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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.

What title should translators give to this book?

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.

The “sea monster”

Ancient peoples seem to have been aware of a large, fierce creature that lived in the ocean. They referred to it as the “sea monster.” People in Job's culture regarded the sea as the realm of watery chaos, and they associated this sea monster with that chaos. There are references to this creature in the book of Job under the names Leviathan in 3:8, the “sea monster” in 7:12, Rahab in 9:13 and 26:12, and the “fleeing serpent” in 26:13. The description of Leviathan in chapter 41 also seems to be a description of this same creature. Notes at these various places suggest how you might represent these references in your translation.

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. In the rest of the book, the characters speak in 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 on 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 the 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 could use in your translation in these instances.

“nose”

In several places in the book, various characters use the term “nose” to mean anger. They do this by association with the way that a person who is angry breathes heavily through his nose. Your language and culture may also associate anger with a particular part of the body. If so, you could use an expression involving that part of the body in your translation. You could also use plain language and say “anger.”

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 וְ⁠קָרְאוּ֙1

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 הַ⁠מִּשְׁתֶּ֜ה1

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 could 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 language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women, as the UST does, or you could mention both sons and daughters. Alternate translation: “my sons and daughters”

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

It is possible that the original reading here was “cursed” and that scribes changed it to blessed in order to avoid the uncomfortable language of a person cursing God. Traditional manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible do not have a marginal notation about this as they do in the case of 7:20, but many translations read “cursed” since this is the kind of change that scribes are known to have made in similar cases. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT. Alternate translation: “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 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 express the emphasis in a different way. 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 הַ⁠שָּׂטָ֤ן 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: “The adversary 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 לִבְּ⁠ךָ֖ עַל1

Here, the heart 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 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

See how you translated the word “blessed in verse 5. Scribes may have made a similar change here from “curse” to bless. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT. 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 could use in your translation.

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

Here, hand 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 the similar 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-idiomוַ⁠תִּפֹּ֤ל1

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 לְ⁠בַדִּ֖⁠י לְ⁠הַגִּ֥יד לָֽ⁠ךְ1

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.

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 לִבְּ⁠ךָ֮ אֶל1

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 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

See how you translated the same expression in 1:11. Scribes may also have made a change here from “curse” to bless. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT. Alternate translation: “he will … 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 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 sharp fragment of 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-euphemismבָּרֵ֥ךְ1

See how you translated the word “bless” in 1:11 and 2:5. Scribes may also have made a change here from “Curse” to Bless. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT. Alternate translation: “Curse”

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 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 due to 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 voices as 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, 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 poetry.

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 dark shadow 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 his 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 a dark shadow 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, that is, 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. People in this culture employed sorcerers in the belief that they could cause bad things to happen on a particular day to their enemies. 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 the 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

The implication is that if sorcerers created chaos by awakening the chaos monster, 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 among days” or “to destroy the distinct identity of the day on which I was born”

1523:8j342rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלִוְיָתָֽן1

As the General Introduction to Job explains, ancient peoples seem to have been aware of a large, fierce creature that lived in the ocean, which they called the “sea monster.” People in Job's culture regarded the sea as the realm of watery chaos, and they associated this sea monster with that chaos. That is the association that Job is making here, calling the sea monster by the name Leviathan. You could retain the name Leviathan in your translation. Alternatively, you could use a general expression to convey the idea here. Alternate translation: “the sea monster that is associated with chaos”

1533:9fcl4rc://*/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”

1543:9j058rc://*/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”

1553:9max2rc://*/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. By dawn, Job means the sunrise itself, not the first faint light that appears on the horizon to indicate that a new day is beginning. Alternate translation: “the first flashes of light from the sunrise”

1563:10j059rc://*/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 to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “it did not close the doors of my mothers womb”

1573:10ta9drc://*/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”

1583:10juv2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationלֹ֣א סָ֭גַר דַּלְתֵ֣י בִטְנִ֑⁠י וַ⁠יַּסְתֵּ֥ר1

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 and hid”

1593:10j060rc://*/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”

1603:10e47irc://*/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”

1613:10j061rc://*/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”

1623:10j062rc://*/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”

1633:11j063rc://*/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?”

1643:11gg8prc://*/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!”

1653:11j064rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמֵ⁠רֶ֣חֶם1

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”

1663:11hh1mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismוְ⁠אֶגְוָֽע1

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 could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “and pass away”

1673:11j065rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ⁠בֶּ֖טֶן יָצָ֣אתִי 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”

1683:12j066rc://*/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!”

1693:12j067rc://*/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?”

1703:12v9p9rc://*/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?”

1713:13aal1rc://*/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,”

1723:13j068עַ֭תָּה1

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

1733:13pv57rc://*/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”

1743:13j069rc://*/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 could use in your translation. If not, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I would have passed away” or “I would have died”

1753:13e4ksיָנ֬וּחַֽ 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”

1763:14j070rc://*/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”

1773:15j071rc://*/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 express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “who kept much silver in their homes”

1783:16j072rc://*/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”

1793:16qu2src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheכְּ֝⁠עֹלְלִ֗ים לֹא־רָ֥אוּ אֽוֹר1

Job is using one part 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”

1803:17j073rc://*/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”

1813:18zbk5rc://*/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. 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”

1823:19yv5lrc://*/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”

1833:19j074rc://*/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”

1843:19xrv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounוְ֝⁠עֶ֗בֶד1

In this context, the phrase a servant does not refer to one specific person. It refers to servants in general. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and anyone who had been a servant”

1853:20zq45rc://*/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 statements or exclamations. Alternate translation: “Light should not be given to the miserable! Life should not be given to the bitter in soul!”

1863:20j075rc://*/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”

1873:20naz6rc://*/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”

1883:20j076rc://*/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”

1893:20j077rc://*/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”

1903:20j078rc://*/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”

1913:21hbh3rc://*/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!”

1923:21lgj7rc://*/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”

1933:22p5zyrc://*/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!”

1943:22z97vrc://*/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”

1953:22p53trc://*/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”

1963:23fk1vrc://*/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!”

1973:23j079rc://*/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”

1983:23xgh3rc://*/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”

1993:23j080rc://*/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”

2003:24j081rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּֽי1

Job is using the word For to introduce 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”

2013:24ya6wrc://*/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”

2023:24jp2urc://*/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”

2033:25j082rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּ֤י1

Job is using the word For to introduce 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”

2043:25pvp2rc://*/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”

2053:25j083rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryפַ֣חַד 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”

2063:26j084rc://*/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”

2073:26f53trc://*/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”

2083:26j085rc://*/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”

2094:introkk870

Job 4 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

In this chapter (and the next chapter), Jobs friend Eliphaz responds to what Job said in chapter 3.

The ULT sets the lines of this chapter farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are poetry.

Special Concepts in This Chapter

Eliphazs advice

Eliphaz advises Job 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]])

2104:2y6k8rc://*/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.”

2114:2j086rc://*/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”

2124:2j087rc://*/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”

2134:2j088rc://*/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”

2144:2n3srrc://*/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”

2154:2j089rc://*/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”

2164:3j090rc://*/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”

2174:3j091rc://*/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.

2184:3fe8qrc://*/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 frightened people take courage”

2194:4tqj5rc://*/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”

2204:4fnd5rc://*/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”

2214:4j092rc://*/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: “people who were stumbling” or “people who were struggling”

2224:4c21wrc://*/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”

2234:5jv44rc://*/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”

2244:5j093rc://*/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”

2254:6jv9mrc://*/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!”

2264:6b27yrc://*/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”

2274:6j094rc://*/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”

2284:6nh5wrc://*/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”

2294:7ctx8rc://*/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!”

2304:7mq2src://*/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”

2314:7j095rc://*/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”

2324:8j096rc://*/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 who plow misery reap it, and the ones who sow trouble reap that”

2334:8yw7brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorחֹ֣רְשֵׁי אָ֑וֶן וְ⁠זֹרְעֵ֖י עָמָ֣ל יִקְצְרֻֽ⁠הוּ1

Eliphaz is speaking as if 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”

2344:9g9mprc://*/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. He could be using 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.

2354:9sm4nrc://*/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”

2364:10vnp3rc://*/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”

2374:10mw99rc://*/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”

2384:10l75nrc://*/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”

2394:11uru1rc://*/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”

2404:11n8m2rc://*/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”

2414:12j097rc://*/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”

2424:12dotsrc://*/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.

2434:12j098rc://*/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”

2444:12j099rc://*/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”

2454:13h37arc://*/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”

2464:13er9trc://*/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”

2474:13j100rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאֲנָשִֽׁים1

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

2484:14pp18rc://*/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”

2494:14j101rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryפַּ֣חַד & 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.

2504:14j102rc://*/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”

2514:16vak8rc://*/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”

2524:16j103rc://*/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”

2534:17j104rc://*/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.”

2544:17qqw3rc://*/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!”

2554:17j105rc://*/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”

2564:17j106rc://*/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?”

2574:17j107rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations הַֽ֭⁠אֱנוֹשׁ & גָּֽבֶר1

In each instance, the masculine term man has generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a person … a person”

2584:18j108rc://*/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”

2594:18j109rc://*/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”

2604:19j110rc://*/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”

2614:19x3pkrc://*/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”

2624:19j111rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיְ֝דַכְּא֗וּ⁠ם1

They is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “Such people can be crushed”

2634:19r4dqrc://*/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”

2644:20m44urc://*/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”

2654:20znp6rc://*/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”

2664:21n9surc://*/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!”

2674:21j112rc://*/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”

2684:21ugp9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהֲ⁠לֹא־נִסַּ֣ע יִתְרָ֣⁠ם בָּ֑⁠ם1

Eliphaz is speaking as if 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!”

2694:21j113rc://*/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”

2705: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 poetry. 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.

2715:1j114rc://*/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 could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Go ahead, call out”

2725:1j115rc://*/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”

2735:1j116rc://*/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”

2745:1gaw4rc://*/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.”

