Job 16:6
Job 16:6 in Multiple Translations
Even if I speak, my pain is not relieved, and if I hold back, how will it go away?
Though I speak, my grief is not asswaged: and though I forbear, what am I eased?
Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged; And though I forbear, what am I eased?
If I say what is in my mind, my pain becomes no less: and if I keep quiet, how much of it goes from me?
For me, if I speak it doesn't ease my pain, and if I don't speak the pain is still there.
Though I speake, my sorow can not be asswaged: though I cease, what release haue I?
If I speak, my pain is not restrained, And I cease — what goeth from me?
“Though I speak, my grief is not subsided. Though I forbear, what am I eased?
Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged: and though I forbear, what am I eased?
I would strengthen you with my mouth, and would move my lips, as sparing you.
“But now, if I talk, my pain does not decrease, and if I am silent, my pain still certainly does not [RHQ] go away.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 16:6
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 16:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִֽם
אֲ֭דַבְּרָה
לֹא
יֵחָשֵׂ֣ךְ
כְּאֵבִ֑/י
וְ֝/אַחְדְּלָ֗ה
מַה
מִ/נִּ֥י
יַהֲלֹֽךְ
אִֽם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אֲ֭דַבְּרָה
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-1cs
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יֵחָשֵׂ֣ךְ
châsak
H2820
to withhold
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
כְּאֵבִ֑/י
kᵉʼêb
H3511
pain
N-ms | Suff
וְ֝/אַחְדְּלָ֗ה
châdal
H2308
to cease
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
מִ/נִּ֥י
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
יַהֲלֹֽךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
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 16:6
אִֽם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
אֲ֭דַבְּרָה
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-1cs
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יֵחָשֵׂ֣ךְ
châsak
H2820
"to withhold"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to withhold or restrain something. It can also mean to spare, preserve, or observe. In the Bible, it is used to describe holding back or keeping something for oneself.
Definition: 1) to withhold, restrain, hold back, keep in check, refrain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to withhold, keep back, keep for oneself, keep from, hold in check, refrain, spare, reserve 1a2) to restrain, check 1b) (Niphal) to assuage, be spared
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: assuage, [idiom] darken, forbear, hinder, hold back, keep (back), punish, refrain, reserve, spare, withhold. See also: Genesis 20:6; Job 33:18; Psalms 19:14.
כְּאֵבִ֑/י
kᵉʼêb
H3511
"pain"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means pain or suffering, whether physical or mental, and is used to describe grief, sorrow, or hardship in the Bible, such as in the book of Job.
Definition: pain (mental and physical), sorrow
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: grief, pain, sorrow. See also: Job 2:13; Isaiah 17:11; Psalms 39:3.
וְ֝/אַחְדְּלָ֗ה
châdal
H2308
"to cease"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
To cease means to stop or end something, like when God told the Israelites to cease work on the Sabbath in Exodus 20:10. It can also mean to be idle or lacking. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a change in action or behavior.
Definition: 1) to stop, cease, desist, forego, cease to be, leave undone, forbear 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cease, come to an end 1a2) to cease, leave off
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: cease, end, fall, forbear, forsake, leave (off), let alone, rest, be unoccupied, want. See also: Genesis 11:8; 2 Chronicles 18:14; Psalms 36:4.
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.
מִ/נִּ֥י
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
יַהֲלֹֽךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
Study Notes — Job 16:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 16:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 16:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 16:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 16:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 16:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 16:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 16:6
- Cambridge Bible on Job 16:6
- Barnes' Notes on Job 16:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 16:6
- Sermons on Job 16:6
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?
