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Introduction to Job

Part 1: General Introduction

Outline of Job

  1. Introduction (1:12:13)
    • Background to Jobs situation: He is righteous and wealthy (1:15)
    • Yahweh allows Satan to test Job (1:62:10)
  2. Jobs friends speak to him a first time and Job replies (3:114:22)
  3. Jobs friends speak to him a second time and Job replies (15:121:34)
  4. Jobs friends speak to him a third time and Job replies (22:131:40)
  5. Elihu speaks to Job (32:137:24)
  6. Yahweh answers Job out of the whirlwind (38:141:34)
  7. Conclusion (42:117)
    • Job responds humbly
    • Yahweh rebukes Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar (42:79)
    • Yahweh restores Job to prosperity (42:1017)

What is the book of Job about?

The book of Job is about a man named Job who experienced disaster even though he was faithful to Yahweh. Job speaks with three friends and asks why Yahweh has allowed him to experience trials and losses. The book teaches that we cannot understand all of Yahwehs ways, and when we suffer, it is more important to trust Yahweh than it is to understand the reason for the suffering.

How should the title of this book be translated?

The Book of Job is named for Job, the main character in the book. His name is not related to the English word “job.” Translators might use the traditional title of “The Book of Job” or simply “Job.” Or they may choose a different title such as “The Book About Job” or “The Book About a Man Named Job.”

Who wrote the book of Job?

We do not know who wrote the Book of Job. Many people suggest that Moses composed or compiled the book, but it may have been written after the time of Moses.

Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts

Does sin cause suffering?

When a person sins against Yahweh, that can cause the person to experience suffering. People in the ancient Near East generally believed that a person suffered because they or their ancestors had sinned against God. This is what many religions teach. However, the book of Job shows that a person may suffer even if he or she has not sinned. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Were Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar really Jobs friends?

Job 2:11 describes Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar as the friends of Job. However, they did not succeed in comforting Job. Instead, they tried to persuade Job to say something about God that Job believed was not true. So we might wonder if it is right to translate the word as “friends.” What they said did not help Job because they did not understand the full truth about God. However, they did care about Job, and they did want to help him. In those ways, they did what friends would do, and in that sense the word “friends” is appropriate.

When did the events in the book of Job take place?

We do not know when the events in the book of Job took place. The story is set around the time of Abraham and Isaac in the book of Genesis. However, some verses are similar to verses in the books of Proverbs and Isaiah, which were written many centuries after Abraham and Isaac lived. It is possible that the book of Job was written at a later time to describe the events of an earlier time.

Part 3: Important Translation Issues

Is the Book of Job difficult to translate?

The Book of Job has many uncommon words and phrases. That makes parts of it hard to understand and translate. For this reason, translators may decide to translate this book after they have translated other books of the Bible. However, since the writer did not connect Job with a specific time or place in history, the translator may also decide to translate this book before other Old Testament books.

What style of writing is in the book of Job?

The author begins and ends the book of Job by relating what happened to Job in narrative form. He tells the rest of the story, in between, in the form of poetry. In the ancient Near East, writers often used poetry to discuss matters of wisdom. The relationship of human conduct to human prosperity and suffering is an important theme in wisdom literature.

Hebrew poetry: parallelism

Hebrew poetry was based repetition of meaning, rather than on repetition of sound like poetry in some other languages. A speaker would typically say one phrase and then say another phrase (or two) that meant a similar thing, an opposite thing, or something supplementary. The subsequent phrase or phrases would advance the meaning of the first phrase in one of these ways. In many cases it would be good to show this to your readers by including all the phrases in your translation rather than combining them. However, if the repetition might be confusing, you could connect the phrases with a word that would show how the later phrase or phrases are advancing the meaning of the first one. Throughout the book, notes will model ways of doing this in various cases, although not in most cases. It is hoped that these illustrations will give translators an idea of what they could do in any given instance.

Hebrew poetry: chiasm

Hebrew poetry often uses a form known as “chiasm.” It will make a statement consisting of two elements. It will then make a parallel, contrasting, or supplemental statement consisting of those same two elements, but in reverse order. For example, Job says in 3:5:

May it not rejoice among the days of the year; into the number of the months may it not come.

You may wish to show this form in your translation by following the Hebrew word order, even if that would not ordinarily be the order you would follow in your language. For 3:5, English might ordinarily say:

May it not rejoice among the days of the year; may it not come into the number of the months.

But ULT follows the Hebrew word order in order to give an idea of this characteristic form of Hebrew poetry.

“answered and said”

The author uses the phrase “answered and said” many times in the book of Job. This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word answered tells for what purpose a person said something. Specifically, they said it in order to answer or respond to what someone else said. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and,” such as “responded.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])

“fear”

In several places in the book, the author uses a word from the root “fear,” such as the verb “fear” or the adjective “fearful,” in a specific sense. He uses the word to describe an awe of God that leads to holy living. He is not referring to an emotion and saying that the person is afraid of God. He means that the person respects and obeys God. Notes will call attention to this usage where it occurs, and they will suggest translations such as the verb “respect” and the adjective “respectful.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

“behold”

In many places in the book, characters use the term behold to focus their listeners attention on what they is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation in these instances.

31:introlym10

Job 1 General Notes

Structure and formatting

This chapter introduces a story about a man named Job who lived during a time long before the author.

Special concepts in this chapter

Wealth

In the time and place in which the book of Job is set, a persons wealth was measured by the number of animals he owned. The book describes how Job owned thousands of animals in order to indicate that he was very rich. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Sacrifices

Job was a man who obeyed Yahweh carefully. We might therefore wonder why he offered sacrifices on behalf of his children, as 1:5 describes, since he was not one of the descendants of Aaron, who were the only ones whom the law of Moses allowed to offer sacrifices. It must be remembered that Job lived prior to the time when God gave Moses the law, so his religious practices were different from those of the Hebrew people after Moses. In Jobs culture, it was normal and acceptable for the father to act as a priest for his family and to offer sacrifices on their behalf. The events that this book relates took place about the same time as the life of Abraham. Therefore, this book corresponds more with Genesis 1250 than with the rest of the Old Testament. (See:[[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/godly]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/lawofmoses]])

Translation issues in this chapter

“the adversary”

The Hebrew word satan means “adversary.” The Old Testament uses the word in that sense in several places, for example, 1 Kings 11:14, “Yahweh raised up an adversary against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite.” In chapters 1 and 2 of the book of Job, there is a character called “the satan” or “the adversary.” This seems to be a created angelic being who opposes righteous people and accuses them before God of having wrong motives. Many interpreters of the book of Job identify this character with Satan, the devil. The UST follows that interpretation, but the ULT translates the term more basically as “adversary.” You can decide how to translate this term in your own translation.

41:1j000rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsאִ֛ישׁ הָיָ֥ה בְ⁠אֶֽרֶץ־ע֖וּץ1

The author is introducing Job as the main participant in the story. If your language has its own way of introducing participants, you can use it here in your translation. Alternate translation: “There once was a man who lived in the land of Uz”

51:1k5g4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesע֖וּץ & אִיּ֣וֹב1

The word Uz is the name of a place, and the word Job is the name of a man.

61:1r5ajrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletתָּ֧ם וְ⁠יָשָׁ֛ר1

The terms blameless and righteous mean similar things. The author is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “very righteous”

71:1qj15rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוִ⁠ירֵ֥א אֱלֹהִ֖ים1

As the General Introduction to Job discusses, here as in several other places in the book, the author is using a word from the root “fear,” in this case the word fearful, in a particular sense. He is describing an awe of God that leads to holy living. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “both respectful of God”

81:1y3arrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠סָ֥ר מֵ⁠רָֽע1

The author is speaking figuratively of Job as if he physically turned away from evil. He means that he did not live in an evil way but instead lived in the right way. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and careful not to do anything wrong”

91:2j001rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundוַ⁠יִּוָּ֥לְדוּ ל֛⁠וֹ שִׁבְעָ֥ה בָנִ֖ים וְ⁠שָׁל֥וֹשׁ בָּנֽוֹת1

Here and through verse 5, the author is introducing background information about Job that will help readers understand what happens later in the story. In your translation, introduce this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture.

101:2j002rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוַ⁠יִּוָּ֥לְדוּ ל֛⁠וֹ שִׁבְעָ֥ה בָנִ֖ים וְ⁠שָׁל֥וֹשׁ בָּנֽוֹת1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Job had seven sons and three daughters”

111:3j003rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבְּנֵי־קֶֽדֶם1

The expression sons of describes people who share a certain quality. In this case, the author is using the expression to describe people who have the quality of living in the East. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use an equivalent idiom from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the people who lived in the East”

121:3csw9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoבְּנֵי־קֶֽדֶם1

The author is referring to an area to the East of where he and his audience live. It seems probable that he may mean the area east of the Jordan River, as the UST suggests. However, since it is not known exactly where the author and his audience lived, you could also use a general expression rather than try to identify the area in your translation. Alternate translation: “the people who lived in that area”

131:4j004rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠הָלְכ֤וּ בָנָי⁠ו֙ וְ⁠עָשׂ֣וּ מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה בֵּ֖ית אִ֣ישׁ יוֹמ֑⁠וֹ1

The author is using the expression went and to describe customary action. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his sons had the custom of taking turns hosting feasts in their homes”

141:4i4lfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיוֹמ֑⁠וֹ1

This could mean implicitly: (1) Alternate translation: “on an assigned day of the week” (2) Alternate translation: “on his birthday”

151:4ey91rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletוְ⁠שָׁלְח֗וּ וְקָרְאוּ֙they sent and called1

The terms sent and called mean similar things. The author is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “and they invited”

161:5s2c6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכִּ֣י הִקִּיפֽוּ֩ יְמֵ֨י הַמִּשְׁתֶּ֜הwhen the days of the feast had gone around1

The author is speaking as if the days of the feast had literally gone around or traveled a certain distance and then returned to their starting point. He means that each son had taken his turn hosting a feast. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. You could also state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “after the days of the feast had made a full circuit” or “after each son had taken his turn hosting a feast”

171:5x3v2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsבָנַ֔⁠י1

Although the term sons is masculine, Job is likely using the word in a generic sense to refer to all of his sons and daughters. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women, as UST does, or you could mention both sons and daughters. Alternate translation: “my sons and daughters”

181:5k14mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismחָטְא֣וּ & וּ⁠בֵרֲכ֥וּ1

Job is so reverent that he does not want to use the words “cursed” and “God” together, so he uses the word blessed as a delicate way of saying “cursed.” If it would be clearer for your readers and it would not offend them, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have sinned and cursed”

191:5j005rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysחָטְא֣וּ & וּ⁠בֵרֲכ֥וּ1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word sinned tells in what way one of Jobs children might have blessed, that is, “cursed” God. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “have sinfully cursed”

201:5du2jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבִּ⁠לְבָבָ֑⁠ם1

Here, the heart figuratively represents the thoughts. Alternate translation: “in their thoughts”

211:5j006rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleכָּל־הַ⁠יָּמִֽים1

The author says all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “on a regular basis”

221:6i5iwrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventוַ⁠יְהִ֣י הַ⁠יּ֔וֹם וַ⁠יָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֔ים1

The author is using the phrase And it was the day to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “One day the sons of God came”

231:6n2rerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבְּנֵ֣י הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֔ים1

This expression describes spiritual beings whom God created. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the angelic beings”

241:6uwv6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלְ⁠הִתְיַצֵּ֖ב עַל־יְהוָ֑ה1

The context suggests that these angelic beings came to Yahweh at regular times to report on their activities. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to give Yahweh a regular report on their activities”

251:6j007rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesהַ⁠שָּׂטָ֖ן1

See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter for how to translate the title the adversary, here and in the rest of this chapter and in chapter 2. Alternate translation, as in UST: “Satan”

261:7j008rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysוַ⁠יַּ֨עַן & אֶת־יְהוָה֙ וַ⁠יֹּאמַ֔ר1

As the General Introduction to Job discusses, this phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word answered tells for what purpose the adversary said this. If it would be more natural in your language, here and in the rest of the book you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “responded to Yahweh”

271:7plj3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismמִ⁠שּׁ֣וּט בָּ⁠אָ֔רֶץ וּ⁠מֵֽ⁠הִתְהַלֵּ֖ךְ בָּֽ⁠הּ1

These two phrases mean similar things. The adversary is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them and convey the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “From wandering all over the earth”

281:8s9h2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהֲ⁠שַׂ֥מְתָּ לִבְּ⁠ךָ֖1

Here, the heart figuratively represents the thoughts and perceptions. Alternate translation: “Have you considered”

291:8j009rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisאֵ֤ין כָּמֹ֨⁠הוּ֙1

This expression leaves out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “there is not anyone like him”

301:8ncu7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletתָּ֧ם וְ⁠יָשָׁ֛ר1

See how you translated this expression in 1:1.

311:8n9a8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיְרֵ֥א אֱלֹהִ֖ים1

See how you translated this expression in 1:1.

321:8j010rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠סָ֥ר מֵ⁠רָֽע1

See how you translated this expression in 1:1.

331:9i5tnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַֽ⁠חִנָּ֔ם יָרֵ֥א אִיּ֖וֹב אֱלֹהִֽים1

The adversary is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Job gets a lot in return for fearing God!”

341:9j011rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personאֱלֹהִֽים1

The adversary is speaking about God in the third person, even though he is addressing him directly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “you”

351:10f5z2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠לֹֽא־אַ֠תָּה שַׂ֣כְתָּ בַעֲד֧⁠וֹ וּ⁠בְעַד־בֵּית֛⁠וֹ וּ⁠בְעַ֥ד כָּל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֖⁠וֹ מִ⁠סָּבִ֑יב1

The adversary is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You have put a hedge around him and around his house and around all that is his, from every side!”

361:10r7xtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהֲ⁠לֹֽא־אַ֠תָּה שַׂ֣כְתָּ בַעֲד֧⁠וֹ וּ⁠בְעַד־בֵּית֛⁠וֹ וּ⁠בְעַ֥ד כָּל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֖⁠וֹ מִ⁠סָּבִ֑יב1

The adversary is speaking as if God had literally put a hedge around Job and his possessions. He means that God has protected Job and all that he owns. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Have you not protected him and his house and all that is his, from every side?” or “You have protected him and his house and all that is his, from every side!”

371:10j012rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result מַעֲשֵׂ֤ה יָדָי⁠ו֙ בֵּרַ֔כְתָּ וּ⁠מִקְנֵ֖⁠הוּ פָּרַ֥ץ בָּ⁠אָֽרֶץ׃1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. Alternate translation: “His cattle have burst forth in the land because you have blessed the works of his hands”

381:10l9etrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמַעֲשֵׂ֤ה יָדָי⁠ו֙1

The adversary is using one part of Job, his hands, to mean all of Job in the act of doing works, specifically the activity of raising cattle. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “everything he has done”

391:10xg3qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠מִקְנֵ֖⁠הוּ פָּרַ֥ץ בָּ⁠אָֽרֶץ1

The adversary is speaking as if Jobs cattle have literally burst forth and covered the land as if they were floodwaters. He means that Jobs cattle have increased greatly in number. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and his herds of cattle have become very large”

401:11k6w4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeשְֽׁלַֽח־נָ֣א יָֽדְ⁠ךָ֔ וְ⁠גַ֖ע בְּ⁠כָל־אֲשֶׁר־ל֑⁠וֹ אִם־לֹ֥א עַל־פָּנֶ֖י⁠ךָ יְבָרֲכֶֽ⁠ךָּ1

The terms stretch out and touch are imperatives, but they communicate an assertion rather than commands. Use a form in your language that communicates an assertion. Alternate translation: “if you stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, he will bless you to your face”

411:11y4qirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyשְֽׁלַֽח& יָֽדְ⁠ךָ֔1

Here, hand figuratively represents the capability of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “use your power”

421:11ax31rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠גַ֖ע1

In this context, the word touch means “destroy.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and destroy”

431:11j013rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisאִם1

The adversary is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and see if”

441:11j014rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismיְבָרֲכֶֽ⁠ךָּ1

As in verse 5, the word bless is a delicate way of saying “curse.” (It is unlikely that the adversary wants to avoid putting the words “curse” and “God” together, but the author may want to avoid doing that while telling the story.) If it would be clearer for your readers and it would not offend them, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will curse you”

451:11bn3vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyעַל־פָּנֶ֖י⁠ךָ1

Here the word face represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. The claim is that Job would not curse God in his “heart” (that is, in his thoughts) as Job was afraid one of his children might have done. Rather, Job would curse God out loud, and since God is present everywhere, Job would be cursing him in person. Alternate translation: “in person”

461:12d2uyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהִנֵּ֤ה1

As the General Introduction to Job discusses, Yahweh is using the term Behold to focus the adversarys attention on what he is about to say. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation.

471:12bul4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְּ⁠יָדֶ֔⁠ךָ1

Here, hand figuratively represents the capability of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is in your power” or “is under your control”

481:12j015rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyתִּשְׁלַ֖ח יָדֶ֑⁠ךָ1

See how you translated this same expression in the previous verse.

491:12gn4src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyפְּנֵ֥י יְהוָֽה1

As in the previous verse, here the word face represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “the presence of Yahweh”

501:13j016rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventוַ⁠יְהִ֖י הַ⁠יּ֑וֹם וּ⁠בָנָ֨י⁠ו וּ⁠בְנֹתָ֤י⁠ו1

The author is using the phrase And it was the day to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “One day Jobs sons and daughters”

511:14j017rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundהַ⁠בָּקָר֙ הָי֣וּ חֹֽרְשׁ֔וֹת וְ⁠הָ⁠אֲתֹנ֖וֹת רֹע֥וֹת עַל־יְדֵי⁠הֶֽם1

The messenger is giving background information to help Job understand what he reports next. In your translation, introduce this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture.

521:14j018rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomעַל־יְדֵי⁠הֶֽם1

This expression uses the word hand to mean the side of a person, animal, or group of animals. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at their side” or “next to them”

531:15j019rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheשְׁבָא֙1

The messenger is using the name of an entire people group, Sheba, to mean some members of that group. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “some of the Sabeans”

541:15s7b7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesשְׁבָא֙1

The word Sheba is the name of a people group.

551:15eib3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוַ⁠תִּקָּחֵ֔⁠ם1

The messenger is using the word fell in a specific sense to mean “attacked.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this meaning plainly, as the UST does.

561:15jw7qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠נְּעָרִ֖ים הִכּ֣וּ לְ⁠פִי־חָ֑רֶב1

The messenger is reporting that the Sabeans killed the servants. He is describing this by association with the means that the Sabeans used to kill them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they killed the servants”

571:15bpd8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsוָֽ⁠אִמָּ֨לְטָ֧⁠ה רַק־אֲנִ֛י לְ⁠בַדִּ֖⁠י1

You may find it more appropriate to represent this in your translation as an exclamation rather than as a statement, here and in verses 16, 17, and 19. Alternate translation: “only I alone have escaped!”

581:15j020rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoוָֽ⁠אִמָּ֨לְטָ֧⁠ה רַק־אֲנִ֛י לְ⁠בַדִּ֖⁠י1

It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it, here and in verses 16, 17, and 19. Alternate translation, as in UST: “I am the only one who has escaped”

591:16j021rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletוַ⁠תִּבְעַ֥ר בַּ⁠צֹּ֛אן וּ⁠בַ⁠נְּעָרִ֖ים וַ⁠תֹּאכְלֵ֑⁠ם1

The terms burned up and consumed mean similar things. The second messenger is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “completely burned up the sheep and the servants”

601:17j022rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesכַּשְׂדִּ֞ים1

The word Chaldeans is the name of a people group.

611:17j023rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠אֶת־הַ⁠נְּעָרִ֖ים הִכּ֣וּ לְ⁠פִי־חָ֑רֶב1

See how you translated this same expression in 1:15. Alternate translation: “they killed the servants”

621:18s99mrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundבָּנֶ֨י⁠ךָ וּ⁠בְנוֹתֶ֤י⁠ךָ אֹֽכְלִים֙ וְ⁠שֹׁתִ֣ים יַ֔יִן בְּ⁠בֵ֖ית אֲחִי⁠הֶ֥ם הַ⁠בְּכֽוֹר1

The messenger is giving background information to help Job understand what he reports next. In your translation, introduce this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture.

631:19vau5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheבְּ⁠אַרְבַּע֙ פִּנּ֣וֹת הַ⁠בַּ֔יִת1

Alternate translation: “the structural supports of the house”

641:20j024rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוַ⁠יָּ֤קָם אִיּוֹב֙ וַ⁠יִּקְרַ֣ע1

Here the word arose may indicate that Job took action to respond to what the messengers told him, not that he stood up from a seated position. Alternate translation: “In response, Job tore”

651:20d1w8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוַ⁠יִּקְרַ֣ע אֶת־מְעִל֔⁠וֹ וַ⁠יָּ֖גָז אֶת־רֹאשׁ֑⁠וֹ1

Job tore his robe and shaved his head to show how deeply distressed he was. If this would not be clear to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “and tore his robe and shaved his head to show how deeply distressed he was”

661:20j025rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוַ⁠יִּפֹּ֥ל אַ֖רְצָ⁠ה וַ⁠יִּשְׁתָּֽחוּ1

Be sure that it is clear in your translation that Job did not fall down accidentally. Make clear that he did these things in order to assume a posture of worship. Alternate translation: “and got down on the ground and lay flat as a gesture of worship to God”

671:21wph4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheעָרֹ֨ם & וְ⁠עָרֹם֙1

Job is using one kind of possession, clothing, to mean all kinds of possessions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Without any possessions … without any possessions”

681:21j026rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoיָצָ֜אתִי מִ⁠בֶּ֣טֶן אִמִּ֗⁠י1

It might seem that this expression contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “I was born”

691:21j027rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאָשׁ֣וּב שָׁ֔מָ⁠ה1

Job is speaking as if the grave in which he will be buried is another womb like that of his mother. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will go to the grave” or “I will be buried”

701:21j028rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיְהִ֛י שֵׁ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה מְבֹרָֽךְ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “May people bless the name of Yahweh”

711:21j029rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיְהִ֛י שֵׁ֥ם יְהוָ֖ה מְבֹרָֽךְ1

Here, name represents the reputation of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could say that plainly. Alternate translation: “May Yahweh continue to have a good reputation”

721:22xns1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysלֹא־חָטָ֣א אִיּ֑וֹב וְ⁠לֹא־נָתַ֥ן תִּפְלָ֖ה לֵ⁠אלֹהִֽים1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word sin tells what kind of action it would be if Job were to ascribe impropriety to God. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “Job did not sin by ascribing impropriety to God”

732:introke5i0

Job 2 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The events of this chapter are very similar to those of the previous chapter. However, this time Job is tested in an even more severe way. After losing his wealth and family, Job also loses his health, and his wife begins to encourage him to sin by cursing Yahweh. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]])

Translation issues in this chapter

“the adversary”

This character appears in chapter 2 as well as in chapter 1. Translate the name the same way here as you decided to translate it in the previous chapter.

742:1r1zsrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventוַ⁠יְהִ֣י הַ⁠יּ֔וֹם וַ⁠יָּבֹ֨אוּ֙ בְּנֵ֣י הָֽ⁠אֱלֹהִ֔ים1

The author is using the phrase And it was the day to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for introducing a new event. See how you translated the same expression in 1:6. Alternate translation: “One day the sons of God came”

752:1dg33rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבְּנֵ֣י הָֽ⁠אֱלֹהִ֔ים1

This expression describes spiritual beings whom God created. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated this in 1:6. Alternate translation: “the angelic beings”

762:2vu2mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismמִ⁠שֻּׁ֣ט בָּ⁠אָ֔רֶץ וּ⁠מֵ⁠הִתְהַלֵּ֖ךְ בָּֽ⁠הּ1

These two phrases mean similar things. The adversary is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them and convey the emphasis in another way. See how you translated the same expression in 1:7. Alternate translation: “From wandering all over the earth”

772:3d12lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהֲ⁠שַׂ֣מְתָּ לִבְּ⁠ךָ֮1

See how you translated this expression in 1:8. Alternate translation: “Have you considered”

782:3j030rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisאֵ֨ין כָּמֹ֜⁠הוּ1

See how you translated this expression in 1:8. Alternate translation: “there is not anyone like him”

792:3uz5krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletתָּ֧ם וְ⁠יָשָׁ֛ר1

See how you translated this expression in 1:1.

802:3j031rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיְרֵ֥א אֱלֹהִ֖ים1

See how you translated this expression in 1:1.

812:3eq69rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠סָ֣ר מֵ⁠רָ֑ע1

See how you translated this expression in 1:1.

822:3awm6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמַחֲזִ֣יק בְּ⁠תֻמָּת֔⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is speaking as if Job were literally holding firmly onto his integrity. He means that Job is maintaining his integrity. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is maintaining his integrity”

832:3j032rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsמַחֲזִ֣יק בְּ⁠תֻמָּת֔⁠וֹ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of integrity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “is continuing to live in the right way”

842:3p2iqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלְ⁠בַלְּע֥⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is speaking as if the adversary had literally incited him to devour or eat up Job. He means that the adversary had incited him to allow the adversary to destroy Jobs possessions and family. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to allow you to destroy his possessions and family”

852:4s8uarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheע֣וֹר בְּעַד־ע֗וֹר1

In this expression, the adversary is using part of a person or animal, the skin, to mean all of that person or animal. The basic meaning is that a person will sacrifice even a valuable herd animal in order to save himself, and the more general meaning, as the adversary explains in the rest of the verse, is that a person will sacrifice just about anything he owns in order to stay alive. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “An animal in exchange for a persons life”

862:5j033rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeשְֽׁלַֽח־נָ֣א יָֽדְ⁠ךָ֔ וְ⁠גַ֥ע אֶל־עַצְמ֖⁠וֹ וְ⁠אֶל־בְּשָׂר֑⁠וֹ אִם־לֹ֥א אֶל־פָּנֶ֖י⁠ךָ יְבָרֲכֶֽ⁠ךָּ1

The terms stretch out and touch are imperatives, but they communicate an assertion rather than commands. Use a form in your language that communicates an assertion. See how you translated the same expression in 1:11. Alternate translation: “if you stretch out your hand and touch all that he has, he will bless you to your face”

872:5id2lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyשְֽׁלַֽח־נָ֣א יָֽדְ⁠ךָ֔1

Here, hand figuratively represents the capability of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the same expression in 1:11. Alternate translation: “just use your power”

882:5cz3lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠גַ֥ע1

In this context, the word touch means “harm.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and harm”

892:5qau8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheאֶל־עַצְמ֖⁠וֹ וְ⁠אֶל־בְּשָׂר֑⁠וֹ1

The adversary is using two parts of Jobs body, his bones and his flesh, to mean Jobs whole body. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “his body”

902:5d2rfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisאִם1

The adversary is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. See how you translated the same expression in 1:11. Alternate translation: “and see if”

912:5i3ijrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismיְבָרֲכֶֽ⁠ךָּ1

As in 1:5, the word bless is a delicate way of saying “curse.” See how you translated the same expression in 1:11. Alternate translation: “curse you”

922:5b5lrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאֶל־פָּנֶ֖י⁠ךָ1

Here the word face represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. See how you translated the same expression in 1:11. Alternate translation: “in person”

932:6j034rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְ⁠יָדֶ֑⁠ךָ1

Here, hand figuratively represents the capability of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar expression in 1:12. Alternate translation: “in your power” or “under your control”

942:7fj98rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyפְּנֵ֣י יְהוָ֑ה1

Here the word face represents the presence of a person by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. See how you translated the similar expression in 1:12. Alternate translation: “the presence of Yahweh”

952:7gtz9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ⁠יַּ֤ךְ אֶת־אִיּוֹב֙ בִּ⁠שְׁחִ֣ין רָ֔ע1

The author is speaking as if the adversary literally struck Job with these boils, as if they were a weapon in his hand. He means that the adversary caused Job to suffer from the boils. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he afflicted Job with bad boils” or “he caused Job to suffer from bad boils”

962:7j035rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownבִּ⁠שְׁחִ֣ין רָ֔ע1

The word boils describes large, itching, painful skin infections. If your readers would not be familiar with what boils are, in your translation you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “with large, itching, painful skin infections”

972:7j036rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismמִ⁠כַּ֥ף רַגְל֖⁠וֹ עד קָדְקֳדֽ⁠וֹ1

The author is using the extreme ends of Jobs body, the sole of his foot and his pate (that is, the top of his head), to mean those parts and everything in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “over his entire body”

982:8j037rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownחֶ֔רֶשׂ1

A shard was a piece of broken pottery. It had sharp edges, so Job could scrape himself with it. If your readers would not be familiar with what a shard is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a piece of broken pottery”

992:8k22qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלְ⁠הִתְגָּרֵ֖ד1

The implication is that Job would scrape himself with the shard to clean his skin and to reduce the itching of the boils. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to scrape himself to clean his skin and to reduce the itching of the boils”

1002:8f72vrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוְ⁠ה֖וּא יֹשֵׁ֥ב בְּ⁠תוֹךְ־הָ⁠אֵֽפֶר1

In this culture, there was place outside the city where rubbish was brought and burned to dispose of it. This left a pile of ashes. Job was sitting in that pile as a symbolic action to show how distressed he was. It was a way of signifying that he no longer felt his life was worth anything. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of his action. Alternate translation: “he was sitting in the midst of the ash pile outside the city to show how distressed he was”

1012:9v1yjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionעֹדְ⁠ךָ֖ מַחֲזִ֣יק בְּ⁠תֻמָּתֶ֑⁠ךָ1

Jobs wife is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not still be holding firmly to your integrity!”

1022:9j038rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsבָּרֵ֥ךְ אֱלֹהִ֖ים וָ⁠מֻֽת1

You may find it more appropriate to represent this in your translation as an exclamation rather than as a statement. Alternate translation: “Bless God and die!”

1032:9wgb4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבָּרֵ֥ךְ אֱלֹהִ֖ים וָ⁠מֻֽת1

As in 1:5, the word bless is a delicate way of saying “curse.” Alternate translation: “Curse God and die”

1042:9j039rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבָּרֵ֥ךְ אֱלֹהִ֖ים וָ⁠מֻֽת1

Jobs wife seems to be saying implicitly that Job no longer has any reason either to trust God or to live, and that if he curses God, God will kill him too and put him out of his misery. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Curse God so that he will kill you too and put you out of your misery”

1052:10p6a8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounאַחַ֤ת הַ⁠נְּבָלוֹת֙1

This phrase does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who has the quality that it names. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “a foolish person” or, since the expression is feminine, “a foolish woman”

1062:10j182rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאַחַ֤ת הַ⁠נְּבָלוֹת֙1

In this context, the word foolish does not describe a person who is stupid or lacking intelligence or education. It means someone who does not respect God and who therefore does not live in the way that God has instructed people to live. Alternate translation: “a person who does not respect and obey God” or “a woman who does not respect and obey God”

1072:10hrr4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionגַּ֣ם אֶת־הַ⁠טּ֗וֹב נְקַבֵּל֙ מֵ⁠אֵ֣ת הָ⁠אֱלֹהִ֔ים וְ⁠אֶת־הָ⁠רָ֖ע לֹ֣א נְקַבֵּ֑ל1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “if we are willing to receive the good from God, we should also be willing to receive the bad”

1082:10ltp4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjאֶת־הַ⁠טּ֗וֹב & וְ⁠אֶת־הָ⁠רָ֖ע1

Job is using the adjectives good and bad as a nouns to mean a certain kinds of things. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “good things … and … bad things”

1092:10wj2irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבִּ⁠שְׂפָתָֽי⁠ו1

The author is referring to what Job said by association with lips that Job used in order to say it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in anything that he said”

1102:11j040rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationאֵ֣ת כָּל־הָ⁠רָעָ֣ה הַ⁠זֹּאת֮ הַ⁠בָּ֣אָה עָלָי⁠ו֒1

The author is speaking of the evil or trouble that happened to Job as if it were a living that had come on him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all these bad things had happened to him”

1112:11c4dmrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesאֱלִיפַ֤ז הַ⁠תֵּימָנִי֙ וּ⁠בִלְדַּ֣ד הַ⁠שּׁוּחִ֔י וְ⁠צוֹפַ֖ר הַ⁠נַּֽעֲמָתִ֑י1

The words Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar are the names of men. The word Temanite describes someone from the town of Teman in the ancient country of Edom. The word Shuhite describes someone from the people group descended from Shuah, a son of Abraham and Keturah. The word Naamathite describes someone from the town of Naamah in Canaan.

1122:11en96rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletלָ⁠נֽוּד־ל֖⁠וֹ וּֽ⁠לְ⁠נַחֲמֽ⁠וֹ1

The terms sympathize and comfort mean similar things. The author is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to sympathize earnestly with him”

1132:12fu87rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוַ⁠יִּשְׂא֨וּ אֶת־עֵינֵי⁠הֶ֤ם1

This expression means to look carefully and intently off into the distance. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they looked intently off into the distance”

1142:12kle6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠לֹ֣א הִכִּירֻ֔⁠הוּ1

The implication is Jobs friends did not recognize him at first when they saw him at a distance. Job looked very different than usual because of his grief and because of the sores covering his body. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “they barely recognized him because he looked so different because of his grief and his sores”

1152:12j042rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysוַ⁠יִּשְׂא֥וּ קוֹלָ֖⁠ם וַ⁠יִּבְכּ֑וּ1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two phrases connected with and. The phrase raised their voice tells how the friends wept, that is, loudly. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this meaning with an equivalent phrase that does not use “and.” Alternate translation: “and they wept in a loud voice” or “and they wept loudly”

1162:12jd72rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ⁠יִּשְׂא֥וּ קוֹלָ֖⁠ם1

The author is speaking as if the friends literally raised their voice, that is, lifted it up into the air. He means that they made a loud sound with their voicesas they wept. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they made a loud sound”

1172:12j041rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsוַ⁠יִּשְׂא֥וּ קוֹלָ֖⁠ם1

Since the author is speaking of three people, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of voice. Alternate translation: “they raised their voices”

1182:12ira1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוַֽ⁠יִּקְרְעוּ֙ אִ֣ישׁ מְעִל֔⁠וֹ וַ⁠יִּזְרְק֥וּ עָפָ֛ר עַל־רָאשֵׁי⁠הֶ֖ם הַ⁠שָּׁמָֽיְמָ⁠ה1

Jobs friends tore their robes and threw dust into the air so that it would land on their heads as symbolic actions to show that they were deeply distressed about what had happened to Job. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “to show how distressed they were about what had happened to Job, they each tore his robe, and they threw dust heavenward upon their heads”

1192:13zzf1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוַ⁠יֵּשְׁב֤וּ אִתּ⁠וֹ֙ לָ⁠אָ֔רֶץ1

Jobs friends sat with him on the ground as a symbolic action to express their sincere sympathy with him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “And to express their sincere sympathy, they sat with him on the ground”

1203:introjci90

Job 3 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

In many places in this chapter, Job uses the question form in order to express strong feelings. Your language might not use the question form for this purpose. Notes will suggest other ways to translate these questions. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

Birth meaning life by association

Throughout this chapter, Job is saying that does not feel that his life is worth living any longer. He communicates this by cursing the day he was born, which is a way of saying by association that he wishes he had never lived. This is a powerful poetic device that would be good to show to your readers. So it would be preferable to translate the device itself, rather than express only its meaning or implications in your translation. In other words, for example, it would be appropriate to translate Jobs actual words in 3:3, “May the day on which I was born perish,” rather than have him say something like, “I do not feel that my life is worth living any more, and so I wish I had never been born.” (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfo]])

1213:1hmv8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyפָּתַ֤ח אִיּוֹב֙ אֶת־פִּ֔י⁠הוּ1

The author is referring to Job speaking by association with the way Job opened his mouth in order to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Job spoke up”

1223:1j043rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוַ⁠יְקַלֵּ֖ל אֶת־יוֹמֽ⁠וֹ1

In this context, the expression his day means the day on which Job was born. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and cursed his birthday”

1233:1j044rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוַ⁠יְקַלֵּ֖ל אֶת־יוֹמֽ⁠וֹ1

The implication is that Job cursed his birthday because he was suffering so greatly that he wished he had never been born. You can provide this information in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and cursed his birthday because he was suffering so greatly that he wished he had never been born”

1243:2j045rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletוַ⁠יַּ֥עַן אִיּ֗וֹב וַ⁠יֹּאמַֽר1

See the discussion of this expression in the General Introduction to Job. In this case, Job is responding not to something that someone else said but to all that has happened to him. Alternate translation: “In response to all that had happened to him, Job said”

1253:3j046rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismיֹ֣אבַד י֭וֹם אִוָּ֣לֶד בּ֑⁠וֹ וְ⁠הַ⁠לַּ֥יְלָה אָ֝מַ֗ר הֹ֣רָה גָֽבֶר1

See the discussion of Hebrew poetry in the General Introduction to Job to decide how to approach the translation of this verse and the other verses in the book that consist of a statement and then one or two further statements that advance the meaning of the first one in some way. Alternate translation: “May the day on which I was born perish, yes, may the night perish that said a boy had been conceived” or “May the night I was conceived and the day on which I was born both perish”

1263:3z3ebrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיֹ֣אבַד י֭וֹם אִוָּ֣לֶד בּ֑⁠וֹ1

Job is speaking of the day on which he was born as if it were a living thing that could perish. It is clear from verse 6 that he means he wishes it would no longer be one of the days of the year. Your language may have an expression of its own that you could use to express this meaning in your translation. Alternate translation: “May the day on which I was born be stricken from the calendar”

1273:3zca2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ⁠הַ⁠לַּ֥יְלָה1

Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and may the night perish” or “and may the night also be stricken from the calendar”

1283:3j047rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesאָ֝מַ֗ר הֹ֣רָה גָֽבֶר1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “that said that a boy had been conceived”

1293:3q9njrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationאָ֝מַ֗ר הֹ֣רָה גָֽבֶר1

Job is speaking of the night of his conception as if it were a living thing that could speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on which I was conceived as a boy”

1303:3ka1krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveהֹ֣רָה גָֽבֶר1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “A woman has conceived a boy”

1313:4j048rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאַֽל־יִדְרְשֵׁ֣⁠הוּ אֱל֣וֹהַּ מִ⁠מָּ֑עַל וְ⁠אַל־תּוֹפַ֖ע עָלָ֣י⁠ו נְהָרָֽה1

Job is speaking as if God would literally seek the day of his birth after it became dark. In this context, the word seek could mean: (1) to show concern. Alternate translation: “May God not show concern from above for that day by restoring its light” (2) to look for. Alternate translation: “May God not search for that day from above when he discovers that it is missing and bring it back among the other days by restoring its light”

1323:4hr5hrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultאַֽל־יִדְרְשֵׁ֣⁠הוּ אֱל֣וֹהַּ מִ⁠מָּ֑עַל וְ⁠אַל־תּוֹפַ֖ע עָלָ֣י⁠ו נְהָרָֽה1

Since it was God who created day by making light (Genesis 1:3), Job seems to be wishing that his birthday would be dark because God would not provide any light for it. Alternate translation: “May God not care for it from above, and as a result, may light not shine upon it” or “May no light shine upon it, because God is not caring for it from above”

1333:5j049rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletיִגְאָלֻ֡⁠הוּ חֹ֣שֶׁךְ וְ֭⁠צַלְמָוֶת 1

The terms darkness and deep darkness mean similar things. The author is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “May darkness completely claim it”

1343:5j050rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיִגְאָלֻ֡⁠הוּ חֹ֣שֶׁךְ וְ֭⁠צַלְמָוֶת 1

Job assumes that his listeners will understand that by claim he is referring to the way in this culture a close relative would bring an orphaned child into his own home and make that child a member of his own family. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “May darkness and deep darkness make it part of their own family”

1353:5j051rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיִגְאָלֻ֡⁠הוּ חֹ֣שֶׁךְ וְ֭⁠צַלְמָוֶת 1

Job is speaking as if darkness and deep darkness were living things that could adopt the day of his birth, as if it too were a living thing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “May that day be just like darkness, yes, like deep darkness”

1363:5ci87rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationתִּשְׁכָּן־עָלָ֣י⁠ו עֲנָנָ֑ה1

Job is speaking of a cloud as if it were a living thing that could dwell or make its home over the day of his birth, and he is speaking of that day as if it were something that itself lived in a particular place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “may that whole day be cloudy”

1373:5tz1jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionכִּֽמְרִ֥ירֵי יֽוֹם1

In this possessive form, the day is the object rather than the subject of blacknesses. That is, this does not mean blacknesses that the day possesses, it means all the things that blacken a day, in other words, make it dark. This would include things such as eclipses, sand storms, volcanic eruptions, etc. Alternate translation: “all the things that blacken a day” or “all the things that make a day dark”

1383:5j052rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsכִּֽמְרִ֥ירֵי יֽוֹם1

If your language would not use an abstract noun such as blacknesses, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “all the things that blacken a day” or “all the things that make a day dark”

1393:5j4ifrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיְ֝בַעֲתֻ֗⁠הוּ1

Job is speaking of the day of his birth as if it were a living thing that blackening events could terrify. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “make it so dark that it is no longer truly a day”

1403:6g44brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיִקָּחֵ֪⁠ה֫וּ אֹ֥פֶל1

Job is speaking of gloom as if it were a living thing that could take away the night of his conception, as if it were an object that could be carried. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “may it be without any light”

1413:6j053rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאַל־יִ֭חַדְּ בִּ⁠ימֵ֣י שָׁנָ֑ה בְּ⁠מִסְפַּ֥ר יְ֝רָחִ֗ים אַל־יָבֹֽא1

The pronoun it refers to the day when Job was born. Job is alternating between speaking about that day and about the night when he was conceived. Alternate translation: “May the day when I was born not rejoice among the days of the year; into the number of the months may it not come”

1423:6hgn9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationאַל־יִ֭חַדְּ בִּ⁠ימֵ֣י שָׁנָ֑ה בְּ⁠מִסְפַּ֥ר יְ֝רָחִ֗ים אַל־יָבֹֽא1

Job is speaking of the day of his birth as if it were a living thing that could rejoice that it was one of the days of the year and that could come among the months of the year. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “May it not be one of the days of the year, yes, may it not be a day in any of the months”

1433:6d2mprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionאַל־יִ֭חַדְּ בִּ⁠ימֵ֣י שָׁנָ֑ה בְּ⁠מִסְפַּ֥ר יְ֝רָחִ֗ים אַל־יָבֹֽא1

Job is not saying that he does not want the day of his birth to be one of the months of the year. Rather, he is using the possessive form the number of the months to mean the group of all of the months. In other words, that is another way of saying “the year.” Alternate translation: “May it not be one of the days of the year; indeed, may it not be part of the year at all” or, combining the two phrases, “May that day be left out of the year completely”

1443:6j054rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureאַל־יִ֭חַדְּ בִּ⁠ימֵ֣י שָׁנָ֑ה בְּ⁠מִסְפַּ֥ר יְ֝רָחִ֗ים אַל־יָבֹֽא1

It may be more natural in your language to mention the shorter period, months, before the longer period, the year, in order to increase the emphasis as the sentence progresses. The UST models one way to do this.

1453:7sh3erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationהַ⁠לַּ֣יְלָה הַ֭⁠הוּא יְהִ֣י גַלְמ֑וּד1

Job is speaking of the night he was conceived as if it were a living thing that could be barren. He means that he does not want that night to have any children, in the sense that he does not want any more children to be conceived on that night or, as the context suggests, born on that night. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “May no one ever again be born on that night”

1463:7i8zrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationאַל־תָּבֹ֖א רְנָנָ֣ה בֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is speaking of a joyful shout as if it were a living thing that could come into a place. He is referring to people shouting for joy on the night of the day when he was born. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “May no one shout joyfully on that night”

1473:7cdr2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאַל־תָּבֹ֖א רְנָנָ֣ה בֽ⁠וֹ1

Job means implicitly that he does not want anyone to shout joyfully on this particular night to celebrate the birth of a child. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “May no one shout joyfully on that night to celebrate the birth of a child”

1483:8j055rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיִקְּבֻ֥⁠הוּ1

The pronoun it refers to the day when Job was born. Job is alternating between speaking about that day and about the night when he was conceived. Alternate translation: “May … curse that day”

1493:8i4gtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֹרְרֵי־י֑וֹם1

Job assumes that his listeners will understand that by the ones cursing a day he is referring to sorcerers whom people in this culture employed in the belief that the sorcerers could cause bad things to happen on a particular day to people they did not like. For example, people might employ a sorcerer to try to ruin the day on which a person began an important journey or celebrated an important family occasion such as a wedding. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “professional sorcerers”

1503:8j056rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjהָ֝⁠עֲתִידִ֗ים1

Job is using the adjective skillful as a noun to mean certain people. The word is plural, and ULT adds the word ones to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “the people who have the skill”

1513:8j057rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעֹרֵ֥ר לִוְיָתָֽן1

People in this culture believed in a monster called Leviathan, associated with the sea, who caused chaos. You could retain the name Leviathan in your translation in order to give your readers some idea of their belief. Alternatively, you could state the implicit meaning plainly. The further implication is that if sorcerers created chaos, there would no longer be any distinction between days, and so the day of Jobs birth would no longer have a distinct identity. You could say that explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to cause chaos” or “to destroy the distinct identity of the day on which I was born”

1523:9fcl4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיְקַו־לְ⁠א֥וֹר וָ⁠אַ֑יִן וְ⁠אַל־יִ֝רְאֶ֗ה בְּ⁠עַפְעַפֵּי־שָֽׁחַר1

Job is speaking of the day of his birth as if it were a living thing that could wait for light to appear in the sky and see the dawn. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “may light never appear on that day, yes, may dawn never break on that day”

1533:9j058rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְּ⁠עַפְעַפֵּי־שָֽׁחַר1

Job is referring to light flashing from eyes by association with the eyelids that open to reveal that flashing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the light flashing from the eyes of the dawn”

1543:9max2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationבְּ⁠עַפְעַפֵּי־שָֽׁחַר1

Job is speaking of the dawn as if it were a living thing that had eyelids that could open to reveal light flashing from its eyes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the first light of dawn” or “the break of dawn”

1553:10j059rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionלֹ֣א סָ֭גַר דַּלְתֵ֣י בִטְנִ֑⁠י1

Job is using the possessive form my womb to mean the womb from which he was born, that is, his mothers womb. He is not saying that he himself had a womb. It may be helpful clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “it did not close the doors of my mothers womb”

1563:10ta9drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלֹ֣א סָ֭גַר דַּלְתֵ֣י בִטְנִ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking as his mothers womb literally had doors that could have closed to keep him from being born. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it did not keep me from being born”

1573:10juv2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationלֹ֣א סָ֭גַר דַּלְתֵ֣י בִטְנִ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking as if the day of his birth were a living thing that could have kept him from being born. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “nothing kept me from being born on that day”

1583:10j060rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוַ⁠יַּסְתֵּ֥ר עָ֝מָ֗ל מֵ⁠עֵינָֽ⁠י1

Job is also speaking as if the day of his birth were a living thing that could have hidden trouble from his eyes. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and nothing hid trouble from my eyes”

1593:10e47irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוַ⁠יַּסְתֵּ֥ר עָ֝מָ֗ל מֵ⁠עֵינָֽ⁠י1

Job is referring to his ability to see by association with the eyes by which he sees. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and hide trouble from my sight” or “and keep me from seeing trouble”

1603:10j061rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוַ⁠יַּסְתֵּ֥ר עָ֝מָ֗ל מֵ⁠עֵינָֽ⁠י1

In this context, to see trouble means to experience it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and keep me from experiencing trouble”

1613:10j062rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוַ⁠יַּסְתֵּ֥ר עָ֝מָ֗ל מֵ⁠עֵינָֽ⁠י1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of trouble, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and keep me from suffering so badly”

1623:11j063rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismלָ֤⁠מָּה לֹּ֣א מֵ⁠רֶ֣חֶם אָמ֑וּת מִ⁠בֶּ֖טֶן יָצָ֣אתִי וְ⁠אֶגְוָֽע1

These two phrases mean similar things. As Job and the other characters do throughout the poetic sections of the book, here he is using repeating phrases in order to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. (See the discussion of “parallelism” in the General Introduction to the book of Job.) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine these phrases. However, you may wish to retain both of them in order to give your readers an idea of how Hebrew poetry worked. The following notes give suggestions for how to do that. Alternate translation, combining the phrases: “Why did I not die just as soon as I was born?”

1633:11gg8prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionלָ֤⁠מָּה לֹּ֣א מֵ⁠רֶ֣חֶם אָמ֑וּת מִ⁠בֶּ֖טֶן יָצָ֣אתִי וְ⁠אֶגְוָֽע1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate using the statement or exclamation form. It may be helpful to make this two sentences. Alternate translation: “I wish I had died from the womb! I wish I had come out of the belly and expired!”

1643:11j064rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ⁠בֶּ֖טֶן1

Job is referring to his birth by association with the womb from which he was born. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as soon as I was born”

1653:11hh1mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismיָצָ֣אתִי וְ⁠אֶגְוָֽע1

Job is using the word expire, which means to “breathe out,” to mean “die.” This is a mild way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “come out of the belly and breathe my last”

1663:11j065rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיָצָ֣אתִי וְ⁠אֶגְוָֽע1

Job is referring to his birth by association with the belly (a poetic synonym for “womb”) from which he was born. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “breathe my last as soon as my mother gave birth to me”

1673:12j066rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַ֭דּוּעַ קִדְּמ֣וּ⁠נִי בִרְכָּ֑יִם וּ⁠מַה־שָּׁ֝דַ֗יִם כִּ֣י אִינָֽק1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I wish that knees had not welcomed me, and breasts, that I should have sucked!”

1683:12j067rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisמַ֭דּוּעַ קִדְּמ֣וּ⁠נִי בִרְכָּ֑יִם וּ⁠מַה־שָּׁ֝דַ֗יִם כִּ֣י אִינָֽק1

Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Why did knees welcome me, and why did breasts welcome me so that I could suck?”

1693:12v9p9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמַ֭דּוּעַ קִדְּמ֣וּ⁠נִי בִרְכָּ֑יִם וּ⁠מַה־שָּׁ֝דַ֗יִם כִּ֣י אִינָֽק1

Job is using parts of his mother to mean all of his mother in the act of nursing him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Why did my mother hold me on her knees and nurse me?”

1703:13aal1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoכִּֽי1

The word For indicates that the sentence it introduces states what the result would have been if the event Job has been describing had actually taken place, that is, if he had died at birth. Alternate translation: “If that had been the case,”

1713:13j068עַ֭תָּה1

Alternate translation: “by now” or “at this time”

1723:13pv57rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseשָׁכַ֣בְתִּי וְ⁠אֶשְׁק֑וֹט יָ֝שַׁ֗נְתִּי אָ֤ז ׀ יָנ֬וּחַֽ לִֽ⁠י1

Job is using the past tense to describe what would have been the case if he had actually never been born. Your language may use the past tense in this same way. If not, you could use the conditional tense here. Alternate translation: “I would have lain down and been reposing, I would have slept and it would have been rest to me”

1733:13j069rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismיָ֝שַׁ֗נְתִּי1

Job is using the word slept to mean “died.” This is a mild way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. If not, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I would have passed away” or “I would have died”

1743:13e4ksיָנ֬וּחַֽ לִֽ⁠י1

If your language would not use an impersonal construction such as this one, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “I would have been at rest” or “I would have been resting”

1753:14j070rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהַ⁠בֹּנִ֖ים חֳרָב֣וֹת לָֽ⁠מוֹ1

The word translated monuments refers to a desolate or ruined place. In this context, it could mean implicitly: (1) elaborate buildings in desolate places, such as the pyramids that the pharaohs built in the Egyptian desert. Since Job is wishing that this were his situation, this positive sense is probably preferable. Alternate translation: “who built great tombs for themselves in remote places” (2) ruined buildings. Alternate translation: “who rebuilt ruined buildings for themselves” or “who built buildings for themselves that are now ruined”

1763:15j071rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleהַֽ⁠מְמַלְאִ֖ים בָּתֵּי⁠הֶ֣ם כָּֽסֶף1

Job says that these princes filled their houses with silver as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a different way to express the emphasis. Alternate translation: “who kept much silver in their homes”

1773:16j072rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכְ⁠נֵ֣פֶל טָ֭מוּן1

The word translated hidden refers implicitly to burial. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “like a child who was not born alive and so was buried immediately”

1783:16qu2src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheכְּ֝⁠עֹלְלִ֗ים לֹא־רָ֥אוּ אֽוֹר1

Job is using one of the birth process, seeing the light for the first time, to mean all of the birth process. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “like infants who are not born alive”

1793:17j073rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרְ֭שָׁעִים & יְגִ֣יעֵי כֹֽחַ1

Job is using the adjectives wicked and weary as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “people who are wicked … people who are weary in strength”

1803:18zbk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלֹ֥א שָׁ֝מְע֗וּ ק֣וֹל נֹגֵֽשׂ1

Job is referring to the orders that a taskmaster would give Captives by association with the voice that the taskmaster would use to convey them, and he is referring to the captives obligation to obey those orders by association with the way they would hear them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use equivalent expressions or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no taskmaster gives them orders to follow” or “they no longer need to follow the orders of any taskmaster”

1813:19yv5lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismקָטֹ֣ן וְ֭⁠גָדוֹל שָׁ֣ם1

Job is using two extremes of people, small and great (meaning unimportant and important), to mean them and everyone in between. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “People of every kind are there”

1823:19j074rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjקָטֹ֣ן וְ֭⁠גָדוֹל1

Job is using the adjectives Small and great as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “Unimportant people and important people”

1833:19xrv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounוְ֝⁠עֶ֗בֶד1

This phrase does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who has the quality that it names. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and anyone who had been a servant”

1843:20zq45rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionלָ֤⁠מָּה יִתֵּ֣ן לְ⁠עָמֵ֣ל א֑וֹר וְ֝⁠חַיִּ֗ים לְ⁠מָ֣רֵי נָֽפֶשׁ1

This is the beginning of a long question that Job asks, using the question form for emphasis, in verses 2023. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these verses as a series of statement or exclamations. Alternate translation: “Light should not be given to the miserable! Life should not be given to the bitter in soul!”

