates as strange in this verse. Alternate translation: “I am like a stranger to my wife” (2) that Job is referring literally to his breath and saying that because of his sickness, it smells bad and is offensive to his wife. Alternate translation: “Because of my sickness, my breath smells bad and is offensive to my wife”
though I was gracious to the sons of my womb
Quote: וְ֝חַנֹּתִ֗י לִבְנֵ֥י בִטְנִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is the possessive form of my womb to mean the womb of his wife. He is speaking of the children that they had together. Alternate translation: “even though we had children together and I treated them kindly”
Job 19:18
let me arise, and they speak against me
Quote: אָ֝ק֗וּמָה וַיְדַבְּרוּ־בִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean implicitly: (1) that when Job stands up to speak, younger people who should listen respectfully (see 32:6–7) contradict him instead. Alternate translation: “when I stand up to speak, younger people disrespectfully contradict me” (2) that when Job tries to stand up, struggling because of his sickness, children make fun of him. Alternate translation: “when I struggle to stand up, they make fun of me”
Job 19:19
the friends of my counsel
Quote: מְתֵ֣י סוֹדִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is using this possessive form to describe the friends with whom he took counsel, that is, the friends with whom he shared his private thoughts and whose advice he asked. Alternate translation: “the friends in whom I confided”
have been turned against me
Quote: נֶהְפְּכוּ־בִֽי (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: “have turned against me”
Job 19:20
My bone clings to my skin and to my flesh
Quote: בְּעוֹרִ֣י וּ֭בִבְשָׂרִי דָּבְקָ֣ה עַצְמִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific bone. He means all of his bones. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “My bones cling to my skin and to my flesh”
My bone clings to my skin and to my flesh
Quote: בְּעוֹרִ֣י וּ֭בִבְשָׂרִי דָּבְקָ֣ה עַצְמִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of this representative bone as if it were living thing that could cling to his skin and flesh. He means that his bones are right next to his skin and flesh, that is, all of the muscle in between has wasted away. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am just skin and bones”
and I have escaped with the skin of my teeth
Quote: וָ֝אֶתְמַלְּטָ֗ה בְּע֣וֹר שִׁנָּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he had barely escaped from some disaster, and he is describing what he was able to escape with. Interpreters have different ideas about what he is describing, but they generally agree that it means something insignificant. Alternate translation: “and there is practically nothing left of me”
Job 19:21
Pity me, pity me
Quote: חָנֻּ֬נִי חָנֻּ֣נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication
Job is repeating the verb Pity 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: “Please have pity on me”
the hand of God has touched me
Quote: יַד־אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַּ נָ֣גְעָה בִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the hand of God represents the power and activity of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God is powerfully afflicting me”
Job 19:22
Why do you pursue me as God {would}? And will you not be satisfied with my flesh
Quote: לָ֭מָּה תִּרְדְּפֻ֣נִי כְמוֹ־אֵ֑ל וּ֝מִבְּשָׂרִ֗י לֹ֣א תִשְׂבָּֽעוּ (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 should not pursue me as God would! You should be satisfied with my flesh!”
Why do you pursue me as God {would
Quote: לָ֭מָּה תִּרְדְּפֻ֣נִי כְמוֹ־אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as God would pursue someone relentlessly to make sure that sin was punished appropriately, so Job’s friends have been relentlessly insisting that he has sinned. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “Why do you insist relentlessly that I have sinned” or, as a statement, “You should not insist relentlessly that I have sinned”
And will you not be satisfied with my flesh
Quote: וּ֝מִבְּשָׂרִ֗י לֹ֣א תִשְׂבָּֽעוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is likely alluding to a popular expression. In this culture, if someone accused another person maliciously, people said that he was “eating the pieces” of that person. Job is suggesting that his friends are ”eating“ him in this sense (that is, accusing him maliciously) and they are not yet satisfied with the amount of his flesh that they have ”eaten.“ If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And will you never stop accusing me maliciously” or, as a statement, “Yes, you should stop accusing me so maliciously”
Job 19:23
Who will give {that} now my words will be written down? Who will give {that} they will be inscribed on a scroll
Quote: מִֽי־יִתֵּ֣ן אֵ֭פוֹ וְיִכָּתְב֣וּן מִלָּ֑י מִֽי־יִתֵּ֖ן בַּסֵּ֣פֶר וְיֻחָֽקוּ (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 my words would now be written down! I wish that they would be inscribed on a scroll!”
Who will give {that} now my words will be written down? Who will give {that} they will be inscribed on a scroll
Quote: מִֽי־יִתֵּ֣ן אֵ֭פוֹ וְיִכָּתְב֣וּן מִלָּ֑י מִֽי־יִתֵּ֖ן בַּסֵּ֣פֶר וְיֻחָֽקוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In context, Job is suggesting that this is actually unlikely, even though he wishes that it could happen. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “It is unfortunate that my words cannot be written down. It is unfortunate that they cannot be inscribed on a scroll”
my words will be written down
Quote: וְיִכָּתְב֣וּן מִלָּ֑י (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 will write down my words”
my words
Quote: מִלָּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term words to mean what he has been saying by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I have been saying”
they will be inscribed on a scroll
Quote: בַּסֵּ֣פֶר וְיֻחָֽקוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he wanted his words literally to be inscribed or engraved on a scroll. He could mean: (1) that he wants someone to record them meticulously on a scroll. Alternate translation: “they will be recorded on a scroll” (2) that he wants someone to engrave them onto a copper sheet. Alternate translation: “they will be inscribed on a copper sheet”
they will be inscribed
Quote: וְיֻחָֽקוּ (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 will inscribe them”
Job 19:24
With a stylus of iron
Quote: בְּעֵט־בַּרְזֶ֥ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A stylus was an iron tool that people in this culture used to engrave writing onto hard surfaces. They would strike the stylus with another tool such as a hammer in order to remove tiny pieces of the surface a little at a time in order to create letters. For better visibility, they would sometimes then fill these letters with lead, which is a soft metal that they could pound into shape. If your readers would not be familiar with what a stylus 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: “With a small iron tool cutting tool”
Job 19:25
But I know {that
Quote: וַאֲנִ֣י יָ֭דַעְתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
Job is using the word translated But to draw a contrast between what he has just suggested is unlikely, that his claims of innocence will be recorded for posterity, and something that he is very confident about, that his redeemer will ultimately vindicate him as innocent. In your translation, you may wish to introduce this verse in a way that will indicate this contrast more explicitly. Alternate translation: “But even though it is unlikely that my claims of innocence will be recorded for posterity, I still know that”
But I know {that
Quote: וַאֲנִ֣י יָ֭דַעְתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the word translated 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: “But I know very well {that}”
my redeemer lives
Quote: גֹּ֣אֲלִי חָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that even though he expects to die, his redeemer will still be alive to vindicate him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “even though I expect to die soon, my redeemer will still be alive”
my redeemer
Quote: גֹּ֣אֲלִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A redeemer was a close relative who would take responsibility to do whatever was necessary to help another family member who was threatened or in need. Your language and culture may have a name for a person who fulfills this role, and you could use that name in your translation. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the close relative who will vindicate me”
my redeemer
Quote: גֹּ֣אֲלִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo
As Job indicates in the next verse, he believes that God will be his redeemer. This is similar to the way that Job speaks in 16:19 of having an “advocate” in heaven and to the way that he asks God in 17:3 to be his “surety.” Since Job speaks of God in the next verse, you do not need to explain in this verse that God is the redeemer whom Job is expecting. It may even be that Job wishes to generate some suspense and attention by not naming the redeemer right away, and it would be good to give your readers that same experience.
and {that at} the last
Quote: וְ֝אַחֲר֗וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective last as a noun to mean a certain time. This could mean: (1) a “later” time, after Job has died. Alternate translation: “after I have died” (2) that Job is the “last” time, the time at the end of the world. Alternate translation: “and that at the end of the world”
he will stand
Quote: יָקֽוּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In this culture, people stood up when they were about to speak. This was a symbolic action by which they indicated that they had something important to say. Standing up commanded the attention of the people they wanted to listen to them. In this context, the important thing that the redeemer had to say would be that Job was innocent. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “he will stand and speak in my defense”
upon the dust
Quote: עַל־עָפָ֥ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term dust by association to mean the earth, on whose surface there is dust. This may also be a poetic allusion to the fact that Job would be dead and at “rest” in the “dust,” as he said in 17:16. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “upon the earth”
Job 19:26
and {that} after my skin, they strike this off
Quote: וְאַחַ֣ר ע֭וֹרִֽי נִקְּפוּ־זֹ֑את (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. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “and that after my skin has been stricken off”
and {that} after my skin, they strike this off
Quote: וְאַחַ֣ר ע֭וֹרִֽי נִקְּפוּ־זֹ֑את (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if someone or something might literally strike the skin off his bones. He could mean: (1) that his body will decay so that only the bones are left. Alternate translation: “and that even after my body decays so that only the bones are left” (2) that worms, such as he mentioned in 17:14, will eat the skin off his bones. Alternate translation: “and that even after worms eat the skin off my bones”
yet from my flesh
Quote: וּ֝מִבְּשָׂרִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job could be saying that he will behold God: (1) from the vantage point of his flesh, that is, from within his body. This would be an implicit expression of faith and confidence in the resurrection of the body. Alternate translation: “yet from my resurrected body” (2) apart from his flesh, that is, as a spirit after death. Alternate translation: “yet as a spirit after death”
I will behold God
Quote: אֶֽחֱזֶ֥ה אֱלֽוֹהַּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
As the General Notes to chapter 13 discuss, in this culture, a subject would be able to look a sovereign in the face if the sovereign favored that subject. Job seems to be alluding here to that cultural norm. The implication is that God will no longer consider him guilty but acknowledge that he was innocent all along. Job indicates in the previous verse that God will also acknowledge his innocence publicly to everyone on earth. Alternate translation: “I will be able to look God in the face because he will affirm that I am innocent”
Job 19:27
I will behold for myself and my eyes will see
Quote: אֲנִ֨י ׀ אֶֽחֱזֶה־לִּ֗י וְעֵינַ֣י רָא֣וּ (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. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “I myself will see very clearly”
I will behold
Quote: אֲנִ֨י ׀ אֶֽחֱזֶה (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 translated will behold. 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 behold”
and my eyes will see
Quote: וְעֵינַ֣י רָא֣וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his eyes, to mean all of him in the act of seeing. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “and see with my own eyes”
and not a stranger
Quote: וְלֹא־זָ֑ר (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. In this context, the word stranger means “someone else.” But it is also an allusion to what Job said in verse 15, that people who knew him now regard him as a “stranger.” Alternate translation: “and it will not be someone else who beholds him”
My kidneys fail within my belly
Quote: כָּל֖וּ כִלְיֹתַ֣י בְּחֵקִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the kidneys represents the emotions. Job is saying that he is overcome with emotion at the thought of seeing God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am overcome with emotion at this thought”
Job 19:28
If you say, ‘How we will persecute him! For the root of the matter is found in me
Quote: כִּ֣י תֹ֭אמְרוּ מַה־נִּרְדָּף־ל֑וֹ וְשֹׁ֥רֶשׁ דָּ֝בָ֗ר נִמְצָא־בִֽי (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: “If you say that you are still going to persecute me because you believe that the root of the matter is found in me”
you say
Quote: תֹ֭אמְרוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The word you is plural here because Job is addressing his three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
For the root of the matter
Quote: וְשֹׁ֥רֶשׁ דָּ֝בָ֗ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is saying that his friends might speak as if his situation were literally a plant that had a root. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “For the cause of the problem”
in me
Quote: בִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Job seems to begin this hypothetical saying of the three friends as a direct quotation but finish it as an indirect quotation, saying in me rather than “in him.” It may be more natural in your language to finish the quotation as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “in him”
Job 19:29
of the face of the sword
Quote: מִפְּנֵי־חֶ֗רֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word face represents the presence of someone or something by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “of the presence of the sword”
of the face of the sword
Quote: מִפְּנֵי־חֶ֗רֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one kind of severe punishment, execution by a sword, to mean severe punishment in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that God may punish you severely”
from} wrath {is} the punishment of the sword
Quote: חֵ֭מָה עֲוֺנ֣וֹת חָ֑רֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wrath, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when God becomes angry at people for being wicked, God punishes them severely”
that there is judgment
Quote: שדין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “that God punishes wickedness justly”
Job 20
Job 20 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is the second speech of Job’s friend Zophar. In this chapter, Zophar speaks more strongly to Job than he did the first time spoke to him.
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
Zophar answering Job with his own words
In 7:8, as Job was appealing to God, he said, “The eye of the one seeing me will not regard me; your eyes will be on me, but I will not exist.” Zophar says in 20:9 about the wicked person, “The eye that saw him will not continue.” Job said in 7:10 of himself as a mortal person, “He will not return again to his house, and his place will not know him again.” Zophar says of the wicked person in 20:9, “his place will no longer observe him.” In both instances Zophar is suggesting that Job himself is a wicked person, using Job’s own words.
Similarly, Zophar says in 20:27 of the wicked person that “the heavens will reveal his iniquity, and the earth will raise itself up against him” as a witness. In 16:18, Job called upon the earth to see that he received justice, and in 16:19, Job said that he had an advocate in the heavens. So Zophar is likely answering Job once again in his own words, implying that Job himself is a wicked person of the type that he has been describing in his speech.
To help your readers appreciate how Zophar is answering Job with his own words, you may wish to translate what Zophar says in these instances similarly to the way you translated what Job said earlier.
Indelicate images that Zophar uses
As noted above, Zophar speaks strongly to Job in this speech. He uses a couple of images drawn from bodily functions that people in your culture might consider indelicate to include in a Bible translation. If so, you could use comparable images. Zophar says in 20:7 of the wicked person, “he will perish forever like his dung.” You could refer to something else that disappears completely, saying, for example, “he will perish forever like the dust that the wind blows away.” Zophar says of the wicked person in 20:15, “He swallows wealth, but he will vomit it.” You might say instead something such as, “Though he may become rich, he will lose all his money.”
Job 20:2
Therefore
Quote: לָ֭כֵן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Zophar is using the word Therefore to introduce the reason he is about to give for why he is speaking to Job again. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “This is why”
my thoughts turn me back
Quote: שְׂעִפַּ֣י יְשִׁיב֑וּנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Zophar is speaking of his thoughts as if they were a living thing that could turn him back, that is, make him turn around and return to Job as if he had left him. He means that he wants to speak to Job again and share what he is thinking in response to what Job has just said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I need to speak to you again and tell you what I am thinking”
because of my urgency in me
Quote: וּ֝בַעֲב֗וּר ח֣וּשִׁי בִֽי (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: “because I feel such urgency”
Job 20:3
a rebuke of dishonor to me
Quote: מוּסַ֣ר כְּלִמָּתִ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Zophar is using this possessive form to describe a rebuke that he feels has brought dishonor to him. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “a rebuke that dishonors me”
but a spirit from my understanding answers me
Quote: וְ֝ר֗וּחַ מִֽבִּינָתִ֥י יַעֲנֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Zophar is speaking as if there were a spirit in his understanding that could answer him, that is, show him how to respond to Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but I have had a good idea that enables me to understand how I should respond”
Job 20:4
Do you {not} know this from long ago, from the placing of man upon the earth
Quote: הֲזֹ֣את יָ֭דַעְתָּ מִנִּי־עַ֑ד מִנִּ֤י שִׂ֖ים אָדָ֣ם עֲלֵי־אָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Zophar is using the question form for emphasis. (The question continues into the next 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. Alternate translation: “Surely you are aware of this from long ago, from the placing of man upon the earth”
Do you {not} know this from long ago, from the placing of man upon the earth
Quote: הֲזֹ֣את יָ֭דַעְתָּ מִנִּי־עַ֑ד מִנִּ֤י שִׂ֖ים אָדָ֣ם עֲלֵי־אָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Zophar is speaking as if Job himself should have known from long ago what he is about to say. He means that Job is one member of the human community that has known this for as long as it has existed. As a member of that community, Job should know it because it has been passed down to him through traditional wisdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Surely you are aware of this traditional wisdom that we have received from our earliest ancestors”
from the placing of man upon the earth
Quote: מִנִּ֤י שִׂ֖ים אָדָ֣ם עֲלֵי־אָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Zophar is using one thing that God did when he created people, placing them on the earth, to mean all that God did in creating people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “ever since God created man”
from the placing of man upon the earth
Quote: מִנִּ֤י שִׂ֖ים אָדָ֣ם עֲלֵי־אָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “ever since God created people”
Job 20:5
that the triumph of the wicked {is} from near, and the joy of the godless {is} for a moment
Quote: כִּ֤י רִנְנַ֣ת רְ֭שָׁעִים מִקָּר֑וֹב וְשִׂמְחַ֖ת חָנֵ֣ף עֲדֵי־רָֽגַע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
In this verse, Zophar completes the question that he began in the previous verse, 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: “that the triumph of the wicked {is} from near, and the joy of the godless {is} for a moment!”
the wicked
Quote: רְ֭שָׁעִים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Zophar is using the adjective wicked, which is plural, 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: “wicked people”
is} from near
Quote: מִקָּר֑וֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Zophar is using this expression to mean that the triumph of the wicked does not extend very far. He means that it does not extend very far in time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “does not last very long”
the godless
Quote: חָנֵ֣ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective godless, which is singular, 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 godless person”
the godless
Quote: חָנֵ֣ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Zophar is not referring to a specific godless person. He means all godless people. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “godless people”
Job 20:6
Though his height rises to the skies and his head reaches to the cloud
Quote: אִם־יַעֲלֶ֣ה לַשָּׁמַ֣יִם שִׂיא֑וֹ וְ֝רֹאשׁ֗וֹ לָעָ֥ב יַגִּֽיעַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person might literally become so tall that his head would be at the same level as cloud in the skies. He means that a wicked person might become very prosperous and powerful. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Though a wicked person may become very prosperous and powerful”
to the cloud
Quote: לָעָ֥ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Zophar is not referring to a specific cloud. He means the many clouds that appear in the sky. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “to the clouds”
Job 20:7
like his dung
Quote: כְּֽ֭גֶלֲלוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison may be the one that Zophar makes explicitly, that a wicked person will perish forever as dung perishes forever. However, the point of the comparison could also be that just as people consider dung a loathsome substance and dispose of it, people will consider a wicked person to be loathsome and not commemorate him in any way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and no on will commemorate him, because they consider him so loathsome”
will say, ‘Where {is he
Quote: יֹאמְר֥וּ אַיּֽוֹ (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: “will ask where he has gone”
Where {is he
Quote: אַיּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The people who are asking about the wicked person are 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: “He is gone completely!”
Job 20:8
He will fly away
Quote: יָ֭עוּף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person would literally fly away. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He will vanish”
like a dream
Quote: כַּחֲל֣וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as when a dream ends, the person who had the dream realizes that it was not real, so it will be as if the wicked person had never existed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “as if he had never existed”
and they will not find him
Quote: וְלֹ֣א יִמְצָא֑וּהוּ (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 an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “and no one will be able to find him”
and he will be chased away
Quote: וְ֝יֻדַּ֗ד (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: “he will flee”
and he will be chased away
Quote: וְ֝יֻדַּ֗ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person would literally be chased away or flee. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he will vanish”
Job 20:9
The eye {that} saw him will not continue
Quote: עַ֣יִן שְׁ֭זָפַתּוּ וְלֹ֣א תוֹסִ֑יף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Zophar is using one part of a person, his eye, to mean all of that person in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Anyone who previously saw him will not continue to see him”
and his place will no longer observe him
Quote: וְלֹא־ע֝֗וֹד תְּשׁוּרֶ֥נּוּ מְקוֹמֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
As Job did in 7:10, Zophar is speaking here of a person’s place of residence as if it were a living thing that could observe that person. The idea is that the place where the person once lived will not have occasion to observe 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: “and he will no longer live in his former place of residence”
Job 20:10
His children will recompense the poor, and his hands will return his wealth
Quote: בָּ֭נָיו יְרַצּ֣וּ דַלִּ֑ים וְ֝יָדָ֗יו תָּשֵׁ֥בְנָה אוֹנֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
You may find it more natural to put the information about what a wicked person will have to do while he is still alive before the information about what his children will have to do after he dies. Alternate translation: “His hands will return his wealth, and his children will recompense the poor”
and his hands will return his wealth
Quote: וְ֝יָדָ֗יו תָּשֵׁ֥בְנָה אוֹנֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Zophar is using one part of a wicked person, his hands, to mean all of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he will return his wealth”
and his hands will return his wealth
Quote: וְ֝יָדָ֗יו תָּשֵׁ֥בְנָה אוֹנֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that this is wealth that a wicked person obtained fraudulently or by oppression and that he has been required to return. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and he will have to return the wealth that he obtained fraudulently and by oppression”
Job 20:11
His bones are full of
Quote: עַ֭צְמוֹתָיו מָלְא֣וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Zophar is using one part of a wicked person, his bones, to mean his whole body. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “His body is full”
but it will lie down with him in the dust
Quote: וְ֝עִמּ֗וֹ עַל־עָפָ֥ר תִּשְׁכָּֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Zophar is using the phrase lie down … in the dust to mean “die.” This is a poetic way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “but it will die with him”
but it will lie down with him in the dust
Quote: וְ֝עִמּ֗וֹ עַל־עָפָ֥ר תִּשְׁכָּֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Zophar is speaking of the vigor of a wicked person as if it were a living thing that could lie down in the dust or die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but he will die while he is still young and strong”
Job 20:12
wickedness is sweet in his mouth
Quote: תַּמְתִּ֣יק בְּפִ֣יו רָעָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person could literally put wickedness in his mouth and taste it and find it sweet. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he enjoys wickedness”
wickedness is sweet in his mouth
Quote: תַּמְתִּ֣יק בְּפִ֣יו רָעָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wickedness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “wicked things are sweet in his mouth” or “he enjoys doing wicked things”
he hides it under his tongue
Quote: יַ֝כְחִידֶ֗נָּה תַּ֣חַת לְשׁוֹנֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person might hide wickedness under his tongue. The image is of a person tucking something sweet under his tongue to make it last longer so that he can savor it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he savors it” or “he savors doing wicked things”
Job 20:13
he has pity on it and does not forsake it
Quote: יַחְמֹ֣ל עָ֭לֶיהָ וְלֹ֣א יַֽעַזְבֶ֑נָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person would literally have pity on wickedness and not forsake it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he is reluctant to let it go” or “he is reluctant to stop doing wicked things”
but keeps it in the midst of his palate
Quote: וְ֝יִמְנָעֶ֗נָּה בְּת֣וֹךְ חִכּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person would literally hold wickedness against the roof of his mouth so that he could savor it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but continues to savor it” or “but continues to savor doing them”
Job 20:14
his food changes in his bowels; it becomes} the bitterness of asps inside him
Quote: לַ֭חְמוֹ בְּמֵעָ֣יו נֶהְפָּ֑ךְ מְרוֹרַ֖ת פְּתָנִ֣ים בְּקִרְבּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person literally eats wickedness and that it turns into the bitterness of asps (that is, the poison of those snakes) when he starts to digest it. Zophar means, within the context of the image, that the wicked person gets a painfully upset stomach. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the consequences of his wicked actions turn out to be very unpleasant, and he suffers greatly from them”
it becomes} the bitterness of asps
Quote: מְרוֹרַ֖ת פְּתָנִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The term asps describes a certain type of poisonous snake. If this snake, or snakes in general, would not be familiar to your readers, you could use a general term. Alternate translation: “it becomes snake poison” or “it becomes reptile poison”
Job 20:15
He swallows wealth, but he will vomit it; God will expel it from his belly
Quote: חַ֣יִל בָּ֭לַע וַיְקִאֶ֑נּוּ מִ֝בִּטְנ֗וֹ יוֹרִשֶׁ֥נּוּ אֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person would literally swallow wealth but then vomit it back up again, and as if God would literally expel it or force it out of his belly, presumably by causing him to vomit. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He is greedy to become rich, but he will lose all his money; God will cause him to lose it”
Job 20:16
He will suck the poison of asps
Quote: רֹאשׁ־פְּתָנִ֥ים יִינָ֑ק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person would literally suck the poison of asps. This could mean: (1) that Zophar is alluding to the images in verses 12 and 13 of a wicked person savoring wickedness as if it were something he held under his tongue or against the roof of his mouth. Zophar would be saying that the delicacy that the wicked person savors or sucks turns out to be poison, meaning something that will kill him. Alternate translation: “In the end, the wickedness that he savors will kill him” (2) that an asp will bite the wicked person and he will absorb its poison as if he had sucked it in. This would be a more general statement. Alternate translation: “Something deadly will destroy him”
the tongue of the viper will kill him
Quote: תַּֽ֝הַרְגֵ֗הוּ לְשׁ֣וֹן אֶפְעֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Zophar may be reflecting a belief of his culture that the forked tongue of a snake was sharp and that snakes injected poison into people and animals by piercing them with their tongues. If Zophar understood, as people today now understand, that snakes inject their poison through their fangs after biting their victims, then Zophar would be using the term tongue by association to mean the mouth and thus the fangs. Alternate translation: “the fangs of the viper will kill him” or “a viper will kill him by biting him and injecting him with poison through his fangs”
asps; … the viper
Quote: פְּתָנִ֥ים & אֶפְעֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
See how you translated the word “asps” in in 20:14. A viper is another kind of poisonous snake If these snakes, or snakes in general, would not be familiar to your readers, you could use general terms. Alternate translation: “snakes … the poisonous snake” or “reptiles … the poisonous reptile”
the viper
Quote: אֶפְעֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Zophar is not referring to a specific viper. He means one that might bite a wicked person. Alternate translation: “a viper”
Job 20:17
the streams, the rivers of torrents of honey and butter
Quote: בִפְלַגּ֑וֹת נַהֲרֵ֥י נַ֝חֲלֵ֗י דְּבַ֣שׁ וְחֶמְאָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if streams, rivers, and torrents could literally flow with honey and butter. He is referring to the abundant quantities of these things with which God would bless a righteous person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the abundant quantities of honey and butter with which God blesses righteous people”
the streams, the rivers of torrents of honey and butter
Quote: בִפְלַגּ֑וֹת נַהֲרֵ֥י נַ֝חֲלֵ֗י דְּבַ֣שׁ וְחֶמְאָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Zophar is using two agricultural products, honey and butter, to mean agricultural products in general and thus, in this culture, wealth in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the abundant wealth with which God blesses righteous people”
the streams, the rivers of torrents of
Quote: בִפְלַגּ֑וֹת נַהֲרֵ֥י נַ֝חֲלֵ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms streams, rivers, and torrents mean similar things. Zophar 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: “the deeply flowing streams of”
Job 20:18
his} gain
Quote: יָ֭גָע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It is clear from the next verse, as well as from v. 10, that by gain here, Zophar implicitly means money that a wicked person has made by dishonest means. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “his ill-gotten gain”
Job 20:19
the poor
Quote: דַּלִּ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Zophar is using the adjective poor 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: “poor people”
and he did not build it
Quote: וְלֹ֣א יִבֶנֵֽהוּ (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: “that someone else built” or “that belonged to someone else”
Job 20:20
he has not known satisfaction in his belly
Quote: לֹא־יָדַ֣ע שָׁלֵ֣ו בְּבִטְנ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the belly or stomach represents a person’s desires, and specifically in this context, greedy desires. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he has not experienced the satisfaction of his greedy desires”
he has not known satisfaction in his belly
Quote: לֹא־יָדַ֣ע שָׁלֵ֣ו בְּבִטְנ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of satisfaction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he could never satisfy his greedy desires”
he will not rescue {any} desired {thing} of his
Quote: בַּ֝חֲמוּד֗וֹ לֹ֣א יְמַלֵּֽט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Zophar is using the adjective desired as a noun to mean a certain kind of thing. The ULT adds the word thing 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: “he will not rescue any of the things that he desired”
he will not rescue {any} desired {thing} of his
Quote: בַּ֝חֲמוּד֗וֹ לֹ֣א יְמַלֵּֽט (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 will lose all of the things that he desired”
Job 20:21
There is no remnant for his eating
Quote: אֵין־שָׂרִ֥יד לְאָכְל֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean implicitly: (1) Alternate translation: “There is nothing left after he has eaten” (2) Alternate translation: “There is nothing left for him to eat”
Job 20:22
In the filling of his wealth
Quote: בִּמְלֹ֣אות שִׂ֭פְקוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking of the wealth of a wicked person as if he were a container that could become full. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Even if he becomes very wealthy,”
it will become narrow to him
Quote: יֵ֣צֶר ל֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Zophar is using this expression to mean that the wicked person will experience great distress. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “he will be in dire straits” or “he will experience great distress”
every hand of the troubling will come against him
Quote: כָּל־יַ֖ד עָמֵ֣ל תְּבוֹאֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Zophar is using the adjective troubling 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 hand of every person who causes trouble will come against him”
every hand of the troubling will come against him
Quote: כָּל־יַ֖ד עָמֵ֣ל תְּבוֹאֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand represents the power and activity of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every person who causes trouble will work against him”
every hand of the troubling will come against him
Quote: כָּל־יַ֖ד עָמֵ֣ל תְּבוֹאֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Zophar says every here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “people who cause trouble will work against him”
Job 20:23
He will be {about} to fill his belly, he will send the burning of his nose against him, and he will rain {it} upon him in his eating
Quote: יְהִ֤י ׀ לְמַלֵּ֬א בִטְנ֗וֹ יְֽשַׁלַּח־בּ֭וֹ חֲר֣וֹן אַפּ֑וֹ וְיַמְטֵ֥ר עָ֝לֵ֗ימוֹ בִּלְחוּמֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun He at the start of this verse, the two instances of him, and the second instance of his refer to the wicked person, while the two instances of he later in the verse and the first instance of his refer to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “The wicked person will be about to fill his belly, and God will send the burning of his nose against that wicked person, yes, God will rain it upon that person while that person is eating”
and he will rain {it} upon him
Quote: וְיַמְטֵ֥ר עָ֝לֵ֗ימוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if God would literally make his anger rain on a wicked person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, he will punish him severely”
in his eating
Quote: בִּלְחוּמֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Interpreters are not certain what Zophar means by this expression, which can be translated in various ways. It could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “while he is eating” (2) Alternate translation: “upon his flesh” or “upon his body” (3) Alternate translation: “with his arrows” or “with his weapons”
Job 20:24
He flees from a weapon of iron, a bow of bronze pierces him
Quote: יִ֭בְרַח מִנֵּ֣שֶׁק בַּרְזֶ֑ל תַּ֝חְלְפֵ֗הוּ קֶ֣שֶׁת נְחוּשָֽׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if different soldiers were using a weapon of iron and a bow of bronze to attack the wicked person he is describing. Zophar is using these weapons to represent dangers. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He may escape from one danger, but another danger will overtake him”
He flees from a weapon of iron, a bow of bronze pierces him
Quote: יִ֭בְרַח מִנֵּ֣שֶׁק בַּרְזֶ֑ל תַּ֝חְלְפֵ֗הוּ קֶ֣שֶׁת נְחוּשָֽׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Since a bow of bronze is a more powerful and deadly weapon than a weapon of iron such as a sword or spear, Zophar implicitly means that if a wicked person escapes from one danger, a greater danger will overtake him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “He may escape from one danger, but a greater danger will overtake him”
a bow of bronze
Quote: קֶ֣שֶׁת נְחוּשָֽׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Zophar is using the term bow by association to mean an arrow from a bow. If you decide to retain this image in your translation, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “an arrow that someone shoots using a bronze bow”
Job 20:25
He pulls, and it comes out of his back, and the gleaming goes out of his liver. Terrors {are} upon him
Quote: שָׁלַף֮ וַיֵּצֵ֪א מִגֵּ֫וָ֥ה וּ֭בָרָק מִֽמְּרֹרָת֥וֹ יַהֲלֹ֗ךְ עָלָ֥יו אֵמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is continuing to speak as if someone had shot an arrow into the wicked person he is describing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The wicked person realizes that the danger that has overtaken him is going to destroy him”
and the gleaming
Quote: וּ֭בָרָק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Zophar is using the term gleaming by association to mean an arrow whose metal point gleams in the sunlight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the point of the arrow”
Terrors {are} upon him
Quote: עָלָ֥יו אֵמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
Zophar could be using the plural form Terrors in an intensive sense to mean the worst of terrors, that is, death, as in 18:14. Alternate translation: “He is terrified because he realizes that he is going to die”
Job 20:26
All darkness is hidden
Quote: כָּל־חֹשֶׁךְ֮ טָמ֪וּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Zophar says All here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “Great darkness is hidden”
All darkness is hidden
Quote: כָּל־חֹשֶׁךְ֮ טָמ֪וּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is using the term darkness to represent troubles. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Great troubles are hidden”
All darkness is hidden
Quote: כָּל־חֹשֶׁךְ֮ טָמ֪וּן (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 hidden great troubles”
All darkness is hidden
Quote: כָּל־חֹשֶׁךְ֮ טָמ֪וּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if God had literally hidden darkness, representing troubles. He could mean: (1) that God has reserved those troubles to destroy the treasured possessions of the wicked person he is describing. Alternate translation: “God has reserved great troubles” (2) that it is as if those troubles were an animal that had hidden itself so that it could pounce on the possessions of the wicked person. Alternate translation: “Great troubles are lying in wait”
for his treasured {things
Quote: לִצְפּ֫וּנָ֥יו (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: “for the things that he treasures”
a fire not blown will devour him
Quote: תְּ֭אָכְלֵהוּ אֵ֣שׁ לֹֽא־נֻפָּ֑ח (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 fire that no one has blown on to kindle will devour him”
a fire not blown will devour him
Quote: תְּ֭אָכְלֵהוּ אֵ֣שׁ לֹֽא־נֻפָּ֑ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that no human being will have blown on this fire to kindle it; God will send the fire. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “A fire that God sends will devour him” or “God will send fire that will devour him”
a fire not blown will devour him
Quote: תְּ֭אָכְלֵהוּ אֵ֣שׁ לֹֽא־נֻפָּ֑ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if fire were literally going to devour or eat up this wicked person. Within the context of the image, he means that the fire will burn him up, and the image of fire itself represents God destroying the wicked person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will destroy him”
it will consume the remnant in his tent
Quote: יֵ֖רַע שָׂרִ֣יד בְּאָהֳלֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is continuing to speak as if fire were literally going to consume this wicked person and his possessions. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, God will completely destroy everything in his tent, leaving nothing”
it will consume the remnant in his tent
Quote: יֵ֖רַע שָׂרִ֣יד בְּאָהֳלֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Zophar is using one possession of this wicked person, the tent in which he lives, to mean all of his possessions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, God will completely destroy all of his possessions, leaving nothing”
Job 20:27
The heavens will reveal his iniquity, and the earth will raise itself up against him
Quote: יְגַלּ֣וּ שָׁמַ֣יִם עֲוֺנ֑וֹ וְ֝אֶ֗רֶץ מִתְקוֹמָ֘מָ֥ה לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Zophar is speaking as if the heavens and the earth were living things that could testify against this wicked person. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “If the sky could speak, it would testify that it had observed his iniquity; if the earth could speak, it would raise itself up against him”
and the earth will raise itself up against him
Quote: וְ֝אֶ֗רֶץ מִתְקוֹמָ֘מָ֥ה לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Zophar means that the earth would raise itself up, that is, stand up, against this wicked person in order to bring charges against him or to serve as a witness in a legal proceeding. In this culture, in order to begin a case against someone, a person would stand up among those who had gathered in the public square. Someone who had evidence to bring in such a proceeding would similarly stand up. Either way, the earth, Zophar says, would testify that the wicked person was guilty. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “and the earth will stand and bring charges against him” or “and the earth will stand and be a witness against him”
Job 20:28
The wealth of his house will depart
Quote: יִ֭גֶל יְב֣וּל בֵּית֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Zophar is speaking of the wealth that the wicked person has in his house as if it were a living thing that could depart. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He will lose the wealth that is in his house”
flowing away
Quote: נִ֝גָּר֗וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if the wicked person’s wealth were a liquid that could literally be flowing away. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “vanishing” or “being destroyed”
on the day of his nose
Quote: בְּי֣וֹם אַפּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
While God would punish the wicked person on a specific day, Zophar 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: “at the time when God angrily punishes him”
Job 20:29
This {is} the portion of the wicked man from God, and the heritage of his appointment from God
Quote: זֶ֤ה ׀ חֵֽלֶק־אָדָ֣ם רָ֭שָׁע מֵאֱלֹהִ֑ים וְנַחֲלַ֖ת אִמְר֣וֹ מֵאֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Zophar is speaking as if God were literally giving a wicked man a portion, probably meaning a portion of family property, and a heritage, similarly meaning an inheritance. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This is the punishment that the wicked man deserves, and God will punish him in that way”
the wicked man
Quote: אָדָ֣ם רָ֭שָׁע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “the wicked person”
the wicked man
Quote: אָדָ֣ם רָ֭שָׁע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Zophar is not referring to a specific wicked man or person. He means wicked people in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “wicked people”
and the heritage of his appointment from God
Quote: וְנַחֲלַ֖ת אִמְר֣וֹ מֵאֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Zophar is using this possessive form to describe a symbolic heritage or inheritance that God has appointed to a wicked person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and his appointed heritage from God” or “and the heritage that God has appointed to him”
Job 21
Job 21 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is Job’s response to Zophar’s second speech.
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
Punishment for the sins of one’s parents or ancestors
In the culture in which the book of Job was composed, people commonly believed that God might punish someone for the sins of their parents or ancestors. Job says in verse 19 of this chapter that this is what his three friends believe. However, while people’s sins may have consequences for their children and descendants, God does not punish people directly for their parents’ or ancestors’ sins. Be sure that this is clear in your translation.
Translation Issues in This Chapter
The adjective “wicked” as a noun
In verses 7, 16, 17, and 28, Job uses the adjective “wicked” as a noun to mean wicked people in general. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase such as “wicked people.”
Job 21:2
Hearing, … your consolation
Quote: שָׁ֭מוֹעַ & תַּנְח֥וּמֹֽתֵיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The word your and the implied “you” in the imperative hear are plural because Job is addressing his three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
Hearing, hear my words
Quote: שִׁמְע֣וּ שָׁ֭מוֹעַ מִלָּתִ֑י (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: “Listen carefully to my words”
my words
Quote: מִלָּתִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term words to mean what he is about to say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I am about to say”
your consolation
Quote: תַּנְח֥וּמֹֽתֵיכֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is using this possessive form to describe not the consolation that his friends will have but the consolation that he wants them to offer him. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the consolation that you offer to me”
Job 21:3
Tolerate me … you may mock
Quote: שָׂ֭אוּנִי & תַלְעִֽיג (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The implied “you” in the imperative Tolerate is plural because Job is addressing his three friends, but the pronoun you later in the verse is singular because Job is responding directly to Zophar. Use the corresponding forms in your translation if your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you.”
and I will speak
Quote: וְאָנֹכִ֣י אֲדַבֵּ֑ר (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 speak. 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 take my turn and speak”
you may mock
Quote: תַלְעִֽיג (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
For 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. Alternate translation: “you will probably continue to mock me, even though you should not do so”
Job 21:4
is} my complaint to a man
Quote: לְאָדָ֣ם שִׂיחִ֑י (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 complaint is not to a man!”
is} my complaint to a man
Quote: לְאָדָ֣ם שִׂיחִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the term man is masculine, Job does not mean specifically a male human. He is using the term to mean a mortal as opposed to God. Alternate translation: “my complaint is not to a mortal!”
is} my complaint to a man
Quote: לְאָדָ֣ם שִׂיחִ֑י (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: “my complaint is to God!”
And if
Quote: וְאִם (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. (Some languages may be able to say simply “And if not” to follow up on a question that expects a negative answer.) Alternate translation: “And if my complaint is not to a mortal but to God”
why may my breath not be short
Quote: מַ֝דּ֗וּעַ לֹא־תִקְצַ֥ר רוּחִֽי (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 my breath may certainly be short!”
why may my breath not be short
Quote: מַ֝דּ֗וּעַ לֹא־תִקְצַ֥ר רוּחִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using his breath being short (that is, the fact that he is breathing quickly) by association to mean him being upset. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “why may I not be upset” or, as a statement, “then I may certainly be upset!”
Job 21:5
Look … and lay
Quote: פְּנוּ & וְשִׂ֖ימוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The implied “you” in the imperatives Look and lay is plural because Job is addressing his three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
and lay the hand upon the mouth
Quote: וְשִׂ֖ימוּ יָ֣ד עַל־פֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
Since Job is speaking to three people, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural forms of hand and mouth. Alternate translation: “and lay your hands upon your mouths”
and lay the hand upon the mouth
Quote: וְשִׂ֖ימוּ יָ֣ד עַל־פֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Covering the mouth with the hand prevents a person from speaking. Job is suggesting that his three friends perform this symbolic action to indicate that his situation is so tragic and distressing that nothing can be said about it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “and lay your hands upon your mouths to show that my situation is so tragic and distressing that nothing can be said about it”
Job 21:6
I remember
Quote: זָכַ֥רְתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is referring implicitly to when he remembers or is mindful of his sufferings. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I think about my sufferings”
then I am terrified
Quote: וְנִבְהָ֑לְתִּי (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: “then that terrifies me”
and trembling seizes my flesh
Quote: וְאָחַ֥ז בְּ֝שָׂרִ֗י פַּלָּצֽוּת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of trembling as if it were a living thing that could seize his flesh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and my flesh trembles”
and trembling seizes my flesh
Quote: וְאָחַ֥ז בְּ֝שָׂרִ֗י פַּלָּצֽוּת (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: “and my whole body trembles”
Job 21:7
Why do the wicked live, grow old, and become mighty {in} power
Quote: מַדּ֣וּעַ רְשָׁעִ֣ים יִחְי֑וּ עָ֝תְק֗וּ גַּם־גָּ֥בְרוּ חָֽיִל (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: “The wicked should not live, grow old, and become mighty in power!”
the wicked
Quote: רְשָׁעִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here, as in several other places in the chapter, Job is using the adjective wicked 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: “wicked people”
Job 21:8
Their seed is established
Quote: זַרְעָ֤ם נָכ֣וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here, seed means “children.” Alternate translation: “Their children are established”
Their seed is established
Quote: זַרְעָ֤ם נָכ֣וֹן (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: “Their children grow up”
to their faces
Quote: לִפְנֵיהֶ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word faces represents the presence of people by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “in their presence” or “in their homes”
and their descendants to their eyes
Quote: וְ֝צֶאֱצָאֵיהֶ֗ם לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term eyes by association to mean sight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and their descendants in their sight” or “and their descendants where they can see them”
and their descendants to their eyes
Quote: וְ֝צֶאֱצָאֵיהֶ֗ם לְעֵינֵיהֶֽם (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 their descendants grow up where they can see them”
Job 21:9
Their houses {are} peace
Quote: בָּתֵּיהֶ֣ם שָׁל֣וֹם (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. In this instance, Job is using an abstract noun with the sense of an adjective. Alternate translation: “Their houses are peaceful”
Their houses
Quote: בָּתֵּיהֶ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job could be using the term houses by association to mean the households of wicked people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Their households”
and the rod of God {is} not upon them
Quote: וְלֹ֤א שֵׁ֖בֶט אֱל֣וֹהַּ עֲלֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term rod by association to mean punishment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as in UST: “and God does not punish them”
Job 21:10
His bull breeds and it does not fail; his cow calves and it does not miscarry
Quote: שׁוֹר֣וֹ עִ֭בַּר וְלֹ֣א יַגְעִ֑ל תְּפַלֵּ֥ט פָּ֝רָת֗וֹ וְלֹ֣א תְשַׁכֵּֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Although Job uses singular pronouns in this verse, he is not referring to a specific wicked person. He is still speaking of wicked people in general. It may be more natural in your language to express his meaning by using plural pronouns. Alternate translation: “Their bulls breed and they do not fail; their cows calve and they do not miscarry”
Job 21:11
They send out their babes like a flock
Quote: יְשַׁלְּח֣וּ כַ֭צֹּאן עֲוִילֵיהֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as shepherds send their flocks out to pasture, so the wicked people whom Job is describing send their young children out to play in the fields around their homes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “They send their young children out to play in the fields around their homes as if they were a flock of sheep going out to pasture”
They send out their babes
Quote: יְשַׁלְּח֣וּ & עֲוִילֵיהֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that wicked people can send their babes (young children) out to play because they are safe, as Job says in verse 9. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Because they are so safe, they can allow their young children to play outside”
and their children dance
Quote: וְ֝יַלְדֵיהֶ֗ם יְרַקֵּדֽוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that the children of wicked people dance because they are happy and carefree. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and their children dance because they are happy and carefree”
Job 21:12
They lift up the tambourine and the harp
Quote: יִ֭שְׂאוּ כְּתֹ֣ף וְכִנּ֑וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that the children lift up these musical instruments in order to play them. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “They play the tambourine and the harp” or “They play tambourines and harps”
They lift up … and they rejoice
Quote: יִ֭שְׂאוּ & וְ֝יִשְׂמְח֗וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
In this verse, the pronouns They and they refer to the children of wicked people, not to wicked people themselves. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Their children lift up … and those children rejoice”
the tambourine and the harp, … the flute
Quote: כְּתֹ֣ף וְכִנּ֑וֹר & עוּגָֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific tambourine or harp or flute. He means those musical instruments in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “tambourines and harps … flutes”
Job 21:13
their days
Quote: יְמֵיהֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using the term days to mean a specific period of time, the lifetime of wicked people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “their lifetime”
in a moment
Quote: וּ֝בְרֶ֗גַע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that wicked people do not die a painful, lingering death. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “quickly and painlessly”
Job 21:14
They say to God, ‘Turn away from us, for we do not desire knowledge of your ways
Quote: וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ לָ֭אֵל ס֣וּר מִמֶּ֑נּוּ וְדַ֥עַת דְּ֝רָכֶ֗יךָ לֹ֣א חָפָֽצְנוּ (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: “They tell God to turn away from them because they do not desire knowledge of his ways”
Turn away from us
Quote: ס֣וּר מִמֶּ֑נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The wicked people are speaking as if they wanted God literally to turn away from them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do not be concerned with us”
for we do not desire knowledge of your ways
Quote: וְדַ֥עַת דְּ֝רָכֶ֗יךָ לֹ֣א חָפָֽצְנוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for we do not want to know your ways”
your ways
Quote: דְּ֝רָכֶ֗יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The wicked people are speaking of how God wants people to live as if that were a series of ways or paths that God wanted people to walk along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how you want people to live”
Job 21:15
Who {is} the Almighty, that we should serve him? And how will we profit, that we should pray to him
Quote: מַה־שַׁדַּ֥י כִּֽי־נַֽעַבְדֶ֑נּוּ וּמַה־נּ֝וֹעִ֗יל כִּ֣י נִפְגַּע־בּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could continue to translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “They ask who the Almighty is, that they should serve him, and how they would profit, that they should pray to him”
Who {is} the Almighty, that we should serve him? And how will we profit, that we should pray to him
Quote: מַה־שַׁדַּ֥י כִּֽי־נַֽעַבְדֶ֑נּוּ וּמַה־נּ֝וֹעִ֗יל כִּ֣י נִפְגַּע־בּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Job is continuing to quote what wicked people say. The wicked people may no longer be speaking “to God,” as in the previous verse, but speaking about God. Alternatively, they may be speaking to God but using the third person. You might choose to translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “Who are you, the Almighty, that we should serve you? And how will we profit, that we should pray to you?”
Who {is} the Almighty, that we should serve him? And how will we profit, that we should pray to him
Quote: מַה־שַׁדַּ֥י כִּֽי־נַֽעַבְדֶ֑נּוּ וּמַה־נּ֝וֹעִ֗יל כִּ֣י נִפְגַּע־בּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The wicked people are 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 Almighty is not important, so we do not have to serve him! It would not benefit us, so we do not have to pray to him!”
Job 21:16
Behold, their prosperity {is} not in their hand! May} the counsel of the wicked {be} far from me
Quote: הֵ֤ן לֹ֣א בְיָדָ֣ם טוּבָ֑ם עֲצַ֥ת רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים רָ֣חֲקָה מֶֽנִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Job is making two statements in this verse that express strong feelings. In the previous verse, he described how wicked people say that they do not need to pray to God because that would not benefit them. In his first statement here, he insists in response that any benefit or prosperity that the wicked enjoy is something that God has generously given to them even though they do not deserve it. In his second statement, Job reacts strongly against the counsel or advice that he said wicked people give themselves, that they should not serve the Almighty or pray to him. The ULT places exclamation marks at the end of these sentences to show that they communicate strong emotion. In your translation, use your own language’s way of showing that.
is} not in their hand
Quote: לֹ֣א בְיָדָ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the word hand to represent 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: “is not of their own making” or “is not something that they have gained by themselves”
May} the counsel of the wicked {be} far from me
Quote: עֲצַ֥ת רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים רָ֣חֲקָה מֶֽנִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he wanted the counsel of the wicked literally to be far away from him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I want nothing to do with the counsel of the wicked”
Job 21:17
How often does the lamp of the wicked go out, or does their calamity come upon them? How often,} in his nose, does he distribute pains
Quote: כַּמָּ֤ה ׀ נֵר־רְשָׁ֘עִ֤ים יִדְעָ֗ךְ וְיָבֹ֣א עָלֵ֣ימוֹ אֵידָ֑ם חֲ֝בָלִ֗ים יְחַלֵּ֥ק בְּאַפּֽוֹ (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 lamp of the wicked does not often go out! No, their calamity does not come upon them often! God does not distribute pains to them in his anger!”
How often does the lamp of the wicked go out
Quote: כַּמָּ֤ה ׀ נֵר־רְשָׁ֘עִ֤ים יִדְעָ֗ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if wicked people literally had a lamp that might go out or stop burning. He is using this image to represent them dying. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “How often do the wicked die”
or does their calamity come upon them
Quote: וְיָבֹ֣א עָלֵ֣ימוֹ אֵידָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if calamity were literally an object that comes upon people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or how often do they experience their calamity”
their calamity
Quote: אֵידָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo
It might seem that the expression their calamity contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “calamity”
How often,} in his nose, does he distribute pains
Quote: חֲ֝בָלִ֗ים יְחַלֵּ֥ק בְּאַפּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronouns his and he refer to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Does God distribute pains to them in his anger”
Job 21:18
How often} are they like stubble to the face of the wind or like chaff that a storm carries away
Quote: יִהְי֗וּ כְּתֶ֥בֶן לִפְנֵי־ר֑וּחַ וּ֝כְמֹ֗ץ גְּנָבַ֥תּוּ סוּפָֽה (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: “They are not often like stubble to the face of the wind or like chaff that a storm carries away!”
How often} are they like stubble to the face of the wind or like chaff that a storm carries away
Quote: יִהְי֗וּ כְּתֶ֥בֶן לִפְנֵי־ר֑וּחַ וּ֝כְמֹ֗ץ גְּנָבַ֥תּוּ סוּפָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Job is comparing God’s punishment to the wind and a storm, and he is comparing wicked people to stubble and chaff that strong winds drive away quickly and completely. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this in plain language. Alternate translation: “How often does God destroy them quickly and completely in punishment for their sins” or, as a statement, “God does not often destroy them quickly and completely in punishment for their sins”
to the face of the wind
Quote: לִפְנֵי־ר֑וּחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the phrase to the face of means “in the presence of,” by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. To say that something is in the presence of the wind is to say that the wind is blowing on it. Alternate translation: “when the wind blows on it”
Job 21:19
God lays up his guilt for his sons
Quote: אֱל֗וֹהַּ יִצְפֹּן־לְבָנָ֥יו אוֹנ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Since this sentence does not agree with what Job says in the rest of this speech, Job must be quoting a popular saying that he knows Zophar would agree with (see, for example, 20:10). You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “You say, ‘God lays up his guilt for his sons’”
God lays up his guilt for his sons
Quote: אֱל֗וֹהַּ יִצְפֹּן־לְבָנָ֥יו אוֹנ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If you decide to identify this explicitly as a popular saying that Job is quoting, if it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “You say that God lays up his guilt for his sons”
God lays up his guilt for his sons
Quote: אֱל֗וֹהַּ יִצְפֹּן־לְבָנָ֥יו אוֹנ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
This saying speaks of guilt as something that can be stored for later use. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God remembers what he is guilty of doing and punishes his sons for it”
for his sons
Quote: לְבָנָ֥יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term sons has a generic sense that includes both male and female children. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use translate this in a way that shows that. Alternate translation: “for his sons and daughters” or “for his children”
Let him repay to him, and he will know
Quote: יְשַׁלֵּ֖ם אֵלָ֣יו וְיֵדָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The first instance of him refers to God, while the second instance of him and the word he refer to a wicked person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Let God repay to the wicked person, and that person will know”
Let him repay to him
Quote: יְשַׁלֵּ֖ם אֵלָ֣יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the word repay has the sense of “punish.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Let God punish him”
and he will know
Quote: וְיֵדָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that if God would repay or punish the wicked person, then that person would know that he was guilty of sinning. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and he will know that he is guilty of sinning”
Job 21:20
Let his eyes see his destruction
Quote: יִרְא֣וּ עֵינָ֣יו & כִּיד֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of the wicked person, his eyes, 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: “Let him see his own destruction”
and from the wrath of the Almighty let him drink
Quote: וּמֵחֲמַ֖ת שַׁדַּ֣י יִשְׁתֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if the wrath of the Almighty were a liquid that a wicked person could literally drink. He means that he wishes that wicked people would experience that wrath. Alternate translation: “and let him experience the wrath of the Almighty” or “and let the Almighty punish him in his wrath”
Job 21:21
For
Quote: כִּ֤י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Job is using the word For to introduce the reason why he said in the previous two verses that God should punish wicked people themselves rather than their children. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Let the wicked person himself suffer, for”
what {is} his interest in his house after him when the number of his months is cut off
Quote: מַה־חֶפְצ֣וֹ בְּבֵית֣וֹ אַחֲרָ֑יו וּמִסְפַּ֖ר חֳדָשָׁ֣יו חֻצָּֽצוּ (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: “he has no interest in his house after him when the number of his months is cut off!”
in his house
Quote: בְּבֵית֣וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is most likely using the term house by association to mean the household or family of a wicked person. The popular saying that he quoted in verse 19 suggested that God would punish a wicked person by making his children suffer, but Job is saying here that after a wicked person dies, he will not care about that. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in his family” or “in his children”
when the number of his months is cut off
Quote: וּמִסְפַּ֖ר חֳדָשָׁ֣יו חֻצָּֽצוּ (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: “when God cuts off the number of his months”
when the number of his months is cut off
Quote: וּמִסְפַּ֖ר חֳדָשָׁ֣יו חֻצָּֽצוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if the number of months that a wicked person would live might literally be cut off, as if it were a branch on a tree, for example. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when the number of his months ends” or “when his lifetime ends” or “when God ends his lifetime”
Job 21:22
Will one teach knowledge to God, since he judges the ones being high
Quote: הַלְאֵ֥ל יְלַמֶּד־דָּ֑עַת וְ֝ה֗וּא רָמִ֥ים יִשְׁפּֽוֹט (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 can teach knowledge to God, since he judges the ones being high!”
the ones being high
Quote: רָמִ֥ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is probably using the term high by association to mean angels, who are high in heaven. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “even the angels”
Job 21:23
This one
Quote: זֶ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun This does not refer to a specific person. Job is using it to describe one kind of person and to introduce a contrast with a different kind of person, whom he describes as “That one” in verse 25. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “One person”
in the bone of his perfection
Quote: בְּעֶ֣צֶם תֻּמּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this expression, the word bone indicates the essence of something. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “at the height of his perfection”
in the bone of his perfection
Quote: בְּעֶ֣צֶם תֻּמּ֑וֹ (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: “while he is still perfectly healthy”
all of him {is} tranquil and secure
Quote: כֻּ֝לּ֗וֹ שַׁלְאֲנַ֥ן וְשָׁלֵֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Job says all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “he is very tranquil and secure”
all of him {is} tranquil and secure
Quote: כֻּ֝לּ֗וֹ שַׁלְאֲנַ֥ן וְשָׁלֵֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms tranquil and secure mean similar things. Job may be using the two terms together for emphasis. However, there is a slight difference between them. The word tranquil refers more to a person not having to worry about threats, while the word secure refers more to a person being wealthy. You could express both words with a single phrase that would communicate emphasis, or you could use two words to bring out the different shades of meaning. Alternate translation: “he is very comfortable” or “he is so wealthy that he does not worry”
Job 21:24
His pails are full of milk
Quote: עֲ֭טִינָיו מָלְא֣וּ חָלָ֑ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Interpreters are not entirely sure of the meaning of the word translated as pails. One likely interpretation is that it describes pails that people would use to collect milk from their cattle. If that is the meaning, then Job is using one aspect of this person’s prosperity, the fact that his cattle give milk abundantly, to indicate that the person is prosperous in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “His cattle give milk abundantly” or “He is very prosperous”
and the marrow of his bones is moistened
Quote: וּמֹ֖חַ עַצְמוֹתָ֣יו יְשֻׁקֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one aspect of this person’s health, the fact that the marrow of his bones is healthy, to indicate that the person is healthy in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he is very healthy”
is moistened
Quote: יְשֻׁקֶּֽה (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: “is moist”
Job 21:25
But that one
Quote: וְזֶ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
See how you translated the expression “This one” in 21:23. Alternate translation: “But another person”
in the soul of bitterness
Quote: בְּנֶ֣פֶשׁ מָרָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Like the word “bone” in verse 21, in this expression, the word soul indicates the essence of something. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “in the depths of bitterness”
in the soul of bitterness
Quote: בְּנֶ֣פֶשׁ מָרָ֑ה (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: “when his life is very bitter”
and he has not eaten the good
Quote: וְלֹֽא־אָ֝כַ֗ל בַּטּוֹבָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is talking about more than food here, and so when he speaks as if a person could literally have eaten things that are good (although in this case the person did not), he means experiencing those things. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he has not experienced the good”
and he has not eaten the good
Quote: וְלֹֽא־אָ֝כַ֗ל בַּטּוֹבָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective good as a noun to mean a certain kind of thing. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “and he has not experienced good things” or “and he has not enjoyed good things”
Job 21:26
They lie down alike in the dust
Quote: יַ֭חַד עַל־עָפָ֣ר יִשְׁכָּ֑בוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Job is using the phrase lie down … in the dust to mean “die.” This is a poetic way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “They both die and are buried”
and the worm covers over them
Quote: וְ֝רִמָּ֗ה תְּכַסֶּ֥ה עֲלֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific worm. He means worms in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “and worms cover them both”
and the worm covers over them
Quote: וְ֝רִמָּ֗ה תְּכַסֶּ֥ה עֲלֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication of worms covering the bodies of these dead people is that the worms are eating their bodies. For clarity, you could indicate that in your. Alternate translation: “and worms eat their bodies”
Job 21:27
I know your thoughts and the notions
Quote: יָ֭דַעְתִּי מַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם וּ֝מְזִמּ֗וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job implicitly means that he knows his friends are thinking of him when they speak of a wicked person. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I know that when you speak of a wicked person, you are speaking of me, and I know the notions”
your thoughts … you wrest
Quote: מַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם & תַּחְמֹֽסוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The words your and you are plural here because Job is addressing his three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction. The words “you” and “your” are plural in the rest of the chapter as well, specifically in verses 29 and 34.
and the notions you wrest against me
Quote: וּ֝מְזִמּ֗וֹת עָלַ֥י תַּחְמֹֽסוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his friends would literally wrest, or yank violently out of place, notions or ideas to use against him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the ideas you misappropriate to use against me”
Job 21:28
For you say, ‘Where {is} the house of the tyrant? Where {is} the tent of the habitation of the wicked
Quote: כִּ֤י תֹֽאמְר֗וּ אַיֵּ֥ה בֵית־נָדִ֑יב וְ֝אַיֵּ֗ה אֹ֤הֶל ׀ מִשְׁכְּנ֬וֹת רְשָׁעִֽים (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 ask where the house of the tyrant is and where the tent of the habitation of the wicked is”
Where {is} the house of the tyrant? Where {is} the tent of the habitation of the wicked
Quote: אַיֵּ֥ה בֵית־נָדִ֑יב וְ֝אַיֵּ֗ה אֹ֤הֶל ׀ מִשְׁכְּנ֬וֹת רְשָׁעִֽים (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 house of the tyrant is gone! The tent of the habitation of the wicked is gone!”
Where {is} the house of the tyrant? Where {is} the tent of the habitation of the wicked
Quote: אַיֵּ֥ה בֵית־נָדִ֑יב וְ֝אַיֵּ֗ה אֹ֤הֶל ׀ מִשְׁכְּנ֬וֹת רְשָׁעִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
In this quotation that Job attributes to his friends, he is using one possession of a prince, his house, and one possession of the wicked, their tent, to mean all of their possessions and ultimately their lives. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as exclamations: “The tyrant no longer lives among us! The wicked no longer live among us!”
Where {is} the house of the tyrant? Where {is} the tent of the habitation of the wicked
Quote: אַיֵּ֥ה בֵית־נָדִ֑יב וְ֝אַיֵּ֗ה אֹ֤הֶל ׀ מִשְׁכְּנ֬וֹת רְשָׁעִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This quotation means implicitly that the tyrant and the wicked are no longer alive because God has killed them to punish them for doing wrong. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “God punishes the tyrant by killing him! God punishes the wicked by killing them!”
Where {is} the house of the tyrant
Quote: אַיֵּ֥ה בֵית־נָדִ֑יב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific tyrant. He means tyrants in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “Where are the houses of tyrants?” or “Tyrants no longer live among us!” or “God punishes tyrants by killing them!”
Where {is} the tent of the habitation of the wicked
Quote: וְ֝אַיֵּ֗ה אֹ֤הֶל ׀ מִשְׁכְּנ֬וֹת רְשָׁעִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective wicked as a noun to mean a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Since Job is speaking of more than one person, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of “tent.” Alternate translation: “Where are the tents in which wicked people lived?” or “Wicked people no longer live among us!” or “God punishes wicked people by killing them!”
is} the tent of the habitation of the wicked
Quote: אֹ֤הֶל ׀ מִשְׁכְּנ֬וֹת רְשָׁעִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of habitation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “the tent in which the wicked lived”
Job 21:29
Have you not asked travelers of the way
Quote: הֲלֹ֣א שְׁ֭אֶלְתֶּם ע֣וֹבְרֵי דָ֑רֶךְ (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 must have asked travelers of the way!”
Have you not asked travelers of the way
Quote: הֲלֹ֣א שְׁ֭אֶלְתֶּם ע֣וֹבְרֵי דָ֑רֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that his friends must have heard from widely traveled people that the wicked are not always punished as they have been claiming. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “You must have asked travelers of the way, and they must have told you what really happens to wicked people!”
travelers of the way
Quote: ע֣וֹבְרֵי דָ֑רֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific way, that is, to a specific road or route. He means roads in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “people who travel on roads” or “people who have traveled widely”
Or do you not acknowledge their signs
Quote: וְ֝אֹתֹתָ֗ם לֹ֣א תְנַכֵּֽרוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
This is the beginning of a sentence in which Job is using the question form for emphasis. The sentence continues into the next 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. Alternate translation: “You should acknowledge their signs”
Or … their signs
Quote: וְ֝אֹתֹתָ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using the word signs in a specific sense. He means proofs or tokens that something is true. He is probably referring to stories that travelers tell of wicked people whom they have seen or heard about. These stories, in Job’s opinion, would offer evidence that he is right and his friends are wrong about what happens to wicked people. (Job describes the content of these stories in the next verse.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Or … the truth of the stories they tell about wicked people”
Job 21:30
that the wicked is spared in the day of calamity; in the day of wrath they are brought forth
Quote: כִּ֤י לְי֣וֹם אֵ֭יד יֵחָ֣שֶׂךְ רָ֑ע לְי֖וֹם עֲבָר֣וֹת יוּבָֽלוּ׃ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
In this verse, Job completes a sentence that he began in the previous verse using the question form for emphasis. If in the previous verse you said something such as “You should acknowledge their signs,” you may be able to translate this much as it appears in the ULT, treating it as the continuation of a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “that the wicked is spared in the day of calamity, that in the day of wrath they are brought forth.”
the wicked is spared
Quote: יֵחָ֣שֶׂךְ רָ֑ע (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 spares the wicked”
the wicked
Quote: רָ֑ע (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: “a wicked person”
in the day of calamity
Quote: לְי֣וֹם אֵ֭יד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job 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: “at the time of calamity” or “when calamity happens”
in the day of wrath
Quote: לְי֖וֹם עֲבָר֣וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is once again 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: “at the time of wrath”
in the day of wrath
Quote: לְי֖וֹם עֲבָר֣וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term wrath by association to mean God punishing people in his wrath. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at the time when God punishes people,”
they are brought forth
Quote: יוּבָֽלוּ (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. The idea is that wicked people are brought forth from, that is, taken out of, the group of people whom God is punishing. Alternate translation: “God brings them forth” or “God does not punish them”
Job 21:31
Who will denounce his way to his face? And what he has done, who will repay to him
Quote: מִֽי־יַגִּ֣יד עַל־פָּנָ֣יו דַּרְכּ֑וֹ וְהֽוּא־עָ֝שָׂ֗ה מִ֣י יְשַׁלֶּם־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 these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “No one declares his way to his face! No one repays him for what he has done!”
his way
Quote: דַּרְכּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job 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: “his manner of life”
to his face
Quote: עַל־פָּנָ֣יו (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: “to him personally”
And what he has done, who will repay to him
Quote: וְהֽוּא־עָ֝שָׂ֗ה מִ֣י יְשַׁלֶּם־לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
As in verse 19, here the word repay has the sense of “punish.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as a statement: “God does not punish him for what he has done.”
