Job 16:3
Job 16:3 in Multiple Translations
Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying?
Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?
Shall vain words have an end? Or what provoketh thee that thou answerest?
May words which are like the wind be stopped? or what is troubling you to make answer to them?
Will your windy speeches never cease? What's bothering you that you have to answer me?
Shall there be none ende of wordes of winde? or what maketh thee bold so to answere?
Is there an end to words of wind? Or what doth embolden thee that thou answerest?
Shall vain words have an end? Or what provokes you that you answer?
Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?
Shall windy words have no end? or is it any trouble to thee to speak?
Will your speeches, which are only hot air, never end [RHQ]? Eliphaz, what bothers/irritates you so much that you continue replying to me?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 16:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 16:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/קֵ֥ץ
לְ/דִבְרֵי
ר֑וּחַ
א֥וֹ
מַה
יַּ֝מְרִֽיצְ/ךָ֗
כִּ֣י
תַעֲנֶֽה
הֲ/קֵ֥ץ
qêts
H7093
end
Part | N-ms
לְ/דִבְרֵי
dâbâr
H1697
Chronicles
Prep | N-mp
ר֑וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
or
Conj
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
יַּ֝מְרִֽיצְ/ךָ֗
mârats
H4834
be sick
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תַעֲנֶֽה
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 16:3
הֲ/קֵ֥ץ
qêts
H7093
"end"
Part | N-ms
The end refers to the extremity or conclusion of something, whether in time or space. It can also mean after or at the border of something, as in the utmost end of a process.
Definition: 1) end 1a) end, at the end of (of time) 1b) end (of space)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, [idiom] process. See also: Genesis 4:3; Isaiah 23:15; Psalms 39:5.
לְ/דִבְרֵי
dâbâr
H1697
"Chronicles"
Prep | N-mp
A word or thing, like a matter or affair, as seen in the book of Chronicles where it refers to the events and words of kings. It can also mean a cause or reason for something.
Definition: This name means word, speaking
Usage: Occurs in 1290 OT verses. KJV: act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work. See also: Genesis 11:1; Exodus 23:8; Deuteronomy 18:21.
ר֑וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
א֥וֹ
ʼôw
H176
"or"
Conj
Desire can also mean or, and, or if, showing a choice between options, as seen in Proverbs 31:4. It is used to express alternatives or possibilities.
Definition: 1) or, rather 1a) implying that the latter choice is preferred 1b) or if, introducing an example to be seen under a particular principle 1c) (in series) either...or, whether...or 1d) if perchance 1e) except, or else 2) whether, not the least, if, otherwise, also, and, then
Usage: Occurs in 218 OT verses. KJV: also, and, either, if, at the least, [idiom] nor, or, otherwise, then, whether. See also: Genesis 24:49; Leviticus 25:49; Proverbs 30:31.
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יַּ֝מְרִֽיצְ/ךָ֗
mârats
H4834
"be sick"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Means to be sick or to make someone sick. It can also mean to be painful or irritating. This word is used in the Bible to describe physical and emotional suffering.
Definition: 1) to be or make sick 1a) (Niphal) to be grievous or painful 1b) (Hiphil) to make sick
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: embolden, be forcible, grievous, sore. See also: 1 Kings 2:8; Job 16:3; Micah 2:10.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
תַעֲנֶֽה
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
Study Notes — Job 16:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 16:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 16:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 16:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 16:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 16:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 16:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 16:3
- Cambridge Bible on Job 16:3
- Barnes' Notes on Job 16:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 16:3
- Sermons on Job 16:3
Context — Job Decries His Comforters
1Then Job answered:
2“I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all.
3Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying?
4I could also speak like you if you were in my place; I could heap up words against you and shake my head at you. 5But I would encourage you with my mouth, and the consolation of my lips would bring relief.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 6:26 | Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair? |
| 2 | Job 15:2 | “Does a wise man answer with empty counsel or fill his belly with the hot east wind? |
| 3 | Titus 2:8 | and wholesome speech that is above reproach, so that anyone who opposes us will be ashamed to have nothing bad to say about us. |
| 4 | Job 32:3–6 | and he burned with anger against Job’s three friends because they had failed to refute Job, and yet had condemned him. Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because the others were older than he. But when he saw that the three men had no further reply, his anger was kindled. So Elihu son of Barachel the Buzite declared: “I am young in years, while you are old; that is why I was timid and afraid to tell you what I know. |
| 5 | Job 8:2 | “How long will you go on saying such things? The words of your mouth are a blustering wind. |
| 6 | Matthew 22:46 | No one was able to answer a word, and from that day on no one dared to question Him any further. |
| 7 | Titus 1:11 | who must be silenced. For the sake of dishonorable gain, they undermine entire households and teach things they should not. |
| 8 | Job 20:3 | I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply. |
Job 16:3 Summary
[Job 16:3 shows Job feeling overwhelmed by his friends' words, which he felt were more hurtful than helpful. He's looking for genuine comfort and understanding. This reminds us of the importance of being thoughtful and considerate in our interactions, as seen in Proverbs 15:1, where a gentle answer turns away wrath. By considering Job's experience, we can learn to be better friends and companions to those around us, offering the kind of support and encouragement they truly need, much like the encouragement found in Hebrews 3:13.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tone of Job's response in Job 16:3?
