Job 21:4
Job 21:4 in Multiple Translations
Is my complaint against a man? Then why should I not be impatient?
As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?
As for me, is my complaint to man? And why should I not be impatient?
As for me, is my outcry against man? is it then to be wondered at if my spirit is troubled?
Am I complaining against people? Of course not. Why shouldn't I be impatient?
Doe I direct my talke to man? If it were so, how should not my spirit be troubled?
I — to man [is] my complaint? and if [so], wherefore May not my temper become short?
As for me, is my complaint to man? Why shouldn’t I be impatient?
As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so , why should not my spirit be troubled?
Is my debate against man, that I should not have just reason to be troubled?
“It is certainly not [RHQ] people against whom I am complaining, but God And it is certainly [RHQ] right for me to be impatient!
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 21:4
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 21:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֶ֭/אָנֹכִי
לְ/אָדָ֣ם
שִׂיחִ֑/י
וְ/אִם
מַ֝דּ֗וּעַ
לֹא
תִקְצַ֥ר
רוּחִֽ/י
הֶ֭/אָנֹכִי
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Part | Pron
לְ/אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
Prep | N-ms
שִׂיחִ֑/י
sîyach
H7879
complaint
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj | Conj
מַ֝דּ֗וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
why?
Part
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תִקְצַ֥ר
qâtsar
H7114
be short
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
רוּחִֽ/י
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs | 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 21:4
הֶ֭/אָנֹכִי
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Part | Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
לְ/אָדָ֣ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
Prep | N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
שִׂיחִ֑/י
sîyach
H7879
"complaint"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this word refers to a complaint or a thought that someone expresses, like a prayer or a concern, often used in the Psalms to describe the writer's emotions.
Definition: 1) meditation, complaint, musing 1a) plaint, complaint 1b) following are uncertain 1b1) musing 1b2) anxiety, trouble 1b3) talk
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: babbling, communication, complaint, meditation, prayer, talk. See also: 1 Samuel 1:16; Job 23:2; Psalms 55:3.
וְ/אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj | 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.
מַ֝דּ֗וּעַ
maddûwaʻ
H4069
"why?"
Part
This Hebrew word is used to ask questions like why or how, seeking to understand the reason behind something. It appears in various forms in the Bible, often in contexts of inquiry or curiosity.
Definition: why?, on what account?, wherefore?
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: how, wherefore, why. See also: Genesis 26:27; 2 Kings 8:12; Isaiah 5:4.
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.
תִקְצַ֥ר
qâtsar
H7114
"be short"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to reap or harvest, like cutting down grain or grass. It is used in the Bible to describe the act of harvesting, and also to describe being discouraged or grieved.
Definition: 1) to be short, be impatient, be vexed, be grieved 1a) (Qal) to be short 1b) (Piel) to shorten 1c) (Hiphil) to shorten
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cut down, much discouraged, grieve, harvestman, lothe, mourn, reap(-er), (be, wax) short(-en, -er), straiten, trouble, vex. See also: Leviticus 19:9; Job 24:6; Psalms 89:46.
רוּחִֽ/י
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs | Suff
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.
Study Notes — Job 21:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 21:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 21:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:4
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 21:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:4
- Cambridge Bible on Job 21:4
- Barnes' Notes on Job 21:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:4
- Sermons on Job 21:4
Context — Job: God Will Punish the Wicked
2“Listen carefully to my words; let this be your consolation to me.
3Bear with me while I speak; then, after I have spoken, you may go on mocking.
4Is my complaint against a man? Then why should I not be impatient?