2755:1n2rwrc://*/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: “of the angelic beings”

2765:1j117rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorתִּפְנֶֽה1

Eliphaz is speaking as if Job would literally turn to face someone whom 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”

2775:2j118rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּֽי1

Eliphaz is using the word For to introduce 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”

2785:2v7iprc://*/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”

2795:2j119rc://*/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”

2805:2bn1mrc://*/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”

2815:2cf68rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjלֶֽ֭⁠אֱוִיל1

Job is using the adjective foolish 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: “the foolish person”

2825:2j120rc://*/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 could use in your translation.

2835:3j121rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאֲֽנִי־רָ֭אִיתִי1

For emphasis, Eliphaz is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated have seen. 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”

2845:3xhtdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjאֱוִ֣יל1

Job is using the adjective foolish 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: “a foolish person”

2855:3j122rc://*/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: “a person who does not respect and obey God”

2865:3za27rc://*/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”

2875:3lcr1rc://*/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”

2885:4j123rc://*/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”

2895:4yz4irc://*/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”

2905:4e8jsrc://*/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”

2915:4i7p9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠יִֽדַּכְּא֥וּ בַ֝⁠שַּׁ֗עַר1

Eliphaz is speaking as if the children of a 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”

2925:4ep6hrc://*/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”

2935:5j124rc://*/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”

2945:5j125rc://*/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”

2955:5j126rc://*/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”

2965:5j127rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרָ֘עֵ֤ב & צַמִּ֣ים1

Eliphaz is using the adjectives hungry and thirsty as nouns to mean certain kinds of people. The 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”

2975:5j128rc://*/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”

2985:5j129rc://*/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”

2995:5k9aprc://*/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”

3005:5ded6rc://*/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 wealth 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”

3015:5j130rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠שָׁאַ֖ף צַמִּ֣ים חֵילָֽ⁠ם1

Eliphaz is saying by implication that the thirsty ones who desire the wealth of foolish people actually do obtain it. They do so by gleaning their entire harvests and perhaps by other means that Eliphaz 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”

3025:6j131rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּ֤י1

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”

3035:6kx25rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor׀ לֹא־יֵצֵ֣א מֵ⁠עָפָ֣ר אָ֑וֶן וּ֝⁠מֵ⁠אֲדָמָ֗ה לֹא־יִצְמַ֥ח עָמָֽל׃1

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”

3045:6j132rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit לֹא־יֵצֵ֣א מֵ⁠עָפָ֣ר אָ֑וֶן וּ֝⁠מֵ⁠אֲדָמָ֗ה לֹא־יִצְמַ֥ח עָמָֽל׃1

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: “it is truly indignation that causes trouble, yes, it is resentment that causes misery”

3055:7j133rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּֽי1

Eliphaz is using the word For to introduce 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”

3065:7kz2src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit־אָ֭דָם לְ⁠עָמָ֣ל יוּלָּ֑ד וּ⁠בְנֵי־רֶ֝֗שֶׁף יַגְבִּ֥יהוּ עֽוּף׃1

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”

3075:7j134rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאָ֭דָם לְ⁠עָמָ֣ל יוּלָּ֑ד1

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

3085:7j135rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveאָ֭דָם לְ⁠עָמָ֣ל יוּלָּ֑ד1

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”

3095:7j136rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠בְנֵי־רֶ֝֗שֶׁף1

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 could use in your translation to describe sparks. You could also state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and sparks”

3105:7j137rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיַגְבִּ֥יהוּ עֽוּף1

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”

3115:8j138rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאֲ֭נִי אֶדְרֹ֣שׁ אֶל־אֵ֑ל1

For emphasis, Eliphaz is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the word translated 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”

3125:8j139rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֲ֭נִי אֶדְרֹ֣שׁ אֶל־אֵ֑ל1

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”

3135:9j140rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjגְ֭דֹלוֹת & נִ֝פְלָא֗וֹת1

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.

3145:9l8rtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠אֵ֣ין חֵ֑קֶר1

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”

3155:9j141rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisנִ֝פְלָא֗וֹת1

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”

3165:10j142rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsהַ⁠נֹּתֵ֣ן & וְ⁠שֹׁ֥לֵֽחַ1

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”

3175:10j143rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor־פְּנֵי־אָ֑רֶץ & ־פְּנֵ֥י חוּצֽוֹת׃1

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”

3185:11die2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלָ⁠שׂ֣וּם שְׁפָלִ֣ים לְ⁠מָר֑וֹם וְ֝⁠קֹדְרִ֗ים שָׂ֣גְבוּ יֶֽשַׁע׃1

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”

3195:11j144rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjשְׁפָלִ֣ים1

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”

3205:11j145rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsיֶֽשַׁע׃1

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”

3215:12j146rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjעֲרוּמִ֑ים1

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”

3225:12j147rc://*/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”

3235:12j148rc://*/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”

3245:13rw2wrc://*/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”

3255:13j149rc://*/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”

3265:13j150rc://*/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”

3275:13j151rc://*/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”

3285:13j152rc://*/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.

3295:14w5uyrc://*/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”

3305:15j153rc://*/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”

3315:15i885rc://*/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”

3325:15j154rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוּ⁠מִ⁠יַּ֖ד1

Here, hand 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”

3335:16j155rc://*/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”

3345:16j156rc://*/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”

3355:16j157rc://*/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”

3365:16exr5rc://*/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”

3375:16j158rc://*/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”

3385:17j159rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאֱ֭נוֹשׁ1

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

3395:17j160rc://*/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 the Almighty”

3405:17g1brrc://*/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”

3415:18fx57rc://*/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.

3425:18j161rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsה֣וּא יַכְאִ֣יב1

For emphasis, Eliphaz is stating the pronoun he, whose meaning is already present in the word translated 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”

3435:18dgs2rc://*/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”

3445:19q4qerc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryבְּ⁠שֵׁ֣שׁ 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 a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “God will rescue you from every trouble and not allow you to be harmed”

3455:19j162rc://*/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”

3465:19j163rc://*/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”

3475:20q1girc://*/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”

3485:20j164rc://*/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”

3495:20cy63rc://*/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”

3505:20j165rc://*/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”

3515:20j166rc://*/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”

3525:20j167rc://*/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”

3535:21j168rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possession בְּ⁠שׁ֣וֹט לָ֭שׁוֹן 1

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,”

3545:21j169rc://*/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”

3555:21j170rc://*/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”

3565:21j171rc://*/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”

3575:21j172rc://*/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”

3585:21h9agrc://*/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”

3595:22m19vrc://*/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”

3605:22j173rc://*/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”

3615:22j174rc://*/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”

3625:23j175rc://*/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”

3635:23kt43rc://*/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”

3645:23j176rc://*/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”

3655:23j177rc://*/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”

3665:24j178rc://*/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”

3675:24ew8grc://*/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”

3685:24i2fjrc://*/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”

3695:24j179rc://*/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”

3705:25fxb7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomרַ֣ב זַרְעֶ֑⁠ךָ1

Here, seed means “descendants.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your descendants will be many”

3715:25j180rc://*/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”

3725:25f961rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוְ֝⁠צֶאֱצָאֶ֗י⁠ךָ כְּ⁠עֵ֣שֶׂב הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ1

The point of this comparison is that just as the grass of the earth is very plentiful, 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”

3735:26a9gtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismתָּב֣וֹא & אֱלֵי־קָ֑בֶר1

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

3745:26w6jtrc://*/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”

3755:27uwj5rc://*/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.

3765:27j181rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ⁠אַתָּ֥ה דַֽע1

For emphasis, Eliphaz is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already present in the word translated 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”

3776:intror7kh0

Job 6 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is the beginning of Jobs response to Eliphaz.

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

Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter

Metaphors

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

In verses 1620, Job develops the image of his friends being like a stream of water that runs dry. Since Job explains the meaning of the image again in verse 21, you do not need to explain it in your translation in verses 1620.

Rhetorical questions

Job often uses the question form in this chapter to make emphatic statements or exclamations. This emphasis helps strengthen Jobs response to Eliphaz. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

Translation Issues in This Chapter

plural “you”

Beginning in verse 21, Job addresses his friends directly. So when he uses the word you from that verse to the end of the chapter, the word is plural. Use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

3786:2j183rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorל֗וּ שָׁק֣וֹל יִשָּׁקֵ֣ל כַּעְשִׂ֑⁠י וְ֝הַוָּתִ֗י בְּֽ⁠מֹאזְנַ֥יִם יִשְׂאוּ־יָֽחַד1

Job is speaking as if his anguish and calamity could literally be weighed. He means that he wishes he could prove that his calamity is so great that it justifies the anguish he is feeling and has been expressing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I wish I could prove that my calamity warrants the amount of anguish that I am feeling and showing”

3796:2use6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveל֗וּ שָׁק֣וֹל יִשָּׁקֵ֣ל כַּעְשִׂ֑⁠י וְ֝הַוָּתִ֗י בְּֽ⁠מֹאזְנַ֥יִם יִשְׂאוּ־יָֽחַד1

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 only someone would weigh my anguish thoroughly and lay my calamity in the balances”

3806:2cqr6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownל֗וּ שָׁק֣וֹל יִשָּׁקֵ֣ל כַּעְשִׂ֑⁠י וְ֝הַוָּתִ֗י בְּֽ⁠מֹאזְנַ֥יִם יִשְׂאוּ־יָֽחַד1

The word balances describes an instrument for determining the weight of an object or comparing the weight of two objects. It consists of a central post with a crossbar from which two pans are hung. An object may be placed in one pan and known weights placed in the other pan until the crossbar remains level, meaning that both pans contain an equal weight. Or one object may be placed in one pan and a different object in the other pan; the pan that hangs lower contains the heavier object. If your readers would not be familiar with what balances are, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “If only someone would weigh both my anguish and my calamity on a scale”

3816:2j184rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplicationשָׁק֣וֹל יִשָּׁקֵ֣ל1

The words were thoroughly weighed translate a repeated verb. Job is repeating the verb “weigh” for emphasis. If your language can repeat words for emphasis, it would be appropriate to use that construction here in your translation.

