Job 20:2
Job 20:2 in Multiple Translations
“So my anxious thoughts compel me to answer, because of the turmoil within me.
Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste.
Therefore do my thoughts give answer to me, Even by reason of my haste that is in me.
For this cause my thoughts are troubling me and driving me on.
“I'm forced to reply because I'm really upset!
Doubtlesse my thoughts cause me to answere, and therefore I make haste.
Therefore my thoughts cause me to answer, And because of my sensations in me.
“Therefore my thoughts answer me, even by reason of my haste that is in me.
Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste.
Therefore various thoughts succeed one another in me, and my mind is hurried away to different things.
“I am very perturbed about what you have said, so I want to reply very quickly.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 20:2
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 20:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
לָ֭/כֵן
שְׂעִפַּ֣/י
יְשִׁיב֑וּ/נִי
וּ֝/בַ/עֲב֗וּר
ח֣וּשִׁ/י
בִֽ/י
לָ֭/כֵן
kên
H3651
right
Prep | Adv
שְׂעִפַּ֣/י
çâʻiph
H5587
division
N-mp | Suff
יְשִׁיב֑וּ/נִי
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff
וּ֝/בַ/עֲב֗וּר
ʻâbûwr
H5668
for the sake of
Conj | Prep | Prep
ח֣וּשִׁ/י
chûwsh
H2363
to hasten
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
בִֽ/י
Prep | Suff
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 20:2
לָ֭/כֵן
kên
H3651
"right"
Prep | Adv
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
שְׂעִפַּ֣/י
çâʻiph
H5587
"division"
N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means a divided mind or sentiment, like having mixed opinions. It appears in the Bible as a feeling of disquiet or uncertainty. In the KJV, it's translated as 'opinion'.
Definition: ambivalence, division, divided opinion
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: opinion. See also: 1 Kings 18:21; Job 4:13; Job 20:2.
יְשִׁיב֑וּ/נִי
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
וּ֝/בַ/עֲב֗וּר
ʻâbûwr
H5668
"for the sake of"
Conj | Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means for the sake of or because of something, like in Genesis when God acts on account of his people's needs. It shows a reason or purpose behind an action. The KJV often translates it as because of or for someone's sake.
Definition: prep 1) for the sake of, on account of, because of, in order to conj 2) in order that
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: because of, for (...'s sake), (intent) that, to. See also: Genesis 3:17; 2 Samuel 5:12; Psalms 105:45.
ח֣וּשִׁ/י
chûwsh
H2363
"to hasten"
V-Qal-Inf-a | Suff
The Hebrew word for to hurry or be eager with excitement, often translated as to make haste. It can also mean to enjoy or feel something, conveying a sense of enthusiasm or readiness. This word is used in various contexts, including when someone is preparing for action.
Definition: 1) to haste, make haste, hurry 1a) (Qal) to make haste 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to show haste, act quickly, hasten, come quickly
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: (make) haste(-n), ready. See also: Numbers 32:17; Psalms 70:2; Psalms 22:20.
בִֽ/י
""
Prep | Suff
Study Notes — Job 20:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 20:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 20:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 20:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 20:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 20:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 20:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 20:2
- Cambridge Bible on Job 20:2
- Barnes' Notes on Job 20:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 20:2
- Sermons on Job 20:2
Context — Zophar: Destruction Awaits the Wicked
1Then Zophar the Naamathite replied:
2“So my anxious thoughts compel me to answer, because of the turmoil within me.