5Look at me and be appalled; put your hand over your mouth. 6When I remember, terror takes hold, and my body trembles in horror.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 102:1 | Hear my prayer, O LORD; let my cry for help come before You. |
| 2 | Psalms 42:11 | Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God. |
| 3 | Psalms 142:2–3 | I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him. Although my spirit grows faint within me, You know my way. Along the path I travel they have hidden a snare for me. |
| 4 | Psalms 22:1–3 | My God, my God, why have You forsaken me? Why are You so far from saving me, so far from my words of groaning? I cry out by day, O my God, but You do not answer, and by night, but I have no rest. Yet You are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel. |
| 5 | 1 Samuel 1:16 | Do not take your servant for a wicked woman; for all this time I have been praying out of the depth of my anguish and grief.” |
| 6 | Psalms 77:3–9 | 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 |
| 7 | Job 10:1–2 | “I loathe my own life; I will express my complaint and speak in the bitterness of my soul. I will say to God: Do not condemn me! Let me know why You prosecute me. |
| 8 | Exodus 6:9 | Moses relayed this message to the Israelites, but on account of their broken spirit and cruel bondage, they did not listen to him. |
| 9 | Matthew 26:38 | Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.” |
| 10 | Job 7:11–21 | Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. Am I the sea, or the monster of the deep, that You must keep me under guard? When I think my bed will comfort me and my couch will ease my complaint, then You frighten me with dreams and terrify me with visions, so that I would prefer strangling and death over my life in this body. I loathe my life! I would not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath. What is man that You should exalt him, that You should set Your heart upon him, that You attend to him every morning, and test him every moment? Will You never look away from me, or leave me alone to swallow my spittle? If I have sinned, what have I done to You, O watcher of mankind? Why have You made me Your target, so that I am a burden to You ? Why do You not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For soon I will lie down in the dust; You will seek me, but I will be no more.” |
Job 21:4 Summary
In this verse, Job is expressing his frustration and impatience with the suffering and injustice he is experiencing, and he is wondering why he should not feel this way, as seen in Job 21:4. He is not complaining against a person, but rather against the circumstances that God has allowed in his life, similar to the feelings expressed in Psalms 73:2-3. This verse reminds us that it is okay to express our emotions and frustrations to God honestly, as seen in Psalms 42:1-2, and that He can handle our questions and doubts, as encouraged in Matthew 7:7-8. By being honest with God about our feelings, we can begin to process and work through them, and find comfort and guidance in His presence, as promised in Hebrews 4:16.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Job's complaint in this verse?
Job's complaint is not against a man, but rather against the suffering and injustice he is experiencing, as seen in Job 21:4, and he is wondering why he should not be impatient given his circumstances, similar to the frustrations expressed in Psalms 13:1-2
Why is Job feeling impatient?
Job is feeling impatient because he feels that God is not answering his questions or providing him with the justice he deserves, as expressed in Job 19:7, and this feeling of frustration is intensified by his friends' lack of understanding, as seen in Job 16:2
Is Job's impatience a sin?
While impatience can be a sin, in Job's case, it is more a expression of his deep emotional pain and frustration, as seen in Job 21:4, and it is not necessarily a rebellion against God, but rather a cry for help and understanding, similar to the psalmist's cry in Psalms 38:9
How can we relate to Job's feelings in this verse?
We can all relate to feeling impatient and frustrated when we face difficulties and injustices, as seen in Job 21:4, and Job's expression of these feelings can help us process our own emotions and turn to God for comfort and guidance, as encouraged in Philippians 4:6-7
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I feel like I am suffering unjustly, and how can I bring these concerns to God in prayer?
- How do I respond when I feel like God is not answering my questions or providing me with the justice I deserve, and what can I learn from Job's example in this verse?
- In what ways can I, like Job, express my emotions and frustrations to God honestly and authentically, without fearing judgment or rejection, as seen in Psalms 62:8
- What are some ways that I can cultivate patience and trust in God's sovereignty, even when I do not understand what is happening in my life, as encouraged in Proverbs 3:5-6
Gill's Exposition on Job 21:4
As for me, [is] my complaint to man?.... Job had been complaining, and still was, and continued to do so after this, but not to them, his friends, nor any other man; his complaint was made to God,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:4
As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:4
To man; or, of man; for the prefix lamed commonly signifieth both to and of. And this question implies a denial, or that his complaint is not to or of man, to wit, only, but to or of God; as is here sufficiently implied, and oft elsewhere expressed by Job in this book. So the sense seems to be either, 1. This, I do not make my moan or complaint unto, or expect relief from, you, or from any men, but from God only; and therefore you have reason patiently to hear me when I am pouring forth my complaints to God. Or rather, 2. This, Do I only complain, or have I reason to complain, only of you and your unmerciful carriage to me; or of men who have dealt barbarously with me? Job 1 Job 30:1,9, &c. Surely no; but, my complaint is of God, and of his hard and severe dealing with me. It is he who hath alienated my friends’ affections from me, and stirred up mine enemies against me. And though it hath been my chief care and business to please and serve him, yet he hath also set himself against me, and shot all his arrows into me.