Job 21:32
Indeed, he will be brought forth to the grave
Quote: וְ֭הוּא לִקְבָר֣וֹת יוּבָ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
The word that the ULT translates as brought forth here is the same word that it translates as “brought forth” in verse 30. Job is saying that a wicked person is not only spared from God’s punishment, he is buried with honor in a great procession (which Job describes further in the next verse). Your language may similarly have a term that you could use in both contexts to show the contrast that Job is drawing here between what a wicked person deserves and what he gets.
Indeed, he will be brought forth
Quote: וְ֭הוּא & יוּבָ֑ל (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: “Indeed, people will carry him”
and one will watch over the burial mound
Quote: וְֽעַל־גָּדִ֥ישׁ יִשְׁקֽוֹד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that people will keep watch over the wicked person’s burial mound to make sure that it is kept in good order and not desecrated. In other words, even in death the wicked person has an honored place in the community. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and people from the community will watch his burial mound to make sure that no one desecrates it”
the burial mound
Quote: גָּדִ֥ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
In this culture, to show special honor to a person after his death, people might build a mound of stones or earth over his grave. If your readers would not be familiar with this practice, in your translation you could name a comparable practice of your own culture, or you could convey the meaning with a general expression. Alternate translation: “his honorable burial site”
Job 21:33
The clods of the torrent
Quote: רִגְבֵ֫י נָ֥חַל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the phrase The clods of the torrent by association to mean the burial mound that the wicked person’s mourners build up over his grave. He is using the word torrent to mean the course that a torrent or stream flows through, from which people could take clods of dirt to build a mound. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “His burial mound”
will be sweet to him
Quote: מָֽתְקוּ־ל֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if the wicked person, even after death, could literally taste his burial mound and find it to be sweet. Job means that the wicked person would enjoy being honored with a burial mound. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will honor him”
every man
Quote: כָּל־אָדָ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Job says every here as a generalization for emphasis. He means that a procession consisting of a large number of people will follow the wicked person’s body to its grave. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “a long procession”
and to his face
Quote: וּ֝לְפָנָ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
In this context, the phrase to his face means “in front of him” or “ahead of him.” It is a further reference to the funeral procession for the wicked person. Alternate translation: “and ahead of him”
there is not numbering
Quote: אֵ֣ין מִסְפָּֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
As a generalization for emphasis, Job is saying that a number of people too great to count will walk in front of the wicked person’s body to lead it in an honorary procession to his grave. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “people in great numbers are also walking”
Job 21:34
So how do you comfort me in vain
Quote: וְ֭אֵיךְ תְּנַחֲמ֣וּנִי הָ֑בֶל (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 are comforting me in vain!”
And falsehood is left in your answers
Quote: וּ֝תְשֽׁוּבֹתֵיכֶ֗ם נִשְׁאַר־מָֽעַל (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 saying that once he disregards everything that seems to be present in his friends’ answers but is not actually present, falsehood is the only thing that will remain. Alternate translation: “And your answers are nothing but falsehood”
And falsehood is left in your answers
Quote: וּ֝תְשֽׁוּבֹתֵיכֶ֗ם נִשְׁאַר־מָֽעַל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of falsehood, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “And what you are saying in answer to me is entirely false”
Job 22
Job 22 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is the third and last speech of Job’s friend Eliphaz. What he says in this speech is stronger than what he says in his previous two speeches. He insists that Job must have done wrong, and he suggests several specific evil things that Job may have done.
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
Eliphaz answering Job with his own words
In several places in this chapter, Eliphaz answers Job with his own words. That is, Eliphaz uses the same expressions that Job did earlier, but with different meaning and implications. To help your readers appreciate this, you may wish to translate Eliphaz’s expressions in these places in the same way that you translated Job’s similar expressions earlier. Notes will suggest ways to do this.
Job 22:2
Can a man be useful to God
Quote: הַלְאֵ֥ל יִסְכָּן־גָּ֑בֶר (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: “A man cannot be useful to God!”
a man
Quote: גָּ֑בֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a person”
Job 22:3
Is it} pleasure to the Almighty that you are righteous? Or if {it is} gain that you perfect your ways
Quote: הַחֵ֣פֶץ לְ֭שַׁדַּי כִּ֣י תִצְדָּ֑ק וְאִם־בֶּ֝֗צַע כִּֽי־תַתֵּ֥ם דְּרָכֶֽיךָ (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 these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “It is not pleasure to the Almighty that you are righteous! It is not gain to him that you perfect your ways!”
Or if {it is} gain that you perfect your ways
Quote: וְאִם־בֶּ֝֗צַע כִּֽי־תַתֵּ֥ם דְּרָכֶֽיךָ (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: “it is not gain to him that you perfect your ways, is it”
your ways
Quote: דְּרָכֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of how a person lives as if that were a series of ways or paths that the person was walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your manner of life”
Job 22:4
For your fear does he rebuke you, enter into judgment with you
Quote: הֲֽ֭מִיִּרְאָ֣תְךָ יֹכִיחֶ֑ךָ יָב֥וֹא עִ֝מְּךָ֗ בַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט (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: “God is certainly not rebuking you and entering into judgment with you because of your reverent respect for him!”
For your fear
Quote: הֲֽ֭מִיִּרְאָ֣תְךָ (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: “For your reverent respect for him”
Job 22:5
Is not your wickedness great
Quote: הֲלֹ֣א רָעָֽתְךָ֣ רַבָּ֑ה (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: “Your wickedness is great!”
And there is no end to your iniquities
Quote: וְאֵֽין־קֵ֝֗ץ לַעֲוֺנֹתֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Eliphaz says no end here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “And you are guilty of very many iniquities”
Job 22:6
For
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Eliphaz is not saying that Job has definitely done the wrongs that he describes in this verse and the next three verses. He is using the word For to encourage Job to consider what he might have done wrong, since God seems to be punishing him for something. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “Perhaps” or “Consider whether”
you have bound your brother {with a pledge} without cause
Quote: תַחְבֹּ֣ל אַחֶ֣יךָ חִנָּ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By without cause, Eliphaz probably means that Job did not need to take a garment in pledge as security for the kind of small loan that a laborer in this culture would require. Job was a wealthy man, Eliphaz notes in verse 8, and he could afford a relatively small loss, while the outer garment the laborer would have to give in pledge (described in the second half of the verse) probably represented his most valuable possession. Eliphaz may also be suggesting that the laborer was trustworthy and Job could have and should have trusted him to repay the loan without demanding security. Your culture may have terms and customs relating to loans and pledges that you could use in your translation to bring out the implicit meaning here. Alternate translation: “you have forced your brother to give you his outer garment as security for a loan, even though you did not need to do that”
your brother
Quote: אַחֶ֣יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is using the term brother figuratively to mean a fellow human being. He is suggesting that Job should feel an affinity for any fellow human. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your fellow human being”
and you have stripped off the clothing of the naked
Quote: וּבִגְדֵ֖י עֲרוּמִּ֣ים תַּפְשִֽׁיט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word translated naked can describe people who have little clothing, and that seems to be the meaning here. It would not make sense to speak of the clothing of people who were naked in the sense of having no clothing. The idea seems to be that by taking in pledge an outer garment that a laborer would also use as a blanket at night, Job was leaving that person without enough clothing to stay warm. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “indeed, you have left that person without enough clothing to stay warm”
Job 22:7
the weary … and from the hungry
Quote: עָיֵ֣ף & וּ֝מֵרָעֵ֗ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjectives weary and hungry 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: “weary people … and from hungry people”
bread
Quote: לָֽחֶם (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: “food”
Job 22:8
but the man of arm, the earth {was} to him, and the lifted of face dwelt upon it
Quote: וְאִ֣ישׁ זְ֭רוֹעַ ל֣וֹ הָאָ֑רֶץ וּנְשׂ֥וּא פָ֝נִ֗ים יֵ֣שֶׁב בָּֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Eliphaz could mean: (1) that Job himself was this man of arm. In that case he would be speaking of Job in the third person, even though he was speaking directly to Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “even though, as a man of arm, the earth was to you, and you dwelt upon it as someone lifted of face” (2) that Job showed favoritism to powerful and honored people. Alternate translation: “but you decided in favor of the man of arm and the lifted of face, so that the earth was to them and they dwelt upon it”
but the man of arm, the earth {was} to him
Quote: וְאִ֣ישׁ זְ֭רוֹעַ ל֣וֹ הָאָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression the man of arm means a powerful person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but the powerful person, the earth was to him” or “but as a powerful person, the earth was to you”
the earth {was} to him
Quote: ל֣וֹ הָאָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Eliphaz is speaking as if this man of arm possessed the entire earth. He likely means that this person (possibly Job) owned much land. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “he owned much land”
and the lifted of face dwelt
Quote: וּנְשׂ֥וּא פָ֝נִ֗ים יֵ֣שֶׁב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression lifted of face means to be favored or honored. (See the discussion of the phrase “lift his face” in the General Notes to chapter 13.) Alternate translation: “and honored people dwelt” or “and you as an honored person dwelt”
and the lifted of face
Quote: וּנְשׂ֥וּא פָ֝נִ֗ים (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 people who received honors”
Job 22:9
and the arms of the fatherless have been broken
Quote: וּזְרֹע֖וֹת יְתֹמִ֣ים יְדֻכָּֽא (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 you have broken the arms of the fatherless”
and the arms of the fatherless have been broken
Quote: וּזְרֹע֖וֹת יְתֹמִ֣ים יְדֻכָּֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective fatherless 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 word or phrase. Alternate translation: “and you have broken the arms of orphans”
and the arms of the fatherless have been broken
Quote: וּזְרֹע֖וֹת יְתֹמִ֣ים יְדֻכָּֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if Job had literally broken the arms of fatherless people. He means that Job has not helped orphans but has treated them in a way that has made them even weaker and more destitute. (As in the previous verse, the arm is a symbol of power.) If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you have taken advantage of orphans” or “and you have exploited orphans”
Job 22:10
snares {are} around you
Quote: סְבִיבוֹתֶ֣יךָ פַחִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if snares or traps were literally surrounding Job. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are having many different kinds of trouble”
and fear suddenly terrifies you
Quote: וִֽ֝יבַהֶלְךָ פַּ֣חַד פִּתְאֹֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the term fear by association to mean things that cause fear. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and fearful things suddenly terrify you”
Job 22:11
Or darkness—you cannot see
Quote: אוֹ־חֹ֥שֶׁךְ לֹֽא־תִרְאֶ֑ה (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 is why you are in darkness and cannot see”
Or darkness—you cannot see
Quote: אוֹ־חֹ֥שֶׁךְ לֹֽא־תִרְאֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if Job were literally in darkness and could not see anything. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And that is why your troubles are so great that you do not know what to do about them”
And an abundance of waters covers you
Quote: וְֽשִׁפְעַת־מַ֥יִם תְּכַסֶּֽךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if Job were literally engulfed in deep waters. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yes, that is why you feel completely overwhelmed”
Job 22:12
Is not God in the height of the heavens
Quote: הֲֽלֹא־אֱ֭לוֹהַּ גֹּ֣בַהּ שָׁמָ֑יִם (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: “God is in the height of the heavens!”
in the height of the heavens
Quote: גֹּ֣בַהּ שָׁמָ֑יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Eliphaz is using this possessive form to describe the highest part of the heavens. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “in the highest heaven” or “in heaven, above the sky”
And behold the head of the stars, that they are high
Quote: וּרְאֵ֤ה רֹ֖אשׁ כּוֹכָבִ֣ים כִּי־רָֽמּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the word head means “height.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And behold how high the stars are”
And behold the head of the stars, that they are high
Quote: וּרְאֵ֤ה רֹ֖אשׁ כּוֹכָבִ֣ים כִּי־רָֽמּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that since God is above the stars, and the stars are very high up, the highest things that people can see, then God must be supremely high. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “God is even above the stars, even though those are the highest things that we can see”
Job 22:13
But you say, ‘What does God know? Will he judge through thick darkness
Quote: וְֽ֭אָמַרְתָּ מַה־יָּ֣דַֽע אֵ֑ל הַבְעַ֖ד עֲרָפֶ֣ל יִשְׁפּֽוֹט (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: “But you say that God does not know what is happening here on earth and that he cannot judge through thick darkness”
What does God know? Will he judge through thick darkness
Quote: מַה־יָּ֣דַֽע אֵ֑ל הַבְעַ֖ד עֲרָפֶ֣ל יִשְׁפּֽוֹט (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 these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “God does not know what is happening here on earth! He cannot judge through thick darkness!”
Will he judge through thick darkness
Quote: הַבְעַ֖ד עֲרָפֶ֣ל יִשְׁפּֽוֹט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
As is clear from the next verse, Eliphaz is using the expression thick darkness by association to mean dark clouds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as a statement: “He cannot see through dark clouds in order to know how to judge people!”
Job 22:14
Clouds {are} a covering to him and he does not see; indeed, he walks around on the dome of the heavens
Quote: עָבִ֣ים סֵֽתֶר־ל֭וֹ וְלֹ֣א יִרְאֶ֑ה וְח֥וּג שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם יִתְהַלָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If you decided in the previous verse to translate this quotation as an indirect quotation, you can continue to do that in this verse. In many languages it will not be necessary to change the wording from that of a direct quotation.
and he does not see
Quote: וְלֹ֣א יִרְאֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz implicitly means that by saying this, Job means that God does not see what is happening on earth. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and he does not see what is happening on earth”
indeed, he walks around on the dome of the heavens
Quote: וְח֥וּג שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם יִתְהַלָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that because the dome of the heavens is above the clouds, the clouds block God’s view of the earth. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “indeed, he walks around on the dome of the heavens, where the clouds block his view of the earth”
Job 22:15
Will you keep the old way that men of iniquity have walked
Quote: הַאֹ֣רַח עוֹלָ֣ם תִּשְׁמֹ֑ר אֲשֶׁ֖ר דָּרְכ֣וּ מְתֵי־אָֽוֶן (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 sentence continues for the next two verses. Alternate translation: “You should not keep the old way that men of iniquity have walked”
Will you keep the old way that men of iniquity have walked
Quote: הַאֹ֣רַח עוֹלָ֣ם תִּשְׁמֹ֑ר אֲשֶׁ֖ר דָּרְכ֣וּ מְתֵי־אָֽוֶן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking of how people live as if that were a way or path that people were walking along. When Eliphaz asks whether Job will keep that way or stay on that path, he is asking whether Job really wants to live that way himself. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Will you live as men of iniquity have customarily lived” or, as a statement, “You should not live as men of iniquity have customarily lived”
men of iniquity
Quote: מְתֵי־אָֽוֶן (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: “wicked people”
Job 22:16
who were carried off
Quote: אֲשֶֽׁר־קֻמְּט֥וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if these “men of iniquity” were literally carried off as if they were a bundle of sticks that someone had collected. He means that they died. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who died”
who were carried off
Quote: אֲשֶֽׁר־קֻמְּט֥וּ (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: “whom death carried off”
and {it was} not time
Quote: וְלֹא־עֵ֑ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz implicitly means that these wicked men died before it was their time to die. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “before it was their time to die” or “while they were still young”
their foundations were washed away by a torrent
Quote: נָ֝הָ֗ר יוּצַ֥ק יְסוֹדָֽם (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 torrent washed away their foundations”
their foundations were washed away by a torrent
Quote: נָ֝הָ֗ר יוּצַ֥ק יְסוֹדָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if these wicked men were buildings that collapsed when a torrent of water destroyed their foundations. The suggestion in the image is that the men died unexpectedly and violently. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, they died unexpectedly and violently”
Job 22:17
the ones saying to God, ‘Turn away from us,’ and, ‘What will the Almighty do to them
Quote: הָאֹמְרִ֣ים לָ֭אֵל ס֣וּר מִמֶּ֑נּוּ וּמַה־יִּפְעַ֖ל שַׁדַּ֣י לָֽמוֹ (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: “the ones who told God to turn away from them and asked what the Almighty would do to them”
Turn away from us
Quote: ס֣וּר מִמֶּ֑נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz depicts these wicked people as speaking as if they wanted God literally to turn away from them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the same expression in 21:14. Alternate translation: “Do not be concerned with us”
and, ‘What will the Almighty do to them
Quote: וּמַה־יִּפְעַ֖ל שַׁדַּ֣י לָֽמוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The wicked people are speaking about themselves in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “and, ‘What will the Almighty do to us’”
and, ‘What will the Almighty do to them
Quote: וּמַה־יִּפְעַ֖ל שַׁדַּ֣י לָֽמוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The wicked people are 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, ‘The Almighty will not do anything to us!’”
and, ‘What will the Almighty do to them
Quote: וּמַה־יִּפְעַ֖ל שַׁדַּ֣י לָֽמוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The wicked people implicitly mean that the Almighty will not do anything to punish them if they do the wrong actions that they are contemplating. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and, ‘The Almighty will not do anything to us if we do evil things!’”
Job 22:18
Yet he filled their houses with good
Quote: וְה֤וּא מִלֵּ֣א בָתֵּיהֶ֣ם ט֑וֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun he refers to God. Eliphaz is echoing what Job said about wicked people in 21:16, “their prosperity is not in their hand,” that is, their prosperity is not of their own making. Eliphaz is saying, as Job did, that any good the wicked enjoy is something that God has generously given to them even though they do not deserve it. Eliphaz is agreeing with Job on that point, although he is making it in support of a different conclusion, that in the end, God actually does punish the wicked in this life. Alternate translation: “Yet God filled their houses with good”
Yet he filled their houses with good
Quote: וְה֤וּא מִלֵּ֣א בָתֵּיהֶ֣ם ט֑וֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjective good as a noun to mean a certain kind of thing. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “Yet he filled their houses with good things”
Yet he filled their houses with good
Quote: וְה֤וּא מִלֵּ֣א בָתֵּיהֶ֣ם ט֑וֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Eliphaz says filled here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “Yet he generously gave them many good things”
so {may} the counsel of the wicked {be} far from me
Quote: וַעֲצַ֥ת רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים רָ֣חֲקָה מֶֽנִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is echoing what Job said in 21:16. He is speaking as if he wanted the counsel of the wicked literally to be far away from him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar expression in 21:16. Alternate translation: “so I want nothing to do with the counsel of the wicked”
Job 22:19
The righteous see
Quote: יִרְא֣וּ צַדִּיקִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz implicitly means that the righteous see what happens to wicked people. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “The righteous see what happens to wicked people”
The righteous … and the innocent
Quote: צַדִּיקִ֣ים & וְ֝נָקִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjectives righteous and innocent 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: “Righteous people … and innocent people”
Job 22:20
If our enemy is not cut off? And fire has devoured their possessions
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א נִכְחַ֣ד קִימָ֑נוּ וְ֝יִתְרָ֗ם אָ֣כְלָה אֵֽשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun their refers to the enemy mentioned in the first part of the verse. It may be more natural in your language to make the pronoun agree in number. Since Eliphaz speaks of wicked people in the plural in these verses, you may find it appropriate to do that by saying “enemies.” Alternate translation: “If our enemies are not cut off? And fire has devoured their possessions”
If our enemy is not cut off? And fire has devoured their possessions
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א נִכְחַ֣ד קִימָ֑נוּ וְ֝יִתְרָ֗ם אָ֣כְלָה אֵֽשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
Eliphaz is quoting what righteous and innocent people say about wicked people whom God destroys. If that would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that in your translation. Alternate translation: “They say, ‘If our enemies are not cut off? And fire has devoured their possessions!’”
If our enemy is not cut off? And fire has devoured their possessions
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א נִכְחַ֣ד קִימָ֑נוּ וְ֝יִתְרָ֗ם אָ֣כְלָה אֵֽשׁ (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: “They say that their enemies have been cut off and that fire has devoured their possessions”
If our enemy is not cut off
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א נִכְחַ֣ד קִימָ֑נוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The righteous and innocent people are 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: “Our enemies have been cut off, have they not”
If our enemy is not cut off
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א נִכְחַ֣ד קִימָ֑נוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
The righteous and innocent people are 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: “Our enemies have been cut off!”
If our enemy is not cut off
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א נִכְחַ֣ד קִימָ֑נוּ (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 cut off our enemies!”
If our enemy is not cut off
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א נִכְחַ֣ד קִימָ֑נוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
To make a different point, that God actually judges wicked people in this life, Eliphaz is echoing what Job said in 21:21. There Job spoke of a wicked person dying as if he were literally being cut off, like a branch from a tree. See how you translated the similar expression there. Alternate translation: “God has ended the lives of our enemies!”
And fire has devoured their possessions
Quote: וְ֝יִתְרָ֗ם אָ֣כְלָה אֵֽשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz depicts innocent and righteous people as speaking as if fire had destroyed the possessions of wicked people. Eliphaz depicts them as speaking as if the fire had literally devoured or eaten the possessions. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And they have lost their possessions” or “And other people will now get their possessions”
Job 22:21
Reconcile now with him and be at peace
Quote: הַסְכֶּן־נָ֣א עִמּ֑וֹ וּשְׁלם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz is echoing his own words at the beginning of this speech and Job’s words in his preceding speech. In verse 2, Eliphaz insisted that a person cannot be “useful to God,” that is, a person can do nothing to win God’s favor or to put God under obligation. Here Eliphaz uses a different form of the same verb to encourage Job to Reconcile with God. A person, he says, can at least cultivate a good relationship with God. Job said in 21:19 that he wished God would “repay” wicked people, that is, punish them. Eliphaz uses the same verb here to encourage Job to be at peace with God, with the suggestion that to that end, Job should do whatever is necessary to make up for any wrong things he has done. Your language may have terms that you could use here and in 21:19 and 22:2 in order to show these connections.
and be at peace
Quote: וּשְׁלם (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: “and have a peaceful relationship with him”
by these
Quote: בָּ֝הֶ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun these refers to the actions of reconciling and being at peace with God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “if you do these things”
good will come to you
Quote: תְּֽבוֹאַתְךָ֥ טוֹבָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Eliphaz is using the adjective good as a noun to mean a certain kind of thing. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “good things will come to you”
good will come to you
Quote: תְּֽבוֹאַתְךָ֥ טוֹבָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Eliphaz is speaking of good as if it were a living thing that could come to Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will have good things once again”
Job 22:22
accept instruction from his mouth
Quote: קַח & מִפִּ֣יו תּוֹרָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the term mouth by association to mean what God says by using his mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “let what God says instruct you”
and set his words in your heart
Quote: וְשִׂ֥ים אֲ֝מָרָ֗יו בִּלְבָבֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if Job could literally set God’s words in his heart. He is using the heart to represent the memory. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, carefully remember his words”
and set his words in your heart
Quote: וְשִׂ֥ים אֲ֝מָרָ֗יו בִּלְבָבֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the term words to mean what God says by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, carefully remember what he says”
Job 22:23
you will be built up, if you distance unrighteousness from your tent
Quote: תִּבָּנֶ֑ה תַּרְחִ֥יק עַ֝וְלָ֗ה מֵאָהֳלֶֽךָ (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 phrase if you distance unrighteousness from your tent, like the phrase ** If you return to the Almighty, gives the reason for the result that would follow, you will be built up**. Alternate translation: “if you distance unrighteousness from your tent, you will be built up”
you will be built up
Quote: תִּבָּנֶ֑ה (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: “he will build you up”
you will be built up
Quote: תִּבָּנֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if Job were a building that God would rebuild after it had been ruined. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will restore you to health and prosperity”
if you distance unrighteousness from your tent
Quote: תַּרְחִ֥יק עַ֝וְלָ֗ה מֵאָהֳלֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if unrighteousness were an object that Job could literally set at some distance from the tent in which he lives. In this image, the tent represents Job’s life. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if you stop practicing unrighteousness in your life”
if you distance unrighteousness from your tent
Quote: תַּרְחִ֥יק עַ֝וְלָ֗ה מֵאָהֳלֶֽךָ (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: “if you stop doing unrighteous things”
Job 22:24
And set gold in the dust, and Ophir among the stones of the torrents
Quote: וְשִׁית־עַל־עָפָ֥ר בָּ֑צֶר וּבְצ֖וּר נְחָלִ֣ים אוֹפִֽיר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative
Eliphaz 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: “Now if you set your gold in the dust, and Ophir among the stones of the torrents”
And set gold in the dust, and Ophir among the stones of the torrents
Quote: וְשִׁית־עַל־עָפָ֥ר בָּ֑צֶר וּבְצ֖וּר נְחָלִ֣ים אוֹפִֽיר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if he wants Job literally to throw away his gold, including the fine gold he has from the land of Ophir, so that it lands in the dust and among the stones of the torrents. He means that Job should not depend on gold as a source of security. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, combining the parallel statements into a single statement and conveying the emphasis of the parallelism in another way: “Now if you do not rely on gold at all”
And set gold in the dust, and Ophir among the stones of the torrents
Quote: וְשִׁית־עַל־עָפָ֥ר בָּ֑צֶר וּבְצ֖וּר נְחָלִ֣ים אוֹפִֽיר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Eliphaz is using one type of wealth, gold, including fine gold from Ophir, to mean wealth in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And abandon all of your wealth” or “Now if you do not rely on wealth at all”
Ophir
Quote: אוֹפִֽיר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Ophir is the name of a land that produced gold of excellent quality.
Ophir
Quote: אוֹפִֽיר (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: “set Ophir”
Ophir
Quote: אוֹפִֽיר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the name Ophir by association to mean gold from the country of Ophir. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “set the gold of Ophir”
Job 22:25
then the Almighty will be your golds and silver of heights to you
Quote: וְהָיָ֣ה שַׁדַּ֣י בְּצָרֶ֑יךָ וְכֶ֖סֶף תּוֹעָפ֣וֹת לָֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if the Almighty would literally be precious metals that Job owned. He means that Job would value the Almighty more than anything else. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “then you will value the Almighty more than anything else”
your golds
Quote: בְּצָרֶ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
Eliphaz is using the plural form golds to indicate gold of supreme excellence. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “more valuable to you than the finest gold you could possess”
and silver of heights
Quote: וְכֶ֖סֶף תּוֹעָפ֣וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
Eliphaz is using the plural form heights to indicate silver of superlative quality. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “and silver of the highest quality”
Job 22:26
and you will lift your face to God
Quote: וְתִשָּׂ֖א אֶל־אֱל֣וֹהַּ פָּנֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In 10:15, Job said to God, “I will not lift my head.” He means that he would look down as a symbolic action to express that he was feeling shame. Here Eliphaz responds that Job will no longer need to do that. See how you translated the similar expression in 10:15. Alternate translation: “and you will no longer need to look down, away from God, in shame” or “and you will be confident that God accepts you”
Job 22:27
and he will hear you
Quote: וְיִשְׁמָעֶ֑ךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the word hear means to grant a request. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he will grant your request”
and your vows you will pay
Quote: וּנְדָרֶ֥יךָ תְשַׁלֵּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Eliphaz assumes that Job will understand that by vows he means the vows that a person in this culture would make to God to promise public recognition of mercies granted. The implication is that God would grant such mercies to Job and so he would have occasion to pay such vows. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you will have occasion to thank God publicly for mercies that he has granted to you”
Job 22:28
And you will decree a word
Quote: וְֽתִגְזַר־א֭וֹמֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is using the term word to mean what Job might say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And you will say what you want to happen” or “And you will say what you plan to do”
and it will stand for you
Quote: וְיָ֣קָם לָ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the word stand means “happen,” with the idea of surety and durability. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and it will certainly happen for you” or “and you will certainly be able to do it”
and on your paths light will shine
Quote: וְעַל־דְּ֝רָכֶ֗יךָ נָ֣גַֽהּ אֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking of the plans Job might want to carry out as if they were a series of paths that Job would be walking along. When he says that light will shine on these paths, he means that Job will know clearly how to carry out his plans. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you will know clearly how to carry out your plans successfully”
Job 22:29
they cast down and you say, ‘Lifting up
Quote: הִ֭שְׁפִּילוּ וַתֹּ֣אמֶר גֵּוָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if people might literally cast Job down, that is, throw him down from a height or throw him onto the ground. He is also speaking as if Job might ask God to lift him up from where people had thrown him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are in difficult circumstances and you say, ‘Help me!’”
they cast down
Quote: הִ֭שְׁפִּילוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Here, 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 an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “when you are cast down”
and you say, ‘Lifting up
Quote: וַתֹּ֣אמֶר גֵּוָ֑ה (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: “and you ask God to lift you up”
he will save
Quote: יוֹשִֽׁעַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun he refers to God. Eliphaz is talking about the results of prayer, as he described in verse 27. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God will save”
then … the lowered of eyes
Quote: וְשַׁ֖ח עֵינַ֣יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective phrase the lowered of eyes 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: “then … the person who has lowered his eyes” or “then … the who is looking down”
then … the lowered of eyes
Quote: וְשַׁ֖ח עֵינַ֣יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In this culture, lowering one’s eyes was a symbolic action that indicated that one was in difficult circumstances and felt humbled by them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “then … the person who is humbled by being in difficult circumstances”
then … the lowered of eyes
Quote: וְשַׁ֖ח עֵינַ֣יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Eliphaz is speaking about Job in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “then … you from the difficult circumstances that have humbled you”
Job 22:30
He will rescue … indeed, he will be rescued
Quote: יְֽמַלֵּ֥ט & וְ֝נִמְלַ֗ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun He in the first part of this verse refers to God, while the pronoun he in the second part of the verse refers to a person who is not innocent. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God will rescue … indeed, that person will be rescued”
the not-innocent
Quote: אִֽי־נָקִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective not-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: “people who are not innocent” or “people who are guilty of sin”
indeed, he will be rescued
Quote: וְ֝נִמְלַ֗ט (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: “indeed, God will rescue him”
through the cleanness of your hands
Quote: בְּבֹ֣ר כַּפֶּֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Eliphaz is likely using the term hands by association to mean “prayers,” since people in this culture lifted their hands when they prayed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “through the cleanness of your prayers”
through the cleanness of your hands
Quote: בְּבֹ֣ר כַּפֶּֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Eliphaz is speaking as if Job would have literally refrained from doing things that would make his hands dirty. He means that Job would not have done wrong things, and so he could offer prayers to God as an innocent person whose prayers God would answer. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “through the prayers that you, as an innocent person, offer for him”
Job 23
Job 23 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is the beginning of Job’s response to Eliphaz’s third and final speech. Job’s response continues in the next chapter.
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
Legal proceeding
In this chapter, Job speaks of making a legal case to prove his innocence to God. As a note to 9:3 explains, in this culture, people typically presented such cases to community leaders in public places such as the gate of a town. Each party in a dispute would question the other party in the presence of the leaders, and the leaders would then discuss the case and decide which party was guilty and which party was innocent. However, the Bible indicates that judges would also travel around from place to place and hear cases. For example, 1 Samuel 7:16–17 says that Samuel “went around to Bethel and Gilgal and Mizpah and judged Israel in all those places.” Job is envisioning God serving as this kind of judge and hearing his case. In your translation, express his language in such a way that readers who are familiar with the legal process in your own culture will recognize what Job is saying.
Translation issues in This chapter
“he,” “him,” and “his”
The pronouns “he,” “him,” and “his” refer to God throughout this chapter. The UST models how a translation may say “God” regularly in order to make this clear.
“my hand” or “his hand” (23:2)
In verse 2, Hebrew manuscripts read “my hand.” The ULT follows that reading. Some ancient translations of the Hebrew Bible into other languages say “his hand,” and some modern versions follow that reading. 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 readingof the ULT.
Job 23:2
Even today
Quote: גַּם־הַ֭יּוֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is using this expression to emphasize to his friends that their arguments have not changed his situation at all. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Despite all the things you have said to me,”
my complaint is bitter
Quote: מְרִ֣י שִׂחִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his complaint about what has happened to him is bitter or bad-tasting. The image is that what he says is so unpleasant that it leaves a bad taste in his mouth when he says it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have many unpleasant things to complain about”
my hand is heavy upon my groaning
Quote: יָ֝דִ֗י כָּבְדָ֥ה עַל־אַנְחָתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he were literally holding his hand down hard on his groaning in order to suppress it. He means that there is more that he could groan or complain about than he has actually stated yet. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have been suppressing my groaning”
Job 23:3
Who will give {that} I knew and I would find him
Quote: מִֽי־יִתֵּ֣ן יָ֭דַעְתִּי וְאֶמְצָאֵ֑הוּ (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 I knew and I would find him!”
I knew and I would find him
Quote: יָ֭דַעְתִּי וְאֶמְצָאֵ֑הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word knew tells in what way Job would be able to find 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: “I knew where to find him”
I knew and I would find him? … his place
Quote: יָ֭דַעְתִּי וְאֶמְצָאֵ֑הוּ & תְּכוּנָתֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronouns him and his refer to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “I knew where to find God … the place where God lives”
Job 23:4
to his face
Quote: לְפָנָ֣יו (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” or “to him personally”
and I would fill my mouth with arguments
Quote: וּ֝פִ֗י אֲמַלֵּ֥א תוֹכָחֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if arguments were objects with which he could literally fill his mouth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I would make many arguments as I spoke”
Job 23:5
I would know the words he would answer me
Quote: אֵ֭דְעָה מִלִּ֣ים יַעֲנֵ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term words to mean what God would say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I would know what he would tell me in response”
Job 23:6
he would only set upon me
Quote: אַךְ־ה֝֗וּא יָשִׂ֥ם בִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out some of the words of a characteristic Hebrew expression that occurs in full form in 1:8, 2:3, and 7:17. Alternate translation: “he would only set his heart upon me”
he would only set upon me
Quote: אַךְ־ה֝֗וּא יָשִׂ֥ם בִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated this expression in 1:8, 2:3, and 7:17. Alternate translation: “he would only consider what I had to say”
Job 23:7
There
Quote: שָׁ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
There implicitly means in God’s presence, as Job describes in verses 3 and 4. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “In God’s presence,”
the upright is arguing with him
Quote: יָ֭שָׁר נוֹכָ֣ח עִמּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tense
Job is using the participle arguing to depict action as occurring regularly in order to indicate that it is possible. Alternate translation: “the upright can reason with him”
the upright is arguing with him
Quote: יָ֭שָׁר נוֹכָ֣ח עִמּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Job is likely referring to himself when he speaks of an upright person. In that case, he would be speaking of himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “an upright person like me can reason with him” or “I, as an upright person, can reason with him”
the upright
Quote: יָ֭שָׁר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective upright 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: “an upright person”
Job 23:8
Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridgeIn this verse and the next verse, Job is using the four major directions to mean everywhere in creation. He is speaking of looking everywhere for the “place” where God lives, as he described in verse 3. To show this, you could create a verse bridge for verses 8–9. It might say something like this: “Behold, I could go everywhere in creation, and I might see evidence of God at work, but I would not find him personally”
Job 23:9
in his working in the north, I do not behold {him
Quote: שְׂמֹ֣אול בַּעֲשֹׂת֣וֹ וְלֹא־אָ֑חַז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Many interpreters believe that when Job refers to God’s working in the north, he means the northern lights (the aurora borealis). You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “when I see the northern lights, I believe that God must be present to create such beauty, but if I went to the north, I would not behold him personally”
Job 23:10
the way {that is} with me
Quote: דֶּ֣רֶךְ עִמָּדִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of how he has been living as if that were a way or path that he has been walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how I have been living”
he has tested me, I have come out like gold
Quote: בְּ֝חָנַ֗נִי כַּזָּהָ֥ב אֵצֵֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture
Job is using the past tense in order to refer to something that he hopes will happen in the future. He is doing this to describe what he is confident the outcome would be. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: “when he tests me, I will come out like gold”
he has tested me, I have come out like gold
Quote: בְּ֝חָנַ֗נִי כַּזָּהָ֥ב אֵצֵֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as genuine gold is shown to be pure when it is tested, so God giving Job a hearing would show that he is innocent. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “when he tests me, this will show that I am innocent, just as testing gold shows its purity”
Job 23:11
My foot has held onto his step
Quote: בַּ֭אֲשֻׁרוֹ אָחֲזָ֣ה רַגְלִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he has used his foot literally to hold onto each place where God had stepped. He means that he has walked exactly where God had walked, putting his feet down right where God put his feet down. Job is using this image to mean that he has obeyed God exactly. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have obeyed God exactly”
I have kept {to} his way and I have not turned aside
Quote: דַּרְכּ֖וֹ שָׁמַ֣רְתִּי וְלֹא־אָֽט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of how God wants a person to live as if that were a way or path that the person should walk along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have lived consistently in the way God wants people to live”
Job 23:12
I have not departed from the commandment of his lips
Quote: מִצְוַ֣ת שְׂ֭פָתָיו וְלֹ֣א אָמִ֑ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he had not physically gone away from or departed from God’s commandment. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have not disobeyed the commandment of his lips” or, positively, “I have obeyed the commandment of his lips”
from the commandment of his lips
Quote: מִצְוַ֣ת שְׂ֭פָתָיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term lips by association to mean speaking, since people use their lips when they speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the commandment that he has spoken”
from the commandment of his lips
Quote: מִצְוַ֣ת שְׂ֭פָתָיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific commandment. He means God’s commandments in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “from the commandments that he has spoken”
the words of his mouth
Quote: אִמְרֵי־פִֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term words to mean what God has commanded by using words, and he is similarly using the term mouth to mean speaking, since people use their mouths when they speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the things his mouth has said”
the words of his mouth
Quote: אִמְרֵי־פִֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of God, his mouth, 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: “the things that he has said”
more than my portion
Quote: מֵ֝חֻקִּ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By portion, Job implicitly means his daily portion of food. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “more than the food that I eat”
Job 23:13
But he {is} of one
Quote: וְה֣וּא בְ֭אֶחָד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Job is leaving out a word that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. The context suggests that Job means that God is of one opinion, that is, he has decided one thing definitively. If it would be clearer in your language, you can supply the missing word. Your language may have a natural expression that would suit this context. Alternate translation: “But he is of one mind”
and who will turn him back
Quote: וּמִ֣י יְשִׁיבֶ֑נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if someone might physically turn God back from going in one direction and make God go in a different direction. He is speaking of someone making God change his mind. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and who will make him change his mind”
and who will turn him back
Quote: וּמִ֣י יְשִׁיבֶ֑נּוּ (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 no one will turn him back” or “and no one can make him change his mind”
For his soul desires, and he does
Quote: וְנַפְשׁ֖וֹ אִוְּתָ֣ה וַיָּֽעַשׂ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of God, his soul, to mean all of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “For he desires to do something, and he does it” or “For he does whatever he desires”
Job 23:14
my decree
Quote: חֻקִּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is using this possessive form to describe what God has decreed for him, not a decree that he has made himself. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “what he has decreed for me” or “what he has decided to do to me”
and many like these {are} with him
Quote: וְכָהֵ֖נָּה רַבּ֣וֹת עִמּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun these probably refers to the sufferings that Job is already experiencing. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and he is capable of afflicting me with many more sufferings if my present ones are not sufficient to fulfill his purpose”
Job 23:15
I am terrified from his face
Quote: מִפָּנָ֣יו אֶבָּהֵ֑ל (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: “I am too terrified to be in his presence”
I consider
Quote: אֶ֝תְבּוֹנֵ֗ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is implicitly referring to when he might consider all that God might still do to him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I consider all that he might still do to me”
Job 23:16
For God has softened my heart
Quote: וְ֭אֵל הֵרַ֣ךְ לִבִּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, the heart represents the emotions and specifically the emotion of courage. Job is speaking as if God had literally made his heart soft. He means that God has caused him to lose courage. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “For God has caused me to lose courage”
Job 23:17
For
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Job is using the word For to introduce the reason why he is terrified of God, as he described in the previous two verses. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I am terrified of God because”
I was not cut off
Quote: לֹ֣א נִ֭צְמַתִּי (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 did not cut me off”
I was not cut off
Quote: לֹ֣א נִ֭צְמַתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he might literally have been cut off, as if he were a branch on a tree, for example. He is talking about dying. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I did not die” or “God did not let me die”
from the face of the darkness
Quote: מִפְּנֵי־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
In this instance, the phrase from the face of means “in front of” or “before.” It refers to time rather than to place. Alternate translation: “before the time of darkness” or “before the darkness came”
from the face of the darkness
Quote: מִפְּנֵי־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is using the term darkness to represent troubles. See how you translated the similar expression in 20:26. Alternate translation: “before these troubles began”
and from my face gloom covers
Quote: וּ֝מִפָּנַ֗י כִּסָּה־אֹֽפֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
In this instance, the phrase **from my face ** means “in front of.” It could refer either to place or to time. Alternate translation: “and gloom covers everything in front of me” or “and gloom covers everything that will happen to me in the future”
and from my face gloom covers
Quote: וּ֝מִפָּנַ֗י כִּסָּה־אֹֽפֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if gloom were literally covering everything in front of him or everything that would happen to him in the future. He is using gloom, like darkness earlier in the verse, to represent troubles. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and there is trouble everywhere I look” or “and I can only anticipate further trouble happening to me”
Job 24
Job 24 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is the continuation of Job’s response to Eliphaz’s third and final speech. Job’s response began in the previous chapter.
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
God’s judgment of wicked people
In verses 1–17, Job protests that God does not judge wicked people. He lists many oppressive things that wicked people do to vulnerable, innocent people, and he complains that God acts as if there were nothing wrong with those things. But in verses 18–24, Job then describes how God actually does judge wicked people. There is an explanation for this apparent contradiction. In the speech as a whole, Job is saying that he knows God will judge wicked people in the end, but it is very distressing to him that God does not judge and punish them now in order to keep them from continuing to oppress vulnerable people. In your translation, you can use language that shows that Job firmly believes what he says in both parts of the chapter, since it is actually consistent for him to say both that God seemingly does not judge wicked people now and that God ultimately will judge wicked people in the end. This is not a contradiction, it is a paradox, and the Bible speaks of it in other passages as well. For example, Ecclesiastes 8:11 says that because God does not immediately punish people who do wrong, people feel that they can get away with doing wrong. But Ecclesiastes goes on to say in the next verse that even if a sinner might do a hundred evil things and live a long time, it is still better to obey God.
Translation Issues in This Chapter
Changing referents of “they”
Job uses the word “they” throughout this chapter to mean both wicked people and the poor people whom they exploit. He does not often indicate when he changing the referent of the word. Notes indicate the referent in each verse. In your translation, to be helpful to your readers, you may wish to specify “wicked people” or “poor people” each time the referent changes.
Job 24:1
Why are times not set by the Almighty? And {why} do the ones knowing him not see his days
Quote: מַדּ֗וּעַ מִ֭שַּׁדַּי לֹא־נִצְפְּנ֣וּ עִתִּ֑ים וְ֝יֹדְעָ֗יו & לֹא־חָ֥זוּ 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: “Times should be set by the Almighty! The ones knowing him ought to see his days!”
Why are times not set by the Almighty
Quote: מַדּ֗וּעַ מִ֭שַּׁדַּי לֹא־נִצְפְּנ֣וּ עִתִּ֑ים (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: “Why does the Almighty not set times” or, as an exclamation, “The Almighty should set times!”
times
Quote: עִתִּ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job implicitly means times for judgment. (See the discussion in the General Notes to chapter 23 of how judges in Israel would come to specific places at appointed times.) You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “times for judgment”
And {why} do the ones knowing him not see his days
Quote: וְ֝יֹדְעָ֗יו לֹא־חָ֥זוּ יָמָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, to see means to experience. See how you translated the similar expression in 7:7. Alternate translation: “And why do the ones knowing him not experience his days?”
his days
Quote: יָמָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job implicitly means days on which God would judge wicked people. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “days on which God judges wicked people”
Job 24:2
They remove boundary markers
Quote: גְּבֻל֥וֹת יַשִּׂ֑יגוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun They refers to wicked people, not to “the ones knowing” God, as it does in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. The pronoun they in the second part of the verse also refers to wicked people, and that is also the reference in the next two verses. Alternate translation: “Wicked people remove boundary markers”
They remove boundary markers
Quote: גְּבֻל֥וֹת יַשִּׂ֑יגוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job implicitly means that wicked people steal land from others by removing the boundary markers that indicate property lines and arguing that their property extends farther into their neighbor’s land than it actually does. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “They steal land from others by removing boundary markers”
they seize the flock and pasture {it
Quote: עֵ֥דֶר גָּ֝זְל֗וּ וַיִּרְעֽוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific flock. He means flocks in general that wicked people steal from vulnerable people such as widows and orphans, whom he names specifically in the next verse. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “they seize flocks and pasture them”
and pasture {it
Quote: וַיִּרְעֽוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job implicitly means that wicked people steal flocks from others and pasture them with their own flocks as if they had owned them all along. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and put others’ animals in with their own as if those animals belonged to them”
Job 24:3
The donkey of the fatherless they lead away; they take in pledge the ox of the widow
Quote: חֲמ֣וֹר יְתוֹמִ֣ים יִנְהָ֑גוּ יַ֝חְבְּל֗וּ שׁ֣וֹר אַלְמָנָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific donkey, fatherless person, ox, or widow. He means those animals and people in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “Wicked people lead away donkeys that belong to fatherless people; they take in pledge oxen that belong to widows”
the fatherless
Quote: יְתוֹמִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective fatherless 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: “children whose fathers have died” or “orphans”
they take in pledge
Quote: יַ֝חְבְּל֗וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
See the note to 22:6 about the cultural practice of taking possessions in pledge. See how you translated the similar expression there.
Job 24:4
They turn the needy from the way
Quote: יַטּ֣וּ אֶבְיוֹנִ֣ים מִדָּ֑רֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean: (1) that needy people avoid walking on the main road or way in order to avoid wicked people who would exploit them. In that sense, it is as if the wicked people are actively forcing the needy people off the road. Alternate translation: “Needy people stay off the main roads in order to avoid wicked people” (2) that wicked people push needy people aside on the road so that they can go ahead of them. Alternate translation: “Wicked people push needy people aside on the road so that they can go ahead of them”
the needy … the poor of
Quote: אֶבְיוֹנִ֣ים & עֲנִיֵּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjectives needy and poor as nouns to mean certain groups of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “needy people … the poor people of”
the poor of the land are hidden together
Quote: יַ֥חַד חֻ֝בְּא֗וּ עֲנִיֵּי־אָֽרֶץ (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. Wicked people are the implied agent. Job is not saying simply that poor people hide themselves to avoid the wicked; he is saying that wicked people force poor people to hide themselves to escape oppression. Alternate translation: “all the poor people of the land have to hide in order to avoid the wicked people who would oppress them”
Job 24:5
like} wild donkeys in the wilderness they go out in their work
Quote: פְּרָאִ֨ים ׀ בַּֽמִּדְבָּ֗ר יָצְא֣וּ בְּ֭פָעֳלָם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that the need to escape from oppressive wicked people forces poor people to go far away from human community, like wild donkeys in the wilderness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “like wild donkeys in the wilderness, far away from human community,”
they go out
Quote: יָצְא֣וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Here and through verse 8, the pronoun they refers to poor people. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “poor people go out”
is} to him bread for their children
Quote: ל֥וֹ לֶ֝֗חֶם לַנְּעָרִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
The pronoun him does not refer to a specific poor person. Job means poor people in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “provides them with bread for their children”
is} to him bread for their children
Quote: ל֥וֹ לֶ֝֗חֶם לַנְּעָרִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one kind of food, bread, to mean food in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a general term in your translation, or you could name the kind of food that people would find in the Arabah or desert. Alternate translation: “provides them with roots and herbs to feed to their children”
Job 24:6
They gather his fodder in the field, and the vineyard of the wicked they glean
Quote: בַּ֭שָּׂדֶה בְּלִיל֣וֹ יִקְצ֑וֹרוּ וְכֶ֖רֶם רָשָׁ֣ע יְלַקֵּֽשׁוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun him could refer to: (1) the wicked person whom Job mentions in the second part of the verse. If that is the meaning, it may be helpful to mention the wicked person in the first part of the verse instead. Alternate translation: “Poor people gather fodder for their animals from what the wicked person has left in his field, and they glean in his vineyard” (2) an individual poor person. Alternate translation: “Each of these poor people gathers his fodder in the field, and they all glean the vineyard of the wicked”
and the vineyard of the wicked
Quote: וְכֶ֖רֶם רָשָׁ֣ע (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: “and the vineyard of a wicked person”
and the vineyard of the wicked
Quote: וְכֶ֖רֶם רָשָׁ֣ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific wicked person. He means wicked people in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “and the vineyards of wicked people”
Job 24:7
naked
Quote: עָר֣וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
As in 22:6, the word naked here does not mean without any clothing. Rather, as the context indicates, it means without sufficient clothing, in this case without an outer garment that would also serve as a blanket. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “exposed”
without a garment
Quote: מִבְּלִ֣י לְב֑וּשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The poor people whom Job is talking about may be without a garment because: (1) wicked people have taken their outer garments in pledge and not returned them, as Eliphaz describes in 22:6. This would suit the context, in which Job is describing how wicked people oppress poor people. Alternate translation: “without a garment because wicked people have taken their garments in pledge and not returned them” (2) they are too poor to afford outer garments. Alternate translation: “without outer garments because they have become too poor to afford them”
Job 24:8
and from {being} without shelter
Quote: וּֽמִבְּלִ֥י מַ֝חְסֶ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In this instance, the word without means “without any other.” You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and because they have no other shelter,”
they hug the rock
Quote: חִבְּקוּ־צֽוּר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific rock. He means rocks in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “they hug the rocks”
they hug the rock
Quote: חִבְּקוּ־צֽוּר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using this expression to mean that poor people huddle up close to rocks in order to seek shelter from the rain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they huddle up close to rocks”
Job 24:9
They snatch … they bind {a pledge
Quote: יִ֭גְזְלוּ & יַחְבֹּֽלוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun They in the first part of the verse and the pronoun they in the second part of the verse refer to wicked people. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Wicked people snatch … wicked people bind a pledge”
the fatherless … the poor
Quote: יָת֑וֹם & עָנִ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjectives fatherless and poor 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: “fatherless children … poor people” or “children whose fathers have died … people who are poor”
They snatch the fatherless from the breast
Quote: יִ֭גְזְלוּ מִשֹּׁ֣ד יָת֑וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job implicitly means that wicked people snatch fatherless children from the breast of their mother, that is, while they are nursing, in order to claim the children as slaves in payment of a debt. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Wicked people even take infants away from their mothers while they are nursing, in order to claim the children as slaves in payment of a debt”
and upon the poor they bind {a pledge
Quote: וְֽעַל־עָנִ֥י יַחְבֹּֽלוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
See how you translated the similar expression in 22:6. Alternate translation: “and they require the poor to give them their outer garments as security for loans”
Job 24:10
They go about … they carry
Quote: הִ֭לְּכוּ & נָ֣שְׂאוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun They in the first part of the verse and the pronoun they in the second part of the verse refer to poor people. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Poor people go about … poor people carry”
They go about naked, without clothing
Quote: עָר֣וֹם הִ֭לְּכוּ בְּלִ֣י לְב֑וּשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
As in 22:6, the word naked here does not mean without any clothing. Job is describing the result of what he said at the end of the previous verse, that wicked people “bind a pledge” upon the poor, that is, they take their outer garments as security for loans. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Because wicked people take their outer garments in pledge, poor people go about exposed to the elements, not having sufficient clothing”
and, hungry, they carry a sheaf
Quote: וּ֝רְעֵבִ֗ים נָ֣שְׂאוּ עֹֽמֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific sheaf. He means sheaves in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “and, hungry, they carry sheaves”
and, hungry, they carry a sheaf
Quote: וּ֝רְעֵבִ֗ים נָ֣שְׂאוּ עֹֽמֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is saying that poor people must try to earn money to feed themselves by working as day laborers, harvesting the grain in the fields of wicked people. But those poor people still go hungry, even with all that food around them, because the wicked people do not pay or feed their workers adequately. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and they are hungry, even though they work as harvesters, because the wicked people who own the fields they are harvesting do not pay or feed them adequately”
Job 24:11
Within their walls they press oil; they tread their winepresses, but they thirst
Quote: בֵּין־שׁוּרֹתָ֥ם יַצְהִ֑ירוּ יְקָבִ֥ים דָּ֝רְכ֗וּ וַיִּצְמָֽאוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
In this verse, the pronoun they refers to poor people and the pronoun their refers to wicked people. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Within the walls of wicked people, poor people press oil; poor people tread the winepresses of wicked people, but those poor people suffer thirst”
they press oil
Quote: יַצְהִ֑ירוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is referring to the way that workers would press oil from olives, which were a staple food in this culture. You could indicate that explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. You could also use a general expression if your readers might not be familiar with olives. Alternate translation: “they press oil from olives” or “they work hard to produce oil from plants”
they tread their winepresses, but they thirst
Quote: יְקָבִ֥ים דָּ֝רְכ֗וּ וַיִּצְמָֽאוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is commenting here on the injustice of wicked people having poor people tread their winepresses but then not giving them any of the wine to drink. (In this culture, the water was often unsafe to drink. People drank wine to quench their thirst, and, because the wine had a low alcohol content, they could do that without getting drunk. Job is not saying that the wicked people should have given the poor people wine so that they could get drunk, only that they should have given them wine to quench their thirst.) See how you expressed the implicit meaning in the previous verse, where Job described how poor people carried grain but went hungry. Alternate translation: “they are thirsty, even though they work treading winepresses, because the wicked people who own the presses do not give them any of the wine to quench their thirst”
Job 24:12
men
Quote: מְתִ֨ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term men has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “men and women”
and the soul of the wounded cries out
Quote: וְנֶֽפֶשׁ־חֲלָלִ֥ים תְּשַׁוֵּ֑עַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective wounded 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: “and the souls of wounded people cry out”
and the soul of the wounded cries out
Quote: וְנֶֽפֶשׁ־חֲלָלִ֥ים תְּשַׁוֵּ֑עַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of a wounded person, his soul, to mean all of him in the act of crying out. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and wounded people cry out”
and the soul of the wounded cries out
Quote: וְנֶֽפֶשׁ־חֲלָלִ֥ים תְּשַׁוֵּ֑עַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job implicitly means that these people are crying out to God for justice. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and wounded people cry out to God for justice”
but God does not ascribe impropriety
Quote: וֶ֝אֱל֗וֹהַּ לֹא־יָשִׂ֥ים תִּפְלָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job implicitly means that God seems to feel that there is nothing wrong with what the wicked people are doing, and so God does not punish them in response to the poor people’s cries for justice. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “but God does not punish the wicked people who have caused their suffering”
Job 24:13
They … they do not regard … and they do not stay
Quote: הֵ֤מָּה & לֹֽא־הִכִּ֥ירוּ & וְלֹ֥א יָ֝שְׁב֗וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun They at the start of the verse and the two instances of the pronoun they later in the verse refer to the wicked people whom Job has been describing. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “These wicked people … these wicked people … and they do not stay”
against} the light
Quote: א֥וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if light were an authority and these wicked people were rebelling against it. Job is using light to represent what God has revealed to humans about how they should live. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “against God’s moral revelation”
they do not regard its ways, and they do not stay in its paths
Quote: לֹֽא־הִכִּ֥ירוּ דְרָכָ֑יו וְלֹ֥א יָ֝שְׁב֗וּ בִּנְתִיבֹתָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if light maintained certain ways and paths that people should walk along. He means that God’s revelation shows people how they should conduct their lives. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they do not regard the manner of life that God has shown people they should follow; no, they live in a different way”
they do not regard its ways
Quote: לֹֽא־הִכִּ֥ירוּ דְרָכָ֑יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the word regard means “look at” with the implication of looking with approval. Alternate translation: “they do not admire its ways”
and they do not stay in its paths
Quote: וְלֹ֥א יָ֝שְׁב֗וּ בִּנְתִיבֹתָֽיו (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: “and they leave its paths”
Job 24:14
At light
Quote: לָא֡וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression describes the time of day when it is just beginning to get light. There is enough light for the murderer to see, but not enough light for him to be identified. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “In the morning twilight,”
the murderer arises; he kills … he is like a thief
Quote: יָ֘ק֤וּם רוֹצֵ֗חַ יִֽקְטָל & יְהִ֣י כַגַּנָּֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific murderer. He means murderers in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “murderers arise; they kill … they are like thieves”
the poor and the needy
Quote: עָנִ֥י וְאֶבְי֑וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjectives poor and needy 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 and needy people”
the poor and the needy
Quote: עָנִ֥י וְאֶבְי֑וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms poor and needy 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: “desperately poor people”
and he is like a thief in the night
Quote: וּ֝בַלַּ֗יְלָה יְהִ֣י כַגַּנָּֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that the murderer escapes apprehension because he commits his crime in dim light and at a time when people are sleeping. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and he is like a thief in the night, whom no one sees commit his crime”
Job 24:15
And the eye of the adulterer
Quote: וְעֵ֤ין נֹאֵ֨ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of an adulterer, his eye, to mean all of him in the act of watching. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And the adulterer”
the adulterer
Quote: נֹאֵ֨ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific adulterer. He is describing the behavior that is characteristic of any adulterer. It may be more natural in your language to make adulterer an indefinite noun rather than a definite one. Alternate translation: “an adulterer”
saying, ‘No eye will perceive me
Quote: לֵ֭אמֹר לֹא־תְשׁוּרֵ֣נִי עָ֑יִן (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: “saying to himself that no one will perceive him”
No eye will perceive me
Quote: לֹא־תְשׁוּרֵ֣נִי עָ֑יִן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The characteristic adulterer is using one part of someone who might perceive him, that person’s eye, to mean all of that person in the act of perceiving him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “No one will perceive me”
and he puts a cover {over} {his} face
Quote: וְסֵ֖תֶר פָּנִ֣ים יָשִֽׂים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is not speaking of a cover that would keep the adulterer from seeing. He is speaking of a disguise intended to keep people from recognizing who the adulterer is. You could express this in a way that would be familiar in your culture. Alternate translation: “and he pulls his hat down low over his face”
Job 24:16
One digs {into} houses
Quote: חָתַ֥ר & בָּ֫תִּ֥ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun One refers to a wicked person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Since, as the rest of the verse shows, Job is actually describing behavior that is characteristic of wicked people in general, you may wish to use a plural term. Alternate translation: “Wicked people dig into houses”
One digs {into} houses in the darkness
Quote: חָתַ֥ר בַּחֹ֗שֶׁךְ בָּ֫תִּ֥ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In this culture, houses were made of clay or sun-dried brick, so thieves could gain entry to a house most easily by digging through one of its walls. If houses in your culture are made of different materials that a thief would not or could not dig through, you may wish to use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “Wicked people break into houses”
they shut themselves up
Quote: חִתְּמוּ־לָ֗מוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression means ”they stay indoors.“ If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they stay indoors”
they do not know the light
Quote: לֹא־יָ֥דְעוּ אֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression means that wicked people are not familiar with light, and the reason is that they do not leave their homes when it is light. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they do not go out when it is light”
they do not know the light
Quote: לֹא־יָ֥דְעוּ אֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
While the word light here is literal, since Job is using it to mean day, there is also a moral overtone, as in verse 13, where Job said that wicked people rebel against the light, meaning God’s revelation. If your language has a term for “light” that also has these moral connotations, it would be appropriate to use it here in your translation.