1853:20j075rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveלָ֤⁠מָּה יִתֵּ֣ן & א֑וֹר1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, the context suggests that it is God. Alternate translation: “Why does God give light”

1863:20naz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyא֑וֹר1

Job is referring to life by association with the light that people who are alive are able to see. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “life”

1873:20j076rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjלְ⁠עָמֵ֣ל & לְ⁠מָ֣רֵי נָֽפֶשׁ1

Job is using the adjectives miserable and bitter as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “to people who are miserable … to people who are bitter in soul”

1883:20j077rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ֝⁠חַיִּ֗ים1

Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and why is life given” or “and why does God give life”

1893:20j078rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלְ⁠מָ֣רֵי נָֽפֶשׁ1

This expression describes people who are bitter or unhappy in the depths of their beings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to people who are deeply unhappy”

1903:21hbh3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַֽ⁠מְחַכִּ֣ים לַ⁠מָּ֣וֶת וְ⁠אֵינֶ֑⁠נּוּ וַֽ֝⁠יַּחְפְּרֻ֗⁠הוּ מִ⁠מַּטְמוֹנִֽים1

This is a continuation of the question that Job is asking in verses 2023, using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as the next statement or exclamation in a series. Alternate translation: “Life should not be given to people who long to die but who cannot die, who dig for death more than for hidden treasures!” or “God should not give life to people who long to die but who cannot die, who dig for death more than for hidden treasures!”

1913:21lgj7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַֽ֝⁠יַּחְפְּרֻ֗⁠הוּ מִ⁠מַּטְמוֹנִֽים1

Job is speaking as if very unhappy people literally dig for death more eagerly than they would dig to find hidden treasures. He means that they want to die more than they want anything else. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who want to die more than they want anything else”

1923:22p5zyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ⁠שְּׂמֵחִ֥ים אֱלֵי־גִ֑יל יָ֝שִׂ֗ישׂוּ כִּ֣י יִמְצְאוּ־קָֽבֶר1

This is a continuation of the question that Job is asking in verses 2023, using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as the next statement or exclamation in a series. Alternate translation: “Life should not be given to people who rejoice unto gladness and celebrate when they find a grave!” or “God should not give life to people who rejoice unto gladness and celebrate when they find a grave!”

1933:22z97vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletהַ⁠שְּׂמֵחִ֥ים אֱלֵי־גִ֑יל יָ֝שִׂ֗ישׂוּ1

The terms rejoicing unto gladness and celebrate mean similar things. Job is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “the ones who rejoice greatly”

1943:22p53trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyכִּ֣י יִמְצְאוּ־קָֽבֶר1

Job is referring to death by association with the grave in which a person who dies is buried. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when they die” or “when they know that they are about to die”

1953:23fk1vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionלְ֭⁠גֶבֶר אֲשֶׁר־דַּרְכּ֣⁠וֹ נִסְתָּ֑רָה וַ⁠יָּ֖סֶךְ אֱל֣וֹהַּ בַּעֲדֽ⁠וֹ1

This is the end of the question that Job has been asking in verses 2023, using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as the last statement or exclamation in a series. Alternate translation: “Life should not be given to a man whose way is hidden, around whom God has hedged!” or “God should not give life to a man whose way is hidden, around whom he has hedged!”

1963:23j079rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletלְ֭⁠גֶבֶר אֲשֶׁר־דַּרְכּ֣⁠וֹ נִסְתָּ֑רָה וַ⁠יָּ֖סֶךְ אֱל֣וֹהַּ בַּעֲדֽ⁠וֹ1

The phrases whose way is hidden and God has hedged around him mean similar things. Job is using the two phrases together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to a man whom God is keeping from seeing where he is going”

1973:23xgh3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֲשֶׁר־דַּרְכּ֣⁠וֹ נִסְתָּ֑רָה וַ⁠יָּ֖סֶךְ אֱל֣וֹהַּ בַּעֲדֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is speaking of how a person ought to live, or of a hopeful future that lies ahead of a person, as if that were literally a way or path that the person should walk along but which is hidden so that the person cannot find it. He speaks as if God had literally put a hedge around the person to keep him from seeing out. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who has no hope for the future”

1983:23j080rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveאֲשֶׁר־דַּרְכּ֣⁠וֹ נִסְתָּ֑רָה1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who has done the action, the context suggests that it is God. Alternate translation: “whose way God has hidden”

1993:24j081rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּֽי1

Job is using the word For to explain the reason why he asked in the preceding verses why God would give life to a person who is as miserable as he is. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “I have asked all this because”

2003:24ya6wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלִ⁠פְנֵ֣י לַ֭חְמִ⁠י אַנְחָתִ֣⁠י תָבֹ֑א1

The word before could mean implicitly: (1) that Jobs sighing comes in place of his food. Alternate translation: “I am too sad to eat” (2) that Jobs sighing comes first and his food comes afterwards. Alternate translation: “I cannot eat without sighing first”

2013:24jp2urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוַֽ⁠יִּתְּכ֥וּ כַ֝⁠מַּ֗יִם שַׁאֲגֹתָֽ⁠י1

The point of this comparison is that just as waters (those of a river, for example) flow greatly and powerfully, so Job is groaning greatly and powerfully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and I am groaning very greatly”

2023:25j082rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּ֤י1

Job is using the word For to explain the reason why he is so upset that he cannot eat and he is groaning loudly. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “I cannot eat and I am groaning because”

2033:25pvp2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationפַ֣חַד פָּ֭חַדְתִּי וַ⁠יֶּאֱתָיֵ֑⁠נִי וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָ֝גֹ֗רְתִּי יָ֣בֹא לִֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking of what he feared and dreaded as if it were a living thing that had arrived or come to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. It may be helpful to combine these two clauses in your translation. Alternate translation: “the thing that I was most afraid of has happened”

2043:25j083פַ֣חַד פָּ֭חַדְתִּי1

Job is using a construction in which a verb and its object come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here.Alternatively, your language may have its own way of expressing such a meaning. Alternate translation: “I was very afraid of something”

2053:26j084rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultלֹ֤א שָׁלַ֨וְתִּי ׀ וְ⁠לֹ֖א שָׁקַ֥טְתִּי וְֽ⁠לֹא־נָ֗חְתִּי וַ⁠יָּ֥בֹא רֹֽגֶז1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the second phrase gives the reason for the result that the first phrase describes. (The word translated but introduces a reason.) Alternate translation: “Because trouble comes, I have not relaxed, and I have not reposed, and I have not rested”

2063:26f53trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletלֹ֤א שָׁלַ֨וְתִּי ׀ וְ⁠לֹ֖א שָׁקַ֥טְתִּי וְֽ⁠לֹא־נָ֗חְתִּי וַ⁠יָּ֥בֹא רֹֽגֶז1

The terms relaxed, reposed, and rested mean similar things. Job is using the three terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “I have not been able to rest at all”

2073:26j085rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוַ⁠יָּ֥בֹא רֹֽגֶז1

Job is speaking of trouble as if it were a living thing that comes to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but trouble happens”

2084:introkk870

Job 4 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem.

Special concepts in this chapter

Eliphazs advice

In this chapter and the next chapter, Jobs friend Eliphaz advises him to trust that God protects innocent people and punishes wicked people. He says that God corrects good people if they begin to do bad things, and he encourages Job to consider why God is correcting him. Ordinarily this would be very good advice. But Eliphaz does not understand the special circumstances that Job is in. Job himself does not understand them. God cannot explain to Job that he has allowed the adversary to test him to see whether he will still trust God even if he loses his family, possessions, and health, because if God explained this, that would make the test invalid. So this section of the book, in which Jobs three friends speak with him, presents a paradox: What would ordinarily be good advice is not good advice under these special circumstances.

Translation issues in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Eliphaz often uses the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate his questions as statements or exclamations. Notes will offer suggestions at each place where Eliphaz uses the question form in this way. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

2094:2y6k8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠נִסָּ֬ה דָבָ֣ר אֵלֶ֣י⁠ךָ תִּלְאֶ֑ה וַ⁠עְצֹ֥ר בְּ֝⁠מִלִּ֗ין מִ֣י יוּכָֽל1

In both of these sentences, Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “I am concerned that you will tire if a word is tried with you. But no one is able to refrain from a word.”

2104:2j086rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveהֲ⁠נִסָּ֬ה דָבָ֣ר אֵלֶ֣י⁠ךָ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If I try a word with you”

2114:2j087rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהֲ⁠נִסָּ֬ה דָבָ֣ר אֵלֶ֣י⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is using the term word to mean what he would like to say to Job by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If I try to speak with you”

2124:2j088rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyתִּלְאֶ֑ה1

Eliphaz is referring to Job interrupting him and stopping him by association with the way he would do that if he were to tire of what Eliphaz had to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will you interrupt me and stop me before I have finished what I have to say”

2134:2n3srrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוַ⁠עְצֹ֥ר בְּ֝⁠מִלִּ֗ין מִ֣י יוּכָֽל1

Eliphaz is likely implying that no one who saw Job suffering so badly could refrain from speaking to him out of compassion. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “But no one who saw you suffering so badly could refrain from speaking to you to try to encourage you”

2144:2j089rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְּ֝⁠מִלִּ֗ין1

Eliphaz is using the term translated word, in this case meaning a single spoken word, to mean by association all of what he would like to say to Job by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from speaking”

2154:3j090rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרַבִּ֑ים1

Eliphaz is using the adjective many as a noun. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “many people”

2164:3j091rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠יָדַ֖יִם רָפ֣וֹת תְּחַזֵּֽק1

Eliphaz may be using one part of people, their hands, to mean the people themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have strengthened people who were weak” or see next note for another possibility.

2174:3fe8qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠יָדַ֖יִם רָפ֣וֹת תְּחַזֵּֽק1

Eliphaz may be referring to fear by association with way the peoples hands become weak when they are afraid. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have helped people who were afraid take courage”

2184:4tqj5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyכּ֭וֹשֵׁל יְקִימ֣וּ⁠ן מִלֶּ֑י⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is using the term words to mean what Job has said to people in the past by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “What you have said has upheld the one stumbling”

2194:4fnd5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכּ֭וֹשֵׁל יְקִימ֣וּ⁠ן מִלֶּ֑י⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is speaking as if people who were struggling in life were literally stumbling and as if Jobs words or counsel had literally upheld them or kept them from falling down. He means that Job gave wise advice that encouraged people in their struggles and helped them not to give up. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “By your advice, you have encouraged struggling people not to give up”

2204:4j092rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounכּ֭וֹשֵׁל1

This phrase does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone in the situation that it describes. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “many people who were stumbling” or “many people who were struggling”

2214:4c21wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוּ⁠בִרְכַּ֖יִם כֹּרְע֣וֹת תְּאַמֵּֽץ1

Eliphaz is referring to exhaustion or despondency by association with way the peoples knees may be buckling under those circumstances. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have helped exhausted people to persevere” or “you have helped despondent people not to give up”

2224:5jv44rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationתָּב֣וֹא אֵלֶ֣י⁠ךָ & תִּגַּ֥ע עָ֝דֶ֗י⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is speaking of trouble as if it were a living thing that could touch Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it happens to you … it affects you”

2234:5j093rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsתָּב֣וֹא & תִּגַּ֥ע1

The pronoun it refers to trouble in both instances. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “trouble comes … trouble touches” or “trouble happens … trouble affects”

2244:6jv9mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠לֹ֣א יִ֭רְאָתְ⁠ךָ כִּסְלָתֶ֑⁠ךָ תִּ֝קְוָתְ⁠ךָ֗ וְ⁠תֹ֣ם דְּרָכֶֽי⁠ךָ1

In both of these instances, Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “Your fear should be your confidence! The integrity of your ways should be your hope!”

2254:6b27yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיִ֭רְאָתְ⁠ךָ1

In this context, the word fear means respect for God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your respect for God”

2264:6j094rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisתִּ֝קְוָתְ⁠ךָ֗1

Eliphaz is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Is not your hope”

2274:6nh5wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorדְּרָכֶֽי⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is speaking of Jobs practices in life as if they were ways or paths that he was walking on. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your conduct”

2284:7ctx8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִ֤י ה֣וּא נָקִ֣י אָבָ֑ד וְ֝⁠אֵיפֹ֗ה יְשָׁרִ֥ים נִכְחָֽדוּ1

In both of these instances, Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “We cannot name one innocent person who has perished! And the righteous are never destroyed!”

2294:7mq2src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ֝⁠אֵיפֹ֗ה יְשָׁרִ֥ים נִכְחָֽדוּ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “And when has anyone destroyed the righteous”

2304:7j095rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjיְשָׁרִ֥ים1

Eliphaz is using the adjective righteous as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “righteous people”

2314:8j096rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisחֹ֣רְשֵׁי אָ֑וֶן וְ⁠זֹרְעֵ֖י עָמָ֣ל יִקְצְרֻֽ⁠הוּ1

Eliphaz is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the ones plowing misery reap it, and the ones sowing trouble reap that”

2324:8yw7brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorחֹ֣רְשֵׁי אָ֑וֶן וְ⁠זֹרְעֵ֖י עָמָ֣ל יִקְצְרֻֽ⁠הוּ1

Eliphaz is speaking as people could literally plow iniquity, sow trouble, and reap those things. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those who do wicked things and cause trouble for others will experience trouble themselves”

2334:9g9mprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ⁠נִּשְׁמַ֣ת אֱל֣וֹהַ יֹאבֵ֑דוּ וּ⁠מֵ⁠ר֖וּחַ אַפּ֣⁠וֹ יִכְלֽוּ1

Eliphaz could also be using the breath of God to mean by association the judgment that God pronounces against the wicked by speaking with his breath and the blast of his nose to mean the wrath of God against wickedness by association with the way people snort with their noses when they are angry. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God pronounces his judgment against them and destroys them; in his wrath he makes an end of them” or see next note for another possibility.

2344:9sm4nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמִ⁠נִּשְׁמַ֣ת אֱל֣וֹהַ יֹאבֵ֑דוּ וּ⁠מֵ⁠ר֖וּחַ אַפּ֣⁠וֹ יִכְלֽוּ1

Eliphaz is speaking as if troublesome people literally perish when God breathes on them from his mouth and snorts at them from his nose. By referring to the breath of God and the blast of his nose, Eliphaz may be depicting Gods judgment as a great storm that sweeps wicked people away. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Gods powerful judgment against them is like a great storm that sweeps them away”

2354:10vnp3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsשַׁאֲגַ֣ת אַ֭רְיֵה וְ⁠ק֣וֹל שָׁ֑חַל וְ⁠שִׁנֵּ֖י כְפִירִ֣ים נִתָּֽעוּ1

Eliphaz is using exclamations to add emphasis to the point he is making. If these would not be natural in your language, you could translate them as statements. Alternate translation: “Lions may roar, indeed, fierce lions may rumble, but the teeth of the young lions are broken”

2364:10mw99rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשַׁאֲגַ֣ת אַ֭רְיֵה וְ⁠ק֣וֹל שָׁ֑חַל וְ⁠שִׁנֵּ֖י כְפִירִ֣ים נִתָּֽעוּ1

Eliphaz is speaking of wicked people as if they were literally lions. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Wicked people may say threatening things and appear dangerous, but God will keep them from harming righteous people”

2374:10l75nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠שִׁנֵּ֖י כְפִירִ֣ים נִתָּֽעוּ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “But God breaks the teeth of the young lions”

2384:11uru1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלַ֭יִשׁ אֹבֵ֣ד מִ⁠בְּלִי־טָ֑רֶף וּ⁠בְנֵ֥י לָ֝בִ֗יא יִתְפָּרָֽדוּ1

Eliphaz is continuing to speak of wicked people as if they were literally lions. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yes, God will keep wicked people from exploiting righteous people, and in the end the wicked people will become poor and lose their families”

2394:11n8m2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוּ⁠בְנֵ֥י לָ֝בִ֗יא יִתְפָּרָֽדוּ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and the cubs of the lioness scatter”

2404:12j097rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ֭⁠אֵלַ⁠י דָּבָ֣ר יְגֻנָּ֑ב1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Now someone brought a word to me secretly”

2414:12dotsrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundוְ֭⁠אֵלַ⁠י1

Eliphaz is using the word translated Now to introduce background information that will help Job understand what he says next. In your translation, introduce this information in a way that would be natural in your own language and culture.

2424:12j098rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyדָּבָ֣ר1

Eliphaz is using the term word to mean a message that was communicated to him by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “A message”

2434:12j099rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוַ⁠תִּקַּ֥ח אָ֝זְנִ֗⁠י1

Eliphaz is using one part of himself, his ear, to mean all of him in the act of hearing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I heard”

2444:13h37arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomמֵ⁠חֶזְיֹנ֣וֹת לָ֑יְלָה1

By visions of the night, Eliphaz means dreams. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from a dream that I had”

2454:13er9trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationבִּ⁠נְפֹ֥ל תַּ֝רְדֵּמָ֗ה עַל־אֲנָשִֽׁים1

Eliphaz is speaking of deep sleep as if it were a living thing that could be actively falling on people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as happens when people are deeply asleep”

2464:13j100rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאֲנָשִֽׁים1

Although the term men is masculine, Eliphaz is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people”

2474:14pp18rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletפַּ֣חַד קְ֭רָאַ⁠נִי וּ⁠רְעָדָ֑ה1

The terms Fear and trembling mean similar things. Eliphaz is using the two terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “Great fear came upon me”

2484:14j101פַּ֣חַד & הִפְחִֽיד1

For emphasis, Eliphaz is using a construction in which a subject and its verb come from the same root. You may be able to use the same construction in your language to express the meaning here. Alternatively, your language may another way of showing the emphasis.

2494:14j102rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠רֹ֖ב עַצְמוֹתַ֣⁠י הִפְחִֽיד1

Eliphaz is using one part of himself, his bones, to mean all of him in the act of becoming afraid. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I became completely afraid” or “yes, I became completely afraid”

2504:16vak8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyתְּ֭מוּנָה לְ⁠נֶ֣גֶד עֵינָ֑⁠י1

Eliphaz is referring to seeing by association with the eyes by which he could see. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I saw an image”

2514:16j103rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוָ⁠ק֣וֹל אֶשְׁמָֽע1

Eliphaz is referring to speaking by association with the voice by which this spirit spoke. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “then I heard the spirit say”

2524:17j104rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesהַֽ֭⁠אֱנוֹשׁ מֵ⁠אֱל֣וֹהַ יִצְדָּ֑ק אִ֥ם מֵ֝⁠עֹשֵׂ֗⁠הוּ יִטְהַר־גָּֽבֶר1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The spirit asked whether a man could be more righteous than God, if a man could be more pure than his Maker.”

2534:17qqw3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַֽ֭⁠אֱנוֹשׁ מֵ⁠אֱל֣וֹהַ יִצְדָּ֑ק אִ֥ם מֵ֝⁠עֹשֵׂ֗⁠הוּ יִטְהַר־גָּֽבֶר1

In both of these sentences, Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “A man cannot be more righteous than God! A man cannot be more pure than his Maker!”

2544:17j105rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהַֽ֭⁠אֱנוֹשׁ1

The term that Eliphaz is using for man here implicitly means a “mortal.” You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “a mortal”

2554:17j106rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִ֥ם מֵ֝⁠עֹשֵׂ֗⁠הוּ יִטְהַר־גָּֽבֶר1

Eliphaz is using the word If to introduce a question that anticipates a negative answer. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “A man cannot be more pure than his Maker, can he?”

2564:17j107rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsגָּֽבֶר1

Eliphaz is using the word man here (a synonym for the word translated man earlier in the verse) in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a person”

2574:18j108rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsלֹ֣א יַאֲמִ֑ין & יָשִׂ֥ים1

The pronouns he and his refer back to the previous verse to God, not to “a man.” It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God does not trust … God charges”

2584:18j109rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבַּ֭⁠עֲבָדָי⁠ו & וּ֝⁠בְ⁠מַלְאָכָ֗י⁠ו1

By his servants, Eliphaz implicitly means the angels he mentions later in the verse. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “in the angels who serve him … and … those angels”

2594:19j110rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisאַ֤ף ׀ שֹׁכְנֵ֬י בָֽתֵּי־חֹ֗מֶר1

Eliphaz is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “How much less will God be confident that dwellers in houses of clay are doing the right thing”

2604:19x3pkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשֹׁכְנֵ֬י בָֽתֵּי־חֹ֗מֶר אֲשֶׁר־בֶּ⁠עָפָ֥ר יְסוֹדָ֑⁠ם1

Eliphaz is speaking as if human beings literally lived in houses made of clay that have a foundation set in the dust. He is referring to the human body, which the Bible describes as having been formed from the dust of the earth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “human beings”

2614:19j111rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיְ֝דַכְּא֗וּ⁠ם1

Here, They is an indefinite pronoun that does not refer to anyone in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with a different expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “They can be crushed”

2624:19r4dqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלִ⁠פְנֵי1

Here the term before means “sooner than” and by implication “more easily than.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “more easily than”

2634:20m44urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismמִ⁠בֹּ֣קֶר לָ⁠עֶ֣רֶב1

Eliphaz is using the beginning and ending of a day, morning and evening, to mean an entire day. (He means within the space of a day, not throughout a whole day.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “Within a single day”

2644:20znp6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיֻכַּ֑תּוּ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, the context suggests that it is God. Alternate translation: “God destroys them”

2654:21n9surc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠לֹא־נִסַּ֣ע יִתְרָ֣⁠ם בָּ֑⁠ם1

Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Their tent cord is certainly pulled up away from them!”

2664:21j112rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveהֲ⁠לֹא־נִסַּ֣ע יִתְרָ֣⁠ם בָּ֑⁠ם1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, the context suggests that it is God. Alternate translation: “Does not God pull up their tent cord away from them”

2674:21ugp9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהֲ⁠לֹא־נִסַּ֣ע יִתְרָ֣⁠ם בָּ֑⁠ם1

Eliphaz is speaking as people were literally a tent whose cord had been pulled up so that it was in danger of imminent collapse. He means that mortals have only a brief and uncertain life. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do not people have only a brief and uncertain life?” or, as an exclamation, “People have only a brief and uncertain life!”

2684:21j113rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsבְ⁠חָכְמָֽה1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wisdom, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “after having lived wisely”

2695:introkq380

Job 5 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of the advice of Jobs friend Eliphaz.

Translation issues in this chapter

long sentence

Eliphaz describes God in a long sentence in verses 813. As the notes suggest at several places, it may be helpful to break up this long sentence into several shorter sentences.

2705:1j114rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-politenessקְֽרָא־נָ֭א1

Eliphaz is using the word translated now to offer polite encouragement. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Go ahead, call out”

2715:1j115rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitקְֽרָא־נָ֭א1

Eliphaz assumes that Job will understand that by Call out, he is telling Job to ask someone to listen to his complaint against God. In this culture, someone who had a case against someone else would go to a public area and ask established members of the community to hear and judge the case. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Go ahead, call for someone to listen to and judge your case against God”

2725:1j116rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyקְֽרָא־נָ֭א1

Eliphaz does not really want Job to Call out and ask someone to hear his complaint against God, even though he is telling Job to do that. Eliphaz actually intends to communicate the opposite of the literal meaning of his words. He wants Job to realize that there is no being who has the wisdom or authority to hear a human beings complaint against God. Alternate translation: “There is really no point in calling for someone to listen to and judge your case against God”

2735:1gaw4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠יֵ֣שׁ עוֹנֶ֑⁠ךָּ וְ⁠אֶל־מִ֖י מִ⁠קְּדֹשִׁ֣ים תִּפְנֶֽה1

In both of these instances, Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for this purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “there is no one who will answer you. You cannot turn to any of the holy ones.”

2745:1n2rwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמִ⁠קְּדֹשִׁ֣ים1

In this context, the phrase the holy ones likely refers to angelic beings rather than to people who live righteously. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers.. Alternate translation: “the angelic beings”

2755:1j117rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorתִּפְנֶֽה1

Eliphaz is speaking as if Job would literally turn to face someone he wanted to hear his case against God. Eliphaz means that Job would appeal to such a person, although he is arguing that there actually is no such person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will you appeal”

2765:2j118rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּֽי1

Eliphaz is using the word For to explain the reason why he does not really think that Job should look for someone to judge his complaint against God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “You should not look for someone to judge your complaint against God, because”

2775:2v7iprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationלֶֽ֭⁠אֱוִיל יַהֲרָג־כָּ֑עַשׂ וּ֝⁠פֹתֶ֗ה תָּמִ֥ית קִנְאָֽה1

Eliphaz is speaking of indignation and resentment as if they were a living things that could kill a person. He means that people who become indignant and resentful when God corrects them, rather than admitting their sins and repenting, put themselves in a position where God has to punish them, even by killing them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when people foolishly become indignant or naïvely become resentful when God corrects them, God must punish or even kill them”

2785:2j119rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsכָּ֑עַשׂ & קִנְאָֽה1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of indignation and resentment, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “being indignant … being resentful”

2795:2bn1mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounלֶֽ֭⁠אֱוִיל & וּ֝⁠פֹתֶ֗ה1

These phrases does not refer to specific people. They refer to anyone who has the qualities that they name. Express their meaning in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “everyone who is foolish … and … everyone who is simple”

2805:2j120rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ֝⁠פֹתֶ֗ה1

Eliphaz assumes that Job will understand that by simple he means a person who does not realize that the world is a complicated place and that he needs to cultivate godly wisdom in order to make good choices and avoid the consequences of bad choices. Your language may have a term with this meaning that you can use in your translation.

2815:3j121rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאֲֽנִי־רָ֭אִיתִי1

Eliphaz is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb have seen, for emphasis. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here. Other languages may have other ways of expressing this emphasis. The ULT does so by saying I myself. Alternate translation: “I have indeed seen”

2825:3j122rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֱוִ֣יל1

In this context, the word foolish describes someone who does not respect and obey God. See how you translated the similar expression in 2:10. Alternate translation: “the person who does not respect and obey God”

2835:3za27rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמַשְׁרִ֑ישׁ1

Eliphaz is speaking as if this foolish person were literally taking root. He means that the person was becoming established or prospering. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “prospering”

2845:3lcr1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyנָוֵ֣⁠הוּ1

Eliphaz is referring to this foolish persons way of life by association with the abode where he lives. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his way of life”

2855:4j123rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִרְחֲק֣וּ & מִ⁠יֶּ֑שַׁע1

Eliphaz is speaking as if the children of a person who does not respect and obey God are literally far from safety. He means that they are not safe at all but in great danger. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “are in great danger”

2865:4yz4irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsמִ⁠יֶּ֑שַׁע1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of safety, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “from being safe”

2875:4e8jsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠יִֽדַּכְּא֥וּ בַ֝⁠שַּׁ֗עַר1

By the gate, Eliphaz implicitly means the place where legal disputes are settled. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and they are crushed in legal proceedings”

2885:4i7p9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠יִֽדַּכְּא֥וּ בַ֝⁠שַּׁ֗עַר1

Eliphaz is speaking as if the children of person who does not respect and obey God are literally crushed in legal disputes. He means that the disputes are settled decisively in favor of their opponents. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and their opponents in legal proceedings defeat them decisively”

2895:4ep6hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠אֵ֣ין מַצִּֽיל1

Eliphaz implicitly means that there is no one rescuing these children from legal defeats and their consequences. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “because no one defends them”

2905:5j124rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאֲשֶׁ֤ר קְצִיר֨⁠וֹ ׀ רָ֘עֵ֤ב יֹאכֵ֗ל1

The pronoun whose refers to the “foolish person” whom Eliphaz describes in verses 2 and 3. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Hungry people devour the harvest of the foolish person”

2915:5j125rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֲשֶׁ֤ר קְצִיר֨⁠וֹ ׀ רָ֘עֵ֤ב יֹאכֵ֗ל1

Eliphaz assumes that Job will understand that by devours the harvest he is referring to the practice of gleaning, which the law of Moses commanded the Israelites to allow. Poor people could come into harvested fields and pick up the leftover grain to feed themselves. Eliphaz means that the foolish person and his family will not be able to harvest the grain they have planted and so gleaners will come and take all the grain. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation, as a new sentence: “The foolish person has to abandon the grain that he plants in his fields, and gleaners come and take all of it”

2925:5j126rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֲשֶׁ֤ר קְצִיר֨⁠וֹ ׀ רָ֘עֵ֤ב יֹאכֵ֗ל1

While hungry people eventually will devour or eat up all of the grain from the foolish persons harvest, Eliphaz means in this context that they will take all of the grain from the fields. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as a new sentence: “Hungry people will come and glean his entire harvest”

2935:5j127rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרָ֘עֵ֤ב & צַמִּ֣ים1

Eliphaz is using the adjectives hungry and thirsty as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. ULT adds the words one and ones to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “the hungry person … thirsty people”

2945:5j128rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyרָ֘עֵ֤ב & צַמִּ֣ים1

Eliphaz is describing poor people by association with the way that they may be hungry and thirsty because they cannot afford to buy food and drink. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use equivalent expressions or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, using a poetic parallel: “the poor one … the impoverished ones”

2955:5j129rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounרָ֘עֵ֤ב יֹאכֵ֗ל1

This phrase does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who has the quality that it names. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. It may be helpful to make this term plural, like the thirsty ones, for consistency. Alternate translation: “hungry people devour” or “poor people devour”

2965:5k9aprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠אֶֽל־מִ⁠צִּנִּ֥ים יִקָּחֵ֑⁠הוּ1

The implications are that if gleaners even collect the grain that is growing among the thorns in the foolish persons field, then they will take all of the grain in the entire field. The further implication is that nothing will be left for the foolish person and his family. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “they take every last bit of grain, leaving nothing for him and his family”

2975:5ded6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠שָׁאַ֖ף צַמִּ֣ים חֵילָֽ⁠ם1

Eliphaz is speaking as if thirsty ones, that is, impoverished people, literally pant for the wealth of foolish people, as if it were something they could drink to satisfy their thirst. He means that they desire the wealth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and impoverished people desire their wealth”

2985:5j130rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠שָׁאַ֖ף צַמִּ֣ים חֵילָֽ⁠ם1

Eliphaz is saying by implication that the thirsty ones who desire the wealth of foolish people actually obtain it, by gleaning their entire harvests and perhaps by other means that he does not mention specifically. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and impoverished people take away their wealth”

2995:6j131rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesFor1

Eliphaz is using the word For to connect what he has just said with his larger argument that Job should consider why God would be punishing him. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “Do not be like a person who does not respect and obey God, because”

3005:6kx25rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphormisery does not come out from the dust, and trouble does not sprout from the ground1

Eliphaz is speaking as if misery and trouble might literally come from the dust or the ground. He is comparing them to plants such as weeds that might unexpectedly appear in the soil even though a farmer did not sow their seeds. The point of the comparison is that weeds seem to come out of nowhere, while trouble and misery have an identifiable source. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, combining the two parallel lines: “trouble certainly does not just happen”

3015:6j132rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitFor misery does not come out from the dust, and trouble does not sprout from the ground1

The implication, if trouble and misery do not just happen, is that their cause is the indignation and resentment that Eliphaz warned Job against in verse 2. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation, as a poetic parallel: “For it is truly indignation that causes trouble, yes, it is resentment that causes misery”

3025:7j133rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesFor1

Eliphaz is using the word For to explain the reason why he says that trouble does not just happen. Its cause is known: People create trouble for themselves. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “I say this because”

3035:7kz2src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitman is born to trouble, and sons of the flame soar to fly1

Eliphaz assumes that Job will understand that by naming two things that he holds to be true, he means that the first is just as true as the second. You could indicate that explicitly if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “man is born to trouble, just as surely as sons of the flame soar to fly”

3045:7j134rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsman is born to trouble1

Although the term man is masculine, Eliphaz is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people are born to trouble”

3055:7j135rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveman is born to trouble1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people have an innate tendency to cause trouble for themselves”

3065:7j136rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorsons of the flame1

Eliphaz is describing sparks as if they were sons of the flame, that is, as if fire gave birth to sparks and sent them out. Your language may have a poetic expression of its own that you can use in your translation to describe sparks. You could also state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “sparks”

3075:7j137rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomsoar to fly1

This expression means that sparks fly upwards, carried by currents of air. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “fly upwards”

3085:8j138rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsI myself would seek for God1

For emphasis, Eliphaz is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb seek. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun myself. Alternate translation: “I would certainly seek for God”

3095:8j139rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI myself would seek for God1

Eliphaz is speaking as if God were literally a lost object that Job should seek and try to find. He means that Job should pray to God and ask God to show him how he has offended God and deserved punishment. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I myself would pray to God and ask him to show me why he was punishing me”

3105:9j140rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjgreat {things} & marvelous {things}1

Eliphaz is using the adjectives great and marvelous as nouns to mean certain kinds of things. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. For example, you could add the word things in both cases, as the ULT does to show the meaning.

3115:9l8rtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitand there is no searching1

Eliphaz means implicitly that even if people search or seek to find out how God does great things, they cannot succeed in learning this. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that are unsearchable” or “that no one can understand”

3125:9j141rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsismarvelous {things}1

Eliphaz is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and who does marvelous things”

3135:10j142rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsthe one giving & and sending1

The pronoun one refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God is the one who gives … and sends”

3145:10j143rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe face of the earth & the face of the fields1

Eliphaz is speaking as if the earth and the fields each literally had a face. He means their surfaces. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the surface of the earth … the surface of the fields”

3155:11die2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorsetting the lowly on high, and the ones mourning are high in safety1

Eliphaz is speaking as if God would literally put lowly people and people who are mourning in high places. He means that God will protect them and honor them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God honors lowly people and protects people who are mourning”

3165:11j144rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjthe lowly1

Eliphaz is using the adjective lowly as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “lowly people”

3175:11j145rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsin safety1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of safety, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “where they are safe”

3185:12j146rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjthe crafty1

Eliphaz is using the adjective crafty as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “crafty people”

3195:12j147rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesוְֽ⁠לֹא־תַעֲשֶׂ֥ינָה יְ֝דֵי⁠הֶ֗ם1

Eliphaz is using the word and to introduce the result of God frustrating the plans of the crafty. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “so that their hands do not accomplish”

3205:12j148rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְֽ⁠לֹא־תַעֲשֶׂ֥ינָה יְ֝דֵי⁠הֶ֗ם1

Here, hands figuratively represent the capability of people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they are not able to accomplish”

3215:13rw2wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלֹכֵ֣ד חֲכָמִ֣ים בְּ⁠עָרְמָ֑⁠ם1

Eliphaz is speaking as if the craftiness of cunning people were literally a trap that God uses to catch them. He means that God makes them suffer the consequences of the evil actions by which they intended to make others suffer. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “making the cunning suffer the consequences of their own evil actions”

3225:13j149rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjחֲכָמִ֣ים1

Eliphaz is using the adjective cunning as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “cunning people”

3235:13j150rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוַ⁠עֲצַ֖ת נִפְתָּלִ֣ים נִמְהָֽרָה1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and hastening the plan of the ones being deceptive”

3245:13j151rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesוַ⁠עֲצַ֖ת נִפְתָּלִ֣ים נִמְהָֽרָה1

Eliphaz is using the word and to introduce the result of God frustrating the plans of the crafty. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “so that the plan of the ones being deceptive is hastened” or “so that he can hasten the plan of the ones being deceptive”

3255:13j152rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוַ⁠עֲצַ֖ת נִפְתָּלִ֣ים נִמְהָֽרָה1

When Eliphaz says that God hastens the plan of deceptive people, he likely means that God makes their plans fail by bringing them too early, before they are ready, to the point where they would need to take effect. So the implication is that God makes the plan fail.

3265:14w5uyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיוֹמָ֥ם יְפַגְּשׁוּ־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ וְ֝⁠כַ⁠לַּ֗יְלָה יְֽמַשְׁשׁ֥וּ בַֽ⁠צָּהֳרָֽיִם1

Eliphaz is speaking as if the cunning and deceptive people he described in the previous verse are literally in the dark during the day and cannot find their way. He means that God keeps them from realizing how to make their wicked plans succeed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God keeps these cunning and deceptive people from realizing how to make their wicked plans succeed”

3275:15j153rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjחָזָ֣ק אֶבְיֽוֹן1

Eliphaz is using the adjectives poor and mighty as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “poor people … mighty people”

3285:15i885rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמֵ֭⁠חֶרֶב מִ⁠פִּי⁠הֶ֑ם1

Eliphaz is speaking as if the cunning and deceptive people he described in verse 13 literally had a sword in their mouths. He is referring to the things these people say to try to hurt the poor. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the things they say to try to hurt them”

3295:15j154rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוּ⁠מִ⁠יַּ֖ד1

Here, hand figuratively represents the capability of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and from the power of”

3305:16j155rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוַ⁠תְּהִ֣י לַ⁠דַּ֣ל תִּקְוָ֑ה1

This expression means that the poor person has hope. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And the poor has hope”

3315:16j156rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjלַ⁠דַּ֣ל1

Eliphaz is using the adjective poor as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “to the person who is poor”

3325:16j157rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounלַ⁠דַּ֣ל1

This phrase does not refer to a specific person. It refers to anyone who has the quality that it names. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to those who are poor”

3335:16exr5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ֝⁠עֹלָ֗תָ⁠ה קָ֣פְצָה פִּֽי⁠הָ1

Job is speaking of injustice as if it were a living thing that could shut its own mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and people no longer make unjust claims against them”

3345:16j158rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesוְ֝⁠עֹלָ֗תָ⁠ה1

Eliphaz may be using the word translated and to indicate that poor people have hope because others no longer make unjust claims against them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “because injustice”

3355:17j159rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאֱ֭נוֹשׁ1

Although the term man is masculine, Eliphaz is using the word in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “anyone”

3365:17j160rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesוּ⁠מוּסַ֥ר שַׁ֝דַּ֗י אַל־תִּמְאָֽס1

Eliphaz is using the word translated and to indicate that Job should not despise Gods chastening because he is blessed as someone whom God is correcting. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “so do not despise the chastening of”

3375:17g1brrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesאַל־תִּמְאָֽס1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb despise. Alternate translation: “appreciate”

3385:18fx57rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכִּ֤י ה֣וּא יַכְאִ֣יב וְ⁠יֶחְבָּ֑שׁ יִ֝מְחַ֗ץ וְיָדָיו תִּרְפֶּֽינָה1

Eliphaz is speaking as if God literally injures and wounds people and then gives them medical treatment. He means that God uses setbacks and sufferings (which could include physical ailments) to correct people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The UST models one way to do this.

3395:18j161rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsה֣וּא יַכְאִ֣יב1

For emphasis, Eliphaz is stating the pronoun he, whose meaning is already present in the verb injures. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. Alternate translation: “truly he injures”

3405:18dgs2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְיָדָיו תִּרְפֶּֽינָה1

Eliphaz is using one part of God, his hands, to mean all of him in the act of healing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but he himself heals”

3415:19q4qerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs- parallelismבְּ⁠שֵׁ֣שׁ צָ֭רוֹת יַצִּילֶ֑⁠ךָּ וּ⁠בְ⁠שֶׁ֓בַע ׀ לֹא־יִגַּ֖ע בְּ⁠ךָ֣ רָֽע1

In order to make a comprehensive statement, Eliphaz is naming a number that should be sufficient to illustrate his point and then increasing that number by one for emphasis. (This was a common device in Hebrew poetry.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will rescue you from every trouble and not allow you to be harmed”

3425:19j162rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוּ⁠בְ⁠שֶׁ֓בַע & רָֽע1

Eliphaz is leaving out a word that in many languages this sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply the word from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and in seven troubles harm”

3435:19j163rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationלֹא־יִגַּ֖ע בְּ⁠ךָ֣ רָֽע1

Eliphaz is speaking of harm as if it were a living thing that could touch Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will not be harmed”

3445:20q1girc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorפָּֽדְ⁠ךָ֣ מִ⁠מָּ֑וֶת1

Eliphaz is speaking as if God would literally redeem or make a payment to free Job from death during a famine. He means that God will keep Job from dying from hunger. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will keep you from dying of hunger”

3455:20j164rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוּ֝⁠בְ⁠מִלְחָמָ֗ה מִ֣⁠ידֵי1

Eliphaz is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and in war he will redeem you from the hands of”

3465:20cy63rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ֣⁠ידֵי חָֽרֶב1

Here, the term hands represents capability. Eliphaz is saying that God will rescue Job from what a sword might otherwise do to him if his enemies were to use one as a weapon against him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from being hurt by the sword”

3475:20j165rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounחָֽרֶב1

This phrase does not refer to a specific sword. It refers to any sword that someone might use as a weapon against Job. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “any sword”

3485:20j166rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheחָֽרֶב1

Eliphaz is using one kind of weapon, the sword, to mean all kinds of weapons. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “any weapon”

3495:20j167rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyחָֽרֶב1

Eliphaz is referring to enemies in war by association with the weapons that those enemies would use. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your enemies”

3505:21j168rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionבְּ⁠שׁ֣וֹט לָ֭שׁוֹן1

Eliphaz is using this possessive form to speak of the tongue as something that people would use like a whip. He is not speaking of a whip that the tongue would use. Alternate translation: “If anyone uses his tongue like a whip,”

3515:21j169rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבְּ⁠שׁ֣וֹט לָ֭שׁוֹן1

Eliphaz is speaking as if the tongue were literally a whip that someone might use to harm Job. He means that they would say things that they intend to hurt him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “From destructive speech”

3525:21j170rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveתֵּחָבֵ֑א1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, the context suggests that it is God. Alternate translation: “God will hide you”

3535:21j171rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorתֵּחָבֵ֑א1

Eliphaz is speaking as if God would actually hide Job from things that people say in order to hurt him. He means that God will protect Job when people say these things. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will be protected” or “God will protect you”

3545:21j172rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationמִ֝⁠שֹּׁ֗ד כִּ֣י יָבֽוֹא1

Eliphaz is speaking of destruction as if it were a living thing that comes to people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “things that happen that could destroy you”

3555:21h9agrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsמִ֝⁠שֹּׁ֗ד כִּ֣י יָבֽוֹא1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of destruction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “things that happen that could destroy you”

3565:22m19vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלְ⁠שֹׁ֣ד וּ⁠לְ⁠כָפָ֣ן תִּשְׂחָ֑ק1

The implication is that Job will laugh at ** destruction and famine** because while they might seem threatening, Job will know that God will protect him and so he will not take their threat seriously. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “You will realize gladly that God will protect you from destruction and famine”

3575:22j173rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsלְ⁠שֹׁ֣ד1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of destruction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “at things that might destroy you”

3585:22j174rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounוּֽ⁠מֵ⁠חַיַּ֥ת & אַל־תִּירָֽא1

Eliphaz is not referring to a specific beast. He means any beast. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and you will not fear any beast”

3595:23j175rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureכִּ֤י עִם־אַבְנֵ֣י הַ⁠שָּׂדֶ֣ה בְרִיתֶ֑⁠ךָ וְ⁠חַיַּ֥ת הַ֝⁠שָּׂדֶ֗ה הָשְׁלְמָה־לָֽ⁠ךְ1

Since, in this verse, Eliphaz is giving the reason why he told Job in the previous verse that he would not “fear the beast of the earth,” it may be more natural in your language to put that information first. Alternate translation: “For the beast of the field will be made peaceable to you, and even with the stones of the field will be your covenant”

3605:23kt43rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationעִם־אַבְנֵ֣י הַ⁠שָּׂדֶ֣ה בְרִיתֶ֑⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is speaking of the stones of the field were living things that could make a covenant with Job. He means that God will keep stones from falling or rolling onto Jobs fields or emerging in the soil from underground, either making the fields less fertile or requiring extra labor to remove. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will prevent stones from ruining your fields”

3615:23j176rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠חַיַּ֥ת הַ֝⁠שָּׂדֶ֗ה הָשְׁלְמָה־לָֽ⁠ךְ1

If your language does not use this passive form, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you need to say who does the action, the context suggests that it is God. Alternate translation: “and God will cause the beast of the field to live peaceably with you” or “and God will prevent the beast of the field from harming you”

3625:23j177rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounוְ⁠חַיַּ֥ת הַ֝⁠שָּׂדֶ֗ה1

Eliphaz is not referring to a specific beast. He means any and every beast. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and the beasts of the field”

3635:24j178rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsשָׁל֣וֹם אָהֳלֶ֑⁠ךָ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “your tent is safe”

3645:24ew8grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאָהֳלֶ֑⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is referring to Jobs home (that is, his family and their possessions) by association with the tent in which they live. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your home”

3655:24i2fjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠לֹ֣א תֶחֱטָֽא1

Eliphaz means implicitly that when Job goes to inspect his sheepfold, he will not find that any of his sheep are missing (because, for example, wild animals killed them or someone stole them). You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you will not find that any of the sheep are missing”

3665:24j179rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesוְ⁠לֹ֣א תֶחֱטָֽא1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a positive expression to translate this double negative that consists of the negative particle not and the negative verb miss. Alternate translation: “and you will find that all of your sheep are there”

3675:25fxb7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorזַרְעֶ֑⁠ךָ1

Here the term seed means “descendants.” It is a word picture. Just as plants produce seeds that grow into many more plants, so people can have many offspring. Alternate translation: “your descendants”

3685:25j180rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ֝⁠צֶאֱצָאֶ֗י⁠ךָ כְּ⁠עֵ֣שֶׂב הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ1

Eliphaz is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and that your offspring will be like the grass of the earth”

3695:25f961rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוְ֝⁠צֶאֱצָאֶ֗י⁠ךָ כְּ⁠עֵ֣שֶׂב הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ1

The point of this comparison is that just as the grass of the earth is very numerous, so Job will have a large number of offspring. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and that your offspring will be very numerous, like the grass of the earth”

3705:26a9gtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismתָּב֣וֹא & אֱלֵי־קָ֑בֶר1

Eliphaz is using the expression come to the grave to mean “die.” This is a mild way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “You will depart this world”

3715:26w6jtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכַּ⁠עֲל֖וֹת גָּדִ֣ישׁ בְּ⁠עִתּֽ⁠וֹ1

The point of this comparison is that when Jobs time comes to die, he will have lived a full and rewarding life, just as a stack of grain that is harvested in its time is ripe and fully developed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “mature and accomplished, like grain that is harvested at the peak of ripeness”

3725:27uwj5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveחֲקַרְנ֥וּ⁠הָ1

By We, Eliphaz means himself and other wise people but not Job, to whom he is speaking, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

3735:27j181rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ⁠אַתָּ֥ה דַֽע1

For emphasis, Eliphaz is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already present in the verb know. If your language can state implied pronouns explicitly for emphasis, you may want to use that construction here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. Alternate translation: “and know it certainly”

3746:intror7kh0

Job 6 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Jobs response to Eliphaz.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jobs righteousness

Despite being upset about his circumstances, and desiring his own death, Job does not curse God. He would rather have God end his life than to curse him. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

Job uses many different metaphors in this chapter to express his pain or despair. He also is upset with the advice of his friends, who are supposed to help him during difficult times. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Eliphaz that he is wrong. These questions help to build Jobs response. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

3756:2use6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismif only my anguish were weighed; if only all my calamity were laid in the balance0

Here the writer uses two different statements to convey a single idea, the burden of Jobs suffering. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if only I could weigh my anguish and all my calamities in the balance” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

3766:2cqr6in the balance0

Alternate translation: “on a scale”

3776:3l5j1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileFor now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas0

Job compares the burden of his suffering to the weight of wet sand; both can crush a person. Alternate translation: “For my anguish and calamities would be heavier than the sand on the seashore”

3786:3j9lzmy words were reckless0

Alternate translation: “I spoke recklessly” or “I spoke rashly”

3796:4se7mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorFor the arrows of the Almighty are in me0

This is a metaphor for Jobs suffering. He compares his many troubles to arrows that God has shot his body with. Alternate translation: “It is as though the Almighty has shot arrows into my body”

3806:4m898rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphormy spirit drinks up the poison0

“my spirit drinks up the arrows poison.” This continues the metaphor of the arrows, by implying that they had tips of poison and that Job feels the pain in his spirit. He speaks of feeling this pain as if his spirit drank the poison. Alternate translation: “I feel the pain of their poison in my inner being”

3816:4l3u6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationthe terrors of God have arranged themselves in array against me0

Job speaks of the terrible things that have happened to him as if they were soldiers that God had lined up to attack him all at once. Alternate translation: “God has caused all the terrible things that could happen to happen to me all at once”

3826:4sr2crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe terrors of God have arranged themselves in array against me0

God causing many things to terrify Job is spoken of as if Gods terrors were soldiers lined up to attack Job. Alternate translation: “the terrors of God have arranged themselves like soldiers in an army”

3836:5vas3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDoes the wild donkey bray in despair when he has grass? Or does the ox low in hunger when it has fodder?0

Job poses these rhetorical questions to emphasize that he has a reason to complain. These question can be written as statements. Alternate translation: “Just as the wild donkey does not bray in despair when he has grass and as the ox does not low in hunger when he has fodder, I would not complain if I did not have a reason”

3846:5h1b2bray0

the sound a donkey makes

3856:5i2r2low0

the sound an ox makes

3866:5tbl2fodder0

animal food

3876:6l3sdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorCan that which has no taste be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?0

This could mean: (1) Job is comparing his displeasure for his circumstances to peoples dislike for bland food or (2) Job is comparing his displeasure for his friends advice to peoples dislike for bland food.

3886:6cg4rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan that which has no taste be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?0

Job uses these rhetorical questions to emphasize his own displeasure. These questions can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “Tasteless food cannot be eaten without salt, just as there is no taste in the white of an egg.”

3896:6xfj2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveCan that which has no taste be eaten0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Can you eat that which has no taste”

3906:7hy2zI refuse to touch them0

“Them” refers to bad tasting foods.

3916:9yf92rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismto crush me once0

This means for God to cause him to die. Alternate translation: “to crush me and let me die”

3926:9f53hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomthat he would let loose his hand and cut me off from this life0

The phrases “let loose his hand” is an idiom that means to act quickly. Also, the phrase “cut me off from this life” is a euphemism for killing him. Alternate translation: “that he would act quickly and cut short my life” or “that he would act quickly and end my life” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])

3936:10gre4even if I exult in pain that does not lessen0

Alternate translation: “I would leap for joy in unending pain” or “I would endure pain that does not diminish”

3946:10a736exult0

Alternate translation: “rejoice”

3956:10f2zudoes not lessen0

Alternate translation: “does not diminish”

3966:10ji9nthat I have not denied the words of the Holy One0

This can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: “that I have always obeyed the Holy One”

3976:11b1uerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhat is my strength, that I should try to wait? What is my end, that I should prolong my life?0

Job poses these questions to emphasize that he has no reason to continue living. These questions have the same meaning. They may be written as statements. Alternate translation: “I do not have enough strength to go on living; I have no reason to prolong my life” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

3986:12vp49rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

General Information:

The writer uses parallel rhetorical questions in each of these verses to emphasize Jobs lack of strength to endure suffering.

3996:12n69yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIs my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh made of bronze?0

Job describes the weakness of his body by saying that he is not as strong as rocks and bronze to emphasize his lack of strength. These rhetorical questions may be written as statements. Alternate translation: “I am not as strong as the rocks. My flesh is not as strong as metal.”

4006:13lg48rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIs it not true that I have no help in myself … me?0

Job uses this rhetorical question to emphasize his lack of wisdom and his weakness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Also, the phrase “no help in myself” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “It is true that I have no strength left … me.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

4016:13h5wfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivewisdom has been driven out of me0

“my success has been taken from me.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “my wisdom is gone”

4026:14e6e6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveTo the person who is about to faint, faithfulness should be shown by his friend0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “A friend should be faithful to the person who feels he is about to faint”

4036:14s4yirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwho is about to faint0

This speaks of a person who feels hopeless and is overwhelmed by his troubles as if he were about to physically faint. Alternate translation: “who feels hopeless”

4046:14naj8even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty0

“even if he stops fearing Almighty God.” This could mean: (1) the faint person does not fear God or (2) his friend does not fear God.

4056:15p13yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileBut my brothers have been as faithful to me as a desert streambed0

Job speaks of his friends being unfaithful to him as being like a “wadi” which is a stream that can suddenly dry up. Also, Job refers to his friends ironically here as his “brothers.” Alternate translation: “But my friends are unfaithful to me. They are like a desert streambed” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

4066:15l6xjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileas channels of water that pass away to nothing0

“like streams of water that dry up.” Job continues speaking of his friends being unfaithful as if they were streams that dry up.

4076:16pnp2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismwhich are darkened because of ice over them … and because of the snow that hides itself in them0

These two phrases have the same meaning. They describe how the streambed is full of ice and snow in the winter. Alternate translation: “which look dark in the winter because they are covered with ice and are full of melted snow” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

4086:16cq2irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationbecause of the snow that hides itself in them0

This speaks of the snow melting and the water going into the streambed as if the snow were hiding in the streambed. Alternate translation: “because the snow melts and goes into them”

4096:17z6dhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismWhen they thaw out, they vanish … when it is hot, they melt out of their place0

These two phrases have the same meaning. They describe how the streambed dries up in the hot season. Alternate translation: “When it is hot, the ice melts and the streambeds dry up” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

4106:18t8lvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

Job is continuing his description of his friends being as unreliable as streams that dry up.

