Job 4:16
Job 4:16 in Multiple Translations
It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; a form loomed before my eyes, and I heard a whispering voice:
It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,
It stood still, but I could not discern the appearance thereof; A form was before mine eyes: There was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,
Something was present before me, but I was not able to see it clearly; there was a form before my eyes: a quiet voice came to my ears, saying:
Something stopped, but I couldn't see its face. My eyes could only make out a shape. It was totally quiet, and then I heard a voice:
Then stoode one, and I knewe not his face: an image was before mine eyes, and in silence heard I a voyce, saying,
It standeth, and I discern not its aspect, A similitude [is] over-against mine eyes, Silence! and a voice I hear:
It stood still, but I couldn’t discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes. Silence, then I heard a voice, saying,
It stood still, but I could not discern its form: an image was before my eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying ,
There stood one whose countenance I knew not, an image before my eyes, and I heard the voice as it were of a gentle wind:
It stopped, but I could not see what form it had. But I could sense that there was some being in front of me, and it said in a quiet voice,
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 4:16
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 4:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יַעֲמֹ֤ד
וְֽ/לֹא
אַכִּ֬יר
מַרְאֵ֗/הוּ
תְּ֭מוּנָה
לְ/נֶ֣גֶד
עֵינָ֑/י
דְּמָמָ֖ה
וָ/ק֣וֹל
אֶשְׁמָֽע
יַעֲמֹ֤ד
ʻâmad
H5975
to stand
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
וְֽ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אַכִּ֬יר
nâkar
H5234
to recognize
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
מַרְאֵ֗/הוּ
marʼeh
H4758
appearance
N-ms | Suff
תְּ֭מוּנָה
tᵉmûwnâh
H8544
likeness
N-fs
לְ/נֶ֣גֶד
neged
H5048
before
Prep | Prep
עֵינָ֑/י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cd | Suff
דְּמָמָ֖ה
dᵉmâmâh
H1827
silence
N-fs
וָ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
Conj | N-ms
אֶשְׁמָֽע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 4:16
יַעֲמֹ֤ד
ʻâmad
H5975
"to stand"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.
Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before
Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.
וְֽ/לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
אַכִּ֬יר
nâkar
H5234
"to recognize"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
To alienate or treat as foreign, as seen in the story of Moses and the Egyptians in Exodus. This verb means to scrutinize or look intently at someone, often with suspicion or disregard. It is used to describe the actions of biblical characters towards others.
Definition: 1) to recognise, acknowledge, know, respect, discern, regard 1a) (Niphal) to be recognised 1b) (Piel) to regard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to regard, observe, pay attention to, pay regard to, notice 1c2) to recognise (as formerly known), perceive 1c3) to be willing to recognise or acknowledge, acknowledge with honour 1c4) to be acquainted with 1c5) to distinguish, understand 1d) (Hithpael) to make oneself known
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, [idiom] could, deliver, discern, dissemble, estrange, feign self to be another, know, take knowledge (notice), perceive, regard, (have) respect, behave (make) self strange(-ly). See also: Genesis 27:23; 1 Kings 20:41; Psalms 103:16.
מַרְאֵ֗/הוּ
marʼeh
H4758
"appearance"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.
תְּ֭מוּנָה
tᵉmûwnâh
H8544
"likeness"
N-fs
This word signifies a likeness or image, such as the likeness of God in humanity, as seen in Genesis 1:26. It represents a shape or form, and can be a manifestation of favor. The Bible uses it to describe God's image in people.
Definition: form, image, likeness, representation, semblance
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: image, likeness, similitude. See also: Exodus 20:4; Deuteronomy 4:23; Psalms 17:15.
לְ/נֶ֣גֶד
neged
H5048
"before"
Prep | Prep
Before or in front of something, as in Genesis 18:22 where Abraham stands before the Lord. It describes a position of being face to face or in someone's presence.
Definition: subst 1) what is conspicuous, what is in front of adv 2) in front of, straight forward, before, in sight of 3) in front of oneself, straightforward 4) before your face, in your view or purpose with prep 5) what is in front of, corresponding to 6) in front of, before 7) in the sight or presence of 8) parallel to 9) over, for 10) in front, opposite 11) at a distance prep 12) from the front of, away from 13) from before the eyes of, opposite to, at a distance from 14) from before, in front of 15) as far as the front of Aramaic equivalent: ne.ged (נֶ֫גֶד "before" H5049)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: about, (over) against, [idiom] aloof, [idiom] far (off), [idiom] from, over, presence, [idiom] other side, sight, [idiom] to view. See also: Genesis 2:18; Job 10:17; Psalms 10:5.