3826:3l5j1rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsמֵ⁠ח֣וֹל יַמִּ֣ים יִכְבָּ֑ד1

Job is using the pronoun it to refer to his anguish. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “my anguish would be heavier than the sand of the seas”

3836:3j9lzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationדְּבָרַ֥⁠י לָֽעוּ1

Job is speaking of his words as if they were a living thing that has raved to his friends. He means that he himself has raved or spoken vehemently to them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I raved when I spoke to you”

3846:4se7mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorחִצֵּ֪י שַׁדַּ֡י עִמָּדִ֗⁠י אֲשֶׁ֣ר חֲ֭מָתָ⁠ם שֹׁתָ֣ה רוּחִ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking as if God had literally shot arrows with poison into him. He means that the bad things that have happened to him, for which he considers God responsible, are making him suffer and feel desperate, as if he were dying from the poison. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am suffering desperately because of what the Almighty has done to me”

3856:4j185rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionחִצֵּ֪י שַׁדַּ֡י עִמָּדִ֗⁠י אֲשֶׁ֣ר חֲ֭מָתָ⁠ם שֹׁתָ֣ה רוּחִ֑⁠י1

Job is using the possessive form to refer to an inner part of himself, the locus of his motivations and aspirations, as his spirit. He is not referring to a separate supernatural being, a spirit, that belongs to him. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “my morale is suffering desperately because of what the Almighty has done to me”

3866:4m898rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשֹׁתָ֣ה1

Job is speaking as if his spirit were literally drinking poison from arrows that had struck him. He means, within the context of that metaphor, that his spirit is absorbing the poison. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is absorbing”

3876:4l3u6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationבִּעוּתֵ֖י אֱל֣וֹהַּ יַֽעַרְכֽוּ⁠נִי1

Job is speaking of the terrors of God (that is, the things he believes God is doing to terrify him) as if they were living things that could array themselves against him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God is doing many things that all terrify me”

3886:5vas3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠יִֽנְהַק־פֶּ֥רֶא עֲלֵי־דֶ֑שֶׁא אִ֥ם יִגְעֶה־שּׁ֝֗וֹר עַל־בְּלִילֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis in both of these sentences. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these sentences as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “A wild donkey does not bray over grass! Indeed, an ox does not bellow over its fodder!”

3896:5kn3rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִ֥ם יִגְעֶה־שּׁ֝֗וֹר עַל־בְּלִילֽ⁠וֹ1

Job 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: “An ox does not bellow over its fodder, does it?”

3906:5j186rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbsהֲ⁠יִֽנְהַק־פֶּ֥רֶא עֲלֵי־דֶ֑שֶׁא אִ֥ם יִגְעֶה־שּׁ֝֗וֹר עַל־בְּלִילֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is quoting or creating a proverb, a short saying about something that is generally true in life. This proverb draws a figurative comparison: Just as animals do not complain loudly if they have food, so Job would not be protesting so vehemently if something were not seriously wrong. But since Job has already made this point explicitly in verse 3 (“therefore my words raved”), you do not need to explain it here. Rather, you can translate the proverb itself in a way that will be recognized as a proverb and be meaningful in your language and culture. If your readers would not recognize what a wild donkey or an ox is, in your translation you could use animals that your readers would recognize.

3916:6cg4rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠יֵאָכֵ֣ל תָּ֭פֵל מִ⁠בְּלִי־מֶ֑לַח אִם־יֶשׁ־טַ֝֗עַם בְּ⁠רִ֣יר חַלָּמֽוּת1

Job is using the question form for emphasis in both of these sentences. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these sentences as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “The unsavory will not be eaten without salt! And there is no taste in the white of an egg!”

3926:6l3sdrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbsהֲ⁠יֵאָכֵ֣ל תָּ֭פֵל מִ⁠בְּלִי־מֶ֑לַח אִם־יֶשׁ־טַ֝֗עַם בְּ⁠רִ֣יר חַלָּמֽוּת1

Job is quoting or creating a proverb, a short saying about something that is generally true in life. This proverb draws a figurative comparison: Just as it is necessary to season some foods in order to eat them, so it is necessary to talk expressively about some situations in life in order to endure them. Job has already made this point explicitly in verse 3 (“therefore my words raved”), but perhaps the connection will not be as clear in this case as in the previous verse. So you could make the connection more explicitly. Alternatively, you could translate the proverb itself in a way that would be recognized as a proverb and be meaningful in your language and culture. If people in your culture would not eat the white of an egg, in your translation you could use a food that your readers would recognize. Alternate translation: “I cannot endure these troubles without talking emotionally about them, any more than people can eat bland food without seasoning it”

3936:6j187rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjהֲ⁠יֵאָכֵ֣ל תָּ֭פֵל מִ⁠בְּלִי־מֶ֑לַח1

Job is using the adjective unsavory, which in this context means “without flavor,” as a noun to mean a certain kind of food. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “Will unsavory food be eaten without salt”

3946:6xfj2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveהֲ⁠יֵאָכֵ֣ל תָּ֭פֵל מִ⁠בְּלִי־מֶ֑לַח1

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: “Will people eat unsavory food without salt”

3956:6j188rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־יֶשׁ־טַ֝֗עַם בְּ⁠רִ֣יר חַלָּמֽוּת1

Job is using the word If to introduce a question that anticipates a contrary answer. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “There is no taste in the white of an egg, is there”

3966:7j189rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמֵאֲנָ֣ה & נַפְשִׁ֑⁠י1

Job is using one part of himself, his soul, to mean all of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have refused”

3976:7j190rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisלִ⁠נְגּ֣וֹעַ1

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. Job is moving from quoting a proverb that uses food as an illustration to talking about his actual food. Alternate translation: “to touch food”

3986:7hy2zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלִ⁠נְגּ֣וֹעַ1

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

3996:7j191rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsהֵ֝֗מָּה1

The pronoun they refers to the troubles that Job has been experiencing. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “my troubles”

4006:7j192rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכִּ⁠דְוֵ֥י לַחְמִֽ⁠י1

The point of this comparison is that just as disease can make a person feel too badly to eat, so Jobs troubles are making him feel too badly to eat. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “are making me feel too badly to eat, as if I were sick”

4016:7j193rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלַחְמִֽ⁠י1

Job is referring to eating by association with the food that people eat. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when I eat”

4026:8j194rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִֽי־יִ֭תֵּן תָּב֣וֹא שֶֽׁאֱלָתִ֑⁠י1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I wish that someone would grant that my request would come!”

4036:8j195rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationמִֽי־יִ֭תֵּן תָּב֣וֹא שֶֽׁאֱלָתִ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking of his request as if it were a living thing that could come to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Who will grant my request” or “I wish that someone would make happen what I am requesting”

4046:9yf92rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysוְ⁠יֹאֵ֣ל אֱ֭לוֹהַּ וִֽ⁠ידַכְּאֵ֑⁠נִי1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two verbs connected with and. The verb be willing tells in what way Job hopes God will crush him. 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 may God willingly crush me” or “and may God agree to crush me”

4056:9f53hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיַתֵּ֥ר יָ֝ד֗⁠וֹ1

Here, hand 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: “may he use his power”

4066:9j196rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוִֽ⁠יבַצְּעֵֽ⁠נִי1

Job is speaking as if he were a branch that God might cut … off from a tree in order to kill it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and kill me”

4076:10gre4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultוּ֥⁠תְהִי ע֨וֹד ׀ נֶ֘חָ֤מָתִ֗⁠י וַ⁠אֲסַלְּדָ֣ה בְ֭⁠חִילָה לֹ֣א יַחְמ֑וֹל כִּי־לֹ֥א כִ֝חַ֗דְתִּי אִמְרֵ֥י קָדֽוֹשׁ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could put the last phrase in this sentence first, since it gives the reason for what the first and second phrases describe. Alternate translation: “I have not concealed the sayings of the Holy One, so may that still be my consolation; may it enable me to be cheerful in pain even if God does not spare me”

4086:10j197rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוּ֥⁠תְהִי ע֨וֹד ׀ נֶ֘חָ֤מָתִ֗⁠י1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of consolation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “And may this still console me”

4096:10j198rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsלֹ֣א יַחְמ֑וֹל1

The pronoun he refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “may God not spare”

4106:10j199rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלֹ֣א יַחְמ֑וֹל1

Job is not wishing that God would not spare him. He is referring implicitly to the possibility that God might not spare him. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “even if God does not spare me”

4116:10j200rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלֹ֥א כִ֝חַ֗דְתִּי אִמְרֵ֥י קָדֽוֹשׁ1

Job is speaking as if he could literally have concealed the sayings of the Holy One. He means that he has not treated Gods decrees regarding people as if they did not exist. In other words, he has obeyed them and, to this point in the book, he has not questioned them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have not disobeyed or questioned the sayings of the Holy One” or “I have not disobeyed or questioned Gods decrees”

4126:10ji9nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesלֹ֥א כִ֝חַ֗דְתִּי אִמְרֵ֥י קָדֽוֹשׁ1

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 concealed. Alternate translation: “I have obeyed Gods decrees” or “I have trusted Gods decrees”

4136:10j201rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjקָדֽוֹשׁ1

Job is using the adjective Holy as a noun to refer to God by describing what God is like. The ULT adds the word One to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this expression with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “God, who is holy”

4146:11b1uerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַה־כֹּחִ֥⁠י כִֽי־אֲיַחֵ֑ל וּ⁠מַה־קִּ֝צִּ֗⁠י כִּֽי־אַאֲרִ֥יךְ נַפְשִֽׁ⁠י1

Job is using the question form for emphasis in both of these sentences. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these sentences as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “I do not have enough strength to wait! And I should not try to prolong my life beyond when it will end!”