Job's tone is one of frustration and exasperation, as he feels his friends are not providing genuine comfort, similar to the emotional state expressed in Psalms 55:2-3, where the psalmist cries out to God in distress.
Is Job being dismissive of his friends' concerns?
While Job is indeed expressing frustration, he is not entirely dismissive, as seen in his later statement in Job 16:5, where he says he would encourage them if the situation were reversed, which echoes the sentiment in Proverbs 12:25, about the importance of timely encouragement.
What does Job mean by 'long-winded speeches'?
Job is referring to the lengthy, but ultimately unhelpful, speeches of his friends, which he feels are more hurtful than helpful, a theme also explored in Ecclesiastes 5:2, where it's advised to be cautious with our words.
How should we apply Job's response in our own interactions?
We should strive to offer genuine comfort and concise, thoughtful advice, as Job desires, reflecting the principle in James 1:19, to be quick to listen and slow to speak.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when faced with criticism or unsolicited advice, and what can I learn from Job's reaction?
- What are some ways I can offer genuine comfort to those who are suffering, as Job desired from his friends?
- In what ways can I balance speaking the truth with being sensitive to the emotional state of others, as hinted at in Job's frustration?
- How can I discern when to speak and when to remain silent in difficult situations, considering the wisdom in Proverbs 17:28?
Gill's Exposition on Job 16:3
Shall vain words have an end?.... Or "words of wind" (k), vain empty words, great swelling words of vanity, mere bubbles that look big, and have nothing in them; here Job retorts what Eliphaz had
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 16:3
Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest? 'Words of wind' (Hebrew). He retorts upon Eliphaz his reproach (Job 15:2).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 16:3
When wilt thou put an end to these idle and impertinent discourses? He retorts upon him his charge against Job, ,3. That thou answerest, to wit, so or in such manner, so censoriously, and opprobriously, and peremptorily. What secret grounds hast thou for thy confidence? Thy arguments are flashy and weak; if thou hast any stronger, produce them.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 16:3
Job 16:3 Shall vain words have an end? or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?Ver. 3. Shall vain words have an end?] Heb. Shall there be an end to words of wind? Ampullatur in arcto. Bubbles of words, big swollen speeches, full of pride, void of reason; when shall we once have an end of them? They that would comfort another indeed must not multiply vain repetition (for these are very burdensome to a serious ear, much more to a sad heart), much less bitter speeches, least of all taunts and buffooneries, as Job 16:4. For, like as, if the eye be inflamed, the mildest medicine troubleth it, so is it here: how much more when harsh and uncouth! Or what emboldeneth thee that thou answerest?] That thou rejoinest, having been so fully answered before? Some men will never be said or set down; such is their pertinace, they will not lay down the bucklers, though beaten to their heads. Sed praestat herbam dare, quam turpiter pugnare, Better yield than stand out with dishonour.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 16:3
(3) Shall vain words have an end?—The English idiom rather requires, “Shall not vain words have an end? for if not, what emboldeneth or provoketh thee that thou answerest?” Eliphaz had contributed nothing to the discussion in his last reply; he had simply reiterated what had been said before.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 16:3
Verse 3. Vain words] Literally, words of air. What emboldeneth thee] Thou art totally ignorant of the business; what then can induce thee to take part in this discussion?
Cambridge Bible on Job 16:3
3. Shall vain words have an end] lit. is there any end to words of wind? To retort their charge of “windy knowledge” (ch. Job 15:2), Job cannot help fearing that there is no end to such empty harangues on their side, though he cannot imagine what provokes them to reply instead of letting the controversy drop, as he had long ago besought them (ch. Job 13:5). For emboldeneth provoketh is better.
Barnes' Notes on Job 16:3
Shall vain words? - Margin, As in Hebrew words of wind; that is, words which were devoid of thought-light, trifling. This is a retort on Eliphaz. He had charged Job Job 15:2-3 with uttering only such words.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 16:3
3. Vain words — Windy words. Like expressions abound in the classics. “Windy glory,” (Virgil;) “Windy people,” (Horace.) A retort upon Eliphaz for his taunting words, “windy knowledge,” Job 15:2, margin.
Sermons on Job 16:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Be on Your Guard Against the Snares of the Devil by Ignatius of Antioch | Ignatius of Antioch urges the believers to be vigilant against the snares of the wicked one, providing them with admonitions to protect themselves from unruly men. He encourages th |
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Sound in the Faith by H.J. Vine | H.J. Vine preaches about the importance of holding fast to sound doctrine, words, speech, mind, and faith, emphasizing the need to reject unwholesome teachings and cling to the tru |
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Discern Your Culture by Albert Mohler | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of engaging with different cultures and understanding their language and symbols. He warns against making the mistake of assum |
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The Grace of God by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the concept of grace and its significance in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that grace is not just unmerited favor, but also a demand |