עֵינָ֑/י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
דְּמָמָ֖ה
dᵉmâmâh
H1827
"silence"
N-fs
This word means silence or calm, like the stillness after a storm, as seen in Psalm 107:29. It can also refer to a whisper, emphasizing the quiet nature of the sound.
Definition: whisper, calm
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: calm, silence, still. See also: 1 Kings 19:12; Job 4:16; Psalms 107:29.
וָ/ק֣וֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
Conj | N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
אֶשְׁמָֽע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
Study Notes — Job 4:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 4:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 4:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 4:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 4:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 4:16
- Cambridge Bible on Job 4:16
- Barnes' Notes on Job 4:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 4:16
- Sermons on Job 4:16
Context — Eliphaz: The Innocent Prosper
14fear and trembling came over me and made all my bones shudder.
15Then a spirit glided past my face, and the hair on my body bristled.
16It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; a form loomed before my eyes, and I heard a whispering voice:
17‘Can a mortal be more righteous than God, or a man more pure than his Maker? 18If God puts no trust in His servants, and He charges His angels with error,Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 Kings 19:12 | After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice. |
Job 4:16 Summary
In Job 4:16, Eliphaz describes a profound spiritual experience where he encounters a form that he cannot see clearly, but from which he hears a whispering voice. This experience teaches us about the reality of the spiritual world and the importance of listening to God's gentle voice, as seen in 1 Kings 19:12. It reminds us that there is more to life than what we can see and touch, and that God often speaks to us in quiet, unexpected ways, as mentioned in Psalm 46:10. By paying attention to these whispers, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's perspective and will for our lives, as encouraged in Jeremiah 33:3.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the nature of the 'form' that loomed before Eliphaz's eyes in Job 4:16?
The 'form' in Job 4:16 is likely a supernatural being, possibly an angel, given the context of the preceding verses, such as Job 4:15, where a spirit glided past Eliphaz's face, and the biblical theme of angels as messengers of God, as seen in Hebrews 1:14.
Why could Eliphaz not discern the appearance of the form in Job 4:16?
Eliphaz could not discern the appearance of the form because it was a spiritual being, and human eyes are not equipped to see spiritual realities clearly, as supported by 2 Corinthians 4:18, which contrasts the temporary, visible world with the eternal, invisible one.
What is the significance of the 'whispering voice' in Job 4:16?
The 'whispering voice' in Job 4:16 signifies a gentle, yet profound, communication from the spiritual realm, possibly an angelic being, as seen in 1 Kings 19:12, where Elijah experiences a gentle whisper from God after a dramatic display of power.
How does this experience relate to Eliphaz's conversation with Job?
Eliphaz's experience in Job 4:16 informs his conversation with Job, as he seeks to convey the wisdom and perspective he received from the spiritual encounter, emphasizing God's sovereignty and righteousness, themes that are central to the book of Job and supported by verses like Romans 9:20-21.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in your life when you have felt the presence of something beyond the physical world, and how did you respond?
- How can you cultivate a greater awareness of the spiritual realities that surround you, as described in Ephesians 6:12?
- In what ways can you apply the principle of humility before God, recognizing the limitations of human understanding, as seen in Job's story and verses like Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What are some 'whispering voices' in your life that you need to listen to more closely, and how can you discern their source and message?