4156:11j202rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכִֽי־אֲיַחֵ֑ל1

Job means implicitly that he does not have the strength to wait or endure until he receives the long-term blessings that Eliphaz said he would have if he committed his cause to God. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “that I should wait for those blessings” or “that I would be able to endure until I received those blessings”

4166:12vp49rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־כֹּ֣חַ אֲבָנִ֣ים כֹּחִ֑⁠י אִֽם־בְּשָׂרִ֥⁠י נָחֽוּשׁ1

In both cases, Job is using the word If to introduce a question that anticipates a contrary answer. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “My strength is not the strength of stones, is it? My flesh is not bronze, is it?”

4176:12n69yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאִם־כֹּ֣חַ אֲבָנִ֣ים כֹּחִ֑⁠י אִֽם־בְּשָׂרִ֥⁠י נָחֽוּשׁ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis in both of these sentences. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these sentences as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “My strength is not the strength of stones! My flesh is not bronze!”

4186:12j203rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאִֽם־בְּשָׂרִ֥⁠י נָחֽוּשׁ1

Job is speaking as if his flesh might literally be bronze. He is actually making a comparison. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My flesh is not as durable as bronze, is it?” or “My flesh is not as durable as bronze!”

4196:13j204rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomהַ⁠אִ֬ם אֵ֣ין עֶזְרָתִ֣⁠י בִ֑⁠י וְ֝⁠תֻשִׁיָּ֗ה נִדְּחָ֥ה מִמֶּֽ⁠נִּי1

Job is using the word If to introduce questions that anticipate negative answers. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “My help is not in me, is it, and initiative has been taken away from me, hasnt it?”

4206:13lg48rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ⁠אִ֬ם אֵ֣ין עֶזְרָתִ֣⁠י בִ֑⁠י וְ֝⁠תֻשִׁיָּ֗ה נִדְּחָ֥ה מִמֶּֽ⁠נִּי1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “My help is not in me, and initiative has been taken away from me!”

4216:13h5wfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ֝⁠תֻשִׁיָּ֗ה נִדְּחָ֥ה מִמֶּֽ⁠נִּי1

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 my troubles have taken initiative away from me”

4226:13j205rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ֝⁠תֻשִׁיָּ֗ה1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of initiative, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and the capacity to act on my own behalf”

4236:14j343rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjלַ⁠מָּ֣ס מֵרֵעֵ֣⁠הוּ חָ֑סֶד1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of covenant faithfulness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “The friend of someone who is despairing should help him faithfully”

4246:14s4yirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjלַ⁠מָּ֣ס1

Job is using the adjective despairing 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 someone who is despairing”

4256:14e6e6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisמֵרֵעֵ֣⁠הוּ חָ֑סֶד1

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: “there should be covenant faithfulness from his friend”

4266:14naj8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠יִרְאַ֖ת שַׁדַּ֣י יַעֲזֽוֹב1

This could mean implicitly: (1) that a friend should show faithfulness to a despairing person even if that person forsakes the fear of the Almighty (as Jobs friends believe he may be doing). Alternate translation: “even if that despairing person forsakes the fear of the Almighty” (2) that if a friend does not show faithfulness to a despairing person, that friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty. Alternate translation: “otherwise that friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty”

4276:14j206rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠יִרְאַ֖ת שַׁדַּ֣י יַעֲזֽוֹב1

Job is using the word fear to mean respect for God that leads a person to obey God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that in your translation. Alternate translation: “even if he does not respect and obey the Almighty” or “otherwise he does not respect and obey the Almighty”

4286:15j207rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאַ֭חַ⁠י1

Job is using the term brothers figuratively to mean his three friends. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My friends”

4296:15j208rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personאַ֭חַ⁠י1

Job is speaking about his friends in the third person even though they are present. If it would be more natural in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “You friends of mine”

4306:15p13yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileבָּגְד֣וּ כְמוֹ־נָ֑חַל1

The point of this comparison is that just as a seasonal stream would appear to be a good source of water but then fail in the dry season, so Jobs friends seemingly came to offer encouragement, but they have provided none. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “have dealt treacherously by seeming to offer encouragement but then not offering any, like a seasonal stream that seems to offer water but then fails in the dry season”

4316:15j209rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom כַּ⁠אֲפִ֖יק נְחָלִ֣ים יַעֲבֹֽרוּ1

In this context, the expression pass away means to dry up. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “like a channel of seasonal streams, they dry up” or “like a channel of seasonal streams, you dry up”

4326:15l6xjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor כַּ⁠אֲפִ֖יק נְחָלִ֣ים יַעֲבֹֽרוּ1

Job is speaking as if his friends literally pass away or dry up the way a desert stream does. He means that in the end, they fail to provide the encouragement that they implicitly promised by coming to see him. 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: “They have no help to offer in the end, like a channel for seasonal streams that runs dry” or “You have no help to offer in the end, like a channel for seasonal streams that runs dry”

4336:16j211rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge0

In this verse, Job describes the state of desert streams in the cold season, and in the next verse, he contrasts that with the state of the streams in the hot season. To show this contrast, you could create a verse bridge for verses 1617. It might say something like this: “In the cold season, these streams are dark from ice over their channel, indeed, snow covers that channel. But in the hot season, the streams go dry and vanish, the heat dries them up completely”

4346:16pnp2rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsהַ⁠קֹּדְרִ֥ים מִנִּי־קָ֑רַח עָ֝לֵ֗י⁠מוֹ יִתְעַלֶּם־שָֽׁלֶג1

The pronoun it refers in both cases to the “channel” of streams that Job described in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “These streams are dark from ice over their channel; that channel hides itself with snow”

4356:16cq2irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיִתְעַלֶּם־שָֽׁלֶג1

Job is speaking as if a channel of desert streams were a living thing that hides itself with snow in the winter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “snow covers this channel”

4366:17z6dhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveנִצְמָ֑תוּ & נִדְעֲכ֥וּ מִ⁠מְּקוֹמָֽ⁠ם1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “the dryness annihilates them … the heat exterminates them”

4376:18vke1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיִ֭לָּ֣פְתוּ אָרְח֣וֹת דַּרְכָּ֑⁠ם1

The implication is that these Caravans are leaving their usual routes to look for water in the dry season. The oases along the routes have presumably dried up, and the caravans are going to places where they expect to find streams still flowing. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Caravans turn themselves aside from their way to look for water”

4386:18j212rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיַעֲל֖וּ1

The expression go up does not necessarily indicate travel to a higher elevation. In this context, it probably means to leave the caravan route and go into the untracked desert. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “they go out”

4396:19j213rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisהִ֭בִּיטוּ אָרְח֣וֹת תֵּמָ֑א1

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: “Caravans from Tema looked for water”

4406:19ua63rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesתֵּמָ֑א & שְׁ֝בָ֗א1

The words Tema and Sheba are the names of regions.

4416:19n6anrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsקִוּוּ־לָֽ⁠מוֹ1

The pronoun them refers to the desert streams Job has been talking about. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “hoped to find streams of water”

4426:20mue3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveבֹּ֥שׁוּ & וַ⁠יֶּחְפָּֽרוּ1

The expressions translated They were ashamed and they were confounded may seem like passive verbal expressions, and if your language does not use such expressions, you could express these ideas in active form or in another way that would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: “They felt shame … but the dry stream bed confounded them”

4436:20j214rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsעָ֝דֶ֗י⁠הָ1

The pronoun it refers to the stream bed where the caravans expected to find water. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “as far as the stream bed where they expected to find water”

4446:21gk7trc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּֽי1

Job is using the word For to explain in what way his friends are like the desert streams he has been describing, as he said they were in verse 15. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “You are like these streams because”

4456:21t8mfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularהֱיִ֣יתֶם & תִּֽרְא֥וּ & וַ⁠תִּירָֽאוּ1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the word you is plural here and in the rest of the chapter because Job is using it to address his three friends. Use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

4466:21wa4zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהֱיִ֣יתֶם לא1

Job is speaking of his friends as if they had become nothing, just as a stream ceases to exist when all of its water dries up. He means that his friends are offering him no help, just as a dried-up stream would not help a caravan that needed water in the desert. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are not offering me any help”

4476:21zr7krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitתִּֽרְא֥וּ חֲ֝תַ֗ת וַ⁠תִּירָֽאוּ1

Job seems to be saying implicitly that his friends think that God has afflicted him with a terror and so they are afraid to console him, because they think God will afflict them as well if they take his side. You can indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you think that God has sent this terror and so you are afraid to help me because you think God will punish you if you do”

4486:22vq26rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲֽ⁠כִי־ אָ֭מַרְתִּי הָ֣בוּ לִ֑⁠י וּ֝⁠מִ⁠כֹּחֲ⁠כֶ֗ם שִׁחֲד֥וּ בַעֲדִֽ⁠י1

Job is using the question form for emphasis in both of these sentences. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these sentences as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “I did not say to you, Give me something! Or, Make a gift to me from your wealth!”

4496:22j341rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesהֲֽ⁠כִי־ אָ֭מַרְתִּי הָ֣בוּ לִ֑⁠י וּ֝⁠מִ⁠כֹּחֲ⁠כֶ֗ם שִׁחֲד֥וּ בַעֲדִֽ⁠י1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there are not quotations within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Is it that I told you to give me something? Or to make me a gift from your wealth?” or “I did not tell you to give me something or to make me a gift from your wealth”

4506:23j216rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוּ⁠מַלְּט֥וּ⁠נִי מִ⁠יַּד־ צָ֑ר וּ⁠מִ⁠יַּ֖ד עָרִיצִ֣ים תִּפְדּֽוּ⁠נִי1

Job is using the question form for emphasis in both of these sentences. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these sentences as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “I also did not say to you, Save me from the hand of the enemy! Or, From the hand of the oppressors rescue me!”

4516:23j217rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוּ⁠מַלְּט֥וּ⁠נִי מִ⁠יַּד־ צָ֑ר וּ⁠מִ⁠יַּ֖ד עָרִיצִ֣ים תִּפְדּֽוּ⁠נִי1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Did I ask you to save me from the hand of the enemy or rescue me from the hand of the oppressors?” or “I did not ask you to save me from the hand of the enemy or rescue me from the hand of the oppressors!”