4116:18vke1The caravans that travel by their way turn aside for water0

Alternate translation: “The caravans turn aside from the routes to find water” or “The caravans change course looking for water”

4126:18dm5vThe caravans0

A caravan is a large group of travelers riding camels across the desert.

4136:18n26dbarren land0

Alternate translation: “wasteland” or “empty land”

4146:19m9l7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesTema … Sheba0

These are the names of places. The people of these places used caravans to trade things with people from other lands.

4156:19ua63while companies of Sheba0

Alternate translation: “while caravans from Sheba”

4166:19n6anhoped in them0

Alternate translation: “hoped for them” or “put their hope in them”

4176:20mue3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivebut they were deceived0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but they were disappointed” or “but they were not satisfied”

4186:21km28rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

In these verses, Job poses four questions to rebuke his friends and to emphasize that he did not ask for help from any of them.

4196:21gk7tFor now0

Job uses this phrase to introduce the main part of what he is saying.

4206:21wa4zyou friends are nothing to me0

Alternate translation: “you friends have not helped me at all”

4216:21zr7krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitare afraid0

This means that they see the trouble Job has and are afraid of being in the same situation. Alternate translation: “you are afraid that God might do similar things to you”

4226:23vq26rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionor, Save me from my adversarys hand or, Ransom me from the hand of my oppressors?0

These words are the last of a series of rhetorical questions that begins in verse 22. Job uses these questions to emphasize that he has not asked his friends to give him anything or to help him. “I never said to you, Give … me or, Offer … wealth or, Save … hand or, Ransom … oppressors.”

4236:23x1gsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymymy adversarys hand … the hand of my oppressors0

The word “hand” represents power or control. Alternate translation: “having my adversary control me … having my oppressors control me” or “my adversarys power … my oppressors power”

4246:23z65fRansom me0

Alternate translation: “Rescue me”

4256:24t8mfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youTeach me … make me0

These verbs “teach” and “make” are second person plural and are spoken to his friends.

4266:24jg8frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomI will hold my peace0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I will be silent”

4276:25ukw2How painful are truthful words! But your arguments, how do they actually rebuke me?0

The exact meaning of the original language is uncertain. Some Bibles translate “How painful” as “How pleasant.” Alternate translation: “When a person speaks the truth, it harms no one. But your arguments are not true, so how do they actually rebuke me?”

4286:25bt6src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionBut your arguments, how do they actually rebuke me?0

Job is using this question to rebuke his friends and to emphasize that what they are saying does not apply to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Your reasons for rebuking me do not apply to me even though you sternly correct me.” or “But your arguments against me are not true, so they do not actually rebuke me!”

4296:25rrn5your arguments0

Alternate translation: “your reasons” or “your claims”

4306:26l7bprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDo you plan to ignore my words, treating the words of a desperate man like the wind?0

Job uses this rhetorical question to scold his friends. He compares his words to the wind to explain that his friends act like his words are empty and useless. Alternate translation: “You ignore my words! I am a desperate man, and you treat my words as if they are as useless as the wind.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

4316:26zm1wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youDo you0

“You” is in second person plural form.

4326:27w62ryou cast lots for a fatherless child0

Alternate translation: “you would even gamble to win an orphan”

4336:27jib8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youyou cast lots … haggle over your friend0

Here “you” and “your” are in second person plural form.

4346:27q6ljrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similehaggle over your friend like merchandise0

This compares how the man would sell his friend to how a person sells merchandise or wares. Alternate translation: “bargain to sell your friend for money”

4356:28eq8vNow0

This word is used by Job to introduce new information.

4366:28m2bqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youplease look0

The verb “to look” is in second person plural form.

4376:28q6v3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheI would not lie to your face0

The word “your” refers to Jobs friends. Here his friends are represented by their faces to emphasize that they are looking at him. Alternate translation: “I would not lie to you while I am looking at you”

4386:29c7ziRelent, I beg you0

Alternate translation: “Please be merciful to me” or “Stop speaking like this, I beg you”

4396:29fcq7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativeslet there be no injustice with you0

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “treat me fairly”

4406:29hka9Indeed, relent0

Alternate translation: “Please relent.”

4416:30km3frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIs there evil on my tongue?0

“Do I say wicked things?” Job uses this question to rebuke his friends and to emphasize that he is not wicked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I do not say wicked things.”

4426:30z316rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyon my tongue0

Here Jobs speech is represented by his “tongue.” Alternate translation: “in my speech”

4436:30f1garc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCannot my mouth detect malicious things?0

Job uses this question to rebuke his friends and to emphasize that he can tell the difference between right and wrong. Here Job refers to himself by his “mouth” to emphasize his speech. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I know what is right to say and what is wrong to say.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

4447:introy5ka0

Job 7 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Jobs response to Eliphaz.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jobs righteousness

Despite being upset about his circumstances, and desiring his own death, Job does not curse God. He would rather have God end his life than to curse him. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

Job uses many different metaphors in this chapter to express his pain or despair. He also is upset with the advice of his friends, who are supposed to help him during difficult times. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Eliphaz that he is wrong. These questions help to build Jobs response. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4457:1nz5urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDoes not man have hard labor on earth?0

Job poses this negative question to emphasize his awareness that all people experience hard work. It can be translated as a positive statement. Alternate translation: “There is hard labor for every person on earth.”

4467:1a1c6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleon earth0

This is a generalization that means for the time people are living on the earth. Alternate translation: “while he lives on the earth”

4477:1m3ytrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionAre not his days like the days of a hired man?0

Job poses this negative question to emphasize his awareness that all people struggle in life. Alternate translation: “And their days are like the days of a hired man.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

4487:1n56ja hired man0

“a day laborer.” This is a man who worked jobs one day at a time and was paid at the end of every day.

4497:2g9jirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileLike a slave … like a hired man0

Job compares his misery and trouble to that of the slave and hired man.

4507:2f1purc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitthe shadows of evening0

“cool shade.” The implied information is that the shadows of evening provide coolness and shade from the sun

4517:2d651looks for his wages0

Alternate translation: “waits for his pay”

4527:3fpt6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveI have been made to endure months of misery; I have been given trouble-filled nights0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “so I endure months of misery; I get trouble-filled nights”

4537:3cp2irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitmonths of misery0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word misery, you can express the same idea with the adjective “miserable.” Alternate translation: “months when I am miserable”

4547:4m7jxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitWhen I lie down0

The implied information is that this is when Job would lie down to sleep at night. Alternate translation: “When I lie down to sleep”

4557:4fij2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounsI say to myself0

Job poses a question to no one else in particular. Alternate translation: “I ask” or “I wonder”

4567:4sf4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhen will I get up and when will the night be gone?0

Job poses this question to emphasize his intense suffering during the hours he should be sleeping. Alternate translation: “I wish I could get up, but night continues.”

4577:4m4svtossing to and fro0

“turning back and forth.” This indicates that Job has moved on his bed all night without any rest.

4587:5sh53rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorMy flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust0

The worms and clods of dust are pictured as covering Job as if they were clothing. Alternate translation: “My flesh is covered with worms and clods of dust”

4597:5l429rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheMy flesh0

This represents his whole body. Alternate translation: “My body”

4607:5lry5clods of dust0

This could mean: (1) lumps or crusts of dirt or (2) scabs on the skin.

4617:5we79dissolve and run afresh0

Alternate translation: “break out again”

4627:6tf2grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileMy days are swifter than a weavers shuttle0

Job compares his lifetime to the quickness of a weavers shuttle. Alternate translation: “My life goes by very quickly”

4637:6pvg2weaver0

a person who makes cloth by crossing threads or yarn

4647:6fy2ba weavers shuttle0

a moving part that carries thread or yarn back and forth quickly in a loom when making cloth

4657:7uf8vcall to mind0

“remember.” The phrase “call to mind” does not mean God forgot. Job is asking God to consider or think about the shortness of Jobs life.

4667:7ee27rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphormy life is only a breath0

Job compares the shortness of his life to the shortness of a breath. Alternate translation: “my life is very short, like taking one breath”

4677:7bw35rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochemy eye will no more see good0

Here “my eye” represents Jobs whole person and his ability to see or experience things. Alternate translation: “I will never again experience good things”

4687:8f5vcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitThe eye of God, who sees me, will see me no more0

Many versions of the Bible translate this as “The eye which sees me will see me no more.” The words “of God” were added to this phrase because they are implied by the context.

4697:8p6u5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheThe eye of God, who sees me … Gods eyes will be on me0

Here God is represented by his “eye” to emphasize what he looks at. Alternate translation: “God who watches me … God will look for me”

4707:9q76urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileAs a cloud is consumed and vanishes away, so he who goes down to Sheol will come up no more0

Job is describing death as being like the clouds that disappear.

4717:9m6z6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveAs a cloud is consumed0

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “As a cloud fades”

4727:9g4h1he who goes down to Sheol will come up no more0

Alternate translation: “he who dies will not return”

4737:10xnf4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyhis place0

The words “his place” represent those who live in his place. Alternate translation: “the people who live in his place” or “his family”

4747:11ed6arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismI will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul0

Job conveys a single idea using two different statements to emphasize the reason he will not remain silent.

4757:11q76qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyI will not restrain my mouth0

Here the mouth represents speech. Alternate translation: “I will not restrain my speech”

4767:11v8zzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsin the anguish of my spirit0

“in the distress of my spirit” or “in the torment of my suffering.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word anguish, you can express the same idea with the adverb “distress.” Alternate translation: “while my spirit is distressed”

4777:11ti81rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorin the bitterness of my soul0

Here sorrow is spoken of as if it tasted bitter, and “soul” refers to the whole man. Alternate translation: “with anger and resentment” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

4787:12qy6rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionAm I the sea or a sea monster that you place a guard over me?0

Job poses this question to express his anger at God. In comparing himself to the sea or a sea monster, Job suggests that God regards him as a hideous creature. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am not the sea or a sea monster that needs a guard to watch it.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4797:13v7e8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyMy bed will comfort me, and my couch will ease my complaint0

Here “bed” and “couch” are metonyms for “sleep.” In lying down to sleep, Job would hope to be comforted. The metonyms also have human attributes; they have the ability to comfort and ease a person. Alternate translation: “My bed, my couch, will be like someone who can comfort me” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

4807:13d3uyMy bed … my couch0

These phrases refer to the same thing. Alternate translation: “My bed … my bed”

4817:14pf6syou scare me0

“you” here refers to God

4827:15et7tstrangling0

killing a person by squeezing the throat and stopping the breathing

4837:15nee4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochethese bones of mine0

Here Job uses the word “bones” to refer to his body. Alternate translation: “This body of mine”

4847:16jd5krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

The writer continues to use parallelism in these verses, conveying a single idea using two different statements to emphasize the impact of Jobs misery on his sense of self worth.

4857:16th4dI loathe my life0

Alternate translation: “I despise my life”

4867:16eu9hto always be alive0

Alternate translation: “to live forever”

4877:16yp5gmy days are useless0

Alternate translation: “my days are pointless” or “the days of my life are empty”

4887:17awx9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Job asks a rhetorical question to say that he does not understand why God should pay attention to people.

4897:17w1rirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyset your mind on him0

Here the mind represents thoughts and attention. To “set your mind on” means to give attention to. Alternate translation: “direct your attention to him” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

4907:18s64brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionthat you should observe … every moment?0

This is the end of the rhetorical question that Job begins asking with the words “What is man that” in verse 17. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. “Tell me what man is that … mind on him, that you should observe … every moment.” or “I do not understand what man is that … mind on him, that you should observe … every moment.”

4917:18cdq5observe him0

Alternate translation: “carefully examine him”

4927:19eb8vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismHow long will it be … swallow down my own saliva?0

Here Job conveys a single idea using two different rhetorical questions to emphasize his wish that God would stop watching him. Alternate translation: “Look away from me! Leave me alone long enough for me to swallow my own saliva!” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4937:19ts1ssaliva0

liquid produced in peoples mouths that keeps the mouth moist and helps to swallow food

4947:20wwv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionEven if I have sinned … burden for you?0

Job poses these questions to argue against God treating him unfairly. Alternate translation: “Even if I have sinned, that would do nothing to you, as you watch over people. Tell me why you have made me your target, so that I am a burden for you.”

4957:21gzz5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismWhy do you not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity?0

Here Job uses two similar clauses within a rhetorical question to emphasize his point. Possible meanings are: (1) Job is asking why God does not forgive him. Alternate translation: “Tell me why you do not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity.” or (2) Job is asking God why he cannot just overlook his supposed wrongdoings. Alternate translation: “Tell me why you do not just bear with my transgression and iniquity.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4967:21ek8atake away0

Alternate translation: “remove”

4977:21yf7grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymynow will I lie down in the dust0

The phrase “lie down in the dust” is a metonym that represents dying. Alternate translation: “now I will die”

4987:21uz1pI will not exist0

Alternate translation: “I will not be here” or “I will be gone”

4998:intromd4v0

Job 8 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is the advice of Jobs friend, Bildad.

Special concepts in this chapter

Bildads advice

Bildad tells Job to curse Yahweh. The advice Bildad gives to Job is bad advice. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Bildad uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job that he is wrong. These questions help to build Bildads argument. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

5008:1emj8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Verses 2 and 3 each consist of two different questions that have the same meaning. Bildad uses these questions to rebuke Job. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

5018:1xwz1Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

In this chapter, Bildad begins to speak about Jobs complaints.

5028:1y8y8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesThen Bildad the Shuhite answered0

“Bildad” is the name of a man who is a member of the tribe of Shuah.

5038:2gg55rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHow long will the words of your mouth be a mighty wind?0

Bildad speaks of Jobs words as if they are as empty and insubstantial as the wind. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “The words of your mouth are as insignificant as a mighty wind.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

5048:3x959rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDoes God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert righteousness?0

Here “God” and “the Almighty” both refer to Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind these questions as statements. Alternate translation: “God does not pervert justice; the Almighty does not pervert righteousness.”

5058:3p2fppervert justice? & pervert righteousness?0

Alternate translation: “approve of and do what is not just? … approve of and do what is not righteous?”

5068:4icy5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyfor he gave them into the hand of their sins0

Here “hand” represents the power or results of sin. Bildad implies that God killed Jobs children because of their sin. Alternate translation: “for God caused the consequences of your childrens sins to kill them” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

5078:5lpy9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoBut suppose you diligently sought God and presented your request to the Almighty0

Bildad is saying what would have happened if Job had correctly spoken to God, but Bildad does not believe that Job really did this.

5088:5q7cdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletdiligently sought God … presented your request to the Almighty0

These two phrases both refer to Job asking God for help or pleading with God for mercy.

5098:5c9iidiligently sought God0

Alternate translation: “earnestly asked God for help”

5108:6u412rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo0

General Information:

Bildad says that God would treat Job well if he was pure, but Bildad does not believe that Job is pure.

5118:6a4uaIf you are pure and upright0

Alternate translation: “If only you were pure and righteous” or “If only you would obey God and do what is right”

5128:6f6a2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorstir himself on your behalf0

Here Yahweh is spoken of as if he woke from sleep to help Job. Alternate translation: “help you” or “do good things for you”

5138:6k3xqrestore you to your rightful place0

This refers to giving back to Job the things he lost, including his family, wealth, and honor.

5148:7cd7rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorEven though your beginning was small, still your final condition would be much greater0

Here lack of wealth is spoken of as being a “small beginning.” Alternate translation: “Even if you were poor early in your life, God would make you very wealthy later in your life”

5158:8iq7ngive your attention to what our ancestors learned0

Alternate translation: “study carefully what our ancestors discovered” or “consider the things our forefathers learned”

5168:9m5vprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorour days on earth are a shadow0

The shortness of life is spoken of as if it were a shadow which quickly disappears.

5178:10h2aerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill they not teach you and tell you? Will they not speak words from their hearts?0

Bildad uses these rhetorical questions to rebuke Job for not agreeing with Bildad and the ancestors. They can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “They will teach you and tell you and speak what they sincerely believe.”

5188:10u4adrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyfrom their hearts0

Here the word “hearts” represents their inner beliefs. Alternate translation: “that they sincerely believe”

5198:11a2hm0

General Information:

It is unclear if this verse is the teaching of Bildad, or if Bildad is quoting the sayings of the ancestors of Job 8:810.

5208:11tj37rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan papyrus grow without a marsh? Can reeds grow without water?0

Bildad uses these two parallel questions to emphasize the single point that people cannot live without God. Here the plants represent people and the water represents God. The questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “Papyrus plants cannot grow away from the marshes. Reeds cannot grow without water.” (See also: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

5218:11ig9qpapyrus0

a tall reed-like plant that grows in shallow water

5228:12ht780

General Information:

It is unclear if this verse is the teaching of Bildad, or if Bildad is quoting the sayings of the ancestors of Job 8:810.

5238:12q4x1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitWhile they are still green and not cut down, they wither before any other plant0

It is implied that they wither when there is no water. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “Without water, they stop growing and wither faster than any other plant, even if no one cuts them down”

5248:12ugh5wither0

Alternate translation: “dry up”

5258:13vn8n0

General Information:

It is unclear if this verse is the teaching of Bildad, or if Bildad is quoting the sayings of the ancestors of Job 8:810.

5268:13y6pdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymySo also are the paths of all who forget God0

Here “the paths” represents a persons future and the events that will happen to them. Alternate translation: “The same thing will happen to everyone who forgets God”

5278:13fc76the hope of the godless will perish0

Alternate translation: “the things the godless person desires will not happen”

5288:14m1bjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun0

General Information:

It is unclear if this verse is the teaching of Bildad, or if Bildad is quoting the sayings of the ancestors of Job 8:810. In this verse the pronoun “his” refers to the godless person, who represents godless people in general. It may be helpful to readers to use the plural pronouns “they” and “their.”

5298:14yg2trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismHis confidence will break apart … his trust is as weak as a spiders web0

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize that the godless person is trusting in something that cannot save him.

5308:14e61xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similehis trust is as weak as a spiders web0

Here Bildad compares the trust of the godless person to a spiders web; the slightest force will break both.

5318:15h15hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun0

General Information:

In this verse the pronouns “he” and “him” refer to the godless person, who represents godless people in general. It may be helpful to readers to use the plural pronouns “they” and “their.”

5328:15g7alrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe leans on his house, but it will not support him; he takes hold of it, but it does not stand0

This statement probably refers to a man relying on his property and wealth for security. If so, then “house” here represents the owners property and wealth. Alternate translation: “He thinks he will be safe because he is wealthy, but he will not be safe”

5338:15r6mqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesit will not support him0

This negative statement emphasizes the opposite. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “he will fall down”

5348:15s164rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesit does not stand0

This negative statement emphasizes the opposite. It can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “it will fall down”

5358:16zn7yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun0

General Information:

Here pronouns “he” and “his” refer to the godless person, who represents godless people in general. It may be helpful to readers to use the plural pronouns “they” and “their.”

5368:16x5phrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorUnder the sun he is green, and his shoots go out over his entire garden0

Here Bildad compares the godless person to a plant that is healthy.

5378:16d31wUnder the sun he is green0

The meaning of the Hebrew text is unclear. This could mean: (1) he is healthy during the day or (2) he is watered before the sun rises.

5388:17i19yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun0

General Information:

In this verse the pronoun “his” refers to the godless person, who represents godless people in general. It may be helpful to readers to use the plural pronouns “they” and “their.”

5398:17cty7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismHis roots are wrapped about the heaps of stone … they look for good places among the rocks0

These two phrases have similar meaning, but the meaning is unclear. This could mean: (1) he appears to be well-rooted in the rocks, taking advantage of every opening or (2) his roots cannot find fertile ground and must try to find nutrients among the rocks. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

5408:18qe8brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun0

General Information:

In this verse the pronouns “his” and “him” refer to the godless person, who represents godless people in general. It may be helpful to readers to use the plural pronouns “they” and “their.”

5418:18ib86rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveif this person is destroyed out of his place0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if someone pulls him out of his place” or “if a gardener tears him out of the garden”

5428:18tq8vhis place0

Alternate translation: “the rocky ground” or “the garden”

5438:18b7jgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationthat place will deny him and say, I never saw you.0

The garden is spoken of as if it had human ability to speak. The garden immediately forgets that he existed. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

5448:19llr9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironythis is the “joy” of such a persons behavior0

Bildad is speaking with irony to express that there is not any real joy for the godless person. Alternate translation: “this is all the joy they will receive from their godless actions”

5458:19z27brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorother plants will sprout out of the same soil in his place0

Bildad continues the metaphor from Job 8:1618. Other godless people are spoken of as plants who take the place of the first godless man when he dies. Alternate translation: “when one wicked man dies, another will take his place”

5468:19n1qgsprout0

Alternate translation: “grow”

5478:19j8fxthe same soil0

Alternate translation: “the rocky ground” or “the garden”

5488:19y97bin his place0

Alternate translation: “in the place of the godless man”

5498:20i9v4God will not cast away an innocent man0

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “God will accept an innocent man”

5508:20gz4zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyneither will he take the hand of evildoers0

Here “take the hand” refers to help or support. Alternate translation: “God will not support people who do evil things”

5518:21td9src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismHe will yet fill your mouth with laughter, your lips with shouting0

These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how happy Job would be if he were innocent. The word “he” refers to God and “your” refers to Job. Alternate translation: “God will make you very happy again if you are innocent” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

5528:21ezc5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorfill your mouth with laughter0

God causing Job to laugh is spoken of as if God had poured laughter into Jobs mouth. Alternate translation: “cause you to continually laugh”

5538:21e5gprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisyour lips with shouting0

The verb “fill” is understood from the previous clause. God causing him to shout for joy is spoken of as if God had poured joy into Jobs mouth. Alternate translation: “God will cause you to shout for joy” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

5548:22tc4grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThose who hate you will be clothed with shame0

Here “shame” is spoken of as if it were clothing that God will cause Jobs enemies to wear. This means they will be very ashamed. Alternate translation: “God will cause those who hate you to be very ashamed”

5558:22k5y9the tent of the wicked will be no more0

Here “tent” refers to the homes of the wicked. Alternate translation: “the houses of the wicked will be destroyed”

5568:22uz63will be no more0

Alternate translation: “will not last” or “will be destroyed”

5579:intron51u0

Job 9 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Jobs response to Bildad.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jobs righteousness and Yahwehs power

Despite being upset about his circumstances, Job does not curse God. Job does not think that he can make a claim against Yahweh because only God is perfectly wise and just. Yahweh is truly powerful and Job understands this. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/wise]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

Job uses many different metaphors in this chapter to express himself or to describe Yahwehs power. He is also upset with the advice of his friends, who are supposed to help him during difficult times. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Bildad that he is wrong. These questions help to build Jobs response. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

5589:2e369I truly know that this is so0

Alternate translation: “I know that what you say is true”

5599:2a9kuthis is so0

Here the word “this” refers to what Bildad said.

5609:2r4pihow can a person be in the right with God?0

Alternate translation: “how can anyone be innocent before God?”

5619:3a6umargue0

dispute

5629:3el71rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomhe cannot answer him once in a thousand times0

“Once in a thousand times” here is an idiom that means “at all.” This could mean: (1) “he cannot give any answer to God” or (2) “God will not answer him at all”

5639:3t9fia thousand times0

Alternate translation: “1,000 times”

5649:4mh8arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymywise in heart0

Here the heart represents the inner being or thoughts. Alternate translation: “wise in what he decides”

5659:4f7rjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsmighty in strength0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word strength, you can express the same idea with the adjective “strong.” Alternate translation: “mighty in how strong he is”

5669:4b286rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounshardened himself against him0

To harden oneself means to be stubborn. Alternate translation: “resisted him” or “defied him”

5679:5at5bhe who removes the mountains0

Alternate translation: “God removes the mountains”

5689:6m19the who shakes the earth0

Alternate translation: “God shakes the earth”

5699:6xth3sets its supports trembling0

Alternate translation: “makes its foundations tremble”

5709:7mt2xwho covers up the stars0

Alternate translation: “who blocks the stars from view”

5719:8lya7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronounswho by himself stretches out the heavens0

God is spoken of as creating the heavens without any help, as if the heavens were fabric that he stretches out. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

5729:8xis1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphortramples down the waves of the sea0

God is spoken of as calming the sea as if with his feet. Alternate translation: “puts his feet down on the waves of the sea” or “calms the waves of the sea”

5739:9n4y8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownthe Bear, Orion, the Pleiades0

These are the names of constellations, which are groups of stars that seem like they form a particular shape in the sky.

5749:9taz3Orion0

a famous hunter in Greek mythology

5759:9x429Pleiades0

several bright stars that look like they are close together in the sky

5769:9uzy5constellations0

groups of stars that seem like they form a particular shape in the sky

5779:10h9d9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

General Information:

The writer uses parallelism in each of these verses, conveying a single idea using double statements to emphasize that God is great, unseen, and sovereign.

5789:10g1vuunsearchable things0

Alternate translation: “things that cannot be understood”

5799:11j3wrSee0

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you.”

5809:11l3a7he passes on0

Alternate translation: “he passes by” or “he moves on”

5819:12tc75rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIf he takes something away, who can stop him? Who can say to him, What are you doing?0

These are rhetorical questions that expect an answer of “No one.” They can be reworded as statements. Alternate translation: “If he takes something away, no one can stop him. No one can ask him, What are you doing?’”

5829:12gm8nIf he takes something away0

Alternate translation: “If he takes someone away” or “If he wants to snatch something away”

5839:13e9gurc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionthe helpers of Rahab bow beneath him0

Here “bow beneath him” symbolizes submission or defeat. Alternate translation: “he crushes the helpers of Rahab”

5849:13nzr2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesRahab0

The word “Rahab” here refers to a monster of the sea.

5859:14z61qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismHow much less could I answer him, could I choose words to reason with him?0

Job poses two similar questions to emphasize his reluctance to confront God. They can be reworded as a statement. Alternate translation: “So I certainly could not answer him or choose words to reason with him.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

5869:17w3dcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorFor he breaks me with a tempest0

Job compares his troubles from God to the effects of a tempest. Alternate translation: “He injures me as if with a tempest”

5879:17qb29tempest0

a powerful or violent storm

5889:17rl4wmultiplies my wounds0

Alternate translation: “gives me many wounds” or “wounds me again and again”

5899:17qw6awithout cause0

Alternate translation: “even though I have not given him cause to do so” or “even though I am innocent”

5909:18bw17rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomto regain my breath0

This is an idiom that means “to be able to breathe again” or

5919:18uqz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhe fills me with bitterness0

This verse pictures God as filling up Jobs life with things that make him bitter. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word bitterness, you can express the same idea with the adjective “bitter.” Alternate translation: “he fills me up with bitter things” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

5929:19qi46If it is a matter of strength0

Alternate translation: “If there is a contest of strength”

5939:19ad8ibehold, he is mighty0

Alternate translation: “look and you will see that he is mighty” or “pay attention to what I am about to tell you: he is mighty”

5949:19a2rche is mighty0

Alternate translation: “he is the strong one”

5959:19fjk3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionwho can summon him?0

This question expects an answer of “No one” to make the point that no one is able to bring God to court. This can be reworded as a statement. Alternate translation: “no one can summon him.”

5969:20q6qkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismThough I am in the right, my own mouth would condemn me; and though I am blameless, my words would prove me to be guilty0

This verse expresses the same idea twice for emphasis.

5979:20xtf8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomThough I am in the right0

Here “I am in the right” means I am the one who has done right things. Alternate translation: “Although I have done right things” or “Even though I am innocent” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladj]])

5989:20grl2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymymy own mouth would condemn me0

Here “mouth” represents Jobs words. Alternate translation: “my own words would accuse me” or “what I say would condemn me”

5999:20ci26blameless0

Alternate translation: “faultless”

6009:20dd24rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphormy words would prove me to be guilty0

Here “my words” are spoken of as if they could take action. Alternate translation: “God would use what I say to prove me guilty”

6019:20j9y3guilty0

The word here has the meaning of “twisted” or “crooked.”

6029:21n1szI am blameless0

Alternate translation: “I am faultless”

6039:21ruv5about myself0

Alternate translation: “what happens to me”

6049:22ahw1It makes no difference0

Alternate translation: “It is all the same” or “It does not matter”

6059:22e1i7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismhe destroys blameless people and wicked people together0

Here “blameless” and “wicked” are two extremes for a merism that include everything in between. Alternate translation: “he brings everyone to an end, whether they are blameless or wicked”

6069:23hsd9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorWhen a whip suddenly kills0

The word “whip” here is a metaphor for any kind of disaster. Alternate translation: “When a disaster suddenly happens and people die”

6079:23m78urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe despair of the innocent0

The word “despair” is an abstract noun that can be translated by the verb “despair.” Here it is a metonym for the innocent who are despairing. Alternate translation: “the innocent who are despairing” or “the innocent who have lost all hope”

6089:23sgu2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjinnocent0

This is a nominalized adjective. Alternate translation: “innocent people”.

6099:24v13grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveThe earth is given0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God gives the earth”

6109:24rz2jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyThe earth is0

Here “the earth” is used to represent the people on the earth. Alternate translation: “The people of the world are”

6119:24g65crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyinto the hand of0

Here “hand” is a metonym for “control.” Alternate translation: “into the control of”

6129:24l9pzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomGod covers the faces of its judges0

This idiom means God keeps the judges of the earth from being able to judge the difference between right and wrong. Alternate translation: “God makes its judges blind” or “God keeps its judges from judging rightly”

6139:24y1ivIf it is not he who does it, then who is it?0

Alternate translation: “If it is not God who does these things, then who does them?”

6149:25aw7irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileMy days are swifter than a running messenger0

Job compares how quickly his days are passing by to a fast runner. Alternate translation: “My days pass swiftly”

6159:25um75running messenger0

Alternate translation: “runner” or “running man”

6169:25s36prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationmy days flee away0

This pictures the days of Jobs life as being able to run away like a person.

6179:25a6zyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationthey see no good anywhere0

This pictures the days of Jobs life as being able to see like a person.

6189:25ej64no good0

Alternate translation: “no good thing”

6199:26icr6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileThey are as fast as papyrus reed boats0

Job compares how quickly his days are passing by to the speed of fast boats. Alternate translation: “They pass quickly by like papyrus reed boats”

6209:26hle5papyrus reed boats0

“boats made out of reeds.” Papyrus reed is a hollow grass that grows along the banks of rivers.

6219:26vrq5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileas fast as the eagle that swoops down on its victim0

Job compares how quickly his days are passing by to a large bird diving toward its prey. Alternate translation: “as fast as the eagle that flies down quickly to catch its food”

6229:26iuy1swoops down0

Alternate translation: “rushes down”

6239:27wk23rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsI would forget about my complaints0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word complaint, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “complain.” Alternate translation: “I would stop complaining” or “I would stop complaining against God”

6249:27gn93rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitmy complaints0

It can be stated clearly whom Job was complaining against. Alternate translation: “my complaints against God”

6259:27vk9trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI would take off my sad face and be happy0

Jobs sad face is spoken of here as if it was something that could be removed. Alternate translation: “I would stop looking unhappy and smile”

6269:28rek4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesI would be afraid of all my sorrows0

Verses 28 and 29 express the consequences if Job does what he says in verse 27. This can be expressed by adding the word “then.” Alternate translation: “Then I would be afraid of all my sorrows”

6279:28hqx2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsof all my sorrows0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word sorrows, you can express the same idea with a verb. Alternate translation: “of everything that hurts me”

6289:29js2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveI will be condemned0

“I will be accused and punished.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will condemn me”

6299:29w57lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionwhy, then, should I try in vain?0

Job uses this question to emphasize that he does not think it is of any use trying to get Gods attention. The implied information about what Job is trying can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “It is of no use to try to get Gods attention.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

6309:30l6jtIf I washed myself with snow water0

Alternate translation: “If I bathed my body in pure, clean water”

6319:30y111snow water0

the water that comes from melted snow

6329:30b7ilsnow0

white flakes of frozen water that fall from clouds in places where the air temperature is cold

6339:30a4jkmade my hands ever so clean0

Some other versions of the Bible translate this with the meaning of “cleaned my hands with very strong soap.” Alternate translation: “made my hands exceedingly clean”

6349:31sz3qplunge me in a ditch0

Alternate translation: “throw me into a pit”

6359:31vh45rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationmy own clothes would be disgusted with me0

Jobs clothing is spoken of as if it would have a negative response to Job after God plunged him into a ditch. Alternate translation: “I would be too filthy for my own clothing”

6369:32va67rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitanswer him0

Job implies that God has charged him of doing wrong, and he wants to respond to those charges. Alternate translation: “answer his charges against me” or “defend myself” or “argue my innocence with him”

6379:32yb3irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymycome together in court0

“come together to trial.” Here “court” is a place where people can come and a judge will settle disputes. “Coming together in court” is a metonym for going against each other in a court of law. Alternate translation: “confront each other before a judge”

6389:33z743There is no judge between us0

This means there is no judge who is greater than God who could decide what is right between him and Job.

6399:33es66rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomlay his hand upon us both0

Here “lay his hand upon” means having power or authority over. Alternate translation: “take hold of both of us” or “have authority over both of us”

6409:34hm1tConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

These verses continue the previous argument that no one is greater than God who could act as a judge between God and Job.

6419:34cc5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymytake Gods rod off me0

Here “Gods rod” is a metonym for God punishing or correcting Job. Alternate translation: “stop God from punishing me”

6429:34vs1brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounskeep his terror from frightening me0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terror, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “terrify.” Alternate translation: “keep him from terrifying and frightening me”

6439:35fa78Then would I speak up0

Alternate translation: “Then I would speak”

6449:35ug86as things are now0

Alternate translation: “because this is how things are now”

64510:introul990

Job 10 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Jobs response to Bildad.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jobs righteousness

Despite being upset about his circumstances, Job does not curse Yahweh. Instead, he defends himself to Yahweh, while trusting in his decision. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to defend himself. He does not believe that he committed a sin deserving severe punishment. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

64610:1ch7hI am weary of my life0

Alternate translation: “I am tired of living”

64710:1p5clrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsI will give free expression to my complaint0

The abstract nouns “expression” and “complaint” can be translated as the verbs “express” and “complain.” Alternate translation: “I will freely express what I have to complain about” or “I will argue freely”

64810:1zk1frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI will speak in the bitterness of my soul0

How Job feels is compared to a bitter taste. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word bitterness, you can express the same idea with the adverb “bitterly.” Alternate translation: “My inner being will speak bitterly” or “I will bitterly speak out” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

64910:3aaw5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIs it good to you that you should oppress me, to despise the work of your hands while you smile on the plans of the wicked?0

This question expects a “no” answer and can be changed into a statement. Alternate translation: “It is not good that you should oppress me, that you should despise the work of your hands, while you smile on the plans of the wicked.”

65010:3vw7hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochethe work of your hands0

Here God is represented by his “hands.” Alternate translation: “what you have created”

65110:3q8wfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomsmile on the plans of the wicked0

Here the idiom “smiling on” represents Gods approval. Alternate translation: “approve the plans of the wicked”

65210:4d65rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismDo you have eyes of flesh? Do you see like a man sees?0

These two questions have nearly the same meaning. These questions expect a negative answer to emphasize that God does not see or understand things the same way a man does. They can be expressed as statements. Alternate translation: “You do not have eyes of flesh, and you do not see like a man sees.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

65310:5e9t6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Job begins to ask a rhetorical question. He is saying that God lives forever but people live only for a short time, so God should not worry about Jobs sins.

65410:5awt6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismyour days like the days of mankind … your years like the years of people0

These two phrases have nearly the same meaning.

65510:5st4nyour days0

Alternate translation: “the number of your days”

65610:5tjp4your years0

Alternate translation: “the number of your years”

65710:6qf3dConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues the rhetorical question he began in verse 5. (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion)

65810:6zdk3inquire after my iniquity0

Alternate translation: “look to see if I have committed iniquity”

65910:7eu61Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words “Are your days” in verse 5.

66010:7s3k7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionalthough you know … from your hand?0

This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words “Are your days” in verse 5. The whole question can be translated as a statement. “Your days are not like the days of mankind, and your years are not like the years of people, so you should not inquire after my iniquity and search after my sin, because you know I am not guilty and there is no one who can rescue me from your hand.”

66110:7vzd3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochefrom your hand0

Here “your hand” represents Gods power. Alternate translation: “from your power”

66210:8tx92rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheYour hands0

Here “hands” represent God and his creative action. Alternate translation: “You”

66310:8x1dyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYour hands have framed and fashioned me together round about0

Job is using a metaphor of a potter forming clay to describe how God carefully created him.

66410:8p1mlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletframed and fashioned me0

“shaped and formed me.” The words “framed” and “fashioned” are similar in meaning.

66510:9l83bCall to mind0

Alternate translation: “Remember”

66610:9zg5jbring me into dust again0

Alternate translation: “turn me back into dust again”

66710:10vpu6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry0

General Information:

In these verses, Job uses the language of poetry to describe how God formed him in the womb.

66810:10h664rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionHave you not poured me out like milk and curdled me like cheese?0

This is a question that expects a positive answer. Alternate translation: “You poured me out like milk and curdled me like cheese.” or “You formed me in the womb like poured milk becomes cheese.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

66910:10c2ulyou0

Here “you” refers to God.

67010:10wk3hme0

Here “me” refers to Job.

67110:11p9pwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYou have clothed me with skin and flesh0

God putting skin and flesh on Jobs body is spoken of as if God was putting clothing on him. Alternate translation: “You have put skin and flesh on my body”

67210:11mxm1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorknit me together0

“wove me together.” God putting Jobs body together in the womb is spoken of as if God was knitting or weaving a piece of cloth. Alternate translation: “put me together”

67310:11hut9sinews0

the parts of the body that connect muscles to bones or other body parts and are like tough, white bands or cords

67410:12tc2urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsYou have granted me life and covenant faithfulness0

The abstract nouns “life” and “faithfulness” can be stated as “live” and “faithful.” Alternate translation: “You have been faithful to your covenant and allowed me to live”

67510:12dt8ayour help0

Alternate translation: “your care”

67610:12h7inrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheguarded my spirit0

Here Job is represented by his “spirit.” Alternate translation: “guarded me” or “watched carefully over me” or “kept me safe”

67710:14zj6tyou would notice it0

Alternate translation: “you would watch me”

67810:15l6wwIf I have acted wickedly0

Alternate translation: “If I do evil things”

67910:15vwh2woe to me0

Alternate translation: “how terrible will it be for me”

68010:15h2scrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomlift up my head0

This idiom means to be sure or confident. Alternate translation: “hold my head up” or “be confident” or “be sure about myself”

68110:15yg3eI am filled with disgrace—see my affliction0

Another possible meaning, followed by some versions, is, “I am full of disgrace and am completely full of my own suffering,” where the disgrace is bad but the suffering is even worse.

68210:15amu8I am filled with disgrace0

Alternate translation: “I am totally ashamed” or “No one respects me anymore”

68310:15fs2udisgrace0

shame

68410:15bu5trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounssee my affliction0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word affliction, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “afflict.” Alternate translation: “see how God is afflicting me”

68510:16z3nmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoIf my head were lifted up, you would stalk me like a lion0

This could mean: (1) this is a hypothetical situation that has not happened or (2) this is a description of a situation that happens repeatedly. Alternate translation: “When my head is lifted up, you stalk me like a lion”

68610:16ya75rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomIf my head were lifted up0

This idiom means to become self-confident or proud. Alternate translation: “If I become proud” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

68710:16bss8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileyou would stalk me like a lion0

Possible meanings of this simile are: (1) God hunts Job like a lion hunts its prey or (2) Job is like a lion being hunted by God.

68810:16yj7rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyagain you would show yourself with marvellous acts of power against me0

This phrase expresses irony in how God displays his marvelous power by acting to harm Job. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

68910:17u754rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYou bring new witnesses against me0

Jobs troubles from God are spoken of as if they were people who were witnesses against him.

69010:17di4rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsincrease your anger against me0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word anger, you can express the same idea with the adjective “angry.” Alternate translation: “are more and more angry with me”

69110:17zs8crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoryou attack me with fresh armies0

God sending troubles against Job is spoken of as if God was constantly sending new armies against him.

69210:18zk6frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorbrought me out of the womb0

Here being brought out of the womb represents being born into this world. Alternate translation: “brought me out of my mothers womb” or “brought me into this world”

69310:18n2qlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorgiven up my spirit0

Giving up ones spirit represents dying. Alternate translation: “died”

69410:18s56brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheand that no eye had ever seen me0

Job uses “eye” here to refer to the whole person. He wishes he could have died at birth, before anyone saw him. Alternate translation: “before any person had ever seen me” or “before I was born”

69510:19bzd2I had never existed0

Alternate translation: “I had never lived”

69610:19uc37I would have been carried0

Alternate translation: “My body would have been carried”

69710:20yd2grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionAre not my days only a few?0

Here “my days” represent the length of Jobs life. This question expects a positive answer, to emphasize that Job only expects to live a few more days. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I only have a few days left to live.” or “My life will soon end.”

69810:21f7d8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe land0

Here the place where the spirits of dead people go is spoken of as if it was a land. Alternate translation: “the place”

69910:21i9h6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletof darkness and of the shadow of death0

The phrase “shadow of death” intensifies the idea of “darkness.” Both phrases describe where the spirits of dead people go.

70010:21zq3vthe shadow of death0

See how you translated this in Job 3:5.

70110:22xkq9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileas dark as midnight0

The darkness of the place where the spirits of dead people go is compared to the darkness of midnight.

70210:22r9u5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litoteswithout any order0

This negative phrase can be expressed in positive form. Alternate translation: “full of confusion” or “where all is confused”

70310:22a8nxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similewhere the light is like midnight0

The light of the place where the spirits of dead people go is compared to midnight. Alternate translation: “where there is no light”

70411:introm1vt0

Job 11 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is the advice of Jobs friend, Zophar.

Special concepts in this chapter

Zophars advice

Zophar tells Job to curse Yahweh. The advice Zophar gives to Job is bad advice. He even questions the character of God. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Zophar uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job that he is wrong. These questions help to build Zophars argument. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

70511:1mbq7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesZophar the Naamathite0

See how you translated this mans name in Job 2:11. Alternate translation: “Zophar from the region of Naamah”

70611:2cq18rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionShould not such a multitude of words be answered?0

Zophar is asking a question in the negative to emphasize that Jobs words must be challenged. Alternate translation: “We must answer all of these words!” or “Someone should respond to all these words!”

70711:2ua2src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionShould this man, so full of talk, be believed?0

Zophar uses this question to emphasize that they should not believe what Job was saying. Alternate translation: “This man is so full of talk, but the people should not believe him!” or “Your many words alone do not mean you are innocent!”

70811:3kgu1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionShould your boasting make others remain silent?0

Zophar uses this question to rebuke Job. Alternate translation: “Just because you have spoken many words, this does not mean that others must keep silent.”

70911:3s3amrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhen you mock, will no one make you feel ashamed?0

Zophar uses this question to rebuke Job. You may need to make explicit what it is that Job is mocking. Alternate translation: “You have mocked us for what we have said. Now we will make you feel ashamed!” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

71011:4k2leMy beliefs are pure0

Alternate translation: “My understanding is correct”

71111:4e56urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI am blameless in your eyes0

The eyes represent sight, which is a metaphor for Gods evaluation of Job. This could mean: (1) that Job is saying that God judges him as blameless. Alternate translation: “You say that I am blameless” or (2) that Job believes he has been blameless and that God should judge him as blameless. Alternate translation: “You should recognize that I am blameless”

71211:5ii56rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythat God would speak … open his lips against you0

The words “open his lips” are a metonym that means speak. These two phrases mean the same thing and are used together to emphasize Zophars desire that God would speak harshly against Job. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

71311:6ca7prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitthat he would show … secrets of wisdom0

What the “secrets of wisdom” are can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “that he would show you that you are suffering because of your sin”

71411:6qjk2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGod demands from you less than your iniquity deserves0

Demanding from Job represents punishing Job. Alternate translation: “God is punishing you less than you deserve”

71511:7tvp2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismCan you understand God by searching for him? Can you comprehend the Almighty perfectly?0

These two parallel questions are asking the same thing. The writer uses the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate translation: “You cannot understand God by searching for him, and you will never completely understand the Almighty!” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

71611:8n8yirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitThe matter0

This refers to understanding God. Alternate translation: “To understand God”

71711:8jhq3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismis as high as heaven … deeper than Sheol0

The impossibility of understanding God is spoken of as if it were impossible to go to these extremely far away places. Alternate translation: “is as inaccessible as the highest places in heaven … is more inaccessible than the deepest places in Sheol” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

71811:8y9sprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionwhat can you do?0

Zophar uses this question to show that a person cannot do anything to understand God fully. Alternate translation: “you cannot do anything.” or “you cannot understand him fully.”

71911:8hb95rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionwhat can you know?0

Zophar uses this question to show that a person cannot do anything to know God fully. Alternate translation: “you cannot know God fully.” or “you cannot know all there is to know.”

72011:9i9xzIts measure0

This could mean: (1) Gods greatness or (2) the greatness of Gods wisdom.

72111:9z6cvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoris longer than the earth … wider than the sea0

Gods greatness or wisdom is spoken of as if it could be measured in distance.

72211:10y4fxIf he … shuts anyone up0

Alternate translation: “If God … shuts anyone up in prison”

72311:10d1jnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsif he calls anyone to judgment0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word judgment, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “judge.” Alternate translation: “if God calls anyone to go to him so that God might judge him”

72411:10f915rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionwho can stop him?0

This question emphasizes that no one can stop God. Alternate translation: “no one can stop him!”

72511:11gdx6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestiondoes he not notice it?0

This emphasizes that God does notice sin. Alternate translation: “he surely notices it!”

72611:12e8e9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsBut foolish people have no understanding0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word understanding, you can express the same idea with the verb “understand.” Alternate translation: “But foolish people do not understand”

72711:12jlz1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironythey will get it when a wild donkey gives birth to a man0

Since a wild donkey can never give birth to a man, this means that foolish people will never get understanding. Alternate translation: “only if a wild donkey could give birth to a man could foolish people get understanding” or “it is as impossible for a foolish person to get understanding as it is for a donkey to give birth to a man”

72811:13k56lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorsuppose that you had set your heart right0

The heart represents thoughts and attitudes. Setting it right represents correcting it. Alternate translation: “even if you had corrected your attitude”

72911:13mm3crc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionhad reached out with your hands toward God0

This is a symbolic action representing asking God for help. Alternate translation: “had made an appeal and prayed to God”

73011:14t8z8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymysuppose that iniquity were in your hand0

The hand represents what a person does. Alternate translation: “even if you had done some evil things in the past”

73111:14nt8drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorbut that then you put it far away from you0

Putting sin behind represents stopping sinning. Alternate translation: “but that then you stopped doing evil things”

73211:14u5yarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationdid not let unrighteousness live in your tents0

Unrighteousness living represents people doing unrighteous things. Alternate translation: “and you did not allow the members of your household to do unrighteous things”

73311:15db84rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymylift up your face without a sign of shame0

“Lifting up your face” represents the attitude of a person who is confident and brave. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

73411:16x6vtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileyou would remember it only like waters that have flowed away0

Zophar is comparing misery with water that flows downstream and it is gone. Alternate translation: “You would remember it, but the misery will be gone, like waters that have flowed away”

73511:17fqt4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismYour life would … like the morning.0

Zophar repeats the same idea for emphasis.

73611:17dkt7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYour life would be brighter than the noonday0

Brightness represents being prosperous and happy. Alternate translation: “Your life would be prosperous and happy like the noonday”

73711:17dua9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypothough there were darkness0

Darkness represents troubles and sadness. Alternate translation: “Though there were dark troubles and sadness”

73811:17s8z7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorit would become like the morning0

The morning represents light, which represents prosperity and happiness. Alternate translation: “it would be prosperous and happy like the morning”

73911:18iqu3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismYou would be secure … take your rest in safety0

Zophar repeats the same idea for emphasis and describes the possibility. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

74011:18f1berc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomwould take your rest in safety0

“Take your rest” here is an idiom for “rest.” The phrase “in safety” can be expressed with the word “safely.” Alternate translation: “would rest safely” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

74111:19fm2wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismAlso you would lie down in rest … your favor.0

Zophar repeats the same idea for emphasis and describes the possibility. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

74211:19hc18rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsyou would lie down in rest0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word rest, you can express the same idea with the verb “rest.” Alternate translation: “you would lie down and rest”

74311:20s359rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe eyes of wicked people will fail0

Their eyes represent their understanding. Alternate translation: “the understanding of the wicked people will fail” or “the wicked people will not be able to understand”

74412:introu4jn0

Job 12 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Jobs response to Zophar.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jobs righteousness

Despite being upset about his circumstances, Job does not curse God. His friends, on the other hand, judge Jobs case, which Job recognizes to be Yahwehs authority. These three friends therefore try to take Gods place. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

Job uses many different metaphors in this chapter to express his pain or despair. He is also upset with the advice of his friends, who are supposed to help him during difficult times. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Zophar that he is wrong. These questions help to build Jobs response. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

74512:2dpz4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyNo doubt you are the people; wisdom will die with you0

Job mocks how they are acting and shows how ridiculous they sound. Alternate translation: “Surely you are such important people that wisdom cannot exist without you” or “You all act like you are the only wise people and that when you die, wisdom will disappear”

74612:2ba96No doubt0

Alternate translation: “Surely”

74712:2dk3zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youyou0

This is plural in verses 2 and 3.

74812:2xl1kyou are the people0

Alternate translation: “you are the important people who know everything”

74912:3kd9krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIndeed, who does not know such things as these?0

Job used this question to express a truth that should be obvious to his listeners. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “Certainly there is no one who does not know such things as these.” or “Certainly everyone knows these things.”

75012:4qdq1rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesI am something for my neighbor to laugh at—I, one who called on God and who was answered by him!0

The relationship between these phrases can be made clear with the words “even though.” Alternate translation: “I am something for my neighbor to laugh at—even though I am one who called on God and he answered me!”

75112:4f67drc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesI, a just and blameless man—I am now something to laugh at0

The relationship between these phrases can be made clear with the words “even though.” Alternate translation: “Even though I am a just and blameless man, people now laugh at me”

75212:5cg28rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsIn the thought of someone who is at ease, there is contempt for misfortune0

The abstract nouns “thought,” “ease,” “contempt,” and “misfortune” can be expressed with other phrases. Alternate translation: “A person who lives an easy life despises a person who suffers”

75312:5j6phrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorbrings more misfortune0

Bringing misfortune represents causing it to happen. Alternate translation: “causes more bad things to happen”

75412:5z8zarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorto those whose foot is slipping0

The foot slipping represents being in danger or trouble. Alternate translation: “to those who are already in trouble”

75512:6rn8lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyThe tents of robbers prosper0

Their tents prospering represents the robbers prospering in their tents. Alternate translation: “Robbers live in prosperity in their own tents”

75612:6j8fdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymytheir own hands are their gods0

Here “their own hands” is a metonym for strength, and “their gods” is a metaphor for their pride. Alternate translation: “they are extremely proud of their own abilities” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

75712:7c1y7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyBut now ask the beasts … the birds … they will tell you0

Job is saying that the beasts and the birds understand God better than Jobs friends do.

75812:7t82wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youyou0

All occurrences of “you” are plural.

75912:7de2xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeBut now ask the beasts, and they will teach you0

The command in the first part of the sentence functions as a hypothetical condition. Alternate translation: “But if you were to ask the beasts, they would teach you” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

76012:7ee93rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeask the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you0

The command in the first part of the sentence functions as a hypothetical condition. Alternate translation: if you were to ask the birds of the heavens, they would tell you” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

76112:8g5xsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyspeak to the earth … will declare to you0

Job is saying that the beasts, the birds, the earth, and the fish understand God better than Jobs friends do.

76212:8k4carc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeOr speak to the earth, and it will teach you0

The command in the first part of the sentence functions as a hypothetical condition. Alternate translation: “Or if you were to speak to the earth, it would teach you” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

76312:8bjf6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisthe fish of the sea will declare to you0

The command “Ask the fish of the sea” is understood from the previous sentences. It functions as a hypothetical condition. Alternate translation: “and if you were to ask the fish of the sea, they would declare to you” (See also: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-imperative]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-hypo]])

76412:9hu2yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhich animal among all these does not know … this?0

This question emphasizes the point that all the animals know that Yahweh has done this. This question can be worded as a statement. Alternate translation: “Every animal among all these knows … this.”

76512:9tht3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe hand of Yahweh has done this0

Yahwehs hand represents his power. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has done this by his power”

76612:10tx1wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyIn his hand is the life … and the breath of all mankind0

Yahwehs hand represents his control or power. Alternate translation: “God controls the life of every living thing and gives breath to all mankind”

76712:10s1srrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe breath of all mankind0

Here “breath” represents life or the ability to live.

