Job 16:4
Job 16:4 in Multiple Translations
I could also speak like you if you were in my place; I could heap up words against you and shake my head at you.
I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul’s stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you.
I also could speak as ye do; If your soul were in my soul’s stead, I could join words together against you, And shake my head at you.
It would not be hard for me to say such things if your souls were in my soul's place; joining words together against you, and shaking my head at you:
I could talk like you do if you were in my place, stringing words together to criticize you, ridiculing you with a toss of my head.
I could also speake as yee doe: (but woulde God your soule were in my soules stead) I could keepe you company in speaking, and could shake mine head at you,
I also, like you, might speak, If your soul were in my soul's stead. I might join against you with words, And nod at you with my head.
I also could speak as you do. If your soul were in my soul’s place, I could join words together against you, and shake my head at you,
I also could speak as ye do : if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake my head at you.
I also could speak like you: and would God your soul were for my soul.
If it were you three and not I who were suffering, I could say the things that you are saying; I could make great speeches to criticize/condemn you, and I could shake my head at you to ridicule you.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 16:4
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Job 16:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 16:4
Study Notes — Job 16:4
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 16:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 16:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 16:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 16:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 16:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 16:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 16:4
- Cambridge Bible on Job 16:4
- Barnes' Notes on Job 16:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 16:4
- Sermons on Job 16:4
Context — Job Decries His Comforters
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. 6Even if I speak, my pain is not relieved, and if I hold back, how will it go away?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 109:25 | I am an object of scorn to my accusers; when they see me, they shake their heads. |
| 2 | Psalms 22:7 | All who see me mock me; they sneer and shake their heads: |
| 3 | Lamentations 2:15 | All who pass by clap their hands at you in scorn. They hiss and shake their heads at the Daughter of Jerusalem: “Is this the city that was called the perfection of beauty, the joy of all the earth?” |
| 4 | Matthew 7:12 | In everything, then, do to others as you would have them do to you. For this is the essence of the Law and the Prophets. |
| 5 | Jeremiah 18:16 | They have made their land a desolation, a perpetual object of scorn; all who pass by will be appalled and shake their heads. |
| 6 | 2 Kings 19:21 | This is the word that the LORD has spoken against him: ‘The Virgin Daughter of Zion despises you and mocks you; the Daughter of Jerusalem shakes her head behind you. |
| 7 | Romans 12:15 | Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. |
| 8 | Zephaniah 2:15 | This carefree city that dwells securely, that thinks to herself: “I am it, and there is none besides me,” what a ruin she has become, a resting place for beasts. Everyone who passes by her hisses and shakes his fist. |
| 9 | Proverbs 10:19 | When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. |
| 10 | Job 35:16 | So Job opens his mouth in vain and multiplies words without knowledge.” |
Job 16:4 Summary
[In this verse, Job is saying that he could easily talk back to his friends and criticize them, but instead, he wants to offer them real comfort and support, just like God offers us comfort in times of trouble, as seen in Psalms 34:18. Job is highlighting the importance of being a good friend and offering genuine empathy, rather than just speaking empty words. By choosing to respond with compassion, Job is showing us what it means to love our neighbors as ourselves, as commanded in Leviticus 19:18 and Mark 12:31.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Job saying in this verse?
Job is stating that if his friends were in his place, he could speak just as they do, but instead, he would offer them genuine comfort and relief, as seen in Job 16:5, which says he would encourage them with his mouth and bring relief with the consolation of his lips.
Is Job being sarcastic in this verse?
While Job's tone may seem sharp, he is actually highlighting the superficial nature of his friends' words, as noted in Job 16:2, where he calls them 'miserable comforters', and expressing his desire for genuine empathy and support, much like the kind of comfort God promises in Psalms 23:4.
What does Job mean by 'heap up words against you'?
Job means that he could easily respond to his friends with a multitude of words, just as they have done to him, but instead, he chooses to take a different approach, one that prioritizes compassion and understanding, as encouraged in Proverbs 15:1, which says 'a soft answer turns away wrath'.
How does this verse relate to other parts of the Bible?
This verse relates to the broader theme of suffering and the importance of genuine empathy, as seen in passages like Romans 12:15, which encourages believers to 'weep with those who weep', and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, which highlights God's comfort in times of affliction.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can offer genuine comfort and relief to those who are suffering, rather than just speaking empty words?
- How can I balance the need to speak truth with the need to be compassionate and empathetic, as Job is trying to do in this verse?
- What are some times in my life when I have felt like Job, surrounded by people who don't understand my pain, and how can I respond in a way that honors God?
- In what ways can I prioritize listening and understanding over speaking, in order to provide more effective comfort and support to those around me?
Gill's Exposition on Job 16:4
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 16:4
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 16:4
Trapp's Commentary on Job 16:4
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 16:4
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 16:4
Cambridge Bible on Job 16:4
Barnes' Notes on Job 16:4
Whedon's Commentary on Job 16:4
Sermons on Job 16:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Nerves, Continued by Harmon A. Baldwin | Harmon A. Baldwin addresses various scenarios where nerves may manifest in outward behavior, emphasizing the importance of maintaining composure and seeking God's peace amidst chal |
|
America's Godly Heritage by John Franklin | In this sermon, the speaker recounts the story of the early pilgrims and Puritans who settled in America, seeing themselves as a type of the children of Israel. The sermon referenc |
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Jacob and Esau by Paul Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of separating the precious from the vile in order to experience true life. He discusses the power of atmosphere and how it ca |
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All That Jesus Taught Bible Study - Part 77 by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the profound events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion, highlighting his obedience to the prompting of the Holy Spirit, fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, |
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The Seventh Degree of Humility by St. Benedict of Nursia | St. Benedict of Nursia preaches on the seventh degree of humility, emphasizing the importance of considering oneself lower and of less account than anyone else, not just in words b |
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Mental Attitude by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of one's attitude in shaping their life. He quotes Proverbs 23:7, which states that as a person thinks in their heart, so the |
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The Key to Understanding by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of loving and serving others as a reflection of our love for God. He emphasizes that individuals make up nations, and therefore |