4526:23x1gsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ⁠יַּד־צָ֑ר וּ⁠מִ⁠יַּ֖ד עָרִיצִ֣ים1

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

4536:24j218rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוַ⁠אֲנִ֣י אַחֲרִ֑ישׁ1

For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated will be silent. 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: “I will certainly be silent”

4546:24j219rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠מַה־ שָּׁ֝גִ֗יתִי1

Job is speaking as if he could have literally strayed off the right path. He means that he could have done something wrong. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and what I have done wrong”

4556:25j220rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsאִמְרֵי־יֹ֑שֶׁר1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of uprightness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “upright words”

4566:25bt6src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוּ⁠מַה־ יּוֹכִ֖יחַ הוֹכֵ֣חַ מִ⁠כֶּֽם1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “But correcting from you does not correct anything!”

4576:25rrn5rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryוּ⁠מַה־ יּוֹכִ֖יחַ הוֹכֵ֣חַ מִ⁠כֶּֽם1

For emphasis, Job 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 have another way of showing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “But what does your attempted correction really accomplish?” or “Your attempted correction really accomplishes nothing!”

4586:26j221rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisהַ⁠לְ⁠הוֹכַ֣ח מִלִּ֣ים תַּחְשֹׁ֑בוּ וּ֝⁠לְ⁠ר֗וּחַ אִמְרֵ֥י נֹאָֽשׁ1

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: “Do you think to correct my words, and do you liken to the wind the words of one despairing”

4596:26l7bprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ⁠לְ⁠הוֹכַ֣ח מִלִּ֣ים תַּחְשֹׁ֑בוּ וּ֝⁠לְ⁠ר֗וּחַ אִמְרֵ֥י נֹאָֽשׁ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You think to correct my words, and you liken the words of one despairing to the wind!” or “You only want to prove me wrong; you do not believe that I am justified in saying these desperate things!”

4606:26j222rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוּ֝⁠לְ⁠ר֗וּחַ אִמְרֵ֥י נֹאָֽשׁ1

If Job is saying that his friends are likening his words to the wind, then Job is making a comparison. The point of the comparison is that Jobs friends consider his words to be trivial, having no more substance than wind. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and do you consider the words of one despairing to be as insubstantial as the wind”

4616:27w62rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעַל־ יָת֥וֹם תַּפִּ֑ילוּ וְ֝⁠תִכְר֗וּ עַל־ רֵֽיעֲ⁠כֶֽם1

Job assumes that his friends will understand that he is referring to two practices of his culture. If a man died who was indebted to others, his creditors could claim his children as slaves in repayment of the debt. Job is describing how such creditors might cast lots in order to determine which of them would get a particular child as a slave. Job is also referring to the practice of selling someone into slavery in order to obtain repayment of a debt. You can explain some of this cultural background in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you cast lots to see which of you will have as a slave a child whose father, indebted to you, has died, and you try to get the best price for a friend whom you are selling into slavery to obtain repayment of his debt to you”

4626:27q6ljrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעַל־ יָת֥וֹם תַּפִּ֑ילוּ וְ֝⁠תִכְר֗וּ עַל־ רֵֽיעֲ⁠כֶֽם1

Job is speaking as if his friends would literally cast lots to see which of them would have an fatherless child as his slave and haggle over the price of a friend they were selling into slavery. Job does not mean that his friends are actually doing these things; he is making a comparison. The implication is that these are particularly callous things to do to a helpless orphan or to a friend, and Job is saying that his friends are acting just as callously towards him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The UST models one way of doing this.

4636:27h7jkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjיָת֥וֹם1

Job is using the adjective fatherless 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 with an equivalent expression. Alternate translation: “a fatherless child” or “an orphan”

4646:28m2bqrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוְ֭⁠עַתָּה הוֹאִ֣ילוּ פְנוּ־בִ֑⁠י וְ⁠עַל־פְּ֝נֵי⁠כֶ֗ם אִם־אֲכַזֵּֽב1

Job is asking his friends to perform a symbolic action by looking directly at him so that he can look them right in the face himself. Job wants to be able to do this in order to dramatize the sincerity of what he is saying. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “But now, be willing, look at me, so that I can look right at you to show that I am speaking the truth”

4656:28j223rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ⁠עַל־פְּ֝נֵי⁠כֶ֗ם אִם־אֲכַזֵּֽב1

This could mean: (1) that Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. Specifically, he is speaking the first part of an oath and leaving the second part understood. You can supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and if I would lie to your faces, then may God punish me severely!” (2) that Job is using the word if to introduce a question that anticipates a contrary answer. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “for I would not lie to your faces, would I?”

4666:28q6v3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠עַל־פְּ֝נֵי⁠כֶ֗ם אִם־אֲכַזֵּֽב1

Job is using one part of his friends, their faces, to mean all of them in the act of looking at him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and if I would lie to you while you were looking at me”

4676:29c7zirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשֻֽׁבוּ & וְשׁ֥וּבוּ1

Job is speaking as if he wants his friends literally to turn and go in a different direction. He means that he wants them to start treating him differently. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “start treating me differently … yes, treat me differently”

4686:29j224rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsאַל־תְּהִ֣י עַוְלָ֑ה1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of injustice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “do not treat me unjustly”

4696:29fcq7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesאַל־תְּהִ֣י עַוְלָ֑ה1

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 noun injustice. Alternate translation: “let there be justice” or “treat me justly”

4706:29j225rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsע֝וֹד צִדְקִ⁠י־בָֽ⁠הּ1

The pronoun it seems to refer to Jobs cause. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “my righteousness is yet in my cause” or “my cause is still righteous”

4716:30km3frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠יֵשׁ־ בִּ⁠לְשׁוֹנִ֥⁠י עַוְלָ֑ה אִם־ חִ֝כִּ֗⁠י לֹא־ יָבִ֥ין הַוּֽוֹת1

Job is using the question form for emphasis in both of these sentences. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these sentences as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “There is no injustice on my tongue! My mouth discerns iniquity!”

4726:30z316rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהֲ⁠יֵשׁ־בִּ⁠לְשׁוֹנִ֥⁠י עַוְלָ֑ה1

Job is referring to what he says by association with the tongue, by which he says it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Is there injustice in what I have been saying”

4736:30j226rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־חִ֝כִּ֗⁠י לֹא־יָבִ֥ין הַוּֽוֹת1

Job is using the word If to introduce a question that anticipates a contrary answer. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “My mouth discerns iniquity, does it not”

4746:30f1garc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationאִם־חִ֝כִּ֗⁠י לֹא־יָבִ֥ין הַוּֽוֹת1

Job is speaking of his mouth as if it were a living thing that could discern iniquity. He means that he himself is able to discern whether something he might say with his mouth would be morally wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I discern whether I might be speaking iniquity, do I not?” or “Certainly I can discern whether I might be speaking iniquity!”

4756:30j227rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsהַוּֽוֹת1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of iniquity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what is iniquitous” or “what is morally wrong”

4767:introy5ka0

Job 7 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

In this chapter, Job finishes responding to Eliphazs first speech, and he also addresses God directly in light of his exchange with Eliphaz.

  • Verses 16: Job continues to respond to Elilphaz
  • Verses 721: Job addresses God directly

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

Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter

Metaphors

Job uses many different images in this chapter to describe what the things are like that he is feeling and experiencing. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

Rhetorical questions

Job often uses the question form in this chapter to emphasize the points he is making to Eliphaz and to God. Notes suggest how these questions may be translated as statements or exclamations if that would be more natural in your language. (See: [[rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])

4777:1nz5urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠לֹא־ צָבָ֣א לֶ⁠אֱנ֣וֹשׁ על־ אָ֑רֶץ וְ⁠כִ⁠ימֵ֖י שָׂכִ֣יר יָמָֽי⁠ו1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “Man has hardship on earth! Yes, his days are like the days of a hireling!”

4787:1j228rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsהֲ⁠לֹא־צָבָ֣א לֶ⁠אֱנ֣וֹשׁ על־אָ֑רֶץ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hardship, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Life on earth is hard for a man!”

4797:1j229rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsלֶ⁠אֱנ֣וֹשׁ1

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

4807:1m3ytrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוְ⁠כִ⁠ימֵ֖י שָׂכִ֣יר יָמָֽי⁠ו1

Job is using this comparison to say that just as the days of a hireling (that is, someone hired by the day for manual labor) are long and difficult, so his days are long and difficult. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation, as an exclamation: “Yes, his days are long and difficult, like those of a hireling!”

4817:2g9jirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכְּ⁠עֶ֥בֶד יִשְׁאַף־ צֵ֑ל וּ֝⁠כְ⁠שָׂכִ֗יר יְקַוֶּ֥ה פָעֳלֽ⁠וֹ1

The point of this comparison, as Job makes clear in the next verse, is that just as a slave and a hireling have to endure long periods of wishing for relief, so Job has gone a long time without relief. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “As a slave wishes all through a long, hot day that evening would come, and as a hireling must wait until the end of the day to be paid”

4827:2f1purc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyצֵ֑ל1

Job is using the term shade to mean by association the evening, when the sun becomes low in the sky and shadows cover the earth. Specifically, he means the end of the work day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the evening” or “the end of the work day”

4837:3fpt6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveהָנְחַ֣לְתִּי לִ֭⁠י יַרְחֵי־שָׁ֑וְא1

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: “God has caused me to inherit months of futility”

4847:3j230rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהָנְחַ֣לְתִּי לִ֭⁠י יַרְחֵי־שָׁ֑וְא1

Job is speaking of these months of futility as if they were something that he had literally been caused to inherit. He means that he has been enduring futility during this time. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have been enduring a time of futility”

4857:3cp2irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsהָנְחַ֣לְתִּי לִ֭⁠י יַרְחֵי־שָׁ֑וְא1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of futility, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I have been enduring a time when life seems futile”

4867:3j231rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהָנְחַ֣לְתִּי לִ֭⁠י יַרְחֵי־שָׁ֑וְא1

From the narrative of the book of Job, it does not appear that at this point months have gone by since Job began to experience his terrible misfortunes. So it seems that Job is using the term months to mean by association a period of time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have been enduring a time of futility”

4877:3j232rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ⁠לֵיל֥וֹת עָ֝מָ֗ל מִנּוּ־לִֽ⁠י1

The pronoun they is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. Job is using this indefinite construction to focus on what has been appointed to him rather than on who appointed it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “and nights of trouble have been appointed to me”

4887:4m7jxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאִם־שָׁכַ֗בְתִּי1

Job is referring implicitly to when he would lie down to sleep at night. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Your language may have its own expression that you could use here in your translation. Alternate translation: “When I lie down to sleep”

4897:4sf4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמָתַ֣י אָ֭קוּם1

Job is not asking himself this question for information, to try to decide when to get up in the morning. He is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I hope this will not be a long and difficult night!”

