Job 35:16
Job 35:16 in Multiple Translations
So Job opens his mouth in vain and multiplies words without knowledge.”
Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.
Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vanity; He multiplieth words without knowledge.
And Job's mouth is open wide to give out what is of no profit, increasing words without knowledge.
You, Job, are talking nonsense, making long speeches when you know nothing!”
Therfore Iob openeth his mouth in vaine, and multiplieth wordes without knowledge.
And Job [with] vanity doth open his mouth, Without knowledge words he multiplieth.
therefore Job opens his mouth with empty talk, and he multiplies words without knowledge.”
Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.
Therefore Job openeth his mouth in vain, and multiplieth words without knowledge.
You say things that are useless; you say a lot of things without knowing what you are talking about.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 35:16
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 35:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ֭/אִיּוֹב
הֶ֣בֶל
יִפְצֶה
פִּ֑י/הוּ
בִּ/בְלִי
דַ֝֗עַת
מִלִּ֥ין
יַכְבִּֽר
וְ֭/אִיּוֹב
ʼÎyôwb
H347
Job
Conj | N-proper
הֶ֣בֶל
hebel
H1892
vanity
N-ms
יִפְצֶה
pâtsâh
H6475
to open
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
פִּ֑י/הוּ
peh
H6310
lip
N-ms | Suff
בִּ/בְלִי
bᵉlîy
H1097
without
Prep | N-ms
דַ֝֗עַת
daʻath
H1847
knowledge
N-fs
מִלִּ֥ין
millâh
H4405
speech
N-fp
יַכְבִּֽר
kâbar
H3527
to multiply
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 35:16
וְ֭/אִיּוֹב
ʼÎyôwb
H347
"Job"
Conj | 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.
הֶ֣בֶל
hebel
H1892
"vanity"
N-ms
Hebel means emptiness or vanity, describing something transitory and unsatisfactory, like a breath of air. It appears in the book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon writes about life's fleeting nature. The KJV translates it as vanity or altogether.
Definition: 1) vapour, breath 1a) breath, vapour 1b) vanity (fig.) adv 2) vainly
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity. See also: Deuteronomy 32:21; Ecclesiastes 4:7; Psalms 31:7.
יִפְצֶה
pâtsâh
H6475
"to open"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to open or set free, often used to describe speaking or uttering something. It can also mean to deliver or rescue someone, and is used in various ways in the Bible.
Definition: 1) to part, open, separate, set free 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to open (mouth), utter 1a2) to snatch away, set free
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: deliver, gape, open, rid, utter. See also: Genesis 4:11; Psalms 66:14; Psalms 22:14.
פִּ֑י/הוּ
peh
H6310
"lip"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word refers to the mouth, lips, or edge of something, and can also mean a portion or side of something. It is often used to describe speech or the act of speaking. This word appears in various forms, such as mouth, lip, or edge.
Definition: : lip/mouth peh 1) mouth 1a) mouth (of man) 1b) mouth (as organ of speech) 1c) mouth (of animals) 1d) mouth, opening, orifice (of a well, river, etc) 1e) extremity, end pim 2) a weight equal to one third of a shekel, occurs only in 1Sa 13:21
Usage: Occurs in 460 OT verses. KJV: accord(-ing as, -ing to), after, appointment, assent, collar, command(-ment), [idiom] eat, edge, end, entry, [phrase] file, hole, [idiom] in, mind, mouth, part, portion, [idiom] (should) say(-ing), sentence, skirt, sound, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, tenor, [idiom] to, [phrase] two-edged, wish, word. See also: Genesis 4:11; Deuteronomy 21:17; Ezra 9:11.
בִּ/בְלִי
bᵉlîy
H1097
"without"
Prep | N-ms
This word means without or nothing, often used for negation. It appears in various forms, such as without or not yet, in the Old Testament.
Definition: subst 1) wearing out adv of negation 2) without, no, not
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: corruption, ig(norantly), for lack of, where no...is, so that no, none, not, un(awares), without. See also: Genesis 31:20; Job 38:41; Psalms 19:4.