Gill's Exposition on Job 4:16
It stood still,.... That is, the spirit, or the angel in a visible form; it was before going to and fro, but now it stood still right against Eliphaz, as if it had something to say to him, and so
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 4:16
It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying, It stood still.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 4:16
It stood still; having passed by him to and again he made a stand, as one that had some business with him, and addressed himself to speak to him. I could not discern the form thereof; to wit, exactly and distinctly, so as to know what or who it was. An image was before mine eyes; I saw some corporal or visible resemblance, though in a confused manner. There was silence: the spirit, which possibly had made some noise with his motion, now standing still made no noise; all other persons and things about me were silent, and I also kept in my voice and breath as much as I could, that I might distinctly hear what I perceived the spirit was speaking to me. In the Hebrew the words run thus, silence and a voice (i.e. a silent, or still, or low voice, by a very common figure, called hendiadis) I heard.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 4:16
Job 4:16 It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image [was] before mine eyes, [there was] silence, and I heard a voice, [saying],Ver. 16. It stood still] As now ready to speak. An ambulatory voice is hardly heard: the heavens, indeed, are walking preachers, but then they utter but these three words (Lib. ii. de Arca, cap. 3), saith Hugo, in all languages, Accipe, Redde, Fuge, that is, Receive mercies, Return duties, Flee offences, and their just punishments. But I could not discern the form thereof] Heb. the aspect or countenance. He was so frighted, that his eye could not do its office distinctly, to discern the thing that was just before it. It is natural to a man to fear at the sight of an angel: what then will wicked men do at the last day, when the Son of man shall bring all his angels, not leaving one behind him in heaven? Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men: and oh that we could persuade them! An image was before mine eyes] But I could not tell what to make of it. It is not the will of God that man should represent him by an image, Deuteronomy 4:15-16. The Jews, after the captivity, were so far from idolatry, that they would not admit a carver or painter into their city.
The Turks will not endure any image, no, not upon their coins, because of the second commandment. Varro saith, he that first brought in imagery (and that is thought to be Ninus, king of Babylon), superstitionem auxit, metum dempsit, increased superstition, and took away fear. The wiser heathens held that God was too subtle for sinew or sight to seize upon; and the Greek painters, when they would draw the image of their Jupiter in a table, they were still changing it, but never ending it, saying, that herein they showed him to be a god; for that they might begin to paint, but could not perfect him. There was silence, and I heard a voice] It was fit there should be silence and sedateness of spirit when a Divine voice was to be heard. Let all the earth keep silence before God, Habakkuk 2:20. When the seventh seal was opened there was half an hour’ s silence in heaven, Revelation 8:1. What a noise is there in many men’ s hearts even while they are hearing what the Lord God speaketh unto them! what bargaining, lawing, projecting, running into another world (as men in dreams do), so that they can tell no more what the preacher said than the man in the moon can! Silence is a good preparative to audience. Speak, Lord, for thy servant heareth. Let the woman (and so the man too) learn in silence.
Let by thoughts, swarming and humming in our hearts, like the flies of Egypt, be barred out; let the devil, interrupting us with his suggestions, as the Pythoness did Paul and his companions, be haltered up.
Cambridge Bible on Job 4:16
16. it stood still] It is the mysterious object in his presence. there was silence, and I heard a voice] lit. stillness and a voice I heard, i. e. probably, I heard a still voice; cf. “whisper,” Job 4:12.
Barnes' Notes on Job 4:16
It stood still - It took a fixed position and looked on me. It at first glided by, or toward him, then stood in an immovable position, as if to attract his attention, and to prepare him for the
Whedon's Commentary on Job 4:16
16. An image — ϊξεπδ(rendered by the Septuagint μορφη, form, comp. Philippians 2:6) is used in Numbers 12:8 of some glorious, visible representation of God. (Sept.
Sermons on Job 4:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
I Heard a Still Voice by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman shares a powerful message on the importance of finding stillness to hear God's voice amidst the chaos of life. He reflects on the struggle to silence the multitud |
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The Call of God by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the word of God and fulfilling our missionary responsibilities. He highlights that living in a global village mea |
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(The Power of the Holy Spirit - 1) the Breath of God by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker begins a series of messages on the power of the Holy Spirit. He focuses on the use of word pictures by Jesus to illustrate spiritual truths. The first p |
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(1 Kings) a Great Victory, and the Aftermath of It by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Elijah and the prophets of Baal. He highlights the passion and commitment of the prophets of Baal, but emphasizes that their de |
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What a Jew Does With Jesus by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his personal journey of disillusionment and despair, leading him to a crisis in his 34th year. As a high school teacher, he realizes that th |
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Fren-08 Elijah the Prophet by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the story of Elijah and the brook drying up during a devastating drought in the land. The speaker emphasizes the importance of living by every |
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Upon This Rock by Vance Havner | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of finding time for reflection and stillness in our busy lives. He shares his own experience of taking time to watch the suns |