Job 37:20
Job 37:20 in Multiple Translations
Should He be told that I want to speak? Would a man ask to be swallowed up ?
Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.
Shall it be told him that I would speak? Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up?
How may he have knowledge of my desire for talk with him? or did any man ever say, May destruction come on me?
Should God be told that I want to speak? Anyone who wanted to would be destroyed!
Shall it be told him when I speake? or shall man speake when he shalbe destroyed?
Is it declared to Him that I speak? If a man hath spoken, surely he is swallowed up.
Will it be told him that I would speak? Or should a man wish that he were swallowed up?
Shall it be told him that I speak? If a man shall speak, surely he will be swallowed up.
Who shall tell him the things I speak? even if a man shall speak, he shall be swallowed up.
Should I tell God that I want to speak to him? No, because if I did that, he might destroy me.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 37:20
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 37:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַֽ/יְסֻפַּר
ל֭/וֹ
כִּ֣י
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר
אִֽם
אָ֥מַר
אִ֝֗ישׁ
כִּ֣י
יְבֻלָּֽע
הַֽ/יְסֻפַּר
çâphar
H5608
to recount
Part | V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
ל֭/וֹ
Prep | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-1cs
אִֽם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
אָ֥מַר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
אִ֝֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יְבֻלָּֽע
bâlaʻ
H1104
to swallow up
V-Pual-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 37:20
הַֽ/יְסֻפַּר
çâphar
H5608
"to recount"
Part | V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
This word refers to a scribe or secretary who records or inscribes information. It is used in the Bible to describe someone who counts or enumerates things. The KJV translates it as 'scribe, tell, writer'.
Definition: v 1) to count, recount, relate 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to count (things) 1a2) to number, take account of, reckon 1b) (Niphal) to be counted, be numbered 1c) (Piel) to recount, rehearse, declare 1c1) to recount (something), rehearse 1c2) to talk 1c3) to count exactly or accurately 1d) (Pual) to be recounted, be rehearsed, be related
Usage: Occurs in 154 OT verses. KJV: commune, (ac-) count; declare, number, [phrase] penknife, reckon, scribe, shew forth, speak, talk, tell (out), writer. See also: Genesis 15:5; Esther 8:9; Psalms 2:7.
ל֭/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-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.
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.
אָ֥מַר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Perf-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.
אִ֝֗ישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יְבֻלָּֽע
bâlaʻ
H1104
"to swallow up"
V-Pual-Imperf-3ms
This word means to swallow or destroy something completely. It can be used to describe something being eaten up or destroyed, like in a natural disaster or a strong storm. The Bible uses it to convey total destruction.
Definition: 1) to swallow down, swallow up, engulf, eat up 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to swallow down 1a2) to swallow up, engulf 1b) (Niphal) to be swallowed up 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to swallow 1c2) to swallow up, engulf 1c3) squandering (fig.) 1d) (Pual) to be swallowed up 1e) (Hithpael) to be ended
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: cover, destroy, devour, eat up, be at end, spend up, swallow down (up). See also: Genesis 41:7; Psalms 106:17; Psalms 21:10.
Study Notes — Job 37:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 37:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 37:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 37:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 37:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 37:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 37:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 37:20
- Cambridge Bible on Job 37:20
- Barnes' Notes on Job 37:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 37:20
- Sermons on Job 37:20
Context — Elihu Proclaims God’s Majesty
18can you, like Him, spread out the skies, as strong as a mirror of bronze?
19Teach us what we should say to Him; we cannot draw up our case because of our darkness.
20Should He be told that I want to speak? Would a man ask to be swallowed up ?
21Now no one can gaze at the sun when it is bright in the skies after the wind has swept them clean. 22Out of the north He comes in golden splendor; awesome majesty surrounds Him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 11:7–8 | Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than the heavens—what can you do? They are deeper than Sheol—what can you know? |
| 2 | Psalms 139:4 | Even before a word is on my tongue, You know all about it, O LORD. |
| 3 | Job 6:3 | For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been rash. |
| 4 | Matthew 12:36–37 | But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” |
Job 37:20 Summary
This verse, Job 37:20, is saying that it's not up to us to decide when to talk to God or to try to initiate a conversation with Him. Instead, we should approach Him with humility and reverence, recognizing His great power and wisdom, as seen in Psalm 111:10. It's like being in a storm and recognizing that we are small and God is big, as in Psalm 107:25-27. We should wait on God's timing and initiative, and be careful not to try to control or manipulate Him, but rather to listen and obey, as in Isaiah 55:6-7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Job 37:20 and how does it relate to the preceding verses?
In Job 37:20, Elihu is expressing his awe and reverence for God's power and wisdom, which is a continuation of his speech in the preceding verses, where he describes God's mighty works in nature, as seen in Job 37:18-19, and how it humbles human understanding, similar to what is written in Romans 11:33-34.
What does the phrase 'Would a man ask to be swallowed up' mean in this verse?
This phrase is a rhetorical question, emphasizing the idea that it would be foolish for a human to ask to be consumed by God's power, as it would be overwhelming and potentially destructive, much like the feeling of being in a storm, as described in Psalm 107:25-27.
How does this verse relate to the idea of approaching God in prayer or worship?
Job 37:20 suggests that approaching God should be done with humility and reverence, recognizing His great power and wisdom, as also seen in Isaiah 6:1-5, where the prophet is overwhelmed by God's presence and declares his own unworthiness.