76812:11d5vnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDoes not the ear test words just as the palate tastes its food?0

Job uses this question to emphasize that people listen to what others say and judge whether it is good or not. The ear and palate are metonyms for hearing and tasting. Alternate translation: “We hear what people say and test it just as we taste food and test it.” (See also: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

76912:12v4ftrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsWith aged men is wisdom0

“Aged men have wisdom.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wisdom, you can express the same idea with “wise.” The word “men” refers to people in general. Alternate translation: “Old people are wise” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])

77012:12lhn1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsin length of days is understanding0

This represents people gaining understanding when they live a long time. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word understanding, you can express the same idea with the phrase “understand much.” Alternate translation: “people gain understanding when they live a long time” or “people who live a long time understand much”

77112:13mmb70

General Information:

Verse 13 says that God is wise and mighty. The rest of this chapter shows that this is true by telling about the wise and mighty things that God does.

77212:13tw4vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsWith God are wisdom and might0

The abstract nouns “wisdom” and “might” can be expressed with the adjectives “wise” and “mighty.” Alternate translation: “God is wise and mighty”

77312:14aq2dSee0

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

77412:14v1ptrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveit cannot be built again0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one can rebuild it”

77512:14c4ebrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsif he imprisons someone, there can be no release0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word release, you can express the same idea with the verb “free.” Alternate translation: “if God shuts someone in, no one can free him”

77612:15pl3crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorif he withholds the waters, they dry up0

Possible meanings are that withholding waters represents: (1) preventing the rain from falling. Alternate translation: “if he stops the rain from falling the land dries up” or (2) preventing running water from flowing. Alternate translation: “if he stops the water from flowing, the land dries up”

77712:15rel2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorif he sends them out, they overwhelm the land0

Possible meanings are that sending them out is a metaphor meaning: (1) causing the rain to fall. Alternate translation: “if he causes a lot of rain to fall, it floods the land” or (2) causing the waters to flow. Alternate translation: “if he makes a lot of water flow, it floods the land”

77812:16gqf6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsWith him are strength and wisdom0

The abstract nouns “strength” and “wisdom” can be expressed with the words “strong” and “wise.” Alternate translation: “God is strong and wise”

77912:16uuh8people who are deceived and the deceiver are both in his power0

Being in Gods power represents God ruling over them. Alternate translation: “people who believe a lie and people who lie to others are both in his power” or “God rules over both people who believe lies and people who lie to others”

78012:17lk8brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe leads counselors away barefoot0

Leading counselors away barefoot represents taking away their wisdom and authority.

78112:17ux12rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsin sorrow0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word sorrow, you can express the same idea with the words “sad” or “grieve” Alternate translation: “and they feel very sad” or “and they grieve”

78212:17uu39he turns judges into fools0

Alternate translation: “he makes judges become foolish”

78312:18w5lcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyHe takes off the chain of authority from kings0

Possible meanings are that: (1) this is a metonym for causing kings to no longer have authority. Alternate translation: “He takes away the authority of kings” or (2) this is a metonym for setting people free from the chains that kings have put on them. Alternate translation: “He takes off the bonds that kings have put on people”

78412:18p4c4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyhe wraps a cloth about their waists0

This cloth is probably what a slave wears. To put these cloths on kings represents making the kings slaves. Alternate translation: “he makes kings wear the clothing of slaves” or “he makes them slaves”

78512:19mkn4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe leads priests away barefoot0

Leading priests away barefoot represents taking away their authority.

78612:19wut2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsin sorrow0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word sorrow, you can express the same idea with the words “sad” or “grieve” Alternate translation: “and they feel sad” or “and they grieve”

78712:19ch3foverthrows mighty people0

Alternate translation: “defeats powerful people”

78812:20g3narc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyHe removes the speech of those who had been trusted0

Removing their speech represents making them unable to speak. Alternate translation: “He makes those who were trusted unable to speak” or “He silences people whom others trusted”

78912:20dk1erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymytakes away the understanding of the elders0

Taking away their understanding represents making them unable to understand or make good decisions. Alternate translation: “makes the elders unable to understand” or “makes the elders unable to make good decisions”

79012:20gm4dthe elders0

This could mean: (1) the older people or (2) the leaders.

79112:21l74erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe pours contempt upon princes0

Pouring contempt on princes is a metaphor for causing people to feel contempt for them. Alternate translation: “He causes people to greatly disrespect those who rule”

79212:21k6sgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorunfastens the belt of strong people0

The belt is a symbol of strength. Unfastening a strong persons belt represents taking away his strength and making him weak. Alternate translation: “makes the strong people weak”

79312:22c31prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe reveals the deep things of darkness0

Revealing things represents making them known. “Deep things from darkness” represent secrets that people do not know. Alternate translation: “He makes known secrets that people do not know”

79412:22bqc1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorbrings deep shadows into the light0

Bringing things out into the light represents making them known, and here “shadows” is a metonym for the things that are hidden in the shadows, which in turn are a metaphor for truths that God has hidden from people. Alternate translation: “makes known things that no one can see” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

79512:23zzy8He enlarges nations0

Alternate translation: “He makes nations larger” or “He makes nations have more land”

79612:23dkw2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyhe also leads them along as prisoners0

God leading nations represents God causing enemy nations to lead them. The word “them” represents nations, which here represents the people of those nations. Alternate translation: “he also causes their enemies to lead them along as prisoners”

79712:24n4tarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe takes away understanding from the leaders of the people of the earth0

Taking away their understanding represents causing them to be unable to understand. Alternate translation: “He causes the leaders of the people of the earth to be unable to understand”

79812:24w1rerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorto wander in a wilderness where there is no path0

Wandering in a wilderness where there is no path represents being in a difficult situation and not knowing what to do. Alternate translation: “to be unsure of what to do like a person wandering in a wasteland with no path”

79912:25x7t2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThey grope in the dark without light0

Being in the dark without light represents lacking knowledge. Alternate translation: “They struggle to make decisions without knowledge as people struggle to walk in the dark without light”

80012:25a21urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similehe makes them stagger like a drunk man0

Staggering or wandering like a drunk man represents living without purpose. Alternate translation: “he makes them live without purpose like a drunk person who staggers as he walks” or “they wander aimlessly like a drunk person who staggers back and forth”

80113:introx1ub0

Job 13 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Jobs response to Zophar. It also contains Jobs claim of righteousness to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

Special concepts in this chapter

Jobs righteousness

Despite being upset about his circumstances, Job does not curse God. His friends, on the other hand, judge Jobs case, which Job recognizes to be Yahwehs authority. These three friends therefore try to take Gods place. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/judge]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Zophar that he is wrong. These questions help to build Jobs response. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

80213:1i5ceConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to speak to his friends.

80313:1i4pcSee0

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

80413:1d8w1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochemy eye has seen all this0

Job referred to himself as his eye since it is with his eyes that he saw these things. Alternate translation: “I have seen all this”

80513:1q1yirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochemy ear has heard and understood it0

Job referred to himself as his ear since it is with his ears that he heard these things. Alternate translation: “I have heard and understood it”

80613:2cq6cWhat you know, the same I also know0

Alternate translation: “What you know, I also know” or “I know as much as you”

80713:3lcm5Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to speak to his friends.

80813:3mx6rI wish to reason with God0

Jobs friends are judging him, but they not speaking the truth. Job would rather argue with God alone about his complaint.

80913:4f979rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoryou whitewash the truth with lies0

Putting whitewash or plaster on the truth represents ignoring the truth. Alternate translation: “you hide the truth with lies” or “you lie and ignore the truth”

81013:4p89crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoryou are all physicians of no value0

Being a physician represents being a person who comforts others. Being of no value means that they do not know how to do what they should. Alternate translation: “you are all like physicians who do not know how to heal people” or “you all come to comfort me, but you do not know how, like unskilled physicians”

81113:5gp7irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomhold your peace0

This expression means “be quiet” or “stop talking.”

81213:5t33jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsThat would be your wisdom0

They thought that they were saying wise things, but Job was saying that they would be wiser if they would stop talking. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wisdom, you can express the same idea with another word such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “If you were to do that, you would be wise” or “If you were to stop talking, you would appear wise”

81313:6ezt5Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to speak to his friends.

81413:6v78irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochelisten to the pleading of my own lips0

Here “lips” represent the person who is speaking. Alternate translation: “listen to what I myself plead for”

81513:7scy3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill you speak unrighteously … deceitfully for him?0

Job uses these two questions to rebuke his friends for speaking unrighteously. Alternate translation: “You think that you are speaking for God, but you are speaking unrighteously. You are speaking deceitfully.” (See also: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

81613:7gc76talk deceitfully0

Alternate translation: “lie” or “tell lies”

81713:8x6cvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God?0

Showing kindness to God represents helping God or defending God against Jobs complaints. Job uses these questions to rebuke his friends for thinking that they can defend God. Alternate translation: “You think that God need you to defend him? You think that you can argue for God like attorneys in court.” (See also: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

81813:9i61hConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to speak to his friends.

81913:9l9wkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill it be good for you when he searches you out?0

Here “searches you out” is a metaphor meaning “examines you.” Job uses this question to warn his friends that if God were to examine them, he would say that what they are doing is wrong. Alternate translation: “When God examines you, it will not be good for you.”

82013:9gk9jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCould you deceive him as you might deceive men?0

Job uses this question to warn his friends that God knows the truth about them. Alternate translation: “You might be able to deceive men, but you cannot deceive God.”

82113:10ecs9reprove you0

Alternate translation: “rebuke you”

82213:10g5lzif in secret you showed partiality0

“if you secretly show favor to another.” Showing partiality refers to saying only good things about someone so that the judge will say that the person is good. Doing this in secret means pretending to speak fairly, but really favoring one person over another.

82313:11bx5eConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to speak to his friends.

82413:11j11vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill not his majesty terrify you, and the dread of him fall upon you?0

Job uses these questions to rebuke his friends. This could mean: (1) Job is saying that they should fear God. Alternate translation: “His majesty should make you afraid, and his dread should fall on you.” or (2) Job is saying that they will fear God. Alternate translation: “His majesty will make you afraid, and his dread will fall on you!”

82513:11e6x9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorand the dread of him fall upon you0

Dread falling on people represents them becoming terribly afraid. Alternate translation: “and you not be terribly afraid” or “and you not be terrified”

82613:12s8nyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYour memorable sayings are proverbs made of ashes0

Ashes represent things that are worthless and do not last. Alternate translation: “Your memorable sayings are worthless like ashes” or “Your memorable sayings will be forgotten like ashes that are blown away”

82713:12brf8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoryour defenses are defenses made of clay0

Job speaks of what they say as if it were a wall made of clay around a city; it cannot defend the people because clay breaks easily. Alternate translation: “What you say in defense is as useless as a wall of clay”

82813:12pt19your defenses0

Possible meanings are that this refers to: (1) what they say to defend themselves or (2) what they say to defend God.

82913:13ygn9Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to speak to his friends.

83013:13i6h6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomHold your peace0

This is an idiom meaning “Be quiet” or “Stop talking”

83113:13wau3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomlet me alone0

This is an idiom that means “stop bothering me” or “stop hindering me”

83213:13vp1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorlet come what may on me0

Things coming on a person represents things happening to a person. This expression starting with “let” means that he does not care what might happen to him. Alternate translation: “let whatever may happen to me happen” or “I do not care what may happen to me”

83313:14wk5urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyI will take my own flesh … in my hands0

“Flesh” here is a metonym for life. “Teeth” and “hands” are metonyms for his own control. These two phrases together emphasize that Job is willing to risk his life by arguing his case with God. Alternate translation: “I am ready to risk my life” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

83413:16t8zhConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job finishes speaking to his friends and begins to address God directly.

83513:16e8gkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsThis will be the reason for my deliverance0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word deliverance, you can express the same idea with the verb “deliver.” Alternate translation: “This is the reason that God will deliver me” or “This is why God will save me from my troubles”

83613:17ppd9God, listen carefully0

Job begins directing his speech directly to God.

83713:17z88nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismlisten carefully to my speech; let my declaration come to your ears0

These two lines mean basically the same thing and intensify Jobs request for God to listen to him.

83813:17g1xrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounslet my declaration come to your ears0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word declaration, you can express the same idea with the verb “declare.” The ears represent listening. Alternate translation: “listen to my declaration” or “listen to what I declare” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

83913:18dj3qConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to God.

84013:18y2bkSee now0

This emphasizes what follows. “Listen now” or “Please pay special attention”

84113:18mb7wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI have set my defense in order0

Setting his defense in order represents deciding what he will say to defend himself. Alternate translation: “I have thought through how I will defend myself” or “I have decided how I will explain myself”

84213:19u63crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho is the one who would argue against me in court?0

Job uses this question to express his belief that since he is right, no one would argue against him. Alternate translation: “I do not believe that anyone would argue against me in court.”

84313:19t9jjIf you came to do so0

Alternate translation: “If you came to argue against me”

84413:19v85mIf you0

“You” here means God himself.

84513:19r79src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveif I were proved wrong0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “if you were to prove me wrong”

84613:19b4n5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorgive up my life0

Giving up ones life is a metaphor for dying. Alternate translation: “die”

84713:20y87xConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to God.

84813:20yzd3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochefrom your face0

“Face” represents the person. Alternate translation: “from you”

84913:21l5nnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymywithdraw your oppressive hand0

An oppressive hand is a metonym for doing things that oppress someone. Withdrawing the hand is a metaphor for stopping doing those things. Alternate translation: “stop oppressing me” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

85013:21w19trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymydo not let your terrors make me afraid0

The phrase “your terrors” refers to what causes people to be terrified of God. Alternate translation: “do not terrify me”

85113:23adu2Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to God.

85213:24vm5jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhy do you hide … like your enemy?0

Job asks this question to complain about how God is treating him. He probably hopes for an answer.

85313:24i7qirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoryou hide your face from me0

Hiding ones face from someone represents refusing to look at him or ignoring him. Alternate translation: “you refuse to look at me” or “you ignore me”

85413:25xm7frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill you persecute … pursue dry stubble?0

Job uses these questions to tell God that since Job is so insignificant and weak, it is useless to persecute him. “Leaf” and “stubble” are metaphors describing Jobs weakness, insignificance and frailty. Alternate translation: “You persecute me, but I am weak like a leaf blown by the wind and insignificant like dry stubble.” (See also: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

85513:26ta4yConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job finishes presenting his case to God.

85613:26h6dcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorFor you write down bitter things against me0

“Bitter things” represents accusations. Alternate translation: “For you write down accusations against me”

85713:26bc79rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoryou make me inherit the iniquities of my youth0

Inheriting the iniquities of his youth is a metaphor. This could mean: (1) being guilty for the sins of his youth. Alternate translation: “you say that I am still guilty for the sins of my youth” or (2) being punished for the sins of his youth. Alternate translation: “you punish me for the sins of my youth”

85813:26l6wjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsthe iniquities of my youth0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word youth, you can express the same idea with the word “young.” Alternate translation: “the sins I committed when I was young”

85913:27l4hhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYou also put my feet in the stocks0

Doing this represents punishing Job and keeping him from living freely as if Job had committed a crime and was a prisoner. Alternate translation: “It is as though you put my feet in the stocks”

86013:27lk93the stocks0

This could mean: (1) a frame that holds a prisoners feet in place so that he cannot move at all or (2) chains around a prisoners feet that make it hard for him to walk. These are used as a form of punishment.

86113:27v659rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorall my paths0

“Paths” represent the things Job does. Alternate translation: “everything I do”

86213:27x3kdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheyou examine the ground where the soles of my feet have walked0

The soles of his feet represent the person who walks. Alternate translation: “you examine the ground where I have walked”

86313:27l15nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoryou examine the ground where the soles of my feet have walked0

Examining this ground represents examining all that Job has done. Alternate translation: “it is as though you examine the ground where I have walked” or “you examine everything I do like a person examining someones footprints on the ground”

86413:28mlj8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similelike a rotten thing that wastes away0

Job compares his life to something that is decaying. He is slowly dying.

86513:28fq5krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similelike a garment that moths have eaten0

Job compares himself to clothes that are full of holes because the moths have eaten parts of it.

86614:introt3210

Job 14 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Jobs claim of righteousness being presented to Yahweh. It also has an abrupt shift in tone. Rather than being hopeful, Job laments. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/lament]])

Special concepts in this chapter

Resurrection

The events of Job occurred long before the Old Testament was written. Therefore, he likely had very little direct revelation about Yahweh. The resurrection of the dead was apparently not well-known during Jobs day. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/reveal]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in his appeal to Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

86714:1d6inrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsMan, who is born of woman0

This refers to all people, both men and women; all are born into this world.

86814:1u162rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbolelives only a few days0

This is an exaggeration to emphasize that people live only a short time. Alternate translation: “lives only a very short time”

86914:1pfe3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitis full of trouble0

Being “full of trouble” represents experiencing much trouble. Alternate translation: “has many troubles” or “suffers much”

87014:2bgr2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileHe sprouts from the ground like a flower and is cut down0

Like the life of a flower, a persons life is short and is easily killed.

87114:2w4bbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similehe flees like a shadow and does not last0

A persons short life is compared to a shadow that disappears quickly.

87214:3tkx9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDo you look at any of these?0

Job implies that he does not want God to pay so much attention to him. Alternate translation: “You do not look at any of these.” or “You do not pay so much attention to these. Please do not pay so much attention to me.”

87314:3inl9look at0

Here looking at some one represents paying attention to him in order to judge him. Alternate translation: “pay attention to” or “look for faults in”

87414:3fg87rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDo you bring me into judgment with you?0

Job uses this question to show his surprise that God judges him even though Job is so insignificant like the flowers. Alternate translation: “But you judge me.”

87514:4pls1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho can bring something clean out of something unclean? No one0

Job uses this question to persuade God to apply what he knows about unclean things to Job. Alternate translation: “No one can bring something clean out of something unclean”

87614:5fm5brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveMans days are determined0

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “You determine a mans days” or “You decide how long a man lives”

87714:5iz79rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyThe number of his months is with you0

The number of mans months being with God represents God deciding the number of months that the man will live. “You decide how many months he will live”

87814:5jij3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoryou have appointed his limits that he cannot pass0

Passing a limit represents living past a time that God has set for a person to die. Alternate translation: “you have appointed the time that he will die, and he cannot live longer than that”

87914:6w4rxhired man0

a man who is hired to do a job and goes home afterwards

88014:7l8i1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsThere can be hope for a tree0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word hope, you can express the same idea with the verb “hope.” The hope is explained in verses 79. Alternate translation: “We can hope that a tree will live again” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

88114:7ezr1it might sprout again0

Alternate translation: “it might start growing again”

88214:7jj4irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorso that its tender stalk does not disappear0

Disappearing represents dying. Alternate translation: “so that its young shoot will not die”

88314:8u25bThough0

Alternate translation: “Even if”

88414:8cqw2stump0

the part of the tree that remains sticking out of the ground after someone has cut down most of the tree

88514:9f92crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationeven if it only smells water0

This describes the dead stump as if it could smell water to represent water being near it. Alternate translation: “even if only a little water is near it”

88614:9dav4it will bud0

Alternate translation: “it will start growing”

88714:9bx2irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationsend out branches like a plant0

The tree sending out branches represents branches growing on the tree. Alternate translation: “branches will start growing on it like a plant”

88814:10wz2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionthen where is he?0

Job uses this question to emphasize that when a person dies, he is not present. Alternate translation: “no one knows where he is.” or “he is gone.”

88914:11jp78Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job begins to use word pictures to describe how it is that “man dies; he becomes weak” (verse 10).

89014:11dug9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileAs water disappears from a lake … dries up0

Water that has dried up from a lake or a river cannot return, and once a person dies or grows old, he cannot become young again.

89114:12f32zConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job finishes comparing growing old and dying with water drying up (verse 11).

89214:12a5nlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorso people lie down0

Lying down represents dying. Alternate translation: “so people die”

89314:12h4i1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphordo not rise again0

Rising again represents living again. Alternate translation: “do not live again”

89414:13w12irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsOh, that you would hide me0

This is an exclamation showing what Job wants very much but does not really expect to happen. Alternate translation: “I wish that you would hide me”

89514:13is2hkeep me in private0

Alternate translation: “keep me locked up” or “keep me hidden”

89614:13km9hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomcall me to mind0

Call someone to mind is an idiom meaning to think about him. Alternate translation: “think about me” or “remember me”

89714:14u755rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIf a man dies, will he live again?0

The implicit answer is “no.” Alternate translation: “If a man dies, he will not live again.”

89814:14a2dmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitIf so0

What “so” refers to is understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “If he would live again”

89914:14he34to wait all my weary time there0

Alternate translation: “to wait all my time there even though I would be weary”

90014:14ws2yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsuntil my release should come0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word release, you can express the same idea with the verb “release.” Alternate translation: “until I should be released” or “until you release me”

90114:15tbe8I would answer0

Alternate translation: “I would do what you wanted me to do”

90214:15d3u1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsYou would have a desire for0

The noun “desire” can be expressed with the verbs “desire” or “want.” Alternate translation: “You would desire” or “You would want”

90314:15j3fprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyfor the work of your hands0

Here Gods hands represent him making things. Job refers to himself as the work of Gods hands. Alternate translation: “for me, whom you have made” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])

90414:16k7q4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysnumber and care for0

These two verbs together express a single action. Alternate translation: “attentively care for”

90514:16q9vmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymymy footsteps0

Footsteps represent his life or what he does. Alternate translation: “my life” or “the things I do”

90614:16bay1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoryou would not keep track of my sin0

Keeping track of Jobs sin represents thinking about his sin. Alternate translation: “you would not look at my sin” or “you would not think about my sin”

90714:17zvn3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismMy transgression would be … you would cover up0

These three lines express the same thought and are used together to emphasize his confidence that God would forgive him.

90814:17cby4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorMy transgression would be sealed up in a bag0

Sealing transgression in a bag represents hiding it and refusing to think about it. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “You would refuse to think about my transgression like someone who hides something in a bag”

90914:17qe5irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoryou would cover up my iniquity0

Covering up someones iniquity so that it cannot be seen represents refusing to think about it. Alternate translation: “you would hide my iniquity” or “you would ignore my iniquity”

91014:18hga3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletmountains fall and come to nothing0

“Come to nothing” here is an idiom meaning be completely destroyed. This phrase expands on the word “fall” and emphasizes complete destruction. Alternate translation: “mountains completely fall apart”

91114:18h2q3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiverocks are moved out of their place0

This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “rocks tumble down from their place”

91214:19nc2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileLike this, you destroy the hope of man0

If it is easier in your language, you can put this phrase at the beginning of verse 18 and adjust the text accordingly. Alternate translation: “You destroy the hope of man, just like … dust of the earth”

91314:19dj8qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoryou destroy the hope of man0

Destroying hope represents causing the things people hope for not to happen. Alternate translation: “You prevent the hope of man from happening”

91414:19usl5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsthe hope of man0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word hopes, you can express the same idea with the verb “hope.” Alternate translation: “the things that man hopes for”

91514:20q4myYou always defeat him0

The word “him” refers to any person. Alternate translation: “You always defeat man” or “You always defeat people”

91614:20uah1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismhe passes away0

Passing away represents dying. Alternate translation: “he dies”

91714:20p3dhyou change his face0

This could mean: (1) the pain just before dying makes his face contract or (2) when a person dies, God makes the persons face look different.

91814:20lq7frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorsend him away to die0

This represents causing him to die.

91914:21m7cwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorif they are brought low0

Being brought low represents being shamed. Alternate translation: “if they are disgraced” or “if people shame them”

92015:introp4sy0

Job 15 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of the advice of Jobs friend, Eliphaz. His words in this chapter are much stronger than when he previously spoke.

Special concepts in this chapter

Eliphazs advice

Eliphaz tells Job to curse Yahweh. The advice Eliphaz gives to Job is bad advice. He tries to convince Job that he is sinning and has been punished by Yahweh. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Eliphaz uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job that he is wrong. These questions help to build Eliphazs argument. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

92115:1v5mbrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesEliphaz the Temanite0

This is the name of a man. People from Teman are known as Temanites. See how you translated this in Job 2:11.

92215:2mw8hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionShould a wise man answer with useless knowledge and fill himself with the east wind?0

Eliphaz uses this rhetorical question to rebuke Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “A wise man should not answer with useless knowledge nor fill himself with the east wind.”

92315:2hd46rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorfill himself with the east wind0

The wind represents emptiness. This phrase speaks of a person speaking empty and meaningless words as if that person were full of the wind. Alternate translation: “fill himself with empty words” or “only have meaningless words”

92415:2h768the east wind0

Alternate translation: “hot air” or “the desert wind”

92515:3mka2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionShould he reason with unprofitable talk or with speeches with which he can do no good?0

Eliphaz uses this rhetorical question to rebuke Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “He should not reason with unprofitable talk nor with speeches with which he can do no good.” or “He should not argue using unprofitable talk or make speeches that accomplish nothing good.”

92615:4kfj8you diminish respect for God0

This could mean: (1) “because of what you say and do, other people no longer respect God” or (2) “you are no longer respecting God.”

92715:4k1xgdiminish0

make smaller

92815:4fz3cyou obstruct devotion to him0

This could mean: (1) “you make it difficult for others to devote themselves to God” or (2) “you are no longer devoting yourself to God.”

92915:4f5pvobstruct0

block someones path

93015:4p5a3devotion to0

Alternate translation: “meditation on” or “concern for”

93115:5t4nvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationyour iniquity teaches your mouth0

This describes “iniquity” as if it were a teacher and Jobs mouth is described as if it is learning. This means that his speech is greatly influenced by his iniquity. Alternate translation: “your iniquity is like a teacher and your mouth is like its student” or “it is because of your sin that you speak the way you do” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

93215:5el6qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheyour mouth0

This speaks of Job, but refers to his “mouth” to place emphasis on what he says. Alternate translation: “you to speak” or “you to say what you say”

93315:5tt4grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyto have the tongue of a crafty man0

This refers to the way a crafty man speaks as his “tongue.” Alternate translation: “to speak in the way of a crafty man”

93415:5gfb6crafty man0

man who harms others by lying to them

93515:6j5ybrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheYour own mouth condemns you, not mine0

This refers to Job and Eliphaz by their “mouths” to place emphasis on what they say. Alternate translation: “You are condemned by what you say, not by what I say” or “You condemn yourself by what you say, it is not I who condemns you”

93615:6l5gvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheyour own lips testify0

This speaks of Job, but refers to his “lips” to place emphasis on what he says. Alternate translation: “your own words” or “you testify”

93715:7rl1yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

General Information:

Each verse is a parallelism that contains two rhetorical questions. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

93815:7dpx3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionAre you the first man that was born?0

The implicit answer here is “no.” This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are not the first man that was born.”

93915:7a7jqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWere you brought into existence before the hills?0

The implicit answer here is “no.” This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “You were not brought into existence before the hills.” or “God did not bring you into existence before he brought the hills into existence.”

94015:7v4jtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveWere you brought0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Did God bring you”

94115:8s4d8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionHave you heard the secret knowledge of God?0

The implicit answer here is “no.” This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have not heard the secret knowledge of God.”

94215:8z3rgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDo you limit wisdom to yourself?0

This rhetorical question emphasizes that he cannot limit wisdom to himself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You cannot limit wisdom to yourself.” or “You are not the only wise person.”

94315:9afn9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhat do you know that we do not know?0

The implicit answer here is “nothing.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is nothing that you know that we do not know.” or “Everything you know, we also know.”

94415:9dt5nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhat do you understand that is not also in us?0

This speaks of the men having understanding as if it were something “inside” them. Alternate translation: “Everything you understand, we also understand.” or “We understand everything that you understand.”

94515:10e1wmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorWith us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men0

Eliphaz speaks of him and the other men having learned wisdom from older men and wisdom that had been passed down from men of previous generations as if these older men were physically present with them. Alternate translation: “We acquired wisdom from old gray-haired people, from people who were born before your father was”

94615:11w8rrAre the consolations of God … gentle toward you?0

This rhetorical question is an accusation, with the implicit answer to the question being “yes.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You must think that the consolations of God are too small for you, the words that are gentle toward you”

94715:11lg22consolations0

Alternate translation: “comforts” or “sympathies”

94815:12bbd3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyWhy does your heart carry you away?0

Here the “heart” represents a persons emotions. Alternate translation: “Why do your emotions take you away?” or “Why do you allow your emotions to guide your decisions?” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

94915:12c87rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitWhy do your eyes flash0

This probably refers to Job appearing angry, specifically the appearance of his eyes. Alternate translation: “Why do your eyes look angry” or “Why are you angry”

95015:13q3szrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheturn your spirit0

Here the “spirit” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “turn yourself”

95115:13v2f5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitbring out such words from your mouth0

This describes him speaking. Alternate translation: “so you say harsh things against him”

95215:14ha68rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismWhat is man … What is he who is born0

These two questions are basically the same and are used together to emphasize that a man cannot be perfect.

95315:14n6c7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhat is man that he should be clean?0

This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that a man cannot be completely “clean.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “A man, he cannot be completely clean.”

95415:14u6txrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorclean0

A person who God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.

95515:14z1zlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhat is he who is born of a woman that he should be righteous?0

This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that a man cannot be completely “righteous.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “A man who is born from a woman cannot be completely righteous.”

95615:15iv3bSee0

This word is used here to draw Jobs attention to what is said next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

95715:15h358his holy ones0

Alternate translation: “his angels”

95815:15pd53rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorclean0

Something that God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if it were physically clean.

95915:15q77frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorin his sight0

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “in his judgment”

96015:16gt36rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletabominable and corrupt0

These two words basically mean the same thing and emphasize how wicked humans are.

96115:16we5grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwho drinks iniquity like water0

This describes iniquity as if it were water you can drink. It compares how the evil man desires to commit sin to how readily he desires to drink cool water. Alternate translation: “who love iniquity as much as they love a cup of fresh water” or “who commit evil deeds as often as they drink water”

96215:17fks4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomI will show you0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “I will explain to you” or “I will make it clear to you”

96315:17qvd8I will announce0

Alternate translation: “I will declare”

96415:18q3ucrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotestheir ancestors did not hide0

Eliphaz emphasizes that their ancestors purposefully taught them these things. Alternate translation: “their ancestors taught openly”

96515:19yjj4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveto whom alone the land was given0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to whom alone God gave the land”

96615:19psj1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitamong whom no stranger ever passed0

This means that no foreigner lived among them, specifically so that they would not be influenced by pagan religions. Alternate translation: “no one from another country came and caused them to think wrongly about God”

96715:20q88xtwists in pain0

“suffers a lot of pain.” This is either physical or emotional pain.

96815:20caz3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivethe number of years that are laid up0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “all the years that God has laid up”

96915:20s474rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomthat are laid up0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “that are prepared” or “that are set aside”

97015:21fj8pA sound of terrors is in his ears0

Alternate translation: “He constantly hears sounds that terrify him”

97115:22ep91Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues describing the wicked man he began to describe in Job 15:20.

97215:22i3pkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomreturn out of darkness0

Here “darkness” is a metaphor for trouble or misfortune. Alternate translation: “escape misfortune”

97315:22lh1irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe sword waits for him0

Here “the sword” is a metonym that represents an enemy who is waiting to kill the evil man. This could mean: (1) he is worried that someone will murder him. Alternate translation: “he worries that someone is about to murder him” or (2) it is certain that he is going to be murdered. Alternate translation: “someone is waiting to murder him” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

97415:23k4qmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochefor bread0

Here “bread” refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “for food”

97515:23ul3lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomthe day of darkness0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the day of disaster” or “the moment of his death”

97615:23gu8grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomis at hand0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “is coming soon”

97715:24vur7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletDistress and anguish make him afraid; they prevail against him0

The words “distress” and “anguish” mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of the emotion. Here these feelings are spoken of as if they were an enemy who is attacking the wicked man. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

97815:24e7mbprevail against0

Alternate translation: “overpower” or “defeat”

97915:24tg34rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileas a king ready for battle0

This compares how his distress and anguish overpower him to how a king, who is ready for battle, would prevail against him. Alternate translation: “just like a king, who is ready for a battle, would prevail against him”

98015:25uuk8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionhe has reached out with his hand against God0

“he has shook his fist against God.” This is a sign of aggression.

98115:26sx7vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorruns at God0

This speaks of the wicked man acting aggressively against God as if he were running towards him to attack him. Alternate translation: “attacks God” or “acts violently against God”

98215:26b87uwith a thick shield0

Alternate translation: “with his strong shield”

98315:27uc39This is true0

“This” refers to the wicked man running at God from the previous verse.

98415:27db71rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyhe has covered his face with his fat and gathered fat on his loins0

This wicked man is described as fat and weak, while believing himself to be strong enough to defeat God. Alternate translation: “he is weak with a fat face and fat loins”

98515:28ki37which no man inhabits0

Alternate translation: “which are abandoned”

98615:28r6h8heaps0

piles of useless things

98715:29r891rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesHe will not be rich; his wealth will not last0

These two litotes express that he will be the opposite of rich, that he will be poor. Alternate translation: “he will be poor; all his money will disappear”

98815:30jpq7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyout of darkness0

Darkness here represents death. Alternate translation: “out of the darkness of death”

98915:30pm4arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphora flame will dry up his stalks0

Here the flame represents Gods judgment and the drying up of his stalks represents either the fact that his possessions disappear, or that he will die. Alternate translation: “God will take everything he owns away, like a fire dries out the moist branches of a tree”

99015:30a9harc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe breath of Gods mouth0

Here Gods “breath” represents his judgement. Alternate translation: “Gods breath” or “Gods judgment”

99115:30rxv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismhe will go away0

This refers to him dying. Alternate translation: “he will die”

99215:31lr37rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisfor uselessness will be his reward0

This is implied that this is what will happen if he trusts in useless things. Alternate translation: “for if he trusts in them, uselessness will be his reward”

99315:32s26krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhis branch will not be green0

This speaks of the man looking pale and dead as if he were a dried out stalk or tree branch. Alternate translation: “he will look dead, just like the branch of a dead tree does not look green”

99415:33nci7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismHe will drop his … he will cast off his0

These two lines give a similar image, which is repeated to emphasize that this will surely happen.

99515:33beb8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe will drop his unripe grapes like a grapevine0

This speaks of the wicked man growing weak and dying as if he were a grapevine dropping unripe grapes. Alternate translation: “Just like a grapevine drops its unripe grapes, so the wicked man will drop his strength”

99615:33g676rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhe will cast off his flowers like the olive tree0

This speaks of the wicked man growing weak and dying as if he were an olive tree dropping its flowers. Alternate translation: “just like an olive tree loses its flowers, so the wicked man will lose his strength”

99715:34rr5nthe company of godless people0

Alternate translation: “the group of godless people”

99815:34v3q1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionfire will consume their tents of bribery0

The phrase “tents of bribery” means that the wicked people bought these tents with the money they made by bribery. Alternate translation: “the tents they bought with their bribes will be burned by fire”

99915:35x22krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismThey conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity; their womb conceives deceit0

The same thought is repeated three times to emphasize how much evil these people produce. This speaks of a person planning to do evil things and doing them as if the person were conceiving and giving birth to these things as a woman conceives and gives birth to a child. Alternate translation: “They plan to cause mischief and do evil things; they are always planning to deceive others” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

100015:35u7sbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochetheir womb conceives0

Here the “womb” is used to refer to the person to emphasize conception, as it is in the womb that conception takes place. Alternate translation: “they conceive”

100116:introj3zc0

Job 16 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Jobs response to Eliphaz.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jobs response

Job expresses shock and disgust at the advice Eliphaz gives to him. He even mocks Eliphaz. He describes the difficulties of his circumstances but never curses Yahweh. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]])

Advocate

Job describes the need for someone to intercede for him in heaven. This person would be his advocate and provide a witness for him. Although this is probably not intended as a prophecy, it closely parallels the way Jesus intercedes for people in heaven. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/intercede]], [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/testimony]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

100216:2t7wjyou are all miserable comforters0

Alternate translation: “instead of comforting me, you all make me more miserable”

100316:3p7garc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill useless words ever have an end?0

Job uses this rhetorical question to express that he wishes that they would stop speaking useless words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “How I wish your useless words would end!”

100416:3g4tprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhat is wrong with you that you answer like this?0

Job uses this rhetorical question to rebuke Eliphaz. Here the word “you” is singular and refers to Eliphaz, who just finished speaking to Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Eliphaz, you should stop answering me like this!”

100516:4mg21rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI could collect and join words together0

Job speaks of thinking of useless things to say as if his words were random items that he collected and joined together. Alternate translation: “I could think of things to say”

100616:4bv7src://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionshake my head0

This is an action that shows disapproval.

100716:4x2nqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsin mockery0

The word “mockery” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “to mock you”

100816:5dvh6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyI would strengthen you with my mouth, and the quivering of my lips will bring you relief!0

The words “mouth” and “lips” are metonyms for the words or messages that a person speaks using his mouth and lips. Here Job is speaking sarcastically and means the opposite of what he says. Alternate translation: “My words would surely not be encouraging to you! They would surely not lighten your grief” or “By speaking to you as you spoke to me earlier, I would not encourage you or lighten your grief!” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

100916:5qj4hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymywith my mouth0

Here Jobs “mouth” represents what he says. Alternate translation: “with what I say”

101016:5yyv5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe quivering of my lips0

This is a metonym for the words or message that he speaks. Alternate translation: “my comforting words”

101116:5i21irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwill bring you relief0

This speaks of grief as if it were a heavy physical burden. Alternate translation: “will lessen your grief” or “will help you feel less grief”

101216:6vjz7grief0

Job has experienced great loss of family and health that is unexplained and therefore causes him “great sorrow and emotional pain.”

101316:6s8sfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionhow am I helped?0

Job uses this rhetorical question to express that keeping quiet does not lessen his grief. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “it does not help me at all.”

101416:7t7qhBut now, God, you0

Job now turns his complaining to God.

101516:7mrz6made all my family desolate0

Alternate translation: “destroyed all my family”

101616:8z1f4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitYou have made me dry up0

This means that Jobs body has shriveled and become wrinkled. Alternate translation: “You have made my body shrivel up”

101716:8pz4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationwhich itself is a witness against me0

Job describes the shriveling of his body as if it were an accuser against him. Alternate translation: “and people think that shows me to be a sinner”

101816:8t163rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationthe leanness of my body rises up against me, and it testifies against0

Job describes the thinness of his body as if it were accuser against him. Alternate translation: “They see how thin my body is, and they think that proves that I am guilty”

101916:8wiw6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheagainst my face0

Here Job is referred to by his “face.” Alternate translation: “against me”

102016:9a6ferc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGod has torn me in his wrath and persecuted me … as he tears me apart0

This speaks of God causing Job pain as if God were a wild animal and Job were his prey that he was killing. Alternate translation: “Because God is very angry with me, it is as though he were a wild animal that tore my body apart with his teeth because he was my enemy”

102116:9crc6my enemy0

Job refers to God as his “enemy” as he describes how he has caused him great pain.

102216:9c555rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomfastens his eyes on me0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “glares at me”

102316:10i21wPeople have gaped with open mouth0

To “gape” means to stare in amazement with open mouth.

102416:11j7rerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismhands me over to ungodly people, and throws me into the hands of wicked people0

These two lines mean basically the same thing. Together they emphasize Jobs feeling of having been betrayed by God.

102516:11mm84rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomhands me over to0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “puts me under the control of”

102616:11zm7grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythrows me into the hands0

Here a persons “hands” refer to his “control.” Alternate translation: “delivers me to the control”

102716:12t8kcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorand he broke me apart0

Job speaks of his pain and despair as if he himself were something that was broken into pieces. Alternate translation: “but then it felt as though he broke me apart”

102816:12k9u5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphordashed me to pieces0

Job speaks of God causing him pain and despair as if he were something that God had taken and smashed into pieces. Alternate translation: “it is as though he has taken me by the neck and smashed me to pieces”

102916:12nt7zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhe has also set me up as his target0

Job speaks of himself being the focus of Gods attacks as if God has set him up as a target to shoot arrows at. Alternate translation: “it is as though he set me up like a target”

103016:13kx4drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHis archers surround me all around0

Job speaks of himself being the focus of Gods attacks as if God has set him up as a target and God had archers surrounding him to attack him. Alternate translation: “It is as though his archers have me surrounded”

103116:13e7bprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGod pierces my kidneys and does not spare me; he pours out my bile on the ground0

Job speaks of the pain he is feeling by comparing it to God piercing his body with arrows. Here “God” represents the arrows that he shoots. Alternate translation: “It feels like Gods arrows have pierced my kidneys and my liver, spilling my bile on the ground. He does not spare me”

103216:14lx7frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe smashes through my wall0

Job speaks of the pain that he feels by comparing himself to a wall that God smashes through. Alternate translation: “I feel like a wall that God smashes through” or “I feel like a wall that God breaks through”

103316:14r9mdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhe runs upon me like a warrior0

Job describes God as a soldier that attacks him. Alternate translation: “it is like he is a warrior who runs at me to attack me”

103416:15cnt2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI have sewn sackcloth on my skin0

Job speaks of wearing clothing made of sackcloth as if the cloth were attached to his body. People often wore sackcloth to express mourning or great grief. Alternate translation: “Because I am mourning, I have sewn together sackcloth to wear as my clothing” or “I wear clothing that I made from sackcloth, because I am mourning”

103516:15hil8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI have thrust my horn into the ground0

Jobs “horn” represents the power and authority he had before but now is no more. Alternate translation: “I sit here in the dirt, very depressed”

103616:16l1idrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheon my eyelids is the shadow of death0

Here Jobs eyes are represented by his “eyelids.” Job speaks of his eyes dark appearance as if his eyes looked like the eyes of a dead person. Alternate translation: “there are dark circles around my eyes” or “my eyes are dark, like the eyes of a dead person” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

103716:17cs74rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythere is no violence in my hands0

“Hands” refers to a persons ability and activity. Alternate translation: “I have not acted violently”

103816:18xf2zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheEarth, do not cover up my blood0

Jobs speaks to the “earth” directly even though it cannot hear him, to add strength to his statement. The earth is personified as purposefully covering up his blood after he dies. Alternate translation: “I wish my blood would not soak into the ground but that it would remain on top of the ground as proof of how I died” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

103916:18aj18rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyEarth, do not cover up my blood0

Job speaks of himself dying as if he would be murdered. Here his “blood” is a metonym referring to his death. Alternate translation: “Earth, when I die, do not hide how I died unfairly” or “Let it not be hidden how I died unfairly”

104016:18bg2urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationlet my cry have no resting place0

Job speaks of wanting everyone to know what happened to him as if his “cry” were a person that never stopped testifying to what happened to him and never rested. Alternate translation: “let everyone hear about what has happened to me”

104116:19kg4rsee0

Job uses this word to draw attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “listen”

104216:19z7jsvouches for me0

Alternate translation: “testifies that I am righteous”

104316:19dhm2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomon high0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “in heaven” or “in heaven on high”

104416:20b5wzscoff at0

Alternate translation: “scorn” or “ridicule”

104516:20v43grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbolemy eye pours out tears0

Job describes how strongly he feels his sorrow. Here he exaggerates how he often cries by saying that tears pour from his eyes. Alternate translation: “my eyes are full of tears while I cry out”

104616:21izh8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personfor this man0

“for me.” Here Job refers to himself in the third person.

104716:21kk12rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileas a man does with his neighbor!0

“as a man does for his neighbor.” Job describes how he wants that one in heaven to plead for him.

104816:22z81vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitI will go to a place0

Here Job is referring to himself dying. Alternate translation: “I will die and go to a place”

104917:intrors6g0

Job 17 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Jobs response to Eliphaz, but it is more directly addressed to Yahweh.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jobs grief

Job expresses grief or great sadness in this chapter. He awaits the justice and intercession of Yahweh as he awaits his own death. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/intercede]])

Advocate

Job describes the need for someone to intercede for him in heaven. This person would be his advocate and provide a witness for him. Although this is probably not intended as a prophecy, it closely parallels the way Jesus intercedes for people in heaven. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/testimony]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/prophet]])

105017:1c8r6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheMy spirit is consumed0

Job refers to himself by his “spirit” to emphasize his inner emotions. He speaks of not having any strength left as if he were something that has been used up. Alternate translation: “I am consumed” or “I have lost all of my strength” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

105117:1yjx4my days are over0

Alternate translation: “my time is over” or “I am going to die soon”

105217:1awv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationthe grave is ready for me0

This phrase describes “the grave” as if it is a person who will receive Job as a guest. Alternate translation: “soon I will be dead and buried”

105317:2z26qSurely there are mockers with me0

Alternate translation: “Those who are around me are mocking me”

105417:2jf81Surely0

Alternate translation: “Certainly” or “There is no doubt that”

105517:2wp1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochemy eye must always see0

Job refers to himself by his “eyes” to emphasize what he sees. Alternate translation: “I must always see” or “I must always hear”

105617:2wr6qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounstheir provocation0

“their insults.” The word “provocation” can be expressed as a verb. Alternate translation: “them provoking me” or “them, trying to make me angry”

105717:3fwk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGive now a pledge, be a guarantee for me with yourself0

Job begins to speak to God. Here he speaks of his situation as if he were in prison. He is asking God to provide a pledge so that he may be released. Alternate translation: “God, give now a pledge so that I may be released from this prison” or “pay for my release from prison”

105817:3l8dvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionwho else is there who will help me?0

Job uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no one else to help him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “there is no one else who will help me.”

105917:4fbr7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochehave kept their hearts0

The word “their” refers to his friends. They are referred to by their “hearts” to emphasize their emotions. Alternate translation: “have kept them” or “have kept my friends”

106017:4y4neyou will not exalt them over me0

Alternate translation: “you will not allow them to triumph over me”

106117:5yxa4He who0

Alternate translation: “Anyone who”

106217:5kb8zdenounces his friends for a reward0

Alternate translation: “falsely accuses his friends in order to get a profit” or “betrays his friends to receive a reward”

106317:5i5psrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochethe eyes of his children will fail0

The persons children are referred to here by their “eyes.” This phrase describes the children suffering because of what their father or mother did. Alternate translation: “his children will suffer for it” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

106417:6kzr9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicithe has made me a byword of the people0

This means that people speak of him in a mocking way and use his name as an insult. Alternate translation: “because of him, people use my name as an insult” or “because of them, people use my name as a byword”

106517:6me7lrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionthey spit in my face0

“people spit in my face.” In this culture spitting on someone was a great insult. If spitting has a different meaning in your culture you can write this differently. Alternate translation: “people insult me greatly, by spitting in my face”

106617:7a9iprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyMy eye is also dim because of sorrow0

Job speaks of his vision as his “eyes.” Alternate translation: “My vision has become weak because I am so sad” or “I am almost blind because of my sorrow”

106717:7my86rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileall my body parts are as thin as shadows0

Shadows have no thickness and are infinitely thin. That is an exaggeration of how thin Jobs body parts are. Alternate translation: “all my body parts are very thin” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

106817:7pis4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleall my body parts0

This is a generalization used to emphasize that his whole body is thin, but refers specifically to his arms and legs. Alternate translation: “my arms and legs”

106917:8cqh3will be stunned0

Alternate translation: “will be shocked” or “will be horrified”

107017:8u28kby this0

Alternate translation: “by what has happened to me”

107117:8g1f9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomwill stir himself up against0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will be distressed because of” or “will be very angry with”

107217:9r9ayrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomwill keep to his way0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “will continue to live in a righteous way”

107317:9lqi9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhe who has clean hands0

This speaks of a person being innocent as having clean hands. Alternate translation: “he who does what is right” or “he who is innocent”

107417:9lx6mwill grow stronger and stronger0

This does not refer only to physical strength but also to the strength of a persons will and emotions.

107517:10e43iyou all0

Job is speaking to Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.

107617:10e7nvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitcome on now0

Job invites his friends to debate what he has said. Alternate translation: “come on now, argue with me again”

107717:11nba8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomMy days are past0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “My time is past” or “My life is over”

107817:11f9nnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymymy plans are shattered, and so are the desires of my heart0

Here Jobs “heart” represents his inner being. Alternate translation: “my plans will never happen, nor will the things that I have desired most”

107917:12m4j6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletThese people, these mockers0

These two phrases refer to the same people, namely Jobs friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. The second phrase emphasizes their unfriendly attitude.

108017:12m8i8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorchange the night into day0

This speaks of the people claiming that night is day as if they actually changed night into day. Alternate translation: “claim it is daytime when it is night” or “say the opposite of what is true, just as night is the opposite of day”

108117:12fif1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitlight is near to darkness0

It is implied that the mockers claim that it is light when it is close to dark. Alternate translation: “they claim that light is near to darkness” or “they claim that when it is becoming dark, that it is getting light”

108217:13pj8irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoIf the only home … and if I have spread0

The instances of “if” here have the meaning of “since”; Job is speaking as if all these things were true. “Since the only home … and since I have spread”

108317:13h88crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhave spread my couch in the darkness0

Here Job speaks of being prepared to die as having laid his bed in the darkness. Alternate translation: “have prepared myself to go and sleep among the dead”

108417:13kx3dhave spread my couch0

Alternate translation: “have made my bed”

108517:14m7hfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoif I have said0

The word “if” here has the meaning of “since”; Job is speaking as if this were true. “since I have said”

108617:14ud6frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismI have said to the pit … and to the worm0

These two lines are a variation to each other and are used together to emphasize how desperate Job is.

108717:14z4ykthe pit0

Alternate translation: “the grave”

108817:14uwb3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYou are my father0

Job speaks of the closeness he will soon have with his grave by comparing it to the closeness a man has with his father. Alternate translation: “You are as close to me as my father” or “When I am buried, you will be as close to me as a father”

108917:14nrr3the worm0

“the maggot.” Worms are the small creatures that eat dead bodies.

109017:14e6lbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorYou are my mother or my sister0

Job speaks of the closeness he will soon have with the worms in his grave by comparing it to the closeness a man has with his mother and sisters. Alternate translation: “You are as close to me as my mother or my sister” or “You will be as close to me as a mother or sister”

109117:15zb7drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionwhere then is my hope?0

The implicit answer is “nowhere,” because he has no hope. This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate translation: “I have no hope.”

109217:15g6bvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionAs for my hope, who can see any?0

This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that no one expects him to have any hope. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can see any hope for me.” or “No one expects me to have any more hope.”

109317:16h77prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill hope go down with me … dust?0

The implicit answer is “no.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Hope will not go down with me … dust.” or “I will no longer hope when I go down … dust.”

109417:16yx83rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorgates of Sheol0

Sheol does not really have gates, but it is a metaphor for Job entering Sheol. Alternate translation: “when I go into Sheol”

109517:16ajw5when we0

“when I and the things that I hope for” or “when I and my hopes.” The word “we” refers to Job and his hope.

109617:16z16erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomdescend to the dust0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “die and are buried” or “go to the grave”

109718:introqk5f0

Job 18 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is the advice of Jobs friend, Bildad. His words in this chapter are much stronger than when he previously spoke, and he is even angry at Job.

Special concepts in this chapter

Bildads advice

Bildad tells Job to curse Yahweh. The advice Bildad gives to Job is bad advice. He tries to convince Job that he is sinning and has been punished by Yahweh. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

109818:1g41krc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry0

General Information:

Bildad the Shuhite is speaking to Job. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

109918:1b2sbThen Bildad the Shuhite answered and said0

“Bildad” is the name of a man who is a member of the tribe of Shuah. See how you translated this in Job 8:1.

110018:2b4enrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhen will you stop your talk?0

This rhetorical question means that Job has been talking for too long. Alternate translation: “Stop talking!”

110118:2jpp1Consider, and0

Alternate translation: “Be reasonable, and” or “Think about these things, and”

110218:3b16nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhy are we regarded as beasts, stupid in your sight?0

Bildad uses this rhetorical questions to emphasize to Job that he should not consider his friends as animals who cannot think or speak. It can be written as a statement in active form. Alternate translation: “We should not be regarded as beasts, as stupid in your sight.” or “You should not regard us as beasts or think of us as stupid.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

110318:3myx4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveWhy are we0

The word “we” probably refers to Bildad and Jobs other friends and so is exclusive.

110418:3v7r1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyregarded0

Regarding, looking, is a metonym here for thinking well or badly of someone.

110518:3yk9urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorin your sight0

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “in your judgment” or “in your thinking”

110618:3pdy5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personyour sight0

The word “your” here is plural. Bildad is using sarcasm to tell Job that Job should not think of himself as a great man. Alternate translation: “your sight, you who wrongly think you are great” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

110718:4zm4prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitYou who tear at yourself in your anger0

Here Bildad is stating that it is because of Jobs anger and disobedience that he has been injured, not because of Gods anger as Job has previously claimed. The word “tear” here means to “injure.” Alternate translation: “You who have caused your own injuries because of your anger”

110818:4ug9irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionshould the earth be forsaken for you or should the rocks be removed out of their places?0

This rhetorical question suggests that letting Job, whom they consider a guilty man, go free would be like changing the whole world. Bildad uses these huge exaggerations here to emphasize how outrageous he thinks this is. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “asking God to let you, a guilty man, go free is as silly as asking for God to forsake the earth for your sake or for God to move the rocks out of their places to please you!” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

110918:4r5lgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveshould the earth be forsaken0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “should everyone leave the earth”

111018:4zyh5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveshould the rocks be removed out of their places0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The word “rocks” here refers to large rocks, such as those in the mountains. Alternate translation: “should God remove the rocks from their places” or “should God move mountains around”

111118:5e2firc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorIndeed, the light of the wicked person will be put out; the spark of his fire will not shine0

Bildad speaks of a wicked person dying as if his lamp were being blown out. Alternate translation: “What will happen is that the lives of wicked people like you end as quickly as we can put out a light or extinguish the flame of a fire”

111218:5d868rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivewill be put out0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “will go out”

111318:6uj2trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThe light will be dark in his tent; his lamp above him will be put out0

Bildad continues to speak of the wicked person dying. He speaks of the wicked mans life as if it were the light in his tent. Alternate translation: It will be like the light in his tent has turned to darkness, like the lamp above him has gone out”

111418:7fxl3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThe steps of his strength will be made short0

This speaks of the wicked person suddenly experiencing disaster as if he no longer had strength to walk. Alternate translation: “It will be like he no longer has the strength to walk”

111518:7bgk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhis own plans will cast him down0

“his own advice makes him fall down.” This speaks of the wicked person undergoing disaster as if he fell down. Alternate translation: “his own plans will lead him into disaster”

111618:8t3iwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorFor he will be thrown into a net by his own feet; he will walk into a pitfall0

“His own feet will lead him into a net.” Bildad uses this image to say that the way that a wicked person lives his life leads him to sudden disaster. Alternate translation: “It will be as though he led himself into a net, as if he walked right into a pitfall”

111718:8fl11a net0

cords or ropes that people weave together to create a mesh. People used nets to catch animals.