7Surely He has now exhausted me; You have devastated all my family. 8You have bound me, and it has become a witness; my frailty rises up and testifies against me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 10:1 | “I loathe my own life; I will express my complaint and speak in the bitterness of my soul. |
| 2 | Psalms 88:15–18 | From my youth I was afflicted and near death. I have borne Your terrors; I am in despair. Your wrath has swept over me; Your terrors have destroyed me. All day long they engulf me like water; they enclose me on every side. You have removed my beloved and my friend; darkness is my closest companion. |
| 3 | Psalms 77:1–9 | I cried out to God; I cried aloud to God to hear me. In the day of trouble I sought the Lord; through the night my outstretched hands did not grow weary; my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused and my spirit grew faint. Selah You have kept my eyes from closing; I am too troubled to speak. I considered the days of old, the years long in the past. At night I remembered my song; in my heart I mused, and my spirit pondered: “Will the Lord spurn us forever and never show His favor again? Is His loving devotion gone forever? Has His promise failed for all time? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has His anger shut off His compassion?” Selah |
Job 16:6 Summary
This verse is about Job feeling like no matter what he does, his pain won't go away. He's saying that even if he talks about it, it doesn't make him feel better, and if he stays quiet, the pain is still there. This reminds us that sometimes, our problems are too big for us to solve on our own, and we need to look to God for help, as seen in Psalm 34:17-18, where it says God is near to the brokenhearted. It's a message about looking for comfort and healing in a deeper way, beyond just talking or staying silent, and trusting in God's promise to work all things for our good (Romans 8:28).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Job trying to say in this verse?
Job is expressing his deep emotional pain and feeling that whether he speaks or remains silent, his suffering does not seem to subside, as seen in Job 16:6, a sentiment also echoed in Psalm 22:1-2 where David feels abandoned by God.
Is Job saying that talking about his problems won't help?
Yes, in this context, Job feels that verbalizing his pain does not bring him relief, similar to how the Psalmist in Psalm 32:3-4 found no relief until he confessed his sins to God, indicating that true solace may come from a deeper, spiritual resolution rather than just expression of emotions.
How does this verse relate to the concept of suffering in the Bible?
This verse touches on the universal human experience of suffering and the search for relief, a theme explored throughout the Bible, including in Jeremiah 31:25 where God promises to satisfy the weary soul, and Lamentations 3:22-23, which speaks of God's mercies being new every morning.
What does this say about the nature of pain and relief?
Job's statement suggests that true relief from pain, especially emotional or spiritual pain, may not come from external sources like talking, but from a deeper healing or resolution, as hinted at in Isaiah 53:4-5, where the prophet speaks of a future redemption through suffering.
Reflection Questions
- How do you respond when your pain or suffering seems to have no end, and what does this verse say to you in those moments?
- Reflect on a time when talking about your problems seemed to make no difference; what did you learn from that experience, and how did you find relief?
- Consider the difference between temporary comfort and deep, lasting relief; what does this verse suggest about where true relief comes from?
- In what ways can this verse inform your approach to comforting others who are suffering, in light of Job's own reflections on how he would have liked to be treated?
Gill's Exposition on Job 16:6
Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged,.... Though he spoke to God in prayer, and entreated for some abatement of his sorrows, he got no relief; and though he spoke to himself in soliloquies, his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 16:6
Though I speak, my grief is not asswaged: and though I forbear, what am I eased? Eased - Literally, What portion of my sufferings goes from me?-not the smallest portion.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 16:6
Though I speak to God by prayer, or to you in way of discourse, I find no relief. Job having reproved his friends for their unkind carriage towards him, and aggravated it by his resolutions to have dealt more friendly with them, if they had been in his case; now he returns to his main business, to describe and aggravate his miseries, if by any means he could move his friends to pity and help him. What am I eased? or, what part or grain of my grief or misery departeth from me? I receive not one jot of ease. Neither speech nor silence do me any good.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 16:6
Job 16:6 Though I speak, my grief is not asswaged: and [though] I forbear, what am I eased?Ver. 6. Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged] Heb. If I speak; sc. to bewail my misery, or to maintain mine innocence, ye say it is good enough for me, and how can I be but wicked who am so punished? As, If I forbear, what am I eased?] Heb. What goeth from me? q.d. Ye conclude me guilty, because silent; as if I had nothing to say for myself. Some make the words to refer to God; as if Job had said, Whether I speak, or whether I forbear, God doth not come in to my help, I find no comfort from him, &c., and by the next verse it should seem that this is the right sense.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 16:6
(6) Though I speak . . .—“I cannot but reply, though to reply gives me no relief.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 16:6
Verse 6. Though I speak] But it will be of no avail thus to speak; for reprehensions of your conduct will not serve to mitigate my sufferings.