Job 24:17
For together, morning for them
Quote: כִּ֤י יַחְדָּ֨ו בֹּ֣קֶר לָ֣מוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Job is using the word For to introduce the reason why he said in the preceding verse that wicked people do not go out during the day. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “They do not go out because for all of them, morning”
morning for them {is} deep darkness
Quote: בֹּ֣קֶר לָ֣מוֹ צַלְמָ֑וֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if morning were literally deep darkness for wicked people. He means that they dread and avoid morning just as honest people dread and avoid the night. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they dread the morning as if it were deep darkness”
for them {… one regards
Quote: לָ֣מוֹ & יַ֝כִּ֗יר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun them refers to wicked people, and the pronoun one refers to a representative or characteristic wicked person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “for wicked people … each one of them regards”
one regards
Quote: יַ֝כִּ֗יר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
As in 24:13, here the word regards means “looks at” with the implication of looking with approval. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “each one of them admires”
Job 24:18
He (is} swift on the face of the waters
Quote: קַֽל־ה֤וּא ׀ עַל־פְּנֵי־מַ֗יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, at this point in his speech, Job implicitly begins to draw a contrast between the present situation of wicked people and their ultimate fate. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “Nevertheless, he is swift”
He (is} swift on the face of the waters
Quote: קַֽל־ה֤וּא ׀ עַל־פְּנֵי־מַ֗יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is speaking as if the surface of the waters were literally their face. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He (is} swift on the surface of the waters”
He (is} swift on the face of the waters
Quote: קַֽל־ה֤וּא ׀ עַל־פְּנֵי־מַ֗יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if a wicked person were literally something light that would float on the surface of the waters of a brook or river and pass swiftly downstream. He means that a wicked person only flourishes for a short time and then is gone. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Since Job speaks of wicked people in the plural in the next phrase, you may wish to use the plural in this phrase as well. Alternate translation: “Wicked people flourish only for a short time, then they are gone, like debris that water carries swiftly downstream”
one does not turn {to} the way of their vineyards
Quote: לֹֽא־יִ֝פְנֶה דֶּ֣רֶךְ כְּרָמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This expression means that no one goes to work in the vineyards of wicked people. Since Job says in verse 13 that poor people do work in their vineyards, he is talking here about what will happen to wicked people in the future. Alternate translation: “their vineyards will be abandoned”
Job 24:19
Drought and heat strip away the waters of snow; Sheol, {those who} have sinned
Quote: צִיָּ֤ה גַם־חֹ֗ם יִגְזְל֥וּ מֵֽימֵי־שֶׁ֗לֶג שְׁא֣וֹל חָטָֽאוּ (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 drawing a comparison. Alternate translation: “Just as drought and heat strip away the waters of snow, so Sheol strips away those who have sinned.”
strip away the waters of snow
Quote: יִגְזְל֥וּ מֵֽימֵי־שֶׁ֗לֶג (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if, in the hot season, Drought and heat literally strip away the waters in his arid region that come from melting snow in the mountains. He means that the heat makes these waters evaporate. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “make water from melted snow evaporate”
Job 24:20
The womb will forget him, the worm will dine on him, until he is not remembered
Quote: יִשְׁכָּ֘חֵ֤הוּ רֶ֨חֶם ׀ מְתָ֘ק֤וֹ רִמָּ֗ה ע֥וֹד לֹֽא־יִזָּכֵ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronouns him and he refers to a wicked person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “The womb will forget a wicked person, the worm will dine on that person, until he is not remembered”
The womb will forget him
Quote: יִשְׁכָּ֘חֵ֤הוּ רֶ֨חֶם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term womb by association to mean the mother who carried the wicked person in her womb and gave birth to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “As for a wicked person, even his own mother will forget him”
the worm will dine on him
Quote: מְתָ֘ק֤וֹ רִמָּ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
The term translated dine means to eat with enjoyment. Job is describing an ironic consequence that wicked people will experience. During their lives, as he said earlier, they had oil and wine and grain that they enjoyed but did not share with others. Now, after death, they provide a satisfying meal for the worms that eat them in their graves. Your language may have a term similar to dine that you could use in your translation.
until he is not remembered and wickedness is broken like a tree
Quote: ע֥וֹד לֹֽא־יִזָּכֵ֑ר וַתִּשָּׁבֵ֖ר כָּעֵ֣ץ עַוְלָֽה (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: “until no one remembers him and wickedness is like a tree that a windstorm has broken”
and wickedness is broken like a tree
Quote: וַתִּשָּׁבֵ֖ר כָּעֵ֣ץ עַוְלָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as a tree may be broken (by a powerful wind, for example) so that it falls over and dies, so a wicked person will lose his possessions and status and ultimately die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and wickedness is broken, just as a windstorm knocks down a tree and it dies”
Job 24:21
the one devouring the barren
Quote: רֹעֶ֣ה עֲ֭קָרָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun one refers to a wicked person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “A wicked person devours the barren”
the one devouring
Quote: רֹעֶ֣ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if a wicked person would literally devour or eat up childless women and widows. He means that the wicked person would cheat and exploit them in the ways he described earlier in this speech. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one exploiting”
the barren, who has not borne
Quote: עֲ֭קָרָה לֹ֣א תֵלֵ֑ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective barren 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 barren woman, who has not borne”
the barren, who has not borne
Quote: עֲ֭קָרָה לֹ֣א תֵלֵ֑ד (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: “the childless woman”
the barren, who has not borne
Quote: עֲ֭קָרָה לֹ֣א תֵלֵ֑ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific barren woman. He means women in general who have not had children. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “childless women”
and he does not do good {to} the widow
Quote: וְ֝אַלְמָנָ֗ה לֹ֣א יְיֵטִֽיב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific widow. He means widows in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “and he does not do good to widows”
and he does not do good {to} the widow
Quote: וְ֝אַלְמָנָ֗ה לֹ֣א יְיֵטִֽיב (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: “and he harms the widow” or “and he harms widows”
Job 24:22
But he drags away the mighty by his power
Quote: וּמָשַׁ֣ךְ אַבִּירִ֣ים בְּכֹח֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
In this first part of the verse, the pronouns he and his refer to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “But God drags away the mighty by his power”
But he drags away
Quote: וּמָשַׁ֣ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God literally drags away people who are mighty. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “But he destroys”
the mighty
Quote: אַבִּירִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective mighty 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: “mighty people”
he arises and he does not believe in life
Quote: יָ֝ק֗וּם וְֽלֹא־יַאֲמִ֥ין בַּֽחַיִּֽין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Interpreters are uncertain as to whom the pronoun he refers in the two instances in the second part of this verse. This could mean: (1) that God arises against mighty people, so that each one of them realizes that he is doomed. Alternate translation: “God arises against them, so that each one of them despairs of life” (2) that a wicked person arises or prospers for a time, but he has no assurance of a long life. Alternate translation: “a wicked person may prosper for a time, but he has no assurance of a long life”
Job 24:23
He gives him security and he is supported, but his eyes are on their ways
Quote: יִתֶּן־ל֣וֹ לָ֭בֶטַח וְיִשָּׁעֵ֑ן וְ֝עֵינֵ֗יהוּ עַל־דַּרְכֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun He in its first instance and the pronoun his refer to God, and the pronoun he in its second instance and the pronoun him refer to a wicked person. The pronoun them refers to wicked people in general. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God gives a wicked person security, and that person is supported, but God’s eyes are on the ways of wicked people”
He gives him security and he is supported
Quote: יִתֶּן־ל֣וֹ לָ֭בֶטַח וְיִשָּׁעֵ֑ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
If your language would not use the passive form he is supported, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you would need to say who does the action, the context indicates that it is God. Alternate translation: “God gives him security and supports him”
He gives him security and he is supported
Quote: יִתֶּן־ל֣וֹ לָ֭בֶטַח וְיִשָּׁעֵ֑ן (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. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. While Job seems to say that God actively gives security and support to wicked people, the idea is that God actually allows these things. Alternate translation: “God may allow a wicked person to feel a sense of security”
but his eyes are on their ways
Quote: וְ֝עֵינֵ֗יהוּ עַל־דַּרְכֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of God, his eyes, to mean all of him in the act of seeing. Sight, in turn, represents awareness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but he watches their ways carefully” or “but he is very aware of their ways”
but his eyes are on their ways
Quote: וְ֝עֵינֵ֗יהוּ עַל־דַּרְכֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job 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: “but he is very aware of how wicked people are living”
Job 24:24
They are exalted
Quote: ר֤וֹמּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun They (or they) refers to wicked people in all of its instances in this verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers in the first instance. Alternate translation: “Wicked people are exalted”
They are exalted
Quote: ר֤וֹמּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of wicked people as if they were literally exalted or raised up to a high position. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They achieve greatness”
They are exalted
Quote: ר֤וֹמּוּ (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 achieve greatness”
a little
Quote: מְּעַ֨ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean: (1) that wicked people are exalted for a little while. Alternate translation: “for a short time” (2) that wicked people are exalted a little bit. Alternate translation: “to a limited extent”
indeed, they are brought low
Quote: וְֽהֻמְּכ֗וּ (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: “indeed, God brings them low”
then there is not to them
Quote: וְֽאֵינֶ֗נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression means that these “mighty” people no longer exist. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “then they no longer exist”
indeed, they are brought low
Quote: וְֽהֻמְּכ֗וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if wicked people were literally brought low or moved down to a low position. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Since this phrase repeats the meaning of then they do not exist, the meaning seems to be that they die. Alternate translation: “indeed, they die”
like all, they are gathered and, like the tops of ears of grain, they are cut off
Quote: כַּכֹּ֥ל יִקָּפְצ֑וּן וּכְרֹ֖אשׁ שִׁבֹּ֣לֶת יִמָּֽלוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The phrase they are gathered could be: (1) a characteristic Hebrew expression that describes death. Alternate translation: “like all people, they are die; yes, like the tops of ears of grain, they are cut off” (2) part of the comparison to ears of grain. In that case, it would be appropriate to translate it literally. Alternate translation: “like all people, they are gathered and cut off like the tops of ears of grain”
like all, they are gathered and, like the tops of ears of grain, they are cut off
Quote: כַּכֹּ֥ל יִקָּפְצ֑וּן וּכְרֹ֖אשׁ שִׁבֹּ֣לֶת יִמָּֽלוּ (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: (1) “God gathers them among the dead, as he does all people; yes, God cuts them off like the tops of ears of grain” or (2) “as he does to all people, God gathers them and cuts them off like the tops of ears of grain”
Job 24:25
And if not, then who will falsify me and make my word nothing
Quote: וְאִם־לֹ֣א אֵ֭פוֹ מִ֣י יַכְזִיבֵ֑נִי וְיָשֵׂ֥ם לְ֝אַ֗ל מִלָּתִֽי (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 if anyone believes that what I have said is not true, then I challenge him to prove me wrong and show that what I have said is not valid”
And if not
Quote: וְאִם־לֹ֣א (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 if what I am saying is not true”
and make my word nothing
Quote: וְיָשֵׂ֥ם לְ֝אַ֗ל מִלָּתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression means to show that something is of no value, that is, not valid. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and show that my word is not valid”
my word
Quote: מִלָּתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term word to mean what he has been saying by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I have said”
Job 25
Job 25 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is the third and final speech of Job’s friend Bildad.
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
The brevity of Bildad’s speech
This speech by Bildad is much shorter than his first two speeches. It is also much shorter than the three speeches that Eliphaz has given to this point in the book and the two speeches that Zophar has given. The likely explanation is that Job’s friends are running out of things to say to him. Indeed, Zophar does not give a third speech at all. The narrator says in 32:3 that the three friends “found no answer” for Job’s arguments. The brevity of Bildad’s third speech and the absence of a third speech by Zophar dramatize this. Since the narrator eventually offers an explanation, it would not be necessary to put an explanation in your translation at the end of this chapter such as, “And that was all that Job’s friends had to say to him.”
God’s holiness and human sinfulness
In this short speech, Bildad describes God’s holiness and human sinfulness. While the points he makes are accurate, they are not convincing for Job, because he has actually been righteous. (See: holy, holiness, unholy, sacred and sin, sinful, sinner, sinning and righteous, righteousness, unrighteous, unrighteousness, upright, uprightness)
Translation Issues in This Chapter
Bildad using the words of Eliphaz
Although Bildad speaks only briefly, he repeats significant phrases from Eliphaz’s first and second speeches. Bildad asks in verse 4, “So how will a man be righteous with God? Or how will one born of a woman be pure?” Eliphaz had asked similarly in 4:17, “Will a man be more righteous than God? If a man will be more pure than his Maker?” and in 15:14, “What is man, that he should be pure, or that one born of a woman should be righteous?” To show this, it would be helpful to use the same wording in your translation of 25:4 that you used in 4:17 and 15:14.
Job 25:2
Dominion and fear {are} with him
Quote: הַמְשֵׁ֣ל וָפַ֣חַד עִמּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun him refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Dominion and awe are with God” or “God possesses dominion and awe”
Dominion and fear {are} with him
Quote: הַמְשֵׁ֣ל וָפַ֣חַד עִמּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word fear tells what response God’s Dominion produces in those who recognize its powerful and holy character. (In this context, the word fear describes reverence and respect for God and awe at his greatness.) 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: “Fearful dominion is with him” or “Awesome dominion is with him”
Dominion and fear {are} with him
Quote: הַמְשֵׁ֣ל וָפַ֣חַד עִמּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of Dominion and fear, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “God rules in a way that inspires great respect”
the one making peace in his heights
Quote: עֹשֶׂ֥ה שָׁ֝ל֗וֹם בִּמְרוֹמָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word translated peace could mean: (1) harmonious order. Alternate translation: “the one who establishes harmonious order” (2) the absence of conflict. Alternate translation: “the one who rules without opposition” or “the one who rules without rebellion”
in his heights
Quote: בִּמְרוֹמָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
See how you translated the same expression in 16:19. Alternate translation: “in his highest heaven” or “in heaven, where he rules supremely”
Job 25:3
Is there a number to his troops? And upon whom does his light not arise
Quote: הֲיֵ֣שׁ מִ֭סְפָּר לִגְדוּדָ֑יו וְעַל־מִ֝֗י לֹא־יָק֥וּם אוֹרֵֽהוּ (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: “There is no number to his troops! His light arises on everyone!”
Is there a number to his troops
Quote: הֲיֵ֣שׁ מִ֭סְפָּר לִגְדוּדָ֑יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
In this verse, Bildad is describing God’s greatness by saying that at night, there are too many stars in the sky to count, and by day, the sun shines all over the world. So in this context, the word troops implicitly refers to the stars as if they were soldiers. Alternate translation: “Is there a number to the stars?” or “There are too many stars in the sky to count!”
And upon whom does his light not arise
Quote: וְעַל־מִ֝֗י לֹא־יָק֥וּם אוֹרֵֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Bildad is using the term light by association to mean the sun. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And upon whom does the sun not rise?” or “And the sun shines on everyone!”
Job 25:4
So how will a man be righteous with God? Or how will one born of a woman be pure
Quote: וּמַה־יִּצְדַּ֣ק אֱנ֣וֹשׁ עִם־אֵ֑ל וּמַה־יִּ֝זְכֶּ֗ה יְל֣וּד אִשָּֽׁה (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: “A man cannot be righteous with God! One born of a woman cannot be clean!”
a man
Quote: אֱנ֣וֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a person”
one born of a woman
Quote: יְל֣וּד אִשָּֽׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
See how you translated this expression in 15:14. Alternate translation: “a mortal”
Job 25:5
the moon does not shine
Quote: יָ֭רֵחַ וְלֹ֣א יַאֲהִ֑יל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Bildad implicitly means that compared with God’s holiness, the moon does not shine with the brightness of a pure, holy thing. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the moon has no holy brightness”
in his eyes
Quote: בְעֵינָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Bildad 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 his perspective”
Job 25:6
Indeed that a man, a worm
Quote: אַ֭ף כִּֽי־אֱנ֣וֹשׁ רִמָּ֑ה (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 a man, a worm”
Indeed that a man, a worm
Quote: אַ֭ף כִּֽי־אֱנ֣וֹשׁ רִמָּ֑ה (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: “How much less could a man, a worm, be pure”
a man, … or a son of man
Quote: אֱנ֣וֹשׁ & וּבֶן־אָ֝דָ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the terms man and son are masculine, here both words have 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 human … or a human child”
a man, a worm
Quote: אֱנ֣וֹשׁ רִמָּ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is speaking as if a human were literally a worm. He probably means that humans are lowly, just as worms are lowly, living in the dirt. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that lowly creature”
or a son of man, a grub
Quote: וּבֶן־אָ֝דָ֗ם תּוֹלֵעָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Bildad is similarly speaking as if a human were literally a grub. Once again the basis of the comparison seems to be that just as grubs live in the earth, God originally formed humans from the earth. So this is a parallel poetic reference to human mortality. Rather than repeat the image, it may be more natural in your language to translate this as an explanatory phrase. Alternate translation, not preceded by a comma: “whom God formed from the earth”
Job 26
Job 26 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter begins a long response by Job first to Bildad’s last speech and then to the friends in general. Bildad had spoken briefly of the greatness of God. Job shows that he is a truly godly man who appreciates God’s greatness by describing it in this chapter at greater length and in more eloquent language. Job told the friends in 12:3 that he had just as much wisdom as they did, and he demonstrates that in this chapter.
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
Litany
In verses 7–9, Job makes a series of statements about God that have a similar form. 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 help them appreciate it by putting each sentence of the litany on a separate line. See what you did with the similar litany in chapter 12. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make each verse in the litany a separate sentence. For example, you could begin verse 7, “God stretches out.” Notes to verses 7–9 offer further suggestions.
Translation Issues in This Chapter
Reference of “he,” “him,” and “his”
The pronouns “he,” “him,” and “his” all refer to God throughout this chapter. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could specify the referent and say “God” or “God’s” at regular intervals for clarity.
Job 26:2
How you have helped {the one} without power! You have saved the arm of no strength
Quote: מֶה־עָזַ֥רְתָּ לְלֹא־כֹ֑חַ ה֝וֹשַׁ֗עְתָּ זְר֣וֹעַ לֹא־עֹֽז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
For 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. Alternate translation: “You have not helped the one without power! You have not saved the arm of no strength”
How you have helped {the one} without power! You have saved the arm of no strength
Quote: מֶה־עָזַ֥רְתָּ לְלֹא־כֹ֑חַ ה֝וֹשַׁ֗עְתָּ זְר֣וֹעַ לֹא־עֹֽז (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: “You have not helped me, even though I was without power! You have not saved me, even though my arm had no strength”
you have helped {… You have saved
Quote: עָזַ֥רְתָּ & ה֝וֹשַׁ֗עְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
In this verse, as well as in verses 3 and 4, the word you is singular because Job is addressing Bildad directly. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
the arm of no strength
Quote: זְר֣וֹעַ לֹא־עֹֽז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his arm, to mean all of him as someone who is struggling to have strength during difficulties. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a person of no strength” or “me, even though I had no strength”
Job 26:3
How you have advised {one} without wisdom! Insight in abundance, you have made known
Quote: מַה־יָּ֭עַצְתָּ לְלֹ֣א חָכְמָ֑ה וְ֝תוּשִׁיָּ֗ה לָרֹ֥ב הוֹדָֽעְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
For emphasis, Job is continuing to say 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. Alternate translation: “You have not really advised one without wisdom! You have not really made known insight in abundance”
How you have advised {one} without wisdom
Quote: מַה־יָּ֭עַצְתָּ לְלֹ֣א חָכְמָ֑ה (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: “You have not really advised me, even though I was without wisdom”
Job 26:4
With whom did you declare words? And the breath of whom came out from you
Quote: אֶת־מִ֭י הִגַּ֣דְתָּ מִלִּ֑ין וְנִשְׁמַת־מִ֝י יָצְאָ֥ה מִמֶּֽךָּ (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: “Someone must have helped you declare those words! Someone else’s breath must have come out from you!”
With whom did you declare words? And the breath of whom came out from you
Quote: אֶת־מִ֭י הִגַּ֣דְתָּ מִלִּ֑ין וְנִשְׁמַת־מִ֝י יָצְאָ֥ה מִמֶּֽךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is implying that God must have helped Bildad speak, although he does not really mean it (see next note). You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “God must have helped you declare those words! God’s own breath must have come out from you!”
With whom did you declare words? And the breath of whom came out from you
Quote: אֶת־מִ֭י הִגַּ֣דְתָּ מִלִּ֑ין וְנִשְׁמַת־מִ֝י יָצְאָ֥ה מִמֶּֽךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
For emphasis, Job is continuing to say 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. Alternate translation: “You are merely sharing human opinions! You have no divinely granted insights!”
With whom did you declare words
Quote: אֶת־מִ֭י הִגַּ֣דְתָּ מִלִּ֑ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term words to mean what Bildad has just said by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God must have helped you say what you did!” or, showing that Job is saying the opposite of what he means, “What you said was merely your own human opinion”
And the breath of whom came out from you
Quote: וְנִשְׁמַת־מִ֝י יָצְאָ֥ה מִמֶּֽךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The word translated breath can also mean “spirit,” so this could mean: (1) that Job is making a parallel statement to the first part of the verse, using the breath that comes out of a person’s mouth while he is speaking to mean the act of speaking itself. Alternate translation: “And who was speaking with you as you spoke” or “And who enabled you to speak so well” or “It is certainly not as if God was helping you speak!” (2) that Job is suggesting (while meaning the opposite of what he is saying) that an angel or God’s Spirit must have inspired Bildad to say what he did. Alternate translation: “And what spirit inspired you to speak so well” or “And was it not God’s Spirit who inspired you to speak so well”
Job 26:5
The Raphaites tremble
Quote: הָרְפָאִ֥ים יְחוֹלָ֑לוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, at this point in this speech, Job begins a description of the greatness of God. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “But as for the greatness of God, the Raphaites tremble”
from below the waters and the ones inhabiting them
Quote: מִתַּ֥חַת מַ֝֗יִם וְשֹׁכְנֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job implicitly means that the spirits of dead people tremble from their abode in Sheol, which he names specifically in the next verse but which he identifies by its location in this verse. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “from their abode deep below the sea, deep below the creatures that live in the sea”
Job 26:6
Sheol {is} naked before him
Quote: עָר֣וֹם שְׁא֣וֹל נֶגְדּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the pronoun him in this verse refers to God, as do the pronouns “he,” “him,” and “his” throughout the chapter. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, here and at selected other places in the chapter. Alternate translation: “Sheol is naked before God”
Sheol {is} naked before him
Quote: עָר֣וֹם שְׁא֣וֹל נֶגְדּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of Sheol as if it were literally not wearing any clothing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Sheol is open before God” or “God can look right into Sheol”
and {there is} no covering to Abaddon
Quote: וְאֵ֥ין כְּ֝ס֗וּת לָֽאֲבַדּֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Abaddon, which means “destruction,” is another name for Sheol.
and {there is} no covering to Abaddon
Quote: וְאֵ֥ין כְּ֝ס֗וּת לָֽאֲבַדּֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if it might be possible to put an actual covering over Abaddon to keep God from seeing into it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and nothing keeps God from seeing into Abaddon”
Job 26:7
the one stretching out the north over nothingness, hanging the earth upon nothing
Quote: נֹטֶ֣ה צָפ֣וֹן עַל־תֹּ֑הוּ תֹּ֥לֶה אֶ֝֗רֶץ עַל־בְּלִי־מָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Job is using the two major components of creation, the sky (which he calls the north) and the earth, to mean all of creation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the one having made all of creation where previously nothing was”
the one stretching out the north over nothingness, hanging the earth upon nothing
Quote: נֹטֶ֣ה צָפ֣וֹן עַל־תֹּ֑הוּ תֹּ֥לֶה אֶ֝֗רֶץ עַל־בְּלִי־מָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God had literally stretched out the north (the sky) over nothingness and hung the earth on nothing. Since he speaks of the “pillars” of the heavens in verse 11, he is probably not saying directly that the sky and the earth are suspended over empty space. Instead, he is probably referring to God having created the sky and the land by bringing order to watery chaos. Job says this specifically in verses 12 and 13. Alternate translation: “the one having created the sky and the land by bringing order to watery chaos”
the one stretching out
Quote: נֹטֶ֣ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litany
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, this is the beginning of a litany that extends through verse 9. See that discussion and the notes to verses 7–9 for suggestions of how to present this material in a way that may be helpful to your readers.
the one stretching out
Quote: נֹטֶ֣ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun one refers to God, not to Abaddon. 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 stretching out”
the north
Quote: צָפ֣וֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term north by association to mean the bright constellations in the northern sky, and so by further association the stars, and by even further association the sky itself, where the stars appear. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the sky”
Job 26:8
the one binding the waters in his clouds, but the cloud is not torn under them
Quote: צֹרֵֽר־מַ֥יִם בְּעָבָ֑יו וְלֹא־נִבְקַ֖ע עָנָ֣ן תַּחְתָּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God literally uses clouds to bind or tie up the waters that eventually fall from those clouds to earth as rain. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as a new sentence: “God makes rainclouds that contain much water”
but the cloud is not torn under them
Quote: וְלֹא־נִבְקַ֖ע עָנָ֣ן תַּחְתָּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific cloud. He means clouds, specifically rainclouds, in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “but those rainclouds are not torn under those waters”
but the cloud is not torn under them
Quote: וְלֹא־נִבְקַ֖ע עָנָ֣ן תַּחְתָּֽם (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 those waters do not tear the clouds under them” or “but the weight of those waters does not tear the clouds apart”
Job 26:9
the face of
Quote: פְּנֵי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if the surface of the moon were literally its face. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the surface of”
his cloud
Quote: עֲנָנֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific cloud. He means all the clouds that God would use to cover the moon. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “his clouds”
Job 26:10
He has circled a limit on the face of the waters
Quote: חֹֽק־חָ֭ג עַל־פְּנֵי־מָ֑יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if the surface of the waters or oceans were literally their face. He is describing the horizon, which, to a land-bound observer, seems to be a limit on how far the oceans extend. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God has placed a circular limit on the surface of the oceans”
unto the boundary of light with darkness
Quote: עַד־תַּכְלִ֖ית א֣וֹר עִם־חֹֽשֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job implicitly means that the limit that God has placed on the extent of the oceans coincides with the bottom of the dome of the sky, which people in this culture considered to be a solid object. Beneath the dome, in which the sun, moon, and stars shone, there was light. Beyond the dome was darkness. So Job is using the boundary of light with darkness to refer by association to the sky. You could indicate this in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “at the bottom of the dome of the sky”
Job 26:11
The pillars of the heavens tremble and marvel at his rebuke
Quote: עַמּוּדֵ֣י שָׁמַ֣יִם יְרוֹפָ֑פוּ וְ֝יִתְמְה֗וּ מִגַּעֲרָתֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Many interpreters believe that here Job is speaking of high mountains as if they were the pillars of the heavens, since they appear to hold up the sky. Job would also be speaking as if God were literally issuing a rebuke to the mountains and that in response, they tremble and marvel. The reference may be to an earthquake, which causes mountains to shake. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God sends earthquakes that make even the high mountains shake”
tremble and marvel
Quote: יְרוֹפָ֑פוּ וְ֝יִתְמְה֗וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word marvel, a reference to being astonished by the power of God, tells why the pillars of the heavens tremble. 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: “shake with fear”
Job 26:12
he shattered Rahab
Quote: מָ֣חַץ רָֽהַב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated the name Rahab in 9:13. Alternate translation: ”he defeated the sea monster that is associated with chaos“
Job 26:13
By his breath the skies {become} clearness
Quote: בְּ֭רוּחוֹ שָׁמַ֣יִם שִׁפְרָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is probably speaking as if strong winds, which clear the clouds from the sky after a storm, are the breath of God. Even though the word translated breath can also mean “wind” or “Spirit,” Job is probably using a poetic image rather than a literal statement to describe the power of God. If it would be more natural in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God sends strong winds to clear the sky of clouds after a storm”
the fleeing serpent
Quote: נָחָ֥שׁ בָּרִֽיחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The expression the fleeing serpent is another name for the sea monster. (In Isaiah 27:1, the sea monster is called ”the fleeing serpent“ and Leviathan.) See how you translated the name Leviathan in 3:8 and the name Rahab in the previous verse. Alternate translation: ”the sea monster that is associated with chaos“
his hand pierced the fleeing serpent
Quote: חֹֽלֲלָ֥ה יָ֝ד֗וֹ נָחָ֥שׁ בָּרִֽיחַ (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 doing combat with the chaos monster. He means that with a weapon such as a sword, God pierced the monster, that is, stabbed it to death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in combat, he killed the chaos monster”
Job 26:14
are the edges of his ways
Quote: קְצ֬וֹת דְּרָכָ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of the things that God does as if they were ways or paths that God was walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “are a small part of his actions”
and how small a word we hear of him
Quote: וּמַה־שֵּׁ֣מֶץ דָּ֭בָר נִשְׁמַע־בּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job may be using the term word in the sense of the sound of a word, in which case the term small would indicate a faint sound or whisper. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and how faint a whisper we hear of him”
And the thunder of his power, who will understand
Quote: וְרַ֥עַם גְּ֝בוּרוֹתָ֗יו מִ֣י יִתְבּוֹנָֽן (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, no one can understand the thunder of his power!”
And the thunder of his power
Quote: וְרַ֥עַם גְּ֝בוּרוֹתָ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is using this possessive form to describe thunder that is characterized by power. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “And his powerful thunder”
Job 27
Job 27 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is a continuation of Job’s response to Bildad and the other two friends. - Verses 1–10: Job insists that he is godly and will continue to live that way - Verses 11–23: Job describes how God punishes wicked people
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
Reference of “he,” “him,” and “his”
From verse 14 through to the end of the chapter, the pronouns “he,” “him,” and “his” refer to the “wicked man” whom Job first mentions in verse 13. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could specify the referent and say “a wicked man” at regular intervals for clarity. Notes suggest how you might do this at various places.
Job 27:1
And Job continued to take up his discourse, and he said
Quote: וַיֹּ֣סֶף אִ֭יּוֹב שְׂאֵ֥ת מְשָׁל֗וֹ וַיֹּאמַֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The narrator is speaking as if Job’s discourse or speech were an object that he could take up or pick up. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “As Job continued his speech, he said” or “Job continued speaking and he said”
Job 27:2
As} God lives, {who} has taken away my justice, the Almighty, {who} has made my life bitter
Quote: חַי־אֵ֭ל הֵסִ֣יר מִשְׁפָּטִ֑י וְ֝שַׁדַּ֗י הֵמַ֥ר נַפְשִֽׁי (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 God lives, who has taken away my justice; as the Almighty lives, who has made my life bitter”
As} God lives, {who} has taken away my justice, the Almighty, {who} has made my life bitter
Quote: חַי־אֵ֭ל הֵסִ֣יר מִשְׁפָּטִ֑י וְ֝שַׁדַּ֗י הֵמַ֥ר נַפְשִֽׁי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
Job is swearing an oath in the way that was characteristic in his culture. In your translation, you can translate this in the way that would be characteristic in your culture. Alternate translation: “I swear by God, who has turned away my justice; I swear by the Almighty, who has made my life bitter”
who} has taken away my justice
Quote: הֵסִ֣יר מִשְׁפָּטִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of his justice as if it were an object that God had taken away from him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who has denied justice to me”
Job 27:3
that
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
Job is using the word that to introduce the content of the oath that he began to swear in the previous verse. In some cases, if you translated the previous verse to reflect the way people swear oaths in your culture, you may not need to include the word that here. If you chose to reflect the way Job swore this oath following the practices of his own culture, it may be helpful to show what he is using the word that to mean. Alternate translation: “I swear that”
and breath from God {being} in my nose
Quote: וְר֖וּחַ אֱל֣וֹהַּ בְּאַפִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the breath in his nose by association to mean breathing, and he is using breathing by association to mean being alive. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and for as long as I draw the breath of life” or “and for as long as I am alive”
Job 27:4
if my lips speak wickedness, or my tongue, if it utters deceit
Quote: אִם־תְּדַבֵּ֣רְנָה שְׂפָתַ֣י עַוְלָ֑ה וּ֝לְשׁוֹנִ֗י אִם־יֶהְגֶּ֥ה רְמִיָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
This is the conclusion of the oath that Job is swearing. In this culture, people would swear an oath by stating the first part of a condition but not the second part. (But see the General Notes to chapter 31, which explain how Job does state the second part of many conditions in the oaths that he swears in that chapter.) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explicitly state the implied second part of the condition. Alternate translation: “if my lips speak wickedness, or if my tongue utters deceit, may God punish me severely!”
if my lips speak wickedness, or my tongue, if it utters deceit
Quote: אִם־תְּדַבֵּ֣רְנָה שְׂפָתַ֣י עַוְלָ֑ה וּ֝לְשׁוֹנִ֗י אִם־יֶהְגֶּ֥ה רְמִיָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using parts of himself, his lips and his tongue, 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: “if I speak wickedness or utter deceit”
if my lips speak wickedness, or my tongue, if it utters deceit
Quote: אִם־תְּדַבֵּ֣רְנָה שְׂפָתַ֣י עַוְלָ֑ה וּ֝לְשׁוֹנִ֗י אִם־יֶהְגֶּ֥ה רְמִיָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of wickedness and deceit, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “if I say anything that is wicked or deceitful”
Job 27:5
Sacrilege to me if I justify you
Quote: חָלִ֣ילָה לִּי֮ אִם־אַצְדִּ֪יק אֶ֫תְכֶ֥ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using this expression to mean that he would no more justify his friends (that is, agree that they are right) than he would commit a Sacrilege, that is, do something that he knew would be offensive to God in a religious sense. Your language may have an expression with a similar sense that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “God forbid that I justify you” or “Far be it from me to justify you”
you
Quote: אֶ֫תְכֶ֥ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The word you is plural here because Job is addressing his three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
I expire
Quote: אֶגְוָ֑ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
See how you translated the term expire in 3:11. Alternate translation: “I pass away”
I will not turn my integrity away from me
Quote: לֹא־אָסִ֖יר תֻּמָּתִ֣י מִמֶּֽנִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his integrity, meaning in this case his conviction that he has been acting properly, were a person whom he could turn away and make go somewhere else. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will keep insisting that I have been acting properly”
Job 27:6
I grasp my righteousness and I will not let it go
Quote: בְּצִדְקָתִ֣י הֶ֭חֱזַקְתִּי וְלֹ֣א אַרְפֶּ֑הָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his righteousness were literally an object that he was holding onto. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am going to continue to insist that I am righteous”
my heart will not reproach {me
Quote: לֹֽא־יֶחֱרַ֥ף לְ֝בָבִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking as if his heart, which in this context represents his conscience, were a person who might reproach him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will not have a guilty conscience”
my heart will not reproach {me
Quote: לֹֽא־יֶחֱרַ֥ף לְ֝בָבִ֗י (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 reproach. Alternate translation: “I will be confident that I have acted properly”
from my days
Quote: מִיָּמָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using this expression to describe his lifetime. He means the period extending from his earliest days of life to the present. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for as long as I live”
Job 27:7
May my enemy be like the wicked, and the one rising up against me like the unrighteous
Quote: יְהִ֣י כְ֭רָשָׁע אֹ֣יְבִ֑י וּמִתְקוֹמְמִ֥י כְעַוָּֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this culture, people would make clear that they did not want something to happen to them by saying they wanted it to happen to their enemies. That showed that it was the opposite of what they wanted for themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I do not want to be anything like the wicked or the unrighteous”
like the wicked, … like the unrighteous
Quote: כְ֭רָשָׁע & כְעַוָּֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjectives wicked and unrighteous 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: “like wicked people … like unrighteous people”
and the one rising up against me like the unrighteous
Quote: וּמִתְקוֹמְמִ֥י כְעַוָּֽל (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 one rising up against me be like the unrighteous”
and the one rising up against me
Quote: וּמִתְקוֹמְמִ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if this person were literally rising up, that is, standing up from a seating or lying position, in order to attack him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the one opposing me”
Job 27:8
For what {is} the hope of the godless when he cuts {him} off, when God takes away his life
Quote: כִּ֤י מַה־תִּקְוַ֣ת חָ֭נֵף כִּ֣י יִבְצָ֑ע כִּ֤י יֵ֖שֶׁל אֱל֣וֹהַּ נַפְשֽׁוֹ (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: “For the godless has no hope when he cuts him off, when God takes away his life.”
For what {is} the hope of the godless
Quote: כִּ֤י מַה־תִּקְוַ֣ת חָ֭נֵף (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: “For what does the godless hope for” or, as a statement, “For the godless has nothing to hope for”
the godless
Quote: חָ֭נֵף (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”
when he cuts {him} off, when God takes away his life
Quote: כִּ֣י יִבְצָ֑ע כִּ֤י יֵ֖שֶׁל אֱל֣וֹהַּ נַפְשֽׁוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
As the context makes clear, the pronoun he refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers by naming God in the first part of the verse and using a pronoun in the second part of the verse. Alternate translation: “when God cuts him off, when he takes away his life”
he cuts {him} off
Quote: יִבְצָ֑ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated the similar expression in 6:9. Alternate translation: “he kills him” or “God kills him”
Job 27:9
Will God hear his cry when trouble comes upon him
Quote: הַֽ֭צַעֲקָתוֹ יִשְׁמַ֥ע ׀ אֵ֑ל כִּֽי־תָב֖וֹא עָלָ֣יו צָרָֽה (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: “God will not hear his cry when trouble comes upon him!”
Will God hear his cry
Quote: הַֽ֭צַעֲקָתוֹ יִשְׁמַ֥ע ׀ אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using the term hear in a specific sense to mean “answer.” Alternate translation: “Will God answer his cry for help”
when trouble comes upon him
Quote: כִּֽי־תָב֖וֹא עָלָ֣יו צָרָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of trouble as if it were a living thing that could come upon a wicked person (for example, as an animal might pounce on its prey). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when he experiences trouble” or “when he gets into trouble”
Job 27:10
If he will delight himself in the Almighty? Will he call {to} God in every time
Quote: אִם־עַל־שַׁדַּ֥י יִתְעַנָּ֑ג יִקְרָ֖א אֱל֣וֹהַּ בְּכָל־עֵֽת (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: “He will not delight himself in the Almighty! He will not call to God in every time!”
Job 27:11
you
Quote: אֶתְכֶ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The word you is plural here because Job is addressing his three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
about the hand of God
Quote: בְּיַד־אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand represents the activity of a person by association with the way that people use their hands to do things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “about the activity of God”
what {is} with the Almighty
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֥ר עִם־שַׁ֝דַּ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is not using this expression to suggest that there are certain things with the Almighty, that is, objects that are in his presence. Rather, the expression refers to the things that pertain to the Almighty, meaning his characteristic ways of doing things. In this context, the expression refers to the way that the Almighty actually treats the wicked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how the Almighty does things” or “how the Almighty actually treats the wicked,”
I will not conceal
Quote: לֹ֣א אֲכַחֵֽד (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 conceal. Alternate translation: “I will reveal”
Job 27:12
you have seen {this} yourselves, all of you
Quote: אַתֶּ֣ם כֻּלְּכֶ֣ם חֲזִיתֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated 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. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun yourselves. Alternate translation: “all of you have seen this quite clearly”
you have seen {this} yourselves, all of you
Quote: אַתֶּ֣ם כֻּלְּכֶ֣ם חֲזִיתֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, to see means to “experience.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all of you have experienced this quite consistently”
why then do you vainly speak this vanity
Quote: וְלָמָּה־זֶּ֝֗ה הֶ֣בֶל תֶּהְבָּֽלוּ (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: “therefore you should not vainly speak this vanity”
why then do you vainly speak this vanity
Quote: וְלָמָּה־זֶּ֝֗ה הֶ֣בֶל תֶּהְבָּֽלוּ (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: “why then do you speak this utter vanity” or, as a statement, “you should therefore not speak this utter vanity”
Job 27:13
This {is} the portion of a wicked man with God
Quote: זֶ֤ה ׀ חֵֽלֶק־אָדָ֖ם רָשָׁ֥ע ׀ עִם־אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if the punishment that God assigns to a wicked man were literally a portion or share of goods that God allotted to that person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This is the punishment that God assigns to a wicked man”
a wicked man
Quote: אָדָ֖ם רָשָׁ֥ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a wicked person”
and the heritage of oppressors, they receive {it} from the Almighty
Quote: וְֽנַחֲלַ֥ת עָ֝רִיצִ֗ים מִשַּׁדַּ֥י יִקָּֽחוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if the punishment that the Almighty assigns to oppressors were literally a heritage or inheritance that he leaves to them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and this is the punishment that oppressors receive from the Almighty”
Job 27:14
If his children multiply, {it is} for the sword
Quote: אִם־יִרְבּ֣וּ בָנָ֣יו לְמוֹ־חָ֑רֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term sword by association to mean death, since in this culture people killed others with swords. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Even if a wicked person has many children, they will all die”
bread
Quote: לָֽחֶם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job 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: “food”
Job 27:15
His survivor will be buried in death
Quote: שְׂ֭רִידָיו בַּמָּ֣וֶת יִקָּבֵ֑רוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The term death could mean: (1) death literally. Alternate translation: “His survivor will die and be buried” (2) a plague, in which case Job would be using a general term for death to mean one specific cause of death. There is a similar use in Jeremiah 15:2. In that case Job could also be speaking as if the plague itself had buried this survivor, meaning that it had caused his death. Alternate translation: “His survivor will be buried by a plague” or “A plague will kill his survivor”
His survivor
Quote: שְׂ֭רִידָיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean: (1) the wicked person’s last surviving descendant. Alternate translation: “his last survivor” or “the end of his line” (2) not a specific survivor but his surviving descendants in general. Alternate translation: “his descendants”
and his widows will not lament
Quote: וְ֝אַלְמְנֹתָ֗יו לֹ֣א תִבְכֶּֽינָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In this culture, a man might marry more than one woman, so by widows, Job means implicitly that this “wicked man” had more than one wife. You may find it more suitable to use a singular form in your translation. Alternate translation: “and his widow will not lament”
Job 27:16
he heaps up silver like the dust and he piles up clothing like clay mounds
Quote: יִצְבֹּ֣ר כֶּעָפָ֣ר כָּ֑סֶף וְ֝כַחֹ֗מֶר יָכִ֥ין מַלְבּֽוּשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as dust is abundant and clay mounds contain great quantities of clay, so a wicked person might acquire silver in abundance and clothing in great quantities. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “a wicked person acquires an abundant amount of silver and great quantities of clothing”
silver
Quote: כָּ֑סֶף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one valuable commodity, silver, to represent wealth in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “wealth”
Job 27:17
but the righteous … the innocent
Quote: וְצַדִּ֣יק & נָקִ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjectives righteous and innocent 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: “but a righteous person … an innocent person”
Job 27:18
He builds his house as a moth {does}, and like a hut {that} a guard makes
Quote: בָּנָ֣ה כָעָ֣שׁ בֵּית֑וֹ וּ֝כְסֻכָּ֗ה עָשָׂ֥ה נֹצֵֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of these comparisons is that the house of a moth, that is, its cocoon, is very fragile, as is a hut that a guard would build in a field out of branches to watch over crops during harvest time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “The house that he builds is as fragile as a moth’s cocoon, as rickety as a hut that a guard would build out of branches”
He builds his house as a moth {does}, and like a hut {that} a guard makes
Quote: בָּנָ֣ה כָעָ֣שׁ בֵּית֑וֹ וּ֝כְסֻכָּ֗ה עָשָׂ֥ה נֹצֵֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
While the actual house of a wicked person might become abandoned and collapse from neglect, Job could be using the term house to represent the life of that person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The life that he creates for himself is as fragile as a moth’s cocoon, as rickety as a hut that a guard would build from branches”
He builds his house as a moth {does
Quote: בָּנָ֣ה כָעָ֣שׁ בֵּית֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A moth is a flying insect that is typically active at night. It begins life as a wingless larva. The larva eventually spins a silk cocoon around itself, and inside that cocoon, it changes into a flying moth. If your readers would not be familiar with what a moth is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable creature that your readers would recognize and that similarly builds a fragile structure. The UST models one way to do this.
Job 27:19
He lies down rich, … he opens his eyes
Quote: עָשִׁ֣יר יִ֭שְׁכַּב & עֵינָ֖יו פָּקַ֣ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is speaking of going to sleep and waking up by association with things that people do when they go to sleep (lie down in bed) and wake up (open their eyes). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He goes to sleep rich … he wakes up”
He lies down rich, … he opens his eyes
Quote: עָשִׁ֣יר יִ֭שְׁכַּב & עֵינָ֖יו פָּקַ֣ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Job is making an overstatement to emphasize how quickly a wicked person loses his wealth. He is speaking as if that person would go to sleep rich and wake up with nothing, that is, as if he would lose all of his riches in a single night. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “He may be rich … only a short time passes”
but he does not continue
Quote: וְלֹ֣א יֵאָסֵ֑ף (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: “but he does not continue to be rich”
and there is not to him
Quote: וְאֵינֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression means that the wicked person no longer has any possessions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he discovers that he no longer has any possessions”
Job 27:20
a storm carries him away in the night
Quote: לַ֝֗יְלָה גְּנָבַ֥תּוּ סוּפָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if a storm would literally carry a wicked person away. He means that that person perishes as quickly and unexpectedly as he would if a storm carried him away. It may be more natural in your language to represent this image as a comparison. Alternate translation: “he perishes quickly and unexpectedly, as if a storm had carried him away in the night”
Job 27:21
The east wind takes him away, and he leaves; indeed, it blasts him from his place
Quote: יִשָּׂאֵ֣הוּ קָדִ֣ים וְיֵלַ֑ךְ וִֽ֝ישָׂעֲרֵ֗הוּ מִמְּקֹמֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is continuing to speak as if a wind would literally pick up a wicked person and carry him away. If you decided to represent this image as a comparison in the previous verse, you can continue to do that in this verse. Alternate translation: “Yes, it is as if the east wind takes him away, blowing him right out of his home, so that he is gone”
The east wind
Quote: קָדִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job lived in a place where there was desert to the east, so he is referring implicitly to a strong, hot wind coming from the desert. In your translation, you could refer to the direction from which the strongest and stormiest winds come in your area.
Job 27:22
And it hurls {itself} upon him and does not pity
Quote: וְיַשְׁלֵ֣ךְ עָ֭לָיו וְלֹ֣א יַחְמֹ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of this wind as if it were a living thing that could hurl itself upon a wicked person and not pity him, that is, not show him any mercy. If you decided to represent this image as a comparison in the previous two verses, you can continue to do that in this verse. Alternate translation: “It is as if a violent wind is blowing against him relentlessly”
fleeing, he flees
Quote: בָּר֥וֹחַ יִבְרָֽח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication
Job is repeating the verb “flee” in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. The specific sense here is that the wicked person is trying desperately to flee from this strong wind. 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 tries desperately to escape” or “it is as if he is trying desperately to escape”
from its hand
Quote: מִ֝יָּד֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand represents power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from its power”
Job 27:23
It claps its hands at him
Quote: יִשְׂפֹּ֣ק עָלֵ֣ימוֹ כַפֵּ֑ימוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In this culture, people would clap their hands together as a symbolic action to express negative emotions such as grief, indignation, or derision. In this context, Job is speaking as if the wind were expressing derision at the wicked person. If it would be helpful to your readers, particularly if people in your culture clap their hands together to express positive emotions such as approval and admiration, you could explain the significance of this action in your translation. You could also name a gesture that people in your culture use to express derision. Alternate translation: “It is as if such a wind claps its hands at him in derision” or “It is as if such a wind points its finger derisively at him”
and hisses at him
Quote: וְיִשְׁרֹ֥ק עָ֝לָ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In this culture, people would make a hissing sound in order to express derision. Job is speaking as if the wind were also expressing derision at the wicked person by making such a sound. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in your translation. You could also name a sound that people in your culture make in order to express derision. Alternate translation: “and makes a derisive hissing sound” or “and laughs derisively at him”
from his place
Quote: מִמְּקֹמֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean: (1) that the wind Job is describing hisses at the wicked person from within the home that it has forced him to abandon. (Job says of the wind in verse 21, “it blasts him from his place.”) Alternate translation: “from within his former home, which this wind now occupies” (2) that the wind hisses at the wicked person now that he is out of his place. Alternate translation: “because he has had to abandon his home”
Job 28
Job 28 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is a continuation of Job’s response to Bildad and the other two friends. In this part of his speech, Job discusses how people can obtain wisdom. Both he and his friends have stressed the importance of wisdom (for example, in 12:2, 15:8, and 26:3). Job says at the end of this eloquent discussion, “Behold, the fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to turn from evil is understanding.” The implication is that Job, who prizes wisdom so much, would not have disrespected God, committed evil, and thus missed out on having wisdom. So in this chapter, Job gives another important defense of his innocence.
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
Reference of “it” in verses 13–18
Job introduces the subject of “wisdom” in verse 12. Then, from verse 14 through to the end of the chapter, he refers to wisdom most of the time with the pronouns “it” and “its.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could specify the referent and say “wisdom” at regular intervals for clarity. Notes suggest how you might do this at various places.
Job 28:1
and a place
Quote: וּ֝מָק֗וֹם (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 surely there is a place”
where} they refine gold
Quote: לַזָּהָ֥ב יָזֹֽקּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Here, 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 an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “where gold is refined” or “where people refine gold”
Job 28:2
Iron is taken from the dust
Quote: בַּ֭רְזֶל מֵעָפָ֣ר יֻקָּ֑ח (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 take iron from the dust”
from the dust
Quote: מֵעָפָ֣ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of the ground, the dust on its surface, to mean the ground itself. Iron is actually taken from deep in the ground. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the ground”
and one smelts copper {from} stone
Quote: וְ֝אֶ֗בֶן יָצ֥וּק נְחוּשָֽׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is speaking of the ore from which copper is smelted as stone, since that ore is a type of stone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and people smelt copper from ore”
and one smelts copper {from} stone
Quote: וְ֝אֶ֗בֶן יָצ֥וּק נְחוּשָֽׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The term “smelt” means to break ore into pieces and to use great heat to melt it so that a metal such as copper will separate from it. If your readers would not be familiar with the process of smelting, you could describe it with a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “and people break up ore and melt it in order to extract copper from it”
Job 28:3
Setting an end to darkness
Quote: קֵ֤ץ ׀ שָׂ֤ם לַחֹ֗שֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that the person he is describing either brings lights underground, where there is otherwise darkness, or opens a mineshaft that lets light in. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Bringing torches underground” or Opening a mine shaft”
he is searching out, to every extremity, a stone of
Quote: וּֽלְכָל־תַּ֭כְלִית ה֣וּא חוֹקֵ֑ר אֶ֖בֶן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun he refers to a person who is mining for precious metals. It does not refer back to anyone whom Job has mentioned previously. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “a miner searches, to every extremity, for a stone of”
he is searching out, to every extremity, a stone of
Quote: וּֽלְכָל־תַּ֭כְלִית ה֣וּא חוֹקֵ֑ר אֶ֖בֶן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Job says every here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “a miner searches everywhere he can to try to find a stone of”
a stone of gloom and deep darkness
Quote: אֶ֖בֶן אֹ֣פֶל וְצַלְמָֽוֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is using this possessive form to describe a stone that can only be found in gloom and deep darkness. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “a stone that can only be found in gloom and deep darkness”
a stone of gloom and deep darkness
Quote: אֶ֖בֶן אֹ֣פֶל וְצַלְמָֽוֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific stone. He means in general stone that contains precious metal, that is, ore. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “ore that can only be found in gloom and deep darkness”
a stone of gloom and deep darkness
Quote: אֶ֖בֶן אֹ֣פֶל וְצַלְמָֽוֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms gloom and deep darkness 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: “ore that can only be found where it is very dark”
a stone of gloom and deep darkness
Quote: אֶ֖בֶן אֹ֣פֶל וְצַלְמָֽוֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the phrase gloom and deep darkness by association to mean deep underground, where it is very dark. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “ore that can only be found deep underground”
Job 28:4
He opens a shaft away from habitation
Quote: פָּ֤רַץ נַ֨חַל ׀ מֵֽעִם־גָּ֗ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun He refers once again to a person who is mining for precious metals. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Since Job uses plural forms in the rest of this verse, you may wish to use a plural form here. Alternate translation: “Miners open shafts”
away from habitation
Quote: מֵֽעִם־גָּ֗ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of habitation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “far from where people live”
the ones forgotten by the foot
Quote: הַֽנִּשְׁכָּחִ֥ים מִנִּי־רָ֑גֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific foot. He means feet in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “the ones forgotten by feet”
the ones forgotten by the foot
Quote: הַֽנִּשְׁכָּחִ֥ים מִנִּי־רָ֑גֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of a foot as if it were a living thing that could be unaware of something. (That is what the term forgotten indicates here.) This could be describing: (1) the location of the mines. Job would be saying that they are in remote places where people do not go. In that case the word foot would represent people traveling. Alternate translation: “in places where people do not go”(2) the way that people walk on the ground above mines without realizing that miners are at work deep below them. Alternate translation, beginning a new sentence: “The people walking on the ground high above miners do not realize that they are there”
Away from man
Quote: מֵאֱנ֣וֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “Away from other people”
they dangle and swing
Quote: דַּ֖לּוּ & נָֽעוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that these miners dangle and swing from ropes in order to get down into the mines. He is emphasizing the risks that people will take in order to find precious metals. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “they dangle and swing dangerously from ropes in order to get down into their mines”
Job 28:5
The earth, from it comes bread, but beneath it, it is overturned as with fire
Quote: אֶ֗רֶץ מִמֶּ֥נָּה יֵֽצֵא־לָ֑חֶם וְ֝תַחְתֶּ֗יהָ נֶהְפַּ֥ךְ כְּמוֹ־אֵֽשׁ (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. In this verse, Job is drawing a contrast between the ordinary activities that take place on the surface of the earth and the extraordinary, dangerous activities that take place in mines below the earth. Alternate translation: “People grow food on the surface of the earth, but below the surface, people transform the earth by means such as fire”
bread
Quote: לָ֑חֶם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job 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: “food”
it is overturned as with fire
Quote: נֶהְפַּ֥ךְ כְּמוֹ־אֵֽשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if miners literally overturned the earth, that is, put on top what had been on the bottom. He is speaking generally of how miners reshape the terrain in which they work. (This could include actual overturning in some cases.) If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the terrain is reshaped as with fire” or “miners reshape the terrain as with fire”
it is overturned as with fire
Quote: נֶהְפַּ֥ךְ כְּמוֹ־אֵֽשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job assumes that his friends will understand that he is using the term fire to refer to an ancient mining practice. Miners would build fires against the walls of mines to heat the rock. They would then splash water against the heated rock to cause it to crack. This allowed them to extract ore more readily. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “miners reshape the terrain as they heat rock with fire and then douse it with water to crack it”
Job 28:6
Its stones {are} the place of sapphire, and dusts of gold {are} to it
Quote: מְקוֹם־סַפִּ֥יר אֲבָנֶ֑יהָ וְעַפְרֹ֖ת זָהָ֣ב לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronouns Its and it refer to the earth. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “The stones of the earth contain sapphire, and there is gold in some of the dusts of the earth”
sapphire
Quote: סַפִּ֥יר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A sapphire is a rare and valuable blue gemstone. If your readers would not be familiar with what a sapphire is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar gemstone that they would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “valuable gemstones”
Job 28:7
No bird of prey knows the path
Quote: נָ֭תִיב לֹֽא־יְדָ֣עוֹ עָ֑יִט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is referring implicitly to the path that miners take into the depths of the earth in search of gemstones and precious metals. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Miners take a route into the depths of the earth that not even a sharp-eyed bird of prey can detect”
and the eye of the falcon has not seen it
Quote: וְלֹ֥א שְׁ֝זָפַ֗תּוּ עֵ֣ין אַיָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of a falcon, its eye, to mean all of it in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “nor has the falcon has seen it”
and the eye of the falcon has not seen it
Quote: וְלֹ֥א שְׁ֝זָפַ֗תּוּ עֵ֣ין אַיָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific falcon. He means falcons in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “nor have falcons have seen it”
the falcon
Quote: אַיָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A falcon is a bird that eats animals and other birds. If your readers would not be familiar with what a falcon is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar bird that they would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a hawk”
Job 28:8
The sons of pride have not walked it
Quote: לֹֽא־הִדְרִיכֻ֥הוּ בְנֵי־שָׁ֑חַץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression son of describes a person or animal that possesses a certain quality. The word pride indicates that the animals Job is describing are confident in their strength and fierceness and are not afraid of other animals. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use an equivalent idiom from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Even wild beasts that have no fear of going anywhere have not walked it”
have not walked it
Quote: לֹֽא־הִדְרִיכֻ֥הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers to the “path” that Job described in the previous verse, that is, the route that miners take into the earth. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “have not walked on that path”
and the lion has not passed over it
Quote: לֹֽא־עָדָ֖ה עָלָ֣יו שָֽׁחַל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific lion. He means lions in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “and lions have not passed over it”
Job 28:9
He stretches out his hand against flinty rock
Quote: בַּֽ֭חַלָּמִישׁ שָׁלַ֣ח יָד֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronouns He and his refer to a miner. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be more natural in your language to use plural forms. Alternate translation: “Miners stretch out their hands against flinty rock”
He stretches out his hand against flinty rock; he overturns
Quote: בַּֽ֭חַלָּמִישׁ שָׁלַ֣ח יָד֑וֹ הָפַ֖ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression “stretch out one’s hand against” means to attack something. Job is saying that miners will attack, that is, break up even the hardest kinds of rock in search of valuable materials. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Miners break up even the hardest kinds of rock in search of valuable materials; they overturn”
he overturns mountains from their roots
Quote: הָפַ֖ךְ מִשֹּׁ֣רֶשׁ הָרִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of the ground below mountains as if it were the roots of those mountains. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, using a plural form: “they overturn mountains, digging deep below them”
he overturns mountains from their roots
Quote: הָפַ֖ךְ מִשֹּׁ֣רֶשׁ הָרִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Job is speaking as if miners literally turn entire mountains upside down. He may be using the term mountains to represent great quantities of material. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly, and once again it may be more natural in your language to use a plural form. Alternate translation: “miners dislodge great quantities of material from the depths of the earth”
Job 28:10
He cuts out channels among the rocks, and his eye sees every valuable thing
Quote: בַּ֭צּוּרוֹת יְאֹרִ֣ים בִּקֵּ֑עַ וְכָל־יְ֝קָ֗ר רָאֲתָ֥ה עֵינֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronouns He and his refer to a miner. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be more natural in your language to use plural forms. Alternate translation: “Miners cut out channels among the rocks, and their eyes see every valuable thing”
his eye sees
Quote: רָאֲתָ֥ה עֵינֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of a miner, 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: “he sees” or “they see”
and … every valuable thing
Quote: וְכָל־יְ֝קָ֗ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Job says every here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “and … the many valuable things that the rocks contain”
Job 28:11
He binds the torrents from flowing, and he brings a hidden thing {to} light
Quote: מִ֭בְּכִי נְהָר֣וֹת חִבֵּ֑שׁ וְ֝תַעֲלֻמָ֗הּ יֹ֣צִא אֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronouns He and he refer to a miner. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be more natural in your language to use plural forms. Alternate translation: “Miners bind the torrents from flowing, and they bring hidden things to light”
He binds the torrents from flowing, and he brings a hidden thing {to} light
Quote: מִ֭בְּכִי נְהָר֣וֹת חִבֵּ֑שׁ וְ֝תַעֲלֻמָ֗הּ יֹ֣צִא אֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if a miner literally binds streams of water to keep them from flowing. He means that miners temporarily dam up streams or divert their flow to expose the materials that their waters usually hide. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Miners dam up or divert streams in order to expose what their waters usually hide”
to} light
Quote: אֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term light by association to describe something that is in view, since people need light in order to see things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “into view”
Job 28:12
But where is wisdom found? And where is that, the place of understanding
Quote: וְֽ֭הַחָכְמָה מֵאַ֣יִן תִּמָּצֵ֑א וְאֵ֥י זֶ֝ה מְק֣וֹם בִּינָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if wisdom, which he also calls understanding, could literally be found in a place. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “But how can wisdom be obtained? How can a person get understanding?”
But where is wisdom found? And where is that, the place of understanding
Quote: וְֽ֭הַחָכְמָה מֵאַ֣יִן תִּמָּצֵ֑א וְאֵ֥י זֶ֝ה מְק֣וֹם בִּינָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is not using the question form simply for emphasis. He wants his listeners to consider these questions in light of what he has just said. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements. Alternate translation: “But now I want you to consider where wisdom is found. I want you to consider where the place of understanding is” or “But now I want you to consider how wisdom can be obtained. I want you to consider how a person can get understanding”
But where is wisdom found? And where is that, the place of understanding
Quote: וְֽ֭הַחָכְמָה מֵאַ֣יִן תִּמָּצֵ֑א וְאֵ֥י זֶ֝ה מְק֣וֹם בִּינָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is drawing an implicit comparison between the difficulty of finding gemstones and precious metals and the even greater difficulty of finding wisdom and understanding. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “But wisdom is even harder to find than gemstones and precious metals. It is harder to know where the place of understanding is than it is to find those things. So I want you to consider how one can obtain wisdom.”
But where is wisdom found? And where is that, the place of understanding
Quote: וְֽ֭הַחָכְמָה מֵאַ֣יִן תִּמָּצֵ֑א וְאֵ֥י זֶ֝ה מְק֣וֹם בִּינָֽה (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. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “But wisdom is even harder to find than gemstones and precious metals. So I want you to consider how one can obtain wisdom.”
But where is wisdom found
Quote: וְֽ֭הַחָכְמָה מֵאַ֣יִן תִּמָּצֵ֑א (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 where does one find wisdom”
Job 28:13
Man does not know
Quote: לֹא־יָדַ֣ע אֱנ֣וֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “People do not know”
its disposition
Quote: עֶרְכָּ֑הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word translated disposition could mean implicitly: (1) where God has put wisdom. Alternate translation: “its location” (2) the value of wisdom. Alternate translation: “its price”
its disposition
Quote: עֶרְכָּ֑הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the pronoun it refers to wisdom here and through the rest of the chapter. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers at various points in your translation. Alternate translation: “the disposition of wisdom”
and it is not found
Quote: וְלֹ֥א תִ֝מָּצֵ֗א (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: “nor can anyone find it”
in the land of the living
Quote: בְּאֶ֣רֶץ הַֽחַיִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective living as a noun to mean a certain group of people, those who are alive on earth. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “among the people who live on earth”
Job 28:14
The deep says, ‘It {is} not in me,’ and the sea says, ‘It is not with me
Quote: תְּה֣וֹם אָ֭מַר לֹ֣א בִי־הִ֑יא וְיָ֥ם אָ֝מַ֗ר אֵ֣ין עִמָּדִֽי (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: “The deep says that wisdom is not in it, and the sea says that it is not with it”
The deep says, ‘It {is} not in me,’ and the sea says, ‘It is not with me
Quote: תְּה֣וֹם אָ֭מַר לֹ֣א בִי־הִ֑יא וְיָ֥ם אָ֝מַ֗ר אֵ֣ין עִמָּדִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the deep (that is, the depths of the ocean) and of the sea (probably meaning its broad expanse) as if they were living things that could speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If the deep could speak, it would say, ‘Wisdom {is} not in me,’ and if the sea could speak, it would say, ‘It is not with me.’”
The deep says, ‘It {is} not in me,’ and the sea says, ‘It is not with me
Quote: תְּה֣וֹם אָ֭מַר לֹ֣א בִי־הִ֑יא וְיָ֥ם אָ֝מַ֗ר אֵ֣ין עִמָּדִֽי (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. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “The deep, wide ocean says, ‘It is not in me’”
Job 28:15
Gold is not given for it, nor is silver weighed {for} its price
Quote: לֹא־יֻתַּ֣ן סְג֣וֹר תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ וְלֹ֥א יִ֝שָּׁקֵ֗ל כֶּ֣סֶף מְחִירָֽהּ (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: “One cannot give gold in exchange for wisdom, nor can one weigh out silver to pay for it”
Job 28:16
It is not valued with the gold of Ophir
Quote: לֹֽא־תְ֭סֻלֶּה בְּכֶ֣תֶם אוֹפִ֑יר (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: “One cannot measure the value of wisdom with the gold of Ophir”
with precious onyx or sapphire
Quote: בְּשֹׁ֖הַם יָקָ֣ר וְסַפִּֽיר (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: “nor is it valued with precious onyx or sapphire” or “nor can one measure its value with precious onyx or sapphire”
with precious onyx or sapphire
Quote: בְּשֹׁ֖הַם יָקָ֣ר וְסַפִּֽיר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
An onyx is a valuable gemstone that comes in many colors but is best known in its black color. If your readers would not be familiar with what an onyx is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar gemstone that they would recognize, or you could use a general expression. See how you translated the term “sapphire” in 28:6. Alternate translation: “with valuable black or blue gemstones”
Job 28:17
nor crystal
Quote: וּזְכוֹכִ֑ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The term crystal could be describing: (1) a beautiful natural form that a clear or colored mineral might take, allowing light to shine through it. Your readers might be familiar with a mineral that forms crystals, and if so, you could use its name here in your translation. Alternate translation: “nor quartz” (2) clear, sparkling glass. Alternate translation: “nor sparkling glass”
Job 28:18
Coral and jasper are not mentioned
Quote: רָאמ֣וֹת וְ֭גָבִישׁ לֹ֣א יִזָּכֵ֑ר (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: “One does not mention coral or jasper”
Coral and jasper are not mentioned
Quote: רָאמ֣וֹת וְ֭גָבִישׁ לֹ֣א יִזָּכֵ֑ר (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: “One does not even mention coral or jasper when discussing things that might be worth as much as wisdom”
Coral
Quote: רָאמ֣וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
Coral is a beautiful, hard substance that grows on ocean reefs. If your readers would not be familiar with what coral 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: “Beautiful seashells”
and jasper
Quote: וְ֭גָבִישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The word jasper describes a precious stone, often reddish-brown, that often has streaks and markings of other colors. If your readers would not be familiar with what jasper is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable precious stone that they would recognize. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “and precious stones”
is} more than rubies
Quote: מִפְּנִינִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The word rubies describes brilliant gemstones that are often deep red. If your readers would not be familiar with what rubies are, in your translation you could use the name of a gemstone that they would recognize. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “is more than that of red gemstones”
Job 28:19
The topaz of Cush
Quote: פִּטְדַת־כּ֑וּשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The word topaz describes a valuable gemstone that is often blue or yellow. If your readers would not be familiar with what topaz is, in your translation you could use the name of a gemstone that they would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “The gemstones that come from Cush”
Cush
Quote: כּ֑וּשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The word Cush is the name of a place. It is the ancient name for the upper Nile region.
it is not valued in pure gold
Quote: בְּכֶ֥תֶם טָ֝ה֗וֹר לֹ֣א תְסֻלֶּֽה (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: “one cannot value wisdom in terms of pure gold”
Job 28:20
From whence, then, does wisdom come? And where {is} that, the place of understanding
Quote: וְֽ֭הַחָכְמָה מֵאַ֣יִן תָּב֑וֹא וְאֵ֥י זֶ֝֗ה מְק֣וֹם בִּינָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
See how you translated the similar questions in 28:12. Alternate translation: “So then people do need to consider very carefully how to obtain wisdom. They should think deeply about how to get understanding.”
Job 28:21
It is hidden from the eyes of each living {thing}; even from the birds of the heavens it is concealed
Quote: וְֽ֭נֶעֶלְמָה מֵעֵינֵ֣י כָל־חָ֑י וּמֵע֖וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם נִסְתָּֽרָה (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 eyes of no living thing can see it; not even the birds of the heavens can spot it”
from the eyes of
Quote: מֵעֵינֵ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of a living thing, its eyes, to mean all of it in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the sight of”
Job 28:22
Abaddon and death say, We have heard a rumor of it with our ears
Quote: אֲבַדּ֣וֹן וָ֭מָוֶת אָ֣מְר֑וּ בְּ֝אָזְנֵ֗ינוּ שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ שִׁמְעָֽהּ (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: “Abaddon and death say that they have heard a rumor of it with their ears”
Abaddon and death say, We have heard a rumor of it with our ears
Quote: אֲבַדּ֣וֹן וָ֭מָוֶת אָ֣מְר֑וּ בְּ֝אָזְנֵ֗ינוּ שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ שִׁמְעָֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking as if Abaddon and death were living things that could speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If Abaddon and death could speak, they would say, ‘We have heard a rumor of it with our ears’”
Abaddon and death say, We have heard a rumor of it with our ears
Quote: אֲבַדּ֣וֹן וָ֭מָוֶת אָ֣מְר֑וּ בְּ֝אָזְנֵ֗ינוּ שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ שִׁמְעָֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms Abaddon and death mean similar things. As a note to 26:6 explains, Abaddon is another name for Sheol, the abode of the dead. In this context, the term death likely refers by association to the abode of the dead. 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 underworld says, ‘I have heard a rumor of it with my ears’”
We have heard a rumor of it with our ears
Quote: בְּ֝אָזְנֵ֗ינוּ שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ שִׁמְעָֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo
The speakers mean that while they have heard of wisdom with their ears, they have not seen it with their eyes or encountered it in person. So the mention of the ears, which might otherwise seem like extra information because the notion is already implicit in the term heard, actually serves to limit the statement, You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “We have only heard a rumor of it”
Job 28:23
God understands its way, and he knows its place
Quote: אֱ֭לֹהִים הֵבִ֣ין דַּרְכָּ֑הּ וְ֝ה֗וּא יָדַ֥ע אֶת־מְקוֹמָֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is continuing to speak as if wisdom could literally be found in a place and that there was a way to get there. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God understands how humans can obtain wisdom, yes, he knows how they can become wise”
its way
Quote: דַּרְכָּ֑הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is using this possessive form to describe not the way that wisdom takes but the way that leads to wisdom. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the way that leads to wisdom”
Job 28:24
For
Quote: כִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Job is using the word For to introduce the reason why he said in the preceding verse that God knew where to find wisdom. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “God knows where to find wisdom because”
he looks to the ends of the earth; he sees beneath all of the heavens
Quote: ה֭וּא לִקְצוֹת־הָאָ֣רֶץ יַבִּ֑יט תַּ֖חַת כָּל־הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם יִרְאֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism
Job is using the two main components of creation, earth and the heavens, to mean the entire creation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “he can see everything in the entire creation”
he looks
Quote: ה֭וּא & יַבִּ֑יט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun he, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated looks. 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: “he is the one who looks”
Job 28:25
When he made the weight for the wind
Quote: לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת לָר֣וּחַ מִשְׁקָ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using the term weight to mean “force.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “When he determined the force of the wind”
and apportioned the waters by measure
Quote: וּ֝מַ֗יִם תִּכֵּ֥ן בְּמִדָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is referring implicitly to the rain waters that clouds contain. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and apportioned rain waters to the clouds by measure”
and apportioned the waters by measure
Quote: וּ֝מַ֗יִם תִּכֵּ֥ן בְּמִדָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God literally used a measure in order to put the right amount of rain waters in the clouds. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and carefully apportioned rain waters to the clouds”
Job 28:26
for the flash of the thunders
Quote: לַחֲזִ֥יז קֹלֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the expression the flash of the thunders by association to mean the bolts of lightning that accompany thunder. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for the lightning bolts”
Job 28:27
then he saw it and recounted it
Quote: אָ֣ז רָ֭אָהּ וַֽיְסַפְּרָ֑הּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun he refers to God, and the pronoun it refers to wisdom. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “then God recognized what wisdom would be, and he described it”
Job 28:28
And he said to man, Behold, the fear of the Lord—that {is} wisdom, and to turn from evil {is} understanding
Quote: וַיֹּ֤אמֶר ׀ לָֽאָדָ֗ם הֵ֤ן יִרְאַ֣ת אֲ֭דֹנָי הִ֣יא חָכְמָ֑ה וְס֖וּר מֵרָ֣ע בִּינָֽה (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: “And he told man that the fear of the Lord was indeed wisdom and that to turn from evil was understanding”
to man
Quote: לָֽאָדָ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “to humankind”
the fear of the Lord
Quote: יִרְאַ֣ת אֲ֭דֹנָי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The Lord 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: “to fear me” or “to reverence me”
and to turn from evil {is} understanding
Quote: וְס֖וּר מֵרָ֣ע בִּינָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The Lord is speaking as if people should physically turn away from evil. He means that if people want to have understanding, they should not live in an evil way but instead live in a good way. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and people will obtain understanding if they reject what is evil”
Job 29
Job 29 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is a continuation of Job’s final response to his three friends. In this chapter, Job recalls the honor he enjoyed and the influence he exercised within his community before he suffered so many misfortunes.