3I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply. 4Do you not know that from antiquity, since man was placed on the earth,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 14:29 | A patient man has great understanding, but a quick-tempered man promotes folly. |
| 2 | Psalms 31:22 | In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from Your sight!” But You heard my plea for mercy when I called to You for help. |
| 3 | Job 20:3 | I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 7:9 | Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool. |
| 5 | Job 13:19 | Can anyone indict me? If so, I will be silent and die. |
| 6 | Mark 6:25 | At once the girl hurried back to the king with her request: “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.” |
| 7 | Psalms 39:2–3 | I was speechless and still; I remained silent, even from speaking good, and my sorrow was stirred. My heart grew hot within me; as I mused, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue: |
| 8 | Jeremiah 20:9 | If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail. |
| 9 | Romans 10:2 | For I testify about them that they are zealous for God, but not on the basis of knowledge. |
| 10 | James 1:19 | My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, |
Job 20:2 Summary
This verse shows us that Zophar is feeling anxious and upset, and these emotions are driving him to respond to Job. Sometimes we can feel the same way, but the Bible teaches us to trust in God and respond out of peace, rather than reacting impulsively to our emotions (Philippians 4:6-7). By taking a step back and seeking God's wisdom, we can learn to respond in a way that honors Him, even in difficult situations (Proverbs 15:28). This requires self-control and a deep trust in God's goodness and sovereignty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is driving Zophar to respond to Job in this verse?
Zophar's anxious thoughts and turmoil within him are compelling him to answer, as seen in Job 20:2, similar to how the Psalmist's emotions drove him to cry out to God in Psalms 42:5.
Is it ever okay to respond out of anxiety or turmoil?
While it's understandable to feel anxious or turbulent, the Bible encourages believers to respond out of a place of peace and trust in God, as seen in Philippians 4:6-7, rather than reacting impulsively to emotions.
How does this verse relate to the concept of self-control?
This verse highlights the importance of self-control, as Zophar is allowing his anxious thoughts to dictate his response, whereas the Bible teaches believers to be slow to speak and quick to listen, as seen in James 1:19.
What can we learn from Zophar's example in this verse?
We can learn the importance of examining our motivations and emotions before responding to a situation, and seeking to respond in a way that honors God, as encouraged in Proverbs 15:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some situations in my life where I feel compelled to respond out of anxiety or turmoil, and how can I seek to respond in a more godly way?
- How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God, so that I'm not driven by my emotions, but rather by His peace and wisdom?
- What are some practical ways I can practice self-control in my daily life, especially in situations where I feel anxious or upset?
- How can I balance the need to respond to a situation with the need to take time to reflect and seek God's wisdom, as seen in Psalms 119:25?
Gill's Exposition on Job 20:2
Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer,.... Or "to return" (a) and appear upon the stage again, and enter the lists once more with his antagonist; he suggests as if he had intended to have said
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 20:2
Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste. Therefore - the more excited I feel by Job's speech, the more, for that very reason, shall my reply be supplied by my calm consideration.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 20:2
Therefore; for this thy severe sentence and denunciation of God’ s judgments against us, , which much more justly belongs to thyself and is actually executed upon thee; and because of thy reproaches, as it followeth, . My thoughts cause me to answer: I thought to have troubled myself and thee with no further discourses, considering how exceptious and incorrigible thou art; but my thoughts or consideration of thy reproachful words force me to break silence, and to answer thee as the matter requires. For this I make haste; I speak sooner than I intended, because I am not able to contain myself longer, and fear lest I should forget what is in my mind. Possibly he interrupted Job when he was proceeding further in his discourse; or he prevented some of his brethren who made an offer to speak.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 20:2
Job 20:2 Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for [this] I make haste.Ver. 2. Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer] q.d. Whereas I had thought, O Job, to have spoke no more to thee (for I see I do but lose my sweet words), thy last comminatory expressions have altered my resolution. So nettled I am that I must needs interrupt thee. And yet think not that I shall speak whatsoever lieth uppermost; for I have dipped and dyed my words in my thoughts, which do now prompt me what to answer, and bid me make haste. And for this I make haste] Lest I should forget the particulars of thy speech, whereto I am to answer. Munster rendereth it thus, Et ob id promptitudo mea est intra me, as if Zophar had boasted of his ready elocution, as in the next verse of his ripe understanding. Some render it, For this I delight in answering (Lavat.).