111818:8wa1na pitfall0

a pit that has branches and leaves over it so that an animal will walk onto the branches and leaves and fall into the pit

111918:9t6fvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorA trap will take him … a snare will0

These four phrases speak of the wicked man experiencing disaster as if he were caught in a trap. Alternate translation: “It will be as though a trap will take him … a snare will”

112018:9jr8gA trap0

People used this kind of trap to catch birds. The trap snapped shut and held on to the foot of the bird.

112118:9dnn6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochewill take him by the heel0

Here the “heel” refers to the whole foot. Alternate translation: “will take hold of his foot”

112218:10u5ykrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorA noose is … and a trap for him in the way0

These four phrases speak of the wicked man experiencing disaster as if he were caught in a trap. Alternate translation: “It will be as though a noose is … and a trap for him in the way”

112318:10q4wxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveA noose is hidden for him on the ground0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Someone has hidden a noose on the ground in order to catch him”

112418:10xp42A noose0

a rope with a loop that grabs hold of an animals leg when the animal steps in the middle of the loop

112518:10f193rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisa trap for him0

The understood verbal phrase “is hidden” may be supplied. Alternate translation: “a trap is hidden on the path to catch him” or “someone will hide a trap to catch him in the way”

112618:11e8bwTerrors will make him afraid on every side0

Alternate translation: “Terrors all around will make him afraid”

112718:11ln1grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationthey will chase him at his heels0

This speaks of the things that terrify the wicked person as if they were enemies who chased him. Alternate translation: “it will be as if the terrors will chase him all around”

112818:12v7elrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHis wealth will turn into hunger0

This speaks of the wicked man becoming poor and hungry as if his wealth were something that turned into something else. Alternate translation: “Instead of being wealthy, he will become poor and hungry”

112918:12zbs5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomcalamity will be ready at his side0

The phrase “ready at his side” is an idiom that means that something is continually present. Alternate translation: “he will continually experience disaster” or “he will not be able to avoid calamity”

113018:13u5isrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveThe parts of his body will be devoured0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Also, this speaks of a disease destroying his body as if it were an animal that had attacked him and was eating him. Alternate translation: “Disease will eat away at his skin” or “Disease will destroy his skin” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

113118:13mrr7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe firstborn of death will devour his parts0

Here a disease that kills many people is referred to as “the firstborn of death.” This speaks of that disease destroying his body as if it were an animal that had attacked him and was eating him. Alternate translation: “a deadly disease will destroy the different parts of his body”

113218:14m1glrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveHe is torn from the safety of his tent0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Disaster rips him out of his tent, where he is safe”

113318:14r3dqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivemarched off0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it marches him off” or “it forces him to go”

113418:14atl1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitthe king of terrors0

This is a reference to “King Death,” a pagan god who was believed to rule over death. Alternate translation: “the one who rules over the dead” or “the king of death”

113518:15n4syPeople not his own0

Alternate translation: “People who are not his family”

113618:15fpm9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveafter they see that sulfur is scattered within his home0

People used sulfur to get rid of any diseases from a dying person. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “after they spread sulfur all over his home”

113718:16uul5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHis roots will be dried up … branch be cut off0

This speaks of the wicked man dying and having no descendants as if he were a tree whose roots dried up and branches withered, producing no fruit. Alternate translation: “He will die and leave no descendants, he will be like a tree whose roots have dried up and whose branches have all withered”

113818:16u1byrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivewill his branch be cut off0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “his branches will wither”

113918:17y9j9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismHis memory will perish from the earth; he will have no name in the street0

These phrases have the same meaning and are used together to emphasize the fact that nobody will remember him after he dies.

114018:17m6xwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHis memory will perish from the earth0

This speaks of the “memory” of the wicked man as if it were a person who died. Alternate translation: “No one on the earth will remember him”

114118:17fs6rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomhe will have no name in the street0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “no one walking along the street will even remember his name”

114218:18k7jurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismHe will be driven from light into darkness … and be chased out of this world0

These phrases together emphasize the fact that the wicked person will be sent to Sheol, the place of the dead.

114318:18er2mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveHe will be driven from light into darkness0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will drive the wicked person from light into darkness”

114418:18w8ixrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyfrom light into darkness0

The word “light” refers to life, and the word “darkness” refers to death. Alternate translation: “from the light of life to the darkness of death”

114518:18pgz1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorbe chased out of this world0

This speaks of God making him leave earth and go where dead people go as if he were chasing him. Alternate translation: “God will make him leave this world” or “God will send him to the place where dead people go”

114618:18dr9vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivebe chased out0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will chase him”

114718:19u2garc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismHe will have no son … nor any remaining kinfolk where he had stayed0

Together these two phrases emphasize that he will have no family or descendants left.

114818:19chi9sons son0

Alternate translation: “grandson” or “grandchild”

114918:19asp3kinfolk0

Alternate translation: “relatives”

115018:20wn9yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismThose who live in the west … those who live in the east will be frightened by it0

The phrases “in the west” and “in the east” are together a merism that refers to all people living everywhere. This is an exaggeration as not everyone on the earth will hear about what happened to a specific wicked person. Alternate translation: “Everyone in the whole world will be horrified and frightened when they see what happens to the wicked person” or “Many people who live in the east and in the west will be horrified and frightened when they see what happens to the wicked person” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

115118:20r4ptone day0

Alternate translation: “someday”

115218:21da3src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismthe homes of unrighteous people, the places of those who do not know God0

These two phrases have the same meaning and refer to the same people. Here these people are referred to by the places where they live. Alternate translation: “unrighteous people, those who do not know God” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

115319:introvq570

Job 19 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Jobs response to Bildad.

Verses 2527 are very important to this book. They show the great depth of Jobs faith in Yahweh after his most difficult time. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

115419:1rlm3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetry0

General Information:

(See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

115519:1u8kdConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job speaks to his three friends.

115619:2xxa9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionHow long will you make me suffer and break me into pieces with words?0

Job uses this question to complain about how his friends are treating him. Alternate translation: “Stop making me suffer and breaking me into pieces with words.”

115719:2r3lwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorbreak me into pieces with words0

Job uses this image to say that their words make him feel very sad and hopeless. Alternate translation: “torment me with your words”

115819:3k4thrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomThese ten times you have reproached me0

The phrase “These ten times” refers to the way that the friends have completely rebuked Job. Alternate translation: “You have completely reproached me” or “You have reproached me many times”

115919:3uy8eyou are not ashamed that you have treated me harshly0

Job is rebuking them for this. This can be written in positive form. Alternate translation: “You should be ashamed that you have treated me so harshly”

116019:3vjt8have treated me harshly0

Alternate translation: “have despised me” or “have publicly ridiculed me”

116119:4f1eehave erred0

Alternate translation: “have sinned by accident” or “mistakenly sinned”

116219:4bfn1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitmy error remains my own concern0

Job implies that his friends are not responsible for continuing to rebuke him since he is the one who made the error. Alternate translation: “my error is my own responsibility, so you should not continue to rebuke me” or “my error did not hurt you, so you should not continue to rebuke me”

116319:4fb5fmy error0

Alternate translation: “my sin” or “my mistake”

116419:5z7gmIf indeed you will exalt yourselves above me0

Alternate translation: “If you think you are better than I am” or “Since you act as though you are better than I am”

116519:5ms5yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicituse my humiliation against me0

How his friends would do this can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “claim that my humiliation is proof against me” or “use my humiliation as evidence that I am guilty”

116619:5tzm1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsuse my humiliation against me0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word humiliation, you can express the same idea with the verb “humiliate.” Alternate translation: “claim that what has happened to humiliate me proves that I am guilty”

116719:6gb9hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhas caught me in his net0

Job speaks as if God were a hunter that has trapped Job in his net. This metaphor represents God taking control of Job and Jobs feeling of helplessness. Alternate translation: “has trapped me” or “has taken control of me” or “has control of what happens to me, so that I am helpless”

116819:7bp47See, I cry out0

Alternate translation: “Pay attention, because what I am about to say is both true and important: I cry out”

116919:7zyg9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitViolence!0

This is a cry for help. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Violence! Help!” or “Help! I am being attacked!”

117019:7i3lcI call out for help0

Alternate translation: “I shout for help” or “I cry for help”

117119:7i4w8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsbut there is no justice0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word justice, you can express the same idea with a phrase that makes the meaning clear. Alternate translation: “but no one protects me from those who do me wrong” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

117219:8dpr7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe has walled up … darkness in my path0

Job uses these images to describe how God has made him feel helpless and hopeless.

117319:8ly9gHe has walled up my way so that I cannot pass0

Alternate translation: “God has put a wall on the road that I am walking on” or “He has blocked the way so I cannot keep going”

117419:9wfj7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe has stripped … the crown from my head0

Job uses these images to say that God has taken his good reputation, wealth, and dignity away from him.

117519:9hjr9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe has stripped me of my glory0

Job speaks of his glory as if it were a robe that God has taken away. Alternate translation: “He has taken away my glory”

117619:9rf7src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhe has taken the crown from my head0

The crown refers to Jobs dignity or honor. Alternate translation: “he has taken away my dignity and honor” or “it is as though he has taken my crown off my head”

117719:10tiq1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe has broken me down on every side0

Job speaks of God ruining him as if Job were building that God is smashing down. Alternate translation: “He has ruined me in every way” or “He has attacked me in every way”

117819:10r4pdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI am gone0

The metaphor “being gone” represents being completely destroyed. Alternate translation: “I am completely destroyed”

117919:10jd8wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similehe has pulled up my hope like a tree0

Job speaks of God causing Job not to have hope as if Jobs hope were a tree that God has pulled with its roots out of the ground. Alternate translation: “he has completely taken away all my hope” or “because of what he has done, I can no longer hope for anything good”

118019:10v64yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similelike a tree0

This simile is also an ellipsis. You may need to supply the omitted words. Alternate translation: “the way a man pulls a tree up by its roots” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

118119:11p3myrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe has also kindled his wrath against me0

Job speaks of Gods wrath as if it were a fire. Alternate translation: “God has also lit a fire of anger against me” or “God has also become very angry with me”

118219:11p3pkhe regards me as one of his adversaries0

Alternate translation: “he thinks of me as an enemy”

118319:12wkz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHis troops come on together0

Job speaks of God attacking him as if Job was a city and God was sending an army to attack it. Alternate translation: “God sends his army to attack me”

118419:12z3lbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthey cast up siege mounds against me0

Job speaks of God attacking him as if Job was a city and Gods army was piling up dirt against the city wall in order to climb over the wall and attack the city. Alternate translation: “the soldiers pile up dirt in order to climb over my wall”

118519:12fg89rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorencamp around my tent0

Job speaks of God attacking him as if Job was in his tent and Gods army was camping around him and preparing to attack him. Alternate translation: “they camp around my tent and prepare to attack me”

118619:13zk2brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe has put my brothers far from me0

Being “far from” someone represents being unwilling to relate to him or help him. Alternate translation: “God has caused my brothers to stay away from me” or “God caused my brothers to refuse to help me”

118719:13iv61rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivemy acquaintances are wholly alienated from me0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “my acquaintances have alienated themselves from me” or “my friends treat me like a stranger”

118819:14m425My kinsfolk have failed me0

Alternate translation: “My relatives have left me without help”

118919:14m7prmy close friends0

Alternate translation: “my intimate friends”

119019:14l2e7have forgotten me0

“have abandoned me” or “have neglected me.” This means that they refuse to treat him according to how he and they had related to each other in the past. It implies that they abandoned him.

119119:15kz75regard me0

Alternate translation: “consider me”

119219:15y376rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI am an alien in their sight0

Job describes how people now think of him as an outsider. Here sight represents judgement or evaluation. Alternate translation: “they think of me as a foreigner”

119319:16x8akbut he gives me no answer0

“but he does not respond to me” or “but he does not come to me.” The answer is a response to Jobs call.

119419:16hds8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyalthough I entreat him with my mouth0

The phrase “my mouth” is a metonym which refers to Job speaking. Alternate translation: “even though I speak to him and plead with him”

119519:16h3paentreat him0

Alternate translation: “plead with him”

119619:17dgg7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyMy breath is offensive to my wife0

Here “breath” represents the smell of his breath. If something is offensive to someone, it means that he hates it. Alternate translation: “My wife hates the smell of my breath”

119719:17ufr3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitthose who were born from my mothers womb0

Job refers to his brothers and sisters this way to imply that they are people who should love him. The full meaning of this can be made clear. Alternate translation: “my own brothers who should love me” or “my brothers and sisters who should love me”

119819:18wi94despise me0

Alternate translation: “hate me” or “detest me”

119919:18fp7gthey speak against me0

Alternate translation: “they ridicule me” or “they make fun of me”

120019:19uf7fAll my familiar friends0

“All my closest friends” or “All of my friends with whom I shared my secrets.” This refers to his closest friends.

120119:19c1c6abhor me0

Alternate translation: “think I am disgusting”

120219:19t7hnhave turned against me0

Alternate translation: “have betrayed me”

120319:20lt45My bones cling to my skin and to my flesh0

“I am just skin and bones” or “My skin sticks to my bones.” Job speaks of his bones, skin, and flesh to describe his appearance. He was extremely thin, and people could easily see the shape of his bones. Some languages have idioms for this.

120419:20ud4zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomI survive only by the skin of my teeth0

This idiom means that he is barely surviving, that he almost does not survive. Alternate translation: “I am barely alive” or “I hardly survive”

120519:21ux63Have pity upon me0

Alternate translation: “Have compassion on me”

120619:21tbg5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyfor the hand of God has touched me0

Here “touched me” is a metonym for “hit me.” And, “hand” represents Gods power. Causing Job to suffer is spoken of as if Yahweh were physically hitting him with his hand. Alternate translation: “because God has afflicted me” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

120719:22g28hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhy do you pursue me … God does?0

Job uses this question to complain about how his friends are treating him. Alternate translation: “Do not persecute me … God does!”

120819:22c296rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill you ever be satisfied with my flesh?0

Job uses this question to complain about how his friends are treating him. Alternate translation: “You have consumed my flesh enough!” or “Stop consuming my flesh!”

120919:22y17frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorWill you ever be satisfied with my flesh?0

Job speaks of his friends speaking so cruelly to him as if they were wild beasts eating up another animal. Alternate translation: “Stop violently slandering me.” or “Stop attacking me with your words.”

121019:23r9n7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsOh, that my words were now written down0

This exclamation tells what Job wishes for. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I wish that someone would write down my words” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

121119:23llm4my words0

Alternate translation: “what I am saying”

121219:23ti7grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsOh, that they were inscribed in a book0

This exclamation tells what Job wishes for. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I wish that someone would write them in a book” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

121319:24a2etrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsOh, that with an iron pen and lead they were engraved in the rock forever0

This exclamation tells what Job wishes for. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I wish that someone would use an iron pen and lead to carve them in the rock forever” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

121419:24gz9can iron pen0

“an iron chisel.” This was a tool used for writing. It was made of iron so that people could carve words in rock.

121519:24nd22lead0

Lead is a soft metal. We do not know how people used lead when carving rock. They may have filled the letters of the inscription with lead in order to make the inscription last longer.

121619:25q57zmy Redeemer0

“My Defender.” Here “Redeemer” refers to a person who will rescue Job by proving Jobs innocence, restoring his honor, and giving him justice.

121719:25yy3qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyat last he will stand on the earth0

This refers to standing to speak in court. This could mean: (1) the Redeemer will be the last one to speak in the court. Alternate translation: “he will judge whether or not I am guilty” or (2) the Redeemer will stand in this final court to defend Job. Alternate translation: “at last he will defend me in court”

121819:26t5gtafter my skin … is destroyed0

Possible meanings are that this refers to: (1) his body being destroyed by disease or (2) his body decaying after he has died.

121919:26p2plrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyin my flesh I will see God0

His flesh represents his body, and “in my flesh” represents being alive. Alternate translation: “while I live in my body, I will see God”

122019:27m1wtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochemy own eyes—I, and not someone else0

The synecdoche “my own eyes” represents Job. The phrases “my eyes” and “and not someone else” emphasize that Job himself will actually see God. It is not that someone else will see God and tell Job about him.

122119:27c3pcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorMy heart fails within me0

People thought of the heart as being where the emotions are. So the heart failing represents him having very many emotions. Alternate translation: “I am very emotional about it” or “My emotions overwhelm me as I think about that”

122219:27k566rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitMy heart fails within me0

This could mean: (1) Job feels very hopeful, thankful, and happy or (2) Job feels exhausted waiting to see his Redeemer.

122319:28np8prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsHow we will persecute him!0

This is an exclamation. This could mean: (1) that they will certainly persecute Job or (2) that they will persecute him severely.

122419:28ddd3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThe root of his troubles lies in him0

The “root” represents the source. Alternate translation: “He is the source of all his troubles” or “He has all these troubles because of what he has done”

122519:29tw35rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythen be afraid of the sword0

Possible meanings are that the sword represents: (1) God judging them. Alternate translation: “then be afraid that God will judge you” or (2) God killing them. Alternate translation: “then be afraid that God will kill you”

122619:29t8ggrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsbecause wrath brings the punishment of the sword0

The abstract nouns “wrath” and “punishment” can be expressed with the adjective “angry” and the verb “punish.” This could mean: (1) Gods anger results in punishment. Alternate translation: “because God will be angry with you and punish you” or (2) the anger of Jobs friends results in punishment. Alternate translation: “because if you are so angry with me, God will punish you”

122719:29yy9jbrings0

Alternate translation: “causes” or “results in”

122819:29n1i1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsthere is a judgment0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word judgment, you can express the same idea with the verb “judge.” Alternate translation: “God judges people”

122920:introp78g0

Job 20 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is the advice of Jobs friend, Zophar. His words in this chapter are much stronger than when he previously spoke, and he is even angry at Job. He claims that Job took advantage of the poor and is being punished for it.

Special concepts in this chapter

Zophars advice

Zophar tells Job to curse Yahweh. The advice Zophar gives to Job is bad advice. He tries to convince Job that he is sinning and has been punished by Yahweh. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Metaphors

There are many metaphors used in this chapter. Zophar uses them to explain the temporary nature of life and riches. He also uses them to describe Gods punishment of Job. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

123020:1p2920

General Information:

Zophar replies to Job.

123120:1chh1Zophar the Naamathite0

See how you translated this mans name in Job 2:11. Since this is the second time that Zophar speaks, some translations omit “the Naamathite” here.

123220:2eef1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorMy thoughts make me answer quickly0

The idea of Zophars thoughts making him do something represents his strong desire to do something. Alternate translation: “I want very much to answer you quickly”

123320:2wy6hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsbecause of the worry that is in me0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word worry, you can express the same idea with the adjective “worried.” The reason for the worry can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “because I am very worried about you” or “because I am very worried because of what you said” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

123420:3m5c5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsI hear a rebuke that dishonors me0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word rebuke, you can express the same idea with the verb “rebuke.” Alternate translation: “I hear you rebuke me, and what you say dishonors me” or “You insult me by how you rebuke me”

123520:3y21qa spirit from my understanding answers me0

Here “spirit” probably refers to a thought or idea. Alternate translation: “a thought from my understanding answers me”

123620:3pk2src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationa spirit from my understanding answers me0

This “spirit” or thought is spoken of as if it were a person that could answer Zophar. Alternate translation: “I have a thought from my understanding, and now I know what I wanted to know”

123720:3dt4lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicita spirit from my understanding answers me0

The content of the answer can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “a thought from my understanding answers me about how I can reply to you” or “I have a thought from my understanding, and now I know how I can reply to you”

123820:3dha7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsa spirit from my understanding answers me0

The abstract nouns “spirit” and “understanding” can be expressed with the verbs “think” and “understand.” Alternate translation: “because I understand things, I have thought, and now I know how I can reply to you”

123920:4um5pDo you not know this fact from ancient times … man on earth0

Zophar begins a rhetorical question to cause Job to think deeply about what he will now say.

124020:5cr4tConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Zophar finishes the rhetorical question he began in verse 4.

124120:5nhc5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionthe triumph … for a moment?0

Zophar uses a rhetorical question to cause Job to think deeply about what he will now say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. “Surely you know … man on earth; the triumph … for a moment.”

124220:5ubq8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsthe triumph of a wicked man is short0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word triumph, you can express the same idea with the verbs “triumph” or “celebrate.” Alternate translation: “the wicked man triumphs only a short time” or “the wicked person celebrates for only a little while”

124320:5u62frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsthe joy of a godless man lasts only for a moment0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word joy, you can express the same idea with the verb “rejoice” or the adjective “happy.” The word “moment” is an exaggeration to emphasize that the time is very short. Alternate translation: “a godless man rejoices for only a moment” or “the godless man is happy for only a very short time” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])

124420:6jjd5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsThough his height reaches up to the heavens0

“Though the wicked persons height reaches up to the heavens.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word height, you can express the same idea with the adjective “tall.” Alternate translation: “Though he is as tall as the heavens”

124520:6v8z8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThough his height reaches up to the heavens0

The wicked mans height represents either his reputation or his pride. Also, here “reaches up to the heavens” represents being very great. Alternate translation: “Though his reputation is great” or “Though his pride is great”

124620:6by93rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhis head reaches to the clouds0

“and though his head is as high as the clouds.” This also represents his reputation or pride being great. This means the same as the previous phrase. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

124720:7b9xvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similewill perish permanently like his own feces0

Feces mixes in with the ground and disappears. The reference to feces may also imply that the wicked person is worthless. Alternate translation: “will perish permanently like his feces, which completely disappears in the ground”

124820:7x122rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similewill perish permanently like his own feces0

If people are embarrassed about the word feces, translators may refer to something else that disappears completely. Alternate translation: “will disappear permanently like dust that the wind blows away”

124920:8sfs4He will0

Alternate translation: “The wicked person will”

125020:8rep3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismHe will fly away like a dream … he will be chased away like a vision of the night0

Here “fly away” and “be chased away” represent disappearing. They may also imply being forgotten, since dreams and visions disappear when people forget them. Alternate translation: “He will disappear like a dream … he will be forgotten like a vision of the night” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

125120:8byk9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivewill not be found0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will find him”

125220:9xu8trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheThe eye that saw him0

The eye represents a person. Alternate translation: “Anyone who saw him” or “The people who saw him”

125320:9x7curc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyhis place0

The phrase “his place” represents those who live in his place. Alternate translation: “the people who live in his place” or “his family”

125420:10v5eeHis children0

Alternate translation: “The wicked persons children”

125520:10lji7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyhis hands will have to give back his wealth0

Here the word “hands” refers to the wicked mans children. When he dies, his children will have to return everything that he took from others.

125620:11re6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheHis bones are full of youthful strength0

The word “bones” represents his body. Being “full of youthful strength” represents being strong like a young person. Alternate translation: “His body is strong like a young persons body” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

125720:11je7rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymybut it will lie down with him in the dust0

The word “it” refers to his youthful strength. The metonym “lie down … in the dust” represents dying. The strength dying is a metaphor for disappearing. Alternate translation: “but his youthful strength will die with him” or “but his youthful strength will disappear when he dies” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

125820:12w36zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorAlthough wickedness is sweet in his mouth0

Here “wickedness is sweet” represents a person enjoying doing wicked things. Alternate translation: “Although doing wicked things is pleasurable like tasting sweet food in the mouth”

125920:12nj4prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoralthough he hides it under his tongue0

Zophar speaks of wickedness as if it were sweet food that a person puts under his tongue so it will stay in his mouth and he can taste it for a long time.

126020:13d1n2he holds it there and does not let it go but keeps it still in his mouth0

Zophar speaks of wickedness as if it were sweet food that a person puts under his tongue so it will stay in his mouth and he can taste it for a long time. (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor)

126120:14n7jwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe food in his intestines turns bitter0

When food turns bitter in the stomach, it causes pain and a bitter taste. This is a metaphor for a person experiencing the painful consequences of doing wicked things. Alternate translation: “those wicked things become like food that has turned bitter in the stomach” or “the consequences of those wicked things are painful like food that becomes sour in the stomach”

126220:14zrn4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorit becomes the poison of asps inside him0

This image is even worse than sour food in the stomach. This is a metaphor for a person experiencing the terrible consequences of doing wicked things. Alternate translation: “the consequences of doing those wicked things are painful like the poison of asps inside him”

126320:14lnj1asps0

poisonous snakes

126420:15hs62rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe swallows down riches … cast them out of his stomach0

Zophar speaks of gaining and losing wealth as if it were food that a person eats and vomits. Alternate translation: “The wicked person becomes very wealthy, but he loses his wealth like a person who vomits up his food. God causes him to lose it all”

126520:15r51krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe swallows down riches0

Here, swallows down riche could mean: (1) accumulating riches and storing them selfishly. Alternate translation: “The wicked man gains much wealth and keeps it all for himself” or (2) accumulating riches in wicked ways. Alternate translation: “The wicked man steals many riches”

126620:15t47grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyGod will cast them out of his stomach0

Here “cast them out of his stomach” is a metonym for causing the man to vomit them. This is a metaphor for causing the man to lose his riches. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

126720:15iu2mcast0

throw

126820:16l7ykrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe will suck the poison of asps0

Here “suck the poison of asps” represents doing evil things. Both are very dangerous. Alternate translation: “Doing evil things is like sucking the poison of asps” or “He will do evil things and endanger his life like a person who sucks the poison of asps”

126920:16dg2basps0

poisonous snakes

127020:16m2parc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe vipers tongue will kill him0

The viper is a poisonous snake. Its tongue represents its poisonous bite. Alternate translation: “the vipers poisonous bite will kill him” or “the viper will bite him and he will die”

127120:16rf6crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe vipers tongue will kill him0

The viper represents the mans wickedness. Alternate translation: “his wickedness will kill him like a vipers bite”

127220:17nb52rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe streams, the torrents of honey and butter0

“Streams” and “torrents” are metaphors that represent abundance. “Honey” and “butter” are metonyms that represent the good things that God gives people. Alternate translation: “the abundance of good things that God gives his people” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

127320:18th8arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe fruit of his labor0

Normally “the fruit of his labor” simply refers to the results of his labor. In this case it refers to the things the wicked man had stolen. Alternate translation: “the things he had worked to get” or “the things he had stolen” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

127420:18w9e5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwill not be able to eat it0

Here “to eat” the fruit of his labor represents enjoying the things he had stolen. Alternate translation: “will not be able to enjoy them”

127520:21e2vtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesThere is nothing left that he did not devour0

This can be reworded with only one of the negatives. Alternate translation: “He devoured everything, and there is nothing left” or “There is nothing left because he devoured everything”

127620:21zi35rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThere is nothing left that he did not devour0

Here “devour” represents taking things for himself. Alternate translation: “There is nothing left that he did not take for himself” or “He took everything for himself, and there is nothing left”

127720:22k3n2he will fall into trouble0

Alternate translation: “he will suddenly experience trouble”

127820:22tq3yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe hand of everyone who is in poverty will come against him0

Here “hand” represents power, and “hand … will come against him” represents people attacking him. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word poverty, you can express the same idea with the adjective “poor.” Alternate translation: “everyone who is in poverty will attack him” or “everyone who is poor will attack him” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

127920:23d4yyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyto fill his stomach0

Here “fill his stomach” is a metonym meaning eat a lot.

128020:23kha9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGod will throw the fierceness of his wrath on him0

The “fierceness of his wrath” represents Gods anger and punishment. Throwing the punishment on him represents punishing him severely. Alternate translation: “God will be angry and throw down his punishment on him” or “God will be angry and punish him severely”

128120:23i6l2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGod will rain it down on him0

“God will cause it to rain down on him.” Here “rain it down on him” represents causing much punishment to happen to the man. Alternate translation: “God will punish him severely”

128220:24x5uwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymywill flee from the iron weapon0

The iron weapon represents the person carrying it. Alternate translation: “will flee from the person carrying an iron weapon”

128320:24kj9mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymya bow of bronze will shoot him0

The bow represents the person who shoots an arrow with it. Alternate translation: “someone with a bronze bow will shoot him”

128420:25x7rqliver0

This is a large and important part of the body. If someone shoots through it with an arrow, the person who is shot will die.

128520:25puf6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorTerrors come over him0

He will suddenly become very afraid. Alternate translation: “he is terrified”

128620:26w5ygrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorComplete darkness is reserved for his treasures0

“Complete darkness” here is a metaphor for destruction. Alternate translation: “Destruction is reserved for his treasures” or “His treasures will be destroyed”

128720:26syj5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphora fire not fanned will devour him0

Here “devour” is a metaphor meaning destroy. Alternate translation: “a fire that is not fanned will destroy him”

128820:26w47rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicita fire not fanned will devour him0

The phrase “not fanned” implies that no human will start the fire. Rather, God will cause the fire. Alternate translation: “a fire that is not started by humans will destroy him” or “God will cause a fire to destroy him”

128920:26qsw9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorit will consume0

Here “consume” is a metaphor meaning destroy. Alternate translation: “the fire will destroy”

129020:27v1vgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyThe heavens … the earth0

Possible meanings are: (1) those who live in the heavens and the earth or (2) Zophar is describing the heavens and the earth as if they are humans who will testify in court against the wicked person. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

129120:28pfc30

General Information:

This concludes Zophars speech to Job.

129220:28u2v7vanish0

disappear

129320:28r6s5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhis goods will flow away on0

Here “flow away” represents being taken away from him. Alternate translation: “his goods will be taken away from him, like goods that float away in a flood, on”

129420:28wi73his goods0

Alternate translation: “his possessions”

129520:28e2e8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe day of Gods wrath0

Here “wrath” represents punishment. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wrath, you can express the same idea with the verb punish. Alternate translation: “the day when God punishes people”

129620:29d9w5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThis is the wicked mans portion from God0

Here “portion from God” represents what God has decided should happen to someone. It is spoken of as if it were something that God would give him. Alternate translation: “This is what God has decided should happen to the wicked man”

129720:29a1s8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe heritage reserved for him by God0

This represents what God has decided should happen to someone. It is spoken of as if it were something that God would give him as an inheritance. Alternate translation: “what God has planned to give to him” or “what God has planned should happen to him”

129821:introk6tx0

Job 21 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Jobs response to Zophar. It is also a response to all three of his friends in general.

Special concepts in this chapter

Ancestors sin

In the ancient Near East, it was common to believe that a person could be punished because of the sins of their fathers and ancestors. It was seen as the punishment of a god. While a fathers sin may have consequences for their children, Yahweh does not punish people because of their fathers sin. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/believe]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Zophar that he is wrong. These questions help to build Jobs argument. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

129921:1l3vpConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job begins to answer Zophars accusations.

130021:3x7gyPut up with me0

Alternate translation: “Allow me” or “Be patient with me”

130121:3w3a4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironymock on0

“you can continue mocking me.” Job is using sarcasm to imply that his friends would ignore what he would say and continue to mock him.

130221:4ztr6Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

130321:4d6w5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionAs for me, is my complaint to a person? Why should I not be impatient?0

Job uses questions to emphasize that he thinks it is fair for him to complain to God. Alternate translation: “I am not complaining to a person. I have the right to be impatient”

130421:5lu7qrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionlay your hand upon your mouth0

“cover your mouth with your hand.” Possible meanings are that: (1) this is a response to being astonished. Alternate translation: “cover your mouth with your hand” or (2) this is a symbol that the person will not speak. Alternate translation: “do not say anything”

130521:6f8uutrembling seizes my body0

Alternate translation: “fear causes my body to tremble” or “I shake with fear”

130621:7suz1Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

130721:7i446rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhy do wicked people continue to live, become old, and grow mighty in power?0

Job uses this question to show that his friends are wrong to think evil men always suffer. Alternate translation: “Wicked people indeed continue to live, become old, and become wealthier.”

130821:8w7jerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismTheir descendants are established with them in their sight … their offspring are established before their eyes0

This two clauses mean the same thing and emphasize that this is true.

130921:8n4nprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismin their sight … before their eyes0

These phrases mean the same thing because “eyes” refers to sight. Wicked people get to watch their descendants grow strong and wealthy. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

131021:9e8z5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyTheir houses0

Here “houses” refers to the family members that lives in them. Alternate translation: “Their families”

131121:9u9sbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyrod of God0

This refers to Gods punishment.

131221:10v7y4Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

131321:10za7cdoes not lose her calf prematurely0

Alternate translation: “she does not miscarry” or “her calf is born healthy and strong”

131421:11f9aerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similelittle ones like a flock0

Job compares these children to lambs to emphasize that they run, play, and are happy.

131521:12w5nfrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknowntambourine0

a musical instrument with a head like a drum that can be hit and with pieces of metal around the side that sound when the instrument is shaken

131621:13elg8Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking with his friends.

131721:13s7tftheir days0

Alternate translation: “their lifetime”

131821:13bx7urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismthey go down quietly to Sheol0

This is a polite way of saying that they die. Alternate translation: “they die peacefully”

131921:14fm9xyour ways0

This refers to how God wants people to behave.

132021:15k5g5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhat is the Almighty, that we should worship him? What advantage would we get if we prayed to him?0

The wicked people use these questions to mock God. Alternate translation: “We do not believe that this Almighty God is worthy of our worship. He can do nothing for us.”

132121:16ke4mConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

132221:16t984rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymySee, is not their prosperity in their own hands?0

Here “hands” refers to their power or control. Job uses this question to challenge his friends. Alternate translation: “Look, these wicked people claim that they make themselves prosper!” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

132321:17d4mwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionHow often is it … their calamity comes upon them?0

Job uses this question to emphasize that it seems to him that God does not punish the wicked very often. Alternate translation: “It is not often … their calamity comes upon them.”

132421:17c9nnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe lamp of wicked people is put out0

Job compares extinguishing the lamp to a person dying. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that God causes them to die suddenly” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

132521:17g7clrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe lamp of wicked people0

Job compares the life of the wicked to a lamp that is burning.

132621:17bmg2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionHow often does it happen … in his anger?0

Job uses this second question to emphasize that it seems to him that God does not punish the wicked very often. Alternate translation: “It is not often … in his anger.”

132721:18lhr9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionHow often is it … the storm carries away?0

Job uses this third question to emphasize that it seems to him that God does not punish the wicked very often. Alternate translation: “It is not often … the storm carries away.”

132821:18a6g9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similethey become like stubble before the wind or like chaff that the storm carries away0

The death of the wicked is spoken of as if they were worthless less chaff and stubble that blows away. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God takes them away like the wind blows away the chaff” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

132921:19sac1Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

133021:19gwj5You say0

These words are added by most versions in order to make it clear that the Job is quoting his friends in the next statement.

133121:19ev9vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGod lays up ones guilt for his children to pay0

Guilt is spoken of as something that can be stored for later use. Here “to pay” refers to punishment for sin. Alternate translation: “God keeps a record of a persons sins, then he punishes the persons children for his wicked deeds”

133221:19iyl4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitLet him pay it himself, & know his guilt0

Job now begins to state his own opinion. It may be helpful to state this explicitly using an indirect quotation. “But I say that he should pay it himself, … know his guilt

133321:20j2utrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheLet his eyes see0

Here “eyes” refers to the person. Alternate translation: “Let him see”

133421:20wq4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorlet him drink of the wrath of the Almighty0

Here the wrath of God is spoken of as if it were a drink that a person can taste, and tasting is a metonym for experiencing the drink. Job wants the wicked person to experience Gods punishment. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

133521:21vtu2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionFor what does he care about his family after him when the number of his months is cut off?0

Job uses this question to show that punishing the evil mans children is not effective. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “For the wicked man does not care what happens to his family after he has died!” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

133621:21rky2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismthe number of his months is cut off0

This is a polite way of saying that he dies.

133721:21m58jthe number of his months0

This refers to the length of his life.

133821:22yte9Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

133921:22ail2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan anyone teach God knowledge since he judges even those who are high?0

Job asks this question to emphasize that God knows everything. Alternate translation: “Obviously, no one can teach anything to God since he even judges those in heaven.”

134021:22x9p8those who are high0

This could mean: (1) “those who are in heaven” or (2) “powerful people.”

134121:23krv3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitOne man dies in his full strength0

Job contrasts this man who dies in health and peace to the man who dies in sorrow and pain in Job 21:25. You can make this explicit. Alternate translation: “If there are two men, one may die in his full strength”

134221:24mli3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismHis body is full of milk … the marrow of his bones is moist0

Both of these phrases mean that the person is very healthy.

134321:24sa7qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomHis body is full of milk0

The word for “milk” may mean “fat.” Either rendering means he is well-fed. Alternate translation: “His body if full of fat”

134421:24uug7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomthe marrow of his bones is moist0

This idiom means his body is youthful and healthy.

134521:25k7cwConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

134621:25s5geAnother man dies0

Job contrasts this man to the man who dies in peace in Job 21:23.

134721:25m7zqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorin bitterness of soul0

Here sorrow is spoken of as if it tasted bitter, and “soul” refers to the whole man. Alternate translation: “with anger and resentment” or “after living a sad life” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

134821:25xpm3has never experienced anything good0

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “has experienced only bad things”

134921:26fc95rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismThey lie down alike in the dust0

This is a polite way to say that they died. Alternate translation: “They both die and people bury them”

135021:26tyf2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitthe worms cover them both0

Worms are associated with decay of dead bodies. Alternate translation: “the worms in the dirt eat their dead bodies”

135121:27veu9Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

135221:27jy5rSee0

Job uses this phrase to call attention to the statement that follows. Alternate translation: “Listen”

135321:28n1y2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhere now is the house of the prince? Where is the tent in which the wicked man once lived?0

Job believes his friends will ask these question to scold him. Both questions mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “See, the house of the evil ruler is gone. The tent of the wicked man has disappeared.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

135421:29czd4Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

135521:29asa9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionHave you never asked traveling people?0

Job uses these questions to rebuke his friends for not learning from people who travel. Alternate translation: “You should listen to those who have traveled to distant places.”

135621:30q7hnConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job finishes asking a rhetorical question that begins with the words “Do you not know” in verse 29.

135721:30x25qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionthe wicked man is kept … from the day of wrath?0

Job uses these questions to rebuke his friends for not learning from people who travel. “Those who have traveled to distant places will tell you … from the day of wrath.”

135821:30wy2erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivethe wicked man is kept from the day of calamity … he is led away from the day of wrath0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God keeps the wicked man from the day of calamity … God leads him away from the day of wrath”

135921:31ri98Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to his friends.

136021:31b6yhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho will condemn the wicked mans way to his face?0

Job uses this question to contradict his friends belief that the wicked are always judged. Alternate translation: “No one condemns the wicked man to his face.”

136121:31wlf1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomto his face0

This means no one will go directly to the wicked person and condemn him personally.

136221:31wn61rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho will repay him for what he has done?0

Job uses this question to contradict his friends belief that the wicked are always judged. Alternate translation: “No one repays him for the bad things that he has done.”

136321:32g68arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivehe will be borne0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people will carry him”

136421:33eqt1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheThe clods of the valley will be sweet to him0

Job imagines that the dead person will even enjoy the dirt that is put on him. This means the wicked person will even have a good death and a nice burial after a fulfilling life. “Clods” refer to the earth that covers the grave. Alternate translation: “He will enjoy being covered with the dirt of the valley” or “He will enjoy being buried in the dirt of the valley”

136521:33p9wdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoall people will follow after him, as there were innumerable people before him0

Job emphasizes that a large crowd of people will be in the funeral procession of this imaginary wicked man to honor him. Alternate translation: “a huge number of people go to the grave site; some go in front of the procession and some come behind”

136621:34aa8aConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

This concludes Jobs speech to his friends.

136721:34j6yyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionHow then do you comfort me with nonsense, since in your answers there is nothing but falsehood?0

Job uses a question to scold his friends. Alternate translation: “You cannot comfort me with nonsense. All of your answers are false.”

136822:introm13v0

Job 22 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of the advice of Jobs friend, Eliphaz. His words in this chapter are much stronger than when he previously spoke.

Special concepts in this chapter

Repentance

Eliphaz tries to get Job to repent in this chapter. Eliphaz assumes that he is righteous, while assuming Job is not. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Eliphaz uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job that he is wrong. These questions help to build Eliphazs argument. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

136922:1cea8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesEliphaz the Temanite0

See how you translated this mans name in Job 2:11.

137022:2r9kdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismCan a man be useful to God? Can a wise man be useful to him?0

Both questions mean basically the same thing. Eliphaz uses questions to emphasize that a persons actions and wisdom do not benefit God. Alternate translation: “A man cannot be useful to God. A wise man cannot be useful to him.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

137122:3h3perc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismIs it any pleasure to the Almighty if you are righteous? Is it gain to him if you make your ways blameless?0

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Eliphaz uses questions to emphasize that Jobs actions do not help God. Alternate translation: “The Almighty does not receive any pleasure if you are righteous. He does not gain anything if you make your ways blameless.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

137222:4g1nnConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

137322:4s9qhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIs it because of your reverence for him that he rebukes you and takes you to judgment?0

Eliphaz uses questions to scold Job and accuse him of committing terrible sins. Alternate translation: “It is certainly not because you have been devoted to him that God rebukes you and takes you to judgment!”

137422:5zd3wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIs not your wickedness great? Is there no end to your iniquities?0

Eliphaz uses questions to scold Job and accuse him of committing terrible sins. Alternate translation: “As you know, he judges you because your wickedness is great and you keep on sinning!”

137522:6z1dnConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

137622:6hip2you have demanded guarantee of a loan0

This refers to a lender taking something from the borrower to ensure that the borrower pays him back.

137722:6qq5gyou have stripped away clothing from the naked0

Eliphaz is accusing Job of taking clothes as security from poor people who borrowed from him.

137822:7q9nbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochewithheld bread0

Here “bread” refers to food in general. Alternate translation: “withheld food”

137922:8dj3nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismpossessed the earth … lived in it0

Eliphaz is accusing Job of taking land from poor people and not allowing them to live on it. He is emphasizing this point by restating it twice.

138022:8gry9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbolepossessed the earth0

Eliphaz is exaggerating the amount of land that Job owned in order to portray Job as greedy. Alternate translation: “possessed a great amount of land”

138122:9ti2jConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

138222:9u5ggYou have sent widows away empty0

Alternate translation: “You made widows go away with nothing”

138322:9kyr7widows0

women whose husbands have died

138422:9pdd7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe arms of the fatherless have been broken0

Here “arms” refer to power. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “you even oppressed orphans” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

138522:10wdg6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorsnares are all around you … sudden fear troubles you0

These are metaphors for trouble and danger. Alternate translation: “you are always in danger … you become afraid for no reason”

138622:11kz5frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThere is darkness … an abundance of waters covers you0

Each of these metaphors means troubles and dangers are all around Job because of his sin.

138722:11a6paan abundance of waters0

Alternate translation: “a flood”

138822:12n1ziConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

138922:12st8prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIs not God in the heights of heaven?0

Eliphaz uses this question to say that God sees Jobs sin and will judge him. Alternate translation: “God is in the heights of heaven and sees everything that happens on earth.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

139022:12rtk3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitLook at the height of the stars, how high they are!0

Eliphaz implies that God is higher than the stars. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “Look at how high the stars are. God is even higher than the stars!”

139122:13y6zhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhat does God know? Can he judge through the thick darkness?0

Eliphaz uses these questions to imply that Job has said these things against God. Alternate translation: “God does not know what happens on earth. He sits in dark clouds and cannot see to judge us.”

139222:14x5aprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicithe walks on the vault of heaven0

Here “vault” refers to the barrier that ancient people believed separated the earth from heaven. Alternate translation: “he lives too far away in heaven to see what happens here”

139322:15cvp4Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

139422:16iid8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthose who were snatched away0

Dying is compared to God snatching them away. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “those who died” or “those whom God took away” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

139522:16lc5krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similethose whose foundations have washed away like a river0

The death of wicked people is compared to buildings that had their foundations washed away by a flood.

139622:17q2mtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhat can the Almighty do to us?0

Eliphaz quotes a question wicked people use to mock God. Alternate translation: “The Almighty cannot do anything to us!”

139722:18nr68Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

139822:18jh2rYet he filled0

Alternate translation: “Yet God filled”

139922:18l57xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomthe plans of wicked people are far from me0

The idiom “far from me” means Eliphaz rejects them. Alternate translation: “but I will not listen to their wicked plans”

140022:19ku9ssee their fate0

Alternate translation: “know what will happen to the wicked”

140122:19q2jllaugh them to scorn0

Alternate translation: “mock the wicked people”

140222:20j4fqThey say0

Alternate translation: “The righteous say”

140322:20jwg8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveSurely those who rose up against us are cut off0

Here “those who rose up” refers to the wicked people. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Surely God has destroyed the wicked people who harmed us”

140422:21z6jkConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

140522:21aj2cNow0

Eliphaz uses this word to introduce something important he is about to say.

140622:22ll7grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyinstruction from his mouth0

Here “from his mouth” represents what God has spoken. Alternate translation: “the instruction that God has spoken”

140722:22dp7drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomstore up his words0

Gods words are compared to treasures that Job could keep in a storeroom. Alternate translation: “treasure his commands”

140822:22y867rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyyour heart0

Here “heart” refers to Jobs thoughts. Alternate translation: “your mind”

140922:23x1jkConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

141022:23mz1irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoryou will be built up0

Eliphaz compares Jobs restoration to the rebuilding of a house that has fallen. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he will heal you and make you prosper again” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

141122:23kbt1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorif you put unrighteousness far away from your tents0

Unrighteousness is pictured as a person who is living in Jobs tent who must be removed. Alternate translation: “if you and everyone in your house stops sinning”

141222:24u6qkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomLay your treasure down in the dust0

To lay a treasure in the dust is to treat it as unimportant. Alternate translation: “Consider your riches as unimportant as dust”

141322:24m1gkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomthe gold of Ophir among the stones of the brooks0

To put gold in the stream is to treat it as no more valuable than stones. Alternate translation: “the gold of Ophir is as worthless as stones in a stream”

141422:24g8dqrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesOphir0

This is the name of a region famous for its gold.

141522:25wg73rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe Almighty will be your treasure, precious silver to you0

This means God will be more valuable to Job than any treasure.

141622:26wd8vConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Eliphaz continues speaking to Job.

141722:26l352rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomyou will lift up your face to God0

This means Job will no longer be ashamed but will trust in God. Alternate translation: “you will be able to approach God confidently”

141822:28ldp9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveit will be confirmed for you0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will cause you to succeed”

141922:28k1nurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorlight will shine on your paths0

Gods blessing is compared to a light on all of Jobs paths. Alternate translation: “it will be like a light shining on the road in front of you”

142022:29yck5Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

This concludes Eliphazs speech to Job.

142122:29xgw4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomthe one with lowered eyes0

Here “lowered eyes” refers to humility. Alternate translation: “the humble person”

142222:30f84nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe will rescue even the man who is not innocent; who will be rescued through the cleanness of your hands0

Job being innocent is spoken of as if his hands were physically clean. The phrase “who will be rescued” can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Yahweh will rescue even the person who is not innocent because you do what is right” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

142322:30wrz4He will rescue even the man who is not innocent; who will be rescued through the cleanness of your hands0

Some versions of the Bible read, “He rescues the innocent person; so he will rescue you when your hands are clean”

142423:introfb420

Job 23 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Jobs response to Eliphaz.

Special concepts in this chapter

Court

This chapter uses an extended metaphor of a court case to describe Jobs “case,” which he seeks to bring to Yahweh, who is a judge. Cultures without a legal system will have difficulty translating this chapter. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

142523:2fi9sEven today my complaint is bitter0

Here “Even today” emphasizes that his friends arguments have not changed Jobs situation at all. Alternate translation: “In spite of what you have said, my complaint is still bitter”

142623:2ke1prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiommy complaint is bitter0

Job speaks of his unanswered complaint against God as if it was a bitter taste in his mouth. Alternate translation: “my unanswered complaint is as bad as bitter food in my mouth”

142723:2cm2jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymymy hand … heavy because of my groaning0

This could mean: (1) “I can barely lift my hand because of my groaning” or (2) “Gods hand continues to make me suffer in spite of my groaning” where “hand” refers to Gods power to punish.

142823:3k3e2Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

142923:3pn2brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismOh, that I knew where … Oh, that I might come0

These two lines mean the same thing and emphasize Jobs desire to meet with God.

143023:3rpr9I might find him0

Alternate translation: “I might find God”

143123:4u14trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismlay my case … fill my mouth0

These two lines mean the same thing and emphasize Jobs desire to explain his situation to God.

143223:4vtm3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyfill my mouth with arguments0

Here “fill my mouth” refers to speaking. Alternate translation: “I would speak all of my arguments”

143323:5jln8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismI would learn the words … would understand0

These two lines mean basically the same thing and emphasize Jobs desire to hear Gods answer.

143423:5s5tdthe words with which he would answer me0

Alternate translation: “the answer that he would give me”

143523:6p72sConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

143623:6tw6nWould he0

Alternate translation: “Would God”

143723:7lx63There0

This refers to the place where God is.

143823:7aw1lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveI would be acquitted forever by my judge0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “my judge would acquit me forever” or “God, who is my judge, would say that I am innocent once and for all”

143923:8tfb8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merism0

Job continues speaking. He begins using a merism to say that he has looked everywhere.

144023:9ja9lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismnorth … south0

This is the end of the merism that begins with the words “eastward … westward” in verse 8. By mentioning these four directions, Job emphasizes that he has looked everywhere.

144123:9br9jwhere he hides himself0

Job speaks of God as if he is a person who hides.

144223:10x7cbConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

144323:10lq4vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhe knows the way that I take0

Jobs actions are spoken of as if he is walking on a path. Alternate translation: “God knows what I do”

144423:10v4c5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileI will come out like gold0

Job believes that the test will prove that he is as pure as refined gold. Alternate translation: “he will see that I am as pure as gold when anything not pure has been burned away”

144523:11w13vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheMy foot has held fast to his steps0

Here “My foot” refers to Job. Alternate translation: “I have followed the path he has shown me”

144623:11xw5wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI have kept to his way0

Jobs obedience is spoken of as if he is walking in a path that God showed him. Alternate translation: “I have done what he told me to do”

144723:11gk1eturned not aside0

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “followed it exactly”

144823:12fg26I have not gone back from0

This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I have always obeyed”

144923:12m22yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyof his lips0

This phrase refers to the message that God spoke. Alternate translation: “that he spoke”

145023:12tcz4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochethe words of his mouth0

Here God is represented by his “mouth.” Alternate translation: “what he said”

145123:13xe4eConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

145223:13l1d5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionBut he is one of a kind, who can turn him back?0

Job uses this question to emphasize that there is no one like God and no one can force him to change. Alternate translation: “But there is no one like him, and nobody can make him change his mind.” or “But he alone is God, and no one can influence him.”

145323:13if99What he desires, he does0

Alternate translation: “He does whatever he wants to do”

145423:14g641he carries out his decree against me0

Alternate translation: “he is doing to me what he said he would do”

145523:14i8u2there are many like them0

Alternate translation: “he has many similar plans for me”

145623:15n27irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism0

General Information:

Each of these verses has the form of a parallelism to emphasize the main point Job makes there.

145723:15sw44Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

145823:16p6marc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismFor God has made my heart weak; the Almighty has terrified me0

These two lines mean basically the same thing and emphasize that Job is very afraid of God.

145923:16d4fwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiommade my heart weak0

A person whose heart is weak is a person who is timid or fearful. Alternate translation: “made me afraid”

146023:17dng4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitI have not been brought to an end by darkness0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) “The thick darkness in front of me has not made me silent” or (2) “Darkness has not stopped me” or “God has stopped me, not the darkness.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

146123:17qpa8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochethe gloom of my face0

Here Job refers to himself by his “face.” Alternate translation: “my sadness”

146224:introe2gb0

Job 24 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Jobs response to Eliphaz. It is a continuation of the previous chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Court

This chapter uses an extended metaphor of a court case to describe Jobs “case,” which he seeks to bring to Yahweh, who is a judge. Cultures without a legal system will have difficulty translating this chapter. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Job uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Eliphaz that he is wrong. These questions help to build Jobs argument. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

146324:1mg7hConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

146424:1thc8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhy are times for judging wicked people not set by the Almighty?0

Job uses this question to express his frustration that God has not judged evil. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I do not understand why God does not set a time when he will judge wicked people.” or “The Almighty should set a time when he will judge wicked people.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

146524:1ej3yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhy do not those who are faithful to God see his days of judgment come?0

Job uses this question to express his frustration that the righteous have not seen God judge evil. Alternate translation: “It seems that those who obey him never get to see him judge the wicked.” or “God should show the day he will judge the wicked to those who know him.”