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
Litany
In verses 2–6, Job makes a series of statements about what his life was like before his present troubles. He expresses a wish in verse 2 that his life could be like this again, and in verses 3–6 he offers a series of descriptions that each begin with “when” or “as that.” 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 help them appreciate it by putting each sentence of the litany on a separate line. See what you did with the similar litany in chapter 12. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make each verse in the litany a separate sentence. For example, you could begin verse 3, “At that time.”
Translation Issues in This Chapter
Reference of “they” in verses 21–25
Job uses “they” in verses 21–25 as an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could specify a general referent such as “people” at regular intervals for clarity. Notes suggest how you might do that at various places.
Job 29:1
And Job continued to take up his discourse, and he said
Quote: וַיֹּ֣סֶף אִ֭יּוֹב שְׂאֵ֥ת מְשָׁל֗וֹ וַיֹּאמַֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated the same expression in 27:1. Alternate translation: “As Job continued his speech, he said” or “Job continued speaking and he said”
Job 29:2
Who will give me {to be} as {in} the months of
Quote: מִֽי־יִתְּנֵ֥נִי כְיַרְחֵי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated the expression Who will give in 11:5–6. Alternate translation: “Oh that I were as I was in the months of”
to be} as {in} the months of the past, as {in} the days {when} God was keeping me
Quote: כְיַרְחֵי־קֶ֑דֶם כִּ֝ימֵ֗י אֱל֣וֹהַּ יִשְׁמְרֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using the terms months and days to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to be as I was in time past, as in the time when God kept me”
Job 29:3
when his lamp shone over my head, when} I walked {in} darkness by his light
Quote: בְּהִלּ֣וֹ נֵ֭רוֹ עֲלֵ֣י רֹאשִׁ֑י לְ֝אוֹרוֹ אֵ֣לֶךְ חֹֽשֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God literally shone a lamp above and around him so that he could see where to walk even in the darkness. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when God showed me clearly what to do so that I could make the right choices even in confusing situations”
over my head
Quote: עֲלֵ֣י רֹאשִׁ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his head, to mean all of him when speaking as if God shone a lamp above and around him. He is probably speaking of himself in terms of his head because that would have been the part of him closest to the lamp. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “above and around me”
Job 29:4
in the days of my prime
Quote: בִּימֵ֣י חָרְפִּ֑י (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: “at the time when I was in my prime”
when the friendship of God {was} upon my tent
Quote: בְּס֥וֹד אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַּ עֲלֵ֣י אָהֳלִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God’s friendship were literally an object that had rested upon his tent. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when God in friendship blessed my tent”
my tent
Quote: אָהֳלִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
As the next two verses indicate, Job is referring to his family by association with the tent in which they lived and to his possessions by association with the same tent, in which he kept them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my family and my possessions”
Job 29:5
my children around me
Quote: סְבִ֖יבוֹתַ֣י נְעָרָֽי (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: “when my children were still around me”
Job 29:6
when my steps were bathed in butter and the rock poured out streams of oil for me
Quote: בִּרְחֹ֣ץ הֲלִיכַ֣י בְּחֵמָ֑ה וְצ֥וּר יָצ֥וּק עִ֝מָּדִ֗י פַּלְגֵי־שָֽׁמֶן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his herds used to produce so much milk that there was butter everywhere he went, so that when he walked anywhere, it was as if his feet were literally being bathed in butter. He is also speaking as if his olive trees used to produce so many olives that it was as if there were literally streams of oil coming to him out of the rocks. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when my herds produced milk in great abundance and my olive trees yielded great quantities of oil for me”
when my steps were bathed in butter
Quote: בִּרְחֹ֣ץ הֲלִיכַ֣י בְּחֵמָ֑ה (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: “when butter bathed my steps”
and the rock
Quote: וְצ֥וּר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific rock. He means rocks in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “and the rocks”
Job 29:7
when} I took my seat in the square
Quote: בָּ֝רְח֗וֹב אָכִ֥ין מוֹשָׁבִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Taking a seat in the public square by the city gate was a symbolic action by which Job showed that he was a recognized community leader, a member of the council that settled legal matters for the city residents. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “when I took my seat in the square as a recognized community leader”
Job 29:8
and hid themselves
Quote: וְנֶחְבָּ֑אוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression does not mean that these young men looked for hiding places where no one would find them. It means that they moved back from the place where the leaders sat, blending into the crowd. The idea is that before Job came, they thought they might have something to contribute to the deliberations after their elders had spoken, as Elihu does in this book starting in chapter 32. But once Job arrived, they knew that his wise counsel would settle matters and they would have no need or opportunity to contribute. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and withdrew” or “and stepped aside out of respect”
and old men rose, they stood
Quote: וִֽ֝ישִׁישִׁים קָ֣מוּ עָמָֽדוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Rising and standing when Job arrived was a symbolic action that showed respect for his wisdom and place in the community. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “and old men rose and stood out of respect for me”
rose, they stood
Quote: קָ֣מוּ עָמָֽדוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms rose and stood 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: “stood to their feet”
Job 29:9
refrained from words
Quote: עָצְר֣וּ בְמִלִּ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term words to mean what these princes had been saying by using words before he arrived. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “stopped speaking”
and they put a hand on their mouth
Quote: וְ֝כַ֗ף יָשִׂ֥ימוּ לְפִיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
Since Job is speaking of many people, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural forms of hand and mouth. Alternate translation: “and they put their hands on their mouths” or “and they covered their mouths with their hands”
and they put a hand on their mouth
Quote: וְ֝כַ֗ף יָשִׂ֥ימוּ לְפִיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Covering the mouth with the hand prevents a person from speaking. While the princes could simply have stopped talking without doing that, they did it as a symbolic action to show respect for Job, indicating that there was nothing they could say that would be more valuable than what he would say. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “and they covered their mouths with their hands to indicate respectfully that there was nothing they could say that would be more valuable than what I would say”
Job 29:10
The voice of … and their tongue … to their palate
Quote: קוֹל & וּ֝לְשׁוֹנָ֗ם & לְחִכָּ֥ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
Since Job is speaking of many people, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural forms of voice, tongue, and palate. Alternate translation: “The voices of … and their tongues … to their palates”
The voice of the nobles—they were hushed
Quote: קוֹל־נְגִידִ֥ים נֶחְבָּ֑אוּ (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: “The nobles hushed their voices”
and their tongue stuck to their palate
Quote: וּ֝לְשׁוֹנָ֗ם לְחִכָּ֥ם דָּבֵֽקָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if the tongue of each noble literally stuck to his palate, that is, to the roof of his mouth. He means that they did not say anything, as no one could say anything if his tongue truly had become stuck in this way. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they did not say anything”
Job 29:11
For
Quote: כִּ֤י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Job is using the word For to introduce the reason why he said in the preceding verses that these various groups of people kept silent when he arrived at the city gate. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “They all kept silent because”
the ear heard, and they blessed me
Quote: אֹ֣זֶן שָׁ֭מְעָה וַֽתְּאַשְּׁרֵ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of each of these community members, 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: “they heard me and they blessed me”
the ear heard
Quote: אֹ֣זֶן שָׁ֭מְעָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
If you decide to retain the term ear in your translation to mean hearing, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of that word, since Job is speaking about many people. Alternate translation: “their ears heard”
and they blessed me
Quote: וַֽתְּאַשְּׁרֵ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that the people blessed him for giving such wise, godly counsel. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and they blessed me for giving such wise, godly counsel”
and the eye saw, and they attested me
Quote: וְעַ֥יִן רָ֝אֲתָ֗ה וַתְּעִידֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term eye 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: “and when they perceived that the advice I had given was wise, they attested that I had said the right thing”
and the eye saw
Quote: וְעַ֥יִן רָ֝אֲתָ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
If you decide to retain the term ear in your translation to mean hearing, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of that word, since Job is speaking about many people. Alternate translation: “and their eyes saw”
Job 29:12
the afflicted … and the fatherless … to him
Quote: עָנִ֣י & וְ֝יָת֗וֹם & לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjectives afflicted and fatherless 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 who were … and fatherless people … to them”
the afflicted
Quote: עָנִ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
The term afflicted may seem like a passive verbal form, but it is actually an adjective. It indicates people who are suffering from affliction, not people whom others have afflicted. However, if your language does not use passive verbal forms, it may be more natural to express this idea with a term other than “afflicted.” Alternate translation: “people who were suffering from affliction”
Job 29:13
The blessing of the one perishing came upon me, and I gladdened the heart of the widow
Quote: בִּרְכַּ֣ת אֹ֭בֵד עָלַ֣י תָּבֹ֑א וְלֵ֖ב אַלְמָנָ֣ה אַרְנִֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific person who was perishing or to a specific widow. He means those types of people in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “The blessing of people who were perishing came upon me, and I gladdened the hearts of widows”
The blessing of the one perishing came upon me
Quote: בִּרְכַּ֣ת אֹ֭בֵד עָלַ֣י תָּבֹ֑א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the blessing that he received from someone who was perishing as if it were a living thing that could come upon him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “People who were perishing blessed me”
and I gladdened the heart of the widow
Quote: וְלֵ֖ב אַלְמָנָ֣ה אַרְנִֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of a widow, her heart, to mean all of her in the act of feeling joy. Here the heart represents the feelings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I made widows rejoice” or “and I gave widows reason to rejoice”
Job 29:14
I clothed myself {with} righteousness, and it clothed me
Quote: צֶ֣דֶק לָ֭בַשְׁתִּי וַיִּלְבָּשֵׁ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication
Job is repeating the verb clothed 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: “I wrapped righteousness all around me”
I clothed myself {with} righteousness, and it clothed me
Quote: צֶ֣דֶק לָ֭בַשְׁתִּי וַיִּלְבָּשֵׁ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he literally clothed himself with righteousness during the time that he is describing. In this context, the image of clothing represents the character of a person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I was very careful to practice righteousness”
I clothed myself {with} righteousness, and it clothed me
Quote: צֶ֣דֶק לָ֭בַשְׁתִּי וַיִּלְבָּשֵׁ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I was very careful to be righteous in my dealings with people”
my justice {was} like a robe and a turban
Quote: כִּֽמְעִ֥יל וְ֝צָנִ֗יף מִשְׁפָּטִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
In this comparison, clothing once again represents the character of a person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I was also careful to make sure that people received justice”
my justice {was
Quote: מִשְׁפָּטִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is using this possessive form to describe not justice that he received but just decisions that he helped the city leaders make. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the just decisions that I helped the city leaders make were”
Job 29:15
I was eyes to the blind, and I {was} feet to the lame
Quote: עֵינַ֣יִם הָ֭יִיתִי לַֽעִוֵּ֑ר וְרַגְלַ֖יִם לַפִּסֵּ֣חַ אָֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he had literally been eyes and feet that other people needed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I saw and read things to help people who could not see, and I went places on behalf of people who could not go to those places themselves”
to the blind, … to the lame
Quote: לַֽעִוֵּ֑ר & לַפִּסֵּ֣חַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjectives blind and lame 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: “for blind people … for lame people”
Job 29:16
a father to the needy
Quote: אָ֣ב & לָֽאֶבְיוֹנִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he had literally been a father to needy people. He means that he fulfilled the role of a father by being a protector and advocate. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a protector of the needy” or “an advocate for the needy”
to the needy
Quote: לָֽאֶבְיוֹנִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective needy 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 needy people”
and the case {that} I did not know, I examined it
Quote: וְרִ֖ב לֹא־יָדַ֣עְתִּי אֶחְקְרֵֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is referring implicitly to a case whose details he did not know before someone brought it to the city gate for adjudication. Job did not know these details because he was not personally acquainted with the person bringing the case. So he was not motivated by friendship or family loyalty, but simply by the interests of justice. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and I made sure that each person got justice even if he was not a friend or relative of mine”
Job 29:17
And I broke the jaws of the unrighteous, and I made the prey drop from his teeth
Quote: וָֽ֭אֲשַׁבְּרָה מְתַלְּע֣וֹת עַוָּ֑ל וּ֝מִשִּׁנָּ֗יו אַשְׁלִ֥יךְ טָֽרֶף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if an unrighteous person had been a wild animal that was holding a vulnerable person like captured prey in its teeth and as if he had broken the jaws of this animal so that they could no longer hold the vulnerable person, who would drop out to safety. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And when an unrighteous person had coerced a vulnerable person into an oppressive arrangement, I made the unrighteous person release the vulnerable person from that arrangement”
the unrighteous, and … from his teeth
Quote: עַוָּ֑ל & וּ֝מִשִּׁנָּ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective unrighteous 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: “unrighteous people, and … from their teeth”
Job 29:18
And I said, ‘I will expire in my nest, and I will multiply days like sand
Quote: וָ֭אֹמַר עִם־קִנִּ֣י אֶגְוָ֑ע וְ֝כַח֗וֹל אַרְבֶּ֥ה יָמִֽים (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: “And I said that I would expire in my nest and that I would multiply days like sand”
And I said, ‘I will expire in my nest, and I will multiply days like sand
Quote: וָ֭אֹמַר עִם־קִנִּ֣י אֶגְוָ֑ע וְ֝כַח֗וֹל אַרְבֶּ֥ה יָמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
Since Job would live a long life before expiring, it might be more natural to put the second phrase before the first one. Alternate translation: “I will multiply days like sand, and then I will expire in my nest”
I will expire
Quote: אֶגְוָ֑ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
See how you translated the term expire in 3:11. Alternate translation: “I will pass away”
in my nest
Quote: עִם־קִנִּ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of his home as if it were literally a nest such as a bird would live in. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in my own home”
and I will multiply days like sand
Quote: וְ֝כַח֗וֹל אַרְבֶּ֥ה יָמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as sand consists of a very large number of grains, so Job expected to live for a very large number of days. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “after I have lived for very many days” or “after I have lived for a long time”
Job 29:19
My root is spread out to the waters, and the dew lodges on my branch
Quote: שָׁרְשִׁ֣י פָת֣וּחַ אֱלֵי־מָ֑יִם וְ֝טַ֗ל יָלִ֥ין בִּקְצִירִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If you decided in the previous verse to translate this quotation in a such way that there would not be a quotation within a quotation, you can continue doing that here. Alternate translation: “I said that my root was spread out to the waters and that the dew lodged on my branch”
My root is spread out to the waters, and the dew lodges on my branch
Quote: שָׁרְשִׁ֣י פָת֣וּחַ אֱלֵי־מָ֑יִם וְ֝טַ֗ל יָלִ֥ין בִּקְצִירִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job spoke of himself in those days as if he were literally a tree that was healthy and flourishing because it was getting all the moisture that it required. Since Job is describing what he used to say, it may be good to retain this image in your translation, but if it would be more natural in your language, you could express it as a comparison. Alternate translation: “I said that I was like a tree that was healthy and flourishing because it was getting all the moisture that it required through roots that reached down to ground water and through dew that formed at night on its branches”
My root is spread out … on my branch
Quote: שָׁרְשִׁ֣י פָת֣וּחַ & בִּקְצִירִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
Since Job was speaking of many roots and branches, it may be more natural in your language to use plural forms here. Alternate translation: “My roots are spread out … on my branches”
and the dew lodges on my branch
Quote: וְ֝טַ֗ל יָלִ֥ין בִּקְצִירִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job was speaking as if the dew had been a traveler that had found lodging for the night on a branch of the tree that he was using to represent himself. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and dew forms at night on my branches”
Job 29:20
My glory {is} fresh in me, and my bow sprouts in my hand
Quote: כְּ֭בוֹדִי חָדָ֣שׁ עִמָּדִ֑י וְ֝קַשְׁתִּ֗י בְּיָדִ֥י תַחֲלִֽיף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If you have been translating this quotation in such a way that there is not a quotation within a quotation, you can continue doing that here. Alternate translation: “I said that my glory was fresh in me and that my bow sprouted in my hand”
My glory {is} fresh in me
Quote: כְּ֭בוֹדִי חָדָ֣שׁ עִמָּדִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that the glory or honor that he enjoys is always fresh because people keep honoring him in new ways. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “People keep honoring me in new ways”
and my bow sprouts in my hand
Quote: וְ֝קַשְׁתִּ֗י בְּיָדִ֥י תַחֲלִֽיף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he had a bow, a weapon that he used with arrows, and that it grew freshly in his hand the way that a branch sprouts from a tree trunk. (Job uses the same verb for “sprout” in 14:7–9 to describe a tree reviving and sending out shoots when moisture returns to the ground.) He means that the bow, which represents his strength, is lively and vigorous. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I stay vigorously strong”
Job 29:21
They listened to me and they waited
Quote: לִֽי־שָׁמְע֥וּ וְיִחֵ֑לּוּ (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 people were waiting to hear what I would say, they listened to me”
They listened
Quote: שָׁמְע֥וּ (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. (As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, Job continues to use the pronoun “they” with this same indefinite sense through to the end of the chapter.) If it would be helpful in your language, here and in the following verses you could translate the term with an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “People listened”
Job 29:22
After my word
Quote: אַחֲרֵ֣י דְ֭בָרִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term word to mean what he said by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “After I had spoken”
for my speech dripped on them
Quote: וְ֝עָלֵ֗ימוֹ תִּטֹּ֥ף מִלָּתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his speech literally dripped, that is, fell in drops, on his listeners. He means that it was refreshing and invigorating to them, like gentle rain. This enabled them to recognize that he was giving sound advice. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for what I said was refreshing to them”
Job 29:23
And they waited for me as {for} rain
Quote: וְיִֽחֲל֣וּ כַמָּטָ֣ר לִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as people are eager for rain to fall and water their crops, so Job’s listeners were eager to hear him speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “And people as waited eagerly to hear me speak as they wait for rain to fall on their crops”
and they opened their mouth {as} for the latter rain
Quote: וּ֝פִיהֶ֗ם פָּעֲר֥וּ לְמַלְקֽוֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is using a complex image here. First, he is speaking as if the people listening to him were literally the ground. Second, he is speaking of the ground soaking up rainfall as if it were opening its mouth to drink water. Job does not mean that the people opened their mouths to speak; he is actually describing them listening. 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: “Yes, they were eager to listen to everything I said, just as the dry ground soaks up the latter rain when it falls”
as} for the latter rain
Quote: לְמַלְקֽוֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
In the region where the book of Job was composed, people would plant crops in the fall. Rain at that time would help the crops start growing. But farmers depended on later rains, which would fall in the spring after an interval during which little rain fell, to enable the crops grow to maturity. Express this in a way that would be meaningful to your readers. Alternate translation: “as for the rain that falls again after the dry season”
Job 29:24
I smiled on them {when} they did not believe
Quote: אֶשְׂחַ֣ק אֲ֭לֵהֶם לֹ֣א יַאֲמִ֑ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronouns them and they refer to people who were in desperate situations and did not believe that they would get justice or receive help. Alternate translation: “I smiled on people who felt desperate and hopeless”
I smiled on them {when} they did not believe
Quote: אֶשְׂחַ֣ק אֲ֭לֵהֶם לֹ֣א יַאֲמִ֑ינוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is describing one thing he did to encourage despondent people, he smiled on them, to mean all that he did to encourage them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I encouraged people who felt desperate and hopeless”
and they did not cause the light of my face to fall
Quote: וְא֥וֹר פָּ֝נַ֗י לֹ֣א יַפִּילֽוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if there had been light shining from his face. He is describing a cheerful facial expression that indicated hope and a favorable disposition. Job is also using a further characteristic image for facial expressions. In this culture, people would say that someone “lifted up” his face if he made a cheerful expression but that his face “fell” if he made a gloomy expression. Job means that he did not let the situations of the people he wanted to help discourage him. Job is combining the two images and saying that they did not cause the light of his face to fall. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a different image that has this meaning or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I did not let their situations discourage me”
Job 29:25
I chose their way and I sat as a chief
Quote: אֶֽבֲחַ֣ר דַּרְכָּם֮ וְאֵשֵׁ֪ב רֹ֥אשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
Since Job chose the way for the people of his community because he was their chief, it might be more natural to reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “I sat as a chief and I chose their way”
I chose their way
Quote: אֶֽבֲחַ֣ר דַּרְכָּם֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of what he determined his community should do as if that were a way or path for the people to walk along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I guided them about the right things to do”
and I sat as a chief
Quote: וְאֵשֵׁ֪ב רֹ֥אשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is describing how he held the position of a chief by association with the way he sat in a place reserved for such a leader. (He refers similarly to “my seat” in verse 7.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I was their chief”
and I dwelt like a king in an army
Quote: וְ֭אֶשְׁכּוֹן כְּמֶ֣לֶךְ בַּגְּד֑וּד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
In this culture, kings would accompany their armies into the field as their commanders. The point of this comparison is probably that just as the authority of a king would be unquestioned within his army, so people did not question Job’s directions as their leader. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and everyone respected my authority”
as when one comforts mourners
Quote: כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר אֲבֵלִ֣ים יְנַחֵֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Job makes this further comparison to specify that he led the community gently and in its own best interests. He did not exercise his authority in an arbitrary, despotic way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “but I was gentle and encouraging as a leader”
Job 30
Job 30 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is a continuation of Job’s final response to his three friends. - Verses 1–14: Job describes the disrespect he now experiences because he has suffered so many misfortunes - Verses 15–19: Job describes his sufferings - Verses 20–23: Job addresses God directly to complain that God has not helped him - Verses 34–31: Job describes how he is suffering even though he helped others when they suffered
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
Reference of “they” in verses 2–10
In verses 2–10, Job uses the pronouns “they,” “them,” and “their” to mean the young men who now treat him disrespectfully. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could specify this reference at regular intervals for clarity. Various notes suggest ways to do that. (In verse 5, as a note will clarify, one instance of “they” refers to other people.)
Job 30:1
the fewer in days than me
Quote: צְעִירִ֥ים מִמֶּ֗נִּי לְיָ֫מִ֥ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective phrase fewer in days as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. (He is contrasting his present situation, in which younger people now disrespect him, with the way that “young men” formerly withdrew respectfully from his presence and “old men” stood up out of respect for him, as he described in 29:8.) Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “those who are much younger than I am”
whose fathers I disdained to put with the dogs of my flock
Quote: אֲשֶׁר־מָאַ֥סְתִּי אֲבוֹתָ֑ם לָ֝שִׁ֗ית עִם־כַּלְבֵ֥י צֹאנִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implications of this statement is that the fathers of the young men who now laugh at Job were shiftless and incompetent. This could mean: (1) that Job would not employ these men to do even such menial tasks as shepherd dogs do. Alternate translation: “whose fathers I could not even employ to do menial tasks” (2) that Job would not specifically employ these men as shepherds for his flocks, working with his sheepdogs. Alternate translation: “whose fathers I would not even employ as shepherds”
Job 30:2
the strength of their hands, for what {is it} to me
Quote: כֹּ֣חַ יְ֭דֵיהֶם לָ֣מָּה לִּ֑י (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 have no use for the strength of their hands!” or “the strength of their hands is useless to me!”
the strength of their hands, for what {is it} to me
Quote: כֹּ֣חַ יְ֭דֵיהֶם לָ֣מָּה לִּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of these young men, their hands, to mean all of them in the act of using strength to work. As the rest of the verse indicates, these young men have only feeble strength. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have no use for their feeble strength!” or “their feeble strength is useless to me!”
In them old age has perished
Quote: עָ֝לֵ֗ימוֹ אָ֣בַד כָּֽלַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of old age as if it were a living thing that has perished in these young men. Eliphaz uses the same term for “old age” in 5:26. There it means the maturity and accomplishment that come from a long life well lived. Here the term seems to indicate the vigor that someone would have in his youth that would enable him to live such a long life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They have lost the vigor that would have enabled them to live a long life” or “They have lost their youthful vigor”
In them
Quote: עָ֝לֵ֗ימוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the pronoun them refers to the young men who now treat Job disrespectfully, as do the pronouns “they,” “them,” and “their” in verses 4–10. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “In these young men”
Job 30:3
ones gnawing the dry land
Quote: הַֽעֹרְקִ֥ים צִיָּ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is speaking of the dry land by association to mean the roots that grow in the land, as the next verse makes clear. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. It may also be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “These young men gnaw on the roots that they find in the ground”
the dry land yesterday {in} waste and desolation
Quote: צִיָּ֑ה אֶ֝֗מֶשׁ שׁוֹאָ֥ה וּמְשֹׁאָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The term yesterday could mean: (1) time gone by. Alternate translation: “the land that has long been dry, a waste and desolation” (2) the darkness of the night that precedes day. Alternate translation: “the dry land in the gloom of waste and desolation”
in} waste and desolation
Quote: שׁוֹאָ֥ה וּמְשֹׁאָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word desolation tells what kind of waste this is. 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: “in a desolate wasteland”
Job 30:4
mallow
Quote: מַלּ֣וּחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The word mallow describes a kind of flowering plant whose leaves are edible. Your language may have a name of its own for this plant that you could use in your translation. If your readers would not be familiar with the plant, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “desert plants”
and the root of broom trees {is} their bread
Quote: וְשֹׁ֖רֶשׁ רְתָמִ֣ים לַחְמָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
Since Job is speaking of many roots, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of root. Alternate translation: “and the roots of broom trees are their bread”
broom trees
Quote: רְתָמִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A broom tree is a kind of shrub that grows in desert areas. If your readers would not be familiar with this shrub, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable one that they would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “shrubs”
is} their bread
Quote: לַחְמָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one kind of food, bread, to mean food in general. While the roots of the broom tree are edible, they have a bitter taste, and only a desperate person would eat them. So there is a sense here that the people whom Job is describing eat these roots out of desperation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is their food” or “is all they have to eat”
Job 30:5
They are driven out
Quote: יְגֹרָ֑שׁוּ (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 drive these young men out”
from the midst
Quote: מִן־גֵּ֥ו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that these young men are driven out from the midst of human community. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “from society”
they shout after them
Quote: יָרִ֥יעוּ עָ֝לֵ֗ימוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Here the pronoun they is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. It means the people of society in general. (The pronoun them refers to the young men whom Job has been describing.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “people shout after these young men”
as {after} a thief
Quote: כַּגַּנָּֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Job is speaking of people chasing others away, so this seems to be a reference to people shouting at a would-be thief in order to call attention to him and get him to flee before he steals something. Job is probably not referring to people shouting to get others to pursue and apprehend a thief who has already stolen something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “as they would shout to chase away a would-be thief”
Job 30:6
to dwell
Quote: לִשְׁכֹּ֑ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
This phrase indicates the result of what Job describes in the previous verse, “They are driven out from the midst.” It may be helpful to indicate that explicitly, and it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “As a result, they have to live”
on the slope of wadis
Quote: בַּעֲר֣וּץ נְחָלִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
Since Job is speaking of the slopes of many wadis, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of slope. Alternate translation: “on the slopes of wadis”
in} holes of the dust
Quote: חֹרֵ֖י עָפָ֣ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of the ground, the dust on its surface, to mean the ground itself. Iron is actually taken from deep in the ground. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in holes in the ground”
Job 30:7
they bray
Quote: יִנְהָ֑קוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if these young men literally bray as if they were donkeys. He likely means that they moan with hunger, as wild animals cry out when they need food. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “these young men moan with hunger”
they are gathered together
Quote: יְסֻפָּֽחוּ (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 gather together”
Job 30:8
Sons of a fool, indeed, sons of {one} without a name
Quote: בְּֽנֵי־נָ֭בָל גַּם־בְּנֵ֣י בְלִי־שֵׁ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific fool or person without a name. He means such people in general. It may be more natural in your language to express these meanings by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “Sons of fools, indeed, sons of people without names”
Sons of a fool, indeed, sons of {one} without a name
Quote: בְּֽנֵי־נָ֭בָל גַּם־בְּנֵ֣י בְלִי־שֵׁ֑ם (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 helpful to your readers. However, you might also leave the words out in order to show the force of this exclamation, with which Job concludes his description of these young men. Alternate translation: “These young men are sons of fools! Indeed, they are sons of people without names”
Sons of a fool, indeed, sons of {one} without a name
Quote: בְּֽנֵי־נָ֭בָל גַּם־בְּנֵ֣י בְלִי־שֵׁ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the expression sons of describes people who share the qualities of something. Job is using this expression to describe the behavior and character of these young men. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. The word fool here does not indicate someone who lacks intelligence or education; it means someone who chooses to disobey God, thinking there will be no consequences. The word name here means a good reputation. Alternate translation: “People who foolishly think they can disobey God! No wonder they are people of no reputation”
They are scourged from the land
Quote: נִ֝כְּא֗וּ מִן־הָאָֽרֶץ (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 scourge them from the land”
They are scourged from the land
Quote: נִ֝כְּא֗וּ מִן־הָאָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one means by which authorities might drive such young men out of the community, by scourging (whipping) them, to mean all of the ways in which they would drive them out. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They are driven from the land” or “People drive them from the land”
Job 30:9
their song
Quote: נְגִינָתָ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that these young men are singing about him disrespectfully. Your language may have a term that you could use to indicate that in your translation. Alternate translation: “the subject of their taunt-song”
and I am a word for them
Quote: וָאֱהִ֖י לָהֶ֣ם לְמִלָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The meaning of the term word here is the same as the meaning of the term “saying” in 17:6. Job means that these young men are citing him by name as an outstanding example of someone who seemed to be prospering because he was righteous but who came to ruin because he was actually wicked. Your language may have an expression for this practice of citing people by name as examples, and you may be able to use that expression in your translation. See how you translated the term “saying” in 17:6.
Job 30:10
they stay away from me
Quote: רָ֣חֲקוּ מֶ֑נִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Staying away from Job, that is, not approaching him or speaking with him, was a symbolic action that conveyed disrespect and disapproval. Even though physically it was the same thing that young men formerly did to show respect for Job, discreetly withdrawing from his presence, now it had the opposite meaning. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “they stay away from me to show their disapproval” or “they shun me”
but from my face they do not withhold spit
Quote: וּ֝מִפָּנַ֗י לֹא־חָ֥שְׂכוּ רֹֽק (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 withhold. Alternate translation: “but they spit in my face”
but from my face they do not withhold spit
Quote: וּ֝מִפָּנַ֗י לֹא־חָ֥שְׂכוּ רֹֽק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Spitting in Job’s face was a symbolic action that showed contempt for him as someone who was presumably a sinner. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. See how you translated the similar expression in 17:6. Alternate translation: “but they spit contemptuously in my face”
but from my face they do not withhold spit
Quote: וּ֝מִפָּנַ֗י לֹא־חָ֥שְׂכוּ רֹֽק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job does not mean that these young men spit at him from a distance, even though he says that they stay away from him. He means that when they must unavoidably pass near him, they use the occasion to spit in his face. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “but they spit contemptuously in my face when they pass by”
Job 30:11
he has loosed … they cast away
Quote: פִ֭תַּח & שִׁלֵּֽחוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun he refers to God, and the pronoun they refers to the young men whom Job has been describing. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God has loosed … these young men cast away”
he has loosed my cord
Quote: יִתְרִ֣י פִ֭תַּח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God has in some way literally loosed a cord that belongs to him or pertains to him. This could mean: (1) that God has loosened the bowstring on a bow that belongs to Job, so that the bow is no longer useful. The bow would represent Job’s strength. Alternate translation: “he has taken away my strength” (2) that God has released a cord that was holding up the tent in which Job lived, so that the tent has collapsed. The tent would represent Job’s life. Alternate translation: “he has ruined my life”
so they cast away restraint
Quote: וְ֝רֶ֗סֶן & שִׁלֵּֽחוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if restraint were literally an object that people could cast away. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “so they act without restraint”
from my face
Quote: מִפָּנַ֥י (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 my presence”
Job 30:12
On {my} right the brood arise
Quote: עַל־יָמִין֮ פִּרְחַ֪ח יָ֫ק֥וּמוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective right as a noun to mean his right side. Your language may also use adjectives this way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “On my right side the brood arise”
On {my} right the brood arise
Quote: עַל־יָמִין֮ פִּרְחַ֪ח יָ֫ק֥וּמוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The right side was usually the most dangerous side on which to approach an enemy soldier, since a majority of soldiers were right-handed and would use their right hands and arms to wield their swords. The implication is that these young men have no fear of what Job might do to them. Alternate translation: “Without fear the brood arise”
the brood
Quote: פִּרְחַ֪ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of these young men as if they were the brood of a bird or animal. The image is of a cluster of immature offspring moving agitatedly about. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “the rabble”
they thrust aside my foot
Quote: רַגְלַ֥י שִׁלֵּ֑חוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his foot, to mean all of him in the act of walking. He probably means that as he is walking on the road, when these young men are approaching from the opposite direction, they do not stand respectfully aside so that he can pass. Instead, they shove him out of the way so that they can pass. When young men traveling in the same direction overtake him, they similarly push him aside so that they can go by. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on the roads, they push me out of the way”
and they pile up roads of destruction against me
Quote: וַיָּסֹ֥לּוּ עָ֝לַ֗י אָרְח֥וֹת אֵידָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is speaking of siege mounds by association with the way that they provide roads or ways for attacking armies to get into cities and cause their destruction. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they build siege mounds against me”
and they pile up roads of destruction against me
Quote: וַיָּסֹ֥לּוּ עָ֝לַ֗י אָרְח֥וֹת אֵידָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he were a city and these young men were literally building siege mounds in order to conquer that city. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they look for ways to attack me”
Job 30:13
They destroy my path
Quote: נָתְס֗וּ נְֽתִיבָ֫תִ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if there were literally a path that he could take to escape from the attacks of these young men and that they are destroying it so that Job cannot use it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They prevent me from escaping”
they advance my calamity
Quote: לְהַוָּתִ֥י יֹעִ֑ילוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if calamity were literally an object that these young men could move forward, farther along its route to a destination. He means that in addition to all the bad things that have happened to him, they do further bad things to him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they add to my sufferings”
there is} no help for them
Quote: לֹ֖א עֹזֵ֣ר לָֽמוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This could mean: (1) that they do despicable things to Job that no decent person would join them in doing. Alternate translation: “they do things to me that no decent person would do” (2) that they are contemptible people. This may be a popular expression indicating that. Alternate translation: “they are contemptible people”
Job 30:14
As {through} a wide breach they come; amid the ruin they roll on
Quote: כְּפֶ֣רֶץ רָחָ֣ב יֶאֱתָ֑יוּ תַּ֥חַת שֹׁ֝אָ֗ה הִתְגַּלְגָּֽלוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is continuing the image of himself as a city and these young men as a besieging army. He is describing an attack in full force: The army has made a wide breach in the city wall and the soldiers are pouring through it. Job says within this image that they roll on, perhaps like waves of the sea, one wave after another. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “These young men attack me without restraint, time and time again”
Job 30:15
Terrors are turned against me
Quote: הָהְפַּ֥ךְ עָלַ֗י בַּלָּ֫ה֥וֹת (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. The word Terrors could indicate: (1) things that create fear or terror. Alternate translation: “Terrible things keep happening to me” (2) terrors or fears themselves. Alternate translation: “I have many fears”
each} one pursues my dignity
Quote: תִּרְדֹּ֣ף & נְדִבָתִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of these Terrors as if they were living things that could pursue him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “each one deprives me of dignity”
like the wind
Quote: כָּ֭רוּחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as a strong wind relentlessly drives away light objects, so the Terrors that Job is experiencing are relentlessly depriving him of dignity. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “relentlessly”
and my deliverance passes away like a cloud
Quote: וּ֝כְעָ֗ב עָבְרָ֥ה יְשֻׁעָתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as a cloud fades from the sky, so all hope of deliverance has faded for Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and I no longer have any hope of deliverance”
and my deliverance passes away like a cloud
Quote: וּ֝כְעָ֗ב עָבְרָ֥ה יְשֻׁעָתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of deliverance, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and I no longer have any hope that someone will deliver me”
Job 30:16
my life pours itself out within me
Quote: עָ֭לַי תִּשְׁתַּפֵּ֣ךְ נַפְשִׁ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his life were a liquid that was being poured out of a container so that soon none of it would be left in the container. (Although the verb is reflexive, it has a passive sense; Job is not saying, within this image, that his life is doing this on its own initiative.) If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my life is ebbing away within me”
days of affliction seize me
Quote: יֹ֭אחֲז֣וּנִי יְמֵי־עֹֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of these days as if they were living things that could seize him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am continually experiencing days of affliction”
days of affliction
Quote: יְמֵי־עֹֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of affliction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “days during which I am afflicted”
Job 30:17
Night pierces my bones
Quote: לַ֗יְלָה עֲ֭צָמַי נִקַּ֣ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of Night as if it were a living thing that could pierce his bones. He is doing this to describe the pain that he feels more keenly at night. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “At night, pain pierces my bones”
Night pierces my bones
Quote: לַ֗יְלָה עֲ֭צָמַי נִקַּ֣ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his bones, to mean all of him in the act of feeling pain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “At night, pain pierces my body”
Night pierces my bones
Quote: לַ֗יְלָה עֲ֭צָמַי נִקַּ֣ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if pain were literally piercing his body or putting holes in it. He means that he gets a stabbing sensation of pain as if he were actually being stabbed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “At night, I have stabbing sensations of pain”
from upon me
Quote: מֵעָלָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
It is not entirely clear what Job means by this expression. He uses the same expression in 30:30 to describe how his skin, darkened by disease, is peeling off. So this could be a reference to the pain from his sores radiating deep into his body. Alternate translation: “from the sores on my skin”
and the ones gnawing me do not rest
Quote: וְ֝עֹרְקַ֗י לֹ֣א יִשְׁכָּבֽוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the pains he is suffering as if they were living things that could be gnawing him and could rest (although they do not). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the pain is like someone chewing on me, and it never stops”
Job 30:18
By great force
Quote: בְּרָב־כֹּ֭חַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is referring implicitly to the great force of his skin disease, its power to do so much damage. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Because of my serious disease,”
my clothing is changed
Quote: יִתְחַפֵּ֣שׂ לְבוּשִׁ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is probably speaking of his skin as if it were his clothing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my skin is changed” or “my skin is disfigured”
it binds me like the collar of my tunic
Quote: כְּפִ֖י כֻתָּנְתִּ֣י יַֽאַזְרֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers to Job’s skin disease. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “my skin disease binds me like the collar of my tunic”
it binds me like the collar of my tunic
Quote: כְּפִ֖י כֻתָּנְתִּ֣י יַֽאַזְרֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his disease were literally binding him, or wrapping him up tightly, the way a person in his culture would put on a tunic and then wrap its collar tightly around his neck. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my skin disease afflicts me continually”
Job 30:19
He has thrown me into the mud
Quote: הֹרָ֥נִי לַחֹ֑מֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun He refers to text. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God has thrown me into the mud”
He has thrown me into the mud
Quote: הֹרָ֥נִי לַחֹ֑מֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God had literally thrown him into mud. This could mean: (1) that Job is using the image of being thrown into mud to represent his loss of position and status. Alternate translation: “God has reduced me to meager circumstances” (2) that Job is referring to the way he has been demonstrating his distress by sitting in the midst of the ash pile outside the city, as 2:8 describes. Alternate translation: “God has caused me such distress that I have been sitting in this ash heap”
and I have become like dust and ashes
Quote: וָ֝אֶתְמַשֵּׁ֗ל כֶּעָפָ֥ר וָאֵֽפֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Job is speaking as if he had literally become like dust and ashes. This could be: (1) a physical description. Job may mean that the dust and ashes from the pile where he is sitting have stuck to his skin because of his oozing sores and so now he physically resembles dust and ashes himself. Job describes the appearance of his body in the previous verse, and this could be a continuation of that description. Alternate translation: “and I now appear to have become dust and ashes” (2) a comparison. Job may be saying that in some way his situation resembles some characteristic of dust and ashes, perhaps their lowliness of being on the ground. Alternate translation: “and I am greatly humiliated”
Job 30:20
I stand
Quote: עָ֝מַ֗דְתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Standing up was a symbolic action by which someone in this community would call attention to the fact that they needed help. Job may mean that he does this literally as an appeal to God for help, or he may be speaking as if he does it when actually he appeals for help in some other way, such as by praying, as he describes in the first part of the verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “I stand to get your attention and appeal for help”
but you gaze at me
Quote: וַתִּתְבֹּ֥נֶן בִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that God does nothing but gaze at him without helping him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “but you only look at me and do not help me”
Job 30:21
with the strength of your hand
Quote: בְּעֹ֖צֶם יָדְךָ֣ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Here, God’s hand represents his power. Job is using this possessive form to describe how God’s strength is characterized by power, that is, God’s strength is very great. Alternate translation: “with your great strength”
Job 30:22
You lift me up on the wind; you make me ride on it, and you toss me about {in} a storm
Quote: תִּשָּׂאֵ֣נִי אֶל־ר֭וּחַ תַּרְכִּיבֵ֑נִי וּ֝תְמֹגְגֵ֗נִי תּוּשִׁיָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God uses the wind to lift him off the ground and as if the wind carries him away as if he were riding on it the way a person would ride a horse. He is also speaking as if God uses a storm to toss him about. He means that God is causing him such great distress that he feels as if these things are happening to him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You are causing me such great distress that it feels as if a storm wind is picking me up, carrying me away, and tossing me about”
Job 30:23
to} death and {to} the house of appointment to all the living
Quote: מָ֣וֶת & וּבֵ֖ית מוֹעֵ֣ד לְכָל־חָֽי (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. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that by using a word other than “and” in your translation. Alternate translation: “to death, yes, to the house of appointment to all the living”
to} death
Quote: מָ֣וֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
As the rest of the verse shows, Job is using the term death by association to mean Sheol, the abode of the dead. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to Sheol”
and {to} the house of appointment to all the living
Quote: וּבֵ֖ית מוֹעֵ֣ד לְכָל־חָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if Sheol were a house in which dead people lived. He means that it is the place to which people go when they die. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and to the place of appointment to all the living”
and {to} the house of appointment to all the living
Quote: וּבֵ֖ית מוֹעֵ֣ד לְכָל־חָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is using this possessive form to indicate that God has appointed Sheol as the place where living people are to go when they die. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and to the place God has appointed for living people to go when they die”
the living
Quote: חָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective living 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: “living people”
Job 30:24
does not one in a heap stretch out a hand? If in his trouble he does {not} therefore cry out
Quote: לֹא־בְ֭עִי יִשְׁלַח־יָ֑ד אִם־בְּ֝פִיד֗וֹ לָהֶ֥ן & שֽׁוּעַ (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: “one in a heap certainly stretches out a hand! He certainly cries out because he is in trouble!”
does not one in a heap stretch out a hand
Quote: לֹא־בְ֭עִי יִשְׁלַח־יָ֑ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
Job is using a hypothetical situation as an example and applying it by implication to his own situation. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “if someone is in a heap of ruins, then he certainly stretches out a hand, and in the same way I am calling to you for help.”
does not one in a heap stretch out a hand
Quote: לֹא־בְ֭עִי יִשְׁלַח־יָ֑ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Reaching out with one’s hand when in a desperate situation is a symbolic action that constitutes an appeal for help. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “does not one in a heap of ruins appeal for help”
If in his trouble he does {not} therefore cry out
Quote: אִם־בְּ֝פִיד֗וֹ לָהֶ֥ן שֽׁוּעַ (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: “He cries out because he is in trouble, does he not”
Job 30:25
If I did not weep for the difficult of day
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א בָ֭כִיתִי לִקְשֵׁה־י֑וֹם (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: “I wept for the difficult of day, did I not?”
If I did not weep for the difficult of day
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א בָ֭כִיתִי לִקְשֵׁה־י֑וֹם (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 certainly wept for the difficult of day!”
for the difficult of day
Quote: לִקְשֵׁה־י֑וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective phrase difficult of day as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. (In this phrase, the word day indicates a time, and the possessive form indicates that this time was characterized by difficulty.) Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “for people who were going through difficult times”
My soul grieved for the needy
Quote: עָֽגְמָ֥ה נַ֝פְשִׁ֗י לָאֶבְיֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is suggesting implicitly that since he helped others who were in trouble, it is only fair for him to ask God for help now that he is in trouble himself. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “My soul grieved for the needy, so it is only fair for me to ask you for help now”
My soul grieved
Quote: עָֽגְמָ֥ה נַ֝פְשִׁ֗י (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 grieving sympathetically. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I grieved sympathetically”
Job 30:26
For
Quote: כִּ֤י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Job is using the word For to introduce the reason why he has been saying that he can legitimately appeal for help. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “I can legitimately appeal for help because”
for} good, but bad came
Quote: ט֣וֹב & וַיָּ֣בֹא רָ֑ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjectives good and bad 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. Alternate translation: “for good things … but bad things happened to me instead”
for light, but darkness comes
Quote: לְ֝א֗וֹר וַיָּ֥בֹא אֹֽפֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if helpful things were literally light and harmful things were literally darkness. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for helpful things, but harmful things happen instead”
Job 30:27
My innards are boiled and they do not rest
Quote: מֵעַ֖י רֻתְּח֥וּ וְלֹא־דָ֗מּוּ (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: “My innards are boiling and they do not rest”
My innards are boiled and they do not rest
Quote: מֵעַ֖י רֻתְּח֥וּ וְלֹא־דָ֗מּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if his innards have literally boiled and that they are literally not taking any opportunity to rest. This could mean: (1) that his abdomen continually has a hot, painful sensation because he is very upset and this has affected his digestion. Alternate translation: “My stomach is continually upset” (2) that he continually has feelings, which he is using his innards to represent, of anger and frustration. Alternate translation: “I continually feel anger and frustration”
days of affliction confront me
Quote: קִדְּמֻ֥נִי יְמֵי־עֹֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the difficult days he is experiencing as if they were living things that could confront him. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “I am facing day after day of affliction” or “I am experiencing day after day of affliction”
Job 30:28
I go about being dark not by the sun
Quote: קֹדֵ֣ר הִ֭לַּכְתִּי בְּלֹ֣א חַמָּ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means that his skin disease, not the sun, has darkened his skin, as he says explicitly in verse 30. The implication is that this darkened skin makes him appear as if he is a manual laborer who works out in the sun. Song of Songs 1:6 suggests that in this culture, a person in that situation would be less respected than someone who could employ others to do outdoor work and so did not have sun-darkened skin. You could indicate this in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “My disease-darkened skin makes me appear to be a manual laborer”
I stand up in the assembly and cry out
Quote: קַ֖מְתִּי בַקָּהָ֣ל אֲשַׁוֵּֽעַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job may be implicitly indicating a further loss of dignity here. He has had to appeal for help in a public place where people gather. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I have had to humiliate myself by appealing for help in public”
Job 30:29
I have become a brother to jackals and a companion to the daughters of clamor
Quote: אָ֭ח הָיִ֣יתִי לְתַנִּ֑ים וְ֝רֵ֗עַ לִבְנ֥וֹת יַעֲנָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he had literally become a brother to jackals and a companion to ostriches. These wild dogs and wild birds live in deserted areas, and Job is suggesting that they are now his only relatives and friends, since he has become an outcast. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have become such an outcast that it is as if I live far away from other people”
to the daughters of clamor
Quote: לִבְנ֥וֹת יַעֲנָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the expression daughters of describes creatures that share the qualities of something. The word clamor is one possible meaning of an uncertain term that interpreters suggest could also mean “greed” or “the desert.” Whatever the meaning of that term, interpreters agree that the reference is to ostriches. If your language can refer to this kind of bird with a descriptive phrase rather than with a name, you could use that phrase in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “to ostriches”
to the daughters of clamor
Quote: לִבְנ֥וֹת יַעֲנָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
An ostrich is a large, heavy bird that cannot fly but can run very fast. If your readers would not be familiar with ostriches, in your translation you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “to large, flightless, desert birds”
Job 30:30
My skin is black from upon me
Quote: ע֭וֹרִי שָׁחַ֣ר מֵעָלָ֑י (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: “My skin has turned black and it is falling off from upon me”
and my bone burns from heat
Quote: וְעַצְמִי־חָ֝֗רָה מִנִּי־חֹֽרֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, a bone, to mean all of him in the act of feeling hot. He is likely referring to the heat of fever. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and my body is hot with fever”
Job 30:31
So my harp is to mourning and my flute to the sound of ones weeping
Quote: וַיְהִ֣י לְ֭אֵבֶל כִּנֹּרִ֑י וְ֝עֻגָבִ֗י לְק֣וֹל בֹּכִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using musical instruments, the harp and the flute, to represent happiness, by association with the way that people play music when they are happy. He is using mourning and the sound of weeping to represent sorrow, since people mourn and weep when they are sad. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “So while I used to be joyful, now I am very sorrowful”
Job 31
Job 31 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is the conclusion of Job’s final response to his three friends.
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
Litany
In verses 1–34 and 38–40, Job swears a series of oaths to insist on his innocence. Typically he uses a statement that begins with “if” to suggest something he might have done wrong, and he then uses a statement that uses verbal forms such as “may” or “let” to wish that he would receive an appropriate punishment if he has indeed committed such a sin. In some cases, rather than wish for punishment, Job gives a reason why he would not have committed the sin he has described. In some other cases, Job makes only the “if” statement, leaving the rest of the conditional statement to be inferred. Notes throughout the chapter indicate how Job responds to each of the “if” statements that he makes.
A series of similar 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 help them appreciate it by putting each sentence of the litany on a separate line. See what you did with the similar litanies in chapters 9, 12, 26, and 29. (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-litany/01.md and https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/writing-oathformula/01.md)
Special Concepts in This Chapter
Job’s understanding of appropriate punishment for sin
In this chapter, Job insists that he has been righteous by wishing aloud that he would receive the just punishment for any crimes that he may have committed. In most cases, Job himself would suffer the punishment that he describes. But in verses 9 and 10, Job says that if he has committed adultery with another man’s wife, then may other men have sexual relations with his wife. It seems that Job is wishing that God would punish his wife for something that he himself had done. Since the book describes Job as a wise and righteous, it appears that readers are supposed to consider that this would be a just punishment, but it does not seem to be just or fair. One way to understand this may be to consider that Job is saying that if he has been unfaithful to his wife, then may his wife be unfaithful to him in return. This is not the ideal that the Bible as a whole teaches. As Christians, we are not supposed to take revenge on others by doing to them what they have done to us. But in this specific context, in which Job is swearing oaths to guarantee his innocence, having his wife be unfaithful to him if he had been unfaithful to her would be a punishment that fit the crime, and Job is insisting on his innocence by saying that he is prepared to receive the punishments that fit any crimes he has committed.
Job 31:1
I have cut a covenant with my eyes
Quote: בְּ֭רִית כָּרַ֣תִּי לְעֵינָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this culture, people would say that they had cut a covenant because making a covenant often involved a ceremony in which the two parties would cut up an animal and walk between the cut-up pieces. Jeremiah 34:18 refers to such a ceremony, and Genesis 15:8–19 describes God making a covenant with Abraham in this way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have made a covenant with my eyes”
I have cut a covenant with my eyes
Quote: בְּ֭רִית כָּרַ֣תִּי לְעֵינָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of his eyes as if they were living things with which he could make a covenant. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have resolved to exercise self-control regarding what I look at”
how then would I gaze upon a virgin
Quote: וּמָ֥ה אֶ֝תְבּוֹנֵ֗ן עַל־בְּתוּלָֽה (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 would not gaze upon a virgin!”
how then would I gaze
Quote: וּמָ֥ה אֶ֝תְבּוֹנֵ֗ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that he would not gaze lustfully. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “how then would I gaze lustfully” or “I would not gaze lustfully”
upon a virgin
Quote: עַל־בְּתוּלָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one kind of woman, a virgin, to mean women in general. He is not saying that if a woman had not had sexual relations with anyone, he would not look at her lustfully, but if a woman had had sexual relations, then he might look at her lustfully. Job is mentioning a virgin as one example of a woman whom he might be tempted to look at that way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at a woman”
Job 31:2
For what {would be} the portion from God above, or the inheritance from the Almighty in the heights
Quote: וּמֶ֤ה ׀ חֵ֣לֶק אֱל֣וֹהַּ מִמָּ֑עַל וְֽנַחֲלַ֥ת שַׁ֝דַּ֗י מִמְּרֹמִֽים (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 could mean: (1) a good portion and inheritance as a reward for obedience. These terms typically have a positive meaning. Alternate translation: “For then there would be no portion from God above or inheritance from the Almighty in the heights!” (2) a bad portion and inheritance, that is, a punishment, for disobedience. This would mean the same thing that Job says in the next verse. Alternate translation: “For then the portion from God above would not be good, nor the inheritance from the Almighty in the heights”
would be} the portion from God above, or the inheritance from the Almighty in the heights
Quote: חֵ֣לֶק אֱל֣וֹהַּ מִמָּ֑עַל וְֽנַחֲלַ֥ת שַׁ֝דַּ֗י מִמְּרֹמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Depending on the meaning (see previous note), Job is speaking as if either a reward or punishment from God would literally be a portion or a share in an inheritance. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: (1) “the reward from God above, or the blessing from the Almighty” or (2) “the punishment from God above, or the chastisement from the Almighty”
or the inheritance from
Quote: וְֽנַחֲלַ֥ת (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 what would be the inheritance”
in the heights
Quote: מִמְּרֹמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
See how you translated this same expression in 25:1. Alternate translation: “in highest heaven”
Job 31:3
Is} not calamity for the unrighteous and disaster for doers of wickedness
Quote: הֲלֹא־אֵ֥יד לְעַוָּ֑ל וְ֝נֵ֗כֶר לְפֹ֣עֲלֵי אָֽוֶן (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: “After all, calamity is for the unrighteous, and disaster for doers of wickedness!”
for the unrighteous
Quote: לְעַוָּ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective unrighteous 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: “for unrighteous people”
for doers of wickedness
Quote: לְפֹ֣עֲלֵי אָֽוֶן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wickedness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for people who do wicked things”
Job 31:4
Does he not see my ways and count all my steps
Quote: הֲלֹא־ה֭וּא יִרְאֶ֣ה דְרָכָ֑י וְֽכָל־צְעָדַ֥י יִסְפּֽוֹר (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 God sees my ways and counts all my steps!”
my ways
Quote: דְרָכָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of how he has been living as if that were a series of ways or paths that he has been walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how I have been living”
and count all my steps
Quote: וְֽכָל־צְעָדַ֥י יִסְפּֽוֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Within the image of life as a series of paths, Job is speaking as if God would literally count each of the steps he was taking. By steps, he probably means individual actions, and by count, he probably means that God notices each one specifically. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and take note of each of my actions”
Job 31:5
If I have walked with falsehood
Quote: אִם־הָלַ֥כְתִּי עִם־שָׁ֑וְא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of falsehood as if it were a living thing with which he could have walked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If I have conducted myself with falsehood”
If I have walked with falsehood
Quote: אִם־הָלַ֥כְתִּי עִם־שָׁ֑וְא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of falsehood, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “If I have conducted myself dishonestly”
or my foot has hurried to deceit
Quote: וַתַּ֖חַשׁ עַל־מִרְמָ֣ה רַגְלִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his foot, to mean all of him in the act of hurrying or being eager to do something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or I have hurried to deceit”
or my foot has hurried to deceit
Quote: וַתַּ֖חַשׁ עַל־מִרְמָ֣ה רַגְלִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of deceit, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “or I have eagerly done something deceitful”
Job 31:6
let him weigh me in balances of righteousness, and God will know my integrity
Quote: יִשְׁקְלֵ֥נִי בְמֹאזְנֵי־צֶ֑דֶק וְיֵדַ֥ע אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַּ תֻּמָּתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge
In this verse, Job interrupts the if-then statement he is making in verses 5, 7, and 8. He does that in order to assert that if God judges him fairly, then God will recognize that he does not deserve the punishment he describes in verse 8 or any of the other punishments he describes in this chapter. If it would be clearer in your language, you could put this assertion before the if-then statement by creating a verse bridge for verses 5–6. It might say something like this: “Now if God would weigh me in balances of righteousness, then he would know my integrity. If I have walked with falsehood or my foot has hurried to deceit”
let him weigh me in balances of righteousness
Quote: יִשְׁקְלֵ֥נִי בְמֹאזְנֵי־צֶ֑דֶק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if God might literally weigh him in a set of balances. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “let him judge me by standards of righteousness”
let him weigh me in balances of righteousness
Quote: יִשְׁקְלֵ֥נִי בְמֹאזְנֵי־צֶ֑דֶק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “let him judge me in a way that is right”
my integrity
Quote: תֻּמָּתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
See how you translated the term integrity in 2:3. Alternate translation: “that I live in the right way”
Job 31:7
if my step has turned aside from the way
Quote: אִ֥ם תִּטֶּ֣ה אַשֻּׁרִי֮ מִנִּ֪י הַ֫דָּ֥רֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, a step that he would take, to mean all of him in the act of walking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if I have turned aside from the way”
if my step has turned aside from the way
Quote: אִ֥ם תִּטֶּ֣ה אַשֻּׁרִי֮ מִנִּ֪י הַ֫דָּ֥רֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of the right manner in which to live as if it were a way or path that people should walk along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if I have failed to live correctly”
my heart … a spot
Quote: לִבִּ֑י & מֻאֽוּם (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 my heart … if a spot”
or my heart has gone after my eyes
Quote: וְאַחַ֣ר עֵ֭ינַי הָלַ֣ךְ לִבִּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of his heart and his eyes as if they were living things that could go places, the eyes going somewhere first and the heart following. Here Job is using his heart to mean his desires and his eyes to mean what he sees. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or if I have seen something that did not belong to me but I have coveted it for myself”
or a spot has stuck to my hands
Quote: וּ֝בְכַפַּ֗י דָּ֣בַק מֻאֽוּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
As in 17:9, Job is speaking as if people who are innocent of wrongdoing literally have clean hands, so that when he speaks of a spot or stain having stuck to his hands, he is raising the issue of whether he has done something wrong. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or I have done something morally wrong”
Job 31:8
let me sow and may another eat
Quote: אֶ֭זְרְעָה וְאַחֵ֣ר יֹאכֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job means implicitly that if he has done any of the wrong things he has just listed, then the appropriate punishment would be for someone else to eat the crops that grew from seeds he would sow. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “may someone else eat the crops that grow from the seeds that I sow”
Job 31:9
If my heart has been opened by a woman
Quote: אִם־נִפְתָּ֣ה לִ֭בִּי עַל־אִשָּׁ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
When Job speaks of whether his heart has been opened by a woman, he is using an expression that means to be enticed by a woman. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If my heart has been enticed by a woman”
If my heart has been opened by a woman
Quote: אִם־נִפְתָּ֣ה לִ֭בִּי עַל־אִשָּׁ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his heart, meaning his desires, to mean all of him in the act of being enticed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If I have been enticed by a woman”
If my heart has been opened by a woman
Quote: אִם־נִפְתָּ֣ה לִ֭בִּי עַל־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. However, be careful to translate Job’s meaning accurately. Job is not describing a situation in which a woman would be essentially responsible for seducing him. He is describing a situation in which he would not have exercised self-control over what he looked at (as described in verse 1) and in which he allowed the beauty of a woman to entice him to do something he knew was wrong. Alternate translation: “If I have allowed a woman to entice me”
and I have lurked at the door of my neighbor
Quote: וְעַל־פֶּ֖תַח רֵעִ֣י אָרָֽבְתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that this woman is married and that Job would have waited in hiding outside her door for her to open the door and let him come into her home and have sexual relations with her at a time when her husband was away. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and I have waited for my neighbor’s wife to let me into her home so that I could have sexual relations with her”
Job 31:10
may my wife grind for another
Quote: תִּטְחַ֣ן לְאַחֵ֣ר אִשְׁתִּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term grind, meaning to grind grain, by association to mean “be a concubine,” since concubines did the work of grinding grain for their masters, who were also their husbands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See the General Notes to this chapter for a further discussion of this verse. Alternate translation: “may my wife become the concubine of another man”
and may others bow down upon her
Quote: וְ֝עָלֶ֗יהָ יִכְרְע֥וּן אֲחֵרִֽין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Job is using the phrase bow down upon to mean “have sexual relations with.” This is mild way of referring to something that is usually done in private. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “and may others sleep with her”
Job 31:11
For that {would be} lewdness
Quote: כִּי־הִ֥יא & זִמָּ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun that refers to what Job described in verse 9, not to what he described in verse 10. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “For if I had sexual relations with another man’s wife, that would be lewdness”
and it would be iniquity of judges
Quote: וְ֝ה֗וּא & עָוֺ֥ן פְּלִילִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is using this possessive form to describe iniquity that judges would punish, not iniquity that judges would commit. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and judges would certainly punish such iniquity”
Job 31:12
For
Quote: כִּ֤י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Job is using the word For to introduce the reason why he would not commit adultery, not the reason why judges would punish adultery. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “I would not commit adultery, because I know that”
it {is} a fire
Quote: אֵ֣שׁ הִ֭יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers to adultery. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “adultery is a fire”
it {is} a fire
Quote: אֵ֣שׁ הִ֭יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if adultery were literally a fire. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it is very destructive”
it consumes unto Abaddon
Quote: עַד־אֲבַדּ֣וֹן תֹּאכֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of the fire that he is using to represent adultery as if it burns everything in its path right down to the underworld. As a note to 26:6 explains, the word Abaddon is another name for Sheol. However, the word literally means “destruction,” and Job may be using it in that sense, even within the image of this fire. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it burns until everything before it is completely destroyed”
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Quote: וּֽבְכָל־תְּב֖וּאָתִ֣י תְשָׁרֵֽשׁand it would uproot all of my harvest (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is also speaking as if adultery were something that would uproot his entire harvest. He is probably using this image to represent the loss of all of his possessions. Proverbs 6:26–35 indicates that in this culture, men found guilty of adultery could have to pay great amounts in fines and compensation. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and it could cost me all of my possessions” or “and it could make me lose all of my wealth”
Job 31:13
If I disdained the justice of my male servant or my female servant
Quote: אִם־אֶמְאַ֗ס מִשְׁפַּ֣ט עַ֭בְדִּי וַאֲמָתִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “If I did not consider it important to treat my male servant or my female servant justly”
Job 31:14
then what would I do if God arose? Or if he visited, how would I answer him
Quote: וּמָ֣ה אֶֽ֭עֱשֶׂה כִּֽי־יָק֣וּם אֵ֑ל וְכִֽי־יִ֝פְקֹ֗ד מָ֣ה אֲשִׁיבֶֽנּוּ (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: “then I would not be able to do anything if God arose, or if he visited, I would not be able to answer him”
God arose
Quote: יָק֣וּם אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is asking implicitly what he would do if God arose or stood up to bring charges against him. As a note to 20:27 explains, in order to begin a case against someone, people in this culture would stand up among those who had gathered in the public square. See how you translated the similar expression in 20:27. Alternate translation: “God stood up to bring charges against me”
Or if he visited
Quote: וְכִֽי־יִ֝פְקֹ֗ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job is using the term visited in a particular sense. When applied to God, the term often indicates that God takes action in the life of a person or group, whether to help needy people or to punish guilty people. For example, Ruth 1:6 says that Naomi, who had left Israel because of a famine, returned there after she heard that “Yahweh had visited his people, giving them bread.” Here the sense is that God would “visit” Job to help Job’s servants and to punish him for mistreating them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Or if he came to help my servants”
Job 31:15
Did not the one making me in the belly make him? And did {not} one fashion us in the womb
Quote: הֲֽ֝לֹא־בַ֭בֶּטֶן עֹשֵׂ֣נִי עָשָׂ֑הוּ וַ֝יְכֻנֶ֗נּוּ בָּרֶ֥חֶם אֶחָֽד (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: “After all, the one who made me in the belly also made him. Indeed, the same person fashioned us both in the womb.”