דַ֝֗עַת
daʻath
H1847
"knowledge"
N-fs
In the Bible, daath means knowledge or understanding, like when Solomon asked God for wisdom in 1 Kings 3:9. It involves skill and perception, and is often linked to wisdom. This concept appears in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) knowledge 1a) knowledge, perception, skill 1b) discernment, understanding, wisdom
Usage: Occurs in 91 OT verses. KJV: cunning, (ig-) norantly, know(-ledge), (un-) awares (wittingly). See also: Genesis 2:9; Proverbs 14:7; Psalms 19:3.
מִלִּ֥ין
millâh
H4405
"speech"
N-fp
This Hebrew word means a word or speech, and can also refer to a topic or subject. It's used in the Bible to describe what people say or talk about.
Definition: word, speech, utterance Aramaic equivalent: mil.lah (מִלָּה "word" H4406)
Usage: Occurs in 38 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] answer, by-word, matter, any thing (what) to say, to speak(-ing), speak, talking, word. See also: 2 Samuel 23:2; Job 30:9; Psalms 19:5.
יַכְבִּֽר
kâbar
H3527
"to multiply"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To multiply means to increase or add to something, making it greater in number or quantity, as seen in Genesis with God's command to multiply and fill the earth.
Definition: 1) to be much, be many, be in abundance, intertwine, multiply 1a) (Hiphil) to make many, make great
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: in abundance, multiply. See also: Job 35:16.
Study Notes — Job 35:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 35:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 35:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 35:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 35:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 35:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 35:16
- Cambridge Bible on Job 35:16
- Barnes' Notes on Job 35:16
- Sermons on Job 35:16
Context — Elihu Recalls God’s Justice
14How much less, then, when you say that you do not see Him, that your case is before Him and you must wait for Him,
15and further, that in His anger He has not punished or taken much notice of folly!
16So Job opens his mouth in vain and multiplies words without knowledge.”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 38:2 | “Who is this who obscures My counsel by words without knowledge? |
| 2 | Job 33:8–12 | Surely you have spoken in my hearing, and I have heard these very words: ‘I am pure, without transgression; I am clean, with no iniquity in me. Yet God finds occasions against me; He counts me as His enemy. He puts my feet in the stocks; He watches over all my paths.’ Behold, you are not right in this matter. I will answer you, for God is greater than man. |
| 3 | Job 34:35–37 | ‘Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.’ If only Job were tried to the utmost for answering like a wicked man. For he adds rebellion to his sin; he claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God.” |
| 4 | Job 3:1 | After this, Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth. |
| 5 | Job 33:2 | Behold, I will open my mouth; my address is on the tip of my tongue. |
Job 35:16 Summary
[This verse is saying that Job is talking a lot, but not really saying anything meaningful or helpful, which is a reminder to us to be thoughtful and intentional with our words, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29. We should strive to speak with kindness, wisdom, and understanding, rather than just speaking to hear ourselves talk. By being mindful of our words and seeking to understand others, we can build stronger relationships and communicate more effectively, as seen in Proverbs 16:24.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to 'open one's mouth in vain' as mentioned in Job 35:16?
This phrase suggests speaking without purpose or effect, similar to what is warned against in Proverbs 10:32, where it is written that the lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, implying that our words should be thoughtful and meaningful.
How can we avoid 'multiplying words without knowledge' like Job did?
To avoid speaking without knowledge, we must be mindful of our words, as advised in James 1:19, where it is written to be quick to listen and slow to speak, ensuring our words are informed and edifying, rather than empty and divisive.
Is Job 35:16 criticizing Job for speaking at all, or is there a specific issue with what he is saying?
The criticism here is not that Job is speaking, but that his words lack knowledge and understanding, as also seen in Hosea 4:6, where it is written that God's people are destroyed for lack of knowledge, emphasizing the importance of speaking from a place of wisdom and insight.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of Job's story and his conversations with his friends?
This verse highlights the frustration and misunderstanding between Job and his friends, as seen in Job 32:3, where Elihu is grieved because Job's friends had not answered him, showing that the issue is not just what Job says, but also how his friends respond to him, lacking the knowledge and empathy needed to truly help him in his time of need.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times when I have spoken without thinking, and how can I learn from those experiences to be more mindful of my words?
- How can I balance the need to express my thoughts and feelings with the importance of speaking with knowledge and wisdom, as seen in this verse and others like Psalm 37:30?