4907:4m4svrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠שָׂבַ֖עְתִּי נְדֻדִ֣ים1

Job is speaking of himself as if he were a container that tossings filled. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I toss and turn continually”

4917:5j233rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלָ֘בַ֤שׁ בְּשָׂרִ֣⁠י רִ֭מָּה וְג֣וּשׁ עָפָ֑ר1

Job is speaking as if he were literally wearing worms and dust clods like clothing on his body. He means that he has these things all over his body. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My flesh is covered with worms and dust clods”

4927:5sh53rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounלָ֘בַ֤שׁ בְּשָׂרִ֣⁠י רִ֭מָּה וְג֣וּשׁ עָפָ֑ר1

Job is not referring to a specific worm or clod of dust. He means worms and dust clods in general. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. “My flesh is covered with worms and dust clods”

4937:5l429rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheבְּשָׂרִ֣⁠י1

Job is using one part of himself, his flesh, to mean his whole body. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My body”

4947:5we79rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעוֹרִ֥⁠י רָ֝גַ֗ע וַ⁠יִּמָּאֵֽס1

Job is referring to the boils with which God allowed the accuser to afflict him, as the book describes in 2:7. You could indicate this in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “my skin breaks and festers because of the boils that I have”

4957:6tf2grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileיָמַ֣⁠י קַ֭לּוּ מִנִּי־אָ֑רֶג1

Job his comparing his days to a shuttle, which stores and releases a supply of yearn for weavers, to say how quickly his days are going by. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. The UST models one way to do this.

4967:6j234rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיָמַ֣⁠י קַ֭לּוּ1

Job is using the term days to refer to a specific time, the time that he will live on earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My life is ending more quickly”

4977:6j235rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownאָ֑רֶג1

A shuttle is a wooden tool that weavers use when weaving to store and unravel yarn while passing it back and forth through other threads of yarn mounted on a loom. If your readers would not be familiar with what a shuttle 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 tool for weaving” or “a tool for making cloth quickly”

4987:6j236rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוַ֝⁠יִּכְל֗וּ בְּ⁠אֶ֣פֶס תִּקְוָֽה1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hope, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and I cannot hope that my life will be good in the end”

4997:7j237rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularזְ֭כֹר1

To this point in the speech he began in 6:1, Job has been addressing his three friends, and so the pronoun you has been plural and the imperative forms have been second-person plural. However, the imperative Remember here is singular because Job is now addressing God, as he will do for the rest of this speech. So use a second-person singular imperative in your translation if your language marks that distinction. You may also wish to indicate explicitly that Job is now addressing God. Alternate translation: “God, remember”

5007:7uf8vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeזְ֭כֹר1

This is an imperative, but it communicates a polite request rather than a command. Use a form in your language that communicates a polite request. It may be helpful to add an expression such as “please” to make this clear. Alternate translation: “God, please remember”

5017:7ee27rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorר֣וּחַ חַיָּ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking as if his life were literally a breath. He likely means that just as a breath of air that a person exhales quickly dissipates, so his life will soon end. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my life will be over soon”

5027:7bw35rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלֹא־תָשׁ֥וּב עֵ֝ינִ֗⁠י לִ⁠רְא֥וֹת טֽוֹב1

Job is using one part of himself, his eye, to mean all of him in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will not return to see good”

5037:7j238rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלֹא־תָשׁ֥וּב עֵ֝ינִ֗⁠י לִ⁠רְא֥וֹת טֽוֹב1

In this context, the expression return means to do something again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will not see good again”

5047:7j239rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלֹא־תָשׁ֥וּב עֵ֝ינִ֗⁠י לִ⁠רְא֥וֹת טֽוֹב1

In this context, to see good means to experience it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will not experience good again”

5057:7j240rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsלֹא־תָשׁ֥וּב עֵ֝ינִ֗⁠י לִ⁠רְא֥וֹת טֽוֹב1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of good, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I will not experience good things again”

5067:8j241rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלֹֽא־תְ֭שׁוּרֵ⁠נִי עֵ֣ין רֹ֑אִי1

As the second part of the verse indicates, Job is speaking implicitly of what will happen after he dies. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “The eye of the one seeing me now will not regard me then”

5077:8p6u5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheעֵ֣ין רֹ֑אִי1

Job is using one part of God, his eye, to mean all of God in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The one seeing me”

5087:8f5vcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personעֵ֣ין רֹ֑אִי1

Even though Job has begun to address God, here is speaking about God in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “You who see me”

5097:8j339rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomעֵינֶ֖י⁠ךָ בִּ֣⁠י1

This expression means that God will be looking for Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will be looking for me”

5107:9q76urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכָּלָ֣ה עָ֭נָן וַ⁠יֵּלַ֑ךְ1

Job could be: (1) saying that once a cloud disappears, it goes away forever. That same cloud will never again form in the sky. Alternate translation: “Once a cloud disappears, it goes away forever” (2) using the similar expressions disappears and goes away together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “A cloud disappears entirely”

5117:9g4h1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesלֹ֣א יַעֲלֶֽה1

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 verb ascend, which is contrary to the reality of life, according to Job here. Alternate translation: “remains there”

5127:10xnf4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ⁠לֹא־יַכִּירֶ֖⁠נּוּ ע֣וֹד מְקֹמֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is speaking of a persons place of residence as if it were a living thing that could know that person. The word know in this context means to recognize. The idea is that the place where the person once lived will not have occasion to recognize him again because he will never return to that place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no, he will not live in his place of residence again”

5137:11ed6arc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאֲנִי֮ לֹ֤א אֶחֱשָׂ֫ךְ פִּ֥⁠י אֲֽ֭דַבְּרָה1

For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the word translated restrain. Job is also using an emphatic declarative form when he says I will speak. If your language has similar constructions that it uses for emphasis, you may want to use them here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of bringing out this emphasis. Alternate translation: “I will certainly not restrain my mouth; I will certainly speak”

5147:11q76qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאֲנִי֮ לֹ֤א אֶחֱשָׂ֫ךְ פִּ֥⁠י1

Job is using the term mouth to mean by association what he would say with his mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will not limit what I have to say” or “I will not refrain from speaking”

5157:11j242rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesאֲנִי֮ לֹ֤א אֶחֱשָׂ֫ךְ פִּ֥⁠י1

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 restrain. Alternate translation: “I will speak freely”

5167:11j243rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheאֲֽ֭דַבְּרָה בְּ⁠צַ֣ר רוּחִ֑⁠י אָ֝שִׂ֗יחָה בְּ⁠מַ֣ר נַפְשִֽׁ⁠י1

Job is using parts of himself, his spirit and his soul, to mean all of him in the act of speaking and complaining. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will speak in my distress; yes, I will complain in my bitterness”

5177:11v8zzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsאֲֽ֭דַבְּרָה בְּ⁠צַ֣ר רוּחִ֑⁠י אָ֝שִׂ֗יחָה בְּ⁠מַ֣ר נַפְשִֽׁ⁠י1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of distress and bitterness, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “I will speak, since I am distressed; yes, I will complain, since I am bitter”

5187:12qy6rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲֽ⁠יָם־אָ֭נִי אִם־תַּנִּ֑ין כִּֽי־תָשִׂ֖ים עָלַ֣⁠י מִשְׁמָֽר1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I am not the sea or the sea monster, so you do not need to set a guard over me!”

5197:12j244rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהֲֽ⁠יָם & אִם־תַּנִּ֑ין1

See the General Introduction to Job for a discussion of the sea monster and see how you translated the name Leviathan in 3:8. Alternate translation: “the sea monster that is associated with chaos”

5207:12j245rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeכִּֽי־תָשִׂ֖ים1

Job is using the future tense to indicate something that God would do out of necessity. Your language may have its own way of expressing such a meaning. Alternate translation: “that you would have to set”

5217:13j246rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsכִּֽי־אָ֭מַרְתִּי תְּנַחֲמֵ֣⁠נִי עַרְשִׂ֑⁠י יִשָּׂ֥א בְ֝⁠שִׂיחִ֗⁠י מִשְׁכָּבִֽ⁠י1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “When I say that my couch will comfort me and that my bed will take away my complaint”

5227:13v7e8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyתְּנַחֲמֵ֣⁠נִי עַרְשִׂ֑⁠י יִשָּׂ֥א בְ֝⁠שִׂיחִ֗⁠י מִשְׁכָּבִֽ⁠י1

Job is using the terms couch and bed to mean sleep by association with the way people sleep on a couch or a bed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My sleep will comfort me, yes, my sleep will take away my complaint”

5237:13d3uyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationתְּנַחֲמֵ֣⁠נִי עַרְשִׂ֑⁠י יִשָּׂ֥א בְ֝⁠שִׂיחִ֗⁠י מִשְׁכָּבִֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking of his couch and his bed, meaning his sleep, as if they were living things that could comfort him and take away his complaint. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will be comfortable when I am sleeping, yes, when I am asleep I will not be complaining”

5247:15j247rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוַ⁠תִּבְחַ֣ר & נַפְשִׁ֑⁠י1

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

5257:15et7trc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownמַחֲנָ֣ק1

The term strangling describes killing a person by squeezing his throat and stopping his breathing. If your readers would not be familiar with this term, in your translation you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “to stop breathing”