Did … make him
Quote: עָשָׂ֑הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the pronoun him is masculine, Job is using the word in a generic sense that refers both to the “male servant” and “female servant” whom he describes in verse 13. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use an expression in your language that would indicate this. Alternate translation: “Did … make my male servant and my female servant” or “Did … make them”
And did {not} one fashion us
Quote: וַ֝יְכֻנֶ֗נּוּ & אֶחָֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
By us, Job means himself and his servants but not the friends to whom he is speaking, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
Job 31:16
from the desire of the poor
Quote: מֵחֵ֣פֶץ דַּלִּ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is using this possessive form to describe something that the poor would desire. The sense is that they would desire this because they needed it. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “something that the poor desired” or “something that the poor needed”
the poor
Quote: דַּלִּ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job 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: “poor people”
or I have made the eyes of the widow fail
Quote: וְעֵינֵ֖י אַלְמָנָ֣ה אֲכַלֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of this widow, her eyes, to mean all of her in the act of looking for help, that is, expecting and awaiting help. If her eyes were to fail, that would mean that she had given up hope of receiving the help she needed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or if I have neglected to help a widow for so long that she gave up hope of receiving help”
the widow
Quote: אַלְמָנָ֣ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific widow. He means any widow who might have needed help. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using an indefinite article. Alternate translation: “a widow”
Job 31:17
the fatherless
Quote: יָת֣וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective fatherless 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 fatherless person” or “the orphan”
the fatherless
Quote: יָת֣וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific fatherless person. He means any orphan who might have needed food. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “any orphan who might have needed food”
Job 31:18
for
Quote: כִּ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Job is using the word for to introduce the reason why he does not even need to specify a consequence in this case if he has committed the sins he has just described. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “but I do not even need to say what God should do to me if I have done those things, because”
from my youth … and from the belly of my mother
Quote: מִ֭נְּעוּרַי & וּמִבֶּ֖טֶן אִמִּ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Job says from my youth and from the belly of my mother as overstatements for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “throughout my life … and continually”
he has grown up with me … I have guided her
Quote: גְּדֵלַ֣נִי & אַנְחֶֽנָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun he refers to the representative orphan whom Job described in the verse 17, and the pronoun her refers to the representative widow he described in verse 16. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the orphan has grown up with me … I have guided the widow”
Job 31:19
for the needy
Quote: לָאֶבְיֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective needy 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: “for a needy person”
for the needy
Quote: לָאֶבְיֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific needy person. He means any person who might have needed a covering, probably meaning an outer garment that would also have served as a blanket. You could indicate in your translation whom Job means if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “for any person who needed one”
Job 31:20
if his loins have not blessed me and he has {not} warmed himself from the wool of my sheep
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א בֵרֲכ֣וּנִי חֲלָצָ֑יו וּמִגֵּ֥ז כְּ֝בָשַׂי יִתְחַמָּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
Since this representative needy person may have first warmed himself with a garment that Job provided and then blessed Job for this practical help, it may be more natural to reverse the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: “if he has not warmed himself from the wool of my sheep and blessed me for my kindness”
if his loins have not blessed me
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א בֵרֲכ֣וּנִי חֲלָצָ֑יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of this representative needy person, his loins, to mean all of him in the act of blessing Job. Job probably chooses the waist area to symbolize this person because that is the area that a person who needed clothing would cover first. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if he has not blessed me”
and … from the wool of my sheep
Quote: וּמִגֵּ֥ז כְּ֝בָשַׂי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using this phrase by association to mean a garment that someone in his household would have woven from wool that his sheep had produced. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and … with a warm woolen garment that I provided”
Job 31:21
if I have shaken my hand against the fatherless
Quote: אִם־הֲנִיפ֣וֹתִי עַל־יָת֣וֹם יָדִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Shaking the hand, probably formed into a fist, against someone would be a symbolic action that threatened harm if the person did not acquiesce to one’s wishes. In this context, it would be a gesture that threatened severe consequences if an opponent in court did not agree to settle a case on favorable terms. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “if I have tried to intimidate the fatherless into settling a case in my favor”
I saw my help at the gate
Quote: אֶרְאֶ֥ה בַ֝שַּׁ֗עַר עֶזְרָתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term gate by association to mean the community court, which would hold its sessions in the public square near the city gate. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I saw that there were people in court who would take my side”
Job 31:22
yes, may my arm be broken from its socket
Quote: וְ֝אֶזְרֹעִ֗י מִקָּנָ֥ה תִשָּׁבֵֽר (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: “yes, may my arm break off from its socket”
Job 31:23
For
Quote: כִּ֤י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Job is using the word For to reassert the reason why he did not commit any of the crimes he has been describing. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “No, I did not do any of those things, because”
the destruction of God
Quote: אֵ֣יד אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Job is using this possessive form to describe the destruction of a wicked person by God, not the destruction of God by anything. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the knowledge that God destroys wicked people”
and from his majesty, I was not able
Quote: וּ֝מִשְּׂאֵת֗וֹ לֹ֣א אוּכָֽל (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 referring to neglecting the poor and intimidating the fatherless, as he described in verses 19–21. Alternate translation: “and because of his majesty, I was not able to do any of those things” or “and because of his majesty, I could not have done any of those things”
Job 31:24
and I have said to fine gold, ‘My confidence
Quote: וְ֝לַכֶּ֗תֶם אָמַ֥רְתִּי מִבְטַחִֽי (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: “and I have told fine gold that it was my confidence”
and I have said to fine gold, ‘My confidence
Quote: וְ֝לַכֶּ֗תֶם אָמַ֥רְתִּי מִבְטַחִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
If Job had spoken to fine gold in this way, he would have been speaking to something that he knew could not hear him in order to show in a strong way how he felt about it. If a speaker in your language would not do that, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I have said that fine gold was my confidence”
and I have said to fine gold, ‘My confidence
Quote: וְ֝לַכֶּ֗תֶם אָמַ֥רְתִּי מִבְטַחִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of confidence, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and I have said that I was confiding in fine gold”
Job 31:25
and because my hand had acquired much
Quote: וְכִֽי־כַ֝בִּ֗יר מָצְאָ֥ה יָדִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
In this instance, Job is swearing an oath by stating the first part of a condition (“if”) but not the second part (“then”). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explicitly state the implied second part of this condition. You could use the same language that Job uses in verses 11 and 28, or you could use plain language. Alternate translation: “and because my hand had acquired much, then judges would certainly punish such iniquity” or “and because my hand had acquired much, then I would certainly deserve punishment”
my hand had acquired much
Quote: כַ֝בִּ֗יר מָצְאָ֥ה יָדִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his hand, to mean all of him in the act of acquiring wealth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I had acquired much”
much
Quote: כַ֝בִּ֗יר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Job is using the adjective much as a noun to mean wealth in quantity. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “a fortune”
Job 31:26
the light
Quote: א֖וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term light by association to mean the sun. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the sun”
or the moon walking
Quote: וְ֝יָרֵ֗חַ & הֹלֵֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if the moon were literally walking across the sky. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or the moon moving across the sky”
Job 31:27
and my heart opened
Quote: וַיִּ֣פְתְּ & לִבִּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated the similar expression about the “heart” being “opened” in 31:9. Alternate translation: “and I was attracted to the sun or the moon”
and my hand kissed my mouth
Quote: וַתִּשַּׁ֖ק יָדִ֣י לְפִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking as if his hand were a living thing that could have kissed his mouth. He means that if he had wanted to offer worship to the sun or the moon, following the customs of this culture, he would have touched his hand to his mouth in a kiss and then waved the kiss up to the sun or the moon. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “and I had blown a kiss to the sun or the moon” or “and I had worshiped the sun or the moon”
Job 31:28
this also {would be} iniquity of judges
Quote: גַּם־ה֭וּא עָוֺ֣ן פְּלִילִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
See how you translated the expression iniquity of judges in 31:11. Alternate translation: “judges would certainly also punish such iniquity”
Job 31:29
or lifted myself up
Quote: וְ֝הִתְעֹרַ֗רְתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression means to consider oneself in a better position than another who has suffered a misfortune. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or gloated”
because evil found him
Quote: כִּֽי־מְצָ֥אוֹ רָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of evil as if it were a living thing that could have found someone who hated him. Here the word evil has the sense of “misfortune” rather than of moral wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because he suffered misfortune”
because evil found him
Quote: כִּֽי־מְצָ֥אוֹ רָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
This is the conclusion of an oath that Job is swearing in this verse. See what you did in 31:25, where Job similarly does not state the second part of the condition in an oath that he is swearing. Alternate translation: “because evil found him, then judges would certainly punish such iniquity” or “because evil found him, then I would certainly deserve punishment”
Job 31:30
For I have not caused my palate to sin
Quote: וְלֹא־נָתַ֣תִּי לַחֲטֹ֣א חִכִּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking as if his palate or mouth were a living thing that he could have caused to sin. He means that he himself could have sinned in something that he said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “For I have not said something sinful”
Job 31:31
If the men of my tent have not said, Who will give one {who} has not been satisfied from his flesh
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א אָ֭מְרוּ מְתֵ֣י אָהֳלִ֑י מִֽי־יִתֵּ֥ן מִ֝בְּשָׂר֗וֹ לֹ֣א נִשְׂבָּֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
As in 31:25 and 31:29, here Job does not state the second part of the condition in an oath that he is swearing. See what you did in those verses. Alternate translation: “If the men of my tent have not said, ‘Who will give one who has not been satisfied from his flesh?’ then judges would certainly punish such iniquity” or “If the men of my tent have not said, ‘Who will give one {who} has not been satisfied from his flesh?’ then I would certainly deserve punishment”
If the men of my tent have not said, Who will give one {who} has not been satisfied from his flesh
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א אָ֭מְרוּ מְתֵ֣י אָהֳלִ֑י מִֽי־יִתֵּ֥ן מִ֝בְּשָׂר֗וֹ לֹ֣א נִשְׂבָּֽע (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: “If the men of my tent have not asked who could show one who has not been satisfied from my flesh!”
the men of my tent
Quote: מְתֵ֣י אָהֳלִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term tent by association to mean his household. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the men of my household”
the men of my tent
Quote: מְתֵ֣י אָהֳלִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although Job refers to his male and female servants separately in 31:13, Job is likely using the masculine term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “the men and women of my household” or “my servants”
Who will give one {who} has not been satisfied from his flesh
Quote: מִֽי־יִתֵּ֥ן מִ֝בְּשָׂר֗וֹ לֹ֣א נִשְׂבָּֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job’s servants 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. (In this context, unlike elsewhere in the book, the expression Who will give does not express a wish. The servants are not saying, “We wish there was one who has not been satisfied.”) Alternate translation: “No one can show anyone who has not been satisfied from his flesh!” or, positively, “Everyone has been satisfied from his flesh!”
one {who} has not been satisfied
Quote: לֹ֣א נִשְׂבָּֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
As the next verse shows, Job’s servants would be speaking implicitly of hungry people. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “a hungry person who has not been satisfied”
from his flesh
Quote: מִ֝בְּשָׂר֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job’s servants would be using the term flesh by association to mean meat and, by further association, food in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from his food”
Job 31:32
The sojourner has not stayed overnight in the outdoors
Quote: בַּ֭חוּץ לֹא־יָלִ֣ין גֵּ֑ר (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 phrase stayed overnight in the outdoors. Alternate translation: “I have allowed the sojourner to stay in my home”
The sojourner has not stayed overnight … to the traveler
Quote: לֹא־יָלִ֣ין גֵּ֑ר & לָאֹ֥רַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific sojourner or to a specific traveler. He means sojourners and travelers in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “Sojourners have not stayed overnight … to travelers”
I have opened my doors to the traveler
Quote: דְּ֝לָתַ֗י לָאֹ֥רַח אֶפְתָּֽח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one thing he would do to provide hospitality, open his doors, to mean the entire act of providing hospitality. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have provided hospitality to travelers”
Job 31:33
like man
Quote: כְאָדָ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
The word translated man could mean: (1) even though it is masculine, humanity in general, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “as people do” (2) Adam, the first man whom God created and who tried to hide from God when he realized that he had sinned. (However, many interpreters question whether Job would have been familiar with the book of Genesis.) Alternate translation: “like Adam”
I have concealed my sins by hiding my guilt in my chest
Quote: כִּסִּ֣יתִי & פְּשָׁעָ֑י לִטְמ֖וֹן בְּחֻבִּ֣י עֲוֺֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if guilt were an object that he could hide in his chest. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “I have concealed the guilt of my sins by keeping it inside” or “I have concealed my sins by not telling anyone about what I was guilty of doing”
Job 31:34
I did not go out the door
Quote: לֹא־אֵ֥צֵא פָֽתַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using a thing he would do to confess his sins publicly, go out the door, to mean the entire act of making a public confession. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I did not confess my sin publicly”
I did not go out the door
Quote: לֹא־אֵ֥צֵא פָֽתַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula
This is the conclusion of an oath that Job is swearing in this verse. See what you did in 31:25, where Job similarly does not state the second part of the condition in an oath that he is swearing. Alternate translation: “I did not go out the door, then judges would certainly punish such iniquity” or “I did not go out the door, then I would certainly deserve punishment”
Job 31:35
Who will give to me one hearing me
Quote: מִ֤י יִתֶּן־לִ֨י ׀ שֹׁ֘מֵ֤עַֽ לִ֗י (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 I had someone who was hearing me!”
one hearing me
Quote: שֹׁ֘מֵ֤עַֽ לִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By one hearing me, Job implicitly means someone impartial “hearing” his case in the judicial sense and judging it. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “someone impartial who will judge between me and God”
Behold, my mark
Quote: הֶן־תָּ֭וִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
It appears that in this culture, both parties in a legal proceeding would submit their arguments to the court in writing and that they would sign them with their names or with a mark to authenticate them. Job is speaking as if he is putting his mark on a written record of his testimony in order to declare that everything he has just said is true. (It seems unlikely that he has actually put all of his testimony in writing, since this is not an actual court proceeding and God would not be submitting a corresponding written document.) You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I certify that I have been telling the truth”
And the scroll that the man of my case has written
Quote: וְסֵ֥פֶר כָּ֝תַ֗ב אִ֣ישׁ רִיבִֽי (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 who will give to me the scroll that the man of my case has written?” or “And I wish that I had the scroll that the man of my case has written!”
the man of my case
Quote: אִ֣ישׁ רִיבִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression refers to an opponent in a legal proceeding. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my opponent”
Job 31:36
If I would not bear it on my shoulder
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א עַל־שִׁ֭כְמִי אֶשָּׂאֶ֑נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Job 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: “I would bear it on my shoulder, would I not?”
If I would not bear it on my shoulder
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א עַל־שִׁ֭כְמִי אֶשָּׂאֶ֑נּוּ (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 would certainly bear it on my shoulder!”
If I would not bear it on my shoulder
Quote: אִם־לֹ֣א עַל־שִׁ֭כְמִי אֶשָּׂאֶ֑נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking as if he would literally bear his opponent’s written legal argument against him on his shoulder. He means that he would have no reason to be ashamed of any of the accusations, knowing that they would be proven false and his honor would be vindicated. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “I would wear it as a badge of honor!”
I would bind it to me {as} crowns
Quote: אֶֽעֶנְדֶ֖נּוּ עֲטָר֣וֹת לִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is using the plural form crowns to refer to a crown of superlative quality. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “I would wear it on my head as a splendid crown” or “I would wrap it around my head as a splendid garland”
Job 31:37
my steps
Quote: צְ֭עָדַי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job is speaking of his actions as if they were steps along a path that he had been walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my actions”
like a noble
Quote: כְּמוֹ־נָ֝גִ֗יד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as a noble does things confidently and with self-assurance because of his position, so Job would approach the Almighty confidently, knowing that he was innocent. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “confidently”
Job 31:38
If my soil cries out against me and its furrows weep together
Quote: אִם־עָ֭לַי אַדְמָתִ֣י תִזְעָ֑ק וְ֝יַ֗חַד תְּלָמֶ֥יהָ יִבְכָּיֽוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of the soil on his land and its furrows as if they were living things that could cry out for justice and weep because of oppression. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly, in light of what Job says in the next verse. Alternate translation: “If I have committed a sin in the way that I have used my land”
Job 31:39
without silver
Quote: בְלִי־כָ֑סֶף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Job is using the term silver by association to mean money, since silver was used as money in this culture. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “without paying for it”
or caused the breath of its masters to expire
Quote: וְנֶ֖פֶשׁ בְּעָלֶ֣יהָ הִפָּֽחְתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
This could mean: (1) that as a poetic way of referring to death, Job is speaking of how someone might expire or breathe out breath. He would mean implicitly that he had not even left the people who were farming his land enough crops to live on. Alternate translation: “or caused its masters to die of starvation” (2) that Job had grieved the people who were farming his land by oppressing them, though he had not actually caused them to die. The word translated breath can also mean “soul,” and the word translated expire could mean “sigh.” In that case Job would be using the souls of these farmers to mean the farmers themselves. Alternate translation: “or caused the souls of its masters to sigh” or “or caused its masters to sigh from oppression”
its masters
Quote: בְּעָלֶ֣יהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the term masters describes people who are farming the land, not people who own it. It could refer to people who were tenants of land that Job owned. In that case, they would likely be sharecropping, that is, growing crops on Job’s land in exchange for giving him a share of the crops. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “its tenants” or “its sharecroppers” or “the people who were farming it”
Job 31:40
may a thorn grow instead of wheat and a weed instead of barley
Quote: תַּ֤חַת חִטָּ֨ה ׀ יֵ֥צֵא ח֗וֹחַ וְתַֽחַת־שְׂעֹרָ֥ה בָאְשָׁ֑ה (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: “may a thorn grow instead of wheat, and may a weed grow instead of barley”
may a thorn grow instead of wheat and a weed instead of barley
Quote: תַּ֤חַת חִטָּ֨ה ׀ יֵ֥צֵא ח֗וֹחַ וְתַֽחַת־שְׂעֹרָ֥ה בָאְשָׁ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Job is not referring to a specific thorn or to a specific weed. He means thorns and weeds in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “may thorns grow instead of wheat, and may weeds grow instead of barley”
The words of Job have ended
Quote: תַּ֝֗מּוּ דִּבְרֵ֥י אִיּֽוֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The narrator is using the term 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: “This is the end of what Job said”
Job 32
Job 32 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter introduces a younger man named Elihu, who has been listening to the conversation between Job and his three friends. Elihu explains that he waited for the friends to speak first, out of respect for their age. But since they have not been able to answer Job effectively, he would now like to speak himself. Elihu continues to speak through chapter 37.
The ULT sets the lines 32:6–22 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because those verses are poetry.
Translation Issues in This Chapter
Reference of “you” and “your”
In verses 6 and 11–14, Elihu says “you” and “your” in order to refer to Job’s three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
“words” meaning speaking or what a person says
Several times in verses 11–18, Elihu uses the term “words” to mean speaking or what a person says by using words. The narrator also uses the term in that sense in verse 4. Notes suggest ways to translate the term “words” in these various individual contexts.
Job 32:1
the three of these men
Quote: שְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת הָאֲנָשִׁ֣ים הָ֭אֵלֶּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By the three of these men, the narrator implicitly means Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar”
in his eyes
Quote: בְּעֵינָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The narrator 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 his own perspective”
Job 32:2
Then the nose burned of Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, from the clan of Ram. His nose burned against Job
Quote: וַיִּ֤חַר אַ֨ף ׀ אֱלִיה֣וּא בֶן־בַּרַכְאֵ֣ל הַבּוּזִי֮ מִמִּשְׁפַּ֪חַ֫ת רָ֥ם בְּ֭אִיּוֹב חָרָ֣ה אַפּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated the word nose in 9:5. The narrator is speaking as if Elihu’s nose or anger could literally have burned. He means that Elihu became very angry. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry. He became very angry against Job”
Then … burned
Quote: וַיִּ֤חַר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
The narrator is using the word translated Then 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.
Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, from the clan of Ram
Quote: אֱלִיה֣וּא בֶן־בַּרַכְאֵ֣ל הַבּוּזִי֮ מִמִּשְׁפַּ֪חַ֫ת רָ֥ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants
The author is introducing Elihu as a new participant in the story by naming his father, his people group, and his clan. If your language has its own way of introducing new participants, you can use it here in your translation. You may wish to indicate in your translation, as the UST does, that Elihu had been listening as Job spoke with his three friends.
Elihu … Barakel the Buzite, … Ram
Quote: אֱלִיה֣וּא & בַּרַכְאֵ֣ל & הַבּוּזִי֮ & רָ֥ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The words Elihu, Barakel, and Ram are the names of men. Buzite is the name of the people group to which Elihu belonged. The term identifies him as one of the descendants of a man named Buz.
Job 32:3
his nose burned
Quote: חָרָ֪ה אַ֫פּ֥וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated the similar expression in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “he became very angry”
but they had declared Job wrong
Quote: וַ֝יַּרְשִׁ֗יעוּ אֶת־אִיּֽוֹב (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 “they had declared God wrong” to they had declared Job wrong. The scribes made this change in order to avoid the uncomfortable suggestion that God could be declared wrong. 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 so they had made it appear as if God were wrong”
Job 32:4
Now Elihu had awaited Job with words, because they {were} older in days than he {was
Quote: וֶֽאֱלִיה֗וּ חִכָּ֣ה אֶת־אִ֭יּוֹב בִּדְבָרִ֑ים כִּ֤י זְֽקֵנִים־הֵ֖מָּה מִמֶּ֣נּוּ לְיָמִֽים (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: “Now Job’s friends were much older than Elihu, so he had waited until they had finished speaking to Job before he spoke himself”
Now Elihu had awaited Job with words, because
Quote: וֶֽאֱלִיה֗וּ חִכָּ֣ה אֶת־אִ֭יּוֹב בִּדְבָרִ֑ים כִּ֤י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the narrator is using the term words to mean what Elihu wanted to say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because”
they {were} older in days
Quote: זְֽקֵנִים־הֵ֖מָּה & לְיָמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated the similar expression in 30:1. Alternate translation: “they were older in age”
Job 32:5
there was no answer in the mouths of the three of the men
Quote: אֵ֤ין מַעֲנֶ֗ה בְּ֭פִי שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת הָאֲנָשִׁ֗ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The narrator is speaking as if an answer were an object that could have been in the mouths of Job’s friends. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Job’s three friends could say nothing further to answer him”
Job 32:6
And … answered and said
Quote: וַיַּ֤עַן & וַיֹּ֫אמַ֥ר (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 a person said something. Specifically, the person said it in order to answer or respond to what someone else said. See how you have been translating this expression. Alternate translation: “And … responded”
in days
Quote: לְ֭יָמִים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Elihu is using the term days to refer to his age. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in age”
and you
Quote: וְאַתֶּ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the word you is plural here because Elihu is addressing Job’s three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
Job 32:7
I said, ‘Let days speak, and let a multitude of years teach wisdom
Quote: אָ֭מַרְתִּי יָמִ֣ים יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ וְרֹ֥ב שָׁ֝נִ֗ים יֹדִ֥יעוּ חָכְמָֽה (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: “I told myself that days should speak and that a multitude of years should teach wisdom”
Let days speak, and let a multitude of years teach wisdom
Quote: יָמִ֣ים יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ וְרֹ֥ב שָׁ֝נִ֗ים יֹדִ֥יעוּ חָכְמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Elihu is speaking of days and years as if they were living things that could speak and teach wisdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. He means that people who have lived for many days and years should do those things. Alternate translation: “Let people who have lived for many days speak; yes, let those who have lived for a multitude of years teach wisdom”
wisdom
Quote: חָכְמָֽה (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: “what is wise”
Job 32:8
a spirit, it {is} in man
Quote: רֽוּחַ־הִ֣יא בֶאֱנ֑וֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu means implicitly that God created humans with a spirit as well as a body. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “man has a spirit, not just a body”
in man
Quote: בֶאֱנ֑וֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Although the term man is masculine, Elihu 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 language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “in humans”
and the breath of the Almighty gives them understanding
Quote: וְנִשְׁמַ֖ת שַׁדַּ֣י תְּבִינֵֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu means implicitly that because the Almighty breathed life into humans, divinely bestowing on them the gift of life (the Bible presents this concept in Genesis 2:7), humans have understanding, not just instinct as animals do. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and it is because the Almighty has breathed life into them that they have understanding”
Job 32:9
The great are not wise, and the aged do {not} understand justice
Quote: לֹֽא־רַבִּ֥ים יֶחְכָּ֑מוּ וּ֝זְקֵנִ֗ים יָבִ֥ינוּ מִשְׁפָּֽט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu means implicitly that it is not the great or the aged alone who are wise and understand justice. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “It is not only the great who are wise, and it is not the aged alone who understand justice”
The great … and the aged
Quote: רַבִּ֥ים & וּ֝זְקֵנִ֗ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu is using the adjectives great 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: “Great people … and aged people”
justice
Quote: מִשְׁפָּֽט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what is just”
Job 32:10
Therefore I say, ‘Listen to me; I also will declare my knowledge
Quote: לָכֵ֣ן אָ֭מַרְתִּי שִׁמְעָה־לִּ֑י אֲחַוֶּ֖ה דֵּעִ֣י אַף־אָֽנִי (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: “Therefore I ask you to listen to me so that I also can declare my knowledge”
my knowledge
Quote: דֵּעִ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what I know”
Job 32:11
for your words; … for} words
Quote: לְֽדִבְרֵיכֶ֗ם & מִלִּֽין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term words to mean what Job’s friends said and tried to say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for you to speak … for something to say”
Job 32:12
his words
Quote: אֲמָרָ֣יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term words to mean what Job said by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what he said” or “his arguments”
Job 32:13
lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom
Quote: פֶּן־תֹּ֣֭אמְרוּ מָצָ֣אנוּ חָכְמָ֑ה (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: “So do not say that you have found wisdom”
not man
Quote: לֹא־אִֽישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Elihu is using the masculine term man in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “not a mere human being”
Job 32:14
Now he has not arrayed words against me
Quote: וְלֹא־עָרַ֣ךְ אֵלַ֣י מִלִּ֑ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term words to mean what Job and his friends have been saying by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Now Job has said nothing to provoke me, so I can speak reasonably to him, unlike you”
Job 32:15
They are dismayed; they do not answer any longer; words have gone from them
Quote: חַ֭תּוּ לֹא־עָ֣נוּ ע֑וֹד הֶעְתִּ֖יקוּ מֵהֶ֣ם מִלִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-aside
Elihu has been speaking directly to Job’s friends in the second person, but in this verse he starts speaking about them in the third person. This could mean: (1) that Elihu is now speaking to himself, but out loud, about the people to whom he had been speaking. He would be doing that to indicate in a strong way how he feels about those people. Alternate translation: “I am indignant that Job’s friends are dismayed and are no longer answering him and have nothing further to say to him” (2) that Elihu is now speaking about Job’s friends to others who are present. (It is unlikely that Elihu is turning to address Job himself here; Elihu begins addressing Job directly by name in 33:1.) Alternate translation: “Look, all the rest of you, at how Job’s friends are dismayed and are no longer answering him and have nothing further to say to him!” Since Job’s friends can hear what Elihu is saying, and since he is saying it partly for their benefit, you could also continue to use the second person in your translation, as the UST does.
words have gone from them
Quote: הֶעְתִּ֖יקוּ מֵהֶ֣ם מִלִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Elihu is speaking of words as if they were living things that could have gone away from Job’s friends. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they have nothing further to say”
Job 32:16
Shall I wait because they are not speaking, because they stand, they answer no more
Quote: וְ֭הוֹחַלְתִּי כִּי־לֹ֣א יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ כִּ֥י עָ֝מְד֗וּ לֹא־עָ֥נוּ עֽוֹד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu 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 shall not wait because they are not speaking, because they stand, they answer no more!”
Shall I wait because they are not speaking, because they stand, they answer no more
Quote: וְ֭הוֹחַלְתִּי כִּי־לֹ֣א יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ כִּ֥י עָ֝מְד֗וּ לֹא־עָ֥נוּ עֽוֹד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative
Elihu is using a future statement to give himself an instruction or command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate these words using a command or instruction form. Alternate translation: “I should not wait because they they are not speaking, because they stand, they answer no more!”
they stand, they answer no more
Quote: עָ֝מְד֗וּ לֹא־עָ֥נוּ עֽוֹד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
Elihu is expressing a single idea by using the two verbs stand and answer. In this context, the word stand means to stop doing something. He does not mean that Job’s friends have stood to their feet. Alternate translation: “they have ceased to answer any more”
Job 32:17
my knowledge
Quote: דֵעִ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
See how you translated the similar expression in verse 10. Alternate translation: “what I know”
Job 32:18
I am full of words
Quote: מָלֵ֣תִי מִלִּ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term words to mean what he wants to say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am full of things to say”
I am full of words
Quote: מָלֵ֣תִי מִלִּ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking of himself as if he were a container that was full of words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have very many things to say”
the spirit
Quote: ר֣וּחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By spirit, Elihu could mean God’s Spirit, as he described in verse 8 and implied in verse 13. If this is the meaning, your language may have some convention, such as capitalization, for distinguishing God’s Spirit from the spirit of a person. Alternate translation: “the Spirit”
in my belly
Quote: בִּטְנִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using one part of himself, his belly, to mean all of him in the act of being compelled. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “within me”
Job 32:19
is} like wine
Quote: כְּיַ֥יִן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term wine by association to mean a wine container. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is like a wine container”
like new wineskins, it is bursting open
Quote: כְּאֹב֥וֹת חֲ֝דָשִׁ֗ים יִבָּקֵֽעַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if his belly were literally bursting open the way new wineskins do if they are not able to stretch enough to accommodate the gases that form as the wine inside them ferments. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I feel as if I can barely contain all the things I want to say, as if I were a new wineskin that could hardly stretch enough to contain all the gases that were forming as the wine inside it fermented”
Job 32:20
and refresh myself
Quote: וְיִֽרְוַֽח־לִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The idea of being able to breathe freely once again is implicit in the word translated refresh. Your language may have an equivalent expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “so that I can breathe a sign of relief”
I will open my lips
Quote: אֶפְתַּ֖ח שְׂפָתַ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
See how you translated the similar expression in 11:5. Alternate translation: “I will talk”
Job 32:21
a man, … a man
Quote: אִ֑ישׁ & אָ֝דָ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
In both instances, the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “anyone … anyone”
let me not lift the face of a man
Quote: אַל & אֶשָּׂ֣א פְנֵי־אִ֑ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated the similar expression in 13:8. Alternate translation: “let me not show favoritism to anyone”
and let me not give a title to a man
Quote: וְאֶל־אָ֝דָ֗ם לֹ֣א אֲכַנֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu may be using one thing that he might do to flatter someone, address him by an honorary title, to mean all the ways in which he might flatter someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and let me not flatter anyone”
Job 32:22
I do not know giving titles
Quote: לֹ֣א יָדַ֣עְתִּי אֲכַנֶּ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This could mean: (1) that Elihu is using the word know in the sense of being acquainted with something. He may mean that this is not his custom. Alternate translation: “it is not my custom to address people by honorary titles” (2) that Elihu is saying that he is not skilled at giving titles. Alternate translation: “I am not very good at giving titles” or “I am not very good at flattery”
my Maker would soon take me away
Quote: כִּ֝מְעַ֗ט יִשָּׂאֵ֥נִי עֹשֵֽׂנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
When Elihu says that his Maker (God) would take him away if he flattered people, he is referring to death in a poetic way. He means that God would punish him by killing him. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “my Maker would do away with me”
Job 33
Job 33 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is a continuation of Elihu’s speech. In this chapter, Elihu addresses Job directly. He invites Job to listen to him, summarizes what Job has said, and tells Job that he is wrong that God does not respond to people. Elihu says that God speaks to people in dreams to warn them not to keep sinning. He says that God also uses sickness to correct people. The implications are that Job’s sufferings are a warning from God not to sin; they are not a punishment from God for sins that Job has committed. In that sense, as Elihu says at the end of the chapter, Job has been right and his friends have been wrong about what has been happening to Job.
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
ransom
In verse 24, Elihu describes how God may say of a person who is suffering because of his sin, “I have found a ransom.” The term “ransom” can describe a payment that is made in exchange for someone’s freedom. The term “redeem,” which Elihu uses earlier in that verse, can similarly mean to make a payment in order to have someone set free. However, in this context, the term “ransom” seems to describe instead a valuable consideration, not necessarily a monetary one, that provides the grounds for sparing someone from punishment. Be sure that it is clear in your translation of this verse that God is not saying that he is going to make a payment to someone else on behalf of the suffering person.
A further implication seems to be that the person whom Elihu is describing has repented because of his sufferings after an interpreting angel has explained to him the change needed in his actions. This repentance shows that the person has responded positively to God’s initiatives to get him to stop living in the wrong way and to start living in the right way once again. Be sure that it is also clear in your translation of verse 24 that there is nothing that the person has done to redeem or ransom himself. As Elihu says, God “is gracious to him.” It is God who brings the sickness into the person’s life to “chasten” him, and it is God who sends the angel to warn and admonish the person, and so the person is spared from punishment through the actions of God.
Translation Issues in This Chapter
“words” meaning speaking or what a person says
As in chapter 32, many times in this chapter Elihu uses the term “words” to mean speaking or what a person says by using words. Notes suggest ways to translate the term “words” in these various individual contexts.### reference of “you” and “your”
Throughout this chapter, Elihu uses the pronouns “you” and “your” to address Job individually, so use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
“man” and “men” with generic meaning
In several places in this chapter, Elihu uses the words “man” and “men” in a generic sense that is clearly 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. Notes suggest translation possibilities at various places (see: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-gendernotations/01.md).
“seals their correction” or “terrifies them with warnings” (verse 16)
In verse 16, the ULT follows the standard Hebrew text by saying “seals their correction.” However, as a footnote in the ULT indicates, many biblical scholars believe that the original reading was more likely “terrifies them with warnings,” and some translations say that. 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 the ULT.
Job 33:1
my words; … all of my words
Quote: מִלָּ֑י וְֽכָל־דְּבָרַ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, Elihu is using the term words to mean what he wants to say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I have to say … all that I tell you”
Job 33:2
I have now opened my mouth; my tongue has spoken on my palate
Quote: נָ֭א פָּתַ֣חְתִּי פִ֑י דִּבְּרָ֖ה לְשׁוֹנִ֣י בְחִכִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture
Elihu is using the past tense to describe something that he intends to do in the immediate future. He is doing that in order to indicate his resolve to do what he describes. Alternate translation: “I am now about to open my mouth; my tongue is about to speak on my palate”
I have now opened my mouth
Quote: נָ֭א פָּתַ֣חְתִּי פִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using the first part of the speaking process, opening one’s mouth, to mean the entire process of speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am now about to speak”
my tongue has spoken on my palate
Quote: דִּבְּרָ֖ה לְשׁוֹנִ֣י בְחִכִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Elihu is speaking of his tongue as if it were a living thing that could speak on its own. He means that he is about to use his tongue to form words by touching it against his palate and other places in his mouth. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “the words are on the tip of my tongue”
Job 33:3
My words {are
Quote: אֲמָרָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term words to mean what he plans to say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will speak”
from} the uprightness of my heart
Quote: יֹֽשֶׁר־לִבִּ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is using his heart to represent his character. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the uprightness of my character”
from} the uprightness of my heart
Quote: יֹֽשֶׁר־לִבִּ֥י (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: “as someone whose character is upright”
and my lips speak pure knowledge
Quote: וְדַ֥עַת שְׂ֝פָתַ֗י בָּר֥וּר מִלֵּֽלוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Elihu is speaking of his lips as if they were living things that could speak on their own. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I say will be pure knowledge”
Job 33:4
The Spirit of God made me; yes, the breath of the Almighty enlivened me
Quote: רֽוּחַ־אֵ֥ל עָשָׂ֑תְנִי וְנִשְׁמַ֖ת שַׁדַּ֣י תְּחַיֵּֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
Elihu is reasserting the reason he gave in 32:8 to account for how he will be able to speak knowledgably. See how you translated the similar expression there. Alternate translation: “I will be able to speak knowledgably because the Spirit of God made me; yes, it was the Almighty who breathed the breath of life into me”
Job 33:5
array … station yourself
Quote: עֶרְכָ֥ה & הִתְיַצָּֽבָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Although they are used in other contexts as well, the words translated as array and station can have the sense of organizing troops into formations and placing them on a field of battle in order to defend a certain position. Elihu may be speaking as if Job’s words were troops that he wanted him to organize and as if Job himself were an army that should make a stand on a battlefield. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “marshal your arguments … draw up your defense” or “organize what you want to say … prepare to defend yourself”
to my face
Quote: לְ֝פָנַ֗י (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 my presence” or “to me personally”
Job 33:6
I am for God according to your mouth
Quote: אֲנִ֣י כְפִ֣יךָ לָאֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu could be using the term mouth to mean: (1) what Job said when he wished that God would respond to him. Job said something like this in 31:35 and in several other places earlier in his speeches. Alternate translation: “I will reply to you on behalf of God, as you wished” (2) Job himself. Elihu would be using part of Job, the part he has been using to pursue his case against God, to mean all of Job. If you follow this second interpretation in your translation, you may wish to put the sentence break at the end of the verse rather than in the middle of the verse, since the two halves of the verse would be parallel statements. Alternate translation: “I am just like you to God”
I too have been formed from clay
Quote: מֵ֝חֹ֗מֶר קֹרַ֥צְתִּי גַם־אָֽנִי (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 formed me too from clay”
I too have been formed from clay
Quote: מֵ֝חֹ֗מֶר קֹרַ֥צְתִּי גַם־אָֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if God had literally formed him from clay. He is indicating that he is only a mortal human being by alluding to the way that God originally formed humans from the dust of the earth. The Bible presents this concept in Genesis 2:7). As the next verse makes clear, Elihu is reassuring Job that he does not have to be afraid of how he will respond to him, in contrast with the way Job said in 30:21–23 and other places that he was afraid that God would respond to him violently and with great force. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am only a mortal human being”
Job 33:7
my fear
Quote: אֵ֭מָתִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Elihu is using this possessive form to describe Job’s fear of him, not his own fear of something. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the fear of me”
and my pressure will not be heavy on you
Quote: וְ֝אַכְפִּ֗י עָלֶ֥יךָ לֹא־יִכְבָּֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if he might literally use his arms and hands to push down hard on Job and keep him from getting up, although he says that he will not do that. He means that he will not treat Job severely. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I will not treat you severely”
Job 33:8
you have spoken in my ears
Quote: אָמַ֣רְתָּ בְאָזְנָ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu 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: “you have spoken in my hearing” or “you have spoken while I was listening”
and I have heard the sound of the words
Quote: וְק֖וֹל מִלִּ֣ין אֶשְׁמָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term words to mean what Job has said by using words. Elihu may be referring to the sound of the words to mean the exact words, that is, exactly what Job said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and this is exactly what I heard you say”
Job 33:9
I {am} pure, without transgression; I {am} innocent, and iniquity {is} not to me
Quote: זַ֥ךְ אֲנִ֗י בְּֽלִ֫י פָ֥שַׁע חַ֥ף אָנֹכִ֑י וְלֹ֖א עָוֺ֣ן לִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotations
In this verse and the next two verses, Elihu is telling what he heard Job say. You may wish to indicate that with an introductory phrase. While Elihu quotes many words and phrases directly from Job’s speeches (for example, Job described his prayer as “pure” in 16:17), this is a general summary, not a series of exact quotations. Nevertheless, you may wish to present verses 9–11 as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “You have said, ‘I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent, and I have no iniquity”
I {am} pure, without transgression; I {am} innocent, and iniquity {is} not to me
Quote: זַ֥ךְ אֲנִ֗י בְּֽלִ֫י פָ֥שַׁע חַ֥ף אָנֹכִ֑י וְלֹ֖א עָוֺ֣ן לִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate verses 9–11 so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “You have said that you are pure, without transgression; you have said that you are innocent and that you have no iniquity”
Job 33:10
Behold, he finds occasions against me; he considers me an enemy to him
Quote: הֵ֣ן תְּ֭נוּאוֹת עָלַ֣י יִמְצָ֑א יַחְשְׁבֵ֖נִי לְאוֹיֵ֣ב לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
Elihu is continuing to provide a general summary of what he heard Job say, directly quoting certain words and phrases. For example, Job asked God in 13:24 why God considered him an enemy. If you decided to translate the previous verse as an indirect quotation, you can continue to do that here. Alternate translation: “You have said that God finds occasions against you and that he considers you to be his enemy”
Job 33:11
He puts my feet in shackles; he watches all of my paths
Quote: יָשֵׂ֣ם בַּסַּ֣ד רַגְלָ֑י יִ֝שְׁמֹ֗ר כָּל־אָרְחֹתָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
Elihu is continuing to provide a general summary of what he heard Job say. In this verse he quotes directly what Job said in 13:27. If you decided to translate the previous two verses as an indirect quotation, you can continue to do that here. Alternate translation: “You have said that God puts your feet in shackles and that he watches all of your paths.’
He puts my feet in shackles; he watches all of my paths
Quote: יָשֵׂ֣ם בַּסַּ֣ד רַגְלָ֑י יִ֝שְׁמֹ֗ר כָּל־אָרְחֹתָֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Job spoke as if God had literally put his feet in shackles and as if his courses of action were literally paths that he was walking along. If you chose to express the ideas behind these images rather than the images themselves in 13:27, you can do the same thing here so that it will be clear that Elihu is quoting what Job said there.
Job 33:12
in} this
Quote: זֹ֣את (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By this, Elihu seems to mean Job’s belief that God was not treating him fairly, which Elihu has just summarized. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “in thinking that God is not treating you fairly,”
in} this you are not right. … for God is greater than man
Quote: זֹ֣את לֹא־צָדַ֣קְתָּ & כִּֽי־יִרְבֶּ֥ה אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַ מֵאֱנֽוֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
If it would be more natural in your language, you could move this phrase to the start of the verse (after Behold), since it gives the reason why Elihu says that Job is not right. Alternate translation: “since God is greater than man, you have misunderstood how he is treating you”
than man
Quote: מֵאֱנֽוֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “than humans”
Job 33:13
Why do you contend against him, that he does not answer any of one’s words
Quote: מַ֭דּוּעַ אֵלָ֣יו רִיב֑וֹתָ כִּ֥י כָל־דְּ֝בָרָ֗יו לֹ֣א־יַעֲנֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu 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 contend against him, that he does not answer any of one’s words”
that he does not answer any of one’s words
Quote: כִּ֥י כָל־דְּ֝בָרָ֗יו לֹ֣א־יַעֲנֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu could be saying: (1) that Job’s complaint is that God has not responded to his questions and protests. In that case, Elihu would be using the term translated words to mean what Job has been saying. Alternate translation: “that he does not respond when one speaks to him” (2) that God does not given an account for his own actions. The term translated words can also describe the matters with which someone is concerned or the things that someone does. Alternate translation: “that he does not account to anyone for how he treats that person”
that he does not answer any of one’s words
Quote: כִּ֥י כָל־דְּ֝בָרָ֗יו לֹ֣א־יַעֲנֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Since Elihu is speaking to Job and he probably means that Job is complaining that God is not answering him, you could translate this in the second person if that would be more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that does not answer any of your words” or “that he does not respond when you speak to him”
that he does not answer any of one’s words
Quote: כִּ֥י כָל־דְּ֝בָרָ֗יו לֹ֣א־יַעֲנֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to make this a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “saying, ‘He does not answer any of my words’” or “saying, ‘He does not respond when I speak to him’”
Job 33:14
God speaks once—yes, twice
Quote: בְאַחַ֥ת יְדַבֶּר־אֵ֑ל וּ֝בִשְׁתַּ֗יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry
As Eliphaz did in 5:19, here Elihu 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 a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could express the emphasis another way. Alternate translation: “God indeed speaks to people”
one does not perceive it
Quote: לֹ֣א יְשׁוּרֶֽנָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
Elihu is drawing an implicit contrast between God’s genuine speaking and people’s failure to perceive it. You may wish to indicate this contrast explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “the only problem is, people do not perceive it”
Job 33:15
In a dream, in a vision of the night, in the falling of deep sleep upon men
Quote: בַּחֲל֤וֹם ׀ חֶזְי֬וֹן לַ֗יְלָה בִּנְפֹ֣ל תַּ֭רְדֵּמָה עַל־אֲנָשִׁ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu is using two of the same phrases that Eliphaz used in 4:13 in order to make a very similar point. The implication is that Elihu believes that Eliphaz was right to say what he did. Since Elihu is echoing Eliphaz implicitly, it would probably not be appropriate to add an explicit phrase to the text saying something like “as Eliphaz said,” but it may be helpful to translate the phrases here the same way you did in 4:13.
in slumbers
Quote: בִּ֝תְנוּמ֗וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
Elihu is using the plural form slumbers in a context where the singular term “slumber” would suffice. This suggests that he is using the plural form for emphasis. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “in sound slumber”
Job 33:16
he opens the ear of men
Quote: יִ֭גְלֶה אֹ֣זֶן אֲנָשִׁ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
Since Elihu is speaking of many people, if you retain the term ear in your translation, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of the word. Alternate translation: “God opens the ears of people”
he opens the ear of men
Quote: יִ֭גְלֶה אֹ֣זֶן אֲנָשִׁ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term ear by association to mean hearing. When he says that God opens people’s ears, he means that God enables them to hear. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God enables people to hear him speaking”
he opens the ear of men
Quote: יִ֭גְלֶה אֹ֣זֶן אֲנָשִׁ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, hearing represents understanding. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God enables people to understand what he is saying to them”
and seals their correction
Quote: וּבְמֹ֖סָרָ֣ם יַחְתֹּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Elihu is using the possessive form their correction to describe the correction that God gives to people, not the correction that people give. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and seals the correction that he gives to them”
and seals their correction
Quote: וּבְמֹ֖סָרָ֣ם יַחְתֹּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if God literally placed a seal over the correction that he gave to people. He means that God preserves the value and influence of the correction. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and enables them to appreciate and benefit from the correction that he gives to them”
Job 33:17
to bring a man back from {his} doing
Quote: לְ֭הָסִיר אָדָ֣ם מַעֲשֶׂ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu is speaking implicitly of a person doing something that was wrong. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to bring a person back from doing what is wrong”
to bring a man back from {his} doing
Quote: לְ֭הָסִיר אָדָ֣ם מַעֲשֶׂ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if God would literally bring a person who was doing wrong back from a certain place. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to warn that person to stop doing what is wrong”
and to conceal pride from a man
Quote: וְגֵוָ֖ה מִגֶּ֣בֶר יְכַסֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if pride were literally an object that God would conceal from a person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and to keep that person from becoming proud”
Job 33:18
He spares his soul
Quote: יַחְשֹׂ֣ךְ נַ֭פְשׁוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun He refers to God, and the pronoun his refers to a person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God spares a person’s soul”
his soul … and his life
Quote: נַ֭פְשׁוֹ & וְ֝חַיָּת֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using parts of a person, his soul and his life, to mean all of him in the act of being spared from death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “him … and he spares him”
from crossing over
Quote: מֵעֲבֹ֥ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Elihu is using the phrase crossing over to mean “dying.” This is a poetic way of referring to death; it suggests the image of crossing a river that is the boundary between one territory and another. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from dying”
by a weapon
Quote: בַּשָּֽׁלַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term weapon by association to being killed by a weapon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by being killed by a weapon”
Job 33:19
He is also chastened
Quote: וְהוּכַ֣ח (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 also chastens a person”
and the contention of his bones {is} continual
Quote: וְר֖וֹב עֲצָמָ֣יו אֵתָֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if there were literally contention or warfare among the bones of this person. He is using an image similar to the one that Job used in 30:17 when he said, “Night pierces my bones.” Job meant that he got a stabbing sensation of pain in his body when he lay down at night. Here Elihu speaks similarly as if Job’s bones were being wounded in battle and Job was feeling the pain of that. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he feels continual discomfort in his body”
Job 33:20
and his soul food of desire
Quote: וְ֝נַפְשׁ֗וֹ מַאֲכַ֥ל תַּאֲוָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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 his soul abhors food of desire”
his life … and his soul
Quote: חַיָּת֣וֹ & וְ֝נַפְשׁ֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using parts of a person, his life and his soul, to mean all of him in the act of abhorring food. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he … and he abhors”
bread
Quote: לָ֑חֶם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu 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: “food”
food of desire
Quote: מַאֲכַ֥ל תַּאֲוָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Elihu is using this possessive form to describe food that a person would especially desire, not food that belongs to desire. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “desirable food” or “delicacies”
Job 33:21
and his bones, not seen, are exposed
Quote: וְשֻׁפּ֥וּ עַ֝צְמוֹתָ֗יו לֹ֣א רֻאּֽוּ (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 his bones, which people could not see before, become visible”
Job 33:22
his soul … and his life
Quote: נַפְשׁ֑וֹ וְ֝חַיָּת֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using parts of a person, his soul and his life, to mean all of him in the act of approaching death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he … and he draws near”
to the ones causing death
Quote: לַֽמְמִתִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu may be referring implicitly to specific angels who were believed to be agents through whom God caused people to die. (There are suggestions of this in 2 Samuel 24:16 and Psalm 78:49.) You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to the angels of death”
Job 33:23
If
Quote: אִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
Elihu is drawing an implict contrast between the angels of death whom he described in the previous verse and the type of angel he describes in this verse, who helps keep a person from going “down to the pit” (as he says in the next verse). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the contrast explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “But if”
an interpreter
Quote: מֵלִ֗יץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word translated interpreter is used elsewhere in the Bible to mean someone who translates what someone says in one language into another language, for example, in Genesis 42:23. Here, however, it implicitly means someone who speaks on behalf of another person, not necessarily translating what that person says into another language. Alternate translation: “an advocate” or “a spokesman”
one of a thousand
Quote: אֶחָ֥ד מִנִּי־אָ֑לֶף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Elihu does not necessarily mean that exactly one out of every thousand angels is an interpreter such as he describes. Instead, this expression may mean in a general sense that such angels are rare. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that rare kind of angel”
to declare to a man his uprightness
Quote: לְהַגִּ֖יד לְאָדָ֣ם יָשְׁרֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean: (1) that the angel would declare to a person how he would need to change his actions so that he would be upright or have a right standing with God (his would refer to the person) or so that his actions would conform to God’s uprightness (his would refer to God). Alternate translation: “to declare to a person how he needs to change his actions in order to become upright” (2) that the angel would declare to God on behalf of a person (the word translated to would mean “for”) that the person was upright or had the potential to change his actions and become upright and so did not need to die. Alternate translation: “to declare to God on a person’s behalf that he is upright”
Job 33:24
and he is gracious to him
Quote: וַיְחֻנֶּ֗נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun he refers to God and the pronoun him refers to the person whom Elihu has been describing. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and God is gracious to that person”
and says, Redeem him from going down to the pit, I have found a ransom
Quote: וַיֹּ֗אמֶר פְּ֭דָעֵהוּ מֵרֶ֥דֶת שָׁ֗חַת מָצָ֥אתִי כֹֽפֶר (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: “and tells the angels of death to spare him from going down to the pit because he has found a ransom”
I have found a ransom
Quote: מָצָ֥אתִי כֹֽפֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of ransom, you could express the same idea in another way. See the discussion of this idea in the General Notes to this chapter. Alternate translation: “I have found a good reason to spare him”
I have found a ransom
Quote: מָצָ֥אתִי כֹֽפֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word found does not mean that God did not know where this ransom was and had to look for it and finally found it. Rather, it means that when the suffering person repented, this was a consideration that helped provide grounds for sparing him. (See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter.) You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I have recognized a good reason to spare him”
Job 33:25
his flesh
Quote: בְּשָׂר֣וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using one part of this person’s body, his flesh, to mean his whole body in the act of being rejuvenated. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his body”
it returns to the days of his youth
Quote: יָ֝שׁ֗וּב לִימֵ֥י עֲלוּמָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Elihu is speaking of this person’s flesh as if it were a living thing that could go back in time to his youth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it becomes as it was in the days of his youth”
to the days of his youth
Quote: לִימֵ֥י עֲלוּמָֽיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Elihu 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: “to the time of his youth”
Job 33:26
and he will accept him, and he will see his face with joy
Quote: וַיִּרְצֵ֗הוּ וַיַּ֣רְא פָּ֭נָיו בִּתְרוּעָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun he means God in the first instance and, in the second instance, he means the person whom Elihu has been describing. The pronoun him refers to this person, and the pronoun his refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and God will accept this person, and the person will see God’s face with joy”
and he will see his face
Quote: וַיַּ֣רְא פָּ֭נָיו (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. Based on what Elihu says in the next two verses, this probably means that he will come into God’s presence in a temple. Alternate translation: “and he will come into God’s presence in a temple”
and he will restore to the man his righteousness
Quote: וַיָּ֥שֶׁב לֶ֝אֱנ֗וֹשׁ צִדְקָתֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean: Alternate translation: (1) “for God will restore the man to a right standing with him” or (2) “and God will restore his reputation as a righteous person” or (3) “and God will set things right for the man again”
Job 33:27
He will sing to men
Quote: יָשֹׁ֤ר ׀ עַל־אֲנָשִׁ֗ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu assumes that Job will understand that by sing, he means that the person will go to a temple and publicly sing a song of thanksgiving to celebrate how God has delivered him, as was the custom in this culture. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “He will sing a song of thanksgiving in a temple”
and say, I sinned and I turned aside uprightness, but he did not requite to me
Quote: וַיֹּ֗אמֶר חָ֭טָאתִי וְיָשָׁ֥ר הֶעֱוֵ֗יתִי וְלֹא־שָׁ֥וָה לִֽי (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: “and say that he sinned and turned aside uprightness but that God did not requite to him”
and I turned aside uprightness
Quote: וְיָשָׁ֥ר הֶעֱוֵ֗יתִי (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: “and I turned aside what was right”
and I turned aside uprightness
Quote: וְיָשָׁ֥ר הֶעֱוֵ֗יתִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Elihu is speaking of uprightness as if it were a living thing that had been walking down the right path and he turned it aside so that it began going down the wrong path. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I did what was not right”
Job 33:28
He has redeemed my soul from going over into the pit, and my life will see light
Quote: פָּדָ֣ה נַ֭פְשׁוֹ & מֵעֲבֹ֣ר בַּשָּׁ֑חַת וְ֝חַיָּתוֹ & בָּא֥וֹר תִּרְאֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If you decided in the previous verse to translate this quotation in such a way that there would not be a quotation within a quotation, you can continue doing that here. Alternate translation: “He will say that God has redeemed his soul from going over into the pit and that his life life will see light”
my soul … and my life
Quote: נַ֭פְשׁוֹ & וְ֝חַיָּתוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using parts of this person, his soul and his life, to mean all of him in the act of being redeemed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “me … and I”
and my life will see light
Quote: וְ֝חַיָּתוֹ & בָּא֥וֹר תִּרְאֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
This person is using the term light by association to mean life on earth. As in many other places in the book, here the realm of the living is described as a place of light, by contrast with the realm of the dead, which is a place of darkness. (For example, in 18:18, “They will drive him from light into darkness, and they will chase him from the world.”) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I will continue to live on earth”
Job 33:29
twice, thrice
Quote: פַּעֲמַ֖יִם שָׁל֣וֹשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
As he did in verse 14, here Elihu 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 a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could express the emphasis another way. Alternate translation: “again and again”
Job 33:30
his soul
Quote: נַ֭פְשׁוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using one part of this person, his soul, to mean all of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “him”
for being enlightened with the light of the living
Quote: לֵ֝א֗וֹר בְּא֣וֹר הַֽחַיִּים (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: “so that he can enlighten him with the light of the living”
for being enlightened with the light of the living
Quote: לֵ֝א֗וֹר בְּא֣וֹר הַֽחַיִּים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu is using the plural adjective living 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: “so that he can enlighten him with the light of living people”
for being enlightened with the light of the living
Quote: לֵ֝א֗וֹר בְּא֣וֹר הַֽחַיִּים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Elihu is using the possessive form, the light of the living, to describe the light that living people have and by which they see, not light that living people give off. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “so that he can enlighten him with the light that living people have”
for being enlightened with the light of the living
Quote: לֵ֝א֗וֹר בְּא֣וֹר הַֽחַיִּים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
As in verse 38, the term light refers by association to life on earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “so that he can restore him to life among the other people who live on earth”
Job 33:31
and I will speak
Quote: וְאָנֹכִ֥י אֲדַבֵּֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Elihu is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated speak. 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 let me be the one who speaks”
Job 33:32
If
Quote: אִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential
Since Elihu told Job in the previous verse to listen and be silent, when he tells him in this verse to speak and answer, he implicitly means that Job should do this only after listening to him. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Then if”
there are words
Quote: יֵשׁ־מִלִּ֥ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term words to mean what Job would say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have something to say”
I desire to justify you
Quote: חָפַ֥צְתִּי צַדְּקֶֽךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu seems to mean that he desires to show that Job has been right in saying that God is not punishing him for committing sin. Elihu has been suggesting that Job’s sufferings are instead a warning from God not to take a sinful course of action. You could indicate that explicitly in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I am trying to show that you have been right in saying that God is not punishing you for committing sin”
Job 33:33
If
Quote: אִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
Elihu is implicitly drawing a contrast, suggesting that, on the other hand, Job may not have anything to say once he has listened to him further. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the contrast explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “But if”
you listen to me
Quote: אַתָּ֥ה שְֽׁמַֽע־לִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Elihu is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated listen. 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 be the one who listens while I speak”
wisdom
Quote: חָכְמָֽה (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: “what is wise”
Job 34
Job 34 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is a continuation of Elihu’s speech. In this chapter, Elihu speaks first to Job’s friends and others who may be listening, then from verse 16 onward he addresses Job directly, and then he speaks again to the others about Job starting in verse 34.
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
Elihu speaking harshly about Job
It may be puzzling to your readers that while Elihu promises Job in 33:7 that he will be gentle with him, in this chapter, in verses 7–8 and 35, Elihu speaks very harshly about Job. However, this is really a matter of interpretation rather than translation, so it is not necessary to offer an explanation within the text of your translation.
Translation Issues in This Chapter
Elihu quoting Job and his friends
In several places in this chapter, Elihu directly quotes Job or his friends. He does this to affirm what the friends said and to challenge what Job said. To help your readers appreciate that Elihu is doing this, you may wish to translate his expressions the same way you translated them when Job or his friends used them. In 34:3, Elihu quotes what Job said in 12:11. In 34:5, Elihu quotes what Job said in 27:2. In 34:6, Elihu quotes what Job said in 6:4, 16:13, and 27:4. In 34:7, Elihu quotes what Eliphaz said in 15:16. In 34:12, Elihu quotes what Bildad said in 8:3.
“man” and “men” with generic meaning
In several places in this chapter, Elihu uses the words “man” and “men” in a generic sense that is clearly 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. Notes suggest ways in which you might do this. (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/figs-gendernotations./01.md)
“For” at the start of a verse introducing a reason
Several times in this chapter, Elihu says “For” at the beginning of a verse to introduce the reason for something he said in the previous verse. Elihu does this in verses 3, 5, 9, 11, 21, and 37. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could refer back more explicitly to the previous verse in order to show what Elihu is doing. The UST models ways to do this in each case. (“For” at the beginning of verse 23 introduces a new consideration, as the UST also illustrates.) (See: https://git.door43.org/unfoldingWord/en_ta/src/branch/master/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases./01.md)
Job 34:1
And Elihu answered and said
Quote: וַיַּ֥עַן אֱלִיה֗וּא וַיֹּאמַֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word answered tells for what purpose a person said something. In this case, Elihu said more things in light of what he had already said and thus, in a sense, in answer to them. 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 Elihu said further, in light of what he had already said”
Job 34:2
my words
Quote: מִלָּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term words to mean what he is about to say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I have to say”
wise {ones
Quote: חֲכָמִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu is using the adjective wise as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. (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: “you who are wise”
Job 34:3
the ear tests words, and the palate tastes food
Quote: אֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן וְ֝חֵ֗ךְ יִטְעַ֥ם לֶאֱכֹֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, Elihu is using the same phrase that Job used to tell his friends in 12:11 that he had considered and rejected their perspective. Elihu is quoting Job in order to tell him that, for his part, he has considered Job’s perspective and rejected it. To help your readers recognize this, you may wish to use the same language in your translation here as you did in 12:11.
the ear tests words, and the palate tastes food
Quote: אֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן וְ֝חֵ֗ךְ יִטְעַ֥ם לֶאֱכֹֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Elihu is using the word and to indicate 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: “the ear tests words, just as the palate tastes food”
the ear tests words, and the palate tastes food
Quote: אֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן וְ֝חֵ֗ךְ יִטְעַ֥ם לֶאֱכֹֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Elihu 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: “people consider others’ words when they hear them, just as people discern with their mouths the taste of their food”
the ear tests words, and the palate tastes food
Quote: אֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן וְ֝חֵ֗ךְ יִטְעַ֥ם לֶאֱכֹֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Though Elihu is making a general statement, he is referring implicitly to what Job has said 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 Job has said and I have considered it and decided that it is not true, just as people discern with their mouths the taste of their food”
words
Quote: מִלִּ֣ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu 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”
and the palate tastes food
Quote: וְ֝חֵ֗ךְ יִטְעַ֥ם לֶאֱכֹֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Elihu 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 34:4
Let us choose justice for ourselves; let us know among ourselves what is good
Quote: מִשְׁפָּ֥ט נִבְחֲרָה־לָּ֑נוּ נֵדְעָ֖ה בֵינֵ֣ינוּ מַה־טּֽוֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
Elihu is using the pronoun us to refer to himself and to the “wise ones” whom he is addressing, so use the inclusive form of that word if your language marks that distinction. (Even though Job is present and listening, Elihu is not addressing him, so Elihu is still saying us to include everyone whom he actually is addressing.)
justice
Quote: מִשְׁפָּ֥ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what is just”
Job 34:5
For Job has said, ‘I am righteous, but God has taken away my justice
Quote: כִּֽי־אָ֭מַר אִיּ֣וֹב צָדַ֑קְתִּי וְ֝אֵ֗ל הֵסִ֥יר מִשְׁפָּטִֽי (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 Job has said that he is righteous but that God has taken away his justice”
but God has taken away my justice
Quote: וְ֝אֵ֗ל הֵסִ֥יר מִשְׁפָּטִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is saying that Job has spoken of justice as if it were an object that God had taken away from him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but God has not been just in the way that he has treated me”
Job 34:6
Would I lie about my justice? My arrow is incurable, without transgression
Quote: עַל־מִשְׁפָּטִ֥י אֲכַזֵּ֑ב אָנ֖וּשׁ חִצִּ֣י בְלִי־פָֽשַׁע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If you decided in the previous verse to translate this quotation in such a way that there would not be a quotation within a quotation, you can continue doing that here. Alternate translation: “Job has said that he would not lie about his justice and that his arrow is incurable, without transgression”
Would I lie about my justice
Quote: עַל־מִשְׁפָּטִ֥י אֲכַזֵּ֑ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
In this quotation by Elihu, 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 would not lie about my justice!”
Would I lie about my justice
Quote: עַל־מִשְׁפָּטִ֥י אֲכַזֵּ֑ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I would not lie about whether I had done the right thing!”
My arrow
Quote: חִצִּ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
In this quotation by Elihu, Job is using the term arrow by association to mean a wound from an arrow. (Elihu is referring back to what Job said in 16:13 about God’s archers fatally wounding him with arrows.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My wound”
without transgression
Quote: בְלִי־פָֽשַׁע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
In this quotation by Elihu, 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: “even though I am without transgression”
Job 34:7
What man {is} like Job
Quote: מִי־גֶ֥בֶר כְּאִיּ֑וֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu 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 other person like Job!”