What is the significance of Elihu's statement 'Should He be told that I want to speak' in this verse?
Elihu's statement is an expression of his own humility and recognition of God's sovereignty, acknowledging that it is not for him to initiate a conversation with God, but rather to wait on God's timing and initiative, as seen in Psalm 62:1, where the psalmist waits in silence for God to speak.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to approach God with more humility and reverence, recognizing His power and wisdom?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of awe and wonder at God's majesty, as described in this verse and in other parts of Scripture, such as Psalm 19:1-6?
- In what ways do I try to initiate conversations with God, rather than waiting on His timing and initiative, and how can I learn to wait on Him in silence, as in Psalm 62:1?
- What are some ways that I can apply the principles of humility and reverence in my daily interactions with others, reflecting the character of God as seen in this verse?
Gill's Exposition on Job 37:20
Shall it be told him that I speak?.... And what I speak? there is no need of it, since he is omniscient, and knows every word that is spoken by men; or is anything I have said concerning him, his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 37:20
Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up. What I, a mortal, say against God's dealings is not worthy of being told HIM.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 37:20
That I speak, Heb. that I will speak. Shall I send, or who dare carry, a challenge from me to God, or a message that I am ready and desirous to debate with him concerning his proceedings? This indeed thou hast done in effect, but far be such presumption from me. If a man speak; if a man should be so bold and venturous to enter the lists with God. He shall be swallowed up with the sense of God’ s infinite majesty and spotless purity.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 37:20
Job 37:20 Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.Ver. 20. Shall it be told him that I speak?] An in acta referetur ei, si loquar? Shall it be recorded before him? &c. q.d. Then woe be to me, for I am sure to rue it; yea, and (without mercy) to be ruined for it. Did not Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesy long since, saying, "Behold, the Lord cometh to execute judgment upon all, and to convince them of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him," Judges 1:14-15. If a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up] If he speak in thy behalf, or after thine example, presuming to control God’ s works, and to quarrel his proceedings, as thou hast done, he is sure to be undone. Some read the words thus, For if he speak man shall be devoured; that is, if God speak, man (who, before he cometh to speak, thinks that he shall be able to reason with him) shall be quite confounded, and his words, as it were, swallowed up by his profound wisdom; and be made unable to speak one word for himself. Wherefore let all flesh be silent before the Lord; for if any presume to chat against his judgments, he shall have his words driven down his throat again by a divine vengeance. Cave ne lingua feriat collum, Take heed thy tongue cut not thy throat, say the Arabian’ s wise proverb.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 37:20
(20) Be swallowed up.—The sense will vary, according as we understand this of God or of the sun. In the first case, it is a simple expression of awe at God’s majesty: “Shall it be told Him that I would speak? If a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up;” but unquestionably the sense is clearer if we understand it of the sun: “Shall it be told of him? Shall I, indeed, speak it? or hath any man ever ventured to say, in such a case, that the sun is swallowed up, extinguished?”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 37:20
Verse 20. Shall it be told him that I speak?] Shall I dare to whisper even before God? And suppose any one were to accuse me before him for what I have spoken of him, though that has been well intended, how should I be able to stand in his presence? I should be swallowed up in consternation, and consumed with the splendour of his majesty. But in what state art thou? What hast thou been doing? Thou hast arraigned God for his government of the world; thou hast found fault with the dispensations of his providence; thou hast even charged him with cruelty! What will become of THEE?
Cambridge Bible on Job 37:20
20. The verse means, Shall it be told him that I would speak? Or shall a man wish that he should be swallowed up? Elihu recoils from the thought of going into God’s presence to strive with Him; such daring presumption would be voluntarily to court destruction. The words “shall a man wish?” are lit. has a man said or commanded? i. e. has any one ever voluntarily ordered his own annihilation? Nothing other than this does the man do who ventures to contend with the Almighty.
Barnes' Notes on Job 37:20
Shall it be told him that I speak? - Still the language of profound awe and reverence, as if he would not have it even intimated to God that he had presumed to say anything in regard to him, or with
Whedon's Commentary on Job 37:20
20. That I speak — Shall it be told Him that I question and arraign his moral government — even I, involved in such darkness (Job 37:19) that I cannot order aright my speech?
Sermons on Job 37:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Abraham, My Friend: 04 When He Was called... by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Abraham and his obedience to God's call. The speaker emphasizes the importance of obeying God's word without demanding explanati |
|
Filled With the Lord of Christ by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the concept of forgiveness and the importance of forgiving others. He uses the analogy of a drop of water in a bucket to illustrate how insi |
|
Knowing God Eng to Korean by Peter Maiden | In this sermon, the speaker begins by reading the first five verses of Psalm 103. He then poses the question of whether it is possible for finite human beings to truly know and com |
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Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson | The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends. |
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The Son of God Became the Son of Man That the Sons of Men Might Become the Sons of God-Calvin by Timothy Tow | Timothy Tow preaches about the profound truth of the Tao in Taoism, as explored by Lao Zi, and its connection to the Biblical concept of the Word made flesh in Jesus Christ. While |
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What Can You Know? by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle addresses the profound questions posed by Zophar in Job 11:7-8, emphasizing that while we cannot fully comprehend God, we can know enough to affirm our faith amidst a wav |
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God by W.R. Inge | W.R. Inge delves into the ineffable nature of God, emphasizing that human language and understanding fall short in describing His essence. Inge challenges conventional notions by s |