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 20:2
(2) Therefore.—That is, because of the eagerness that is in him. His spirit is stirred in him, and impels him to reply.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 20:2
Verse 2. Therefore do my thoughts] It has already been observed that Zophar was the most inveterate of all Job's enemies, for we really must cease to call them friends. He sets no bounds to his invective, and outrages every rule of charity. A man of such a bitter spirit must have been, in general, very unhappy. With him Job is, by insinuation, every thing that is base, vile, and hypocritical. Mr. Good translates this verse thus: "Whither would my tumult transport me? And how far my agitation within me?" This is all the modesty that appears in Zophar's discourse. He acknowledges that he is pressed by the impetuosity of his spirit to reply to Job's self-vindication. The original is variously translated, but the sense is as above.
For this I make haste.] ובעבור חושי בי ubaabur chushi bi, there is sensibility in me, and my feelings provoke me to reply.
Cambridge Bible on Job 20:2
2, 3. Zophar is roused to indignation by Job’s perverse blindness to unalterable principles experienced since the world was. The verses should perhaps read, 2. Therefore do my thoughts make answer to me, And because of this have I haste within me: 3. I hear the rebuke that putteth me to shame— But the spirit out of my understanding answereth me. The words “therefore” and “because of this” refer to the first clause of Job 20:3.—I hear the rebuke that puts me to shame (i. e. Job’s last words), therefore do my thoughts make answer to me, and because of this have I inward haste, i. e. strong feeling. The speaker means that he feels driven to answer Job by the exasperating words of the latter, but he distinguishes between himself and his thoughts and speaks of them answering him. So (Job 20:3) his “spirit” answers him, drawing the answer out of his “understanding.” The answer furnished to Zophar by his spirit follows Job 20:4 seq. The last words of Job 20:2 are lit. “is my haste within me;” cf. their cord in them, Job 4:21, my help within me, Job 6:13.
The word “check” in A. V. Job 20:3 means reproof; “Now, by my life, Old fools are babes again; and must be used With checks, as flatteries.” Lear, 1. 3. “Check’d like a bondman; all his faults observed.” J. Caesar, IV. 3.
Barnes' Notes on Job 20:2
Therefore - לכן lākên, “certainly, truly.” In view of what has been just said. Or perhaps the word means merely certainly, truly. Do my thoughts cause me to answer - This is variously rendered.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 20:2
The Introduction announces the theme of the following discourse. THE JUBILEE OF THE WICKED IS ONLY OF SHORT , Job 20:2-5.2.
Sermons on Job 20:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Basics) 67. Anger by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the destructive nature of anger and how it gives the devil an opportunity in our lives. He refers to the Bible verse in Ephesians 4:26-27, w |
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Outline of Job: Wrong Questions, Wrong Assumptions by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the speaker discusses three debates that occur in the book of Job. The first debate, chapters four to 14, is described as "hot" with strong words being spoken. The |
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Foundations for Marriage by George Verwer | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of communication and learning in marriage. They emphasize that many of the principles for a successful marriage can also be app |
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Chosen Vessel - Surviving Opposition From Within by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not acting out of anger. He shares a story about Plato and his servant to illustrate the need for self-reflection and wise |
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How to Be Good and Mad by Richard Sipley | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the topic of being both good and mad. He shares a personal story about a man he knew who had a terrible temper and was always angry. Despite t |
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The Tongue! by Keith Daniel | This sermon emphasizes the importance of seeking God's grace to keep silent in the face of opposition, especially within the home, to avoid losing relationships due to impulsive re |
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Imptaitnce Is a Soul-Destroying, God-Discouraging, and Devil-Begotten Spirit by Milton Haney | Milton Haney preaches about the dangers of impatience, emphasizing that even holy individuals can fall into sin due to impatience, which can lead to a loss of sanctification. He hi |