And therefore my expostulation with him is the more reasonable; and if you will hear me calmly and patiently, you will find that I have cause of complaining. If it were so, i.e. if my complaint were only of man, I have cause to be troubled. Or, if it be so, i.e. if I do not complain of man, but of God, it is no wonder if my spirit be greatly oppressed; and you ought to allow me the liberty of easing my troubled mind, and modestly pleading my cause before God. Be troubled, Heb. be shortened, or straitened, i.e. either grieved or vexed, as this word signifies, 16:16 The heart is enlarged by joy, and contracted by sorrow; as appears by philosophy and experience.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:4
Job 21:4 As for me, [is] my complaint to man? and if [it were so], why should not my spirit be troubled?Ver. 4. As for me, is my complaint to man?] Vult dicere, saith Lavater, Job’ s meaning is, that he complained not to man, but to God himself, who well knew his heart and his innocence, though men misjudged him. And this being so, how could he be otherwise than anxious and solicitous, since if a man be but to speak to an earthly prince, he will be afraid? It is said of Charles V, emperor, that he spake more to God than to men. Job did so, it seemeth; and this he allegeth to the shame of his hard hearted friends, who put him to it in this way.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 21:4
(4) Is my complaint to man?—“It is not to man that I complain. I do not ask for your sympathy, and, therefore, why should ye resent an offence that is not given? If, however, I did ask it, might not my spirit with good reason be impatient? But, on the contrary, my complaint is to God; and, concerning the ways of God, I venture to ask why it is that His justice is so tardy; and this is a problem which when I remember it I am troubled, and horror taketh hold on my flesh, so difficult and arduous is it.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:4
Verse 4. As for me] האנכי heanochi, "Alas for me!" Is it not with a man that I speak? And, if this be the case, why should not my spirit be troubled? I do not reply against my Maker: I suffer much from God and man; why then may I not have the privilege of complaining to creatures like myself?
Cambridge Bible on Job 21:4
4. is my complaint to man] Rather, of, or, concerning man. The whole first clause means, Is my complaint about man? my emphatic. The words may express a reason for their listening to him, it is not of them nor of men at all that he complains; it is of another, and of a moral riddle and evil that may well excuse his impatience. And if it were so … troubled] Rather, or wherefore should I not be impatient? lit. should not my spirit be short?
Barnes' Notes on Job 21:4
As for me, is my complaint to man? - There is some difficulty in the interpretation of this verse, and considerable variety of explanation may be seen among expositors. The “object” of the verse is plain.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:4
4. To man — To in the sense of concerning. His complaint is not in regard to man, but God, the superhuman source of his woe. Troubled — Literally, shortened — the Hebrew phrase for impatient.
Sermons on Job 21:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Gods Will by Kathryn Kuhlman | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not being governed by our feelings but by the unchanging word of God. He highlights how people's feelings can fluctuate ba |
|
Loneliness by Carter Conlon | This sermon delves into the topic of loneliness, exploring the common experience of feeling isolated and forgotten. It emphasizes the need to put loneliness to work in the kingdom |
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God's Unfailing Word by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Brian begins by reading from Psalm 102, where the psalmist cries out to God in distress. The psalmist describes feeling alone, oppressed by enemies, and cons |
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Exposition on Psalm 103 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the importance of blessing the Lord with all that is within us, not just with our voices but with our hearts and souls, continuously praising God in ev |
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Psalm 102 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches about the extreme anguish of the soul trembling under God's displeasure, pouring out complaints and finding hope only in God's unchanging love. The sermon emphas |
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Your Passion for God by Gbile Akanni | In this sermon, the preacher shares his personal experience of longing for something more in his preaching and his relationship with God. He expresses a dissatisfaction with just g |
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Do You Really Trust God by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the speaker begins by praying for a quickening of the body, spirit, and mind to deliver the word of God effectively. He emphasizes the importance of surrendering to |