146624:2h88wConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

146724:2pse5boundary markers0

These are stones or other objects to mark the boundary between the lands owned by different people.

146824:2mn98pastures0

land with grass for animals to eat

146924:3fml5They drive away0

Alternate translation: “They steal”

147024:3y9i2those without fathers0

Alternate translation: “orphans” or “children whose parents have died”

147124:3m884they take the widows ox as security0

Alternate translation: “they take widows oxen to guarantee that the widows will pay back the money that they loaned to those widows”

147224:3e6wcwidow0

a woman whose husband has died

147324:3uu5was security0

A lender would take something from a borrower to ensure that the borrower pays him back.

147424:4lzi7out of their path0

Alternate translation: “out of their way” or “off the road”

147524:4r5d2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbolepoor people of the earth all hide themselves0

The word “all” is an exaggeration to show that many poor people are afraid of these wicked people.

147624:5d79kConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

147724:5m813rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similethese poor people go out to their work like wild donkeys in the wilderness, looking carefully for food0

These poor people are spoken of as if they are wild donkeys who do not know where they will find food. Alternate translation: “these poor people go out to search for food as if they were wild donkeys in the wilderness”

147824:5yaj6wild donkeys0

Alternate translation: “donkeys that no one owns or cares for”

147924:6j8dxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismPoor people reap in the night … they glean grapes0

These two lines describe the same thing and are used together to emphasize that these people are so hungry that they are forced to steal food at night.

148024:7u7w8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismThey lie naked … they have no covering0

These two lines describe the same thing and are used together to emphasize that these people do not have enough clothing to keep warm.

148124:8a2gxConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

148224:8j5ebThey are wet with the showers of the mountains0

Alternate translation: “They become wet when it rains in the mountains”

148324:9t1kirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheorphans from their mothers breast0

Here “breast” refers to the mother. This implies that these orphans are still very young. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “young orphans out of their mothers arms” or “fatherless infants from their mothers” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

148424:9ahj1orphans0

This generally refers to children without parents. Here, however, it is used for children who have mothers but do not have fathers.

148524:9ma3ctake children as security from poor people0

Alternate translation: “take poor peoples children to guarantee that the poor people will pay back money that they borrowed from the wicked people”

148624:9yq41as security0

A lender would take something from a borrower to ensure that the borrower pays him back. See how you translated this in Job 24:3.

148724:10u922go about0

Alternate translation: “walk around”

148824:10eps1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletnaked without clothing0

The words “without clothing” mean the same thing as “naked.” Alternate translation: “completely naked” or “naked because they have no clothing”

148924:10qj7xthey carry bundles of grain belonging to other people0

This means their work will provide food for others but not for themselves.

149024:11fp3gConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

149124:11rks1The poor people make oil0

they squeezed olives in order to extract olive oil from them

149224:11mr4mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochewithin the walls of those wicked men0

Here “walls” refers to the whole house. Alternate translation: “in the houses of those evil men”

149324:11z8b4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitthey tread the wicked mens winepresses0

It may be helpful to state that they do this to produce juice to make wine. Alternate translation: “they tread on grapes to make juice for wine”

149424:11a1m7they themselves suffer thirst0

Alternate translation: “they suffer from thirst” or “they are thirsty”

149524:13m581Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

149624:13dl4erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorrebel against the light0

Here, light could mean: (1) visible light or (2) spiritual light, which refers to God or living righteously. Alternate translation: “hate the daylight” or “do not want to do things openly” or “rebel against God”

149724:13djk4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthey know not its ways, nor do they stay in its paths0

These two lines describe the same thing, and are used together to emphasize that they do not want to follow the ways of the light. Alternate translation: “they do not know how to live a moral life; they stay far away from living a righteous life” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

149824:14u116rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletpoor and needy people0

The words “poor” and “needy” refer to the same group of people and emphasize that these are people who are unable to help themselves.

149924:14d2ftrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similehe is like a thief0

The murderer kills in secret just like a thief steals without anyone seeing what he does. Alternate translation: “he kills people secretly, just like a thief steals secretly”

150024:15jp3lConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

150124:15mza9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochethe eye of the adulterer0

Here “eye” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “the adulterer”

150224:15ymp3for the twilight0

Alternate translation: “for the sunset”

150324:15ewy1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheNo eye will see me0

Here “eye” refers to the whole person. Alternate translation: “No one will see me”

150424:16c35grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitwicked people dig into houses0

They dig into the houses in order to steal from them. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “wicked people dig into houses to steal from them”

150524:16k9sqthey shut themselves up0

Alternate translation: “they hide inside”

150624:17g55xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileFor all of them, thick darkness is like the morning0

The thick darkness is as comfortable for the wicked as light of the morning is for normal people.

150724:17y5ibthe terrors of thick darkness0

Alternate translation: “the scary things that happen at night”

150824:18ay3vConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

150924:18f772rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similelike foam on the surface of the waters0

Foam lasts only a short time. This emphasizes how quickly God will cause the wicked to disappear.

151024:18lat6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivetheir portion of the land is cursed0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God curses the part of the land that they own”

151124:19b8g4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileAs drought and heat melt away … those who have sinned0

Job says that sinners will disappear in Sheol in the same way as snow melts and disappears when it becomes warm.

151224:19u6dbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysdrought and heat0

These two words describe essentially the same weather and are used together to describe it fully.

151324:20hnl6Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

151424:20dg9vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheThe womb0

This refers to the mother. Alternate translation: “The mother”

151524:20ja3yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomthe worm will feed sweetly on him0

This means that he will die and worms will eat his body. Alternate translation: “the worm will enjoy eating his dead body” or “he will die and then his body will be eaten by worms”

151624:20auf1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivehe will be remembered no more0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “no one will remember him anymore”

151724:20k6glrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwickedness will be broken like a tree0

Gods destruction of the wicked man is describes as if he were cutting down a tree. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will destroy the wicked as if he were a tree” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

151824:21ys4wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThe wicked one devours0

This metaphor emphasizes how ruthless the wicked man is. Alternate translation: “Just like a wild animal kills its prey, so the wicked person harms”

151924:21m9u5the barren women who have not borne children0

The people of that day considered that a woman who was barren was cursed by God. Therefore, this represents the most unfortunate women.

152024:21i5m9widow0

a woman whose husband has died

152124:22xl8gConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking.

152224:22ps1mby his power0

Alternate translation: “by using his power” or “because he is powerful”

152324:22x59src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomhe rises up and does not strengthen them in life0

Here “does not strengthen them in life” means God does not keep them alive. Alternate translation: “God rises up and does not give wicked people the strength to live” or “God rises up and causes them to die”

152424:23qks3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochebut his eyes are on their ways0

Here “eyes” refers to God. Alternate translation: “but he is always watching what they do”

152524:24yq9pConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

This concludes Jobs speech.

152624:24b7v1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivethey will be brought low0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will bring them low” or “God will destroy them”

152724:24j5zarc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-textvariantsthey will be gathered up like all the others0

Some translations are based on a different early text, which says “they wither and fade like weeds.”

152824:24ix1vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivethey will be gathered up like all the others0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. What “the others” refers to can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “God will gather them up as he gathered up the other wicked people” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

152924:24mqt2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similethey will be cut off like the tops of ears of grain0

These wicked people will be cut off in the same way heads of grain are cut off during harvest. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God will cut them off like a farmer cuts off the top of a stalk of grain” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

153024:25cfk7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIf it is not so, who can prove me to be a liar; who can make my speech worth nothing?0

Job uses this question to express the certainty of his argument. The implicit answer is: “no one.” Alternate translation: “This is true, and no one can prove that I am a liar; no one can prove me wrong.”

153124:25iy58make my speech worth nothing0

Alternate translation: “prove what I say is wrong”

153225:introyz1x0

Job 25 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of the advice of Jobs friend, Bildad. His words in this chapter are much stronger than when he previously spoke.

Special concepts in this chapter

Gods holiness and mans sin

Bildad describes the holiness of Yahweh and the universal nature of mans sinfulness. While his points are accurate, they are not convincing for Job because he has been righteous. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Bildad uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job that he is wrong. These questions help to build Bildads argument. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

153325:1vb52Bildad the Shuhite0

See how you translated this mans name in Job 2:11.

153425:2cz5crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsDominion and fear are with him0

Here “him” refers to God. The abstract nouns “dominion” and “fear” can be stated as verbs. Alternate translation: “God rules over all and people should fear only him”

153525:2t8t1he makes order in his high places of heaven0

Alternate translation: “he makes peace in the high heaven”

153625:3agz7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIs there any end to the number of his armies?0

Bildad uses this question to emphasize how great God is. The implicit answer is “no.” This refers to the armies of Gods angels. Alternate translation: “There is no end to the number of angels in his army.” or “His armies are so big that no one can count them.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

153725:3tb5crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionUpon whom does his light not shine?0

Bildad uses this question to emphasize that God gives light to every person. Alternate translation: “There is no one upon whom his light does not shine.” or “God makes his light shine over everyone.”

153825:4gq9pConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Bildad continues speaking.

153925:4w2pfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismHow then can man … God? How can he who is born … him?0

These two questions are used together to emphasize that it is impossible for a man to be good enough before God. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

154025:4v4y8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionHow then can man be righteous with God?0

The implicit reaction is that he cannot. Alternate translation: “A man can never be righteous before God.”

154125:4z1j1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionHow can he who is born … acceptable to him?0

The implicit reaction is that he cannot. Alternate translation: “He who is born of a woman cannot be clean or acceptable to him.”

154225:4kx6lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomhe who is born of a woman0

This idiom includes everyone. Alternate translation: “any person”

154325:5f8peSee0

The word “See” here adds emphasis to what follows. Alternate translation: “Indeed”

154425:5un12rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsthe moon has no brightness to him0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word brightness, you can express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “the moon is not bright enough for God”

154525:5kt4vthe stars are not pure in his sight0

Here “pure” means “perfect.” Alternate translation: “he does not think even the stars are perfect”

154625:6c7khrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismHow much less man … a son of man, who is a worm0

These two lines say the same thing and are used together to emphasize that man is not perfect.

154725:6h6x7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwho is a worm0

Bildad states that human beings are as worthless as worms. Alternate translation: “who is as worthless as a worm”

154825:6l7b7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymya son of man0

This is another way of referring to a person. Alternate translation: “a person”

154926:introf6650

Job 26 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is Jobs response to Bildad.

This chapter begins a section continuing through chapter 31.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahwehs power

While Bildad describes Yahwehs power as being so much greater than Jobs, Job understands the true extent of Yahwehs power. It is not just over Jobs life, but over all of creation.

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Sarcasm

Job uses sarcasm in this chapter. This is the use of irony to insult Bildad. (See: Job 14 and [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-irony]])

155026:2lud4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyHow you have helped one … the arm that has no strength0

In these statements, Job is accusing Bildad. The word “one” refers to Job. And, the word “arm” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “I am powerless and have no strength, but you act like you have helped me; but really, you have not helped me at all” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

155126:3s1r5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyHow you have advised one who has no wisdom and announced to him sound knowledge0

Job is saying that Bildad has not provided him with good advice and knowledge. Alternate translation: “You act like I have no wisdom and that you have advised me, that you have given me good advice”

155226:3y2kkannounced to him sound knowledge0

Alternate translation: “given him good advice”

155326:4n9vjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWith whose help have you spoken these words? Whose spirit was it … you?0

In these questions Job continues to mock Bildad. They are both rhetorical questions and have basically the same meaning. They are used together to strengthen each other. Alternate translation: “You must have had help speaking these words. Perhaps some spirit helped you speak them!”

155426:5c81arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjThe dead0

This refers to dead people. Alternate translation: “Those who are dead” or “The spirits of the dead”

155526:5xqx7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicittremble0

They tremble because they are afraid of God. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “tremble in fear” or “tremble in fear of God”

155626:5hs8hthose who are beneath the waters0

This refers to the dead people who tremble.

155726:5th6nall who dwell in them0

This refers to the dead people who dwell in the waters.

155826:6c8rlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorSheol is naked before God; destruction itself has no covering0

Sheol is spoken of as if it were a person. These two phrases have the same meaning. To be “naked” or have “no covering” is to be completely exposed and not able to hide anything. Alternate translation: “It is like sheol is naked before God, for nothing in sheol, the place of destruction, is hidden from God” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

155926:6v85xdestruction0

This is another name for sheol. Alternate translation: “the place of destruction”

156026:7ts32rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe stretches out the northern skies over the empty space0

The northern skies represent heaven, the place where God dwells with the beings he created to dwell there.

156126:8q4f6He binds up the waters in his thick clouds0

The clouds are compared to a large blanket in which God wraps the rainwater. Alternate translation: “He wraps up the water in his thick clouds”

156226:8sxg4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivebut the clouds are not torn under them0

This can be stated actively. The word “them” refers to the waters. Alternate translation: “but the weight of the waters does not tear the clouds”

156326:9r35vand spreads his clouds on it0

This phrase tells how he covers the surface of the moon. Alternate translation: “by spreading his clouds in front of it”

156426:10l8k5He has engraved a circular boundary on the surface of the waters0

This speaks of the horizon, where the earth appears to meet the sky, as if God has marked a boundary on the ocean.

156526:11n3vzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationThe pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his rebuke0

People thought of heaven or the sky as resting on pillars. Job speaks as though the pillars are humans that shake in fear when God is angry. Alternate translation: “The pillars that hold up heaven shake in fear when God rebukes them” or “The pillars that hold up the sky shake like people who are afraid when God rebukes them”

156626:12f7hnhe shattered Rahab0

Alternate translation: “he destroyed Rahab”

156726:12x7tirc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesRahab0

This is the name of a frightening monster that lived in the sea. See how you translated this in Job 9:13.

156826:13c72vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorBy his breath he made the skies clear0

The noun “breath” can be translated with the verb “breathe” or “blow.” This image represents God causing the wind to blow away the clouds. Alternate translation: “God blew away the clouds so that the skies were clear”

156926:13r5lerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicithis hand pierced the fleeing serpent0

It is implied that God his holding a sword, and here “his hand” represents that sword. Also, “pierced” represents killing. Alternate translation: “With his sword he pierced the fleeing serpent” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

157026:13c2jcthe fleeing serpent0

“the serpent as it was trying to escape from him.” This refers to Rahab, the monster in the sea. See Job 26:12.

157126:14qb3urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorSee, these are but the fringes of his ways0

Here “fringes” represents a small part that we can see of something that is much bigger. Alternate translation: “See, these things that God has done show only a small part of his great power”

157226:14k819rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationshow small a whisper do we hear of him!0

This is an exclamation that expresses Jobs amazement of all the great things that God does that we do not even know about. Seeing what God does is spoken of as hearing Gods voice. Alternate translation: “it is as if we heard only his quiet whisper!” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

157326:14b468rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho can understand the thunder of his power?0

The “thunder of his power” represents Gods greatness. Job uses this question to emphasize that Gods power is so great that no one can understand it. Alternate translation: “The thunder displays the greatness of his power which no one can understand!” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

157427:intromkb50

Job 27 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Jobs response to Bildad.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jobs righteousness

Despite being upset about his circumstances, Job does not curse God. Instead, he recognizes Yahwehs authority. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]])

157527:2vm9gAs surely as God lives0

This phrase shows that Job is taking an oath. Job compares the certainty that God is alive to the certainty of what he is saying. This is a way of making a solemn promise. Alternate translation: “I swear by God”

157627:2zm2rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhas taken away my justice0

Justice is spoken of as if it were an object that could be taken away or given. Taking it away represents refusing to treat Job with justice. Alternate translation: “has refused to treat me justly”

157727:2tp23rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymymade my life bitter0

Jobs “life” being bitter represents Job feeling resentful toward God. Alternate translation: “has caused me to become resentful” or “has made me feel angry because of the unfair way he has treated me”

157827:3m4bmwhile my life is yet in me0

This refers to the duration of the rest of his life. Alternate translation: “during the whole time that my life is yet in me” or “as long as my life is yet in me”

157927:3ny28rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounswhile my life is yet in me0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word life, you can express the same idea with the adjective “alive” or the verb “live.” Alternate translation: “as long as I am still alive” or “while I still live”

158027:3xg5krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe breath from God is in my nostrils0

“Breath … in my nostrils” represents being able to breathe. “Breath from God” represents God making him able to breathe. Alternate translation: “God enables me to breathe”

158127:3krx8nostrils0

Alternate translation: “nose”

158227:4xct5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismMy lips will not speak wickedness, neither will my tongue speak deceit0

These two phrases have basically the same meaning and are used together to emphasize that he will not speak in such ways. The phrases “My lips” and “my tongue” represent Job himself. Alternate translation: “I will not speak wickedness or deceit” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

158327:4vg54rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsspeak wickedness … speak deceit0

The abstract nouns “wickedness” and “deceit” can be expressed with “wickedly” and “deceitfully.” Alternate translation: “speak wickedly … speak deceitfully”

158427:5tp64I will never admit that you three are right0

Alternate translation: “I will never agree with you and say that you three are right”

158527:5n6mbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youthat you three are right0

The word “you” here is plural. It refers to Jobs friends.

158627:5uy2nI will never deny my integrity0

Alternate translation: “I will never say that I am not innocent” or “I will always say that I am innocent”

158727:6rv4lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI hold fast to my righteousness0

Here “hold fast” is a metaphor that represents being determined to continue to say something. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word righteousness, you can express the same idea with “righteous.” Alternate translation: “I am determined to continue saying that I am righteous” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

158827:6ccm5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwill not let it go0

Here “will not let it go” is a metaphor that represents not stopping saying something. Alternate translation: “will not stop saying that I am righteous” or “will not stop saying so”

158927:6ttu9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymymy thoughts will not reproach me0

Here the phrase “my thoughts” represents Job. Alternate translation: “even in my thoughts, I will not reproach myself”

159027:7x6mprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismLet my enemy be … let him who rises up against me be0

The two clauses that start with these words share the same meaning. They are used together to emphasize Jobs strong desire that this should happen.

159127:7qkh5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitLet my enemy be like a wicked man0

How he wants his enemy to be like a wicked person can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Let my enemy be punished like a wicked man” or “Let God punish my enemy as he punishes wicked people”

159227:7yjq8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitlet him who rises up against me be like an unrighteous man0

How he wants this person to be like an unrighteous man can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “let him who rises up against me be punished like an unrighteous man”

159327:7cin4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhim who rises up against me0

Here “rises up against me” is a metaphor meaning “opposes me.” The whole phrase refers to Jobs adversary. Alternate translation: “him who opposes me” or “my adversary”

159427:8m193rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionFor what is the hope of a godless man when … when God takes away his life?0

Job uses this question to say that such a man has no hope. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate translation: “There is no hope for the godless when God … takes away his soul.”

159527:8ucr8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismwhen God cuts him off, when God takes away his life0

These two phrases have the same meaning. Alternate translation: “when God cuts him off and takes away his life” or “when God causes him to die”

159627:8d94drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorcuts him off0

This is a metaphor meaning “kills him” or “causes him to die”

159727:8twt1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphortakes away his life0

This is a metaphor meaning “kills him” or “makes him stop living”

159827:9jh1prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill God hear his cry when trouble comes upon him?0

Job uses this question to say that God will not help that person. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate translation: “God will not hear his cry when trouble comes upon him.” or “When trouble comes upon him and he cries out for help, God will not hear him.”

159927:9a8txrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyWill God hear his cry0

Here “hear his cry” represents responding to the godless mans cry and helping him. Alternate translation: “Will God respond to his cry”

160027:10kq3brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill he delight himself in the Almighty and call upon God at all times?0

Job uses this question to say that the godless man will not do these things. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate translation: “He will not delight himself in the Almighty and call upon God at all times.” or “He will not be happy about what the Almighty does and he will not pray to God often.”

160127:11s3uqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youI will teach you0

Each occurrence of “you” in these verses is plural and refers to Jobs three friends.

160227:11fyx9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe hand of God0

Gods “hand” represents his power. Alternate translation: “the power of God”

160327:11re4mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsI will not conceal the thoughts of the Almighty0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word thoughts, you can express the same idea with the verb “think.” Alternate translation: I will not hide from you what the Almighty thinks”

160427:12pnx9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionwhy then have you spoken all this nonsense?0

Job uses this question to rebuke his friends for saying such foolish things. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate translation: “you should not have spoken so foolishly!”

160527:13g6qhThis is the portion of a wicked man with God0

Alternate translation: “This is what God has planned for the wicked man”

160627:13djh6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe heritage of the oppressor that he receives from the Almighty0

Here “the heritage of the oppressor” is a metaphor representing what will happen to the oppressor. What God will do to him is spoken of as if it were an inheritance that God will give him. Alternate translation: “what the Almighty will do to the oppressor”

160727:14f7mjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyit is for the sword0

Here “the sword” represents dying in battle. Alternate translation: “they will die in battle”

160827:15mbb8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitThose who survive him0

This refers to the wicked mans children. This can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Those who continue to live after their wicked father dies”

160927:15dic8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymywill be buried by plague0

Here “be buried” represents dying. Alternate translation: “will die by plague”

161027:15p4u3their widows … them0

The words “their” and “them” refer to “Those who survive him,” that is, the children of the wicked man.

161127:16nm9mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileheaps up silver like the dust0

Here “heaps up” is a metonym meaning “gathers much.” Job speaks as if the silver were as easy to get as dust. Alternate translation: “gathers large piles of silver” or “gathers silver as easily as he could gather dust”

161227:16bh15rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileheaps up clothing like clay0

Here “heaps up” is a metonym meaning “gathers much.” Job speaks as if the clothing were as easy to get as clay. Alternate translation: “gathers large piles of clothing” or “gathers clothing as easily as he could gather clay”

161327:18l6yfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisHe builds his house like a spider0

After “spider,” the phrase “builds its web” is understood information. It can be made clear. Alternate translation: “He builds his house as a spider builds its web”

161427:18q8iarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileHe builds his house like a spider0

A spider web is fragile and easily destroyed. Alternate translation: “He builds his house as fragile as a spider builds its web” or “He builds his house as fragile as a spiders web”

161527:18inb4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similelike a hut0

A hut is a temporary house that is also not very strong. Alternate translation: “like a temporary hut”

161627:19la2pHe lies down in bed rich0

“He is wealthy when he lies down in bed.” This refers to his lying down in bed at night and sleeping.

161727:19i6exbut he will not keep doing so0

Alternate translation: “but he will not keep lying down in bed rich” or “but he will not continue to be wealthy when he lies down in bed”

161827:19b9sarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyhe opens his eyes0

Opening his eyes represents waking up in the morning. Alternate translation: “he wakes up”

161927:19x5lqeverything is gone0

Alternate translation: “all of his riches are gone” or “everything has vanished”

162027:20ul69Terrors overtake him0

Here “overtake him” represents suddenly happening to him. Possible meanings are that terrors is a metonym for:: (1) things that cause people to be afraid. Alternate translation: “Terrifying things suddenly happen to him” or (2) fear. Alternate translation: “He suddenly becomes terrified”

162127:20zw56rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similelike waters0

The word “waters” refers to a flood. Floods can happen very suddenly when people do not expect them, and they are dangerous and frightening. Alternate translation: “like a flood” or “like waters that rise up suddenly”

162227:20l3kna storm takes him away0

Alternate translation: “a violent wind blows him away”

162327:21l4atrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationit sweeps him out of his place0

Job speaks of the wind blowing the wicked man out of his house as if the wind were a person sweeping dust out of a house with a broom. Alternate translation: “the wind sweeps him out of his place like a woman who sweeps dirt out of a house” or “the wind easily blows him out of his place”

162427:21i9cehis place0

Alternate translation: “his home”

162527:22wmn4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification0

General Information:

In verses 2223 Job speaks of the wind as if it were a person attacking the wicked person.

162627:22xs2lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationIt throws itself at him0

Here the phrase “throws itself at him” represents the wind blowing strong against him like an attacker. Alternate translation: “It blows strong against him like someone attacking him”

162727:22fa8crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationhe tries to flee out of its hand0

Here “hand” represents the power or control that the wind has over the wicked man. Alternate translation: “he tries to flee out of its control” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

162827:23kvs2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionIt claps its hands at him0

Clapping the hands is a way of mocking someone. Here it represents the wind making loud noises. Alternate translation: “It makes loud noises like someone clapping his hands to mock him” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

162927:23r28vrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionhisses him from his place0

The wind makes a noise as it blows him out of his place, and the noise is like the hissing sound that people make to mock someone. Alternate translation: “it makes a hissing noise as it causes him to leave his home” or “it blows him out of his place and makes a hissing noise like someone who hisses at him to mock him” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

163028:introi55c0

Job 28 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Jobs response to Bildad.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahwehs wisdom

Despite being upset about his circumstances, Job does not curse God. Instead, he recognizes Yahwehs wisdom and authority. This chapter especially focuses on Yahwehs wisdom as he controls the circumstances of Jobs life. Men cannot understand because they do not have Yahwehs wisdom. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/wise]])

163128:1fb4gmine0

This is a place where people dig rocks out of the earth. These rocks have metal in them.

163228:1zr9qrefine0

This is the process of heating a metal to remove all of the impurities that are in it.

163328:2a9j8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveIron is taken out of the earth0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “People take iron out of the earth”

163428:2b12irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivecopper is smelted out of the stone0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “people smelt copper out of the stone” or “people heat stone to melt copper out of it”

163528:2rb24copper0

an important red-brown colored metal

163628:2uui9smelted0

This is a process of heating rocks to melt the metal in them in order to get the metal out of the rocks.

163728:3fm47rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyA man sets an end to darkness0

Here “sets an end to darkness” represents shining a light in the darkness. People used a lantern or a torch for light. Alternate translation: “A man carries light into dark places”

163828:3l74rto the farthest limit0

Alternate translation: “to the farthest parts of the mine”

163928:3sce6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletobscurity … thick darkness0

These two phrases are used together to emphasize that the mine is extremely dark.

164028:4kp1mshaft0

a deep narrow hole dug into the ground or rock. People go down into the hole to mine it.

164128:4hz3jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationplaces that are forgotten by anyones foot0

The foot is spoken of as if it is a person who can remember. Alternate translation: “places where people no longer walk” or “where no one ever walks”

164228:4yed2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitHe hangs far away from people0

How and where he hangs can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “Far away from people, he hangs from a rope in the shaft”

164328:5r3d3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochethe earth, out of which comes bread0

Here “bread” represents food in general. Food coming out of the ground is a metaphor for food growing out of the ground. Alternate translation: “the earth, where food grows” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

164428:5p8vkit is turned up below as if by fire0

This could mean: (1) people made fires under the ground to break apart the rock. Alternate translation: “it is broken up below by the fires that the miners make” or (2) “turned” is a metaphor for changed. Alternate translation: “it is broken up below so much that it appears that it was destroyed by fire”

164528:5mha5it is turned0

The word “it” refers to the earth.

164628:6c4dwIts stones … its dust0

The word “its” refers to the earth.

164728:6lw93sapphires0

a rare and valuable blue gemstone

164828:7c71rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismNo bird of prey knows the path to it … nor has the falcons eye seen it0

These clauses express a similar meaning. Alternate translation: “No bird of prey or falcon knows or has ever seen the path that goes to the mine”

164928:7u8npbird of prey0

a bird that eats other animals

165028:7ft9lfalcon0

This may also be translated “hawk.” Both are birds that hunt and eat other animals. You may translate this with a similar bird from your culture.

165128:8ad94rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismThe proud animals have not walked such a path … nor has the fierce lion passed there0

These clauses also express similar meaning.

165228:8zce2The proud animals0

This refers to very strong, wild animals.

165328:9nh4prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymylays his hand on the flinty rock0

This represents breaking up the rock. Alternate translation: “digs into the flinty rock”

165428:9d3ssflinty rock0

Alternate translation: “hard rock”

165528:9ng34rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbolehe overturns mountains by their roots0

Digging up the mountains and the ground underneath them is a metaphor from digging out weeds or trees, an exaggeration that represents digging minerals out of the ground. Alternate translation: “he turns the mountains upside down by pulling out their roots” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

165628:10h31brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochehis eye sees0

Here “his eye” represents him. Alternate translation: “he sees”

165728:11ar22rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe ties up the streams so they do not run0

Here “ties up the streams” means damming or blocking the streams. Alternate translation: “He blocks the streams so they do not flow”

165828:11c3wtwhat is hidden there0

This refers to things that people normally do not see because they are in the ground or underwater.

165928:12n9fdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

General Information:

In 28:1228, wisdom and understanding are spoken of as if they were precious objects that are in some place and people want to find them. Finding wisdom and understanding represents becoming wise and learning to understand things well.

166028:12k2hzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismWhere will wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding?0

These questions mean the same thing and are used to show that it is very difficult to find wisdom and understanding. Alternate translation: “It is very difficult to find wisdom and understanding.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

166128:12bcr2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorWhere will wisdom be found? Where is the place of understanding0

Becoming wise and understanding is spoken of as finding wisdom and understanding. Alternate translation: “How do people become wise? How do people learn to understand things well”

166228:13drv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorMan does not know its price0

This could mean: (1) wisdom is spoken of as if it were something that people can buy. Alternate translation: “People do not know what it is worth” or (2) the word translated as “price” means “place.” Alternate translation: “People do not know where it is”

166328:13z9iprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveneither is it found in the land of the living0

“and it is not found in the land of the living.” The “land of the living” refers to this world where people live. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and no one can find wisdom in this world”

166428:14xi4crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationThe deep waters … say, It is not in me; the sea says, It is not with me.0

The deep waters and the sea are presented as if they are people that can speak. Alternate translation: “Wisdom is not in the deep waters under the earth, nor is it in the sea”

166528:15h4tyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitIt cannot be gotten for gold0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This implies that wisdom is worth much more than gold. Alternate translation: “People cannot pay for wisdom with gold”

166628:15nff6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitneither can silver be weighed as its price0

This implies that wisdom is worth much more than silver. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “and people cannot weigh out enough silver to pay for wisdom”

166728:16hg4irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitIt cannot be valued with … sapphire0

This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than the gold of Ophir, precious onyx and sapphire.

166828:16t2r7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesOphir0

This is the name of a land where there was fine gold.

166928:16ui38onyx0

a valuable black gemstone

167028:16na32sapphire0

a valuable blue gemstone

167128:17qp37Gold and crystal cannot equal it in worth0

This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than gold and crystal.

167228:17z7jxcrystal0

a valuable gemstone that is clear or lightly colored

167328:17v4umneither can it be exchanged for jewels of fine gold0

“and it cannot be exchanged for jewels of fine gold.” This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than jewels of fine gold.

167428:17nid2exchanged0

Alternate translation: “traded”

167528:18hgr1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitNo mention is worth making of coral or jasper0

“It is not worth making mention of coral and jasper.” This implies that wisdom is worth so much more than coral and jasper that there is no need for Job to say anything about them. Alternate translation: “I will not bother to mention coral or jasper” or “Coral and jasper are worthless compared to wisdom”

167628:18vgj8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknowncoral0

This is a beautiful, hard substance that grows on ocean reefs.

167728:18sqn7jasper … rubies0

These are valuable gemstones.

167828:19mwy7The topaz of Cush does not equal it0

This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than the finest topaz.

167928:19nxz5topaz0

This is a valuable gemstone.

168028:19ycn8neither can it be valued in terms of pure gold0

“and wisdom cannot be valued in terms of pure gold.” This implies that wisdom is much more valuable than pure gold.

168128:20jiu5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionFrom where, then, comes wisdom? Where is the place of understanding?0

Job uses these questions to introduce how people get wisdom and understanding. Alternate translation: “I will tell you where wisdom comes from and where understanding is.” or “I will tell you how to become wise and how to learn to understand things.”

168228:20z82urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorFrom where, then, comes wisdom0

Wisdom is spoken of as if it were in a place and comes to people. Its coming represents people becoming wise.

168328:20ghy4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorWhere is the place of understanding0

Understanding is spoken of as if it were in a place.

168428:21bj7xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheWisdom is hidden from the eyes of all living things0

This means that living things are unable to see wisdom. It can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “No living thing can see wisdom” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

168528:21j3u4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveis kept hidden from the birds of the heavens0

This means that the birds are unable to see wisdom. This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “even the birds that fly in the skies cannot see wisdom”

168628:22y7e5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationDestruction and Death say0

Here “Destruction” and “Death” are spoken of as if they are living things who can speak.

168728:23qlj3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGod understands the way to it; he knows its place0

Wisdom is spoken of as if it were in a certain place. Alternate translation: “God knows how to find wisdom. He knows where it is”

168828:24q6zdthe very ends of the earth0

Alternate translation: “the farthest places on the earth”

168928:25l7lkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorparceled out the waters by measure0

This describes God deciding how much water should be in each place. Possible meanings are that this refers to deciding: (1) how much rain should be in each cloud or (2) how much water should be in each sea. Alternate translation: “decided how much water should be in each place”

169028:26qy1sa path for the thunder0

Alternate translation: “he decided how the thunder can be heard” or “he decided the path of the thunderstorm”

169128:28l4burc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsSee, the fear of the Lord—that is wisdom0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word fear, you can express the same idea with the verbs “fear” or “respect.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word wisdom, you can express the same idea with another word such as “wise.” Alternate translation: “Listen, if you fear the Lord, you will be wise”

169228:28m7dqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorto depart from evil is understanding0

Here “depart from evil” means refusing to do evil things. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word understanding, you can express the same idea with the verb “understand.” Alternate translation: “if you refuse to do evil, then you will understand many things”

169329:introeli20

Job 29 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Jobs statement, but now it is directly addressed to Yahweh.

In this chapter, Job recalls the days before Yahwehs blessings were taken from him. This is only one part of Jobs argument that continues for the next 3 chapters.

169429:2h8k3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsOh, that I were as I was in the past months0

Job uses this exclamation to express a wish. Alternate translation: “I wish that I were as I was in past months”

169529:3n6ggrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwhen his lamp shined on my head0

Gods lamp shining on Job represents God blessing Job. Alternate translation: “when Gods blessing was like a lamp shining its light on my head”

169629:3z42nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwhen I walked through darkness by his light0

Walking through darkness represents experiencing difficult situations.

169729:4bk56rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorin the ripeness of my days0

Job speaks of when he was young and strong as if his days were the time when the harvest is ripe. Alternate translation: “when I was young and strong”

169829:4d6y9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounswhen the friendship of God was on my tent0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word friendship, you can express the same idea with the noun “friend.” The word “tent” represents Jobs home. Alternate translation: “when God was my friend and protected my home” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

169929:6xbc3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbolewhen my way was covered with cream0

“when my path was flowing with cream.” Job uses this exaggeration to express that he had many cows and they produced much more cream than he and his family needed. Alternate translation: “when my cows provided an abundance of cream”

170029:6bt34rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleand the rock poured out for me streams of oil0

“and the rock poured out streams of oil for me.” Job uses this exaggeration to express that he had many olive vines and great amounts of olive oil. The rock is where his servants pressed the oil out of the olives. Alternate translation: “when my servants pressed out a great amount of olive oil” or “when oil flowed like streams from the pressing rock” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

170129:7tvt7city square0

This is an open area in a village or city where two or more streets meet.

170229:8e835rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionrose and stood for me0

This is a symbol of respect. It can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “rose and stood respectfully for me”

170329:9c8d6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionThe princes used to refrain from talking when I came0

This was a sign of respect.

170429:9v8ymrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionthey would lay their hand on their mouths0

They did this to show that they would not speak. This was a sign of their respect for Job.

170529:10u1bbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveThe voices of the noblemen were hushed0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The noblemen hushed their voices” or “The noblemen stopped speaking”

170629:10nm6jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymytheir tongue clung to the roof of their mouths0

This represents them having so much respect for Job that they had nothing to say. Alternate translation: “they felt that they were unable to speak” or “they had nothing to say”

170729:11n94lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheafter their ears heard me … after their eyes saw me0

The ears represent those who heard him, and the eyes represent those who saw him. Alternate translation: “after they heard what I told them … after they saw me”

170829:11t3tuthey would then give witness to me and approve of me0

Alternate translation: “they would witness approvingly of me”

170929:12ui1trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounI rescued the one who was poor when he cried out0

Here “the one who was poor” refers to any poor person. Alternate translation: “I used to rescue poor people who cried out”

171029:13qs27rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThe blessing of him who was about to perish came on me0

Someones blessing coming on another represents that person blessing another. Alternate translation: “He who was about to perish would bless me”

171129:13ii9wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounhim who was about to perish0

This represents anyone who was about to die. Alternate translation: “those who were about to die”

171229:13v84arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheI caused the widows heart to sing for joy0

Here “the widows heart” represents any widow. Alternate translation: “I caused widows to sing joyfully” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun]])

171329:14r9i7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI put on righteousness, and it clothed me0

People often spoke of righteousness as if it were clothing. Alternate translation: “I did what was righteous, and it was like clothing that I put on”

171429:14rc4irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similemy justice was like a robe and a turban0

People often spoke of justice as if it were clothing. Alternate translation: “I did what was just, and it was like a robe and a turban on me”

171529:14qe3sturban0

a long cloth that men wrap around their heads and wear as a hat

171629:15z9qdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI was eyes to blind people0

This represents helping blind people. Alternate translation: “I was like eyes for blind people” or “I guided blind people”

171729:15qwg2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI was feet to lame people0

This represents helping blind people. Alternate translation: “I was like feet for lame people” or “I supported lame people”

171829:16dv24rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI was a father to needy people0

Here “I was a father” represents providing for people. Alternate translation: “I provided for needy people as a father provides for his children”

171929:17h48z0

General Information:

In verses 1820 Job tells about the things he used to say before bad things happened to him.

172029:17rxh7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI broke the jaws of … I plucked the victim0

Job speaks of unrighteous people who persecute others as if they were wild animals that attack their victims by picking them up between their teeth. Alternate translation: “I made unrighteous people stop persecuting people, like someone who breaks the jaw of a wild animal and rescues its victim from between its teeth”

172129:18mx7prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI will die in my nest0

Here “nest” represents Jobs home and family. Job used to speak as if he were a bird that lived in a nest with his baby birds. Alternate translation: “I will die at home with my family” or “I will die in the safety of my home”

172229:18ree7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleI will multiply my days like the grains of sand0

There are more grains of sand on the shore than anyone can count. To say that he would live more days than anyone could count is an exaggeration to express that he would live a very long time. Alternate translation: “I will live a very long time” or “I will live many years” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

172329:19f52qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorMy roots … my branches0

Job used to speak of his strength as if he were strong like a well-watered tree.

172429:20r1t1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsThe honor in me is always fresh0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word honor, you can express the same idea with the verb “honor.” Here “fresh” represents the honor being constantly given. Alternate translation: “People constantly give me honor” or “People always honor me”

172529:20bz9xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe bow of my strength is always new in my hand0

A new bow is very strong. Jobs bow of strength in his hand represents his physical strength. Alternate translation: “I am always strong like a new bow”

172629:22l3t7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similemy speech dropped like water on them0

Here “dropped like water on them” represents refreshing the people who heard him. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word speech, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “speak” or “say.” Alternate translation: “my speech refreshed their hearts as drops of water refresh peoples bodies” or “what I said to them refreshed them like drops of water” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

172729:23g4birc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileThey always waited for me as they waited for rain0

People waited for Job patiently and expected to hear good things.

172829:23dye5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthey opened their mouth wide to drink in my words0

This represents waiting eagerly for Job to speak in order to benefit from what said. Alternate translation: “they eagerly waited for me to speak in order to benefit from what I said”

172929:23wd9has they would do for the latter rain0

Alternate translation: “as farmers wait eagerly for the latter rain”

173029:23v5kvthe latter rain0

This refers to the large amount of rain that falls just before the dry season.

173129:24vxz9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitI smiled on them0

It can be stated clearly that the purpose of smiling was to encourage them. Alternate translation: “I smiled on them to encourage them”

173229:24b3dwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe light of my face0

This represents the kindness they saw in Jobs face.

173329:25nhm5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI selected their way0

Here “selected their way” represents deciding what they should do.

173429:25gh9mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymysat as their chief0

Here “sat” represents ruling or leading. Chiefs sat down when they made important decisions. Alternate translation: “led them as their chief”

173529:25azd4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymysat as their chief0

Job was their chief. Alternate translation: “led them because I was their chief”

173629:25dv86rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileI lived like a king in his army0

Job speaks of how he led the people and how they obeyed him as if he were a king and they were his army.

173729:25nmq6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitlike one who comforts mourners0

This phrase means that Job actually was one who comforted people. Alternate translation: “I comforted them when they mourned”

173830:introu96h0

Job 30 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Jobs statement, but now it is directly addressed to Yahweh.

In this chapter, Job laments his current condition as others insult him. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/lament]])

173930:1ghr9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitwhose fathers I would have refused to allow to work beside the dogs of my flock0

This shows how much he despised those fathers. They were not even good enough to be with his dogs. Alternate translation: “whose fathers I despised and would not have allowed to work beside the dogs of my flock”

174030:1bw8lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitthe dogs of my flock0

The dogs relationship to the flock can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the dogs that guarded my flock”

174130:2dkd7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIndeed, the strength of their fathers hands, how could it have helped me … perished?0

Job uses this question to mock the weakness of those men. Alternate translation: “The strength of their fathers hands could not have helped me … perished.”

174230:2n58xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphormen in whom the strength of their mature age had perished0

Their strength perishing is a metaphor that represents no longer being strong but weak. The phrase “mature age” refers to them being old. Alternate translation: “men who had become old and had no strength” or “men who had become old and weak”

174330:3b5giThey were thin from poverty and hunger0

The word “They” refers to the fathers of the young mockers.

174430:3i6mnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsThey were thin from poverty and hunger0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word poverty, you can express the same idea with another word such as “poor.” If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word hunger, you can express the same idea with the words “hungry” or “starving.” Alternate translation: “They were very thin because they were poor and starving”

174530:3j6n1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythey gnawed at the dry ground0

This could mean: (1) “dry ground” is a metonym for the dry roots that grow in the ground. Alternate translation: “they chewed on the dry roots they found in the ground” or (2) “gnawed at the dried ground” is a metonym for eating whatever they could find in the dry ground.

174630:4dz4rConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to talk about the fathers of the mockers.

174730:4lbt6saltwort … bushes leaves … the roots of the broom tree0

These are plants that people would eat only if they could find nothing better.

174830:4c9mnthe roots of the broom tree were their food0

This could mean: (1) the people ate the roots of the broom tree or (2) the people warmed themselves by burning the roots of broom trees.

174930:5k9yzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveThey were driven out from among people who shouted after them as … a thief0

The phrase “were driven out” means “were forced to leave.” These phrases can be reordered and stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The people shouted after them as … a thief and forced them to leave”

175030:5lwr2shouted after them as one would shout after a thief0

Alternate translation: “shouted at them as though they were thieves”

175130:7f7j8Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to talk about the fathers of the mockers.

175230:7kkv4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similebrayed like donkeys0

Job speaks of the men crying out in hunger as if they were wild donkeys making a loud noise. Alternate translation: “cried out like wild donkeys because they were hungry”

175330:7dmg5they gathered together under the nettles0

“Nettles” are bushes with sharp thorns. This implies that they did not have a home.

175430:8i8txrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThey were the sons of fools0

Here “were the sons of fools” represents having the characteristics fools. Alternate translation: “They were like fools” or “they were fools”

175530:8h66qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorindeed, sons of nameless people0

The word “indeed” shows that what follows strengthens the previous thought. Here “sons of nameless people” represents having the characteristics of nameless people. Alternate translation: “indeed, they were nameless people” or “indeed, they were worthless”

175630:8juk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphornameless people0

Here being “nameless” represents having no honor or respect. It means that they are worthless. Alternate translation: “worthless people”

175730:8wl4wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyThey were driven out of the land with whips0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. This could mean: (1) the idea of whips implies that they were being treated like criminals. Alternate translation: “People treated them like criminals and forced them to leave the land” or (2) people actually used whips to force them out. Alternate translation: “People whipped them and forced them to leave the land”

175830:8r31iThey were driven out of the land0

Here “the land” refers to the land where they lived before they were forced to go out to the wilderness.

175930:9krm8Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job speaks again about the people who were mocking him.

176030:9v6wtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsBut now I have become the subject of their taunting song0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word song, you can express the same idea with the verb “sing.” Alternate translation: “But now they sing songs about me to taunt me”

176130:9u5hmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyI have become a byword for them0

Here “byword” is a metonym for the person about whom people make cruel jokes. Alternate translation: “I am now one whom they make cruel jokes about” or “They joke and say cruel things about me”

176230:10sx1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesthey do not refrain from spitting in my face0

This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “they even spit in my face”

176330:11r95hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGod has unstrung the string to my bow0

A bow that is unstrung is not useful. The phrase “has unstrung the string of my bow” is a metaphor for making Job powerless. Alternate translation: “God has taken away my power to defend myself”

176430:11pll3those who taunt me0

Alternate translation: “those who mock me”

176530:11sq6drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorcast off restraint before my face0

A restraint keeps a person from moving freely and doing what he wants. Here “restraint” represents refraining from doing something, and “cast off restraint” represents not refraining from doing something. In this case the mockers did not refrain from being cruel to Job. Alternate translation: “do not refrain from being cruel to me” or “do whatever cruel things they want to do to me” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

176630:12u9wmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

General Information:

Job speaks about the mockers treating him cruelly as if they were a mob and an army attacking him.

176730:12l5wgConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to speak about the people who were mocking him.

176830:12z8g5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyUpon my right hand rise the rabble0

“the rabble rise upon my right hand.” This could mean: (1) rising upon Jobs right hand represents attacking his strength. Alternate translation: “Gangs of young people attack my strength” or (2) rising upon Jobs right hand represents attacking his honor. Alternate translation: “Mobs attack my honor” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

176930:12bxs3they drive me away0

Alternate translation: “they force me to run away”

177030:12tdu8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorpile up against me their siege mounds0

Armies would pile up mounds of dirt along a citys wall in order to climb over the wall and attack the city. Job speaks of the mockers preparing to attack him as if they were doing that. Alternate translation: “prepare to attack me like an army that prepares to attack a city”

177130:13sv3yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThey destroy my path0

This represents keeping Job from escaping their attack. Alternate translation: “They prevent me from escaping from them”

177230:13x9pdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthey push forward disaster for me0

Here “push forward disaster” represents trying to make disaster happen. Alternate translation: “they try to make disaster happen to me” or “they try to destroy me”

177330:13ayx7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphormen who have no one to hold them back0

Here “hold them back” represents stopping them from doing something. Alternate translation: “men who have no one to stop them from attacking me”

177430:14su1src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor0

General Information:

Job speaks about the mockers treating him cruelly as if they were an army attacking him.

177530:14p4jwConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues to speak about the people who were mocking him.

177630:14b1fxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileThey come against me like an army through a wide hole in a city wall0

This represents attacking Job forcefully.

177730:14g1jirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthey roll themselves in on me0

This represents many coming to attack him at once, like giant ocean waves rolling in on him.

177830:15su3jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorTerrors are turned upon me0

This could mean: (1) Job has become terrified or (2) things are happening to Job that make him afraid.

177930:15y58lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similemy honor is driven away as if by the wind0

Job speaks of suddenly having no honor as if the wind had blown it from him. Alternate translation: “Nobody honors me” or “I am now a person that people do not honor”

178030:15qzd6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similemy prosperity passes away as a cloud0

Job speaks of his prosperity ending as if it were a cloud that was blown away. Here “prosperity” may refer to well-being or safety. Alternate translation: “I no longer prosper at all” or “I am no longer safe”

178130:16vq4crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorNow my life is pouring out from within me0

Job speaks as if his life were a liquid and his body were a container. He feels he is about to die. Alternate translation: “Now I am dying”

178230:16yd79rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationmany days of suffering have laid hold on me0

Job speaks of his continuous suffering as if the days of suffering have grabbed hold of him. Alternate translation: “I suffer many days, and the suffering does not end”

178330:17s5h2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphormy bones in me are pierced0

Job speaks of the pain in his bones as if his bones were being pierced. Alternate translation: “my bones ache terribly” or “I have sharp pain in my bones”

178430:17q849rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationthe pains that gnaw at me take no rest0

Job speaks of his constant pain as if it were alive and biting him and refuses to rest. Alternate translation: “the pains that cause me to suffer do not stop” or “I am in constant pain”

178530:18x296rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyGods great force has seized my clothing0

Job speaks of God using his force as if Gods force were actually doing something. Here “Gods … force” stands for “God.” Alternate translation: “God has seized my clothing by his great force”

178630:18wpi4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorGods great force has seized my clothing0

The image of Gods force seizing Job is a metaphor. This could mean: (1) it represents Jobs pain. Alternate translation: “My pain feels like God has grabbed my clothing tightly” or (2) it represents Gods causing Jobs many problems. Alternate translation: “It is as though by his great force God has grabbed me by my clothes”

178730:18tm94rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorit wraps around me like the collar of my tunic0

The image of Gods force wrapping around Job is a metaphor. This could mean: (1) it represents Jobs pain. Alternate translation: “he wraps the collar of my tunic tightly around me” or (2) it represents Gods causing Jobs many problems. Alternate translation: “It is as though he grabs me by the collar of my tunic”

178830:19aa4hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe has thrown me into the mud0

Job says that God has humiliated him. Alternate translation: “It is as though he has thrown me in the mud” or “He has humiliated me, like a person thrown in the mud”

178930:19m43krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileI have become like dust and ashes0

This represents Jobs feeling of being worthless. Alternate translation: “I have become as worthless as dust and ashes”

179030:21k1gacruel0

This word means unkind.

179130:21xk2hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymywith the strength of your hand you persecute me0

The word “hand” represents Gods power. Alternate translation: “you persecute me with your power”

179230:22v3biConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to God.

179330:22zy94rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorlift me up to the wind … throw me back and forth in a storm0

These expressions represent the extreme suffering that God made Job endure.

179430:22h7x7cause it to drive me along0

Alternate translation: “cause the wind to push me along”

179530:23py4prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoryou will bring me to death0

Here “bring me to death” represents causing Job to die. Alternate translation: “you will cause me to die”

179630:23a3ymrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe house appointed for all the living0

Job speaks of the world of the dead as if it were a house to which God has appointed all living things to go. Alternate translation: “the world of the dead, to which everything that has ever lived goes”

179730:23nf6mall the living0

That is, all things now alive, but that will die one day.

179830:24ly2eConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Job continues speaking to God.

179930:24s7pprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestiondoes no one reach out with his hand to beg for help when he falls? Does no one in trouble call out for help?0

Job uses these questions to justify himself for crying out to God for help. Alternate translation: “Everyone reaches out with his hand to beg for help when he falls. Everyone who is in trouble calls out for help.” or “I have fallen, and so God should not think I am doing wrong when I beg for his help. I am in trouble, so of course I call out for help!”

180030:24giv9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestiondoes no one reach out with his hand to beg for help when he falls? Does no one in trouble call out for help?0

Some versions interpret these questions as Job complaining that God has reached out with his hand to harm Job when Job was in trouble and crying out for help. Alternate translation: “Surely no one would reach out with his hand against someone who falls and calls out for help.”

180130:25k5gwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDid not I weep … trouble? Did I not grieve … man?0

Job uses these questions to remind God of how Job had done good to others. A: “You know that I wept … trouble, and I grieved … man!”

180230:26dxl4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorWhen I hoped for good, then evil came0

Looking for good represents hoping for good things, and evil coming represents evil things happening.

180330:26n1jnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI waited for light … darkness came0

Here “light” represents Gods blessing and favor and “darkness” represents trouble and suffering. Alternate translation: “I waited for the light of Gods blessing, but instead I experienced the darkness of suffering”

180430:27r36urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationMy heart is troubled and does not rest0

Job speaks of his heart as if it were a person. Alternate translation: “I am troubled in my heart and the feeling does not end”

180530:27u2glrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphordays of affliction have come on me0

Days of affliction coming on Job represents Job experiencing affliction for many days. Alternate translation: “I experience affliction many days” or “I suffer every day”

180630:28i5gurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI have gone about0

Here “have gone about” represents living. Alternate translation: “I have lived” or “I live”

180730:28fj2nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorlike one who was living in the dark, but not because of the sun0

Here “living in the dark” is a metaphor that represents being extremely sad. The phrase “but not because of the sun” clarifies that “living in the dark” is a metaphor, that is, the darkness is not caused by the sun being hidden. Alternate translation: “like one who is terribly sad”

180830:29f66brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphora brother to jackals, a companion of ostriches0

Being a brother to these animals is a metaphor for being like them. Alternate translation: “I am like jackals and ostriches that cry out in the wilderness”

180930:30udu9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochemy bones are burned with heat0

Here “bones” refers to the whole body, which suffers from fever.

181030:31qj9src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymymy harp is tuned for songs of mourning0

Here “my harp” represents Job himself, and also represents his desire to sing only songs of mourning. Alternate translation: “I play only songs of mourning on my harp”

181130:31v1krrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymymy flute for the singing of those who wail0

Here “my flute” represents Job himself, and also his desire to sing only songs of crying. Alternate translation: “I play only songs of wailing on my flute”

181230:31d2w2wail0

To wail is to cry very loudly because of terrible sadness or pain.