- In what ways can I seek to understand and empathize with others, rather than simply responding with my own words and perspectives, as Job's friends failed to do?
- What role does humility play in our speech, and how can we cultivate humility in our conversations, especially when discussing difficult or contentious topics, as seen in Micah 6:8?
Gill's Exposition on Job 35:16
Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain,.... In uttering such unbecoming expressions, observed, and refuted, in his loud complaints of God, and of his dealings with him, and in defence of himself;
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 35:16
Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge. Apodosis to 15. In vain - rashly. Remarks: (1) God can have no possible inducement to act with injustice in His dealings toward us.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 35:16
Therefore; hence it is manifest. Open his mouth in vain, i.e. pour forth his complaints without any success, and gets no ease by them. He multiplieth words without knowledge, thereby discovering his ignorance of God and of himself.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 35:16
Job 35:16 Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.Ver. 16. Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain] Dilatat, divaricat, rictum diducit ut bellua. An open mouth is oft a purgatory to the master; digito compesce labellum. He multiplieth words without knowledge] Eliphaz had charged Job with malice and blasphemy, Job 22:1-30 Elihu, only with vanity and ignorance. We may not make the worst of things, but give a favourable interpretation.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 35:16
Verse 16. Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain] God will execute vengeance when it may best serve the ends of his justice, providence, and mercy. The delay of judgment is not proof that it shall not be executed; nor is the deferring of mercy any proof that God has forgotten to be gracious. He multiplieth words without knowledge] However this may apply to Job, it most certainly applies very strongly and generally to the words, not only of Job's three friends, but to those also of Elihu himself. The contest is frequently a strife of words.
Cambridge Bible on Job 35:16
14–16. The interpretation and connexion of these verses is difficult. Job 35:14 might carry on the idea of Job 35:13, 13. Surely God will not hear vanity, Neither will the Almighty regard it; 14. Much less when thou sayest, Thou seest him not, The cause is before him and thou waitest for him. God refuses to answer the cry which is vanity, not the voice of true religious trust; much less will He hear one who like Job complains that he cannot see Him (ch. Job 23:8 and often), who misses His righteous government in the world and charges Him with refusing to receive his just appeal (ch. Job 13:18 seq., Job 23:3, Job 31:35 seq.). There are objections to this interpretation, such as that much less when is not a natural translation of the words in Job 35:14, though in the elliptical and rather strained style of Elihu this might not go for much. Or, Job 35:14 might stand apart from Job 35:13, Yea, when thou sayest, Thou seest him not, The cause is before him; therefore wait thou for him. the meaning being that though God appears indifferent to the cry of the distressed (Job 35:9; Job 35:12) He is not unaware of the evil, the cause has come before Him, or, His judgment upon it is determined, and therefore He is to be waited for till He manifest Himself by His just interposition.
Though the second person thou be used, Job’s own case does not appear to be referred to; Elihu speaks generally, and Job is merely addressed as an example of persons who complain of God’s indifference to wrong-doing.
Barnes' Notes on Job 35:16
Therefore - In view of all that Elihu had now said, be came to the conclusion that the views of Job were erroneous, and that he had no just cause of complaint.
Sermons on Job 35:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God No Longer Winks at Unbelief by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God and having a hunger for His word. He highlights that salvation is only possible through the work of the Holy S |
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Elihu's Exhortation on God's Dealings With Man by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the power and awesomeness of God as seen in the forces of nature, particularly in a lightning storm. He emphasizes how small and helple |
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Studies in Job-03 Job-3 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Job and explores the theme of God's sovereignty and power. The sermon begins by highlighting God's role as the creator of the un |
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Why Is My Pain Unending? by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks addresses the question of unending pain and suffering, emphasizing that while God has reasons for His actions, He is not obligated to reveal them to us. He warns agai |
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Encouragement by Manley Beasley | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job and how he faced hard times. Job's friends initially provided comfort by simply being present, but they made things worse wh |
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(Through the Bible) Job 1-4 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job from the Bible. Job was a man who experienced extreme loss and suffering, losing his wealth, possessions, and even his child |
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Our Daily Homily - Job by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of Job, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against temptation during times of festivity and the necessity of prayer and intercession for loved |