5267:15j248rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisמָ֝֗וֶת מֵֽ⁠עַצְמוֹתָֽ⁠י1

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: “yes, my soul chooses death rather than my bones”

5277:15nee4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמָ֝֗וֶת מֵֽ⁠עַצְמוֹתָֽ⁠י1

Job is using the term bones to mean life by association with the way people are supported by their bones as they live on earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “rather than life” or “rather than continuing to live on this earth”

5287:16th4drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisמָ֭אַסְתִּי1

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: “I loathe my life” or “I loathe being alive”

5297:16eu9hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeלֹא־לְ⁠עֹלָ֣ם אֶֽחְיֶ֑ה1

Job is using the future tense to describe what he desires. Your language may have its own way of expressing such a meaning. Alternate translation: “I would not live forever” or “I do not want to live forever”

5307:16j249rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleלֹא־לְ⁠עֹלָ֣ם אֶֽחְיֶ֑ה1

Job says forever here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “I certainly do not want to live for a long time”

5317:16j250rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomחֲדַ֥ל מִ֝מֶּ֗⁠נִּי1

Job is using this expression to ask God to Cease from troubling him. Your language may have an expression of its own with the same meaning. Alternate translation: “Leave me alone”

5327:16yp5grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהֶ֥בֶל1

Job could be using the word translated vapor to mean: (1) that his days are fleeting, since vapor or mist vanishes quickly. Alternate translation: “are fleeting” (2) that his days are purposeless, since vapor is insubstantial. Alternate translation: “are purposeless”

5337:17awx9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמָֽה־אֱ֭נוֹשׁ כִּ֣י תְגַדְּלֶ֑⁠נּוּ וְ⁠כִי־תָשִׁ֖ית אֵלָ֣י⁠ו לִבֶּֽ⁠ךָ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. The question continues through the next verse, but it may be helpful to make this verse a separate sentence. Alternate translation: “Man is not so significant that you should magnify him or set your heart on him”

5347:17j251rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeמָֽה־אֱ֭נוֹשׁ כִּ֣י תְגַדְּלֶ֑⁠נּוּ וְ⁠כִי־תָשִׁ֖ית אֵלָ֣י⁠ו לִבֶּֽ⁠ךָ1

Job could be using the future tense: (1) to describe what God should do. Alternate translation: “What is man, that you should magnify him, that you should set your heart on him” or, as a statement, “Man is so insignificant that you should not magnify him or set your heart on him” (2) to describe what God does habitually. Alternate translation: “What is man, that you magnify him and that you set your heart on him”

5357:17w1rirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠כִי־תָשִׁ֖ית אֵלָ֣י⁠ו לִבֶּֽ⁠ךָ1

Here, the heart represents the thoughts. Alternate translation: “and that you should set your mind on him” or “and that you should pay attention to him”

5367:18j252rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeוַ⁠תִּפְקְדֶ֥⁠נּוּ לִ⁠בְקָרִ֑ים לִ֝⁠רְגָעִ֗ים תִּבְחָנֶֽ⁠נּוּ1

Job is using the future tense to describe what he believes God should do. Your language may have its own way of expressing such a meaning. Alternate translation: “that you should visit him in the mornings and that you should test him in the moments”

5377:18s64brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוַ⁠תִּפְקְדֶ֥⁠נּוּ לִ⁠בְקָרִ֑ים לִ֝⁠רְגָעִ֗ים תִּבְחָנֶֽ⁠נּוּ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis, continuing the question that he began in the previous verse. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “You do not need to visit him in the mornings and test him in the moments!”

5387:19eb8vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionכַּ֭⁠מָּה לֹא־תִשְׁעֶ֣ה מִמֶּ֑⁠נִּי לֹֽא־תַ֝רְפֵּ֗⁠נִי עַד־בִּלְעִ֥⁠י רֻקִּֽ⁠י1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “I wish you would look away from me soon! I wish you would slacken until I swallow my saliva”

5397:19j253rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלֹֽא־תַ֝רְפֵּ֗⁠נִי עַד־בִּלְעִ֥⁠י רֻקִּֽ⁠י1

The word until has a specific meaning here. Job is not asking God, “Will you only slacken when I swallow my saliva?” He is asking, “Will you please slacken long enough for me to swallow my saliva?” You could say that as an alternate translation if it would be helpful to your readers.

5407:19ts1src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyעַד־בִּלְעִ֥⁠י רֻקִּֽ⁠י1

Job is using the expression until I swallow my saliva to mean a short time, by association with the way it only takes a short time to swallow once. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for just a short time”

5417:20wwv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionחָטָ֡אתִי מָ֤ה אֶפְעַ֨ל ׀ לָ⁠ךְ֮ נֹצֵ֪ר הָ⁠אָ֫דָ֥ם לָ֤⁠מָה שַׂמְתַּ֣⁠נִי לְ⁠מִפְגָּ֣ע לָ֑⁠ךְ וָ⁠אֶהְיֶ֖ה עָלַ֣⁠י לְ⁠מַשָּֽׂא1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “If I have sinned, I have not done anything to you, the one watching man! You should not have made me a target for you!”

5427:20j254rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלָ֤⁠מָה שַׂמְתַּ֣⁠נִי לְ⁠מִפְגָּ֣ע לָ֑⁠ךְ1

Job is speaking as if he were literally a target that God was attacking with arrows or a spear. He means that God is punishing him for sins he may have committed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Why are you punishing me like this?” or, as an exclamation, “You do not need to punish me like this!”

5437:20j255rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוָ⁠אֶהְיֶ֖ה עָלַ֣⁠י לְ⁠מַשָּֽׂא1

Job is speaking as if he were literally a heavy weight or burden to carry. He is referring to making life more difficult. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Indeed, am I making my own life more difficult”

5447:20j256rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismוָ⁠אֶהְיֶ֖ה עָלַ֣⁠י לְ⁠מַשָּֽׂא1

A marginal notation in traditional manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible indicates that scribes changed this reading from “am I a burden to you” to am I a burden to myself. The scribes made this change in order to avoid the uncomfortable suggestion that a human beings sin could have effects on God. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the readingof the ULT. Alternate translation: “Indeed, am I a burden to you?” or “I am not a burden to you!”

5457:20j257rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוָ⁠אֶהְיֶ֖ה עָלַ֣⁠י לְ⁠מַשָּֽׂא1

Job is speaking as if he were literally a burden to himself or to God. He means that he is not actually making life more difficult for himself or for God, as a burden does when someone has to carry it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am not making my life more difficult!” or “I am not making your life more difficult!”

5467:21gzz5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultוּ⁠מֶ֤ה ׀ לֹא־תִשָּׂ֣א פִשְׁעִ⁠י֮ וְ⁠תַעֲבִ֪יר אֶת־עֲוֺ֫נִ֥⁠י כִּֽי־עַ֭תָּה לֶ⁠עָפָ֣ר אֶשְׁכָּ֑ב וְ⁠שִׁ֖חֲרְתַּ֣⁠נִי וְ⁠אֵינֶֽ⁠נִּי1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these sentences, since in the second sentence Job gives the reason for what he says in the first sentence that God should do. Alternate translation: “Soon I will lie down in the dust, and you will seek me diligently, but I will not exist. So why will you not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity?”

5477:21ek8arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ⁠מֶ֤ה ׀ לֹא־תִשָּׂ֣א פִשְׁעִ⁠י֮ וְ⁠תַעֲבִ֪יר אֶת־עֲוֺ֫נִ֥⁠י1

Job is suggesting implicitly that God should pardon him so that they can have a good relationship during the short time that he will still be alive on earth. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Why will you not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity so that we can have a good relationship?”

5487:21j258rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוּ⁠מֶ֤ה ׀ לֹא־תִשָּׂ֣א פִשְׁעִ⁠י֮ וְ⁠תַעֲבִ֪יר אֶת־עֲוֺ֫נִ֥⁠י1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You ought to pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity!”

5497:21yf7grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyעַ֭תָּה לֶ⁠עָפָ֣ר אֶשְׁכָּ֑ב1

Job is using the expression lie down in the dust to mean that he will die, by association with the way that in this culture, people who died were laid in a grave and buried in the ground or dust. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will soon die”

5508:intromd4v0

Job 8 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

In this chapter, Jobs friend Bildad responds to what Job said in chapters 6 and 7.

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

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Bildad answering Job with his own words

In 7:21, at the end of his speech, Job suggested that God might seek for him diligently. Bildad says in his response in 8:5 that it is actually Job who should be seeking God diligently. To help your readers appreciate how Bildad is answering Job with his own words, you may wish to translate Bildads expression seek diligently the same way that you translated it when Job used it in 7:21.

Quotation within a quotation

In his speech, Bildad encourages Job to consider the wisdom of their ancestors. In verses 1122, he may be quoting from traditional teachings. Notes suggest the possibility of punctuating these verses as a secondary quotation if your language might naturally put one direct quotation inside another.

5518:2j259rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisעַד־אָ֥ן תְּמַלֶּל־אֵ֑לֶּה וְ⁠ר֥וּחַ כַּ֝בִּיר אִמְרֵי־פִֽי⁠ךָ1

Bildad 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: “Until when will you say these things, and until when will the words of your mouth be a mighty wind”

5528:2j260rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionעַד־אָ֥ן תְּמַלֶּל־אֵ֑לֶּה וְ⁠ר֥וּחַ כַּ֝בִּיר אִמְרֵי־פִֽי⁠ךָ1

Bildad is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not keep saying these things, and the words of your mouth should not keep being a mighty wind!”

5538:2j261rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאִמְרֵי־פִֽי⁠ךָ1

Bildad is using the term mouth to mean speaking, by association with the way people use their mouths to speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the words that you speak” or see next note for another possibility.