181331:introleq90

Job 31 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This chapter is a continuation of Jobs statement and it is directly addressed to Yahweh.

In this chapter, Job presents his case to Yahweh that he is upright and not guilty of the sins he is being accused of. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/guilt]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]])

181431:1ka6erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI have made a covenant with my eyes0

Job speaks of making a promise about what he would look at as though his eyes were a person and he made a covenant with them. Alternate translation: “I have made a firm promise about what I will look at” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

181531:1af9xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitI have made a covenant with my eyes0

What job promised can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “I made a promise that I will not look lustfully on a virgin” or “I promised that I will not look lustfully on a virgin”

181631:1sxi9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionhow then should I look with desire on a virgin?0

Job uses this question to emphasize that he would never break his promise. Alternate translation: “So I certainly will not look with lust at a virgin.”

181731:2p7x8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorFor what is the portion from God above, the inheritance from the Almighty on high?0

Job speaks of Gods response to peoples behavior as if it were the portion of an inheritance that God gives. Alternate translation: “For how will God above respond to me? What will the Almighty on high do?” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

181831:2ygr6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionFor what is the portion from God above, the inheritance from the Almighty on high?0

Possible meanings are Job uses this question to emphasize: (1) that God will not bless bad behavior. Alternate translation: “For if I look lustfully on a woman, God Almighty on high will not bless me.” or (2) that God will punish bad behavior. Alternate translation: “For if I look lustfully on a woman, God Almighty on high will certainly punish me.”

181931:4vf6mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorDoes not God see my ways and count all my steps?0

Here “my ways” and “my steps” are metaphors for Jobs behavior. Here “see my ways” and “count all my steps” are metaphors for knowing everything Job does. Job uses this question to emphasize that God does know all he does. Alternate translation: “Certainly God watches me and knows everything that I do.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

182031:4n2ehrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitDoes not God see my ways and count all my steps?0

Job may be implying that God should know that Job is righteous and does not deserve calamity and disaster.

182131:5zdh8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoIf I have0

In 31:540 Job describes different situations in which he would deserve Gods punishment. But, he knows that they are not true and he is innocent.

182231:5a5strc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwalked with falsehood, if my foot has hurried to deceit0

Here “walked” and “hurried” are metaphors that represent how Job lived. Alternate translation: “done anything false or purposely deceived anyone”

182331:6ndj9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorlet me be weighed in an even balance0

People used balances to weigh items and to determine their value. This image represents judging honestly. It can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “let me be judged honestly” or “let God judge me honestly” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

182431:7fm8crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorIf my step has turned aside from the way0

Here “my step” is a metaphor for Jobs behavior, and “turned out of the right way” is a metaphor for changing from living right. Alternate translation: “If I have changed from living right” or “If I have stopped doing what is right”

182531:7r29irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyif my heart has gone after my eyes0

Here “my heart” and “my eyes” are metonyms for what Job desires and sees. The heart going after the eyes is a metaphor for desiring to do what he sees. It is implied that this refers to sinful things that Job sees. Alternate translation: “if I have wanted to do any sinful things that I see” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

182631:7tvw5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorif any spot has stuck to my hands0

This is a metaphor for being guilty. Alternate translation: “if I am guilty of any sin at all”

182731:8b7e8then let me sow, and let another eat, and let my crops be uprooted0

Job is saying that if he really has sinned, then this bad thing should happen to him. He would do the hard work of sowing his fields, but he would not be able to eat any of it.

182831:8xs19rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivelet my crops be uprooted0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “let someone else come and take the harvest from my field”

182931:9p1ynrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheIf my heart has been deceived by a woman0

Here “my heart” represents Job. Here the word “deceived” expresses the idea of “enticed.” The word “woman” expresses the idea of “another mans wife.” If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If another mans wife has enticed me” or “If I have desired another mans wife” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

183031:9rs8zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitif I have lain in wait at my neighbors door0

It can be stated clearly why he was waiting at his neighbors door. Alternate translation: “if I have waited at my neighbors door so I could sleep with his wife”

183131:10ngk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismthen let my wife grind grain for another0

This could mean: (1) this is an euphemism which means Job is saying may his wife sleep with another man or (2) it means she will become a slave and work for another man.

183231:11ds7eFor that would be a terrible crime0

The word “that” refers to Job sleeping with another woman.

183331:11h8zirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveit would be a crime to be punished by judges0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it would be a crime for which judges would be right to punish me”

183431:12r4vnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorFor that is a fire that consumes as far as Abaddon, and it would burn all my harvest to the root0

Job speaks of the harm that sleeping with another woman causes as if it were a fire that destroys everything. The words “that” and “it” refer to sleeping with another mans wife. Alternate translation: “For adultery is like a fire that burns up everything from here to Abaddon and that would burn up all my harvest”

183531:12i923rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorconsumes as far as Abaddon0

These words are probably a metaphor for “destroys everything so I have nothing good for the rest of my life,” but you should probably translate this literally.

183631:12bn97rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyit would burn all my harvest to the root0

The word “it” here refers to the action sleeping with another mans wife. This action is a metonym for the punishment that Job would suffer as a result of the action. A fire burning up his harvest is a synecdoche for losing everything he has worked for. Alternate translation: “those who punish me would take away everything I have worked for” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

183731:14s3xgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionwhat then would I do when God rises up to accuse me? When he comes to judge me, how would I answer him?0

Job uses these questions to emphasize that if God were to judge him, Job would not be able to make himself appear to be good. Alternate translation: “then there would be absolutely nothing I could say to defend myself when God comes to judge me.”

183831:15jl2jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDid the one who made me in the womb not make them also? Did not the same one mold us all in the womb?0

Job uses these questions to emphasize that he is no different from his servants. He implies that God would be angry if Job were to treat his servants as less valuable than himself. Alternate translation: “The one who made me in the womb also made them. He formed us all in the womb.”

183931:16yzr5If I have withheld poor people from their desire0

Alternate translation: “If I have kept poor people from getting what they desire”

184031:16e9r8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomif I have caused the eyes of the widow to grow dim from crying0

Here “to grow dim” refers to the widow having bad eyesight from crying a lot. Alternate translation: “if I have caused a widow to cry in great sadness”

184131:17gs2bmy morsel0

Alternate translation: “my food”

184231:18xz2irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounbecause from my youth the orphan grew up with me as with a father0

Here “the orphan” represents orphans in general. Job is describing how he truly treated orphans. Alternate translation: “because even when I was young I took care of orphans like a father”

184331:18z518rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisbecause from my youth0

The phrase “But I have done none of those things” is understood from the context. Alternate translation: “But I have done none of those things, because from my youth”

184431:18ibm5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleI have guided his mother, a widow, from my own mothers womb0

Job is describing how he truly treated widows. With the phrase “from my own mothers womb” he uses exaggeration to emphasize that he did this all his life. Alternate translation: “all my life I have guided the orphans mother, a widow” or “all my life I have guided widows”

184531:20ut9qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheif his heart has not blessed me0

The phrase “his heart” represents the poor man who needs clothing. Alternate translation: “if he has not blessed me”

184631:20r66urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymybecause he has not been warmed with the wool of my sheep0

Here “the wool of my sheep” represents blankets or clothing made from the wool of Jobs sheep. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “because the wool of my sheep has not warmed him” or “because I have not given him clothing made from the wool of my sheep” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

184731:21mf7qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyif I have lifted up my hand against fatherless people0

Lifting up the hand against someone represents threatening to harm him. Alternate translation: “if I have threatened to harm fatherless people”

184831:21wu45rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI saw my support in the city gate0

Here “saw” is a metaphor for “knew,” “support” is a metaphor for “approval,” and “the city gate” is a metonym for the leaders who sit at the city gate. Alternate translation: “I knew that the leaders at the city gate would approve of me” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

184931:21w7s9in the city gate0

This is where the important men of the city would gather to make decisions.

185031:21y72nthen bring charges against me0

This phrase is not in the original language or in other versions of the Bible. It was added here to help preserve the meaning of Jobs statement in this long sentence.

185131:22sqk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivethen let my shoulder fall from the shoulder blade, and let my arm be broken from its joint0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “then let someone tear off my shoulder from the shoulder blade and break my arm from its joint”

185231:23ss4jFor I dreaded … his majesty0

This is the reason that Job did not do any of the wicked things he spoke of in verses 7 through 21.

185331:24r6lgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsIf I have made gold my hope0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word hope, you can express the same idea with the verbs “trust” or “hope.” Alternate translation: “If I trusted in gold” or “If I hoped that having a lot of gold would make me secure”

185431:24s4smrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismif I have said to fine gold, You are what I am confident in0

This line means the same as the previous line.

185531:25bt3prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymymy hand had gotten many possessions0

Here “my hand” represents Jobs ability to do things. Alternate translation: “I have gained many possessions by my own ability”

185631:25sk1tthen bring charges against me0

This phrase is not in the original language or in other versions of the Bible. It was added here to help preserve the meaning of Jobs statement in this long sentence.

185731:26g5ilrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationthe moon walking0

Here “walking” represents moving slowly. Alternate translation: “the moon moving across the sky”

185831:26m93prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsthe moon walking in its brightness0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word brightness, you can express the same idea with the words “bright” or “brightly.” Alternate translation: “the bright moon moving across the sky” or “the moon moving brightly across the sky”

185931:27qcf6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheif my heart has been secretly attracted0

Here “my heart” represents Job. This phrase can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “if I have been secretly attracted to them” or “if I have secretly desired to worship them” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

186031:27wm2trc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionso that my mouth has kissed my hand0

Here “my mouth” represents Job. This is a sign of love and devotion. Alternate translation: “so that I have kissed my hand”

186131:28pwl3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveto be punished by judges0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for which judges would be right to punish me”

186231:28g5xtI would have denied the God who is above0

Alternate translation: “I would have been unfaithful to the God who is above”

186331:29b1imrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsat the destruction of anyone who hated me0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word destruction, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “destroy.” Alternate translation: “when anyone who hated me was destroyed” or “when bad things happened to anyone who hated me”

186431:29p1ntwhen disaster overtook him0

Alternate translation: “when he experienced disasters”

186531:29hvt5then bring charges against me0

This phrase is not in the original language or in other versions of the Bible. It was added here to help preserve the meaning of Jobs statement in this long sentence.

186631:30w93crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheIndeed, I have not even allowed my mouth to sin0

Here “my mouth” represents Job speaking. Alternate translation: “Truly I did not let myself sin” or “Truly, I did not sin”

186731:30jng4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyby asking for his life with a curse0

Here “asking for his life with a curse” represents cursing someones life so that he will die. Alternate translation: “by cursing him so that he would die” or “by cursing his life”

186831:31ng3arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe men of my tent0

The tent represents Jobs household. The men of his tent includes family members and servants. All of these knew Job well. Alternate translation: “the men of my household” or “my family members and servants”

186931:31hwl9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho can find one who has not been filled with Jobs food?0

Jobs men would have used this question to emphasize that Job was generous to everyone. Alternate translation: “Everyone has been filled with Jobs food!” or “Everyone we know of has eaten as much of Jobs food as he wanted!”

187031:32uns3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyeven the foreigner has never had to stay in the city square0

Job is explaining how he truly treated foreigners. Here “stay in the city square” represents sleeping overnight in the city square. Alternate translation: “foreigners have never had to sleep in the city square” or “foreigners have never had to sleep outside”

187131:32h895rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyI have always opened my doors to the traveler0

Here “opened my doors to the traveler” represents welcoming the traveler into his home. Alternate translation: “I have always welcomed the traveler into my home”

187231:32p6kkand if that is not so, then bring charges against me0

This phrase is not in the original language or in other versions of the Bible. It was added here to help preserve the meaning of Jobs statement in this long sentence.

187331:33sb1qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorIf … I have hidden my sins0

Here “have hidden my sins” represents trying to keep people from knowing that he had sinned. Alternate translation: “If … I have tried to keep my sins a secret”

187431:33jav4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorby hiding my guilt inside my tunic0

This represents trying to keep people from knowing that he is guilty. Alternate translation: “by hiding the evidence of my guilt inside my tunic” or “like one who hides the evidence of his guilt inside his tunic”

187531:34b8mlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismbecause I feared the great multitude, because the contempt of families terrified me0

This would be the reason for hiding his sins. These mean the same thing. They emphasize that a person may hide his sin because he fears what other people may think about him.

187631:34ia4hthen bring charges against me0

This phrase is not in the original language or in other versions of the Bible. It was added here to help preserve the meaning of Jobs statement in this long sentence.

187731:35i9lkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsOh, if only I had someone to hear me!0

This exclamation expresses Jobs wish. Alternate translation: “I wish I had someone to hear me” or “I wish that someone would listen to me”

187831:35vmt3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhere is my signature0

Here “my signature” represents Jobs promise that everything he is saying is true. He speaks of his complaint as if he had written a legal document. Alternate translation: “I solemnly promise that all I have said is true”

187931:35v1vprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitlet the Almighty answer me!0

Here an answer probably refers to telling Job what wrong he accuses Job of doing. Alternate translation: “let the Almighty tell me what I have done wrong” or “I wish the Almighty would say what I have done wrong”

188031:35u84zIf only I had the indictment that my opponent has written!0

This expresses Jobs wish. Job speaks as though his troubles are evidence that someone has written something accusing him of terrible sin. Alternate translation: “I wish I had the accusation that my opponent has written” or “If only I could read my opponents complaint against me”

188131:35qku3my opponent0

This could mean: (1) this refers to God or (2) this refers to someone else.

188231:36gw5arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorSurely I would carry it openly on my shoulder; I would put it on like a crown0

This represents putting it where everyone could read it.

188331:37l5p7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI would declare to him an accounting for my steps0

Here “my steps” represents Jobs actions. Alternate translation: “I would declare to him an accounting for all I have done” or “I would tell him everything I have done”

188431:37mvd6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileas a confident prince I would go up to him0

This means Job would approach God without any fear. Job implies that he could do this because he was not guilty. Alternate translation: “I would approach him boldly”

188531:38g2jvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypo0

General Information:

This concludes Jobs description of situations in which he would deserve Gods punishment, but he knows they are not true.

188631:38r91trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationIf my land ever cries out against me, and its furrows weep together0

Job speaks of being guilty as if his land were a person who cries out against Job because of the wrong Job has done to the land. Alternate translation: “If I have done wrong concerning my land” or “If I have stolen my land from someone”

188731:39vfe3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyto lose their lives0

This represents dying. Alternate translation: “to die”

188831:40k93zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisweeds instead of barley0

The words “let” and “grow” are understood from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “let weeds grow instead of barley”

188932:intropq4v0

Job 32 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Jobs friends give up on trying to convince him that he is being punished for sinning. This chapter introduces Elihu who was a witness to these interactions between Job and his friends. According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is the first of Elihus four statements. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/testimony]])

Some translations prefer to set apart extended quotations, prayers, or songs. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of 32:622, which is an extended quotation, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. This quotation continues through the next chapter.

189032:1k2f6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhe was righteous in his own eyes0

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents thoughts or judgment. Alternate translation: “he considered himself righteous”

189132:2cr7drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThen was kindled the anger of Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram; it was kindled against Job0

This compares Elihus anger to someone starting a fire. Also, If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry with Job” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

189232:2hxc1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesElihu … Barakel … Ram0

These are names of men.

189332:2l6vjrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesBuzite0

This is the name of a people-group.

189432:2iub4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicithe justified himself rather than God0

This means that he considered himself innocent and believed God had been wrong to punish him. Alternate translation: “he justified himself and claimed that God had been wrong to punish him”

189532:3p4awrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorElihus anger was also kindled against his three friends0

This compares Elihus anger to someone starting a fire. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Elihu also became very angry with his three friends” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

189632:4w92drc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-backgroundNow0

This word is used here to mark a break in the main story line. This tells background information about Elihu.

189732:5mm6zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthat there was no answer in the mouths of these three men0

This means that the men were done speaking to Job. This speaks of the men possibly having an answer as if the answer were an object that would be in their mouths. Alternate translation: “that these three men had nothing else to say” or “that these three men had no more answers to give Job”

189832:5xt4nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhis anger was kindled0

This compares Elihus anger to someone starting a fire. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he became very angry” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

189932:6jj95rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youyou are very old0

Here “you” is plural and refers to Job and his three friends.

190032:7z9d9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyLength of days should speak; a multitude of years should teach wisdom0

These two lines mean the same thing. Elihu emphasizes that since older people are wiser than younger people, they should be the first to speak of what they know. Alternate translation: “He who has lived many years should speak; He would is older should teach wisdom” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

190132:8le8vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismthere is a spirit in a man; the breath of the Almighty0

Both phrases mean the same thing. Elihu is emphasizing that a mans wisdom comes from God. Alternate translation: “there is a spirit in a man, that is, the breath of the Almighty that”

190232:8tg64rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythe breath of the Almighty0

Here the spirit is represented by “breath.” Alternate translation: “the spirit of the Almighty”

190332:11c94uSee0

Elihu uses this word here to draw the mens attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

190432:11vq5wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youI waited for your words0

“I waited to hear what you would say.” The word “your” refers to Jobs friends.

190532:12cem5who could respond to his words0

Here the word “respond” does not just mean to answer, but to answer with a helpful response.

190632:13ys9lWe have found wisdom0

This means that they believe that they have figured out what is wise. Alternate translation: “We have discovered what is wise”

190732:13pwq9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorto defeat Job0

This speaks of God responding to Job and correcting him as if he were defeating him in battle. Alternate translation: “to refute Job” or “to answer Job”

190832:14q8fqwith your words0

Alternate translation: “by saying what you have said”

190932:15gi7ddumbfounded0

amazed, unable to speak

191032:16k7n7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionShould I wait because they are not speaking, because they stand there silent and answer no more?0

Elihu uses a question to emphasize that he will not wait any longer to speak. Elihu answers this question himself in the next verse. Alternate translation: But because you do not speak, I certainly will not wait any longer; you merely stand there and do not reply anymore.

191132:17ii5qI also will answer on my part0

Alternate translation: “I will now take my turn to answer”

191232:18j46irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI am full of words0

Elihu speaks of having a lot to say as being full of words. Alternate translation: “I have so much to say”

191332:18t9etthe spirit in me compels me0

Alternate translation: “my spirit forces me to say it”

191432:19l5s6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similemy breast is like fermenting wine that has no vent; like new wineskins, it is ready to burst0

While wine is fermenting, gas collects in the container. If the gas is not let out the container will burst. Elihu means that he has so much to say that if he does not speak he feels like he will burst. Also, these two phrases are parallel and have the same meaning. Alternate translation: “I feel like my breast is about to burst, like a container of fermenting wine that has no vent” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

191532:19a7czrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochemy breast is0

This represents Elihu, specifically his spirit. Alternate translation: “my spirit is” or “I am”

191632:20m29yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveI may be refreshed0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “I may feel better”

191732:20w6zzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheopen my lips0

Here the “lips” represent the mouth. Alternate translation: “open my mouth”

191832:21mi73neither will I give honorific titles to any man0

Alternate translation: “neither will I praise any man or give him titles of honor”

191932:22nb65my Maker0

This is a name referring to God. Alternate translation: “God who made me”

192032:22i4r2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismtake me away0

This means that he would destroy him. Alternate translation: “destroy me”

192133:introt7rx0

Job 33 General Notes

Structure and formatting

According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is a continuation of the first of Elihus four statements and it is addressed to Job. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/testimony]])

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. This quotation is a continuation of the previous chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Gods mercy

While Job has been complaining about the lack of justice and response from Yahweh, Elihu shows Job that Yahweh has shown him great mercy along the way. He is still alive because of Yahwehs mercy. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/mercy]])

192233:1m7lurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismhear my speech; listen to all my words0

These two phrases mean the same thing. Elihu is emphasizing that Job must listen carefully.

192333:2j572rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismI have opened my mouth … my tongue has spoken in my mouth0

These mean the same thing. Elihu is emphasizing that he is now ready to speak. His “tongue” speaking represents himself speaking. Alternate translation: “I have opened my mouth and I have begun to speak” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

192433:3u1kkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheMy words come from the uprightness of my heart0

Here Elihu refers to himself by his “heart” as he speaks of being upright. Alternate translation: “I will speak with uprightness” or “I will speak with complete honesty”

192533:3j6sdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochemy lips speak pure knowledge0

Here Elihu refers to himself by his “lips” to emphasize his speech. Alternate translation: “I will speak sincerely to you the things I know”

192633:4g749rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismThe Spirit of God … has given me life0

These two lines mean the same thing. Elihu is emphasizing that God has made him and so gives authority to what he is saying.

192733:5ikf4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorset your words in order before me and stand up0

This speaks of Job preparing what he will say as if he were setting up and organizing physical objects. Alternate translation: “prepare what you will say, and stand up and answer me”

192833:6ie4uSee0

Elihu uses this word here to draw Jobs attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

192933:6dis8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI am just as you are in Gods sight0

Here sight represents judgment or evaluation. Alternate translation: “I am just as you are in Gods judgment” or “God judges me the same way that he judges you”

193033:6ym3brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI also have been formed out of the clay0

Though people are not made out of clay, God has made everyone as a potter carefully makes things out of clay. Alternate translation: “God has made both of us just as a potter forms things from clay”

193133:6q828rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveI also have been formed0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God has also made me” or “God has formed both of us”

193233:7dmb1terror of me will not make you afraid0

Alternate translation: “you do not need to be afraid of me”

193333:7y53lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorneither will my pressure be heavy upon you0

This means that he will not hinder Job or burden him. He speaks of emotional burden here as if it were a heavy physical burden. Alternate translation: “neither will I burden you” or “I will not oppress you with what I say”

193433:8zu7cin my hearing0

Alternate translation: “where I could hear you”

193533:8c2f7I have heard the sound of your words saying0

Alternate translation: “I have heard you say”

193633:9f62qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorclean0

A person who God considers spiritually acceptable is spoken of as if the person were physically clean.

193733:9h3f9there is no sin in me0

Alternate translation: “I have not sinned”

193833:10f8tfSee0

The speaker uses this word here to draw attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

193933:11ra4erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe puts my feet in stocks0

“Stocks” are wooden blocks a jailer puts around a prisoners feet to restrict his movement. Job speaks of feeling like he is a prisoner by saying that he is in stocks. Alternate translation: “I feel he has made me a prisoner”

194033:11w3jarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymymy paths0

These words refer to where he goes. Here where he goes represents what he does. Alternate translation: “everything that I do”

194133:12bbu1I will answer you0

Elihu is speaking to Job.

194233:13z74qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhy do you struggle against him?0

Elihu uses this question to emphasize that Job should not struggle against God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You should not struggle against God.” or “You should not try to argue with God.”

194333:13m749He does not account for any of his doings0

Alternate translation: “He does not have to explain to us anything he does”

194433:14gyh6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomGod speaks once—yes, twice0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “God speaks again and again in different ways”

194533:15zz7arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelisma dream … a vision of the night0

These phrases have the same meaning.

194633:15vq5qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwhen deep sleep falls upon men, in slumber on the bed0

This speaks of people being in a deep sleep as if the sleep fell upon them or overcame them. Alternate translation: “when people are fully asleep on their bed”

194733:16cgu3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthen God opens the ears of men0

This speaks of God making people aware of things as if he were opening their ears so that they could hear. Alternate translation: “then God reveals things to people”

194833:17qd6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorin order to pull man back from0

This speaks of God keeping someone from doing something as if he were physically pulling him away from harm. Alternate translation: “in order to keep him from”

194933:18t4umrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismGod keeps mans life back from the pit … his life from crossing over to death0

Both of these statements mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “God saves people from the grave and from death”

195033:18d93mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe pit0

The place where people go when they die is referred to here as “the pit.” Alternate translation: “the place where dead people are”

195133:18bd6lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiommans life back … his life0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “man from dying and … he keeps him”

195233:18lgc1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyfrom crossing over to death0

Here “death” represents the place where people go when they die, that is, sheol. Alternate translation: “from going to sheol”

195333:19pgn6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveMan is punished also0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God also punishes a person”

195433:19x9jgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitwith pain on his bed0

This means that the person is experiencing such pain that he must lie in bed. Alternate translation: “with pain so that he must lie in bed”

195533:20ubm9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismso that his life abhors food, and his soul abhors delicacies0

These two phrases mean basically the same thing, that the person is in so much pain that he cannot even eat. The person is represented by his “life” and his “soul.” Alternate translation: “the result is that he does not desire any food, not even very special food” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

195633:20x7zpabhors delicacies0

Alternate translation: “hates even very special food”

195733:21f64yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveHis flesh is consumed away so that it cannot be seen; his bones, once not seen, now stick out0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. “His flesh” refers to his fat and muscles, not to his bodys outer skin. Alternate translation: “Disease makes his body weak and thin so that a person can see his bones”

195833:22gup8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochehis soul draws close to the pit0

Here a person is represented by his “soul.” Alternate translation: “he is close to going into the grave”

195933:22v3zirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe pit0

The place where people go when they die is referred to here as “the pit.” Alternate translation: “the place where dead people are”

196033:22ne1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochehis life to those who wish to destroy it0

Here the person is represented by his “life.” The phrase “those who wish to destroy it” refers to the place where people go after they die. Alternate translation: “and he is close to going to the place where dead people go” or “and he will soon go to the place of the dead” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

196133:23kt34for him0

This does not refer to a specific person. Elihu continues speaking about any person in general.

196233:23zbw1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbersone out of a thousand0

In some languages it may be more natural to refer to “a great number” instead of “a thousand.” Alternate translation: “one from the great number of angels”

196333:24a1rprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe pit0

The place where people go when they die is referred to here as “the pit.” Alternate translation: “the place where dead people are”

196433:24es6zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitI have found a ransom for him0

This means that the angel has found a way to pay for the sins of the man so that he does not have to die. Alternate translation: “for I have found a way for you to keep him from dying”

196533:25ze1vThen0

This word is used here to mark what will happen if God grants the angels request. Alternate translation: “Then as a result” or “As a result of the angels request to God”

196633:25mu51rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similehis flesh will become fresher than a childs0

This speaks of the man being healed and his body growing strong again as if his body became new like a childs body. Alternate translation: “the sick mans body will become new again like a young persons body”

196733:25k7lerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbolefresher than a childs0

In this comparison, the word “fresher” is an exaggeration. Alternate translation: “fresh like a childs”

196833:25n9hsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisa childs0

This refers to a childs flesh. Alternate translation: “a childs flesh”

196933:25s1tkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorit is restored to the days of his youth0

This speaks of the mans flesh again being as strong as it was when he was young. Alternate translation: “it will become strong again, as it was when he was young”

197033:26yt2qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomhe sees Gods face with joy0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “he joyfully worships God”

197133:26d3zdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheGods face0

Here God is represented by his “face.” Alternate translation: “God”

197233:26ysy8God will give the person his triumph0

Alternate translation: “God will save the person” or “God will make things right for the person again”

197333:27t53prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivebut my sin was not punished0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “but God did not punish me for sinning”

197433:28wt12rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocherescued my soul from going down into the pit0

Here the person is referred to by his “soul.” Alternate translation: “rescued me from dying and going to the pit”

197533:28u2a3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe pit0

The place where people go when they die is referred to here as “the pit.” Alternate translation: “the place where dead people are”

197633:28f6psrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymymy life will continue to see light0

Here the person is represented by his “life.” Also, living is spoken of as seeing the light. Alternate translation: “I will continue to live and see the daylight” or “I will continue to live” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

197733:29m27iSee0

Elihu uses this word here to draw Jobs attention to what he says next. Alternate translation: “Listen”

197833:29w47trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomtwice, yes, even three times0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “again and again”

197933:30b2bfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochehis soul0

The person is represented by his “soul.” Alternate translation: “him”

198033:30cik5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorto bring his soul back from the pit0

This speaks of saving the man from dying as if he had died and was being brought back to life. Alternate translation: “to keep him from dying and going to the pit”

198133:30qg5zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe pit0

The place where people go when they die is referred to here as “the pit.” Alternate translation: “the place where dead people are”

198233:30myd4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivehe may be enlightened with the light of life0

This is an idiom and may be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he may be happy to still be alive” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

198333:31z1l9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletPay attention, Job, and listen to me0

These phrases mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully to me, Job”

198433:32g3l6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomthat you are in the right0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “that you are innocent”

198534:introb9ku0

Job 34 General Notes

Structure and formatting

According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is the second of Elihus four statements and it is addressed first to Jobs friends and then to Job. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/testimony]])

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. Elihu uses many of Jobs statements against him. His attitude is not too different from Jobs friends.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahwehs justice

Elihu defends the justice of Yahweh after Job claimed that Yahweh was being unjust. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]])

198634:1h9vcMoreover, Elihu0

Alternate translation: “Then, Elihu”

198734:1yw36rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesElihu0

See how you translated this mans name in Job 32:2.

198834:2k8a4Listen to my words0

Alternate translation: “Listen to what I say”

198934:2zux7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyyou wise men … you who have knowledge0

Elihu is criticizing Job and his friends. He does not think they are actually wise.

199034:3ln8src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileFor the ear tries words as the palate tastes food0

Elihu means people listen carefully to determine what is right or wrong just like we taste food to determine if it is good or bad. Here people are referred to by their “ear” and their “palate” to emphasize that they are tasting and hearing. Alternate translation: “For we listen to words to know what is good and bad, just as we taste foods to know what is good to eat” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])

199134:4v6hjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveLet us0

Here “us” refers to Elihu, Job, and his three friends.

199234:5k2e1has taken away my rights0

Alternate translation: “refused to give me justice”

199334:6k523rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveI am considered to be a liar0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God considers me to be a liar”

199434:6i95prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorMy wound is incurable0

Here Jobs sickness and suffering is spoken of as if it were a “wound.” Alternate translation: “I am sick and no one can heal me”

199534:7nd2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhat man is like Job0

Elihu uses this rhetorical question to scold Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “There is no one else like Job”

199634:7glm5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similewho drinks up mockery like water0

Elihu is accusing Job of mocking others as often as a person drinks water. Alternate translation: “who mocks other people as frequently as he drinks water”

199734:8j3zrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwho walks with wicked men0

Here “walk” is an idiom for how a person acts. Alternate translation: “who behaves like wicked men”

199834:10n22erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyyou men of understanding0

Elihu is criticizing Job and his friends. He does not actually think they are wise.

199934:10meh8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismfar be it from God … far be it from the Almighty that he should commit sin0

These two phrases have the same meaning and are used together to emphasize that God would never do anything wrong. The phrase “far be it from” is an idiom. Alternate translation: “Almighty God would never consider doing anything that is wicked or wrong” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

200034:11ia8grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorFor he pays back a persons work0

This means that he gives to a person what he deserves for the work he has done. Here “work” is a metaphor for what a person does. Alternate translation: “For he gives to a person what he deserves in return for he does”

200134:11y31yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomhe makes every man come upon the reward of his own ways0

The phrase “his own ways” is an idiom for how a person lives his life. Elihu emphasizes that God gives to people what they deserve. Alternate translation: “he causes every man to receive the reward he deserves for how he lives”

200234:13n1w5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismWho put him in charge over the earth? Who put the whole world under him?0

Both of these rhetorical questions have the same meaning and emphasize that no one needed to grant God authority because it was already his. These questions can be written as statements. Alternate translation: “No one needed to give permission to God to take responsibility over all the earth. He is the rightful one to rule the world.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

200334:14d4kxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoIf he ever0

Elihu is describing a situation that he does not believe would ever happen.

200434:14t8rtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicithis spirit and his breath0

The “spirit” and “breath” of God are what makes all living things alive. Alternate translation: “his spirit and breath which give us life”

200534:15lah1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheall flesh0

Here all living things are represented by their “flesh.” Alternate translation: “all living things”

200634:15tmc7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitmankind would return to dust again0

This means that all people would die and their bodies would decay and become soil. In the beginning God created man from the dust. Alternate translation: “the bodies of mankind would soon become soil again”

200734:16h7bgnow0

Elihu uses this word to bring attention to something important he is about to say.

200834:16lpb8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youyou have0

Here “you” is singular and refers to Job.

200934:16giw9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismlisten to the sound of my words0

“listen to what I say.” This means the same as the previous part of the sentence.

201034:17rc4crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn God, who is righteous and mighty?0

Elihu uses this question to rebuke Job for implying that God hates justice. Alternate translation: “One who hates justice cannot be expected to rule over people. So you really cannot criticize God, who is righteous and powerful, and you cannot say that what he has done is wrong.”

201134:17s1zlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan one who hates justice govern?0

The implicit answer to this rhetorical question is “no.” This question implies that God could not rule the world if he hated justice. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “One who hates justice cannot govern the world.” or “God could certainly never hate what is right and still rule the world.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

201234:17l8xsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill you condemn God, who is righteous and mighty?0

This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that Job does not have the authority or a reason to condemn God. Alternate translation: “You cannot condemn God, who is righteous and mighty!”

201334:18n5xxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionGod, who says to a king, You are vile, or says to nobles, You are wicked?0

This continues the rhetorical question from the previous verse, emphasizing to Job that he cannot condemn God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “He says to some kings, You are vile, and he says to some nobles, You are wicked.’”

201434:18pa2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisGod, who says to a king0

This is part of the previous question. The understood words from the previous verse, “will you condemn God,” may be supplied. Alternate translation: “Will you condemn God, who says to a king”

201534:18n3qivile0

Alternate translation: “evil” or “worthless”

201634:19sj41rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyfor they all are the work of his hands0

Here “hands” refer to power. Alternate translation: “for God made them all”

201734:20xkd5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomat midnight0

Midnight is the time when one day ends and another begins. Here “midnight” is used as an idiom. Alternate translation: “at night” or “suddenly, at night”

201834:20yx7frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivepeople will be shaken and will pass away0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. The phrase “will be shaken” is an idiom that means to be “struck.” Alternate translation: “God strikes them and they die” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

201934:20nq3grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismmighty people will be taken away, but not by human hands0

This means that it is God who causes people to die, not people. Also, If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “it is God and not humans who cause mighty people to die” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

202034:20dsu9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochenot by human hands0

Here people are represented by their “hands.” Alternate translation: “not by humans” or “not by people”

202134:21syl2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyFor Gods eyes are upon a persons ways0

Gods “eyes” represent his sight. The phrase “a persons ways” is an idiom for what he does and how he lives. Alternate translation: “For God watches everything a person does” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

202234:21wn28rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicithe sees all his steps0

This means that he always knows where the person is and where he is going. Alternate translation: “he sees him wherever he goes”

202334:22em2wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletno darkness, no thick gloom0

The words “thick gloom” mean basically the same thing as, and intensify, the word “darkness.”

202434:23dy7zin judgment0

Alternate translation: “so he may judge him” or “to be judged”

202534:24hwl1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomHe breaks mighty men into pieces0

This speaks of God destroying these men as if he actually broke their bodies into pieces. Alternate translation: “He destroys mighty men” or “He destroys important people”

202634:24nyi9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitfor their ways that need no further investigation0

He does not need to investigate what they have done because he already knows everything about them. Alternate translation: “without needing to do further investigation, because he already knows their ways”

202734:24i96ctheir ways0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “the things they have done”

202834:24z5n9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicithe puts others in their places0

This means that he appoints other people to rule in their positions. Alternate translation: “and he chooses other people to rule in their places”

202934:25hq7vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomin the night0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “when they are not expecting it”

203034:25rxl8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivethey are destroyed0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and destroys them”

203134:26mwg7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileIn the open sight of others, he kills them for their wicked deeds like criminals0

This phrase compares the way that these people die to how criminals die. Alternate translation: “He kills them for their wicked deeds, in the open sight of others as if they were criminals”

203234:26y46jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomIn the open sight of others0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “In a place where everyone can see”

203334:26af3krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicithe kills them0

This speaks of God causing these people to die, though he does not actually strike them with a sword himself. He may cause someone else to kill them or disaster to come upon them. Alternate translation: “he causes them to die”

203434:27mv8lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomhis ways0

This refers to Gods instructions for how people should behave.

203534:28d5r1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsthey made the cry of poor people come to him0

The word “cry” can be expressed as a verb. This speaks of God hearing their cry as if the cry were a person that came to him. Alternate translation: “they made the poor people cry, and God heard them” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

203634:29w485rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorWhen he stays silent, who can condemn him? If he hides his face, who can perceive him?0

These two questions speak of God not punishing wicked people as if he were being silent and hiding his face.

203734:29k61crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhen he stays silent, who can condemn him?0

Elihu uses this rhetorical question to teach Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can criticize God if he decides to remain silent”

203834:29j5exrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIf he hides his face, who can perceive him?0

Elihu uses this rhetorical question to teach Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can go and see him if he decides to hide his face”

203934:29pdu7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochehis face0

Here God is represented by his “face.” Alternate translation: “himself”

204034:30n7qwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorno one to entrap people0

This compares a godless ruler harming people as if he were a hunter trapping his prey. Alternate translation: “no one to harm the people”

204134:32u6lyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyteach me what I cannot see0

Here to “see” means to know. Alternate translation: “teach me what I have done wrong that I am not aware of”

204234:33kc72rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDo you think that God will punish that persons sin, since you dislike what God does?0

“Since you dislike what God does, do you think that God should punish this persons sin?” Elihu uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he should not think that God will not punish this man. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Even though you do not like what God does, surely even you do not think that God will punish this person”

204334:33xdv4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythat persons sin0

Here punishing the person because of his sin is referred to as punishing the “persons sin.” Alternate translation: “that person because of his sin”

204434:33nw6csince you dislike0

Alternate translation: “because you dislike”

204534:33px78what it is that you know0

Alternate translation: “what you are thinking about this”

204634:34qbs3who hears me0

Alternate translation: “who hears me speaking”

204734:36znm7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveIf only Job were put on trial in0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If only we could put Job on trial in” or “If only we could take Job to court so a judge could listen to”

204834:36mvs5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomin the smallest details of his case0

This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “to listen to his case thoroughly” or “to hear all of the details of his case”

204934:36w7ebof his talking like wicked men0

Alternate translation: “of how he has spoken like a wicked man”

205034:37jr4vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicithe adds rebellion0

This refers to rebellion against God. Alternate translation: “he adds rebellion against God”

205134:37fm5krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicithe claps his hands in mockery in our midst0

In this accusation, this means that Job clapped his hands to strengthen his mockery of God. Alternate translation: “he claps his hands as he mocks God in our midst” or “he mocks God right in front of us” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])

205234:37g7ncrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhe piles up words against God0

Elihu speaks of “words” as if they were objects, and of speaking many words as if it were piling those objects one on top of the other. Alternate translation: “he speaks many words against God”

205335:intromfr60

Job 35 General Notes

Structure and formatting

According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is the third of Elihus four statements and it is addressed first to Jobs friends and then to Job. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/testimony]])

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. Elihu uses many of Jobs statements against him.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Elihu uses many different rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to try to convince Job. These questions help to build Elihus argument. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Ironic situation

Elihu explains the irony of Jobs claim. He claimed to be righteous and desired Yahweh to intervene. In this chapter, Elihu explains to Job that his claims of righteousness are prideful. This makes him unrighteous. (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-irony]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

205435:2s9jwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDo you think this is just & My right before God?0

Elihu uses questions to challenge Job. Alternate translation: “You must think you are right … My right before God.’” or “It is not just … My right before God.’”

205535:2yh9lDo you think this is just when you say0

Alternate translation: “Do you think it is right for you to say”

205635:2g7jgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youDo you think0

Here “you” is singular and refers to Job.

205735:2l3t8My right before God0

This could mean: (1) Job is claiming to be innocent before God or (2) Job is claiming that he, rather than God, is right.

205835:3w8qvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionFor you ask, What use is it to me? and, Would I be better off if I had sinned?0

Elihu quotes Job as saying the these two rhetorical questions. Alternate translation: “For you say, It does not benefit me and, I am no better off than if I had sinned.’”

205935:4tp7pConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Elihu continues speaking.

206035:6t2vlConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Elihu continues speaking.

206135:6pdd2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismIf you have sinned … what do you do to him?0

These two lines share similar meanings. The second line intensifies the meaning of the first line.

206235:6t1v8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIf you have sinned, what harm do you do to God?0

Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Jobs sins cannot actually do anything to God. Alternate translation: “If you have sinned, you have not done any harm to God.”

206335:6s7x4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorIf your transgressions pile up high, what do you do to him?0

Elihu speaks of “transgressions” as if they were objects, and of committing many transgressions as if it were piling those objects one on top of the other. He asks this question to emphasize that Job does nothing to God by his transgressions. Alternate translation: “If you committed a great many transgressions, you still do nothing to him.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

206435:7m97krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIf you are righteous, what can you give to him? What will he receive from your hand?0

The two rhetorical questions mean basically the same thing, that Jobs righteousness adds nothing to God. Alternate translation: “If you are righteous, that does not enable you to give anything to him, and there is nothing that he will receive from your hand.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

206535:7i418rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochereceive from your hand0

Here the word “hand” represents Job. Alternate translation: “receive from you”

206635:8fa27another son of man0

Alternate translation: “another human-being” or “another person”

206735:9p9swrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsBecause of many acts of oppression0

The word “oppression” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “Because of the many things that people do to oppress others”

206835:9zb6trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythey call for help from the arms of mighty men0

Here “arms” refers to power or strength. Alternate translation: “they call for someone to deliver them from the power of mighty men”

206935:10f89rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwho gives songs in the night0

Elihu speaks of God enabling people to have hope in troubling circumstances as if he were giving to them songs which they can sing during the night.

207035:12gme8Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Elihu continues speaking.

207135:12xj4ythey cry out0

Alternate translation: “the oppressed people cry out”

207235:14di2grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsHow much less will he answer you … that you are waiting for him!0

Since God will not hear the prayers of prideful, evil men, it is even less likely that he will hear Job, who is complaining against him. Alternate translation: “So he certainly will not answer you … that you are waiting for him!”

207335:14njy6that your case is before him0

Alternate translation: “you have presented your case to him”

207435:14c513you are waiting for him0

Alternate translation: “you are waiting for him to respond”

207535:15ub2kNow you say that his anger does not punish, and he does not take even a litte notice of transgression0

Because Job is saying these things about God that are untrue, it is even less likely that God will answer Jobs prayers.

207635:15kpu8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyhis anger does not punish0

Here “his anger” is a metonym for “him.” Alternate translation: “he never punishes anyone because he is angry”

207735:16ben3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhe piles up words without knowledge0

Elihu speaks of “words” as if they were objects, and of speaking many words as if it were piling those objects one on top of the other. The word “knowledge” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “he speaks many words without knowing what he is talking about” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

207836:intropp2j0

Job 36 General Notes

Structure and formatting

According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is the last of Elihus four statements and it is addressed first to Jobs friends and then to Job. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/testimony]])

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. His attitude is not too different from Jobs friends.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahwehs justice

This chapter focuses on the justice of Yahweh. It is important to remember that justice wont always come in this life. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]])

207936:2h1hxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI will show you some things0

Elihu speaks of explaining things to Job as if he were going to show those things to Job. Alternate translation: “I will explain some things to you”

208036:3c3pdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI will obtain my knowledge from far off0

Elihu speaks of having knowledge of many different subjects as if it were getting his knowledge from far away places. Alternate translation: “I will show you my great knowledge”

208136:3u4g9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsthat righteousness belongs to my Maker0

Here the word “righteousness” can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: “that my Maker is righteous”

208236:4sqx3my words will not be false0

Alternate translation: “what I say will not be false”

208336:4br1krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorsomeone who is mature in knowledge is with you0

The word “someone” refers to Elihu himself. He speaks of being very knowledgeable as if it were being mature in knowledge. Alternate translation: “I, who am with you, am very knowledgeable”

208436:5z14cSee0

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

208536:5j9ctrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublethe is mighty in strength of understanding0

The phrase “mighty in strength” forms a doublet that means “very strong.” Elihu speaks of God understanding everything perfectly as if his understanding were very strong. Alternate translation: “he is very strong in understanding” or “he understands everything completely” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

208636:7q9mjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe does not withdraw his eyes from righteous people0

Elihu speaks of God protecting righteous people as if God were watching them with his eyes, and of God ceasing to protect them as if he withdrew his eyes from them. Alternate translation: “He does not stop protecting the righteous people”

208736:7yc6frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorsets them on thrones like kings0

Elihu speaks of God honoring the righteous people as if God were causing them to sit on thrones like kings do.

208836:7x6yzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthey are lifted up0

Elihu speaks of God honoring the righteous people as if he lifted them up to a high place. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “he lifts them up” or “he honors them” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

208936:8a6cwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveIf they are bound in chains0

Here the word “they” refers righteous people whom God will discipline if they sin. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “If someone binds them in chains” or “If someone makes them a prisoner”

209036:8f3xmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphortrapped in cords of suffering0

Elihu speaks of a person being made to suffer as if that person were trapped in ropes that cause suffering. Alternate translation: “someone causes them to suffer” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

209136:9qj2krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsistheir transgressions and their pride0

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “he reveals to them their transgressions and their pride”

209236:10i8ajrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe also opens their ears0

Elihu speaks of causing a person to listen as if it were opening that persons ear. Alternate translation: “He also causes them to listen”

209336:10gn8hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsto his instruction0

The noun “instruction” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “to what he is instructing them”

209436:10emb8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorto turn back from iniquity0

Elihu speaks of stopping an action as if it were turning back from it. Alternate translation: “to stop committing iniquity”

209536:11hx9krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochethey will spend their days in prosperity, their years in contentment0

The words “days” and “years” both refer to the persons lifetime. Alternate translation: “they will spend their lives in prosperity and contentment”

209636:12q2nzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthey will perish by the sword0

Elihu speaks of a person dying violently as if someone had killed them with a sword. Alternate translation: “they will die a violent death”

209736:13j1girc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymywho are godless in heart0

Here the word “heart” refers to the thoughts and emotions. The phrase may indicate that the person stubbornly refuses to trust God. Alternate translation: “who refuse to trust in God”

209836:13z1u5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorstore up their anger0

Elihu speaks of a person remaining angry as if that person stored up their anger like one would store up treasure. Alternate translation: “are always angry”

209936:13a4swrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoreven when God ties them up0

Elihu speaks of God disciplining people as if God were tying them up with ropes. Alternate translation: “even when God punishes them”

210036:14ny42their lives end among the cultic prostitutes0

Here “cultic prostitutes” refers to young men who served in pagan temples performing sexually immoral acts as part of their rituals. This phrase could mean: (1) the godless die because of their immoral behavior or (2) the godless die in shame and disgrace.

210136:15wt6trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhe opens their ears0

Elihu speaks of God causing a person to listen as if God were opening their ears. See how you translated this in Job 36:10. Alternate translation: “he causes them to listen”

210236:16h4g2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorinto a broad place where there is no hardship0

Elihu speaks of living without trouble as if it were being in a wide-open space where there were no hardships.

210336:16qjt9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwhere your table would be set with food full of fatness0

Elihu speaks of living prosperously as if it were having ones table filled with the best foods.

210436:16yn9lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveyour table would be set0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “your servants would set your table”

210536:16pw88rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomfood full of fatness0

Meat that had plenty of fat on it was a sign of prosperity because the animals were healthy and well-fed. Alternate translation: “the very best food”

210636:17ybk9you are full of judgment on wicked people0

This could mean: (1) “God is punishing you as he would punish the wicked” or (2) “you are obsessed with the judgment that the wicked deserve.”

210736:17ji7mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationjudgment and justice have laid hold of you0

Elihu speaks of God judging Job and giving him justice as if judgment and justice were people that have laid hold of Job. Alternate translation: “God has brought you to judgment and given you justice”

210836:18mp6jDo not let your anger entice you to mockery0

Some versions of the Bible translate this as “Beware that you are not enticed by wealth.”

210936:19m4prrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan your wealth benefit you, so that you will not be in distress, or can all the force of your strength help you?0

Elihu asks these questions to state that money and power will not be able to help Job if he acts unjustly. Alternate translation: “Your wealth cannot cause you to no longer be in distress, and all the force of your strength cannot help you.”

211036:19z8pwall the force of your strength0

Alternate translation: “all of your great strength” or “all of your mighty efforts”

211136:20q5v5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwhen peoples are cut off in their place0

This could mean: (1) that “peoples” refers to people in general and “cut off in their place” is a metaphor for oppressing others by dragging them away from their homes. Alternate translation: “when people drag others away from their homes” or (2) that “peoples” represents nations and “cut off in their place” is a metaphor for nations being destroyed. Alternate translation: “when nations will perish”

211236:21qhr8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveyou are being tested by suffering0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “God is testing you by making you suffer”

211336:22c7mnSee, God0

Alternate translation: “You know this already: God”

211436:22x4qxGod is exalted in his power0

This could mean: (1) “God is extremely powerful” or (2) “people exalt God because he is powerful”

211536:22ay6drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionwho is a teacher like him?0

Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one is a teacher like God. Alternate translation: “no one is a teacher like him.” or “no one teaches like he does.”

211636:23r88vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho has ever instructed him about his way?0

Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one has ever taught God what to do. Alternate translation: “No one has ever instructed him about what he should do.”

211736:23tz9rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho can ever say to him, You have committed unrighteousness?0

Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can accuse God of having committed unrighteousness. Alternate translation: “No one can ever say to him, You have committed unrighteousness.’”

211836:25c8rqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthey see those deeds only from far away0

Elihu speaks of people not being fully able to understand Gods deeds as if people were only able to see those deeds from far away. Alternate translation: “they do not fully understand them”

211936:26k1vwSee0

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you”

212036:26zd6hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomthe number of his years is incalculable0

This refers to how long God has existed. Alternate translation: “people cannot know how long he has lived” or “people cannot know his age”

212136:27z98grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitthat he distills as rain from his vapor0

The word “distills” can also mean “refine” or “filter.” Elihu describes how God turns the drops of water, or vapor, that he draws up into rain. Alternate translation: “that he turns into rain”

212236:29q3k1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestioncan anyone understand the extensive spread of the clouds and the thunder from his hut?0

Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can do these things. Alternate translation: “no one can understand the extensive spread of the clouds and the thunder from his hut.”

212336:29a4verc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsthe extensive spread of the clouds0

The phrase “the extensive spread” can be translated with a verbal phrase. Alternate translation: “how the clouds spread across the sky”

212436:29wh4wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorfrom his hut0

Elihu speaks of the sky as if it were a “hut” in which God lives. Alternate translation: “from the sky, where God lives”

212536:30ip5fSee, he spreads0

Alternate translation: “Look carefully and see how he spreads”

212636:30e9esrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorand covers the roots of the sea0

Elihu speaks of the deep parts of the sea as if the sea were a plant and its depths were its roots. This could mean: (1) although the lightning causes light in the sky, the deep parts of the sea remain dark. Alternate translation: “but the depths of the sea remain dark” or (2) the lightning in the sky cause even the depths of the sea to have light. Alternate translation: “and lights up the depths of the sea”

212736:32tsi9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHe fills his hands with the lightning0

Elihu speaks of the lightning that storms cause as if God were holding the lightning in his hand and directing it to strike where he wills. This could mean: (1) that God holds the lightning bolts in his hands in order to throw them, or (2) that God hides the lightning bolts in his hands until he is ready to use them.

212836:33k3qkIts thunder0

Alternate translation: “The thunder caused by the lightning” or “The thunder”

212936:33se83hear it is coming0

Alternate translation: “hear that the storm is coming”

213037:introccm70

Job 37 General Notes

Structure and formatting

According to Elihu, instead of being punished for his sins, Job is sinning in the midst of these difficulties. This is a continuation of the previous chapter and the last of Elihus four statements, and it is addressed first to Jobs friends and then to Job. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/testimony]])

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. His attitude is not too different from Jobs friends.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahwehs justice

This chapter focuses on the justice of Yahweh. It is important to remember that justice wont always come in this life. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]])

213137:1mup1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismmy heart trembles … it is moved out of its place0

These two phrases mean basically the same thing and emphasize the intensity of his fear.

213237:1eid2my heart trembles at this0

The word “this” refers to the storm in Job 36:33.

213337:1nhy8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorit is moved out of its place0

Elihu speaks of his heart beating violently as if it were to jump out of his chest. Alternate translation: “it moves out of its place” or “it beats violently” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

213437:2ilg9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe noise of his voice, the sound that goes out from his mouth0

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Elihu speaks of the thunder as if it is Gods voice. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

213537:3q5earc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorto the edges of the earth0

Elihu speaks of the farthest places on the earth as if they were the earths borders. Alternate translation: “everywhere in the world”

213637:4l4nhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorA voice roars after it … the voice of his majesty0

Elihu continues to speak of the thunder as if it is Gods voice.

213737:4x26rroars after it0

Alternate translation: “roars after the lightning”

213837:4nei1the voice of his majesty0

Alternate translation: “his majestic voice”

213937:4k5jsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivewhen his voice is heard0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when people hear his voice”

214037:6btz3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsislikewise to the rain shower0

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “likewise, he says to the rain shower”

214137:7y45frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheHe stops the hand of every man0

Here the word “hand” represents the entire person. Alternate translation: “He stops every man”

214237:9cpb8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitThe storm comes from its chamber in the south and the cold from the scattering winds in the north0

In Israel, strong wind storms blow in from the south and cold weather approaches from the north.

214337:9j84crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorThe storm comes from its chamber in the south0

Elihu speaks of the storm blowing in from the south as if the storm has a place where it resides until it comes.