He drinks scorn like water
Quote: יִֽשְׁתֶּה־לַּ֥עַג כַּמָּֽיִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if Job literally drank scorn the way he would drink water. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He indulges freely in making scornful statements”
Job 34:8
doers of iniquity … men of wickedness
Quote: פֹּ֣עֲלֵי אָ֑וֶן & אַנְשֵׁי־רֶֽשַׁע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of iniquity and wickedness, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “people who do what is iniquitous … people who are wicked”
Job 34:9
For he has said, ‘It does not benefit a man when he delights {himself} with God
Quote: כִּֽי־אָ֭מַר לֹ֣א יִסְכָּן־גָּ֑בֶר בִּ֝רְצֹת֗וֹ עִם־אֱלֹהִֽים (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 he has said that it does not benefit a person when he delights himself with God”
Job 34:10
men of heart
Quote: אַ֥נֲשֵׁ֥י לֵבָ֗ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the heart represents understanding. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “men of understanding” or “you wise men”
Sacrilege to God from wickedness, and the Almighty from iniquity
Quote: חָלִ֖לָה לָאֵ֥ל מֵרֶ֗שַׁע וְשַׁדַּ֥י מֵעָֽוֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated the expression “Sacrilege to” in 27:5. Alternate translation: “Far be it from God to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to do iniquity”
Sacrilege to God from wickedness, and the Almighty from iniquity
Quote: חָלִ֖לָה לָאֵ֥ל מֵרֶ֗שַׁע וְשַׁדַּ֥י מֵעָֽוֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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: “Far be it from God to do wickedness, and far be it from the Almighty to do iniquity”
Job 34:11
he repays … he causes it to find him
Quote: יְשַׁלֶּם & יַמְצִאֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun he refers to God in both instances. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God repays … God causes it to find him”
the deed of a man he repays to him
Quote: פֹ֣עַל אָ֭דָם יְשַׁלֶּם־ל֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated the word “repay” in 21:19. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God punishes a person for what he does”
and according to the path of a man
Quote: וּֽכְאֹ֥רַח אִ֝֗ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking of how a person lives as if that were a path that the person was walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and based on how a person lives”
he causes it to find him
Quote: יַמְצִאֶֽנּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Here, it 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 an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “God causes things to happen to him”
Job 34:13
Who appointed {him} over the earth? And who set the world, all of it
Quote: מִֽי־פָקַ֣ד עָלָ֣יו אָ֑רְצָה וּמִ֥י שָׂ֝֗ם תֵּבֵ֥ל כֻּלָּֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu 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: “God did not need anyone to appoint him over the earth or to set all of the world under his dominion!”
And who set the world, all of it
Quote: וּמִ֥י שָׂ֝֗ם תֵּבֵ֥ל כֻּלָּֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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 set the world, all of it, under his dominion”
Job 34:14
If he set his heart upon himself
Quote: אִם־יָשִׂ֣ים אֵלָ֣יו לִבּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the heart represents the thoughts and perceptions. Alternate translation: “If he considered only himself” or “If he thought only about himself”
if} he gathered his Spirit and his breath to himself
Quote: רוּח֥וֹ וְ֝נִשְׁמָת֗וֹ אֵלָ֥יו יֶאֱסֹֽף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
As he did in 32:, here Elihu is alluding to the way that God originally breathed the breath of life into humans. You could indicate that explicitly in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “if he withdrew his Spirit and the breath of life from humans”
Job 34:15
all flesh
Quote: כָּל־בָּשָׂ֣ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term flesh by association to mean the creatures that God made, which generally have flesh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all creatures”
would expire together
Quote: יִגְוַ֣ע & יָ֑חַד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Elihu is using the word expire 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: “would pass away together” or “would die at the same time”
and man would return to the dust
Quote: וְ֝אָדָ֗ם עַל־עָפָ֥ר יָשֽׁוּב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu does not mean that people would actively return to the dust on their own. Rather, as in 33:6, he is referring to the way that God originally formed people from the dust of the earth, and he means that humans would die and their bodies would become dust again. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and people would die be buried and their bodies would decompose and become part of the dirt again”
Job 34:16
But if understanding
Quote: וְאִם־בִּ֥ינָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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: “But if understanding is to you” or “But if you have understanding”
hear … listen
Quote: שִׁמְעָה & הַ֝אֲזִ֗ינָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The imperatives hear and listen are singular because Elihu is now addressing Job directly. (He is marking a transition from addressing the other “wise ones” who are present by repeating those two terms, which he also used in verse 2.) So use singular imperative forms in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
listen to the sound of my words
Quote: הַ֝אֲזִ֗ינָה לְק֣וֹל מִלָּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term words to mean what he is about to say by using words. As in 33:8, he may be referring to the sound of the words to mean the exact words, that is, exactly what he is going to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “listen to exactly what I am going to say”
Job 34:17
Will one hating justice indeed govern? Or if you will condemn the Righteous {One}, the Mighty {One
Quote: הַאַ֬ף שׂוֹנֵ֣א מִשְׁפָּ֣ט יַחֲב֑וֹשׁ וְאִם־צַדִּ֖יק כַּבִּ֣יר תַּרְשִֽׁיעַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu 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. (The second question continues into the next two verses, but in many languages it will not be necessary to translate those verses differently except for the punctuation at the end of verse 19.) Alternate translation: “One hating justice will certainly not govern! No, you should not condemn the Righteous One, the Mighty One”
Or if you will condemn the Righteous {One}, the Mighty {One
Quote: וְאִם־צַדִּ֖יק כַּבִּ֣יר תַּרְשִֽׁיעַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Elihu is using the word If to introduce a question that anticipates a negative answer. If you decide to retain the question form, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “And you will not condemn the Righteous One, the Mighty One, will you”
the Righteous {One}, the Mighty {One
Quote: צַדִּ֖יק כַּבִּ֣יר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu is using the adjectives Righteous and Mighty as nouns to mean a certain person, God, who possesses these qualities supremely. The ULT adds the word One in each case to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “God, who is supremely righteous and mighty”
Job 34:18
the one saying ‘Worthless!’ to a king, Wicked!’ {to} nobles
Quote: הַאֲמֹ֣ר לְמֶ֣לֶךְ בְּלִיָּ֑עַל רָ֝שָׁ֗ע אֶל־נְדִיבִֽים (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: “the one telling a king that he is worthless and telling nobles that they are wicked”
to a king
Quote: לְמֶ֣לֶךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Elihu is not referring to a specific king. He means kings in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “to kings”
Job 34:19
who does not lift the faces of princes
Quote: אֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־נָשָׂ֨א ׀ פְּנֵ֥י שָׂרִ֗ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated the similar expression in 13:8. Alternate translation: “who does not show favoritism to princes”
to the face of the poor
Quote: לִפְנֵי־דָ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
In this context, the phrase to the face of means “in front of” or “ahead of.” Alternate translation: “ahead of the poor” or “more than the poor”
the rich … the poor
Quote: שׁ֭וֹעַ & דָ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu is using the adjectives rich and poor 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: “rich people … poor people”
all of them {are} the work of his hands
Quote: מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה יָדָ֣יו כֻּלָּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using one part of God, his hands, to mean all of him in the act of making people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he has made all of them”
his hands
Quote: יָדָ֣יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
If you decided in verse 17 to use a statement or exclamation to translate the question that begins in the middle of that verse and continues to the end of this verse, remember to use the punctuation here that your language uses to mark the end of a statement or exclamation.
Job 34:20
and {in} the middle of the night
Quote: וַחֲצ֪וֹת לָ֥יְלָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if what he is describing generally happens to people literally in the middle of the night. He means that it happens suddenly and unexpectedly, as if it happened at the time when people are usually asleep. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and suddenly and unexpectedly”
people are shaken
Quote: יְגֹעֲשׁ֣וּ עָ֣ם (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 shakes people”
and they pass
Quote: וְיַעֲבֹ֑רוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Elihu is using the word pass to mean “die.” This is a mild or poetic 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 they depart” or “and they die”
and they take away the mighty
Quote: וְיָסִ֥ירוּ אַ֝בִּ֗יר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Here, 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: “and the mighty are taken away”
the mighty
Quote: אַ֝בִּ֗יר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu is using the adjective mighty 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: “even the person who is mighty”
not by a hand
Quote: לֹ֣א בְיָֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using one part of a human being, his hand, to mean all of him in the act of potentially taking away a mighty person (although Elihu says that no person actually does this). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “not by a human being”
Job 34:21
his eyes {… he sees
Quote: עֵ֭ינָיו & יִרְאֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The first instance of the pronoun his and the pronoun he refer to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God’s eyes … God sees”
his eyes {are} upon
Quote: עֵ֭ינָיו עַל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using one part of God, his eyes, 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: “he looks upon”
the ways of a man, and … all of his steps
Quote: דַּרְכֵי־אִ֑ישׁ וְֽכָל־צְעָדָ֥יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking of how a person lives as if that were a way or path that the person was taking steps along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how a person lives, and … everything that he does”
Job 34:22
There is no darkness and there is no deep darkness
Quote: אֵֽין־חֹ֭שֶׁךְ וְאֵ֣ין צַלְמָ֑וֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms darkness and deep darkness mean similar things. Elihu 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: “There is no darkness at all”
for the doers of iniquity to be hidden
Quote: לְהִסָּ֥תֶר & פֹּ֣עֲלֵי אָֽוֶן (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: “for the doers of iniquity to hide themselves”
Job 34:23
he does not set upon a man
Quote: לֹ֣א עַל־אִ֭ישׁ יָשִׂ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
As Job does in 23:6, here Elihu is leaving out some of the words of a certain Hebrew expression that occurs in full form in other places in the book. See how you translated the expression “set upon” in 23:6. Alternate translation: “God does not set his heart upon a person” or “God does not consider a person”
to go to God for judgment
Quote: לַהֲלֹ֥ךְ אֶל־אֵ֝֗ל בַּמִּשְׁפָּֽט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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: “so there is no need for any person to go to him for judgment”
Job 34:24
He shatters the mighty
Quote: יָרֹ֣עַ כַּבִּירִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if God literally shatters mighty people or breaks them into pieces. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He punishes mighty people by taking away their power and influence”
the mighty
Quote: כַּבִּירִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu is using the adjective mighty 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: “mighty people”
with} no investigation
Quote: לֹא־חֵ֑קֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of investigation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “without needing to investigate how they have been living”
Job 34:25
he overthrows {them} … and they are crushed
Quote: וְהָ֥פַךְ & וְיִדַּכָּֽאוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if God literally overthrows mighty people who do wrong, that is, as if God throws them down onto the ground. Elihu is also speaking as if God literally crushes these people, that is, breaks them into small pieces. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he takes away their power and influence … and they are destroyed”
in the night
Quote: לַ֝֗יְלָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated the similar phrase “in the middle of the night” in verse 20. Alternate translation: “suddenly and unexpectedly”
and they are crushed
Quote: וְיִדַּכָּֽאוּ (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 he crushes them”
Job 34:26
their wickednesses
Quote: רְשָׁעִ֥ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu is using a plural form to indicate that these mighty people whom God judges are guilty of wickedness to a great degree. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “their great wickedness”
Job 34:27
they turned from after him
Quote: סָ֣רוּ מֵֽאַחֲרָ֑יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if these wicked mighty people were literally walking behind God but then turned away to walk in a different direction from his. He means that they stopped obeying God’s commandments. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they stopped obeying God’s commandments”
and they did not consider any of his ways
Quote: וְכָל־דְּ֝רָכָ֗יו לֹ֣א הִשְׂכִּֽילוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking of how God wants people to live as if that were a series of ways or paths along which God wants people to walk. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they did not respect the manner in which God wants people to live”
Job 34:28
to cause the cry of the poor to come to him
Quote: לְהָבִ֣יא עָ֭לָיו צַֽעֲקַת־דָּ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
In the first part of this verse, Elihu is indicating the result of what he described in the previous verse, wicked people not obeying God’s commandments or respecting the way God wants people to live. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly in your translation. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “As a result, they caused the cry of the poor to come to God”
the poor … the lowly
Quote: דָּ֑ל & עֲנִיִּ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu is using the adjectives poor and afflicted 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 … afflicted people”
the lowly
Quote: עֲנִיִּ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
See how you translated the term lowly in 29:12.
he heard
Quote: יִשְׁמָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Elihu is using the term heard in a specific sense to mean “answered.” Alternate translation: “God answered”
Job 34:29
If he is silent, then who will condemn {him}? If he hides {his} face, then who will perceive him
Quote: וְה֤וּא יַשְׁקִ֨ט ׀ וּמִ֥י יַרְשִׁ֗עַ וְיַסְתֵּ֣ר פָּ֭נִים וּמִ֣י יְשׁוּרֶ֑נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu 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: “Even if God is silent, no one can condemn him. If God hides his face, no one can perceive him”
his} face
Quote: פָּ֭נִים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using one part of God, his face, to mean all of him in the act of hiding himself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “himself”
Yet {he is} over a nation and over a man alike
Quote: וְעַל־גּ֖וֹי וְעַל־אָדָ֣ם יָֽחַד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is describing God as over or spatially above each nation and man (person) in order to indicate that God rules them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yet he rules both individual nations and individual persons”
Job 34:30
from the reigning of a godless man
Quote: מִ֭מְּלֹךְ אָדָ֥ם חָנֵ֗ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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: “to protect a nation from the reigning of a godless man” or “to keep a godless person from reigning over a nation”
from snares of the people
Quote: מִמֹּ֥קְשֵׁי עָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if the people of a nation would literally be caught in snares or traps if a godless person became their ruler. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to keep people from being oppressed”
Job 34:31
If one says to God, I have borne, I will not offend
Quote: כִּֽי־אֶל־אֵ֭ל הֶאָמַ֥ר נָשָׂ֗אתִי לֹ֣א אֶחְבֹּֽל (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: “If one says to God that he has borne but he will no longer offend”
If one says to God
Quote: כִּֽי־אֶל־אֵ֭ל הֶאָמַ֥ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
Elihu is suggesting a hypothetical situation in order to illustrate a point. Alternate translation: “Suppose someone said to God”
I have borne
Quote: נָשָׂ֗אתִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
The speaker in this hypothetical situation 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 have borne punishment for my sin”
Job 34:32
besides [what] I see, you teach me; if I have done iniquity, I will not continue
Quote: בִּלְעֲדֵ֣י אֶ֭חֱזֶה אַתָּ֣ה הֹרֵ֑נִי אִֽם־עָ֥וֶל פָּ֝עַ֗לְתִּי לֹ֣א אֹסִֽיף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If you decided in the previous verse to translate this quotation in such a way that there would not be a quotation within a quotation, you can continue doing that here. Alternate translation: “if he asks God to teach him what he cannot see, and if he says that if he has done iniquity, he will not continue”
besides [what] I see, you teach me; if I have done iniquity, I will not continue
Quote: בִּלְעֲדֵ֣י אֶ֭חֱזֶה אַתָּ֣ה הֹרֵ֑נִי אִֽם־עָ֥וֶל פָּ֝עַ֗לְתִּי לֹ֣א אֹסִֽיף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
This verse continues the hypothetical situation that Elihu is suggesting in order to illustrate a point. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “And suppose that person asked God to teach him what he could not see, and suppose he told God that if he had done iniquity, he would not continue.”
you teach me
Quote: אַתָּ֣ה הֹרֵ֑נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Elihu is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated teach. 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: “please teach me”
Job 34:33
from with you will he repay it
Quote: הַֽמֵעִמְּךָ֬ יְשַׁלְמֶ֨נָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Elihu is using the expression from with you to refer, while addressing Job, to the perspective that Job has been expressing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will God still punish that repentant person, as you have been saying he would”
from with you will he repay it
Quote: הַֽמֵעִמְּךָ֬ יְשַׁלְמֶ֨נָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo
This is the end of the hypothetical situation that Elihu has been suggesting in order to illustrate a point. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then, in your opinion, would God still punish that person”
will he repay it
Quote: יְשַׁלְמֶ֨נָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated the word “repay” in verse 11. Alternate translation: “will he still punish the person for having done wrong”
you despise
Quote: מָאַ֗סְתָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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: “you belittle what we have been saying about how God deals with people”
Job 34:34
Men of heart
Quote: אַנְשֵׁ֣י לֵ֭בָב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated the same expression in verse 10. Alternate translation: “Men of understanding”
and a man of wisdom
Quote: וְגֶ֥בֶר חָ֝כָ֗ם (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: “and any wise person”
hearing me
Quote: שֹׁמֵ֥עַֽ לִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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: “hearing me will also say to me”
Job 34:35
Job does not speak with knowledge, and his words {are} not with understanding
Quote: אִ֭יּוֹב לֹא־בְדַ֣עַת יְדַבֵּ֑ר וּ֝דְבָרָ֗יו לֹ֣א בְהַשְׂכֵּֽיל (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, with no comma at the end of verse 34: “that Job does not speak with knowledge and that his words are without understanding”
with knowledge
Quote: בְדַ֣עַת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “knowledgeably”
and his words {are} not with understanding
Quote: וּ֝דְבָרָ֗יו לֹ֣א בְהַשְׂכֵּֽיל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term 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: “and what he says is not with understanding”
and his words {are} not with understanding
Quote: וּ֝דְבָרָ֗יו לֹ֣א בְהַשְׂכֵּֽיל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of understanding, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and he does not really understand what he is talking about”
Job 34:36
Job were tested
Quote: יִבָּחֵ֣ן אִיּ֣וֹב (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 would test Job” or “God would put Job on trial”
upon {his} answers among men of iniquity
Quote: עַל־תְּ֝שֻׁבֹ֗ת בְּאַנְשֵׁי־אָֽוֶן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Elihu is using the word among in a sense that suggests that one thing is associated with another. He means that Job responds in a way associated with men of iniquity, as if Job were such a person himself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because he answers as men of iniquity would”
Job 34:37
he claps
Quote: יִסְפּ֑וֹק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
As in 27:23, here clapping one’s hands is a symbolic action that expresses derision. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “he claps his hands derisively”
and he multiplies his words against God
Quote: וְיֶ֖רֶב אֲמָרָ֣יו לָאֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term 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: “and he says more and more things against God”
Job 35
Job 35 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is a continuation of Elihu’s speech. In this chapter, Elihu speaks primarily to Job, although in the last verse he speaks about Job to the others who are present.
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
Does God not benefit when humans do what is right?
In verses 6–8, Elihu tells Job that whether he is good or bad has no effect on God; that only affects other people. Elihu probably means that God does not owe Job anything for being good and that God does not have to defend himself against Job being bad. But if what Elihu says is taken in a general sense, then it does not express the full teaching of the Bible. Elsewhere the Bible says that God is delighted when people obey him and that God grieves when people sin, knowing the destructive effects that this will have. God is glorified when people acknowledge that humans flourish when they obey his commandments. Elihu, like Job’s friends, says things that are true to a certain extent but that do not fully express the counsel of God as found in the Bible as a whole.
Translation Issues in This Chapter
reference of “you” and “your”
Throughout this chapter, Elihu uses the pronouns “you” and “your” to address Job individually, so use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction. In verse 3, in the quotation by Elihu, the pronoun “you” is also singular because Job is using it to address God.
Job 35:1
And Elihu answered and said
Quote: וַיַּ֥עַן אֱלִיה֗וּ וַיֹּאמַֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
See how you translated the same expression in 34:1. Alternate translation: “And Elihu said further, in light of what he had already said”
Job 35:2
Do you consider this to {be} justice
Quote: הֲ֭זֹאת חָשַׁ֣בְתָּ לְמִשְׁפָּ֑ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu 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 this to be justice!”
Do you consider this to {be} justice
Quote: הֲ֭זֹאת חָשַׁ֣בְתָּ לְמִשְׁפָּ֑ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the word you is singular here and throughout the chapter because Elihu is addressing Job directly. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
Do you consider this to {be} justice
Quote: הֲ֭זֹאת חָשַׁ֣בְתָּ לְמִשְׁפָּ֑ט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “You should not consider this a just thing to say!”
You say, ‘I am more righteous than God
Quote: אָ֝מַ֗רְתָּ צִדְקִ֥י מֵאֵֽל (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: “You say that you are more righteous than God” or, since this is not a direct quote from Job, “You speak as if you are more righteous than God”
Job 35:3
For
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Elihu is using the word For to introduce the reason why he said in the previous verse that Job claimed to be more righteous than God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “I say that because”
you have said, ‘What does it benefit you? What do I gain more than my sin
Quote: תֹ֭אמַר מַה־יִּסְכָּן־לָ֑ךְ מָֽה־אֹ֝עִ֗יל מֵֽחַטָּאתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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: “you have said to God, ‘What does it benefit you if I am righteous? What more do I gain by not sinning than if I do sin?’”
you have said, ‘What does it benefit you? What do I gain more than my sin
Quote: תֹ֭אמַר מַה־יִּסְכָּן־לָ֑ךְ מָֽה־אֹ֝עִ֗יל מֵֽחַטָּאתִֽי (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: “you have asked God what it benefits him if you do not sin and what more you gain by not sinning than if you do sin”
What does it benefit you? What do I gain more than my sin
Quote: מַה־יִּסְכָּן־לָ֑ךְ מָֽה־אֹ֝עִ֗יל מֵֽחַטָּאתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
In this quotation by Elihu, 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 does not benefit you if I do not sin! I do not gain more by not sinning than if I do sin!”
What does it benefit you
Quote: מַה־יִּסְכָּן־לָ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The word you is singular here because in this quotation by Elihu, Job is addressing God directly. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
more than my sin
Quote: מֵֽחַטָּאתִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
In this quotation by Elihu, Job is using the term sin by association to mean the act of sinning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “more than if I had sinned”
Job 35:4
I will answer you {with} words
Quote: אֲ֭נִי אֲשִֽׁיבְךָ֣ מִלִּ֑ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term words to mean what he is going to say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will speak in reply to you”
I
Quote: אֲ֭נִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Elihu is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated 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 showing this emphasis. Alternate translation: “I myself”
and your friends with you
Quote: וְֽאֶת־רֵעֶ֥יךָ עִמָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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 I will answer your friends with you”
Job 35:5
Observe the heavens and see
Quote: הַבֵּ֣ט שָׁמַ֣יִם וּרְאֵ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms Observe and see mean similar things. Elihu 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: “Carefully observe the heavens”
the clouds soar above you
Quote: שְׁ֝חָקִ֗ים גָּבְה֥וּ מִמֶּֽךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu is saying implicitly that God is even higher above Job than the heavens and the clouds. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the clouds soar above you; God is even greater than that!”
Job 35:6
If you sin, what do you accomplish against him? Or {if} your transgressions multiply, what do you do to him
Quote: אִם־חָ֭טָאתָ מַה־תִּפְעָל־בּ֑וֹ וְרַבּ֥וּ פְ֝שָׁעֶ֗יךָ מַה־תַּעֲשֶׂה־לּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu 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 you sin, you do not accomplish anything against God. If your transgressions multiply, you do not do anything to him.”
Or {if} your transgressions multiply
Quote: וְרַבּ֥וּ פְ֝שָׁעֶ֗יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Elihu is speaking of Job’s supposed transgressions as if they were living things that could multiply on their own. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Or if you commit many transgressions”
Job 35:7
If you are righteous, what do you give to him, or what does he receive from your hand
Quote: אִם־צָ֭דַקְתָּ מַה־תִּתֶּן־ל֑וֹ א֥וֹ מַה־מִיָּדְךָ֥ יִקָּֽח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu 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 you are righteous, you do not give anything to God; he does not receive anything from your hand!”
from your hand
Quote: מִיָּדְךָ֥ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using one part of Job, his hand, to mean all of him in the act of potentially giving something to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from you”
Job 35:8
and … is} to a son of man
Quote: וּלְבֶן־אָ֝דָ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
See how you translated the expression “son of man” in 16:21. Alternate translation: “and … is to a human being”
Job 35:9
From the multitude of oppressions
Quote: מֵ֭רֹב עֲשׁוּקִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
Elihu is using the plural form oppressions in a context where the singular term “oppression” would suffice. This suggests that he is using the plural form for emphasis. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Because of great oppression”
they make a cry
Quote: יַזְעִ֑יקוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun they refers to people generally. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “people cry out for justice”
from the arm of
Quote: מִזְּר֣וֹעַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, arm represents power, and in this context, the term indicates that mighty people are using their power to hurt others. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because of the violence of”
the mighty
Quote: רַבִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu is using the adjective mighty 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: “mighty people”
Job 35:10
But one does not say, ‘Where is God my Maker, the one giving songs in the night
Quote: וְֽלֹא־אָמַ֗ר אַ֭יֵּה אֱל֣וֹהַּ עֹשָׂ֑י נֹתֵ֖ן זְמִר֣וֹת בַּלָּֽיְלָה (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: “But one does not ask where God his Maker is, the one giving songs in the night”
Where is God my Maker
Quote: אַ֭יֵּה אֱל֣וֹהַּ עֹשָׂ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression Where is indicates a desire to know whether God will act. For example, in 2 Kings 2:14, Elisha asks, “Where is Yahweh, the God of Elijah?” as he strikes the Jordan River with Elijah’s coat in order to part its waters so that he can walk across the riverbed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the question as the expression of a wish. Alternate translation: “I wish that God my Maker would act on my behalf”
the one giving songs in the night
Quote: נֹתֵ֖ן זְמִר֣וֹת בַּלָּֽיְלָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here, night represents difficult circumstances, and songs represent the rejoicing of a person whom God has delivered. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one delivering people from difficult circumstances”
Job 35:11
the one teaching us more than the beasts of the earth, making us wiser than the birds of the heavens
Quote: מַ֭לְּפֵנוּ מִבַּהֲמ֣וֹת אָ֑רֶץ וּמֵע֖וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם יְחַכְּמֵֽנוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If you decided in the previous verse to translate this quotation in such a way that there would not be a quotation within a quotation, you can continue doing that here. Alternate translation: “the one teaching people more than the beasts of the earth, making them wiser than the birds of the heavens.”
the one teaching us more than the beasts of the earth, making us wiser than the birds of the heavens
Quote: מַ֭לְּפֵנוּ מִבַּהֲמ֣וֹת אָ֑רֶץ וּמֵע֖וֹף הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם יְחַכְּמֵֽנוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
In this quotation, the speaker describes beasts and birds as if they were living things that God could teach and make wise. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one who gave us more understanding than the beasts of the earth and the birds of the heavens”
the one teaching us … making us wiser
Quote: מַ֭לְּפֵנוּ & יְחַכְּמֵֽנוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
The speaker is using the pronoun us to mean people and thus to refer to himself and his listeners, so use the inclusive form of that word if your language marks that distinction.
Job 35:12
There
Quote: שָׁ֣ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if the troubles that people experience were a place that they were in. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “In their troubles,”
but he does not answer from the face of the pride of evil {ones
Quote: וְלֹ֣א יַעֲנֶ֑ה מִ֝פְּנֵ֗י גְּא֣וֹן רָעִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Here the word face represents the presence of something by association with the way that people can see the face of someone who is present.If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but he does not answer, since pride is present in those evil ones” or “but he does not answer, since those evil ones are so proud”
evil {ones
Quote: רָעִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu is using the adjective evil as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. 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: “evil people”
Job 35:13
God does not hear vanity
Quote: שָׁ֭וְא לֹא־יִשְׁמַ֥ע ׀ אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of vanity, you could express the same idea in another way. Here the word vanity describes a cry to God for help that is insincere. The person asking for God’s help has not repented of the sins that have gotten him into trouble; he is still doing “evil,” as verse 12 indicates. Alternate translation: “God does not hear an insincere prayer for help”
God does not hear vanity
Quote: שָׁ֭וְא לֹא־יִשְׁמַ֥ע ׀ אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Elihu is using the term hear in a specific sense to mean “answer.” Alternate translation: “God will not answer an insincere prayer for help”
and the Almighty does not regard it
Quote: וְ֝שַׁדַּ֗י לֹ֣א יְשׁוּרֶֽנָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
In this context, the word regard also means “answer.” Elihu is using both hearing and seeing in parallel statements to emphasize his point. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. (You could also combine both parts of this verse into a single statement, as the UST does.) Alternate translation: “no, the Almighty will not answer such a prayer”
Job 35:14
How much less that
Quote: אַ֣ף כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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 answer your prayers, given that”
you say you do not see him, the case {is} to his face, and you are waiting for him
Quote: תֹ֭אמַר לֹ֣א תְשׁוּרֶ֑נּוּ דִּ֥ין לְ֝פָנָ֗יו וּתְח֥וֹלֵֽל לֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “you say, ‘I do not see him; the case is to his face, and I am waiting for him,’”
the case {is} to his face
Quote: דִּ֥ין לְ֝פָנָ֗יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
In this context, the phrase to his face means “in front of him.” This is likely a reference to the written documents that people in this culture prepared for legal proceedings, as a note to 31:35 discusses. Job would be saying that his testimony was “in front of” God, that is, he had submitted it for God to read. Alternate translation: “you have submitted your case to him”
Job 35:15
and now that {in} his nose, he does not visit, and he does not take much notice of transgression
Quote: וְעַתָּ֗ה כִּי־אַ֭יִן פָּקַ֣ד אַפּ֑וֹ וְלֹֽא־יָדַ֖ע בַּפַּ֣שׁ מְאֹֽד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
If you decided in the previous verse to translate the beginning of this indirect quotation as a direct quotation, you can also translate the continuation of the indirect quotation here as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “and also, ‘In his anger, he does not visit, and he does not take much notice of transgression’!”
he does not visit
Quote: אַ֭יִן פָּקַ֣ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
As Job did in 31:14, here Elihu is using the term visit in a particular sense. When applied to God, the term often indicates that God takes action in the life of a person or group, whether to help needy people or to punish guilty people. Here it has the latter sense. Alternate translation: “God does not punish people who are guilty of committing sin”
Job 35:16
So Job opens his mouth
Quote: וְ֭אִיּוֹב & יִפְצֶה־פִּ֑יהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using the first part of the speaking process, opening one’s mouth, to mean the entire process of speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “So Job speaks”
without knowledge
Quote: בִּבְלִי־דַ֝֗עַת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation, as in the UST: “without knowing what he is talking about”
he multiplies words
Quote: מִלִּ֥ין יַכְבִּֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term 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: “he says many things”
Job 36
Job 36 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is a continuation of Elihu’s speech. In this chapter, Elihu speaks primarily to Job, although others are present and listening.
- Verses 1–21: Elihu says that God uses suffering to warn and correct people.
- Verses 22–23: Elihu describes how great God is, using a storm that is gathering and approaching to describe God’s great power.
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
The difficulty of understanding verses 17–21
Verses 17–21 are very difficult to understand. Biblical scholars have offered a variety of explanations of what Elihu says in each verse. Published versions of the Bible differ significantly from one another in their renderings of this material. The ULT seeks to offer a consistent and reasonable translation of these verses. But if a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may find that it differs from the ULT in several places in the way that it translates these verses. If there is a Bible translation in your region, you may wish to use the readings that it uses. If not, you may wish to follow the readings of ULT.
singular “you” and “your”
The pronouns “you” and “your” and the implied “you” in imperative verbs are singular throughout this chapter because Elihu is addressing Job. If your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you,” use singular forms in your translation.
“hear” meaning “obey”
In verses 10, 11, and 12, Elihu uses the term “hear” in a specific sense to mean “obey.” You may wish to use the term “obey” in each instance in your translation.
Job 36:1
And Elihu continued and said
Quote: וַיֹּ֥סֶף אֱלִיה֗וּא וַיֹּאמַֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word continued tells for what purpose a person said something. Specifically, the person said it to add more to what he had already said. 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 Elihu said further”
Job 36:2
Be patient … and I will show you
Quote: כַּתַּר & וַאֲחַוֶּ֑ךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the word you and the implied “you” in the imperative Be patient are singular here because in this chapter, Elihu is addressing Job directly. So if your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you,” use the singular form in your translation here and throughout the chapter.
and I will show you
Quote: וַאֲחַוֶּ֑ךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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 I will show you that God has not been punishing you unfairly”
there are} yet words to God
Quote: ע֖וֹד לֶאֱל֣וֹהַּ מִלִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term words to mean what he wants to say further by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “there are more things to say on behalf of God”
Job 36:3
I will carry my knowledge to from afar
Quote: אֶשָּׂ֣א דֵ֭עִי לְמֵרָח֑וֹק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Elihu is describing places that are afar off from the perspective of how far a person would have to travel to come from those places. That is why he speaks of the places as being from afar and why he speaks of going to those places as going to from afar. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will carry my knowledge to distant places”
I will carry my knowledge to from afar
Quote: אֶשָּׂ֣א דֵ֭עִי לְמֵרָח֑וֹק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if his knowledge were an object that he could literally carry to distant places. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “I will show a wide knowledge of my subject” or “I will speak with comprehensive knowledge”
I will carry my knowledge to from afar
Quote: אֶשָּׂ֣א דֵ֭עִי לְמֵרָח֑וֹק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I will show that I know a wide range of things”
and I will attribute righteousness to my Maker
Quote: וּ֝לְפֹעֲלִ֗י אֶֽתֵּֽן־צֶֽדֶק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and I will show that my Maker is righteous”
and … to my Maker
Quote: וּ֝לְפֹעֲלִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By my Maker, Elihu implicitly means God, who made him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and … to God, who made me”
Job 36:4
my words
Quote: מִלָּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term words to mean what he is about to say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I say”
the complete in knowledge {is} with you
Quote: תְּמִ֖ים דֵּע֣וֹת עִמָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu is using the adjective phrase complete in knowledge as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjective phrases in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “someone who has complete knowledge is with you”
the complete in knowledge {is} with you
Quote: תְּמִ֖ים דֵּע֣וֹת עִמָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Elihu says complete here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: ““someone who has very comprehensive knowledge is with you”
the complete in knowledge {is} with you
Quote: תְּמִ֖ים דֵּע֣וֹת עִמָּֽךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Elihu 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: “I who have very comprehensive knowledge am with you”
Job 36:5
and he does not despise
Quote: וְלֹ֣א יִמְאָ֑ס (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. He is probably responding to what Job said to God in 10:3, “you … despise the work of your hands.” If that would be clearer in your language, you can supply these words from the context, specifically from verse 2, where Elihu speaks of God as his “Maker.” Alternate translation: “and he does not despise any of the people whom he has made”
mighty, strong in heart
Quote: כַּ֝בִּ֗יר כֹּ֣חַֽ לֵֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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 is also mighty in that he is strong in heart”
mighty, strong in heart
Quote: כַּ֝בִּ֗יר כֹּ֣חַֽ לֵֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the heart represents the mind or understanding. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he is also mighty in that he has great understanding”
Job 36:6
He does not keep the wicked alive
Quote: לֹא־יְחַיֶּ֥ה רָשָׁ֑ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
Elihu is expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of his intended meaning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He punishes the wicked by killing them”
the wicked … the lowly
Quote: רָשָׁ֑ע & עֲנִיִּ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu is using the adjectives wicked and lowly 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: “wicked people … lowly people”
but he gives the lowly justice
Quote: וּמִשְׁפַּ֖ט עֲנִיִּ֣ים יִתֵּֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “but he makes sure that others treat lowly people fairly”
the lowly
Quote: עֲנִיִּ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive
See how you translated the term lowly in 29:12.
Job 36:7
He does not withdraw his eyes from the righteous
Quote: לֹֽא־יִגְרַ֥ע מִצַּדִּ֗יק עֵ֫ינָ֥יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
Elihu is expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of his intended meaning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He keeps his eyes on the righteous”
He does not withdraw his eyes from the righteous
Quote: לֹֽא־יִגְרַ֥ע מִצַּדִּ֗יק עֵ֫ינָ֥יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using one part of God, his eyes, to mean all of him in the act of watching over the righteous. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He continually watches over the righteous”
from the righteous
Quote: מִצַּדִּ֗יק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu 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: “from the person who is righteous”
from the righteous
Quote: מִצַּדִּ֗יק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Elihu is not referring to a specific righteous person. He means righteous people in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form, particularly since Elihu uses plural forms in the rest of this verse. Alternate translation: “from righteous people”
but he sets them on a throne with kings
Quote: וְאֶת־מְלָכִ֥ים לַכִּסֵּ֑א וַיֹּשִׁיבֵ֥ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if God literally put righteous people on a throne together with kings. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but he gives them positions of power and influence”
and they rise high
Quote: וַיִּגְבָּֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if righteous people literally rise high when God helps them. He is speaking of the esteem in which others come to hold them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and others esteem them greatly”
Job 36:8
But if {they are} bound in chains and they are caught in cords of affliction
Quote: וְאִם־אֲסוּרִ֥ים בַּזִּקִּ֑ים יִ֝לָּכְד֗וּן בְּחַבְלֵי־עֹֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
The phrase bound in chains could mean: (1) the same thing as caught in cords of affliction. Elihu may be using repetition to emphasize the idea that these phrases express. In that case, he would be speaking in both phrases as if righteous people were literally bound or caught by affliction in order to say that they were suffering from affliction. Alternate translation: “If they are bound in chains of affliction; yes, if they are caught in cords of affliction” (2) being bound in actual chains. This would mean that people who had previously been righteous had unfortunately committed some crime and had been punished with imprisonment. In that case Elihu would be using chains in the first part of the verse to mean actual physical restraint and cords in the second part of the verse to represent sufferings. Alternate translation: “But if they are put in prison for some crime or if they are suffering from affliction”
they are} bound in chains and they are caught in cords of affliction
Quote: אֲסוּרִ֥ים בַּזִּקִּ֑ים יִ֝לָּכְד֗וּן בְּחַבְלֵי־עֹֽנִי (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: “chains are binding them and cords of affliction have caught them”
Job 36:9
their deeds and their transgressions
Quote: פָּעֳלָ֑ם וּ֝פִשְׁעֵיהֶ֗ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word transgressions tells what kind of deeds these people did. 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: “their evil deeds”
for they magnified themselves
Quote: כִּ֣י יִתְגַּבָּֽרוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Elihu is using the word for to introduce the reason why these people committed deeds that were transgressions. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “which they did because they became proud”
Job 36:10
and he opens their ear to correction
Quote: וַיִּ֣גֶל אָ֭זְנָם לַמּוּסָ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using one part of these righteous people who unfortunately have sinned, their ear, to mean all of them in the act of hearing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he enables them to hear correction”
and he opens their ear to correction
Quote: וַיִּ֣גֶל אָ֭זְנָם לַמּוּסָ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, in this context, to hear means to obey. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he enables them to obey correction”
and he opens their ear to correction
Quote: וַיִּ֣גֶל אָ֭זְנָם לַמּוּסָ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of correction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and he enables them to obey him when he corrects them”
their ear
Quote: אָ֭זְנָם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
If you retain the use of the term ear for the whole person in your translation, since Elihu is speaking of many people, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of ear. Alternate translation: “their ears”
and says that they shall return from iniquity
Quote: וַ֝יֹּ֗אמֶר כִּֽי־יְשֻׁב֥וּן מֵאָֽוֶן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotations
It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “and says, ‘You shall return from iniquity!’”
and says that they shall return from iniquity
Quote: וַ֝יֹּ֗אמֶר כִּֽי־יְשֻׁב֥וּן מֵאָֽוֶן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarative
In this quotation by Elihu, God is using a future statement to give a command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate these words using a command form. Alternate translation: “and says, ‘You must return from iniquity!’”
and says that they shall return from iniquity
Quote: וַ֝יֹּ֗אמֶר כִּֽי־יְשֻׁב֥וּן מֵאָֽוֶן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
In this quotation by Elihu, God is speaking as if iniquity were a place from which disobedient people had to return. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and says, ‘You must stop committing iniquity!’”
and says that they shall return from iniquity
Quote: וַ֝יֹּ֗אמֶר כִּֽי־יְשֻׁב֥וּן מֵאָֽוֶן (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: “and says, ‘You must stop doing things that are iniquitous!’”
Job 36:11
they hear
Quote: יִשְׁמְע֗וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, Elihu is using the term hear in a specific sense to mean “obey.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly, here and in the next two verses. Alternate translation: “they obey”
they will complete their days in good and their years in pleasantness
Quote: יְכַלּ֣וּ יְמֵיהֶ֣ם בַּטּ֑וֹב וּ֝שְׁנֵיהֶ֗ם בַּנְּעִימִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Elihu is using the terms days and years to refer to a specific time, the lifetimes of these repentant people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will complete their lifetimes in good; yes, they will have pleasantness for the rest of their lifetimes”
they will complete their days in good and their years in pleasantness
Quote: יְכַלּ֣וּ יְמֵיהֶ֣ם בַּטּ֑וֹב וּ֝שְׁנֵיהֶ֗ם בַּנְּעִימִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of good and pleasantness, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “they will enjoy good things and be in pleasant situations for the rest of their lifetimes”
Job 36:12
they will cross over by a weapon
Quote: בְּשֶׁ֣לַח יַעֲבֹ֑רוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
See how you translated the similar expression in 33:18. Alternate translation: “someone will kill them with a weapon”
and they will expire
Quote: וְ֝יִגְוְע֗וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism
Elihu is using the word expire 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 they will pass away” or “and they will die”
as without knowledge
Quote: כִּבְלִי־דָֽעַת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “because they acted as if they did not know how God wanted them to live”
Job 36:13
And the godless of heart
Quote: וְֽחַנְפֵי־לֵ֭ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu is using the adjective phrase godless of heart as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjective phrases in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “And people who are godless in their hearts”
And the godless of heart
Quote: וְֽחַנְפֵי־לֵ֭ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the heart represents the character of a person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And people whose character is godless” or “And people of godless character”
keep the nose
Quote: יָשִׂ֣ימוּ אָ֑ף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if anger, represented here by a part of the body, the nose, were an object that people could keep. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “remain angry with God”
he binds them
Quote: אֲסָרָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if God literally binds disobedient people. He is using the same image as in verse 8 to mean that God afflicts them in order to correct them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he afflicts them”
Job 36:14
Their soul dies in youth, and their life {is} among the cultic prostitutes
Quote: תָּמֹ֣ת בַּנֹּ֣עַר נַפְשָׁ֑ם וְ֝חַיָּתָ֗ם בַּקְּדֵשִֽׁים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
You may find it more natural to put the information about what happens during the life of these disobedient people before the information about when they die. Alternate translation: “They live among the cultic prostitutes, and they die young”
Their soul dies in youth
Quote: תָּמֹ֣ת בַּנֹּ֣עַר נַפְשָׁ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using one part of these disobedient people, their soul, to mean all of them in the act of dying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They die in youth”
Their soul dies
Quote: תָּמֹ֣ת & נַפְשָׁ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
If you retain the use of the term soul for the whole person in your translation, since Elihu is speaking of many people, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of soul. Alternate translation: “Their souls die”
in youth
Quote: בַּנֹּ֣עַר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of youth, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “while they are still young”
and their life {is} among the cultic prostitutes
Quote: וְ֝חַיָּתָ֗ם בַּקְּדֵשִֽׁים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using the life of these people to mean all of them in the act of living. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they live among the cultic prostitutes”
and their life {is} among the cultic prostitutes
Quote: וְ֝חַיָּתָ֗ם בַּקְּדֵשִֽׁים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu means implicitly that these disobedient people are reduced to making their living as cultic prostitutes, that is, as people who perform sexual acts in connection with religious rites. (Your language may have a discreet expression for this kind of activity that you may wish to use in your translation. The UST models one way to do that.) Alternate translation: “and they are reduced to making a living as cultic prostitutes”
Job 36:15
He delivers the afflicted by his affliction
Quote: יְחַלֵּ֣ץ עָנִ֣י בְעָנְי֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of affliction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God uses the things that afflict a person to deliver that person”
the afflicted
Quote: עָנִ֣י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu is using the adjective afflicted 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: “an afflicted person” or “someone who is suffering from affliction”
and he opens their ear by oppression
Quote: וְיִ֖גֶל בַּלַּ֣חַץ אָזְנָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of oppression, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and he uses the things that oppress people to open their ear”
and he opens their ear
Quote: וְיִ֖גֶל & אָזְנָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
See how you translated the similar expression in 36:10. Alternate translation: “and he leads them to obey”
their ear
Quote: אָזְנָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenouns
If you retain the use of the term ear for the whole person in your translation, since Elihu is speaking of many people, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of ear. Alternate translation: “their ears”
Job 36:16
he has drawn you … he has filled
Quote: הֲסִיתְךָ֨ & מָ֣לֵא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfuture
Elihu is using the past tense in order to refer to something that he believes God would have done if Job had repented (if Job had actually been guilty of sin). Alternate translation: “he would have drawn you … he would have filled”
he has drawn you from the mouth of distress
Quote: הֲסִיתְךָ֨ ׀ מִפִּי־צָ֗ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Elihu is speaking of distress as if it were a living thing that had Job in its mouth and was about to swallow him. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “he would have snatched you from the jaws of distress and brought you” or “he would have rescued you from the distress that you were in and brought you”
to} a broad place {with} no constriction under it
Quote: רַ֭חַב לֹא־מוּצָ֣ק תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two expressions mean the same thing. Elihu is using them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to a place where you have plenty of room” or “to a place where you would have had plenty of room”
to} a broad place {with} no constriction under it
Quote: רַ֭חַב לֹא־מוּצָ֣ק תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if God literally would have brought Job to a broad place, that is, to an open square such as Job mentioned in 29:7. Elihu means that God would have brought Job into a situation in life where he had many opportunities and the means to pursue them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “into a situation where you had many opportunities and the means to pursue them”
with} no constriction under it
Quote: לֹא־מוּצָ֣ק תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Elihu is using the expression under it to describe what this place is like. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with no constriction there” or “where there is no constriction”
and the setting of your table he has filled {with} fatness
Quote: וְנַ֥חַת שֻׁ֝לְחָנְךָ֗ מָ֣לֵא דָֽשֶׁן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking of the setting of Job’s table, that is, the food on his table, as if it were a container that God had filled with fatness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he has given you much rich food to eat” or “and he would have given you much rich food to eat”
Job 36:17
But you are full of the judgment of the wicked
Quote: וְדִין־רָשָׁ֥ע מָלֵ֑אתָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
For emphasis, Elihu is speaking as if Job were a container that was full of judgment. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in another way. Elihu could mean: (1) that Job is like the godless people he described in verse 13, who remain angry with God because they judge that God is punishing them unfairly. Alternate translation: “But you are judging God very unfairly, as the wicked do” (2) that Job is experiencing the consequences of God’s judgment against him. Alternate translation: “but God is judging you severely, as he judges the wicked”
the wicked
Quote: רָשָׁ֥ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu 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”
judgment and justice take hold
Quote: דִּ֖ין וּמִשְׁפָּ֣ט יִתְמֹֽכוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms judgment and justice mean similar things. Elihu 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: “strict justice takes hold”
judgment and justice take hold
Quote: דִּ֖ין וּמִשְׁפָּ֣ט יִתְמֹֽכוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Elihu is speaking of these judgment and justice as if they were living things that could take hold of someone or something. He could mean: (1) that God is executing judgment against Job by punishing him. In that case, Elihu would be using judgment in a different sense than he did in the first part of the verse, to mean God’s judgment of Job rather than Job’s judgment of God. Alternate translation: “God is judging you strictly by punishing you” (2) that judgment and justice take hold of one another, meaning that they work together closely to show that Job is guilty. Alternate translation: “a just judgment is that you are guilty”
Job 36:18
For wrath, lest it entice you
Quote: כִּֽי־חֵ֭מָה פֶּן־יְסִֽיתְךָ֣ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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: “For there is wrath, so beware lest it entice you” or “For you are angry, so beware lest your anger entice you”
into clapping
Quote: בְסָ֑פֶק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term clapping by association to mean derision, since the people in this culture clapped their hands in order to express derision, as 27:23 and 34:37 indicate. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “into mocking God”
and the greatness of a ransom will not deliver you
Quote: וְרָב־כֹּ֝֗פֶר אַל־יַטֶּֽךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
It may be more natural in your language to express the meaning here by using a form other than a possessive form. Alternate translation: “and no ransom, no matter how great, will deliver you”
Job 36:19
Will he esteem your riches
Quote: הֲיַעֲרֹ֣ךְ שׁ֭וּעֲךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu 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 would not esteem your riches!” or “God would not want your money so much that he will accept a bribe and not punish you.”
Not gold or all of the strengths of wealth
Quote: לֹ֣א בְצָ֑ר וְ֝כֹ֗ל מַאֲמַצֵּי־כֹֽחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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: “No, God would not esteem gold or all of the strengths of wealth!”
or all of the strengths of wealth
Quote: וְ֝כֹ֗ל מַאֲמַצֵּי־כֹֽחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Elihu is speaking of wealth as if it were a living thing that had strengths. He is using the idea of strength to refer to an amount or quantity of wealth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or any other kind of wealth, no matter how much of it there might be”
Job 36:20
the night
Quote: הַלָּ֑יְלָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is probably using the image of night to mean death, similarly to the way Bildad used “darkness” to mean death in 18:18. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “death” or “to die”
which is} to the departing of peoples {from} their place
Quote: לַעֲל֖וֹת עַמִּ֣ים תַּחְתָּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By their place, Elihu seems to mean this earth. This may be an implicit warning to Job that once he dies, he will no longer have the opportunity that people on this earth have to repent and be reconciled to God. Alternate translation: “because when people die, they leave this earth and they have no further opportunity to repent”
Job 36:21
do not turn to sin
Quote: אַל־תֵּ֣פֶן אֶל־אָ֑וֶן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if sin were in a particular direction and Job might literally turn towards that direction. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “do not commit sin”
rather than affliction
Quote: מֵעֹֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term affliction by association to mean God’s correction. (Elihu said in verses 8–10 and 15 that God used affliction to correct people.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “rather than accepting the correction that God is bringing to you through affliction”
Job 36:22
Behold, God causes to be high in his power
Quote: הֶן־אֵ֭ל יַשְׂגִּ֣יב בְּכֹח֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean, depending on the meaning of the rest of the sentence: (1) that Elihu is beginning his description of a gathering storm and he is calling the attention of the others who are present to the clouds that are forming in the sky. In that case, Elihu would mean the term Behold literally. Alternate translation: “Look, God causes to be high in his power!” (2) that while Elihu is going to use the storm to illustrate God’s power, here he is asking the others to reflect on how great God’s power is. Alternate translation: “Consider this: God causes to be high in his power”
Behold, God causes to be high in his power
Quote: הֶן־אֵ֭ל יַשְׂגִּ֣יב בְּכֹח֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu could be saying: (1) that God makes high things, specifically in this case storm clouds, and that demonstrates his power. Alternate translation: “Look at what high clouds God is making in his power!” (2) that God has caused himself to be high, that is, that God has exalted himself. Alternate translation: “Consider how great God has shown himself to be”
Who {is} a teacher like him
Quote: מִ֖י כָמֹ֣הוּ מוֹרֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu 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 a teacher like him!” or “He is about to teach us something in a way that no one else could.”
Job 36:23
Who has appointed his way to him? Or who has said, ‘You have committed unrighteousness
Quote: מִֽי־פָקַ֣ד עָלָ֣יו דַּרְכּ֑וֹ וּמִֽי־אָ֝מַ֗ר פָּעַ֥לְתָּ עַוְלָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu 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: “No one has appointed his way to him! And no one has told him, ‘You have committed unrighteousness’!”
Who has appointed his way to him
Quote: מִֽי־פָקַ֣ד עָלָ֣יו דַּרְכּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking of how someone conducts himself 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: “Who has told him how to live” or “No one has told him how to live!”
Or who has said, ‘You have committed unrighteousness
Quote: וּמִֽי־אָ֝מַ֗ר פָּעַ֥לְתָּ עַוְלָֽה (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: “Or who has told him that he has committed unrighteousness” or “And no one has told him that he has committed unrighteousness!”
Or who has said, ‘You have committed unrighteousness
Quote: וּמִֽי־אָ֝מַ֗ר פָּעַ֥לְתָּ 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: “Or who has told him that he has done what is not right” or “And no one has told him that he has done what is not right!”
Job 36:24
Remember
Quote: זְ֭כֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Elihu is using the term Remember in a particular sense to mean “ensure.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Ensure”
men
Quote: אֲנָשִֽׁים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term men has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people”
Job 36:25
Every man has looked upon it; man has regarded from afar
Quote: כָּל־אָדָ֥ם חָֽזוּ־ב֑וֹ אֱ֝נ֗וֹשׁ יַבִּ֥יט מֵרָחֽוֹק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu could possibly be indicating the storm that is gathering. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Everyone can see the storm clouds that God is forming in the sky, even though they are so high up and far away”
Every man … man has regarded
Quote: כָּל־אָדָ֥ם & אֱ֝נ֗וֹשׁ יַבִּ֥יט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here again the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “Each person … people have regarded”
man has regarded from afar
Quote: אֱ֝נ֗וֹשׁ יַבִּ֥יט מֵרָחֽוֹק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if people have literally seen God’s work from afar, that is, from a distance. He probably means that people only see and understand God’s work indistinctly and without recognizing many specific details. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “however, people only understand God’s work indistinctly”
man has regarded
Quote: אֱ֝נ֗וֹשׁ יַבִּ֥יט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
Elihu is implying a slight contrast: While people can see God’s work, they can only see it from afar. In your translation, you may wish to indicate this contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “however, man has only regarded”
Job 36:26
the number of his years, indeed, {there is} no searching
Quote: מִסְפַּ֖ר שָׁנָ֣יו וְלֹא־חֵֽקֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu may be using the term years, indicating age, by association to mean wisdom. The book makes this association in various other places, such as 12:12 and 32:7. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he is extremely wise, since he is older than anyone can determine”
Job 36:27
For
Quote: כִּ֭י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Elihu is using the word For to introduce the immediate reason why he has been saying that God is powerful and wise. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “We can see how powerful and wise God is from the way that”
he draws up the drops of water
Quote: יְגָרַ֣ע נִטְפֵי־מָ֑יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu is referring implicitly to the way God draws up water from the earth and sea as mist into the air. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “he makes drops of water rise into the air as mist”
into his stream
Quote: לְאֵדֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if the water that evaporates from the earth and sea literally forms a stream in the sky that supplies clouds with rainwater. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “into God’s supply” or “into the clouds”
Job 36:28
which the clouds pour down
Quote: אֲשֶֽׁר־יִזְּל֥וּ שְׁחָקִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun which refers to the “drops of water” that Elihu 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: “The clouds pour down these drops of water”
man
Quote: אָדָ֬ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “humans”
Job 36:29
if one will understand the spread of the cloud, the thunder from his hut
Quote: אִם־יָ֭בִין מִפְרְשֵׂי־עָ֑ב תְּ֝שֻׁא֗וֹת סֻכָּתֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu 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 can understand how God makes clouds spread or how he makes thunder come from his hut!”
from his hut
Quote: סֻכָּתֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if God literally lived in a hut in the sky. (He is using the same term that Job used in 27:18 to describe a guard booth.) If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from his dwelling place in the sky”
Job 36:30
Behold
Quote: הֵן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In this instance, Elihu seems to be using the term Behold literally. Alternate translation: “Look!”
he spreads his lightning upon it
Quote: פָּרַ֣שׂ עָלָ֣יו אוֹר֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers to God’s “hut,” that is, his dwelling in the sky, which Elihu described in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “he spreads his lightning upon his dwelling place in the sky”
he spreads his lightning upon it
Quote: פָּרַ֣שׂ עָלָ֣יו אוֹר֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if God literally spreads lightning upon the sky. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his lightning lights up the whole sky”
and he covers the roots of the sea
Quote: וְשָׁרְשֵׁ֖י הַיָּ֣ם כִּסָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking of the depths of the sea as if they were the roots of the sea. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he covers the depths of the sea”
and he covers the roots of the sea
Quote: וְשָׁרְשֵׁ֖י הַיָּ֣ם כִּסָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
This could mean: (1) that God covers the depths of the sea with light. Alternate translation: “and the lightning is so bright that it even lights up the sea down to its depths” (2) that God covers the depths of the sea with water by refilling the sea with rainwater. Alternate translation: “and he refills the whole sea with rainwater”
and he covers the roots of the sea
Quote: וְשָׁרְשֵׁ֖י הַיָּ֣ם כִּסָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Elihu says that lightning lights up the sea all the way down to its depths as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “and the lightning shines deep into the ocean”
Job 36:31
For
Quote: כִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Elihu is using the word For to introduce the reason why the storms that God creates are so far-reaching in their effects, as he has just described. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “The storms that God creates are so far-reaching in their effects because”
by them
Quote: בָ֭ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun them refers either to the clouds that Elihu describes in verses 28 and 29 or to the thunder and lightning that he describes in verses 29 and 30. But either way, he is referring ultimately to thunderstorms such as the one whose formation he is narrating in this part of his speech. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “by such storms”
he judges the peoples
Quote: יָדִ֣ין עַמִּ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate explicitly in your translation how God judges the peoples through the storms that he creates. Alternate translation: “he judges the peoples, sending lightning to punish those who disobey him but sending rain to bless those who obey him”
he gives food in abundance
Quote: יִֽתֶּן־אֹ֥כֶל לְמַכְבִּֽיר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate explicitly in your translation how God gives food in abundance through the storms that he creates. Alternate translation: “the rain from these storms causes crops to grow in abundance”
Job 36:32
He covers over his hands {with} lightning
Quote: עַל־כַּפַּ֥יִם כִּסָּה־א֑וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Elihu is using this expression to mean that God picks up so much lightning with his hands that his hands are no longer visible beneath it. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “He fills his hands with lightning”
and he enjoins upon it against the mark
Quote: וַיְצַ֖ו עָלֶ֣יהָ בְמַפְגִּֽיעַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if God literally gave a command to the lightning that it should hit a certain mark. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he makes it strike where he wishes”
Job 36:33
He declares his shout about it
Quote: יַגִּ֣יד עָלָ֣יו רֵע֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if thunder were a shout that God made. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God announces it with thunder”
He declares his shout about it
Quote: יַגִּ֣יד עָלָ֣יו רֵע֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it could refer to: (1) the storm in general. The second half of the verse suggests that this may be the case. Alternate translation: “God proclaims the coming storm with thunder” (2) the lightning Elihu describes in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “God proclaims the lightning with thunder”
the cattle also about the thing arising
Quote: מִ֝קְנֶ֗ה אַ֣ף עַל־עוֹלֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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 cattle also declare their shout about the thing arising” or “the cattle also make noise about the thing arising”
about the thing arising
Quote: עַל־עוֹלֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the phrase the thing arising to mean the coming storm by association with the way that its thunderclouds are rising up into the sky. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “about the coming storm”
Job 37
Job 37 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This is the conclusion of Elihu’s speech. Elihu continues to use the storm that is gathering and approaching to describe God’s great power. He concludes by telling Job that he should not expect to be able to speak with such a powerful 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 poetry.
Translation Issues in This Chapter
singular “you” in verses 15–19
The pronoun “you” and the implied “you” in imperative verbs are singular in verses 15–19 because Elihu is addressing Job. If your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you,” use singular forms in your translation.
The nature of the questions in verses 15–18
Elihu asks Job a series of questions in verses 15–18. He may want Job to try to answer these questions so that Job will have to admit that he does not understand what God does. So these could be actual questions that Elihu is using to get information, specifically, these admissions from Job. Alternatively, Elihu may be using the question form for emphasis. A note to verse 15 suggests two possible ways in which you could translate the question there. Consider the most appropriate way to translate each of the questions in verses 15–18.
Job 37:1
my heart trembles at this, and it leaps from its place
Quote: לְ֭זֹאת יֶחֱרַ֣ד לִבִּ֑י וְ֝יִתַּ֗ר מִמְּקוֹמֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if his heart were literally trembling and leaping. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at this, my heart pounds with emotion and skips a beat”
at this
Quote: לְ֭זֹאת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun this refers to the approaching storm. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “as this storm approaches”
Job 37:2
Hearing, hear
Quote: שִׁמְע֤וּ שָׁמ֣וֹעַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplication
Elihu 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: “Oh, hear”
hear
Quote: שִׁמְע֤וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
The implied “you” in the imperative hear is plural because Elihu is addressing Job, his three friends, and any others who may be present and listening. So use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
the roar of his voice and the sound {that} comes from his mouth
Quote: בְּרֹ֣גֶז קֹל֑וֹ וְ֝הֶ֗גֶה מִפִּ֥יו יֵצֵֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two phrases mean the same thing. Elihu is using them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “how very loudly God is speaking”
the roar of his voice and the sound {that} comes from his mouth
Quote: בְּרֹ֣גֶז קֹל֑וֹ וְ֝הֶ֗גֶה מִפִּ֥יו יֵצֵֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if thunder were literally God’s voice. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this image as a comparison. Alternate translation: “this loud thunder! It is as if God is roaring”
Job 37:3
He lets it loose under all of the heavens, and his lightning to the edges of the earth
Quote: תַּֽחַת־כָּל־הַשָּׁמַ֥יִם יִשְׁרֵ֑הוּ וְ֝אוֹר֗וֹ עַל־כַּנְפ֥וֹת הָאָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if thunder and lightning were captive or restrained and God let them loose or released them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God makes it thunder so loudly that it can be heard under the whole sky, and he makes the lightning flash so brightly that it can be seen everywhere on earth”
He lets it loose under all of the heavens, and his lightning to the edges of the earth
Quote: תַּֽחַת־כָּל־הַשָּׁמַ֥יִם יִשְׁרֵ֑הוּ וְ֝אוֹר֗וֹ עַל־כַּנְפ֥וֹת הָאָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Elihu says that thunder can be heard everywhere under the sky and that lightning can be seen in the most distant places on earth as overstatements for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “God makes it thunder so loudly in the sky that people who are far away can hear it, and he makes the lightning flash so brightly that even people who are distant from where it strikes can see it”
He lets it loose
Quote: יִשְׁרֵ֑הוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers to the thunder that Elihu described in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God lets the thunder loose”
and his lightning
Quote: וְ֝אוֹר֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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 he lets his lightning loose”
to the edges of the earth
Quote: עַל־כַּנְפ֥וֹת הָאָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
People in this culture believed that the earth was a flat surface that had edges. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the meaning here in terms of your own culture. Alternate translation: “all around the world”
Job 37:4
A voice roars
Quote: יִשְׁאַג־ק֗וֹל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if thunder were a voice. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Thunder sounds loudly”
after it
Quote: אַחֲרָ֤יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers to a flash of lightning. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “after there is a flash of lightning”
he thunders with the voice of his majesty
Quote: יַ֭רְעֵם בְּק֣וֹל גְּאוֹנ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if thunder were God speaking. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this image as a comparison. Alternate translation: “when we hear thunder, it sounds as if God is speaking in his majesty”
and he does not restrain them
Quote: וְלֹ֥א יְ֝עַקְּבֵ֗ם (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. (The pronoun them refers to bolts of lightning.) Alternate translation: “and he releases the lightning bolts”
when his voice is heard
Quote: כִּֽי־יִשָּׁמַ֥ע קוֹלֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is once again speaking as if thunder were God speaking. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “after thunder is heard”
when his voice is heard
Quote: כִּֽי־יִשָּׁמַ֥ע קוֹלֽוֹ (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: “when we hear his voice” or “when we hear thunder”
Job 37:5
God thunders marvelously with his voice
Quote: יַרְעֵ֤ם אֵ֣ל בְּ֭קוֹלוֹ נִפְלָא֑וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is once again speaking as if thunder were God speaking. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “How marvelous thunder is! It is as if God himself is speaking”
and we do not know
Quote: וְלֹ֣א נֵדָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Here the term know has the sense of “understand” rather than “be aware of.” Elihu is not saying that people do not realize that God is doing great things. He is saying that people are not able to understand or appreciate the great things they see God doing. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “that people cannot comprehend”
Job 37:6
For
Quote: כִּ֤י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Elihu is using the word For to introduce the reason why he said in the previous verse that God did things marvelously that people could not comprehend. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “I say this because”
he says to the snow, ‘Be {on} the earth,’ and {to} the shower of rain, to} the shower of rains, ‘Strength
Quote: לַשֶּׁ֨לַג ׀ יֹאמַ֗ר הֱוֵ֫א אָ֥רֶץ וְגֶ֥שֶׁם מָטָ֑ר וְ֝גֶ֗שֶׁם מִטְר֥וֹת עֻזּֽוֹ (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 tells the snow to be on the earth and he tells the shower of rain, yes, the shower of rains, to be strong”
he says to the snow, ‘Be {on} the earth,’ and {to} the shower of rain, to} the shower of rains, ‘Strength
Quote: לַשֶּׁ֨לַג ׀ יֹאמַ֗ר הֱוֵ֫א אָ֥רֶץ וְגֶ֥שֶׁם מָטָ֑ר וְ֝גֶ֗שֶׁם מִטְר֥וֹת עֻזּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Elihu is speaking as if snow and rain were living things to which God spoke. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he makes snow fall on the earth and he makes the shower of rain, yes, the shower of rains, become strong”
and {to} the shower of rain
Quote: וְגֶ֥שֶׁם מָטָ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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 he says to the shower of rain”
to} the shower of rains
Quote: וְ֝גֶ֗שֶׁם מִטְר֥וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
Elihu is using the plural form rains for emphasis. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “to the heavy rain shower”
Strength
Quote: עֻזּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In the quotation by Elihu, God is using the term Strength as a command. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Have strength” or “Be strong”
Job 37:7
He seals the hand of every man
Quote: בְּיַד־כָּל־אָדָ֥ם יַחְתּ֑וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if God literally put a seal on every person’s hand to restrict it from being used. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He restrains the hand of every man”
He seals the hand of every man
Quote: בְּיַד־כָּל־אָדָ֥ם יַחְתּ֑וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using one part of a person, his hand, to mean all of him in the act of working. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He restrains every person from working”
He seals the hand of every man
Quote: בְּיַד־כָּל־אָדָ֥ם יַחְתּ֑וֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu is referring implicitly to the way that a heavy downpour of rain prevents people from working in their fields. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “He sends heavy downpours that keep people from working in their fields”
man for the knowing of all of men of his making
Quote: אָדָ֥ם & לָ֝דַ֗עַת כָּל־אַנְשֵׁ֥י מַעֲשֵֽׂהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine terms man and men have a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “person so that all the people whom he has made will know”
for the knowing of all of men of his making
Quote: לָ֝דַ֗עַת כָּל־אַנְשֵׁ֥י מַעֲשֵֽׂהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you can indicate from the context what God wants people to be knowing. Alternate translation: “so that all the people whom he has made will appreciate the great things that he does”
Job 37:8
And the beast goes into {its} den and remains in its lairs
Quote: וַתָּבֹ֣א חַיָּ֣ה בְמוֹ־אָ֑רֶב וּבִמְע֖וֹנֹתֶ֣יהָ תִשְׁכֹּֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Elihu is not referring to a specific beast. He means beasts in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “And the beasts go into their dens and remain in their lairs”
and remains in its lairs
Quote: וּבִמְע֖וֹנֹתֶ֣יהָ תִשְׁכֹּֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
Elihu could be envisioning that a single beast would have several lairs, but he may be using the plural form for emphasis. Your language may also use plural forms for emphasis. If not, you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “and remains safely in its lair”
Job 37:9
from the chamber
Quote: מִן־הַ֭חֶדֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
As a note to 9:9 explains, people in this culture believed that God kept natural forces in “chambers” or storerooms and brought them out when he needed them. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “from the chamber where God keeps storms”
and the cold from the north winds
Quote: וּֽמִמְּזָרִ֥ים קָרָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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 cold comes from the north winds” or “and the north winds bring cold”
Job 37:10
From the breath of God ice is made
Quote: מִנִּשְׁמַת־אֵ֥ל יִתֶּן־קָ֑רַח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if cold wind were the breath of God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “From the cold wind ice is made”
From the breath of God ice is made
Quote: מִנִּשְׁמַת־אֵ֥ל יִתֶּן־קָ֑רַח (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: “The breath of God makes ice” or “The cold wind makes ice”
and the breadth of the waters {is} in narrowness
Quote: וְרֹ֖חַב מַ֣יִם בְּמוּצָֽק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
While water actually expands when it freezes, Elihu probably means that when water freezes solid, it does not move around with the wind and so it remains within a smaller area. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and the waters freeze solid and stay in one place”
Job 37:11
Indeed
Quote: אַף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu may be using the word translated Indeed to call the attention of Job and the others back to the gathering thunderstorm after talking about other things such as snow and ice. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Look!”
the cloud … the cloud of his lightning
Quote: עָ֑ב & עֲנַ֣ן אוֹרֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Elihu is not referring to a specific cloud. He means clouds in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “the clouds … his lightning-clouds”
Job 37:12
And it is turning itself around
Quote: וְה֤וּא מְסִבּ֨וֹת מִתְהַפֵּ֣ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers to the cloud that Elihu described in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and if you decided to use plural forms there, you can use a plural form here as well. Alternate translation: “And the clouds swirl around”
above the face of the habitation of the earth
Quote: עַל־פְּנֵ֖י תֵבֵ֣ל אָֽרְצָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Elihu is using the term face in a specific sense to mean “surface.” Alternate translation: “above the surface of the inhabited world”
Job 37:13
to the rod
Quote: לְשֵׁ֥בֶט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term rod by association to mean punishment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to punish people”
to his earth
Quote: לְאַרְצ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu seems to be referring implicitly to God taking care of the earth that he created. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “for the good of his earth”
to kindness
Quote: לְ֝חֶ֗סֶד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of kindness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in order to be kind to people”
he causes it to find it
Quote: יַמְצִאֵֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers in its first instance to rain and in its second instance to the place where the rain falls or to the people on whom it falls. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God causes the rain to find the right place” or “God causes the rain to find the right people”
he causes it to find it
Quote: יַמְצִאֵֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Elihu is speaking of rain as if it were a living thing that God abled to find the right location on which to fall. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God makes it rain in the right place”
Job 37:14
Do hear this
Quote: הַאֲזִ֣ינָה זֹּ֣את (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperative
Elihu is using an emphatic form of the imperative. If your language has an emphatic imperative, it would be appropriate to use it here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “Pay close attention to this”
stand and consider
Quote: עֲ֝מֹ֗ד וְהִתְבּוֹנֵ֤ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
Elihu is expressing a single idea by using the two verbs stand and consider. In this context, the word stand means not to do anything else. Elihu does not want Job to stand to his feet. Alternate translation: “only consider”
the marvelous {things} of God
Quote: נִפְלְא֬וֹת אֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu is using the term marvelous (which is a participle serving as an adjective) as a noun to mean things of a certain kind. The ULT adds the word things to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this term with a different expression. Alternate translation: “the marvels that God does”
Job 37:15
Do you know of the placing of God upon them, and his cloud causes lightning to flash
Quote: הֲ֭תֵדַע בְּשׂוּם־אֱל֣וֹהַּ עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם וְ֝הוֹפִ֗יעַ א֣וֹר עֲנָנֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, this could mean: (1) that Elihu wants Job to try to answer this question and the following three questions so that Job will have to admit that he does not understand what God does. Alternate translation: “You do not know of the placing of God upon them, and his cloud causes lightning to flash, do you?” (2) that Elihu 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: “Surely you do not know of the placing of God upon them, and his cloud causes lightning to flash!”