Cambridge Bible on Job 16:6
6–17. Job realizes to himself his new condition: God and men combine to pursue him with their enmity, though he is innocent of all wrong In Job 16:5 Job flung back with scorn the “comforts of God” which the friends proffered him. And now there seems to occur a pause, and the excited sufferer looks about him and realizes both the extremity of the evil in which he is held, and the new and unexpected trial, added to all others, of the judgment of men being against him. And he hardly knows whether he shall speak or be silent, so overcome is he and so unavailing to help him or make men judge truly of him are both speech and silence—if I speak my grief is not assuaged, and if I forbear what am I eased? Job 16:6. Yet this new condition in which he realizes that he is, which makes speech useless, forces him to speak, and he sets before himself in an excited soliloquy the combined enmity to him of men and God. First, Job 16:7-11, he realizes to himself the complete estrangement from him of all familiar friends; God’s enmity to him has turned men also into foes (Job 16:7-8). This combined enmity of God and men is represented under what seems the figure of a creature hunted by one great lion-like assailant, leading on a host of minor, ignobler foes. The chief adversary is first described, his rending anger, and gnashing teeth, and flashing eyes (Job 16:9); and then the pell-mell rout of baser foes that howled behind him, their open mouth and shameless gestures, and full cry after the prey, which is flung over into their hands (Job 16:10-11). Second, Job 16:12-17, then the hostility of God Himself is particularly dwelt upon in graphic figures, which express its unexpected suddenness, its violence and destructiveness.
One figure is that of a man suddenly grasped by another of overwhelming strength and tossed about and dashed to pieces (Job 16:12). Then the figure changes, and this shattered frame is set up as a mark, and God’s arrows hiss around him and split his reins and pour out his life to the ground (Job 16:13). Again the figure changes, and this body seems some fair edifice or fort which God dismantles by breach upon breach till it lies a sorrowful ruin (Job 16:14). And finally the condition of humiliation to which the sufferer is brought is described; and all this befell him though he had done no wrong (Job 16:15-17).
Barnes' Notes on Job 16:6
Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged - “But for me, it makes now no difference whether I speak or am silent. My sufferings continue.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 16:6
First division — A HIGH-WROUGHT OF JOB’S SORROWS, AND BY GOD, AND PREYED UPON BY FRIENDS, Job 16:6-17.First strophe — Destitute of friends in God or man, he is forced back upon his own lamentable
Sermons on Job 16:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God Has Not Forgotten You by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story of his daughter's battle with brain cancer and how God delivered them through their darkest moments. He also recounts a powerful |
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The Healing Power of Afflictions by David Wilkerson | This sermon focuses on the healing power of afflictions, emphasizing the importance of trusting God in times of suffering. The speaker shares personal experiences and biblical exam |
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God's Promises by Charles Anderson | Charles Anderson emphasizes God's promises and faithfulness amidst trials, sharing experiences from his recent mission trip to South America where he encountered both the challenge |
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We Must Find Our Strength Again by Carter Conlon | This sermon emphasizes finding strength in God, especially during challenging times. It highlights the power of God's presence and the need to trust in His faithfulness. The messag |
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(How to Understand the Kjv Bible) 40 Psalm 77 by Keith Simons | Keith Simons teaches on Psalm 77, emphasizing the importance of turning to God in desperate times. He explores Asaph's heartfelt cries to God during his troubles, highlighting the |
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Psalm 77 by Andrew Bonar | Andrew Bonar reflects on Psalm 77, emphasizing the deep struggles of the soul during times of darkness and despair. He illustrates Asaph's lament, where he cries out to God in his |
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Exposition on Psalm 77 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the Psalms, interpreting the congregation as those who leap over to reach Christ Jesus, emphasizing the importance of seeking God for Himself and not j |