214437:10u9mkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorBy the breath of God ice is given0

Elihu speaks of the cold north wind as if it were Gods breath. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Gods breath makes ice” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

214537:10dc5frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similefrozen like metal0

Elihu compares the hardness of ice to the hardness of metal. Alternate translation: “frozen, as hard as metal”

214637:11gl6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorhe weighs down the thick cloud with moisture0

Elihu speaks of God causing the storm clouds to be full of water as if the moisture weighed heavily on the clouds. Alternate translation: “he causes the thick clouds to be full of moisture”

214737:13it32rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounssometimes it happens for correction0

The word “correction” can be translated with a verbal phrase. The object of his “correction” is people. Alternate translation: “sometimes it happens to correct his people” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

214837:13mjf4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitsometimes for his land0

This means that the rain waters the ground and causes vegetation to grow. Alternate translation: “sometimes to water the land”

214937:13uep4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounssometimes as acts of covenant faithfulness0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word faithfulness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “faithful” or “faithfully.” Alternate translation: “sometimes to act faithfully to his covenant” or “sometimes to be faithful to his people”

215037:15ch2brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDo you know how God establishes the clouds and makes the lightning bolts to flash in them?0

Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job cannot know this. Alternate translation: “You cannot understand how God establishes the clouds and makes the lightning bolts to flash in them.”

215137:15cbz2establishes the clouds0

Alternate translation: “controls the clouds” or “makes the clouds obey him”

215237:16w6jdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDo you understand the floating of the clouds, the marvelous deeds of God, who is perfect in knowledge?0

Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job does not know these things. Alternate translation: “You do not understand the floating of the clouds, the marvelous deeds of God, who is perfect in knowledge.”

215337:16z95qthe floating of the clouds0

Alternate translation: “how the clouds float”

215437:16s2uirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisthe marvelous deeds of God0

The verb may be supplied from the previous phrase. Alternate translation: “or do you understand the marvelous deeds of God” or “and you do not understand the marvelous deeds of God”

215537:17a6f1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDo you understand how your garments become hot … from the south?0

Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job does not know these things. Alternate translation: “You do not understand how your garments become hot … from the south.”

215637:17hy96how your garments become hot0

Alternate translation: “how you become hot in your clothes” or “how you sweat in your clothes”

215737:17r98krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitbecause the wind comes from the south0

In Israel, hot winds blow in across the desert from the south and cause hot temperatures. Alternate translation: “because of the hot, dry wind blowing in from the south”

215837:18zlb7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan you spread out the sky … a mirror of cast metal?0

Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job cannot do this. Alternate translation: “You cannot spread out the sky … a mirror of cast metal.”

215937:18c2kfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphoras strong as a mirror of cast metal0

In biblical days, mirrors were made of metal. Elihu speaks of the sky giving no rain as if it were as hard as solid metal.

216037:18ww4scast metal0

This refers to metal that is melted, poured into a mold, and then hardens as it cools.

216137:19s7igrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveTeach us what we should say to him0

Here the words “us” and “we” refer to Elihu, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, but not to Job. Elihu uses this phrase sarcastically.

216237:19q3strc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorbecause of the darkness of our minds0

Elihu speaks of the inability to understand as if it were having darkness in ones mind. Alternate translation: “because we do not understand”

216337:20z1trrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionShould he be told that I wish to speak with him?0

Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can do this. Alternate translation: “I cannot have someone tell him that I wish to speak with him.”

216437:20fp7nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveShould he be told0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Should I have someone tell him”

216537:20b2q9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWould a person wish to be swallowed up?0

Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one would want this to happen. Alternate translation: “No person would want to be swallowed up.”

216637:20x2hnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorto be swallowed up0

Elihu speaks of a person being destroyed as if the person were swallowed up. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “for God to destroy him” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

216737:22l64jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorover God is fearsome majesty0

The word “fearsome” means that it causes fear. Elihu speaks of Gods majesty as if it were something that rests upon God. Alternate translation: “Gods majesty causes people to fear”

216837:23c4sdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorwe cannot find him0

This could mean: (1) “we cannot approach him” or (2) this is a metaphor in which Elihu speaks of a persons being unable to fully understand God as if he could not find God. Alternate translation: “we cannot comprehend him”

216937:24n2pvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythose who are wise in their own minds0

Here “minds” represents the persons thoughts. Alternate translation: “those who are wise in their own thinking” or “those who consider themselves to be wise”

217038:introbs8p0

Job 38 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. Yahweh finally speaks in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahwehs greatness

Yahweh is far greater than any man. He is the creator of the earth, and his ways will not always be understood by men because their knowledge is always limited.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Yahweh uses a series of rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to defend his character. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

217138:1b53yThen Yahweh called0

Here, the word “then” marks the beginning of a new part of the book. See if your language has a similar way to introduce a new scene. Alternate translation: “After all that had happened, Yahweh called.

217238:1zh2ucalled to Job0

Alternate translation: “answered Job” or “responded to Job”

217338:1zk13out of a fierce storm0

Alternate translation: “from a powerful storm”

217438:2ln5mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho is this who brings darkness to plans by means of words without knowledge?0

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that Job spoke of things he did not know about. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You bring darkness to my plans by means of words without knowledge.”

217538:2u9flWho is this who brings0

Alternate translation: “Who are you to bring”

217638:2kw1vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorbrings darkness to plans0

“obscures my plans” or “confuses my purposes.” How Job confuses Gods plans is spoken of as if he were making Gods plans harder to see. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word darkness, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “darkens.” Alternate translation: “darkens plans” or “makes plans hard to see” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

217738:2lq69by means of words without knowledge0

Alternate translation: “by speaking of things about which you do not know”

217838:2nng1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounswords without knowledge0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word knowledge, you can express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “unknowing words” or “ignorant words”

217938:3ur9irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomgird up your loins like a man0

“tie your robe up around your waist like a man.” Men tied up their robes around their waists so that their legs could move more freely as they did heavy work. The idiom “gird up your loins like a man” means to get ready to do something involving action such as work, a contest, or a battle. Job was to prepare for the hard work of answering God. Alternate translation: “get yourself ready for hard work”

218038:4k38wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Yahweh begins to challenge Job with a series of questions that emphasize he created the earth and Job did not.

218138:4xgy2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhere were you when I laid the earths foundations? Tell me, if you have so much understanding0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Tell me where you were when I laid the foundations of the earth, if you have so much understanding”

218238:4e2l4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI laid the earths foundations0

Yahweh describes creating the earth as though he was building a structure.

218338:4p418rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsif you have so much understanding0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word understanding, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “understand.” Alternate translation: “if you understand so much”

218438:5y99grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho determined its dimensions? Tell me, if you know0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Tell me who determined its dimensions, if you know”

218538:5sp2sdimensions0

Alternate translation: “size”

218638:5nt85rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho stretched the measuring line over it?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Tell me who stretched the measuring line over it.”

218738:5wjp1measuring line0

a rope or cord that people use to make something the right size and shape

218838:6i7brrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

The word “its” refers to the earth. Yahweh uses more questions to emphasize that Job could never understand how great God is.

218938:6a776Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

219038:6i5wbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionOn what were its foundations laid?0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “On what did I set its foundations?” or “Tell me on what its foundations were laid.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

219138:6p5tvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho laid its cornerstone0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Tell me who laid its cornerstone”

219238:7r55lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Job finishes the rhetorical question that begins with the words “Who laid its cornerstone” in verse 6.

219338:7g3kfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionwhen the morning stars … the sons of God shouted for joy?0

Job finishes the rhetorical question that begins with the words “Who laid its cornerstone” in verse 6. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. “Tell me who laid its cornerstone when the morning stars … the sons of God shouted for joy.”

219438:7ql8yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationwhen the morning stars sang together0

The morning stars are spoken of as singing like people sing. Possible meanings are: (1) the “morning stars” are the same as the “sons of God” in the next line or (2) “the morning stars” refer to stars in the sky.

219538:7z79ethe morning stars0

Alternate translation: “the bright stars that shine in the morning”

219638:7j365sons of God0

This refers to angels, heavenly beings. See how you translated this in Job 1:6.

219738:7x5idrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsshouted for joy0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word joy, you can express the same idea with the adverb “joyfully.” Alternate translation: “shouted joyfully”

219838:7uc38for joy0

Alternate translation: “because they were full of joy”

219938:8nk5src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Yahweh uses another question to emphasize that he created the earth and Job did not.

220038:8h82cConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

220138:8i6wlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho shut up the sea … of the womb0

This can be translated as a command. Alternate translation: “Tell me who shut up the sea … of the womb”

220238:8x8t1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorshut up the sea with doors0

Yahweh compares the way that he prevented the sea from covering all of the earth to holding it back with doors. Alternate translation: “prevented the water from flooding over the land”

220338:8txy1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileas if it had come out of the womb0

Yahweh compares his creation of the sea to childbirth.

220438:9un26rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words “Who shut up” in verse 8.

220538:9fhm1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionwhen I made clouds … and thick darkness its swaddling bands?0

This can be translated as a command. Alternate translation: “Tell me who shut up … when I made clouds … and thick darkness its swaddling bands.”

220638:9n9ttits clothing0

Alternate translation: “as clothes for the sea”

220738:9zkz3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsthick darkness its swaddling bands0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word darkness, you can express the same idea with the adjective “dark.” Alternate translation: “made dark clouds its swaddling bands”

220838:9s1lfswaddling bands0

long pieces of cloth that people use to wrap a baby in after it is born

220938:10iq3rI marked out for the sea my boundary0

Alternate translation: “I made a boundary for the sea”

221038:10j829boundary0

Yahweh set a limit beyond which the sea was not allowed to cross.

221138:10hyj2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorI placed its bars and doors0

Yahweh compares the way that he made a boundary for the sea to containing the sea with bars and doors. Alternate translation: “I set up its barriers”

221238:10b38ybars0

long pieces of wood or metal that are used to keep a door shut

221338:11hv5frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationwhen I said to it0

“when I said to the sea.” Yahweh speaks to the sea as though it were a person.

221438:11ixn6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitYou may come this far, but no farther0

The words “this far” mean only as far as the boundary that Yahweh set up. Alternate translation: “You may come as far as this boundary, but no farther”

221538:11iy3qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationto the pride of your waves0

“to the power of your waves.” The waves are spoken of as if they could have pride. If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word pride, you can express the same idea with the adjective “proud.” Alternate translation: “to your proud waves” or “to your powerful waves” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

221638:12c1ksrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he created the light of day and Job did not.

221738:12b56irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Yahweh continues to challenge Job. He begins to ask a rhetorical question.

221838:12hi2grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionHave you … to know its place0

This question expects a negative answer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have never … shaken the wicked out of it.”

221938:12i57arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationgiven orders to the morning0

Yahweh describes the morning as being able to receive orders and know things like a person.

222038:12gc16caused the dawn to know its place0

Alternate translation: “caused the dawn to know where it belongs”

222138:12q9wmdawn0

the daylight that appears in the morning sky before the sun rises

222238:13zak3Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words “Have you given” in verse 12.

222338:13l3k7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionso that it might take hold … shake the wicked out of it?0

This is the end of the rhetorical question that begins with the words “Have you given” in verse 12. This question expects a negative answer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. “You have never given … so that it might take hold … shaken the wicked out of it.”

222438:13s9dbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphortake hold of the edges of the earth0

The light of dawn is spoken of as if it seizes the horizons of the earth. Alternate translation: “grasp the ends of the earth” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

222538:13m62qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorshake the wicked out of it0

The daylight is pictured as causing wicked people to leave like shaking something to remove unwanted things. Alternate translation: “shake wicked people out of the earth”

222638:14m9rxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileThe earth is changed in appearance like clay changes under a seal0

At nighttime, people cannot see clearly, but in the morning the light reveals the distinct shape of everything, just like a seal creates distinct images in clay.

222738:14dn8yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileall things on it stand out clearly like the folds of a piece of clothing0

Here “it” refers to the earth. This phrase has a similar meaning to the first phrase in this verse. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

222838:15w5i8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveFrom wicked people their light is taken away0

If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The morning takes away the light of wicked people”

222938:15jfq3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironytheir light0

The wicked consider darkness to be their light, because they do their evil deeds in the darkness and they are familiar with the darkness.

223038:15e6v7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphortheir uplifted arm is broken0

The raised arm of the wicked represents their power and intention to do evil things, but the wicked stop doing those evil things when the morning light comes.

223138:16e754rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Yahweh uses five questions to emphasize that he understands the earth and seas and Job does not.

223238:16yt52Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

223338:16vy8nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionHave you gone to the sources of the waters of the sea?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have not gone to the sources of the waters of the sea.”

223438:16lcg5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionHave you walked in the lowest parts of the deep?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have not walked in the lowest parts of the deep.”

223538:16kmu4the sources of the waters0

Alternate translation: “the springs”

223638:16jrv9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjthe deep0

This refers to the sea or ocean where the water is very deep. Alternate translation: “the deep sea” or “the ocean depths” or “the deep water”

223738:17a7xyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorHave the gates of death been revealed to you0

Death is spoken of as if it were a city that had gates through which people enter into it. This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “Has anyone shown the gates of death to you” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])

223838:17g37wthe shadow of death0

See how you translated this in Job 3:5.

223938:18q2ivrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionHave you understood the earth in its expanse?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You do not understand the earth in its expanse.”

224038:18k9n7the earth in its expanse0

Alternate translation: “the great broad places of the earth”

224138:18l8zzif you know it all0

Alternate translation: “if you know all about these things”

224238:19kmt5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Yahweh uses three questions to emphasize that he understands light and darkness and Job does not. Each of these verses have two parallel phrases. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

224338:19z2nqConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

224438:19p4uwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWhere is the way to the resting place of light—as for darkness, where is its place?0

This question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate translation: “You do not know the way to the resting place of light or the place of darkness.”

224538:19q3ukrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationthe resting place of light0

“the dwelling of light.” Light is spoken of as having a resting place from which it comes forth each day.

224638:19he61light0

Alternate translation: “daylight” or “sunlight”

224738:20d9pcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan you lead light and darkness to their places of work? Can you find the way back to their houses for them?0

These questions expect a negative answer. They can be expressed as statements. Alternate translation: “You cannot lead light and darkness to their places of work, or find the way back to their houses for them.”

224838:20tyy4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationto their places of work0

“to their territory.” Light and darkness are spoken of as being led out and back each day to accomplish Yahwehs purposes.

224938:21ca1qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyUndoubtedly … so large0

Yahweh uses mocking irony to emphasize that Job does not understand light and darkness. Alternate translation: “It is obvious that you do not know, because you were not born when I created them, and you are not very old”

225038:21zfd6for you were born then0

The word “then” refers to the time when light was created and separated from darkness. Alternate translation: “for you were already born when I created them”

225138:21hy8kthe number of your days is so large0

Alternate translation: “you have lived so many years”

225238:22h59trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he rules over the natural world and Job does not.

225338:22w7gxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Yahweh continues to challenge Job. He bgins to ask a rhetorical question.

225438:22sj2hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorstorehouses for the snow … storehouses for the hail0

Snow and hail are pictured as being stored by Yahweh to do his will.

225538:22q2qvhail0

balls of ice (usually small) that sometimes fall down from the sky during a storm

225638:23hve3Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Have you entered” in verse 22 ends here.

225738:23vl8grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionthese things that I have kept … and war?0

The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Have you entered” in verse 22 ends here. “You have never entered the storehouses for the snow, and you have never seen the storehouses for the hail, these things that I have kept … and war.”

225838:23fv91these things that I have kept0

The words “these things” refer to the snow and the hail (verse 22).

225938:24ctg6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveWhat is the path to where the lightning bolts are distributed or to where the winds are scattered from the east over the earth?0

These can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “What is the path to where I distribute the lightning bolts or to where I scatter the winds from the east over the earth?”

226038:24auw5the winds are scattered0

Alternate translation: “the winds are blown”

226138:25q4hgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Yahweh questions Job to emphasize that he causes it to rain and thunder and Job does not.

226238:25f7pprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Yahweh continues to challenge Job. He begins to ask a series of rhetorical questions.

226338:25eh5trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho has created the channels for the floods of rain0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Only I have created the channels for the floods of rain”

226438:25j3xxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionor who has made a path for the thunder0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “and only I have made a path for the thunder”

226538:25ve3kthe floods of rain0

Alternate translation: “the torrents of rain”

226638:25cd75a path for the thunder0

Alternate translation: “a way for the rumble of thunder to be heard.”

226738:26g934rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismon lands where no person exists, and on the wilderness, in which there is no one0

These two phrases have nearly the same meaning.

226838:26na1jwhere no person exists0

Alternate translation: “where there are no people”

226938:27b6m2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Who has created” in verse 25 ends here.

227038:27lf5wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionto satisfy … sprout with grass?0

The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Who has created” in verse 25 ends here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. “I am the one who has created … of rain, and I am the one who has made … to satisfy … sprout with grass.”

227138:27d9vtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitto satisfy0

The implied information is that it is the rain that meets the needs of the land to grow grass. Alternate translation: “so that the rain can satisfy the needs of”

227238:27q9scrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysdevastated and desolate0

“ruined and wasted.” These two words have nearly the same meaning and emphasize the ruined and empty nature of these regions.

227338:27v1hzwith grass0

“the new grass” or “the fresh grass.” This is grass that is just starting to grow.

227438:27cug4make the ground sprout with0

Alternate translation: “make the ground support new grass”

227538:28t8tqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

Yahweh begins a series of four questions to emphasize to Job that he makes rain, dew, ice, and frost and Job does not. Rain, dew, ice, and frost are spoken of as though they could be born like people are. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

227638:28y3apConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

227738:28be1trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDoes the rain have a father, or, who fathers the drops of dew?0

These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “Tell me who the rains father is, and tell me who has become the father of the drops of dew.”

227838:28geg1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorfathers the drops of dew0

Becoming the father of the dew is a metaphor for creating it. Alternate translation: “causes the drops of dew to exist”

227938:29gw3src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionOut of whose womb did the ice come? Who bore the white frost out of the sky?0

These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “Tell me whose womb the ice came out of. Tell me who bore the white frost out of the sky.”

228038:29fm77ice0

Alternate translation: “frozen water”

228138:29l9y4bore0

Alternate translation: “gave birth to”

228238:29qu6nthe white frost0

dew that freezes on the ground on cold, clear nights

228338:30jjp9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationThe waters hide themselves and become like stone0

The waters are spoken of as being able to hide. During the winter the ice hides the water underneath it. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rpronouns]])

228438:30iw86rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similebecome like stone0

The hardness of ice is spoken of as if it was stone. Alternate translation: “become hard like stone”

228538:30cul4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjthe deep0

This refers to the sea or ocean where the water is very deep. Alternate translation: “the deep sea” or “the ocean depths” or “the deep water”

228638:31l2s5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Yahweh uses five questions to emphasize to Job that he rules the heavens and Job does not.

228738:31w86hConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

228838:31rik8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan you fasten chains on the Pleiades, or undo the cords of Orion?0

These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “You cannot fasten chains on the Pleiades, and you cannot undo the cords of Orion.”

228938:31kqa9fasten chains on0

Alternate translation: “bind chains onto” or “tie the bonds of”

229038:31p1aithe Pleiades … Orion0

These are the names of constellations. See how you translated them in Job 9:9.

229138:31wb4aundo the cords of Orion0

Alternate translation: “loosen the cords that hold Orion”

229238:32n1r3Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

229338:32ys38rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan you lead the constellations … proper times? Can you guide … children?0

These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “You cannot lead the constellations … proper times. You cannot guide … children.”

229438:32lrw6constellations0

groups of stars that seem like they form a particular shape in the sky

229538:32qx9kto appear at their proper times0

Alternate translation: “so that they appear at the right time”

229638:32x8g2the Bear0

This is the name of a constellation. Translate as in Job 9:9.

229738:32a6brits children0

Alternate translation: “its cubs”

229838:33y4fprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDo you know the regulations of the sky? Could you set in place the skys rule over the earth?0

These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “You do not know the regulations of the sky? You could not set in place the skys rule over the earth.”

229938:34i5q7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Yahweh uses two questions to emphasize to Job that he rules the rain clouds and lightning and Job does not.

230038:34mq7jConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

230138:34tca5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan you raise … may cover you?0

These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “You cannot raise … may cover you.”

230238:34yh4frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsan abundance of rainwater0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word abundance, you can express the same idea with the adjective “abundant.” Alternate translation: “an abundant amount of rainwater” or “a flood of waters”

230338:35na4prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan you send out … you, Here we are?0

These can be translated as statements. Alternate translation: “You cannot send out you, Here we are!’”

230438:35z4cbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationHere we are0

The lightning bolts are spoken of as servants saying they are ready to follow commands.

230538:36a9d6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Yahweh uses three questions to emphasize to Job that he rules the clouds and rain and Job does not.

230638:36sx1rConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

230738:36h7ayrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho has put wisdom in the clouds or has given understanding to the mists?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind these questions as statements. Alternate translation: “I am the one who has put wisdom in the clouds and given understanding to the mists.”

230838:36sfx3has put wisdom in the clouds0

Alternate translation: “has given wisdom to the clouds”

230938:37pv86rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

A rhetorical question begins here.

231038:37qju4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho can pour out the water skins of the sky0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am the one who can pour out the water skins of the sky.”

231138:37w7u7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorthe water skins0

These are skins that people sew together so that they can hold water. Yahweh refers to the thick clouds as “waters skins” because they hold much water just like water skins.

231238:38hj6zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionwhen the dust runs … tightly together?0

The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Who can pour out” in verse 37 ends here. “Only I can pour out … when the dust runs … tightly together.”

231338:38qh39rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivewhen the dust runs into a hard mass0

The rain makes the loose dry dirt stick together like one piece of dirt. If your language does not use the passive form in this way, you can state this in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “when the rain molds the dirt into a hard mass”

231438:38njw9the clods of earth clump tightly together0

Alternate translation: “the lumps of soil stick together”

231538:39s331rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he knows how to feed the lions and Job does not.

231638:39hqx6Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

231738:39f7awrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan you hunt down a victim for a lioness or satisfy the appetite of her young lion cubs0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that you cannot hunt down a victim for a lioness or satisfy the appetite of her young lion cubs”

231838:39y8rna victim0

“prey.” This is an animal that a lion could eat.

231938:39i376lioness0

This is a female lion.

232038:39n1pjappetite0

hunger

232138:39j1awof her young lion cubs0

“of young lions.” These are young lions that are old enough to hunt for themselves.

232238:40awl8Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Can you hunt” in verse 39 ends here.

232338:40yb24rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionwhen they are crouching … to lie in wait?0

The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Can you hunt” in verse 39 ends here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. “You know that you cannot hunt down … when they are crouching … to lie in wait.”

232438:40hu7vdens0

A “den” is a lair or shelter where lions live.

232538:40g23nsheltering in hiding0

“hiding in a thicket.” Lions hide in thick vegetation when hunting their prey.

232638:40fx6lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitto lie in wait0

The implied information is that the lions are hiding and waiting for their prey to come near. Alternate translation: “to lie waiting for a victim”

232738:41t9jbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he provides food for the ravens and Job does not.

232838:41u1rqConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

232938:41sxy9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho provides victims … for lack of food?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Tell me who provides victims … for lack of food.”

233038:41f3g8provides victims0

“provides food.” This refers to animals that ravens look for and can eat.

233138:41hc2bravens0

large birds with shiny black feathers that feed on dead animals

233238:41y9eyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitcry out to God0

The implied information is that the ravens are crying out for food. Alternate translation: “cry to God for help” or “cry out for God to give them food”

233338:41nde9stagger about0

This means to walk around in an unsteady way.

233438:41i8krfor lack of food0

Alternate translation: “because they have no food” or “because they have nothing to eat”

233539:introl9e10

Job 39 General Notes

Structure and formatting

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because it is a poem. Yahweh continues to speak in this chapter.

Special concepts in this chapter

Yahwehs greatness

Yahweh is far greater than any man. He is the creator of the earth, and his ways will not always be understood by men because their knowledge is always limited. Since Job cannot understand creation, he cannot truly understand Yahweh.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Yahweh uses a series of rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to defend his character. Many of these questions focus on nature because Yahweh is the creator of the heavens and the earth. (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/heaven]])

233639:1b1warc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Yahweh uses four questions to emphasize that he is greater than Job because Yahweh takes care of the wild mountain goats and deer and Job does not.

233739:1sw6iConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

233839:1m8kwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDo you know at what time … bear their young?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Surely you do not know when … bear their young!”

233939:1d7nhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan you watch when the deer are having their fawns?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are not able to watch to make sure everything goes well when the deer give birth to their fawns!”

234039:1j6icare having their fawns0

Alternate translation: “give birth to their fawns”

234139:2phe5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan you count the months that they gestate?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You cannot count the months that they are pregnant.”

234239:2nrm8that they gestate0

Alternate translation: “to complete their pregnancy”

234339:2w95tthey0

The word “they” refers to the goats and the deer.

234439:2w3w9gestate0

Alternate translation: “are pregnant”

234539:2txy4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDo you know the time when they bear their young?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Of course you do not know when they give birth to their young.”

234639:3sq9cConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

234739:3uj6hThey crouch down0

The word “They” refers to the wild mountain goats and the deer.

234839:3rvs4birth their young0

Alternate translation: “give birth to their offspring”

234939:3n62wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymythen they finish their labor pains0

This could mean: (1) their labor pains are over when the birth is finished or (2) “labor pains” is a metonym that refers to the offspring of the goats and deer because they are the result of the mothers labor and pain. Alternate translation: “send out their offspring from their womb”

235039:4wey9the open fields0

Alternate translation: “the countryside” or “the wild”

235139:4v8psdo not come back again0

Alternate translation: “do not come back to them” or “do not come back to their mothers”

235239:5p64rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Yahweh uses two questions to emphasize that he is greater than Job because Yahweh takes care of the wild donkeys and Job does not.

235339:5g9xsConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

235439:5twv9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho let the wild donkey go free?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am the one who let the wild donkey go free.”

235539:5x4tgthe wild donkey … the swift donkey0

These are different names for the same kind of donkey.

235639:5mg7frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho has untied the bonds of the swift donkey0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am the one who untied the bonds of the swift donkey”

235739:5pp7ebonds0

ropes, chains, or straps that hold an animal and keep it from running away

235839:6dku4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Who has untied” in verse 5 ends here.

235939:6z26mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionwhose home I have made … in the salt land?0

The rhetorical question that begins with the words “Who has untied” in verse 5 ends here. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. “I am the one who has untied … whose home I have made in the Arabah, his house in the salt land.”

236039:6qyi5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationwhose home I have made in the Arabah0

Yahweh describes the donkey as though he were a person that had a house. “I gave him the Arabah as a place to live”

236139:6hfq8the salt land0

the land around the Salt Sea that has a lot of salt in it

236239:7b9s6Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

236339:7j9rxHe0

The word “He” refers to the wild donkey.

236439:7m4lnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationlaughs in scorn0

Yahweh describes the donkey as though he were a person. The donkey laughs because those in the city have to hear loud noise, but he lives in a quiet place.

236539:7rpn6the drivers0

someone who forces an animal to work

236639:8t3sapastures0

places where animals can eat plants growing in the field

236739:9u4vxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Here Yahweh uses four questions to emphasize that Job is not like Yahweh because Job cannot control the wild ox.

236839:9s6zsConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

236939:9ss2crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill the wild ox be happy to serve you?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “The wild ox will not be happy to serve you.”

237039:9yl5mthe wild ox0

This could mean: (1) a type of ox that used to live in the wild or (2) some kind of buffalo that looked like oxen.

237139:9f9twbe happy0

Alternate translation: “be willing”

237239:9v7dgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill he consent to stay by your manger?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “He will not consent to stay by your manger.”

237339:9t1u5consent to stay by your manger0

Alternate translation: “stay by your manger through the night”

237439:9sgz6manger0

something that holds food so that animals can eat it

237539:10iqy5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan you use ropes to hold the wild ox in the furrows?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You cannot control the wild ox with a rope in order to plow furrows in your fields.”

237639:10mt1propes0

Farmers would tie ropes to animals heads or necks in order to lead them.

237739:10gny8furrows0

These are long channels made in the dirt while plowing. See how you translated this in Job 31:38.

237839:10g8w9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill he harrow the valleys as he follows after you?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “He will never harrow the valleys as he follows after you.”

237939:10uq7tharrow0

to smooth and break up the soil

238039:11b4gjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Here Yahweh uses three questions to continue his argument that Job is not like Yahweh because Job cannot control the wild ox.

238139:11epz6Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

238239:11au79rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill you trust him because his strength is great?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You cannot trust him because his strength is great.”

238339:11zx9vtrust him0

The word “him” refers to the “wild ox.”

238439:11cgj2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill you leave your work to him to do?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You will not be able to make him do your work for you.”

238539:11f3u1leave your work to him to do0

Alternate translation: “have him do your hard work for you”

238639:12ht1zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill you depend on him … grain for your threshing floor?0

These two clauses basically mean the same thing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You will not be able to depend on him … grain for your threshing floor.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])

238739:13g5i9Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

238839:13xrh3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionThe wings of the ostrich … pinions and plumage of love?0

Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that Job cannot explain why ostriches behave the way they do. Alternate translation: “You do not know whether the pinions and plumage of the ostrich represent love when they wave their wings proudly.”

238939:13c9hcostrich0

a very large bird that can run very fast but cannot fly

239039:13k698wave proudly0

Alternate translation: “move with joy”

239139:13b62xpinions0

the very long feathers on the wings of birds

239239:13y8q9plumage0

the smaller feathers that cover the body of a bird

239339:13a7t4of love0

The Hebrew word is uncertain. This could mean: (1) “of faithfulness” or (2) “of a stork.” The name of the stork meant “the faithful one” or “the loving one” because people knew that storks take very good care of their chicks.

239439:14ix8ton the earth0

Alternate translation: “on the ground”

239539:15eg2icrush them0

The word “them” refers to the eggs.

239639:15p8ektrample them0

Alternate translation: “step on them”

239739:16n7ghConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

239839:16dn58She deals roughly0

The word “She” refers to the female ostrich.

239939:16u9gcher labor0

the work that she does when she lays the eggs

240039:16uqn1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitmight have been in vain0

If the chicks die, all of her work was useless. Alternate translation: “might have been useless if the chicks die”

240139:17jm95deprived her of wisdom0

Alternate translation: “made her forget wisdom” or “not given her wisdom”

240239:17c8huunderstanding0

See how you translated this in Job 11:6.

240339:18bd6wWhen she runs0

This verse is in contrast to her weakness in caring for her chicks. Alternate translation: “However, when she runs”

240439:18y8shrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitshe laughs … its rider0

It is implied that she laughs because she is faster than the horse. Alternate translation: “she laughs … its rider because she can run faster than the horse”

240539:19j9tbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion0

General Information:

Yahweh uses three questions to emphasize that Job is not like Yahweh because Job cannot control the wild horse.

240639:19ma5jConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

240739:19jg2wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionHave you given the horse his strength?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You have never given the horse his strength.”

240839:19sul3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionDid you clothe his neck with his flowing mane?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You cannot clothe his neck with his flowing mane.”

240939:19z5thrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyclothe his neck with his flowing mane0

The horses “mane” is spoken of as if it was clothing for the neck of the horse. Alternate translation: “made his flowing main to cover his neck like clothes”

241039:19j215flowing mane0

the long hair on the top of the neck of a horse

241139:20lpb2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionHave you ever made him jump like a locust?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are not able to make him jump like a locust.”

241239:20ul5ga locust0

a large kind of grasshopper that can jump very far and very quickly

241339:20mh2csnorting0

a very loud sound that horses make with their nose

241439:21c17tConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

241539:21gcq9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitHe paws0

The word “He” refers to the horse. The horse paws the ground because he is very excited to begin the fight. Alternate translation: “He paws with excitement and”

241639:21nvw4paws0

Alternate translation: “digs at the ground with his hooves”

241739:21k6rcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyto meet the weapons0

Here “the weapons” represent the battle in which they are used. Alternate translation: “to join in the battle”

241839:22vse1He mocks fear0

Alternate translation: “He is not afraid at all”

241939:22juq5mocks0

Alternate translation: “laughs at”

242039:22qlb7dismayed0

discouraged

242139:22uk9zdoes not turn back0

Alternate translation: “does not run away”

242239:23cvi2quiver0

a container that holds arrows

242339:23ldn9rattles0

shakes and makes noise

242439:23i34dflank0

the side of a horse

242539:23q76bjavelin0

a long stick with a sharp end that people throw at their enemies

242639:24r5sqConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

242739:24frz2He0

The word “He” refers to the horse.

242839:24sh13rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorswallows up ground0

The horse runs over the ground so quickly that the ground passes by like water that a person drinks. Alternate translation: “runs very fast over the ground”

242939:24bkv1with fierceness and rage0

The horse is very excited, so he moves quickly and strongly.

243039:24kx1qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitat the trumpets sound0

It can be stated that someone blows the trumpet. Alternate translation: “when someone blows a trumpet to announce that a battle has begun”

243139:24yf1bhe cannot stand in one place0

Alternate translation: “he is too excited to stand still”

243239:25q35drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationhe says, Aha0

The word “Aha” is a sound people make when they discover something. The horse makes a sound because he has discovered the battle.

243339:25nry6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitthe thunderous shouts0

It is implied that the horse hears these things. Alternate translation: “he hears the thunderous shouts”

243439:25i8r5the outcries0

“the battle cries.” People have special shouts that they use in war to show their great strength and bravery and to scare the enemy.

243539:26i2wfConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

243639:26e41grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIs it by your wisdom … for the south?0

Yahweh uses this question to prove that Job is not as great as Yahweh. The implicit answer to this question is “no.” Alternate translation: “It is not by your wisdom … for the south.”

243739:26rx7src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymystretches out his wings for the south0

Here the stretching out of his wings refers to flying. Alternate translation: “flies to the south”

243839:26ckg8for the south0

In the biblical geography, birds fly south during the winter in order to live in warmer climates.

243939:27bv18Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

244039:27qk6src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionIs it at your orders … nest in high places?0

Yahweh uses this question to prove that Job is not powerful enough to command the eagles. The implicit answer to this question is “no.” Alternate translation: “You are not able to command the eagle to mount up and build his nest in high places.”

244139:27cd7krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsat your orders0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word orders, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Alternate translation: “because you tell it to do so”

244239:27cz3rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiommounts up0

This means he flies upward. Alternate translation: “flies up into the sky”

244339:28u8qma stronghold0

The high cliffs are strongholds for eagles because the animals that would want to eat them cannot reach them.

244439:29ps15Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

244539:29ak87he searches for victims0

Here the word “he” refers to the eagle.

244639:29e6kdfor victims0

Alternate translation: “for animals that he can kill and eat”

244739:29t32lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochehis eyes see them0

Here “his eyes” refer to the eagle. Alternate translation: “he sees them”

244839:30e2b5His young0

It may be helpful to state that this happens after the eagle kills and animal. Alternate translation: “After an eagle kills an animal, the baby eagles”

244939:30s29ldrink up blood0

Alternate translation: “drink the blood of the animal that he killed”

245039:30iv5jwhere killed people are0

“where there are dead people.” This phrase refers to dead bodies that are lying out in the open, not to bodies that are buried in the ground.

245139:30nx3prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitthere he is0

It can be made explicit that he comes to eat the dead bodies. Alternate translation: “he is there to eat them”

245240:introk9mj0

Job 40 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations prefer to set apart extended quotations, prayers, or songs. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of 40:12, 45, 724, which are extended quotations of Job and Yahweh, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text.

Special concepts in this chapter

Jobs righteousness

In seeking to defend his own righteousness, Job accuses Yahweh of being unjust. Yahweh asks a very important question: “Will you condemn me so you may claim you are right?” This is the essence of Jobs error.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Irony

Yahweh states, “He who argues with God, let him answer.” Job immediately answers him. This is irony. While Job is forced to acknowledge the power of Yahweh, he does not repent of his former statements. Because of this, Yahweh asks him more questions. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Animals

There are several animals mentioned in this chapter that do not exist and may never have existed. It may be necessary to leave these names untranslated or to translate their names as adjectives.

245340:1jlf1Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

245440:2kpm1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionShould anyone who wishes to criticize try to correct the Almighty?0

Yahweh is rebuking Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one who wants to criticize me should try to argue with me, for I am Almighty God.” or “You, a person, want to criticize me, Almighty God, but you should not try to correct me.”

245540:2p78zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronounsHe who argues with God, let him answer0

Yahweh speaks of Job and himself as if they were two other people to remind Job that no person anywhere should argue with God. Alternate translation: “You want to argue with me, so answer me”

245640:4hez5See, I am0

Alternate translation: “You are right when you say that I am” or “Look at me and you will see that I am”

245740:4ymc5I am insignificant0

Alternate translation: “I am not important”

245840:4q9w7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionhow can I answer you?0

Job uses this question to apologize for questioning God. Alternate translation: “I cannot answer you.”

245940:7t5gfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similegird up your loins like a man0

A man who tucks his robe up under his sash or belt is preparing for hard physical work, and Job was to prepare for the hard work of answering God. See how you translated this in Job 38:3. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

246040:8piw2Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to challenge Job.

246140:8q5c9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill you actually say that I am unjust?0

The word “actually” indicates that Yahweh is surprised that Job would say that Yahweh is unjust and that Job should make sure that he really wants to say that. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “I am surprised that you are saying I am unjust.” or “You should be sure that you want to say that I am unjust, because that is what you are saying.”

246240:8fj3lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill you condemn me so you may claim you are right?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You are condemning me so you could claim that you are innocent.”

246340:9zc8krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similean arm like Gods0

The arm is a metonym for the strength in the arm. Alternate translation: “strength like Gods strength”

246440:9h8v3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan you thunder with a voice like him?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You certainly cannot cause thunder with your voice the way God does with his.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

246540:9bf69a voice like him0

Alternate translation: “a voice the way he does” or “a voice like his voice”

246640:10tc7mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorclothe yourself in glory and dignity; array yourself in honor and majesty0

The abstract nouns “glory,” “dignity,” “honor,” and “majesty” are spoken of as if they were clothing that a person could put on. They can be translated as adjectives and verbs. Alternate translation: “make yourself glorious; do something great so people will respect you and honor you; make people think you are a great king” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])

246740:11ec11rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorScatter around the excess of your anger0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word anger, you can express the same idea with a verbal form. Here, anger is spoken of as if it were something that usually could be held in a container, but in this situation there is so much of it that what does not fit needs to be spread around. It is also a metonym for the actions a person takes when he is angry. You may need to make explicit why the person is angry. Alternate translation: “Be angry because people are proud, and punish them” (See also: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]] and [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])

246840:11vj9fbring him down0

Alternate translation: “take away everything he is proud of”

246940:13se3trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdochetheir faces0

The “face” represents the whole person. Alternate translation: “them”

247040:13y16qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismthe hidden place0

a euphemism for the place where peoples spirits go when they die

247140:15t3anbehemoth0

a large water animal, possibly the hippopotamus

247240:15zzb3he eats0

the behemoth eats

247340:15h3k4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileeats grass like an ox0

Both the behemoth and the ox eat grass.

247440:16utj1loins … bellys muscles0

These two phrases refer to the same part of the body.

247540:17t5ejrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similelike a cedar0

Cedar is a very hard wood, and his tail becomes very hard.

247640:18g8shrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similelike tubes of bronze0

Here, his bones are compared to tubes made of bronze to show how tough this animal is.

247740:18v226rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similelike bars of iron0

This last comparison describes the strength of this great animal.

247840:19kd2rchief of the creatures0

Alternate translation: “most important of the creatures” or “strongest of the creatures”

247940:19c5rbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pronounsthe creatures of God. Only God0

Yahweh speaks as if he were another person. Alternate translation: “of my creatures. Only I, God”

248040:20f3rurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationthe hills provide him with food0

The hills are spoken of as if they were people capable of giving him food. Alternate translation: “food grows on the hills for him”

248140:21h567lotus plants0

flowering plants that float on the water in swampy areas

248240:21uth5reeds0

tall grasses found in swamps or marshes

248340:22y4zdlotus plants0

flowering plants that float on the water in swampy areas. See how you translated this in Job 40:19.

248440:22k86uwillows of the brook0

Willows are large trees that grow in damp ground. If they are unknown in your culture, you can use a general term for trees that grow near water.

248540:23vbe3banks0

sides of the river

248640:23x8nvthough the Jordan should surge up to his mouth0

Alternate translation: “even if the flood of the Jordan should come up to his mouth”

248740:24uyb7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan anyone capture him with a hook … snare?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can capture him with a hook or pierce his nose through with a snare.”

248841:introet130

Job 41 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations prefer to set apart extended quotations, prayers, or songs. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of this chapter, which is an extended quotation of Yahweh, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text. It is a continuation of the previous chapter.

Important figures of speech in this chapter

Rhetorical questions

Yahweh uses a series of rhetorical questions in this chapter in order to defend his character and to convince Job to repent. (See: [[rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]])

Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter

Animals

There are several animals mentioned in this chapter that do not exist and may never have existed. It may be necessary to leave these names untranslated or to translate their names as adjectives.

248941:1tg8arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook?0

God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that you cannot draw out Leviathan with a fishhook.”

249041:1f9dwdraw out0

pull out of the water

249141:1li7crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisOr tie up his jaws with a cord?0

The words “can you” are understood from the previous question. They can be repeated here. God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Or can you tie up his jaws with a cord?” or “And you know that you cannot tie up his jaws with a cord.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

249241:1t8j2his jaws0

Leviathans jaws

249341:2y88erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan you put a rope into his nose … with a hook?0

God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that you cannot put a rope into Leviathans nose … with a hook.”

249441:3f3f9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill he make many pleas to you?0

God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that he will not make pleas to you.”

249541:3sz4nhe0

Leviathan

249641:3d9dmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill he speak soft words to you?0

God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that he will not speak soft words to you.”

249741:4bmh5Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to rebuke Job. He uses rhetorical questions to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan.

249841:4lt8src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill he make a covenant with you, that you should take him for a servant forever?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that he will not make a covenant with you, that you should take him for a servant forever.”

249941:4k4dahe … him0

The words “he” and “him” refer to Leviathan.

250041:5d2evrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill you play with him as you would with a bird?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that you cannot play with him as you would play with a bird.”

250141:5kt39rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill you tie him up for your servant girls?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that you cannot tie him up for your servant girls.”

250241:6al1qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill the groups of fishermen bargain for him?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that the groups of fishermen will not bargain for him.”

250341:6s28mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWill they divide him up to trade among the merchants?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that they will not divide him up to trade among the merchants.”

250441:6z2rxWill they divide0

Alternate translation: “Will the groups of fishermen divide”

250541:7j9niConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to rebuke Job. He uses rhetorical questions to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan.

250641:7j5dmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionCan you fill his hide with harpoons or his head with fishing spears?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You cannot pierce his skin with your hunting weapons, nor can you pierce his head with fishing spears.”

250741:7ymn4his0

Leviathans

250841:7g9bkharpoons0

large spears with barbed points that people use to hunt large sea creatures

250941:8y27lhim0

Leviathan

251041:9pg91See0

Alternate translation: “Look” or “Listen” or “Pay attention to what I am about to tell you.”

251141:9s2herc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivewill not anyone be thrown down to the ground just by the sight of him?0

This generalization can be translated as a statement in active form. Alternate translation: “Anyone who looks at him will be so frightened that he will throw himself on the ground.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

251241:9x9znthe sight of him0

Alternate translation: “by looking at him” or “by seeing him”

251341:10jk4fConnecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to rebuke Job by asking him rhetorical questions. He uses rhetorical questions to remind Job that Yahweh is much more powerful than both Leviathan and Job.

251441:10wj5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionNone is so fierce that he dare stir Leviathan up; who, then, is he who can stand before me?0

It would be easier to stir up Leviathan than to stand before Yahweh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “Since you know that no person is so fierce that he dare stir Leviathan up, you should certainly know that no one can stand before me.”

251541:11s27erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho has first given anything to me in order that I should repay him?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “You know that no one has first given anything to me, so there is no one whom I need to repay.”

251641:12pqy2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesI will not keep silent concerning … nor about … nor about0

This can be translated in positive form. Alternate translation: “I will certainly speak about … and about … and about”

251741:12c6dkconcerning Leviathans legs, nor about the matter of his strength, nor about his graceful form0

These are three things about which God will not keep silent.

251841:12x2pdhis0

The word “his” refers to Leviathan.

251941:13ppr4Connecting Statement:0

Connecting Statement:

Yahweh continues to rebuke Job by asking him rhetorical questions.

252041:13fp4xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho can strip off his outer covering?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can strip off his outer clothing.”

252141:13xw7shis … his0

Leviathans

252241:13r6zdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorWho can penetrate his double armor?0

The word “armor” is a metaphor for the hard scales or hide on his back. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can penetrate his very thick hide.” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

252341:14e1dkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho can open the doors of his face … terror?0

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question as a statement. Alternate translation: “No one can pry his jaws apart … terror.”

252441:15wa6crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorshields0

The word “shields” is a metaphor for Leviathans hide. Both shields and Leviathans hide protect well and deflect arrows and other weapons.

252541:15s54htight together as with a close seal0

This means the “shields” are very close to one another and nothing can get between them.

252641:16jl62One is so near to another0

One row of shields is so near to another (Job 41:15).

252741:16cs18between them0

between the rows of shields (Job 41:15)

252841:17z5wzThey … they … they0

the rows of shields (Job 41:15).

252941:17x9sgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivethey cannot be pulled apart0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one can pull them apart”

253041:18tbj3from his snorting0

A snort is a sound like a short snore. Another possible meaning is “from his sneezing” or “when he sneezes.” Alternate translation: “when he snorts”

253141:18wjz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similehis eyes are like the eyelids of the morning dawn0

This means that his eyes are red as the morning dawn is red.

253241:18vs55his0

The word “his” refers to Leviathan.

253341:19mp8prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismOut of his mouth go burning torches, sparks of fire leap out0

God expresses the same idea in two different ways in order to emphasize the terrifying appearance of Leviathan. You can make this clear by adding the omitted words. Alternate translation: “Out of his mouth go burning torches, sparks of fire leap out of his mouth” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])

253441:19pl7dhis0

The word “his” refers to Leviathan.

253541:20pqy7nostrils0

the two openings of the nose

253641:20uk6drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similesmoke like a boiling pot0

Both the smoke and a boiling pot are very hot.

253741:21lgl1kindles coals into flame0

Alternate translation: “causes coals to catch fire”

253841:22xx91his … him0

The words “his” and “him” refer to Leviathan.

253941:22lw67rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsterror dances in front of him0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word terror, you can express the same idea with a verbal form such as “be afraid.” Alternate translation: “when people see him coming, they are very afraid”

254041:23uak5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassivethey cannot be moved0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one can move them”

254141:24b1b7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileHis heart is as hard as a stone0

A rock or stone does not change and become soft. This could mean: (1) Leviathans physical chest and the organs inside it are physically hard or (2) Leviathan is not afraid of anything or (3) Leviathan is spoken of as a person who kills without ever being sorry. (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])

254241:24ja7ya lower millstone0

“the hardest of rocks.” The lower millstone is the larger and harder of the two rocks used to grind grain. It would be the hardest rock people could find.

254341:25u1vwhe … himself0

Leviathan

254441:25ygt1the gods0

This could mean: (1) “mighty people” or (2) “very strong people” .

254541:26m7wsstrikes him0

strikes Leviathan

254641:27hml3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileHe thinks of iron as if it were straw0

“He thinks of weapons made of iron as if they were weapons made of straw.” Straw would not get through his hide, and iron weapons do not get through his hide.

254741:27uu6erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisof bronze as if it were rotten wood0

You can make this clear by adding the omitted words. Alternate translation: “he thinks of weapons made of bronze as if they were weapons made of rotten wood” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])

254841:28jl4xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorto him sling stones become chaff0

Chaff cannot hurt Leviathan, and sling stones are just as ineffective as chaff.

254941:28w7plhim … him0

Leviathan

255041:29zzu4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveClubs are regarded as straw0

A club made of straw would not hurt him, and a club made of wood would not hurt him. This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “He thinks of clubs as if they were straw”

255141:29yn7yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationhe laughs at the whirring flight of a spear0

The person throwing the spear hopes that the spear will kill Leviathan, but the writer speaks as if Leviathan knows the spear will not kill him and so laughs.

255241:29rx15he laughs0

Leviathan laughs

255341:30jdd9His … he … he0

These words refer to Leviathan.

255441:30sy31rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similehe leaves a spreading trail in the mud as if he were a threshing sledge0

Just as a threshing sledge goes over grain on a threshing floor and turns it to powder, so Leviathans tail leaves a trail in the mud as he wags it when he walks.

255541:31p2f1He makes the deep to foam up like a pot of boiling water0

Alternate translation: “As he passes through the water, he leaves a trail of bubbles behind him, like the bubbling of boiling water in a pot”

255641:31bj7mHe0

The word “he” refers to Leviathan.

255741:31z9purc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-similehe makes the sea like a pot of ointment0

The ointment in a pot is cloudy if someone shakes it, and the sea is muddy when Leviathan swims in it.

255841:32xdy6one would think the deep had gray hair0

This is because the bubbles in his wake are white.

255941:33p5t9there is no equal to him0

Alternate translation: “no other creature is like Leviathan”

256041:33f5nchim0

Leviathan

256141:34b5cmHe sees everything that is proud0

Alternate translation: “He is very, very proud”

256241:34c959rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationhe is king over all the sons of pride0

Leviathan is spoken of as if he were a person who is able to become king and be proud. Alternate translation: “Leviathan has more reason to be proud than anyone else on earth”

256341:34n88zHe … he0

Leviathan

256442:introg9q60

Job 42 General Notes

Structure and formatting

Some translations prefer to set apart extended quotations, prayers, or songs. The ULT and many other English translations set the lines of 42:16, which is an extended quotation of Job, farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text.

Having faced the temptation to curse Yahweh, and after being rebuked by him, in the end Job shows his complete trust in Yahweh. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/tempt]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/curse]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/trust]])

Special concepts in this chapter

Justice

Yahweh enacts justice at the end of this book. He punishes Jobs friends and restores Jobs blessings. Yahwehs blessing was not dependent upon Jobs repentance, but upon Yahwehs grace. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/justice]], [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/restore]], [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/bless]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/repent]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/grace]])

256542:2bdu3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisI know that you can do all things, that no purpose of yours can be stopped0

You may want to repeat the words “I know.” Alternate translation: “I know that you can do all things. I know that no purpose of yours can be stopped”

256642:2wu37rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveno purpose of yours can be stopped0

This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “no one can stop any of your plans”

256742:3b75drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionWho is this0

The ULT and most modern versions agree that Job is loosely quoting Gods own words from Job 38:2. You may decide, as does the UST, to make it clear that God asked this question of Job and that Job is now remembering it. Alternate translation: “You said to me, Who is this”

256842:3en66rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitconceals plans0

That is, hides or misrepresents Gods plans.

256942:5gp4arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorbut now my eye sees you0

The eyes represent seeing, and seeing represents understanding. Alternate translation: “but now I really understand you”

257042:6y9x9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymydespise myself0

Jobs self is a metonym for what he said. Alternate translation: “I despise the things I said”

257142:6d1wvdespise0

intensely dislike

257242:6p13drc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionI repent in dust and ashes0

Sitting in dust and ashes is a symbolic act showing the person is sorry.

257342:7bj1vIt came about that0

This phrase is used here to mark an important event in the story. If your language has a way for doing this, you could consider using it here.

257442:7izh1Eliphaz the Temanite0

See how you translated this mans name in Job 2:11

257542:7snw3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorMy wrath is kindled against you0

Fire is a metaphor for anger, and starting a fire is a metaphor for becoming angry. Alternate translation: “I have become very angry with you”

257642:8fh9urc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbersseven bulls0

“7 bulls”

257742:8vy3trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsso that I may not deal with you after your folly0

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea behind the word folly, you can express the same idea with an adjective. Alternate translation: “even though you have been very foolish, I will not punish you as you deserve”

257842:9h2t8Bildad the Shuhite0

See how you translated this mans name in Job 2:11

257942:9tm97Zophar the Naamathite0

See how you translated this mans name in Job 2:11

258042:9l5p5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyYahweh accepted Job0

The person is a metonym for the prayer he prays. Alternate translation: “God accepted Jobs prayer for his three friends”

258142:10khw7Yahweh restored his fortunes0

Alternate translation: “Yahweh restored his riches” or “Yahweh restored his wealth”

258242:11nlf5all who knew him before0

Alternate translation: “all the people he had known before”

258342:12bw3arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsismore than the first0

The words “he blesed” and “of Jobs life” are understood from the previous phrase. They can be repeated here Alternate translation: “more than he blessed the first part of Jobs life”

258442:12ud3irc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbersfourteen thousand sheep0

14,000 sheep

258542:12qax5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numberssix thousand camels0

6,000 camels

258642:12g7yprc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbersone thousand yoke of oxen0

1,000 yoke of oxen

258742:13z7x9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numbersseven sons and three daughters0

7 sons and 3 daughters

258842:14xd1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesJemimah … Keziah … Keren-Happuch0

womens names

258942:15l9nwno women were found as beautiful as Jobs daughters0

Alternate translation: “Jobs daughters were more beautiful than all the other women”

259042:16s5nirc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-numberslived 140 years0

“lived 140 years”

259142:17d827rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletbeing old and full of days0

The words “full of days” means basically the same thing as “being old.” The two phrases form a common idiom. Alternate translation: “a very old man” (See also: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])