Do you know
Quote: הֲ֭תֵדַע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the word you is singular here and through verse 19 because Elihu is addressing Job directly. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.
of the placing of God upon them
Quote: בְּשׂוּם־אֱל֣וֹהַּ עֲלֵיהֶ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Elihu is using this possessive form to describe God placing a command on the clouds (that is, giving them an order), not to describe someone placing God or God placing himself on the clouds. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “how God gives orders to the clouds”
and his cloud causes lightning to flash
Quote: וְ֝הוֹפִ֗יעַ א֣וֹר עֲנָנֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Elihu is using the word and to introduce the result of God placing a command on the clouds. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “so that his cloud causes lightning to flash”
and his cloud causes lightning to flash
Quote: וְ֝הוֹפִ֗יעַ א֣וֹר עֲנָנֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Job is speaking of this cloud as if it were a living thing that could cause lightning to flash. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “so that lightning flashes from his cloud”
and his cloud causes lightning to flash
Quote: וְ֝הוֹפִ֗יעַ א֣וֹר עֲנָנֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Elihu is not referring to a specific cloud. He means clouds in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “and his clouds cause lightning to flash” or “so that lightning flashes from his clouds”
Job 37:16
Do you know about the balancing of the cloud, the wonders of the perfect in knowledges
Quote: הֲ֭תֵדַע עַל־מִפְלְשֵׂי־עָ֑ב מִ֝פְלְא֗וֹת תְּמִ֣ים דֵּעִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
See how you translated the question in the previous verse, either as a question that Elihu wanted Job to answer or one whose form Elihu was using for emphasis.
about the balancing of the cloud
Quote: עַל־מִפְלְשֵׂי־עָ֑ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By balancing, Elihu seems to be referring to how clouds float in the sky. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “how God makes the cloud float in the sky”
about the balancing of the cloud
Quote: עַל־מִפְלְשֵׂי־עָ֑ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Elihu is not referring to a specific cloud. He means clouds in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation, as in the UST: “how God makes clouds float in the sky”
the wonders of the perfect in knowledges
Quote: מִ֝פְלְא֗וֹת תְּמִ֣ים דֵּעִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Elihu 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, following a semicolon: “do you know about the wonders of the perfect in knowledges”
the perfect in knowledges
Quote: תְּמִ֣ים דֵּעִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu is using the adjective perfect as a noun to mean a certain person, God, whose knowledge is perfect, that is, complete and comprehensive. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “God, who is perfect in knowledges”
the perfect in knowledges
Quote: תְּמִ֣ים דֵּעִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
Elihu is using the plural form knowledges in a context where the singular term “knowledge” would suffice. This suggests that he is using the plural form for emphasis. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, it might be natural for you to use a singular form, or you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “God, who knows everything perfectly”
Job 37:17
You} whose garments {are} hot
Quote: אֲשֶׁר־בְּגָדֶ֥יךָ חַמִּ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Elihu is using one part of Job, his clothes, to mean all of him in the act of being hot. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You who sweat in your garments”
in the quieting of the earth from the south
Quote: בְּהַשְׁקִ֥ט אֶ֝֗רֶץ מִדָּרֽוֹם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu assumes that Job will understand that by south he is referring to the desert. The book of Job is set in a location where there was a desert to the south. You could indicate that explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “when the air comes from the desert and the land is still”
Job 37:18
will you hammer out the sky with him
Quote: תַּרְקִ֣יעַ עִ֭מּוֹ לִשְׁחָקִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
People in this culture believed that the sky was a solid object, a great dome that God had made and placed above the earth. Elihu is speaking as if God had literally melted metal and then hammered it flat in order to make the sky. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Would you be able to create the sky as he did”
as a cast mirror
Quote: כִּרְאִ֥י מוּצָֽק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A mirror is an object that reflects images. People look into mirrors to check their appearance. In this culture, mirrors were made of bright metal. If your readers would not be familiar with what a mirror is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable metal object in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “as an object cast from metal”
as a cast mirror
Quote: כִּרְאִ֥י מוּצָֽק (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: “as a mirror that someone has cast from metal”
Job 37:19
Teach us what we shall say to him; we can not array, from the face of darkness
Quote: ה֭וֹדִיעֵנוּ מַה־נֹּ֣אמַר ל֑וֹ לֹ֥א־נַ֝עֲרֹ֗ךְ מִפְּנֵי־חֹֽשֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
Elihu is using the term us to refer to himself and the others who are listening but not to Job, whom he is addressing, so use the exclusive form of “us” in your translation if your language marks that distinction. Elihu seems to be using the term we to refer to Job as well as to himself and the others who are listening, since he is describing a general human condition. It may be natural in your language to use the inclusive form of “we” in this second instance if your language marks that distinction.
Teach us what we shall say to him
Quote: ה֭וֹדִיעֵנוּ מַה־נֹּ֣אמַר ל֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
For emphasis, Elihu 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 Elihu actually means. Alternate translation: “I do not believe that you would be able to teach us what we should say to him”
we can not array
Quote: לֹ֥א־נַ֝עֲרֹ֗ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated the term “array” in 33:5. Alternate translation: “we cannot marshal our arguments” or “we cannot organize what we want to say”
from the face of darkness
Quote: מִפְּנֵי־חֹֽשֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word face represents the presence of a person or thing by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “because of the darkness that is present”
from the face of darkness
Quote: מִפְּנֵי־חֹֽשֶׁךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is referring to the limitations of human understanding. He is speaking as if people were in darkness and so could not see or distinguish very much. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because of the limitations of our human understanding”
Job 37:20
Shall it be recounted to him that I would speak
Quote: הַֽיְסֻפַּר־ל֭וֹ כִּ֣י אֲדַבֵּ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu 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: “It should not be recounted to him that I would speak!”
Shall it be recounted to him that I would speak
Quote: הַֽיְסֻפַּר־ל֭וֹ כִּ֣י אֲדַבֵּ֑ר (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: “Should someone recount to him that I would speak?” or “No one should recount to him that I would speak!”
If a man spoke, that he would be swallowed up
Quote: אִֽם־אָ֥מַר אִ֝֗ישׁ כִּ֣י יְבֻלָּֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Elihu 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: “If a man spoke, surely he would be swallowed up!”
a man
Quote: אִ֝֗ישׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a person”
he would be swallowed up
Quote: יְבֻלָּֽע (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 would swallow him up”
he would be swallowed up
Quote: יְבֻלָּֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if God would literally swallow an insolent person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he would be destroyed” or “God would destroy him”
Job 37:21
And now
Quote: וְעַתָּ֤ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Elihu is using the phrase And now to introduce an important point, the conclusion of his speech, that Job should not be asking to speak with God. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “So then”
they do not look at
Quote: לֹ֘א רָ֤אוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Here, 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: “people do not look at”
the bright light that {is} in the skies
Quote: א֗וֹר בָּהִ֣יר ה֭וּא בַּשְּׁחָקִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo
Elihu is using a poetic expression to describe the sun. 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: “the sun”
and cleansed them
Quote: וַֽתְּטַהֲרֵֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Elihu is speaking as if the wind literally cleansed the skies when it drove away all the clouds. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and driven away all the clouds”
Job 37:22
Out of the north
Quote: מִ֭צָּפוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu assumes that Job will understand that by the north he means the abode of God. In this culture, people believed that there was a divine residence in the northern regions of the earth. You could translate this with a general expression or with a term that your readers would recognize as describing the abode of God. Alternate translation: “From God’s abode” or “From heaven”
comes gold
Quote: זָהָ֣ב יֶֽאֱתֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Elihu is using the term gold by association to mean golden splendor, that is, the glory of God. He is actually speaking of God coming in glory. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God comes in his glory”
around God {is} awesome majesty
Quote: עַל־אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַּ נ֣וֹרָא הֽוֹד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
Elihu is drawing an implicit contrast between the brightness of the sun, which people cannot look at directly, and the infinitely greater brightness of God’s glory. You may wish to make this contrast explicit in your translation. The UST models one way to do that.
Job 37:23
The Almighty, we do not find him
Quote: שַׁדַּ֣י לֹֽא־מְ֭צָאנֻהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job said in 23:3 that he wished he knew where to find God so that he could go to where God was. Here Elihu is implicitly responding to Job in his own words. You could indicate that explicitly in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “So, Job, none of us are able to find God and go where he is”
The Almighty, we do not find him
Quote: שַׁדַּ֣י לֹֽא־מְ֭צָאנֻהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusive
Elihu is using the pronoun we to refer to himself and to Job, to whom he is speaking, so use the inclusive form of that word if your language marks that distinction.
and he does not oppress justice and an abundance of righteousness
Quote: וּמִשְׁפָּ֥ט וְרֹב־צְ֝דָקָ֗ה לֹ֣א יְעַנֶּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
Elihu is expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of his intended meaning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he ensures that there is justice and an abundance of righteousness”
and he does not oppress justice and an abundance of righteousness
Quote: וּמִשְׁפָּ֥ט וְרֹב־צְ֝דָקָ֗ה לֹ֣א יְעַנֶּֽה (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: “and he is careful to treat people justly and to ensure that people everywhere do what is right”
Job 37:24
men
Quote: אֲנָשִׁ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term men has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “all people”
He does not regard any of the wise of heart
Quote: לֹֽא־יִ֝רְאֶ֗ה כָּל־חַכְמֵי־לֵֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Elihu does not mean that God is not pleased when people become wise. He means that God would not show favoritism to a person who was particularly wise compared with other people, because compared with God’s infinite wisdom, all people have only a little wisdom You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “He does not respect any person more than he respects other people, no matter how wise that person might be by human standards”
the wise of heart
Quote: חַכְמֵי־לֵֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
As in 34:10, here the heart represents the understanding. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the wise in understanding”
any of the wise of heart
Quote: כָּל־חַכְמֵי־לֵֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Elihu 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: “any people who are wise of heart” or “any people who are able to understand things wisely”
Job 38
Job 38 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is the beginning of Yahweh’s response to Job. His response continues through chapter 41.
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.
In this chapter, Yahweh begins asking Job a series of questions in order to show that Job does not understand the workings of the created world. Yahweh asks questions about the earth in verses 4–20, with a summary challenge to Job in verse 21. Yahweh then asks questions about the sky in verses 22–38. He starts asking questions about animals and birds in verse 39; this part of his speech continues into the next chapter.
The implication is that if Job does not understand and cannot explain how God makes things work in the visible creation, he certainly does not understand and cannot explain what God is doing as he works in unseen, mysterious ways to accomplish his purposes in the lives of people and over the course of human history.
When God comes to Job in the storm and responds to his questions, it becomes obvious that Elihu was wrong to say that God would not meet with Job. This shows God’s generosity to Job in granting him an interview as he requested, even though in the interview, God has to humble Job by demonstrating how little he actually knows.
Special Concepts in This Chapter
Yahweh’s description of the creation
In this chapter, Yahweh describes the earth, sea, and sky according to the way the people of Job’s culture understood them. For example, in verse 16 Yahweh speaks of “springs” at the bottom of the sea that provide it with water. In verse 22, he speaks of “storehouses” in the sky where snow and hail are kept. In some parts of the chapter, these references occur within poetic images, such as the image in verses 4–6 of the earth as a building with “foundations” or the image in verses 12–13 of the dawn grasping the “edges” of the earth and shaking it. But in other places, the references do not occur within poetic images. In such places, Yahweh’s questions to Job, which demonstrate the limits of Job’s knowledge, depend for their force on these features being real, even though they do not correspond to the creation as we would describe it today. We may consider that Yahweh is using terminology that Job and the others who are listening would understand in order to communicate moral and spiritual insights to them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate these descriptions of the natural world from an ancient perspective with equivalent expressions that use terms that reflect your own culture’s perspective. Notes suggest how you might do this in various places. For example, a note to verse 16 suggests speaking of the “bottom of the sea” rather than of the “springs of the sea.”
Translation Issues in This Chapter
The nature of the questions in verses 4–41
Yawheh asks Job a series of questions in verses 4–41. He may want Job to try to answer these questions so that Job will have to admit that he does not know the answers. So these could be actual questions that Yahweh is using to get information, specifically, the information from Job that he does not know the answers. Alternatively, Yahweh may be using the question form for emphasis. A note to verse 4 suggests two possible ways in which you could translate the question there. Consider the most appropriate way to translate each of the questions in this chapter.
Job 38:1
And Yahweh answered Job from the storm and said
Quote: וַיַּֽעַן־יְהוָ֣ה אֶת־אִ֭יּוֹב מנ הסערה וַיֹּאמַֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
The narrator is using the word translated And to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for making a transition from what has already been happening in a story and introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “And when the storm that Elihu had been watching and describing finally arrived where he and the others were, Yahweh answered Job from the storm and said”
And Yahweh answered Job from the storm and said
Quote: וַיַּֽעַן־יְהוָ֣ה אֶת־אִ֭יּוֹב מנ הסערה וַיֹּאמַֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
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, the person 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.” Alternate translation: “And from the storm Yahweh responded to Job”
Job 38:2
Who {is} this, darkening counsel by words without knowledge
Quote: מִ֤י זֶ֨ה ׀ מַחְשִׁ֖יךְ עֵצָ֥ה בְמִלִּ֗ין בְּֽלִי־דָֽעַת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis as he begins his reply to Job. 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 been darkening counsel by words without knowledge!”
darkening counsel
Quote: מַחְשִׁ֖יךְ עֵצָ֥ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if Job had literally been making counsel (that is, proper understanding) darker. He means that Job has been making the truth harder to understand. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “obscuring proper understanding”
by words
Quote: בְמִלִּ֗ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term 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: “by speaking”
without knowledge
Quote: בְּֽלִי־דָֽעַת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “without knowing what he is talking about”
Job 38:3
gird up your loins
Quote: אֱזָר & חֲלָצֶ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if he literally wanted Job to gird up his loins, that is, to tuck the bottom of his robe into a belt so that he could move freely, as a soldier would do before going into battle. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “get ready for a difficult contest”
like a man
Quote: כְגֶ֣בֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
Yahweh is using a particular word for man that can, in contexts such as this one, emphasize the strength and valor of a warrior. The point of this comparison is that Job should be brave, as a solider must be when going into battle. Yahweh is not using the term man to suggest that men are strong and that women are weak. Alternate translation: “like a brave person” or “as a soldier would do when going into battle”
and I will question you and you will inform me
Quote: וְ֝אֶשְׁאָלְךָ֗ וְהוֹדִיעֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
Yahweh is answering Job with his own words. In 13:22, Job said to God (who was not visibly present at the time), “And call, and I will answer, or I will speak, and answer me.” Yahweh is telling Job that he will take the first option: He, Yahweh, will “call” (ask questions) and Job can respond. However, Yahweh says something slightly different than Job did. He says that Job can inform him. For emphasis, Yahweh is actually saying the opposite of what he means. He already knows everything, so he does not need Job to provide him with information that he lacks. If a speaker of your language would not say the opposite of what he means for emphasis, in your translation you could indicate what Yahweh actually means. Alternate translation: “and I will question you and you can tell me what you think I do not already know”
Job 38:4
Where were you in my founding of the earth
Quote: אֵיפֹ֣ה הָ֭יִיתָ בְּיָסְדִי־אָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, this could mean: (1) that Yahweh wants Job to try to answer this question and the questions in the rest of the chapter so that Job will have to admit that he does not know the answers. Alternate translation: “You were not there when I founded the earth, were you?” (2) that Yahweh 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 there when I founded the earth!”
in my founding of the earth
Quote: בְּיָסְדִי־אָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if the earth were literally a building and he had founded it, that is, laid a foundation for it (made a solid base on which to build it). Since this is poetry, you may wish to retain the image in your translation, using construction terms from your own culture, even if a speaker of your language would not ordinarily describe the creation of the world in this way. Alternatively, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when I cleared a space on which to build the earth” or “when I first started to create the earth”
Declare
Quote: הַ֝גֵּ֗ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh assumes that Job will understand that by Declare he means that he wants Job to declare how the foundations of the earth were laid. You could indicate that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Explain how the foundations of the earth were laid” or “Explain how I first started to create the earth”
if you know understanding
Quote: אִם־יָדַ֥עְתָּ בִינָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo
It might seem that the expression know understanding contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “if you know” or “if you understand”
Job 38:5
Who set its measurements? … Or who stretched a line over it
Quote: מִי־שָׂ֣ם מְ֭מַדֶּיהָ & א֤וֹ מִֽי־נָטָ֖ה עָלֶ֣יהָ קָּֽו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
See how you translated the question in the previous verse, either as a question that Yahweh wanted Job to answer or one whose form Yahweh was using for emphasis. Translate the rest of the questions in the chapter in the same way that you decided to translate that one.
If you know
Quote: כִּ֣י תֵדָ֑ע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Yahweh 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: “Tell me, if you know”
who stretched a line over it
Quote: מִֽי־נָטָ֖ה עָלֶ֣יהָ קָּֽו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
By line, Yahweh means a measuring line, a long cord or rope with a standard length marked off at regular intervals. He is speaking as if someone had literally stretched such a cord over the earth to make sure that its measurements were exactly the ones that he had set. If your readers would not be familiar with what a measuring line is, if you wish to retain the poetic image in your translation, you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture. Alternatively, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “who measured it with a rod” or “who measured it to make sure that it had exactly the right dimensions”
Job 38:6
On what were its foundations sunk? Or who laid its cornerstone
Quote: עַל־מָ֭ה אֲדָנֶ֣יהָ הָטְבָּ֑עוּ א֥וֹ מִֽי־יָ֝רָ֗ה אֶ֣בֶן פִּנָּתָֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh continues to speak as if the earth were literally a building. He here speaks as if he had sunk its foundations (that is, dug into the ground until he hit a solid surface on which to set them) and laid its cornerstone. As in verse 4, you may wish to retain the image in your translation, using construction terms from your own culture. Alternatively, you could use plain language. Alternate translation: “How did I make sure that the earth would stay in place? How did I make sure that it would be strong and stable”
Job 38:7
in the singing together of the stars of the morning, and all the sons of God shouted
Quote: בְּרָן־יַ֭חַד כּ֣וֹכְבֵי בֹ֑קֶר וַ֝יָּרִ֗יעוּ כָּל־בְּנֵ֥י אֱלֹהִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. The phrase the stars of the morning could be describing: (1) the stars at the time of their original creation. In that case, Yahweh would be speaking of the stars as if they were living things that had sung a joyful song to celebrate the glory and beauty of the creation, including that of the earth. You could retain the image in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “When I made the earth, it was in beautiful harmony with the stars” (2) the angels, in parallel with the phrase the sons of God in the second half of the verse. Alternate translation: “When I made the earth, the angels sang a song of celebration”
and all the sons of God shouted
Quote: וַ֝יָּרִ֗יעוּ כָּל־בְּנֵ֥י אֱלֹהִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
As in 1:6 and 2:1, the expression sons of God describes angelic beings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and all the angels shouted” or, if you translated the stars of the morning as “the angels” in the first half of the verse: “yes, all the angels shouted”
and … shouted
Quote: וַ֝יָּרִ֗יעוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The term translated shouted implicitly means to shout for joy. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and … shouted for joy” or “and … shouted joyfully”
Job 38:8
And {who} enclosed the sea with doors
Quote: וַיָּ֣סֶךְ בִּדְלָתַ֣יִם יָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if he had literally used doors to keep the sea from flowing onto the land. The image is that the sea is behind a wall or dam and that these doors can be opened for flood-control purposes but are ordinarily closed to contain the water. You could retain the image in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And who held the sea back with floodgates” or “And who restrained the sea from flowing onto the land”
with doors
Quote: בִּדְלָתַ֣יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual
The term doors is in the dual, here and in verse 10, so put the term in the dual form if your language uses that form. Other languages may have other ways of expressing the meaning. Alternate translation: “with double doors”
in its issuing from the womb, {when} it came out
Quote: בְּ֝גִיח֗וֹ מֵרֶ֥חֶם יֵצֵֽא (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: “when it came out of the womb”
in its issuing from the womb, {when} it came out
Quote: בְּ֝גִיח֗וֹ מֵרֶ֥חֶם יֵצֵֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if the sea had literally been born and come out of the womb of its mother. You could retain the image in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when it was born” or “when I first made it a part of the creation”
Job 38:9
in my making the cloud its clothing and thick darkness its swaddling bands
Quote: בְּשׂוּמִ֣י עָנָ֣ן לְבֻשׁ֑וֹ וַ֝עֲרָפֶ֗ל חֲתֻלָּתֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Continuing the image of the sea being born when it was created, Yahweh is speaking as if he literally provided clouds as its clothing and thick darkness as its swaddling bands when it was first born. Within the context of this speech, this may be a reference to the way Yahweh has complete knowledge of and control over every element of creation. People in this culture regarded the sea as the realm of watery chaos; these images may be an assertion that God has always had the sea under his control and care. Alternate translation: “when I sheltered it and protected it as a mother would do for her newborn child”
in my making the cloud its clothing
Quote: בְּשׂוּמִ֣י עָנָ֣ן לְבֻשׁ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Yahweh is not referring to a specific cloud. He means clouds in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “when I made the clouds its clothing”
and thick darkness its swaddling bands
Quote: וַ֝עֲרָפֶ֗ל חֲתֻלָּתֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The term swaddling bands describes the strips of cloth in which mothers in some cultures wrap their newborn babies to help them feel secure. If your readers would not be familiar with what swaddling bands are, if you wish to retain the poetic image in your translation, you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture. Alternate translation: “and thick darkness its baby blanket”
Job 38:10
And I broke upon it my boundary
Quote: וָאֶשְׁבֹּ֣ר עָלָ֣יו חֻקִּ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh may be referring implicitly to the way he broke off the edge of the land to make a boundary for the sea. This could be a description of the cliffs that serve as the boundary between the land and the sea in many places. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And I broke off the land to make a boundary for the sea” or “And at the edge of the land I made cliffs that the sea cannot flow over”
and I set a bar and doors
Quote: וָֽ֝אָשִׂ֗ים בְּרִ֣יחַ וּדְלָתָֽיִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
Since Yahweh would first have made doors and then a bar to put across them to keep them shut, it may be more natural to mention the doors first. Alternate translation: “and I set doors and a bar”
and I set a bar and doors
Quote: וָֽ֝אָשִׂ֗ים בְּרִ֣יחַ וּדְלָתָֽיִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
As in verse 8, Yahweh is speaking as if he had literally set up doors to keep the sea from flowing onto the land. See how you translated the similar expression there. Alternate translation: “and I set up floodgates to hold the sea back” or “and I restrained the sea from flowing onto the land”
Job 38:11
and I said, ‘Unto here you will come, but you will not continue, and here one has set for the pride of your waves
Quote: וָאֹמַ֗ר עַד־פֹּ֣ה תָ֭בוֹא וְלֹ֣א תֹסִ֑יף וּפֹ֥א־יָ֝שִׁ֗ית בִּגְא֥וֹן גַּלֶּֽיךָ (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: “And I told the sea that it could come up to that point but not go any farther, yes, that I had established that boundary for its proud waves”
and I said, ‘Unto here you will come, but you will not continue, and here one has set for the pride of your waves
Quote: וָאֹמַ֗ר עַד־פֹּ֣ה תָ֭בוֹא וְלֹ֣א תֹסִ֑יף וּפֹ֥א־יָ֝שִׁ֗ית בִּגְא֥וֹן גַּלֶּֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostrophe
Yahweh spoke to the sea, even though he knew that it could not hear him or understand him, in order to show in a strong way how he felt about the boundary he had established between the land and the sea in order to ensure an orderly creation. If a speaker in your language would not speak to something that could not hear or understand him, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I declared that the sea could come up to that point but not go any farther, yes, that that would be the boundary for its proud waves”
one has set
Quote: יָ֝שִׁ֗ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Yahweh 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: “one has set a boundary”
one has set
Quote: יָ֝שִׁ֗ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun one could be: (1) 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: “a boundary has been set” (2) a pronoun that Yahweh is using to speak of himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “I have set a boundary”
for the pride of your waves
Quote: בִּגְא֥וֹן גַּלֶּֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Yahweh is using this possessive form to describe waves that are characterized by pride. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “your proud waves”
for the pride of your waves
Quote: בִּגְא֥וֹן גַּלֶּֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of the waves of the sea as if they were living things that could have pride. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for your mighty waves”
Job 38:12
From your days
Quote: הְֽ֭מִיָּמֶיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Yahweh is using the term days to refer to a specific time, the lifetime of Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Ever in your lifetime”
have you commanded the morning
Quote: צִוִּ֣יתָ בֹּ֑קֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of the morning as if it were a living thing that Job could have commanded. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have you made the day begin”
Have you caused the dawn to know its place
Quote: ידעתה שחר מְקֹמֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of the dawn as if it were a living thing whose place Job could have shown to it. Yahweh is referring to the way that the sun rises in a slightly different place each day, making the dawn appear in a slightly different location. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Have you made the sun rise in the right place”
Job 38:13
for taking hold of the edges of the earth, and the wicked are shaken from it
Quote: לֶ֭אֱחֹז בְּכַנְפ֣וֹת הָאָ֑רֶץ וְיִנָּעֲר֖וּ רְשָׁעִ֣ים מִמֶּֽנָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is continuing to speak of the dawn as if it were a living thing, in this case speaking as if the dawn could take hold of the edges of the earth and shake it to make the wicked fall off of it. This is a reference to the way, as Job said in 24:14–15, that criminals commit their crimes during the night, not during the day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “so that it will become light upon the earth and the wicked will stop committing crimes”
for taking hold of the edges of the earth
Quote: לֶ֭אֱחֹז בְּכַנְפ֣וֹת הָאָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
See how you translated the similar expression in 37:3, where it was also evident that people in this culture believed that the earth was a flat surface that had edges. Alternate translation: “so that it will become light all around the world”
and the wicked are shaken from it
Quote: וְיִנָּעֲר֖וּ רְשָׁעִ֣ים מִמֶּֽנָּה (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: “in order to shake the wicked from it”
the wicked
Quote: רְשָׁעִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Yahweh 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 38:14
It is changed … and they stand out
Quote: תִּ֭תְהַפֵּךְ & וְ֝יִֽתְיַצְּב֗וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers to the earth and the pronoun they refers to the features of the earth. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “The earth is changed … and its features stand out”
It is changed like clay {under} a seal
Quote: תִּ֭תְהַפֵּךְ כְּחֹ֣מֶר חוֹתָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as plain clay takes on distinct features when it is pressed under a seal, so the features of the earth become distinct in the light of day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “Its features change from indistinct to distinct, just as clay takes on distinct features when it is pressed under a seal”
It is changed
Quote: תִּ֭תְהַפֵּךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh means implicitly that this happens at dawn. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “When the light of day shines on it, it is changed”
It is changed
Quote: תִּ֭תְהַפֵּךְ (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: “The light of day changes it”
like a garment
Quote: כְּמ֣וֹ לְבֽוּשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term garment by association to mean the folds of a garment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “like the folds of a garment”
Job 38:15
from the wicked
Quote: מֵרְשָׁעִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Yahweh 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”
And … their light is withheld
Quote: וְיִמָּנַ֣ע & אוֹרָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
For emphasis, Yahweh is saying the opposite of what he means. As Job said in 24:16–17, for wicked people, day is like night (they stay at home and do not know what is going on outside) and night is like day (that is when they go out). So here Yahweh is speaking as if night were light, saying how wicked people see this from their perspective. If a speaker of your language would not say the opposite of what he means, in your translation you could indicate what Yahweh actually means. Alternate translation: “And … their opportunity to go out and commit crimes is withheld”
And … their light is withheld
Quote: וְיִמָּנַ֣ע & אוֹרָ֑ם (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 day withholds their opportunity to go out and commit crimes”
and their high arm is broken
Quote: וּזְר֥וֹעַ רָ֝מָ֗ה תִּשָּׁבֵֽר (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 their high arm breaks”
and their high arm is broken
Quote: וּזְר֥וֹעַ רָ֝מָ֗ה תִּשָּׁבֵֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if each wicked person had lifted his arm up high in order to strike a vulnerable person violently with it but that the arm had then been broken so that the wicked person could not use it that way. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they cannot commit violence against anyone”
Job 38:16
the springs of the sea
Quote: נִבְכֵי־יָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, people in this culture believed that there were springs at the bottom of the sea that provided it with water. As the parallel statement in the second part of the verse indicates, the focus of this question is on the bottom of the sea rather than on these springs themselves. You could say that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the bottom of the sea”
Job 38:17
Have the gates of death been revealed to you
Quote: הֲנִגְל֣וּ לְ֭ךָ שַׁעֲרֵי־מָ֑וֶת (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: “Has anyone revealed the gates of death to you”
Have the gates of death been revealed to you
Quote: הֲנִגְל֣וּ לְ֭ךָ שַׁעֲרֵי־מָ֑וֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term death by association to mean Sheol, the abode of the dead. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Have the gates of Sheol been revealed to you”
Have the gates of death been revealed to you
Quote: הֲנִגְל֣וּ לְ֭ךָ שַׁעֲרֵי־מָ֑וֶת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term gates, meaning the entrance into Sheol, by association to mean the ability to go freely about in Sheol. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Has anyone shown you how to get into Sheol” or “Have you been able to go about in Sheol”
Or have you seen the gates of deep darkness
Quote: וְשַׁעֲרֵ֖י צַלְמָ֣וֶת תִּרְאֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term deep darkness by association to mean death and thus, in this context, the abode of the dead. So this question means basically the same thing as the first question in the verse, and you can translate it in the same way. Alternate translation: “Indeed, have you seen how to get into the abode of the dead”
Job 38:18
to the breadths of the earth
Quote: עַד־רַחֲבֵי־אָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
Yahweh is using the plural form breadths in a context where the singular term “breadth” would suffice. This suggests that he is using the plural form for emphasis. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “to how very broad the earth is”
Declare
Quote: הַ֝גֵּ֗ד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
See how you translated the term “Declare” in 38:4. Alternate translation: “Explain how wide the earth is”
you know all of it
Quote: יָדַ֥עְתָּ כֻלָּֽהּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers to the earth. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “you know everything about the earth” or “you have seen all the way to the edge of the earth”
Job 38:19
Where {is} this, the way {to where} light dwells
Quote: אֵי־זֶ֣ה הַ֭דֶּרֶךְ יִשְׁכָּן־א֑וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
As a note to 9:9 explains, people in this culture believed that natural forces were kept in chambers or storerooms. Elihu said in 37:9 that the storm was coming from its “chamber.” Yahweh asks Job in verse 22 of this chapter whether he has seen the “storehouses” of the snow and hail. Here Yahweh is asking similarly whether Job knows how to get to the place where light dwells, that is, the place where he keeps light in order to have it available for use within creation. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that uses terms that reflect your own culture’s understanding of creation. Alternate translation: “Do you know where the light of day goes when it is night”
and darkness, where {is} this, its place
Quote: וְ֝חֹ֗שֶׁךְ אֵי־זֶ֥ה מְקֹמֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
This question means something similar to the question in the first part of the verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate it similarly. Alternate translation: “and do you know where the darkness of night goes during the day”
Job 38:20
that you would take it to its territory, and that you would perceive the paths of its house
Quote: כִּ֣י תִ֭קָּחֶנּוּ אֶל־גְּבוּל֑וֹ וְכִֽי־תָ֝בִ֗ין נְתִיב֥וֹת בֵּיתֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
By it and its, Yahweh is referring specifically to darkness, which he mentioned in the latter part of the previous verse, but he is using darkness to mean both darkness and light. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use plural forms in your translation. Alternate translation: “that you would take them to their territories, and that you would perceive the paths of their houses”
that you would take it to its territory, and that you would perceive the paths of its house
Quote: כִּ֣י תִ֭קָּחֶנּוּ אֶל־גְּבוּל֑וֹ וְכִֽי־תָ֝בִ֗ין נְתִיב֥וֹת בֵּיתֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
Job would need to perceive how to get to the houses of light and darkness before he could take them there, so it might be more natural to reverse the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: “that you would perceive the paths of their houses and take them to their territories”
the paths of its house
Quote: נְתִיב֥וֹת בֵּיתֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking of the places where light and darkness are kept as if they were literally houses in which they lived and as if there were literally paths that led to those houses. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how to get to where it is kept” or “how to get to where they are kept”
Job 38:21
You know, for you were born then, and the number of your days {is} many
Quote: יָ֭דַעְתָּ כִּי־אָ֣ז תִּוָּלֵ֑ד וּמִסְפַּ֖ר יָמֶ֣יךָ רַבִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
For emphasis, Yahweh 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 he actually means. Alternate translation: “You must admit that you actually do not know any of these things, since you were not born then; the number of your days is not that many”
you were born
Quote: 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: “you were alive”
then
Quote: אָ֣ז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By then, Yahweh implicitly means when he created all of the things he has been describing. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “when I created all of these things”
and the number of your days {is} many
Quote: וּמִסְפַּ֖ר יָמֶ֣יךָ רַבִּֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
While Job actually has lived for a certain number of days, Yahweh is probably using the term days to refer to a specific time, the lifetime of Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you have lived for such a long time” or “and you have had such a long lifetime”
Job 38:22
Have you entered into the storehouses of the snow, or have you seen the storehouses of the hail
Quote: הֲ֭בָאתָ אֶל־אֹצְר֣וֹת שָׁ֑לֶג וְאֹצְר֖וֹת בָּרָ֣ד תִּרְאֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
People in this culture believed that natural forces were kept in chambers or storerooms. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that uses terms that reflect your own culture’s understanding of creation. Alternate translation: “Have you traveled into the sky, where snow and hail form”
Job 38:23
which I keep
Quote: אֲשֶׁר־חָשַׂ֥כְתִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun which refers to both the “snow” and the “hail” that Yahweh mentioned in the previous verse, but especially to the hail, which he used to defeat his enemies in battles such as the one described in Joshua 10:1–15. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “I keep snow and especially hail”
for a time of trouble
Quote: לְעֶת־צָ֑ר (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: “for a time when people are fighting”
for a day of battle and war
Quote: לְי֥וֹם קְ֝רָ֗ב וּמִלְחָמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Yahweh 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: “for a time when there is battle and war”
battle and war
Quote: קְ֝רָ֗ב וּמִלְחָמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms battle and war mean similar things. Yahweh 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 warfare”
Job 38:24
to where} the light is distributed
Quote: יֵחָ֣לֶק 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. Alternate translation: “to the place from which the light radiates”
the east wind scatters over the earth
Quote: יָפֵ֖ץ קָדִ֣ים עֲלֵי־אָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Yahweh 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 is the way to the place from which the east wind scatters over the earth”
Job 38:25
cut a channel for the downpour
Quote: פִלַּ֣ג לַשֶּׁ֣טֶף תְּעָלָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if a channel had literally been cut in the sky in order to direct the downpour of rain to certain locations (such as the next two verses describe). If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “made sure that rain would fall in certain places”
or a way for the lightning of the thunder
Quote: וְ֝דֶ֗רֶךְ לַחֲזִ֥יז קֹלֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Yahweh 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 who made a way for the lightning of the thunder”
or a way for the lightning of the thunder
Quote: וְ֝דֶ֗רֶךְ לַחֲזִ֥יז קֹלֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Yahweh seems to be using this possessive form to mean both lightning and thunder, and he seems to be using both of them to mean the thunderstorm in which they would occur. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “or who made a way for the thunderstorm” or “or who directed the thunderstorm to the right place”
Job 38:26
man {is}, … man
Quote: אִ֑ישׁ & אָדָ֥ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
In both instances here, the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people are … people”
Job 38:27
to satisfy
Quote: לְהַשְׂבִּ֣יעַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of an arid region as if it were a living thing that was thirsty and that rain could satisfy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to water”
the waste and the desolation
Quote: שֹׁ֭אָה וּמְשֹׁאָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms waste and desolation mean similar things. Yahweh 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 arid desert”
Job 38:28
Is there a father to the rain? Or who begets the drops of dew
Quote: הֲיֵשׁ־לַמָּטָ֥ר אָ֑ב א֥וֹ מִי־ה֝וֹלִ֗יד אֶגְלֵי־טָֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if the rain and the dew had an actual father. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “How does rain form? And how does dew form?”
Job 38:29
From whose womb does ice come? And the frost of the skies, who bears it
Quote: מִבֶּ֣טֶן מִ֭י יָצָ֣א הַקָּ֑רַח וּכְפֹ֥ר שָׁ֝מַיִם מִ֣י יְלָדֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if ice and frost had an actual mother. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Where does ice come from? And where does the frost of the skies come from?”
And the frost of the skies
Quote: וּכְפֹ֥ר שָׁ֝מַיִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh assumes that Job will understand that by the frost of the skies, he means the frost that is on the ground in the morning after a cold night and that appears to have fallen from the sky, even though it is actually dew that has formed on the ground and frozen. (Yahweh is not referring to snow, which falls visibly from the sky.) You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And the frost that appears to have fallen from the skies”
Job 38:30
As {under} stone, the waters hide themselves, and the face of the deep freezes
Quote: כָּ֭אֶבֶן מַ֣יִם יִתְחַבָּ֑אוּ וּפְנֵ֥י תְ֝ה֗וֹם יִתְלַכָּֽדוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh is describing further natural phenomena that, like the ice and frost he described in the previous verse, occur when it is cold. Yahweh is suggesting that if Job is as wise as he claims, he ought to be able to explain these as well. So this is implicitly a question. You could translate it that way if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Can you explain how, in cold weather, the waters hide themselves as under stone, and the face of the deep freezes?”
As {under} stone
Quote: כָּ֭אֶבֶן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as it is not possible to see through stone, it is typically not possible to see through the ice that forms on top of the waters in the winter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “As under stone through which one cannot see”
the waters hide themselves
Quote: מַ֣יִם יִתְחַבָּ֑אוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking as if the waters were living things that could hide themselves. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the waters are hidden”
and the face of
Quote: וּפְנֵ֥י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Yahweh is using the term face in a specific sense to mean “surface.” Alternate translation: “and the surface of”
Job 38:31
Will you tie the bands of the Pleiades, or loose the cords of Orion
Quote: הַֽ֭תְקַשֵּׁר מַעֲדַנּ֣וֹת כִּימָ֑ה אֽוֹ־מֹשְׁכ֖וֹת כְּסִ֣יל תְּפַתֵּֽחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated the names Pleiades and Orion in 9:9. Alternate translation: “Will you tie the bands of the Seven Sisters, or loose the cords of the Hunter”
Will you tie the bands of the Pleiades, or loose the cords of Orion
Quote: הַֽ֭תְקַשֵּׁר מַעֲדַנּ֣וֹת כִּימָ֑ה אֽוֹ־מֹשְׁכ֖וֹת כְּסִ֣יל תְּפַתֵּֽחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if these constellations were held together in the sky by bands and cords. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Are you the one who keeps the stars in the Pleiades together? Would you be able to make the stars in Orion drift apart”
or loose the cords of Orion
Quote: אֽוֹ־מֹשְׁכ֖וֹת כְּסִ֣יל תְּפַתֵּֽחַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Yahweh 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: “Or will you loose the cords of Orion”
Job 38:32
Will you bring out Mazzaroth in its time
Quote: הֲתֹצִ֣יא מַזָּר֣וֹת בְּעִתּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The word Mazzaroth seems to be the name of another constellation of stars, but it is no longer clear to which constellation this name applies. You could translate this as a general reference. Alternate translation: “Will you bring out the constellations in their time” or “Will you make each of the constellations appear in the sky at the right time”
Or will you guide the Bear with its sons
Quote: וְ֝עַ֗יִשׁ עַל־בָּנֶ֥יהָ תַנְחֵֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated the name Bear in 9:. The term sons seems to apply to the stars that trail off into the sky from the main part of this constellation. Alternate translation: “Or will you make the Big Dipper and its handle appear in the right place”
Or will you guide the Bear with its sons
Quote: וְ֝עַ֗יִשׁ עַל־בָּנֶ֥יהָ תַנְחֵֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of the constellation that this culture called the Bear as if it were a living thing that Job could have guided. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Or will you position the Big Dipper and its handle properly in the sky”
its sons
Quote: בָּנֶ֥יהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term sons has a generic sense that would include both male and female young bears. Some languages may have a general term for the offspring of bears that would convey this sense. Other languages may use both the masculine and feminine forms of such a term. Alternate translation: “its cubs”
Job 38:33
the statutes of the skies
Quote: חֻקּ֣וֹת שָׁמָ֑יִם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Yahweh is using this possessive form to statutes that apply to the skies, not statutes that the skies have enacted. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the statutes that govern the sky” or “how the movements of the sun, moon, and stars are regulated”
If you will establish its rule over the earth
Quote: אִם־תָּשִׂ֖ים מִשְׁטָר֣וֹ בָאָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
Although the pronoun its is singular, it refers to the skies. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a plural pronoun in your translation. Alternate translation: “If you will establish their rule over the earth”
If you will establish its rule over the earth
Quote: אִם־תָּשִׂ֖ים מִשְׁטָר֣וֹ בָאָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Yahweh 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: “You are not able to establish their rule over the earth, are you”
If you will establish its rule over the earth
Quote: אִם־תָּשִׂ֖ים מִשְׁטָר֣וֹ בָאָֽרֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if the skies literally ruled over the earth. He is likely referring to the way that the sun heats the earth, cloud cover cools the earth, and so forth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Can you make what happens in the sky influence conditions on the earth”
Job 38:34
Will you raise your voice
Quote: הֲתָרִ֣ים & קוֹלֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is speaking of how Job might raise his voice by association to mean how Job might shout out a command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Will you shout a command”
to the cloud
Quote: לָעָ֣ב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Yahweh is not referring to a specific cloud. He means clouds in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “to the clouds”
and an abundance of waters will cover you
Quote: וְֽשִׁפְעַת־מַ֥יִם תְּכַסֶּֽךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By waters, Yahweh implicitly means rain. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and make heavy rain fall on you”
Job 38:35
Will you send out lightning bolts and they will go, and they will say to you, ‘Behold, us
Quote: הַֽתְשַׁלַּ֣ח בְּרָקִ֣ים וְיֵלֵ֑כוּ וְיֹאמְר֖וּ לְךָ֣ הִנֵּֽנוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
If Job actually were to command lightning bolts, they would first say to him, Behold, us, and then they would go to where Job was sending them. So it may be more natural to put the information about what they would say before the information that they would go. Alternate translation: “If you wanted to send out lightning bolts, would they say to you, ‘Behold, us,’ and then go where you sent them”
and they will say to you, ‘Behold, us
Quote: וְיֹאמְר֖וּ לְךָ֣ הִנֵּֽנוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression Behold, us was the way that servants in this culture responded when their masters summoned them. They were telling their masters that they were available to serve them in whatever way was needed. Your culture may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “and they will say to you, ‘At your service’”
and they will say to you, ‘Behold, us
Quote: וְיֹאמְר֖וּ לְךָ֣ הִנֵּֽנוּ (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: “and they will tell you that they are at your service”
Job 38:36
Who has put wisdom in the clouds, or who has given understanding to the mist
Quote: מִי־שָׁ֭ת בַּטֻּח֣וֹת חָכְמָ֑ה א֤וֹ מִֽי־נָתַ֖ן לַשֶּׂ֣כְוִי בִינָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The meaning of the terms translated clouds and mist is no longer clear, although these terms seem to refer to some phenomena of the skies, since that is the subject of verses 22–38. However, some versions nevertheless translate these terms as references to parts of the human body or to birds. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the terms that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use terms comparable to the ones that the ULT uses.
Who has put wisdom in the clouds, or who has given understanding to the mist
Quote: מִי־שָׁ֭ת בַּטֻּח֣וֹת חָכְמָ֑ה א֤וֹ מִֽי־נָתַ֖ן לַשֶּׂ֣כְוִי בִינָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
If the terms translated clouds and mist do refer to phenomena of the skies, Yahweh is speaking of these phenomena as if they were living things that could have wisdom and understanding to know where they should form and when. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Who makes sure that clouds and mist form in the right places at the right times”
Job 38:37
Or the water skins of the skies, who will tilt
Quote: וְנִבְלֵ֥י שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם מִ֣י יַשְׁכִּֽיב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking of the clouds in the skies as if they were water skins, containers for liquid made of animals skins, like the wineskins that Elihu described in 32:19. When Yahweh asks who will tilt these water skins, he means who will tip them over so that they pour out their contents. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Or who will make the clouds pour out water onto the earth”
Job 38:38
in the hardening of the dust into a mass, and the clods stick together
Quote: בְּצֶ֣קֶת עָ֭פָר לַמּוּצָ֑ק וּרְגָבִ֥ים יְדֻבָּֽקוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is describing how the dust of the ground hardens into a mass* and how the clods of earth stick together** by association to refer to a prolonged period of drought. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to water the earth when it is very dry from a long drought”
Job 38:39
or satisfy the life of {her} cubs
Quote: וְחַיַּ֖ת כְּפִירִ֣ים תְּמַלֵּֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term life by association to mean hunger, since eating is necessary to sustain life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or satisfy the hunger of her cubs”
or satisfy the life of {her} cubs
Quote: וְחַיַּ֖ת כְּפִירִ֣ים תְּמַלֵּֽא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the word or to introduce what would happen as a result of what he described in the preceding phrase. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “in order to satisfy the hunger of her cubs” or “so that she can feed her cubs”
Job 38:40
they crouch in their dens, when} they lie in wait
Quote: יָשֹׁ֥חוּ בַמְּעוֹנ֑וֹת יֵשְׁב֖וּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronouns they and their refer to the lioness that Yahweh described in the previous verse. It may be more natural in your language to use singular forms here. Alternate translation: “she crouches in her den, when she lies in wait”
in a shelter
Quote: בַסֻּכָּ֣ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The general term shelter refers implicitly to a thicket or some other place where a lioness could conceal herself. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “in a thicket”
Job 38:41
to the raven its food when its children
Quote: לָעֹרֵ֗ב צֵ֫יד֥וֹ כִּֽי־יְ֭לָדָיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Yahweh is not referring to a specific raven. He means ravens in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “food for the ravens when their children”
to the raven its food
Quote: לָעֹרֵ֗ב צֵ֫יד֥וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A raven is a large bird with shiny black feathers that feeds on dead animals. If your readers would not be familiar with what a raven is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable bird in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “food for the birds”
when its children cry out to God
Quote: כִּֽי־יְ֭לָדָיו & אֶל־אֵ֣ל יְשַׁוֵּ֑עוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh is referring to how baby birds chirp loudly and continually when they need food. He is saying that he hears this as a prayer, as if the baby birds were crying out to him for what they needed. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “when its offspring chirp loudly for food as if they were crying out to God for it”
to God
Quote: אֶל־אֵ֣ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh 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: “to me”
when} they stagger without food
Quote: יִ֝תְע֗וּ לִבְלִי־אֹֽכֶל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if the baby ravens would literally stagger, that is, walk as if they could barely stand up. He means that they would act in a way that showed they were weak with hunger. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when they are weak with hunger”
Job 39
Job 39 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is a continuation of Yahweh’s response to Job.
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.
In this chapter, Yahweh continues to ask Job questions that show that Job does not understand the workings of the created world. Yahweh began to ask Job questions about animals and birds in 38:39; he continues to do that in this chapter.
The implication continues to be that if Job does not understand and cannot explain how God makes things work in the visible creation, he certainly does not understand and cannot explain what God is doing as he works in unseen, mysterious ways to accomplish his purposes in the lives of people and over the course of human history.
Translation Issues in This Chapter
The nature of Yahweh’s questions to Job
As in the previous chapter, Yahweh may want Job to try to answer the questions he is asking so that Job will have to admit that he does not know the answers. Alternatively, Yahweh may be using the question form for emphasis. Consider the most appropriate way to translate each of the questions in this chapter.
Job 39:1
Do you know the time of the bearing of the goats of the rock
Quote: הֲיָדַ֗עְתָּ עֵ֭ת לֶ֣דֶת יַעֲלֵי־סָ֑לַע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, this could mean: (1) that Yahweh wants Job to try to answer this question and the questions in the rest of the chapter so that Job will have to admit that he does not know the answers. Alternate translation: “You do not know the time of the bearing of the goats of the rock, do you?” (2) that Yahweh 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 the time of the bearing of the goats of the rock!”
the goats of the rock
Quote: יַעֲלֵי־סָ֑לַע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term rock by association to identify these goats by where they live. Your language may have its own name for goats of this type that identifies them by where they live. If not, you could identify them with a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “mountain goats” or “wild goats” or “goats that live among the rocks”
Will you watch the fawning of the does
Quote: חֹלֵ֖ל אַיָּל֣וֹת תִּשְׁמֹֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication of this question is that Job would have to know when female deer were going to bear their fawns in order to be there to watch them give birth. So this question means basically the same thing as the first question in the verse. You could indicate this meaning in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Would you know when the does were going to give birth to their fawns so that you could be there to watch”
Job 39:2
they will fulfill
Quote: תְּמַלֶּ֑אנָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh is referring implicitly to the number of months that the does will fulfill or complete before they give birth to their fawns. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “they will fulfill before giving birth”
Job 39:3
they cast forth their labor pains
Quote: חֶבְלֵיהֶ֥ם תְּשַׁלַּֽחְנָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the expression labor pains by association to mean the fawns that the does deliver after going into labor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they deliver their children”
Job 39:4
Their sons … to them
Quote: בְ֭נֵיהֶם & לָֽמוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronouns Their and them are masculine, meaning that they refer to the fathers and mothers of these young deer. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Your language may similarly use masculine plural pronouns for a group of two or more subjects that includes both male and female individuals. If not, you could show the meaning by using an explanatory phrase. Alternate translation: “The sons of does and bucks … to their parents”
Their sons
Quote: בְ֭נֵיהֶם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term sons has a generic sense that would include both male and female young deer. Some languages may have a general term for the offspring of deer that would convey this sense. Other languages may use both the masculine and feminine forms of such a term. Alternate translation: “their fawns”
in the field
Quote: בַבָּ֑ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Yahweh is not referring to a specific field. He means fields in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “in the fields”
Job 39:5
the wild donkey … the donkey
Quote: פֶּ֣רֶא & עָ֝ר֗וֹד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Yahweh is not referring to a specific wild donkey. He means wild donkeys in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “the wild donkeys … these donkeys”
Job 39:6
whose house I have made the Arabah, and his habitations the salt land
Quote: אֲשֶׁר־שַׂ֣מְתִּי עֲרָבָ֣ה בֵית֑וֹ וּֽמִשְׁכְּנוֹתָ֥יו מְלֵֽחָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
In some languages it may be more natural to mention the place first and then give the information that Yahweh had made this a place for wild donkeys to live in. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “I have made the Arabah his house, yes, I have made the salt land his habitations”
whose house I have made the Arabah
Quote: אֲשֶׁר־שַׂ֣מְתִּי עֲרָבָ֣ה בֵית֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if the Arabah or desert were literally a house in which a wild donkey lived. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to whom I have given the Arabah as a place to live”
and his habitations the salt land
Quote: וּֽמִשְׁכְּנוֹתָ֥יו מְלֵֽחָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Yahweh 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 whose habitations I have made in the salt land”
and his habitations the salt land
Quote: וּֽמִשְׁכְּנוֹתָ֥יו מְלֵֽחָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of habitations, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “yes, to whom I have given the salt land as a place to inhabit”
the salt land
Quote: מְלֵֽחָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term salt land to refer by association to a particular area of the desert where there is much salt in the soil and, as a result, few plants can grow. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the barren land” or “the desert”
Job 39:7
It laughs at the commotion of the city
Quote: יִ֭שְׂחַק לַהֲמ֣וֹן קִרְיָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of the wild donkey as if it could consciously express by laughing what it was thinking and feeling. Here the term laughs implicitly means laughing scornfully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It prefers being in the desert to being in the city”
the shouts of the driver it does not hear
Quote: תְּשֻׁא֥וֹת נ֝וֹגֵ֗שׂ לֹ֣א יִשְׁמָֽע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
If this donkey had a driver who forced it to go places and do things, one thing that would happen is that the donkey would hear the shouts of the driver, that is, the commands that the driver was shouting at it. Yahweh is using this one thing to represent the entire possibility of the donkey having an owner and driver. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it has no owner who shouts at it to make it go places and do things”
Job 39:8
every green thing
Quote: כָּל־יָר֣וֹק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term green by association to mean any green herb or plant that would grow in the desert. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “any plant that it can eat”
Job 39:9
Will the wild ox consent to serve you
Quote: הֲיֹ֣אבֶה רֵּ֣ים עָבְדֶ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of the wild ox as if it were a living thing that could consent to serve Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Would a wild ox plow your fields without balking”
If it will lodge by your manger
Quote: אִם־יָ֝לִ֗ין עַל־אֲבוּסֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Yahweh 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: “It would not lodge by your manger, would it”
your manger
Quote: אֲבוּסֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A manger was a box or frame in which people put hay or other food for animals to eat. In this culture, animals were often kept near a home to keep them safe and so that their owners could feed them easily. If your readers would not be familiar with what a manger 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: “your feeding trough” or “the box in which you put food for your farm animals”
Job 39:10
Will you bind a wild ox in a furrow {with} its rope
Quote: הֲֽתִקְשָׁר־רֵ֭ים בְּתֶ֣לֶם עֲבֹת֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh is asking implicitly whether Job could use rope to harness a wild ox to a plow that was in a furrow. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Can you harness a wild ox to a plow and get it to plow furrows in your field”
If it will harrow the valleys after you
Quote: אִם־יְשַׂדֵּ֖ד עֲמָקִ֣ים אַחֲרֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Yahweh 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: “It would not harrow the valleys after you, would it”
If it will harrow the valleys after you
Quote: אִם־יְשַׂדֵּ֖ד עֲמָקִ֣ים אַחֲרֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In this culture, farmers would lead a draft animal from the front as it pulled a harrow behind it. That is why Yahweh says after you. If farmers in your culture who harrow with draft animals instead walk behind the harrow, you could translate this in a way that expressed the general meaning without specifying a particular method of harrowing. Alternate translation: “Could you use it to harrow your fields in the valleys”
it will harrow the valleys
Quote: יְשַׂדֵּ֖ד עֲמָקִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
To harrow means to smooth and break up soil once it has been plowed. If your readers would not be familiar with what it means to harrow a field, in your translation you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “it will pull a light implement to smooth and break up the soil in your fields in the valleys”
Job 39:11
Will you trust in it because its strength is great? Will you leave your labor to it
Quote: הֲֽתִבְטַח־בּ֭וֹ כִּי־רַ֣ב כֹּח֑וֹ וְתַעֲזֹ֖ב אֵלָ֣יו יְגִיעֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh means implicitly that Job or any other human being would not be able to trust a wild ox as a farm animal, because it could not be trained to do field work. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Would you really be able to trust a wild ox, because it was so strong, to do the hard part of your farm work”
Job 39:12
Will you depend on it, that it will bring in your seed and gather {it} {to} your threshing floor
Quote: הֲתַאֲמִ֣ין בּ֭וֹ כִּי־יָשִׁ֣יב & זַרְעֶ֑ךָ וְֽגָרְנְךָ֥ יֶאֱסֹֽף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
As in the previous verse, Yahweh means implicitly that Job or any other human being would not be able to depend on a wild ox to do the work of a farm animal. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Would you really be able to depend on it to bring in your grain from your fields to your threshing floor”
Job 39:13
The wing of ostriches flaps vigorously
Quote: כְּנַף־רְנָנִ֥ים נֶעֱלָ֑סָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Since the word wing applies to many ostriches, it may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “The wings of ostriches flap vigorously”
The wing of ostriches flaps vigorously
Quote: כְּנַף־רְנָנִ֥ים נֶעֱלָ֑סָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Ostriches cannot fly; this is a reference to the way they flap their wings vigorously when they run. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “The wings of ostriches flap vigorously when they run”
ostriches
Quote: רְנָנִ֥ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
See how you translated the expression “daughters of clamor” in 30:29. Here Yahweh uses a different term for the same kind of bird.
