Job 21:1
Job 21:1 in Multiple Translations
Then Job answered:
But Job answered and said,
Then Job answered and said,
Then Job made answer and said,
Job replied,
Bvt Iob answered, and sayd,
And Job answereth and saith: —
Then Job answered,
But Job answered and said,
Then Job answered, and said:
Then Job replied,
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 21:1
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 21:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֥עַן
אִיּ֗וֹב
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
וַ/יַּ֥עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אִיּ֗וֹב
ʼÎyôwb
H347
Job
N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Job 21:1
וַ/יַּ֥עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
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.
אִיּ֗וֹב
ʼÎyôwb
H347
"Job"
N-proper
Job was a patriarch famous for his patience and is the subject of the book of Job, which explores his struggles and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Job.1.1 Also named: Iōb (Ἰώβ "Job" G2492) § Job = "hated" a patriarch, the subject of the book of Job
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Job. See also: Job 1:1; Job 32:3; Ezekiel 14:20.
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Study Notes — Job 21:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Job: God Will Punish the Wicked
Job 21:1 Summary
In this verse, Job is responding to his friends and asking them to listen to what he has to say. He wants them to hear him out and offer some comfort, as we see in Job 21:2-3. This is similar to how we might feel when we're going through a tough time and just want someone to listen to us, like the Psalmist in Psalms 61:1-2. By asking his friends to listen, Job is showing us the importance of communication and empathy in our relationships, as also seen in Proverbs 17:17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of Job answering in this verse?
Job's response indicates that he is about to share his thoughts and feelings with his friends, as seen in the following verses, Job 21:2-3, where he asks them to listen carefully to his words and bear with him while he speaks, similar to how the Psalmist expresses his desire to be heard in Psalms 55:2.
Is Job being defensive or aggressive in his response?
The tone of Job's response seems to be more defensive and pleading, as he asks his friends to listen to him and offer consolation, reminiscent of how the Apostle Paul asks the Romans to bear with him in his weakness, as seen in Romans 6:1-2.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Job?
This verse marks a turning point in the book of Job, as Job begins to respond to his friends' accusations and misconceptions about his suffering, similar to how Jesus responds to the Pharisees' questions in the Gospel of Matthew 22:23-46.
What can we learn from Job's approach to his friends in this verse?
We can learn the importance of active listening and open communication in our relationships, as Job asks his friends to listen carefully to his words, echoing the wisdom found in Proverbs 1:5 and James 1:19-20.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times when I have felt the need to be heard and understood by others, like Job in this verse?
- How can I apply Job's approach to my own relationships, by asking others to listen carefully to my words and bear with me while I speak?
- What are some ways that I can offer consolation and support to those who are suffering, as Job asks of his friends in this verse?
- How can I balance the need to express my own thoughts and feelings with the need to listen to and consider the perspectives of others, as seen in Job 21:1-3?
Gill's Exposition on Job 21:1
But Job answered and said. In reply to what Zophar had asserted, concerning the prosperity of the wicked being only for a short time, Job 20:5; the contrary to which he most clearly proves, and that
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:1
But Job answered and said, No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:1
Job 21:1 But Job answered and said,Ver. 1. But Job answered and said] Disproving and refuting that proposition of theirs concerning the infelicity of the ungodly by reason, by experience, and by divine authority; all which evince and evidence that neither is prosperity a proof of men’ s innocence, nor adversity a mark of their wickedness, as Zophar and his fellows would have it. And that they might not any more interrupt him, nor think him too rough, he useth a gentle preface, craving attention, and pressing them thereunto by many arguments in the first six verses.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 21:1
XXI.(1) But Job answered.—Having, in Job 19, declared his belief in a retribution to come, Job now proceeds to traverse more directly Zophar’s last contention, and to show that even in this life there is not the retribution which he maintained there was.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:1
CHAPTER XXI Job expresses himself as puzzled by the dispensations of Divine Providence, because of the unequal distribution of temporal goods; he shows that wicked men often live long, prosper in their families, in their flocks, and in all their substance, and yet live in defiance of God and sacred things, 1-16. At other times their prosperity is suddenly blasted, and they and their families come to ruin, 17-21. God, however, is too wise to err; and he deals out various lots to all according to his wisdom: some come sooner, others later, to the grave: the strong and the weak, the prince and the peasant, come to a similar end in this life; but the wicked are reserved for a day of wrath, 22-33. He charges his friends with falsehood in their pretended attempts to comfort him, 34. NOTES ON CHAP. XXI
Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:1
JOB’S SIXTH REPLY.1. But Job answered — The friends have to the last adhered to their main proposition, that the wicked are punished in this life.