If {it is} a kind feather and plumage
Quote: אִם־אֶ֝בְרָ֗ה חֲסִידָ֥ה וְנֹצָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms feather and plumage mean similar things. Yahweh 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: “If they are kind feathers”
If {it is} a kind feather and plumage
Quote: אִם־אֶ֝בְרָ֗ה חֲסִידָ֥ה וְנֹצָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Yahweh is using one part of an ostrich, its feathers, to mean all of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If it is a kind bird”
If {it is} a kind feather and plumage
Quote: אִם־אֶ֝בְרָ֗ה חֲסִידָ֥ה וְנֹצָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Yahweh 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: “But it is not a kind bird, is it”
If {it is} a kind feather and plumage
Quote: אִם־אֶ֝בְרָ֗ה חֲסִידָ֥ה וְנֹצָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word translated kind is also the word for another type of bird called a “stork.” The stork was given that name because it was kind to its young. So it is possible that Yahweh is comparing the ostrich directly to the stork here. Many versions of the Bible translate this verse that way. 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: “But it is not a bird like the stork, is it”
Job 39:15
and it forgets that
Quote: וַ֭תִּשְׁכַּח כִּי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of an ostrich as if it could consciously forget than an animal might crush her eggs if she left them on the ground. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and it does this even though”
might crush it … might trample it
Quote: תְּזוּרֶ֑הָ & תְּדוּשֶֽׁהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun it refers in both of these instances to the ostrich’s eggs, which Yahweh described in the previous verse. It may be more natural in your language to use plural pronouns for the eggs. Alternate translation: “might crush them … might trample them”
a foot might crush it
Quote: רֶ֣גֶל תְּזוּרֶ֑הָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Yahweh is using one part of an animal, its foot, to mean all of it in the act of stepping on the eggs of an ostrich. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “an animal might step on them”
Job 39:16
its sons
Quote: בָּנֶ֣יהָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations
Here the masculine term sons has a generic sense that would include both male and female young ostriches. Some languages may have a general term for the offspring of birds that would convey this sense. Other languages may use both the masculine and feminine forms of such a term. Alternate translation: “its chicks”
vain {is} its labor, without fear
Quote: לְרִ֖יק יְגִיעָ֣הּ בְּלִי־פָֽחַד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of an ostrich as if it could consciously feel fear that the labor it had expended to have offspring might be in vain, that is, the offspring might die, if it did not take better care of them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it does not carefully protect their lives”
Job 39:17
God has caused it to forget wisdom, and he has not given understanding to it
Quote: הִשָּׁ֣הּ אֱל֣וֹהַּ חָכְמָ֑ה וְלֹא־חָ֥לַק לָ֝֗הּ בַּבִּינָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of an ostrich as if it could consciously forget any wisdom it might have acquired and as if it might possess understanding. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God has not given it the instincts to take better care of its young”
God has caused it to forget wisdom, and he has not given
Quote: הִשָּׁ֣הּ אֱל֣וֹהַּ חָכְמָ֑ה וְלֹא־חָ֥לַק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh 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: “I have caused it to forget wisdom, and I have not given”
Job 39:18
As for the time it lifts itself on high
Quote: כָּ֭עֵת בַּמָּר֣וֹם תַּמְרִ֑יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
Yahweh is implicitly drawing a contrast between the apparently foolish behavior of the ostrich as a mother and its impressive physical capabilities, specifically how fast and powerfully it can run. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the contrast explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “Nevertheless, when it lifts itself on high”
As for the time it lifts itself on high
Quote: כָּ֭עֵת בַּמָּר֣וֹם תַּמְרִ֑יא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression does not refer to the ostrich flying, since ostriches cannot fly. Rather, it is a reference to what an ostrich does in order to run. It stretches to its full height and spreads and flaps its wings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Nevertheless, when it runs”
it laughs at the horse and at its rider
Quote: תִּֽשְׂחַ֥ק לַ֝סּ֗וּס וּלְרֹֽכְבֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of the ostrich as if it could consciously express by laughing what it was thinking and feeling. Here the term laughs implicitly means laughing scornfully. The ostrich would express scorn towards a horse and its rider because it could run faster than the horse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it can run even faster than a horse”
Job 39:19
to the horse? … its neck {with} a mane
Quote: לַסּ֣וּס & צַוָּאר֣וֹ רַעְמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Yahweh is not referring to a specific horse. He means horses in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “to horses … their necks with manes”
Have you clothed its neck {with} a mane
Quote: הֲתַלְבִּ֖ישׁ צַוָּאר֣וֹ רַעְמָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if the mane of a horse were clothing that it wore. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Were you the one who gave horses such splendid manes”
Job 39:20
Have you made it jump like a locust
Quote: הְֽ֭תַרְעִישֶׁנּוּ כָּאַרְבֶּ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that a horse can jump high and gracefully, just as a locust can easily jump high for its size. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “Are you the one who gave horses such graceful and powerful jumping ability”
Job 39:21
They paw in the valley
Quote: יַחְפְּר֣וּ בָ֭עֵמֶק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
The pronoun They refers to horses. Since Yahweh uses singular pronouns in the rest of this section, it may be natural in your language to use a singular form here as well. Alternate translation: “It paws in the valley” or “A horse paws in the valley”
They paw in the valley
Quote: יַחְפְּר֣וּ בָ֭עֵמֶק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term valley by association to mean a battleground, since at this time armies would fight against each other in valleys. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Before a battle, a horse paws the ground”
and it rejoices in strength
Quote: וְיָשִׂ֣ישׂ בְּכֹ֑חַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of a horse as if it could consciously rejoice over the strength that it had. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and it prances mightily”
Job 39:22
It laughs at fear and it is not frightened
Quote: יִשְׂחַ֣ק לְ֭פַחַד וְלֹ֣א יֵחָ֑ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of the horse as if it could consciously express by laughing what it was thinking and feeling. Here the term laughs implicitly means laughing scornfully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It does not feel fear; no, it is not frightened”
It laughs at fear and it is not frightened
Quote: יִשְׂחַ֣ק לְ֭פַחַד וְלֹ֣א יֵחָ֑ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
These two expressions mean similar things. Yahweh is using them terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “It is not afraid at all”
and it does not turn back from the face of the sword
Quote: וְלֹֽא־יָ֝שׁ֗וּב מִפְּנֵי־חָֽרֶב (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 turn back. Alternate translation: “and it charges forward to the face of the sword”
from the face of the sword
Quote: מִפְּנֵי־חָֽרֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word face represents the presence of a person or thing by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “from the presence of the sword”
from the face of the sword
Quote: מִפְּנֵי־חָֽרֶב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Yahweh is not referring to a specific sword. He means swords in general and, by extension, all the weapons of an enemy army. Alternate translation: “from the weapons it encounters”
Job 39:23
The quiver rattles upon him
Quote: עָ֭לָיו תִּרְנֶ֣ה אַשְׁפָּ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A quiver is a container that holds arrows. At this time, quivers were typically made of leather. If your readers would not be familiar with what a quiver is, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “The container for its rider’s arrows bounces against its side”
the flashing of the spear and the javelin
Quote: לַ֖הַב חֲנִ֣ית וְכִידֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Yahweh is leaving some words that in many languages this 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 does the flashing of the spear and the javelin”
the flashing of the spear and the javelin
Quote: לַ֖הַב חֲנִ֣ית וְכִידֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Yahweh is using this possessive form to describe a spear and javelin that are characterized by flashing. These may have been made of wood, but they would have had metal points that gleamed in the sunlight. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “as do the spear and javelin whose points glisten in the sunlight”
Job 39:24
it swallows the ground
Quote: יְגַמֶּא־אָ֑רֶץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if a horse literally swallows the ground when it runs fast over it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it races over the ground” or “it gallops across the ground”
With shaking and rage
Quote: בְּרַ֣עַשׁ וְ֭רֹגֶז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word rage tells why the horse is shaking. 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, preceded by a comma: “shaking with rage”
when {there is} the sound of the horn
Quote: כִּי־ק֥וֹל שׁוֹפָֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh is referring implicitly to when someone would blow a horn to signal that the army should advance into battle. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “when it hears a horn sound the battle call”
and it does not stand still
Quote: וְלֹֽא־יַ֝אֲמִ֗ין (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
Yahweh is expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of his intended meaning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and it charges forward”
Job 39:25
In the abundance of the horn
Quote: בְּדֵ֤י שֹׁפָ֨ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression means “as often as the horn sounds.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “As often as the horn sounds”
it says, ‘Aha
Quote: יֹ֘אמַ֤ר הֶאָ֗ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of a horse as if it could speak and use this expression to show its delight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it snorts enthusiastically.”
it smells the battle
Quote: יָרִ֣יחַ מִלְחָמָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term battle by association to mean the enemy army that is approaching to fight a battle with the army to which the horse belongs. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it smells the enemy army approaching ”
the thunder of the princes and the battle-cry
Quote: רַ֥עַם שָׂ֝רִים וּתְרוּעָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Yahweh 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: “it hears the thunder of the princes and the battle-cry”
the thunder of the princes
Quote: רַ֥עַם שָׂ֝רִים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if the loud orders that the princes or commanders were shouting to their troops were literally thunder. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the loud shouts of the princes” or “the loudly shouted orders of the princes”
Job 39:26
does the hawk soar, does it stretch its wings
Quote: יַֽאֲבֶר־נֵ֑ץ יִפְרֹ֖שׂ כְּנָפָ֣יו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Yahweh is not referring to a specific hawk. He means hawks in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “do hawks soar, do they stretch their wings”
the hawk
Quote: נֵ֑ץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A hawk is a bird of prey, typically with rounded wings and a long tail. If your readers would not be familiar with what a hawk is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar bird that your readers would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a bird of prey”
does it stretch its wings toward the south
Quote: יִפְרֹ֖שׂ כְּנָפָ֣יו & לְתֵימָֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Yahweh 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: “by your wisdom does it stretch its wings toward the south”
does it stretch its wings toward the south
Quote: יִפְרֹ֖שׂ כְּנָפָ֣יו & לְתֵימָֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the phrase stretch its wings by association to mean flying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “does it fly toward the south”
does it stretch its wings toward the south
Quote: יִפְרֹ֖שׂ כְּנָפָ֣יו לְתֵימָֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh is referring implicitly to the way that hawks and other birds in the northern hemisphere migrate south to warmer weather when winter is approaching. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “does it migrate to a warmer climate for the winter”
Job 39:27
If at your mouth the eagle mounts up and that its nest is high
Quote: אִם־עַל־פִּ֭יךָ יַגְבִּ֣יהַּ נָ֑שֶׁר וְ֝כִ֗י יָרִ֥ים קִנּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Yahweh 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: “It is not at your mouth that the eagle mounts up and that its nest is high, is it”
at your mouth
Quote: עַל־פִּ֭יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term mouth to mean by association what Job may have said with his mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at your instruction”
Job 39:28
It dwells and lodges
Quote: יִ֭שְׁכֹּן וְיִתְלֹנָ֑ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms dwells and lodges mean similar things. Yahweh 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: “It lives all the time” or “It makes its home”
the peak of a crag and a stronghold
Quote: שֶׁן־סֶ֝֗לַע וּמְצוּדָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two expressions connected with and. The word stronghold describes the character of a peak of a crag. 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: “on the inaccessible peak of a crag”
Job 39:29
its eyes look to from afar
Quote: לְ֝מֵרָח֗וֹק עֵינָ֥יו יַבִּֽיטוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated the expression “to from afar” in 36:3. Alternate translation: “its eyes look to distant places”
its eyes look to from afar
Quote: לְ֝מֵרָח֗וֹק עֵינָ֥יו יַבִּֽיטוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Yahweh is using one part of an eagle, its eyes, to mean all of it in the act of looking for food. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: ”it can spot its prey far in the distance“
Job 39:30
And its eaglets suck up blood
Quote: וְאֶפְרֹחָ֥יו יְעַלְעוּ־דָ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Yahweh is using one thing that eaglets do when they consume freshly killed prey, suck up blood, to mean the entire act of eating such prey, which would include smaller birds and small mammals. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And it brings fresh prey for its eaglets to eat”
and at where the slain {are}, there it is
Quote: וּבַאֲשֶׁ֥ר חֲ֝לָלִ֗ים שָׁ֣ם הֽוּא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Yahweh is using the adjective slain as a noun to mean people and animals in a certain condition. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “but it also feeds on the flesh of people and animals that others have killed”
Job 40
Job 40 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
The ULT sets the lines of verses 1–2, 4–5, and 7–24 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are poetry.
- Verses 1–2: Yahweh challenges Job to respond to what he has said so far.
- Verses 3–5: Job replies that he has nothing to say in response.
- Verses 6–14 Yahweh tells Job that if he wishes to judge the world as he would do, he must display power and justice in subduing wicked people.
- Verses 15–24 Yahweh tells Job to consider a great creature named Behemoth.
Translation Issues in This Chapter
Behemoth
To help Job continue to recognize that he occupies a small and insignificant place within creation, Yahweh describes the strength and power of one of his great creatures, Behemoth. While this animal was known in the time of Job, its exact identity is now uncertain. You may therefore wish to use the name Behemoth in your translation, spelling it the way it sounds in your language, rather than trying to specify a particular animal that Yahweh is describing. The UST models this approach.
Special Concepts in This Chapter
Justice
In verse 8, Yahweh asks Job whether he wishes to decide what is right. and then in the next verse, Yahweh asks Job whether he has great power. However, Yahweh is not suggesting that might makes right. Rather, he is asking Job whether he has the might to make things right, as he then describes in verses 10–14. In verse 10, the terms ”majesty,“ ”greatness,“ ”glory,“ and ”splendor“ describe moral qualities, not simply power. See if you have terms available in your language that can convey this meaning in your translation.
Job 40:1
And Yahweh answered Job and said
Quote: וַיַּ֖עַן יְהוָ֥ה אֶת־אִיּ֗וֹב וַיֹּאמַֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
See how you translated the similar expression in 34:1. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh said to Job, in light of all that he had just said”
Job 40:2
Is} a reprover to contend with the Almighty? The one correcting God, let him answer it
Quote: הֲ֭רֹב עִם־שַׁדַּ֣י יִסּ֑וֹר מוֹכִ֖יחַ אֱל֣וֹהַּ יַעֲנֶֽנָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
The Almighty is speaking about himself in the third person, and though he is addressing Job directly, he is also speaking about him in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could have the Almighty speak of himself in the first person and of Job in the second person. Alternate translation: “You said you wanted to reprove me, the Almighty; do you still wish to contend with me? You said you wanted to correct me, God; if so, then you must answer it”
The one correcting God, let him answer it
Quote: מוֹכִ֖יחַ אֱל֣וֹהַּ יַעֲנֶֽנָּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
God is using the pronoun it to refer to everything he has just said to Job. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “If you still think you can correct me, then respond to everything I have just said to you”
Job 40:3
And Job answered Yahweh and said
Quote: וַיַּ֖עַן אִיּ֥וֹב אֶת־יְהוָ֗ה וַיֹּאמַֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
Here the narrator expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word answered tells for what purpose a person said something. Specifically, the person 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.” Alternate translation: “And Job responded to Yahweh”
Job 40:4
how shall I answer you
Quote: מָ֣ה אֲשִׁיבֶ֑ךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Job is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I am not able to answer you!”
I put my hand over my mouth
Quote: יָ֝דִ֗י שַׂ֣מְתִּי לְמוֹ־פִֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Putting his hand over his mouth was a symbolic action by which Job showed that he had nothing to say in response to Yahweh. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. You could also use an expression from your language and culture that has the same significance. Alternate translation: “I put my hand over my mouth so that I will not say anything” or “I bite my tongue”
Job 40:5
I spoke once, but I will not answer, and twice, but I will not continue
Quote: אַחַ֣ת דִּ֭בַּרְתִּי וְלֹ֣א אֶֽעֱנֶ֑ה וּ֝שְׁתַּ֗יִם וְלֹ֣א אוֹסִֽיף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism
As Eliphaz did in 5:19 and as Elihu did in 33:14 and 33:29, here Job 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, but if a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could express the emphasis another way. Alternate translation: “Though I was insisting that you were wrong, I will not say that any longer”
but I will not answer
Quote: וְלֹ֣א אֶֽעֱנֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Job is implicitly using the term answer in the same sense that the narrator used it in verse 1 and in 34:1. That is, Job means that he will not say more things in light of what he has already said and thus, in a sense, in answer to them. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “but I will say nothing further”
Job 40:6
And Yahweh answered Job from the storm and said
Quote: וַיַּֽעַן־יְהוָ֣ה אֶת־אִ֭יּוֹב מנ סערה וַיֹּאמַֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
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, the person 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.” Alternate translation: “And from the storm Yahweh responded to Job”
Job 40:7
gird up your loins
Quote: אֱזָר & חֲלָצֶ֑יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
See how you translated the same expression in 38:3. Alternate translation: “you must continue to take part in a difficult contest”
like a man
Quote: כְגֶ֣בֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
See how you translated the same expression in 38:3. Alternate translation: “like a brave person” or “as a soldier would do when going into battle”
I will question you, and you will inform me
Quote: אֶ֝שְׁאָלְךָ֗ וְהוֹדִיעֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony
See how you translated the same expression in 38:3. Alternate translation: “I will question you and you can tell me what you think I do not already know”
Job 40:8
Would you actually annul my judgment? Would you condemn me so that you may be right
Quote: הַ֭אַף תָּפֵ֣ר מִשְׁפָּטִ֑י תַּ֝רְשִׁיעֵ֗נִי לְמַ֣עַן תִּצְדָּֽק (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “Do not think that you can actually annul my judgment! Do not think that you can condemn me so that you may be right!”
Would you actually annul my judgment
Quote: הַ֭אַף תָּפֵ֣ר מִשְׁפָּטִ֑י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Would you actually try to show that I do not judge people correctly?” or “Do not think that you can actually show that I do not judge people correctly!”
Job 40:9
Or if like God an arm {is} to you? Or like him will you thunder with a voice
Quote: וְאִם־זְר֖וֹעַ כָּאֵ֥ל ׀ לָ֑ךְ וּ֝בְק֗וֹל כָּמֹ֥הוּ תַרְעֵֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You do not have an arm such as God has! You cannot thunder with a voice as he does!”
Or if like God an arm {is} to you? Or like him will you thunder with a voice
Quote: וְאִם־זְר֖וֹעַ כָּאֵ֥ל ׀ לָ֑ךְ וּ֝בְק֗וֹל כָּמֹ֥הוּ תַרְעֵֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
God 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: “Do you have an arm such as I have? Can you thunder with a voice such as I do?” or “You do not have an arm such as I have! You cannot thunder with a voice as I do!”
Or if like God an arm {is} to you
Quote: וְאִם־זְר֖וֹעַ כָּאֵ֥ל ׀ לָ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Yahweh 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: “Now you do not have an arm such as I have, do you”
Or if like God an arm {is} to you
Quote: וְאִם־זְר֖וֹעַ כָּאֵ֥ל ׀ לָ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the arm of God represents his power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Now you do not have power such as I have, do you”
Or like him will you thunder with a voice
Quote: וּ֝בְק֗וֹל כָּמֹ֥הוּ תַרְעֵֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if his own voice literally made the sound of thunder. He means that his voice is very loud, and that shows how powerful he is. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Or do you have a loud and powerful voice such as I do” or “Or is it evident from the volume of your voice how powerful you are, as it is for me”
Job 40:10
Then
Quote: נָ֣א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Yahweh is using the word Then to indicate what Job should do if he has the kind of power that Yahweh described in the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “If you do, then”
adorn yourself {in} majesty and greatness, and clothe yourself {in} glory and splendor
Quote: עֲדֵ֥ה & גָֽא֣וֹן וָגֹ֑בַהּ וְה֖וֹד וְהָדָ֣ר תִּלְבָּֽשׁ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if he wanted Job literally to adorn and clothe himself with the qualities that he names. He means that Job ought to make it apparent that he has these qualities if he wishes to judge the world as Yahweh would do. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “display your majesty and greatness; show your glory and splendor”
in} majesty and greatness, and … in} glory and splendor
Quote: גָֽא֣וֹן וָגֹ֑בַהּ וְה֖וֹד וְהָדָ֣ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms majesty and greatness mean similar things, and the terms glory and splendor also mean similar things. Yahweh 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: “in great majesty, and … in bright splendor”
Job 40:11
Scatter the outbursts of your nose
Quote: הָ֭פֵץ עֶבְר֣וֹת אַפֶּ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if Job’s outbursts were objects that he could Scatter. Elihu used the same word for “scatter” in 37:11 to describe how God made lightning bolts go to various places, so the implication seems to be that Yahweh is challenging Job to direct his righteous anger against his enemies if he has the power to do that. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Direct your righteous anger against all your enemies”
proud one
Quote: גֵּ֝אֶ֗ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Yahweh is using the adjective proud as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. The ULT adds the word one to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “proud person”
and bring him down
Quote: וְהַשְׁפִּילֵֽהוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if Job would literally bring an arrogant person down from a height to a lower place. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and humble him”
Job 40:12
proud one
Quote: גֵּ֭אֶה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
See how you translated the same expression in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “proud person”
and trample
Quote: וַהֲדֹ֖ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if he wants Job literally to trample or walk all over wicked people if he wishes to judge the world as Yahweh would do. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and punish”
the wicked
Quote: רְשָׁעִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Yahweh 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 adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “wicked people”
under them
Quote: תַּחְתָּֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
As Elihu did similarly in 36:16, here Yahweh is using the expression under them to mean at the location on which these wicked people stand. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “right where they are”
Job 40:13
Hide them in the dust together
Quote: טָמְנֵ֣ם בֶּעָפָ֣ר יָ֑חַד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term dust, meaning the ground, by association to mean graves in which people are buried. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Bury them all in the ground” or “Bury them all in graves”
Hide them in the dust together
Quote: טָמְנֵ֣ם בֶּעָפָ֣ר יָ֑חַד (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The implication is that Job should first judge and punish proud and wicked people, executing them for their crimes, and then bury them, if he wishes to judge the world as Yahweh would do. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Judge and execute all proud and wicked people for their crimes”
cover their faces in the hidden {place
Quote: פְּ֝נֵיהֶ֗ם חֲבֹ֣שׁ בַּטָּמֽוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Yahweh is referring to a cultural practice. This could mean: (1) the action of wrapping the head separately from the rest of the body when preparing a body for burial. Yahweh would be using this action to mean the entire act of burial, and this second part of the verse would mean the same thing as the first part of the verse. Alternate translation: “bury them in the hidden place” (2) the symbolic action of covering the face of a person who was about to be executed. (There is an example of this in the Bible in Esther 7:8.) The face represented the person, and the fact that it could no longer be seen indicated that soon the person would no longer be alive. Yahweh would be using the covering of the face to mean the entire act of executing such criminals. Alternate translation: “execute them and put them in the hidden place”
in the hidden {place
Quote: בַּטָּמֽוּן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Yahweh is using the adjective hidden as a noun to mean a certain kind of place, the grave, into which people cannot see. The ULT adds the word place to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “in the grave” or “in the abode of the dead”
Job 40:14
And then I will praise you
Quote: וְגַם־אֲנִ֥י אוֹדֶ֑ךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical
Yahweh is using the word And to introduce the second part of an implied conditional statement. He means that he will praise Job only if Job is able to do the things he has just described. Alternate translation: “Only then would I praise you” or “If you were able to do these things, then I would praise you”
I will praise you
Quote: אֲנִ֥י אוֹדֶ֑ךָּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns
For emphasis, Yahweh is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated praise. 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 will praise you”
your right hand
Quote: יְמִינֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the right 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: “your power”
your right hand
Quote: יְמִינֶֽךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh is using the right hand as a symbol of strength because in this culture, a majority of the population more naturally used that hand. Yahweh is not saying that there is anything wrong with being left-handed. Particularly if many of the people in your culture naturally use their left hands, you may wish to use an equivalent expression here that does not name a particular hand. Alternate translation: “your own hand”
Job 40:15
behold
Quote: הִנֵּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is speaking as if he wants Job to behold or look at an animal that is not present. Yahweh is using sight to represent attention. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “consider”
Behemoth
Quote: בְ֭הֵמוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See the discussion of the name Behemoth in the General Notes to this chapter to decide how to represent this name in your translation.
which I made with you
Quote: אֲשֶׁר־עָשִׂ֣יתִי עִמָּ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh means that he made Behemoth just as he made Job, not that he made Behemoth at the same time when he made Job. Alternate translation: “which I myself created, just as I created you”
it eats grass like an ox
Quote: חָ֝צִ֗יר כַּבָּקָ֥ר יֹאכֵֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast
There is an implied contrast here. This great beast has the size and strength to hunt and kill other animals; nevertheless, it lives on plants. (This may be an implicit indication that such great wild beasts remain under the restraint of Yahweh.) You may wish to indicate this contrast in your translation, in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “despite its great size and strength, it eats grass like an ox”
grass
Quote: חָ֝צִ֗יר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Yahweh is probably using one kind of plant, grass, to mean all kinds of green plants that animals eat. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “green plants”
Job 40:16
Now behold, its strength {is} in his loins, and its power {is} in the muscles of his belly
Quote: הִנֵּה־נָ֣א כֹח֣וֹ בְמָתְנָ֑יו וְ֝אֹנ֗וֹ בִּשְׁרִירֵ֥י בִטְנֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations
Yahweh is once again using the term behold to mean “consider.” In this instance, it may be natural in your language to translate these statements as exclamations that are calling for Job’s attention. Alternate translation: “What strength it has in its loins! What power it has in the muscles of its belly!”
Job 40:17
It bends its tail like a cedar
Quote: יַחְפֹּ֣ץ זְנָב֣וֹ כְמוֹ־אָ֑רֶז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as the branch of a cedar tree is flexible but strong, so this beast can raise its tail and hold it flexibly in the air. The ability to hold a tail upright, which older animals can no longer do, is a sign of youthful strength. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “It shows its vigor by holding up its tail as if that were a cedar branch”
the sinews of its thighs are intertwined
Quote: גִּידֵ֖י פַחֲדָ֣יו יְשֹׂרָֽגוּ (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: “the sinews of its thighs hold tightly to one another”
Job 40:18
Its bones {are} tubes of bronze
Quote: עֲ֭צָמָיו אֲפִיקֵ֣י נְחוּשָׁ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if the bones of this beast were literally tubes of bronze. He is using the metal bronze to represent great strength, and he likely speaks of tubes because bones are hollow. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Its bones are very strong, as if they were made of bronze”
its legs {are} like bars of iron
Quote: גְּ֝רָמָ֗יו כִּמְטִ֥יל בַּרְזֶֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as bars of iron are very strong, so the legs of this beast are very strong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “its legs are very strong, as if they were iron bars”
Job 40:19
It {is} the first of the ways of God
Quote: ה֭וּא רֵאשִׁ֣ית דַּרְכֵי־אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh 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: “It is the first of my ways”
It {is} the first of the ways of God
Quote: ה֭וּא רֵאשִׁ֣ית דַּרְכֵי־אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking of the things that a person has done as if those were ways or paths that the person had walked along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It is the first of my works”
It {is} the first of the ways of God
Quote: ה֭וּא רֵאשִׁ֣ית דַּרְכֵי־אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Yahweh is using the word first in a particular sense to mean “chief” or “greatest.” He does not mean that he created Behemoth before he created any other animal. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It is my greatest creature”
It {is} the first of the ways of God
Quote: ה֭וּא רֵאשִׁ֣ית דַּרְכֵי־אֵ֑ל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
Yahweh is likely using the word first, meaning “greatest,” as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “It is one of my most powerful creatures”
Its Maker has brought near its sword
Quote: הָ֝עֹשׂוֹ יַגֵּ֥שׁ חַרְבּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person
Yahweh is once again 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: “When I made it, I provided it with a sword”
Its Maker has brought near its sword
Quote: הָ֝עֹשׂוֹ יַגֵּ֥שׁ חַרְבּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is speaking of Behemoth as if it literally had a sword. The following verse suggests that he is most likely referring to the long, sharp tusks that it used to shear the plants that it ate. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “When I made it, I provided it with long, sharp tusks”
Job 40:20
For
Quote: כִּֽי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases
Yahweh is using the word For to introduce the reason why he created Behemoth with long, sharp tusks. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “I gave it tusks because”
the hills provide food for it
Quote: ב֭וּל הָרִ֣ים יִשְׂאוּ־ל֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of these hills as if they were living things that could provide food for Behemoth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it eats the plants that grow on the hills”
the hills provide
Quote: הָרִ֣ים יִשְׂאוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The term hills likely refers in this context to the higher ground on both sides of the river in which Behemoth lives. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the higher ground on the sides of the river provides”
and all of the beasts of the field play there
Quote: וְֽכָל־חַיַּ֥ת הַ֝שָּׂדֶ֗ה יְשַֽׂחֲקוּ־שָֽׁם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh means implicitly that the beasts of the field can play where Behemoth is feeding because it eats plants and so it will not harm them. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and so it leaves the nearby beasts of the field peacefully alone” or “and so it does not harm any of the nearby beasts of the field”
Job 40:21
lotus trees
Quote: צֶאֱלִ֥ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
It is uncertain exactly what kind of trees Yahweh is describing here, although it is clear that they are a type that grows on riverbanks. You may wish to use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “shade trees”
the reed and the marsh
Quote: קָנֶ֣ה וּבִצָּֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word marsh tells what kind of reed is in view. 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: “marsh reeds” or “the reeds of the marsh”
Job 40:22
The lotus trees cover it {with} their shade
Quote: יְסֻכֻּ֣הוּ צֶאֱלִ֣ים צִֽלֲל֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
If you translated the term lotus trees as “shade trees” in the previous verse, you could translate this verse in such a way as to avoid using the term shade twice. Alternate translation: “Those trees cover it with their shade”
the willows of the river
Quote: עַרְבֵי־נָֽחַל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The term willows describes large trees that grow in damp ground. If your readers would not be familiar with what willow trees are, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the trees that grow near the river”
Job 40:23
Behold, a river will overflow
Quote: הֵ֤ן יַעֲשֹׁ֣ק נָ֭הָר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical
Yahweh is using the word Behold to introduce a conditional statement, that is, to say how Behemoth would respond if a certain thing happened. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Even if a river overflows”
it does not tremble
Quote: לֹ֣א יַחְפּ֑וֹז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh means implicitly that Behemoth does not tremble with fear when rivers flood. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “it does not tremble with fear”
the Jordan
Quote: יַרְדֵּ֣ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Yahweh is using one specific river, the Jordan, to mean any river in which Behemoth might be living. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the river in which it is living”
Job 40:24
Will one capture it with its eyes? Will one pierce {its} nose with cords
Quote: בְּעֵינָ֥יו יִקָּחֶ֑נּוּ בְּ֝מֽוֹקְשִׁ֗ים יִנְקָב־אָֽף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “No one can capture it with its eyes! No one can pierce its nose with a cord!”
Will one capture it with its eyes
Quote: בְּעֵינָ֥יו יִקָּחֶ֑נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term eyes by association to mean sight. This could mean: (1) that no one can capture Behemoth while it still has the use of its eyes. Alternate translation: “No one can capture it while it is watching!” or “No one can capture it without first blinding it!” (2) that no one can capture Behemoth by using something that it would see. Alternate translation: “No one can capture it by putting attractive bait in front of it!”
Will one pierce {its} nose with cords
Quote: בְּ֝מֽוֹקְשִׁ֗ים יִנְקָב־אָֽף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In this culture, people would control the movements of a large animal by passing a thin but strong cord or rope through a puncture in its nose. Yahweh is saying that no one could do this with Behemoth. Alternate translation: “No one would be able to control its movements by passing a cord through a hole in its nose!”
Job 41
Job 41 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
This chapter is the conclusion of Yahweh’s response to Job.
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
Leviathan
In the previous chapter, to help Job recognize what a small and insignificant place he occupied within creation, Yahweh told him to consider a great creature named Behemoth. In this chapter, for the same purpose, Yahweh tells Job to consider another great creature that he calls Leviathan.
As the General Introduction to Job explains, ancient peoples seem to have been aware of a large, fierce creature that lived in the ocean, which they called the “sea monster.” They also used the names Leviathan and Rahab to describe this creature. While it seems to have been known in the time of Job, its exact identity is uncertain today. And so it may be best to use the name Leviathan in your translation, spelling it the way it sounds in your language, rather than trying to specify a particular animal that Yahweh is describing. The UST models this approach.
Yahweh answering Job with his own words
In several places in this chapter, Yahweh alludes to Job’s opening speech, in which Job cursed the day of his birth, by using the same language that Job did. In verse 10, Yahweh speaks of awakening Leviathan, as Job did in 3:8. In verse 18, Yahweh speaks of “the eyelids of the dawn,” meaning the first rays of the rising sun, as Job did in 3:9. In verse 30, Yahweh speaks of a “shard,” a piece of broken pottery, such as Job took to scrape his skin, as 2:8 describes. In each case, these are the only two occurrences of these words or phrases in the book. As Yahweh concludes his own speech, he is going all the way back to the beginnings of Job’s troubles and to the first concerns that he expressed in order to address everything that Job has said throughout the book. To help your readers appreciate what Yahweh is doing, you may wish to translate his expressions in these places in the same way that you translated Job’s similar expressions earlier.
Job 41:1
Will you draw out Leviathan with a hook? Or will you tie its tongue with a rope
Quote: תִּמְשֹׁ֣ךְ לִוְיָתָ֣ן בְּחַכָּ֑ה וּ֝בְחֶ֗בֶל תַּשְׁקִ֥יעַ לְשֹׁנֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You cannot draw out Leviathan with a hook! No, you cannot tie its tongue with a rope!”
Will you draw out Leviathan
Quote: תִּמְשֹׁ֣ךְ לִוְיָתָ֣ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participants
Yahweh now wants Job to consider another one of his great creatures, Leviathan. But he does not indicate this by saying, as he did for Behemoth in 40:15, “Now behold Leviathan.” Instead, he describes how difficult it would be to capture Leviathan, following upon his description of how difficult it would be to capture Behemoth. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a natural way in your language to show that here Yahweh is introducing another creature that he wants Job to consider. The UST models this approach. Alternate translation: “Now I want you to consider another of my great creatures. Will you draw out Leviathan”
Will you draw out Leviathan
Quote: תִּמְשֹׁ֣ךְ לִוְיָתָ֣ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Yahweh 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: “Will you draw Leviathan out of the water”
Leviathan
Quote: לִוְיָתָ֣ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
See how you translated the name Leviathan in 3:8.
will you tie its tongue
Quote: תַּשְׁקִ֥יעַ לְשֹׁנֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Yahweh is using one part of Leviathan’s mouth, its tongue, to mean its entire mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will you tie its mouth shut”
Job 41:2
Will you put a rope into its nose, or will you pierce its jaw with a hook
Quote: הֲתָשִׂ֣ים אַגְמ֣וֹן בְּאַפּ֑וֹ וּ֝בְח֗וֹחַ תִּקּ֥וֹב לֶֽחֱיוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure
Since someone would first have to capture Leviathan with a hook before restraining it with a rope in its nose, it may be more natural to put the information about the hook first. Alternate translation: “Will you capture it by hooking its jaw and then put a rope into its nose to restrain it?”
Will you put a rope into its nose
Quote: הֲתָשִׂ֣ים אַגְמ֣וֹן בְּאַפּ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
See how you translated the similar expression in 40:24. Alternate translation: “Will you control its movements by passing a rope through a hole in its nose”
Job 41:3
Will it multiply supplications to you? If it will speak tender {things} to you
Quote: הֲיַרְבֶּ֣ה אֵ֭לֶיךָ תַּחֲנוּנִ֑ים אִם־יְדַבֵּ֖ר אֵלֶ֣יךָ רַכּֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “It would not multiply supplications to you! It would not speak tender things to you!”
Will it multiply supplications to you? If it will speak tender {things} to you
Quote: הֲיַרְבֶּ֣ה אֵ֭לֶיךָ תַּחֲנוּנִ֑ים אִם־יְדַבֵּ֖ר אֵלֶ֣יךָ רַכּֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking as if Leviathan could talk intelligently. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If it could speak, it would not multiply supplications to you! If it could talk, it would not say tender things to you!”
Will it multiply supplications to you
Quote: הֲיַרְבֶּ֣ה אֵ֭לֶיךָ תַּחֲנוּנִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of supplications, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “It would not keep begging you to release it!”
If it will speak tender {things} to you
Quote: אִם־יְדַבֵּ֖ר אֵלֶ֣יךָ רַכּֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Yahweh 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: “It would not speak tender things to you, would it?”
If it will speak tender {things} to you
Quote: אִם־יְדַבֵּ֖ר אֵלֶ֣יךָ רַכּֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Yahweh is using the adjective tender as a noun to mean a certain kind of saying. The ULT adds the word things to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “It would not speak politely to you, would it”
Job 41:4
Will it cut a covenant with you? Will you take it for a servant forever
Quote: הֲיִכְרֹ֣ת בְּרִ֣ית עִמָּ֑ךְ תִּ֝קָּחֶ֗נּוּ לְעֶ֣בֶד עוֹלָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “It would not cut a covenant with you! You could not take it for a servant forever!”
Will it cut a covenant with you
Quote: הֲיִכְרֹ֣ת בְּרִ֣ית עִמָּ֑ךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking as if Leviathan could intelligently make legal arrangements. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If it could cut covenants, it would not cut one with you!”
Will it cut a covenant
Quote: הֲיִכְרֹ֣ת בְּרִ֣ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated the expression “cut a covenant” in 31:1. Alternate translation: “Will it make a covenant”
forever
Quote: עוֹלָֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word translated forever does not mean for eternity. It describes an indefinite future period. In this context, it describes becoming a servant without any specified term of service, that is, for life. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “for the rest of its life”
Job 41:5
Will you play with it as {with} a bird? Or will you tie it for your girls
Quote: הַֽתְשַׂחֶק־בּ֭וֹ כַּצִּפּ֑וֹר וְ֝תִקְשְׁרֶ֗נּוּ לְנַעֲרוֹתֶֽיךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You could not play with it as with a bird! No, you could not tie it for your girls!”
as {with} a bird
Quote: כַּצִּפּ֑וֹר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In this culture, a person might keep a bird as a pet. If someone in your culture would not do that, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “as with a pet”
Or will you tie it
Quote: וְ֝תִקְשְׁרֶ֗נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
In this context, the word tie probably refers to putting a leash on an animal. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Or will you put a leash on it”
Job 41:6
Will partners bargain over it? Will they divide it among merchants
Quote: יִכְר֣וּ עָ֭לָיו חַבָּרִ֑ים יֶ֝חֱצ֗וּהוּ בֵּ֣ין כְּֽנַעֲנִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “Partners will not bargain over it! They will not divide it among merchants!”
Will partners bargain over it? Will they divide it among merchants
Quote: יִכְר֣וּ עָ֭לָיו חַבָּרִ֑ים יֶ֝חֱצ֗וּהוּ בֵּ֣ין כְּֽנַעֲנִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word partners refers to fishermen working together. If they made a large catch, they would bargain over how much of it belonged to each of them. The word merchants refers to people who would buy the catch in order to resell it to their customers. The fishermen would be able to divide Leviathan among several merchants because it would be such a large catch. You could indicate these things in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. The UST models one way to do that.
Job 41:7
Can you fill its hide with harpoons or its head with spears of fish
Quote: הַֽתְמַלֵּ֣א בְשֻׂכּ֣וֹת עוֹר֑וֹ וּבְצִלְצַ֖ל דָּגִ֣ים רֹאשֽׁוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You cannot fill its hide with harpoons or its head with spears of fish!”
or … with spears of fish
Quote: וּבְצִלְצַ֖ל דָּגִ֣ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Yahweh is using this possessive form to describe spears that are used to catch fish, not spears that are made of fish. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “or … with fishing spears”
Job 41:8
Put your hand on it; remember the battle; do not continue
Quote: שִׂים־עָלָ֥יו כַּפֶּ֑ךָ זְכֹ֥ר מִ֝לְחָמָ֗ה אַל־תּוֹסַֽף (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypothetical
Yahweh is actually making a conditional statement here. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “If you ever put your hand on it, you will always remember the battle you fought with it, and you will never do that again!”
Put your hand on it
Quote: שִׂים־עָלָ֥יו כַּפֶּ֑ךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here, hand represents power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Use force against it” or “Try to fight with it”
Job 41:9
his hope
Quote: תֹּחַלְתּ֥וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Yahweh is using this possessive form to describe the hope of anyone who wants to capture Leviathan. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the hope of anyone who wants to capture Leviathan”
is deceived
Quote: נִכְזָ֑בָה (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: “is deceptive” or “is false”
is one {not} cast down even at its appearance
Quote: הֲגַ֖ם אֶל־מַרְאָ֣יו יֻטָֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “one is cast down even at its appearance!”
is one {not} cast down even at its appearance
Quote: הֲגַ֖ם אֶל־מַרְאָ֣יו יֻטָֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This question anticipates a positive answer. If you decide to retain the question form in your translation, you may need to make the question negative, as the ULT does, in order to indicate that.
is one {not} cast down even at its appearance
Quote: הֲגַ֖ם אֶל־מַרְאָ֣יו יֻטָֽל (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: “does not one fall over even at its appearance”
is one {not} cast down even at its appearance
Quote: הֲגַ֖ם אֶל־מַרְאָ֣יו יֻטָֽל (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
When Yahweh says that the mere appearance of Leviathan is enough to knock a person over, this is an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “is not its mere appearance overwhelmingly terrifying”
Job 41:10
he will awaken it
Quote: יְעוּרֶ֑נּוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if Leviathan were literally asleep and someone might awaken it. He is referring to disturbing or attacking Leviathan when it is not acting hostilely. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will disturb it” or “he will attack it”
Then who {is} he {who} will stand to my face
Quote: וּמִ֥י ה֝֗וּא לְפָנַ֥י יִתְיַצָּֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Then surely no one will stand to my face!”
who} will stand to my face
Quote: לְפָנַ֥י יִתְיַצָּֽב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Here the word face represents what is directly in front of Yahweh. Yahweh is referring to someone coming directly in front of him to attack him. Alternate translation: “who would attack me”
Job 41:11
Who has anticipated me and I shall repay
Quote: מִ֣י הִ֭קְדִּימַנִי וַאֲשַׁלֵּ֑ם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No one has anticipated me, that I should repay!”
has anticipated me
Quote: הִ֭קְדִּימַנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
The word translated anticipated means to arrive somewhere before someone else, but it has the implication of making arrangements to help that other person when he arrives. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “has helped me”
Beneath all of the skies, it {is} to me
Quote: תַּ֖חַת כָּל־הַשָּׁמַ֣יִם לִי־הֽוּא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Yahweh 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: “Everything under the whole sky belongs to me”
Job 41:12
I will not keep silent {about} its limbs or the matter of its strengths or the beauty of its form
Quote: לא־אַחֲרִ֥ישׁ בַּדָּ֑יו וּדְבַר־גְּ֝בוּר֗וֹת וְחִ֣ין עֶרְכּֽוֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotes
Yahweh is expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of his intended meaning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will certainly speak about its limbs and the matter of its strengths and the beauty of its form”
its strengths
Quote: גְּ֝בוּר֗וֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-plural
Yahweh is using the plural form strengths in a context where the singular term “strength” would suffice. This suggests that he is using the plural form for emphasis. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “its great strength”
Job 41:13
Who has removed the face of its clothing? Into the double of its bridle, who has entered
Quote: מִֽי־גִ֭לָּה פְּנֵ֣י לְבוּשׁ֑וֹ בְּכֶ֥פֶל רִ֝סְנ֗וֹ מִ֣י יָבֽוֹא (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “No one has removed the face of its clothing! No one has entered into the double of its bridle!”
the face of its clothing
Quote: פְּנֵ֣י לְבוּשׁ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if the tough skin or hide of Leviathan were its clothing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the face of its hide”
the face of its clothing
Quote: פְּנֵ֣י לְבוּשׁ֑וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Yahweh is using the term face in a specific sense to mean “surface.” By the surface of Leviathan’s hide, he means the scales that he describes in verses 15–17. Alternate translation: “the scales on its hide”
Into the double of its bridle
Quote: בְּכֶ֥פֶל רִ֝סְנ֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession
Yahweh is using this possessive form to describe a bridle that is characterized by being double. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Into its double bridle”
Into the double of its bridle
Quote: בְּכֶ֥פֶל רִ֝סְנ֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
The term bridle describes a type of headgear that people put on animals in order to control them. It consists of a bit that goes into the animal’s mouth and a series of straps that a rider can use to apply pressure to the bit. If your readers would not be familiar with what a bridle is, you could use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “Into its double controlling mouthpiece”
Into the double of its bridle
Quote: בְּכֶ֥פֶל רִ֝סְנ֗וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
As the next verse suggests, Yahweh is using the term bridle by association to mean the mouth of Leviathan and specifically its jaws, since the term double indicates that he is referring to something paired. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Into its double jaws”
Job 41:14
The doors of its face, who has opened
Quote: דַּלְתֵ֣י פָ֭נָיו מִ֣י פִתֵּ֑חַ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion
Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No one has opened the doors of its face!”
The doors of its face
Quote: דַּלְתֵ֣י פָ֭נָיו (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if the jaws of Leviathan were literally doors in its face. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Its jaws”
Around its teeth {is} terror
Quote: סְבִיב֖וֹת שִׁנָּ֣יו אֵימָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of terror, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Its teeth are terrifying”
Job 41:15
shields
Quote: מָֽגִנִּ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if the scales of Leviathan were literally shields. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “scales”
are its} pride
Quote: גַּ֭אֲוָה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of Leviathan as if it were a living thing that could take pride in its scales. He means that it could be confident in their protection. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “are its protection”
shut together {with} a tight seal
Quote: סָ֝ג֗וּר חוֹתָ֥ם צָֽר (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. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “A tight seal shuts them together”
shut together {with} a tight seal
Quote: סָ֝ג֗וּר חוֹתָ֥ם צָֽר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if a tight seal literally held the scales of Leviathan closely to one another. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this as a comparison. Alternate translation: “They overlap closely, as if a seal held them together”
Job 41:16
and air does not come between them
Quote: וְ֝ר֗וּחַ לֹא־יָב֥וֹא בֵֽינֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole
As an overstatement for emphasis, Yahweh says that not even air comes between the scales of Leviathan. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “and there is no space at all between them”
Job 41:17
A man with his brother, they are joined together
Quote: אִישׁ־בְּאָחִ֥יהוּ יְדֻבָּ֑קוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if a scale were literally a man and the scale next to it were literally his brother. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Each scale is joined together with the scale next to it”
A man with his brother, they are joined together
Quote: אִישׁ־בְּאָחִ֥יהוּ יְדֻבָּ֑קוּ (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: “Each scale closely adjoins the scale next to it”
they clasp themselves and they do not separate themselves
Quote: יִ֝תְלַכְּד֗וּ וְלֹ֣א יִתְפָּרָֽדוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of the scales of Leviathan as if they were living things that could clasp themselves together and potentially separate themselves (although they do not). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they overlap, with no separation between them”
Job 41:18
and its eyes {are} like the eyelids of the dawn
Quote: וְ֝עֵינָ֗יו כְּעַפְעַפֵּי־שָֽׁחַר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
See how you translated the expression the eyelids of the dawn in 3:9. Alternate translation: “and its eyes are like the first flashes of light from the sunrise”
Job 41:19
Flames come from its mouth
Quote: מִ֭פִּיו לַפִּידִ֣ים יַהֲלֹ֑כוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-go
In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “Flames go out of its mouth”
sparks of fire leap out
Quote: כִּיד֥וֹדֵי אֵ֝֗שׁ יִתְמַלָּֽטוּ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of sparks of fire as if they were living things that could leap out of the mouth of Leviathan on their own. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it sends out sparks of fire”
Job 41:20
like a blown pot and a reed
Quote: כְּד֖וּד נָפ֣וּחַ וְאַגְמֹֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term blown by association to mean a fire that someone has blown or fanned to make it burn hot. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “like a pot over a blown fire and a reed”
like a blown pot and a reed
Quote: כְּד֖וּד נָפ֣וּחַ וְאַגְמֹֽן (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: “like a pot over a fire that someone has blown and a reed”
like a blown pot and a reed
Quote: כְּד֖וּד נָפ֣וּחַ וְאַגְמֹֽן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys
This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word reed tells what kind of fuel the fire is burning that is heating the pot. People would make a fire out of dried reeds if they wanted it to burn hot quickly, although for a short time, such as to boil water. 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: “like a pot that is boiling over a hot fire”
Job 41:22
Strength lodges in its neck
Quote: בְּֽ֭צַוָּארוֹ יָלִ֣ין עֹ֑ז (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking as if strength were a living thing that could stay for the night in the neck of Leviathan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It has a very strong neck”
fear leaps up
Quote: תָּד֥וּץ דְּאָבָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of fear as if it were a living thing that could leap up in front of Leviathan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people become very afraid”
and … to its face
Quote: וּ֝לְפָנָ֗יו (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 its presence” or “and … in front of it”
Job 41:23
The folds of its flesh join together; they are firm on it, they will not be moved
Quote: מַפְּלֵ֣י בְשָׂר֣וֹ דָבֵ֑קוּ יָצ֥וּק עָ֝לָ֗יו בַּל־יִמּֽוֹט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
Yahweh is referring to the underbelly of Leviathan as the folds of its flesh. In most animals, this area is soft and vulnerable, but in Leviathan it is tight and secure. You could indicate the meaning of this expression in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Its underbelly parts are tight and secure”
they are firm on it, they will not be moved
Quote: יָצ֥וּק עָ֝לָ֗יו בַּל־יִמּֽוֹט (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 stay firmly in place”
Job 41:24
Its heart is hard like stone; yes, it is hard like a lower millstone
Quote: לִ֭בּוֹ יָצ֣וּק כְּמוֹ־אָ֑בֶן וְ֝יָצ֗וּק כְּפֶ֣לַח תַּחְתִּֽית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Here the would heart could mean: (1) the disposition of Leviathan. If that were hard, then Yahweh would be saying that Leviathan acted cruelly and was not afraid of anyone or anything. Alternate translation: “It acts cruelly and fears nothing” (2) the chest of Leviathan. Alternate translation: “Its chest is hard like stone; yes, it is hard like a lower millstone”
like a lower millstone
Quote: כְּפֶ֣לַח תַּחְתִּֽית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown
A millstone is one of a pair of large, flat, round stones that people use to crush kernels of grain to process them into food for humans. The lower millstone needs to be especially strong and hard because it bears the weight of the upper millstone and the force of the crushing. If your readers would not be familiar with what a millstone 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: “like a stone that people use to crush grain”
Job 41:25
the mighty
Quote: אֵלִ֑ים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Yahweh is using the adjective mighty 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 adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “mighty people” or “even brave warriors”
Job 41:26
The sword reaching it does not stand
Quote: מַשִּׂיגֵ֣הוּ חֶ֭רֶב בְּלִ֣י תָק֑וּם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Yahweh is using the term stand in a specific sense to mean “succeed.” Alternate translation: “Someone may strike it with a sword, but that will have no effect”
the spear, the dart, the javelin
Quote: חֲנִ֖ית מַסָּ֣ע וְשִׁרְיָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Yahweh 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: “neither does the spear, the dart, the javelin”
the spear, the dart, the javelin
Quote: חֲנִ֖ית מַסָּ֣ע וְשִׁרְיָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun
Yahweh is not referring to a specific spear, dart, or javelin. He means any such weapon. Alternate translation: “neither does any spear, dart, or javelin that may strike it”
Job 41:27
It regards iron as straw, bronze as rotten wood
Quote: יַחְשֹׁ֣ב לְתֶ֣בֶן בַּרְזֶ֑ל לְעֵ֖ץ רִקָּב֣וֹן נְחוּשָֽׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis
Yahweh 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: “It regards iron as straw, and it regards bronze as rotten wood”
It regards iron as straw, bronze as rotten wood
Quote: יַחְשֹׁ֣ב לְתֶ֣בֶן בַּרְזֶ֑ל לְעֵ֖ץ רִקָּב֣וֹן נְחוּשָֽׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that just as straw is flimsy and rotten wood falls apart, so Leviathan considers iron to be flimsy and bronze to be a substance that would fall apart. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “It considers iron to be as flimsy as straw, and it regards bronze as something that would fall apart like rotten wood”
It regards iron as straw, bronze as rotten wood
Quote: יַחְשֹׁ֣ב לְתֶ֣בֶן בַּרְזֶ֑ל לְעֵ֖ץ רִקָּב֣וֹן נְחוּשָֽׁה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking as if Leviathan could intelligently make judgments about the strength of metals that might be used to make weapons that people would use against it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “An iron weapon that someone might use against it would be as flimsy as straw, and a bronze weapon that someone might use against it would fall apart”
Job 41:28
The son of the bow
Quote: בֶן־קָ֑שֶׁת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if an arrow were literally the son of the bow from which it was shot. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “An arrow”
with it, the stones of the sling are turned into chaff
Quote: לְ֝קַ֗שׁ נֶהְפְּכוּ־ל֥וֹ אַבְנֵי־קָֽלַע (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: “with it, the stones of the sling become chaff”
with it, the stones of the sling are turned into chaff
Quote: לְ֝קַ֗שׁ נֶהְפְּכוּ־ל֥וֹ אַבְנֵי־קָֽלַע (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if stones slung at Leviathan from a sling would literally become chaff. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “stones slung at it do not hurt it any more than chaff would”
Job 41:29
Clubs are regarded as chaff
Quote: כְּ֭קַשׁ נֶחְשְׁב֣וּ תוֹתָ֑ח (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 regards clubs as chaff”
Clubs are regarded as chaff
Quote: כְּ֭קַשׁ נֶחְשְׁב֣וּ תוֹתָ֑ח (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking as if Leviathan could intelligently make judgments about the strength of weapons that people might use against it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It senses no more danger from a club than it would from chaff”
and it laughs at the rattling of a spear
Quote: וְ֝יִשְׂחַ֗ק לְרַ֣עַשׁ כִּידֽוֹן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification
Yahweh is speaking of Leviathan as if it would laugh in derision if someone threatened it by shaking a spear at it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and it scorns the threat of a spear”
Job 41:30
Beneath it are points of a shard
Quote: תַּ֭חְתָּיו חַדּ֣וּדֵי חָ֑רֶשׂ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if Leviathan literally had points of a shard underneath it, sharp pieces of broken pottery. This is a poetic reference to the sharp scales that are on its underbelly. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this as a comparison. Alternate translation: “It has pointed scales on its underbelly that are as sharp as pieces of broken pottery”
it spreads {like} a threshing sledge upon the mud
Quote: יִרְפַּ֖ד חָר֣וּץ עֲלֵי־טִֽיט (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison could be that: (1) Leviathan spreads a trail through the mud the way a threshing sledge would leave a trail of separated grain on a threshing floor. Alternate translation: “it tears up the mud as it moves along, leaving a distinct trail as a threshing sledge does” (2) that Leviathan spreads itself out heavily in the mud. Alternate translation: “it spreads itself heavily, like a threshing sledge, upon the mud”
Job 41:31
It makes the deep boil like a pot
Quote: יַרְתִּ֣יחַ כַּסִּ֣יר מְצוּלָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term pot by association to mean the water in a pot that someone was heating to make the water boil. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It makes the deep boil like the water in a pot that someone is heating”
It makes the deep boil like a pot
Quote: יַרְתִּ֣יחַ כַּסִּ֣יר מְצוּלָ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if Leviathan literally made the ocean boil the way the water in a pot would boil. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It churns up the waters of the ocean as it swims”
it makes the sea like an ointment pot
Quote: יָ֝֗ם יָשִׂ֥ים כַּמֶּרְקָחָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
Yahweh is using the term ointment pot by association to mean the ointment in a pot that someone would stir to mix its ingredients together. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it makes the sea like ointment that someone is stirring in a pot”
it makes the sea like an ointment pot
Quote: יָ֝֗ם יָשִׂ֥ים כַּמֶּרְקָחָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile
The point of this comparison is that that when Leviathan swims through the sea, it makes the waters foam the way ointment foams in a pot when its ingredients are stirred together. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “it makes the waters of the sea foam the way ointment foams when someone stirs it in a pot”
Job 41:32
It makes a path shine behind it
Quote: אַ֭חֲרָיו יָאִ֣יר נָתִ֑יב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if the wake that Leviathan leaves in the water were literally a path. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It leaves a shining wake behind it in the water”
one considers the deep {to be} white-haired
Quote: יַחְשֹׁ֖ב תְּה֣וֹם לְשֵׂיבָֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if people would actually consider the deep to be white-haired when they saw the wake that Leviathan left. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “this makes the deep appear as if it had white hair”
Job 41:33
Upon the dust
Quote: עַל־עָפָ֥ר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Yahweh is using one part of the earth, the dust on its surface, to mean the earth itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “On earth”
the one made without fear
Quote: הֶ֝עָשׂ֗וּ לִבְלִי־חָֽת (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: “the one that I made without fear”
Job 41:34
It sees all of the high
Quote: אֵֽת־כָּל־גָּבֹ֥הַּ יִרְאֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
Yahweh is using the adjective high as a noun to mean a certain kind of thing. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. In this context, it indicates strength or power, not simply great height. Alternate translation: “It sees everything that is powerful”
It sees all of the high
Quote: אֵֽת־כָּל־גָּבֹ֥הַּ יִרְאֶ֑ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
Yahweh is using the term see in a specific sense. It could mean: (1) that Leviathan can look directly at any powerful creature without being fearful or intimidated. Alternate translation: “It can look at any powerful thing without becoming afraid” (2) that Leviathan looks down disdainfully at all other powerful creatures. Alternate translation: “It disdains all other powerful things”
it {is} king over all of the sons of pride
Quote: ה֝֗וּא מֶ֣לֶךְ עַל־כָּל־בְּנֵי־שָֽׁחַץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
In this context, the expression sons of describes something that shares the qualities of something else. Yahweh is using this expression to describe the behavior and character of certain creatures. While they do not literally feel pride as people would, they act as if they are superior to other creatures, for example, by not staying out of their way. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it is king over all the dangerous animals”
it {is} king over all of the sons of pride
Quote: ה֝֗וּא מֶ֣לֶךְ עַל־כָּל־בְּנֵי־שָֽׁחַץ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if Leviathan were literally a king. He means that no other animal can challenge Leviathan. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no other dangerous animal can challenge it”
Job 42
Job 42 General Notes
Structure and Formatting
The ULT sets the lines of verses 1–6 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are poetry.
- Verses 1–6: Job acknowledges that he did not have the knowledge and wisdom to challenge Yahweh’s government of the universe.
- Verses 7–17: The author describes how Yahweh restored Job’s health and prosperity and gave him a long life.
Special concepts in This chapter
Job’s repentance
This chapter describes how Yahweh blessed Job with health, prosperity, and a long life after he repented. However, Yahweh’s blessing was not dependent upon Job’s repentance. It was dependent upon Yahweh’s grace. (See: just, justice, unjust, injustice, justify, justification, restore, restoration, bless, blessed, blessing and repent, repentance and grace, gracious)
Job 42:2
and no plan is withheld from you
Quote: וְלֹא־יִבָּצֵ֖ר מִמְּךָ֣ מְזִמָּֽה (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 can thwart any of your plans”
Job 42:3
Who is this, concealing counsel without knowledge
Quote: מִ֤י זֶ֨ה ׀ מַעְלִ֥ים עֵצָ֗ה בְּֽלִ֫י דָ֥עַת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
In the first sentence in this verse, Job is quoting what Yahweh said in 38:2, at the beginning of his speech. The ULT indicates this by putting the sentence in second-level quotation marks. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “You asked who this was who was concealing counsel without knowledge.”
Therefore
Quote: לָכֵ֣ן (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result
Job is using the word Therefore to introduce a conclusion that he has reached on the basis of what Yahweh said in his entire speech. Job is not using the word to introduce the reason why he has spoken without understanding. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Based on everything you have said, I now recognize that”
Job 42:4
Listen, now, and I will speak; I will question you, and you will inform me
Quote: שְֽׁמַֽע־נָ֭א וְאָנֹכִ֣י אֲדַבֵּ֑ר אֶ֝שְׁאָלְךָ֗ וְהוֹדִיעֵֽנִי (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes
In this verse, Job is once again quoting what Yahweh said in his speech. In 38:3 and 40:7, Yahweh said, “I will question you, and you will inform me.” Since Job had said in 13:22 that he could choose either to ask questions first or to listen to questions first, by saying that he would question Job, Yahweh was implicitly telling Job to listen, as Job indicates in the first part of this verse. The ULT indicates that Job is quoting Yahweh by putting this verse in second-level quotation marks. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “You told me to listen and you would speak; you said that you would question me and I would inform you”
Job 42:5
With the hearing of my ear I had heard {about} you, but now my eye sees you
Quote: לְשֵֽׁמַע־אֹ֥זֶן שְׁמַעְתִּ֑יךָ וְ֝עַתָּ֗ה עֵינִ֥י רָאָֽתְךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
Job is using one part of himself, his ear, to mean all of him in the act of hearing. He 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: “Before this I had only heard about you, but now I have seen you for myself”
Job 42:6
I despise
Quote: אֶמְאַ֣ס (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
By the word despise, Job does not mean that he hates something. He means that he thinks little of something. He could mean: (1) that he thinks little of himself, that is, he no longer believes that he can credibly declare whether God is treating anyone fairly or unfairly. Alternate translation: “I no longer believe that I understand as much as I thought I did” (2) that he now thinks little of what he said in all of his speeches. Alternate translation: “I recognize that what I said was wrong”
in dust and ashes
Quote: עַל־עָפָ֥ר וָאֵֽפֶר (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
In this culture, people would sprinkle dust and ashes on themselves as a symbolic action to show that they were greatly distressed. This is what Job’s friends were doing in 2:12 when they threw dust into the air so that it would land on their heads. Job was doing something similar in 2:8 when he sat down in a pile of ashes. Job could be sprinkling dust and ashes from the pile on himself as he speaks these words, or he could be speaking as if he were doing that in order to describe how sincerely he is repenting. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “by sprinkling dust and ashes on myself to show how distressed I am by what I did” or “very sincerely, as if I were sprinkling dust and ashes on myself to show how distressed I am by what I did”
Job 42:7
And it happened
Quote: וַיְהִ֗י (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent
The author is using the phrase translated And it happened 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.
had spoken these words
Quote: דִּבֶּ֧ר & אֶת־הַדְּבָרִ֥ים הָאֵ֖לֶּה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy
The author is using the term words to mean what Yahweh said to Job by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “had said these things”
My nose burns against you and against the two of your friends
Quote: חָרָ֨ה אַפִּ֤י בְךָ֙ וּבִשְׁנֵ֣י רֵעֶ֔יךָ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
Yahweh is speaking as if his nose, meaning his anger, were literally burning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am feeling great anger against you and your two friends”
Job 42:8
I will surely lift his face
Quote: כִּ֧י אִם־פָּנָ֣יו אֶשָּׂ֗א (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated the similar expression in 13:8. Alternate translation: “I will surely show favor to him” or “I will surely answer his prayer for you”
lest I deal with you {according to your} folly
Quote: לְבִלְתִּ֞י עֲשׂ֤וֹת עִמָּכֶם֙ נְבָלָ֔ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of folly, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “lest I punish you for the foolish things you have said about me”
Job 42:9
and Yahweh lifted the face of Job
Quote: וַיִּשָּׂ֥א יְהוָ֖ה אֶת־פְּנֵ֥י אִיּֽוֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
See how you translated the similar expression in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh showed favor to Job” or “and Yahweh answered Job’s prayer for his three friends”
Job 42:10
And Yahweh turned the captivity of Job
Quote: וַֽיהוָ֗ה שָׁ֚ב אֶת־שבית אִיּ֔וֹב (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The author is speaking as if Job’s troubles had been holding him in captivity. The expression turned the captivity means that Yahweh ended this captivity. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh restored Job to his former prosperity”
and Yahweh added {to} all that {was} to Job to double
Quote: וַ֧יֹּסֶף יְהוָ֛ה אֶת־כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְאִיּ֖וֹב לְמִשְׁנֶֽה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns
If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of double, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh gave Job two times as much as he previously had”
Job 42:11
and they ate bread with him in his house
Quote: וַיֹּאכְל֨וּ עִמּ֣וֹ לֶחֶם֮ בְּבֵיתוֹ֒ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction
Eating a meal with Job in his home was a symbolic action that acknowledged Job’s restored place in the community. Job had complained in 30:10 about how people were staying away from him a symbolic action that conveyed disrespect and disapproval. Job’s family and friends were now showing respect and approval. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “and they ate bread with him in his house to show their respect for him and their approval of him”
bread
Quote: לֶחֶם֮ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche
The author 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: “a meal”
And they consoled him and comforted him
Quote: וַיָּנֻ֤דוּ לוֹ֙ וַיְנַחֲמ֣וּ אֹת֔וֹ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The terms consoled and comforted 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 offered him much sympathy”
the troubles that Yahweh had brought
Quote: הָ֣רָעָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־הֵבִ֥יא יְהוָ֖ה (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking as if troubles were an object that Yahweh could have brought to Job and put on top of him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the troubles that Yahweh had caused him to experience”
one kesitah
Quote: קְשִׂיטָ֣ה אֶחָ֔ת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney
A kesitah was a piece of silver of a certain weight that had not been minted into a coin. Its exact value is uncertain. You may wish to translate the term kesitah with a general expression. Alternate translation: “a piece of silver”
Job 42:14
And he called the name of the first Jemimah and the name of the second Keziah and the name of the third Keren-Happuch
Quote: וַיִּקְרָ֤א שֵׁם־הָֽאַחַת֙ יְמִימָ֔ה וְשֵׁ֥ם הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית קְצִיעָ֑ה וְשֵׁ֥ם הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֖ית קֶ֥רֶן הַפּֽוּךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
The expression called the name is the way people in this culture spoke of giving a child a name when the child was born. Alternate translation: “He gave the first the name Jemimah, and he gave the second the name Keziah, and he gave the third the name Keren-Happuch.”
the first … the second … the third
Quote: הָֽאַחַת֙ & הַשֵּׁנִ֖ית & הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֖ית (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj
The author is using the adjectives first, second and third as nouns to refer to specific individuals. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “his first daughter … his second daughter … his third daughter”
Jemimah … Keziah … Keren-Happuch
Quote: יְמִימָ֔ה & קְצִיעָ֑ה & קֶ֥רֶן הַפּֽוּךְ (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-names
The words Jemimah, Keziah, and Keren-Happuch are the names of women.
Job 42:15
And one was not found {among} women
Quote: וְלֹ֨א נִמְצָ֜א נָשִׁ֥ים (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 there were no other women”
And their father gave an inheritance to them in the midst of their brothers
Quote: וַיִּתֵּ֨ן לָהֶ֧ם אֲבִיהֶ֛ם נַחֲלָ֖ה בְּת֥וֹךְ אֲחֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit
It was not customary in this culture for fathers to give their daughters an inheritance. The author may mention this because it shows the special love and regard that Job had for his daughters. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And their father loved them so much and regarded them so highly that he gave them an inheritance in the midst of their brothers”
in the midst of their brothers
Quote: בְּת֥וֹךְ אֲחֵיהֶֽם (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom
This expression could mean: (1) that Job gave his daughters an inheritance just as he did for his sons. Alternate translation: “just as he did for their brothers” (2) that Job gave his daughters as an inheritance land that was located in the same area as land that he gave to his sons as their inheritance. Alternate translation: “of land that adjoined land that he left to his sons”
Job 42:16
his sons and the sons of his sons, {to} four generations
Quote: אֶת־בָּנָיו֙ וְאֶת־בְּנֵ֣י בָנָ֔יו אַרְבָּעָ֖ה דֹּרֽוֹת (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinship
In this culture, Job’s generation was considered the first generation, so four generations refers to his children’s children’s children. Your language may have terms of its own for these kinship relationships. Alternate translation: “his children and his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren”
Job 42:17
old and full of days
Quote: זָקֵ֖ן וּשְׂבַ֥ע יָמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor
The author is speaking as if days were an object and as if Job were a container that was full of them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “old and having lived for many days”
old and full of days
Quote: זָקֵ֖ן וּשְׂבַ֥ע יָמִֽים (1)Support Reference: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet
The expressions old and full of days mean similar things. The author is using them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Your language may have a characteristic expression that it would use in such a context. Alternate translation: “at a ripe old age”