5548:2j262rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoאִמְרֵי־פִֽי⁠ךָ1

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: “your words” or “what you say”

5558:2gg55rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠ר֥וּחַ כַּ֝בִּיר1

Bildad is speaking as if the words of Job were literally a mighty wind. He means that Job is saying many things insistently, but they are not substantial. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and … be so insistent but so insubstantial”

5568:3p2fprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsהַ֭⁠אֵל יְעַוֵּ֣ת מִשְׁפָּ֑ט וְ⁠אִם־שַׁ֝דַּ֗י יְעַוֵּֽת־צֶֽדֶק1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of justice and righteousness, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “Does God do things that are not just? Does the Almighty do things that are not righteous?”

5578:3x959rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ֭⁠אֵל יְעַוֵּ֣ת מִשְׁפָּ֑ט וְ⁠אִם־שַׁ֝דַּ֗י יְעַוֵּֽת־צֶֽדֶק1

Bildad is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “God does not pervert justice! No, the Almighty does not pervert righteousness!” or, positively, “God always does what is just! Yes, the Almighty always does what is righteous!”

5588:4icy5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוַֽ֝⁠יְשַׁלְּחֵ֗⁠ם בְּ⁠יַד־פִּשְׁעָֽ⁠ם1

In this context, to be in the hand of someone or something means to be under the power or control of that person or thing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “then he put them under the power of their sins” or “then he put them under the control of their sins”

5598:4j263rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוַֽ֝⁠יְשַׁלְּחֵ֗⁠ם בְּ⁠יַד־פִּשְׁעָֽ⁠ם1

Bildad is speaking as if the sins of Jobs children were a living thing that had exerted power over them and killed them. He actually means that God killed Jobs children in order to punish them for their sins. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “then God punished them by killing them for the sins they committed”

5608:5lpy9rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאִם־אַ֭תָּה תְּשַׁחֵ֣ר אֶל־אֵ֑ל1

For emphasis, Bildad is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated seek diligently. 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: “If you seek diligently for God yourself”

5618:5q7cdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ⁠אֶל־שַׁ֝דַּ֗י תִּתְחַנָּֽן1

Bildad 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 if to the Almighty you appeal”

5628:6a4uarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletזַ֥ךְ וְ⁠יָשָׁ֗ר1

The terms pure and upright mean similar things. Bildad 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: “truly righteous”

5638:6f6a2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיָעִ֣יר עָלֶ֑י⁠ךָ1

One possible meaning of the expression translated rouse himself is “wake up.” If there is already a Bible translation in your region, it may say something like this. Bildad could be speaking as if God were sleeping and would literally wake up at the realization that Job needed and deserved help. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will come quickly to help you”

5648:6j264rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheנְוַ֣ת צִדְקֶֽ⁠ךָ1

Bildad is using one aspect of Job, his righteousness, to mean all of him as a righteous person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your habitation as a righteous person”

5658:6k3xqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorנְוַ֣ת צִדְקֶֽ⁠ךָ1

Bildad is speaking of the situation that he believes Job would deserve as a righteous person as if that situation were literally a habitation or place where Job would live. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “restore you to the situation in life that a righteous person deserves”

5668:7cd7rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyוְ⁠הָיָ֣ה רֵאשִׁיתְ⁠ךָ֣ מִצְעָ֑ר וְ֝⁠אַחֲרִיתְ⁠ךָ֗ יִשְׂגֶּ֥ה מְאֹֽד1

Since, as 1:3 states, Job was previously the greatest man in a vast area, it is not the case that his beginning, that is, his former condition, was small. Bildad actually means to communicate the opposite of the literal meaning of what he is saying. He means that Jobs former state, great though it was, will seem small by comparison with the much greater prosperity that Job will experience in the future if he seeks God diligently. Alternate translation: “Though your former state was great, your future will be so much greater that the former state will seem as if it had been small”

5678:7j265rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ֝⁠אַחֲרִיתְ⁠ךָ֗ יִשְׂגֶּ֥ה מְאֹֽד1

Bildad is speaking of Jobs end, that is, his ultimate condition in life, as if it were a living thing that could increase. He means that Jobs prosperity will increase greatly in the end. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yet your prosperity will increase greatly in the end”

5688:8j266rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשְׁאַל־נָ֭א לְ⁠דֹ֣ר רִישׁ֑וֹן1

Bildad is speaking as if Job could literally ask the people of former generations for advice. He means that Job should consider the wisdom that those people passed down to their descendants through tradition. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “consider the traditional wisdom that the former generations have passed down to us”

5698:8iq7nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֲבוֹתָֽ⁠ם1

Bildad is using the term fathers to mean “ancestors.” If your readers would misunderstand this, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “their ancestors”

5708:9j267rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleתְמ֣וֹל אֲ֭נַחְנוּ וְ⁠לֹ֣א נֵדָ֑ע1

Bildad is saying that he, Job, and the other two friends were only born yesterday and that they do not know anything. He says both of these things as overstatements for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “we have not been alive for very long and we do not know very much”

5718:9j268rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveאֲ֭נַחְנוּ וְ⁠לֹ֣א נֵדָ֑ע & יָמֵ֣י⁠נוּ1

By we and our, Bildad means himself and the other friends and also Job, to whom he is speaking, so use the inclusive form of those words in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

5728:9m5vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorצֵ֖ל יָמֵ֣י⁠נוּ עֲלֵי־אָֽרֶץ1

Bildad is speaking as if the days that he and Job and the other friends have on earth were literally a shadow. He means that just as a shadow appears only for a short time, so people are only on earth for a short time. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “our days on earth are fleeting”

5738:9j269rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomצֵ֖ל יָמֵ֣י⁠נוּ עֲלֵי־אָֽרֶץ1

Bildad is using the term days to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “our time on earth is a shadow”

5748:10j270rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsהֲ⁠לֹא־הֵ֣ם י֭וֹרוּ⁠ךָ יֹ֣אמְרוּ לָ֑⁠ךְ וּ֝⁠מִ⁠לִּבָּ֗⁠ם יוֹצִ֥אוּ מִלִּֽים1

The pronouns they and their refer to the “former generations,” that is, the ancestors whom Bildad described in verse 8. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Will the former generations not teach you? Our ancestors will speak to you, and from their hearts they will bring forth words”

5758:10j271rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהֲ⁠לֹא־הֵ֣ם י֭וֹרוּ⁠ךָ יֹ֣אמְרוּ לָ֑⁠ךְ וּ֝⁠מִ⁠לִּבָּ֗⁠ם יוֹצִ֥אוּ מִלִּֽים1

Bildad is speaking as if Jobs ancestors would teach him and speak to him. He does not mean this literally. Instead, he means that Job can learn from the accumulated wisdom that has been passed down to them from their ancestors through tradition. Bildad will summarize this traditional teaching in the rest of his speech. Particularly if there is a practice of ancestor worship in your culture, be sure to make this meaning clear in your translation. Alternate translation: “You can learn much from the traditional teachings we have received from them. It would be as if they were speaking to you and bringing forth words from their hearts”

5768:10h2aerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠לֹא־הֵ֣ם י֭וֹרוּ⁠ךָ1

Bildad is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “They will certainly teach you.”

5778:10u4adrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ֝⁠מִ⁠לִּבָּ֗⁠ם יוֹצִ֥אוּ מִלִּֽים1

Bildad is speaking as if the ancestors would literally bring forth words from their hearts, as if their hearts were containers that held words and as if words were physical objects that someone could bring forth. He is using the word hearts to mean a persons thoughts and emotions. He is saying that through tradition the ancestors have passed down their most cherished beliefs and the most profound lessons they learned in life. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they will share with you their most cherished insights”

5788:11a2hmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarksהֲ⁠יִֽגְאֶה־גֹּ֭מֶא בְּ⁠לֹ֣א בִצָּ֑ה יִשְׂגֶּה־אָ֥חוּ בְלִי־מָֽיִם1

From here to the end of the chapter, Bildad may be quoting the teaching of the ancestors. This would be a second-level quotation, since the book is already quoting Bildads speech. If you think it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the start of this possible quotation from tradition with an opening second-level quotation mark or with some other punctuation or convention that your language uses to indicate the start of a second-level quotation.

5798:11tj37rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠יִֽגְאֶה־גֹּ֭מֶא בְּ⁠לֹ֣א בִצָּ֑ה יִשְׂגֶּה־אָ֥חוּ בְלִי־מָֽיִם1

Bildad is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “Papyrus does not grow without a marsh. A reed does not grow without waters.”

5808:11ig9qrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownגֹּ֭מֶא1

The word papyrus describes a tall, reed-like plant that grows in shallow water. If your readers would not be familiar with what papyrus is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable plant in your area, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a bulrush” or “a cattail”

5818:12j272rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsבְ֭⁠אִבּ⁠וֹ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of greenness, you could express the same idea in another way. The idea is that while marsh plants dry up and lose color at the end of their life cycles, this is a young plant that is still colorful and growing. Alternate translation: “young and growing”

5828:12q4x1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י כָל־חָצִ֣יר יִיבָֽשׁ1

Bildad assumes that Job will understand that he means that even a young, uncut reed withers without water. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “but without water it withers before any other plant”

5838:12j273rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleוְ⁠לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י כָל־חָצִ֣יר יִיבָֽשׁ1

Bildad says any as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “but without water it withers very quickly”

5848:13y6pdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכֵּ֗ן אָ֭רְחוֹת כָּל־שֹׁ֣כְחֵי אֵ֑ל1

Bildad is speaking of the things that happen to people as if they were literally paths that those people were walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This is what happens to all the ones forgetting God”

5858:13fc76rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠תִקְוַ֖ת חָנֵ֣ף תֹּאבֵֽד1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hope, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and the godless will not get what they hope for”

5868:13j274rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjחָנֵ֣ף1

Bildad is using the adjective godless 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: “a godless person”

5878:14yg2trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֲשֶׁר־יָק֥וֹט כִּסְל֑⁠וֹ וּ⁠בֵ֥ית עַ֝כָּבִ֗ישׁ מִבְטַחֽ⁠וֹ1

Bildad is speaking as if the confidence of a person who is godless literally snaps and as if the trust of a godless person were literally a spiders web (the house of a spider). If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “whose confidence proves unfounded and whose trust is unreliable”

5888:14m1bjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsאֲשֶׁר־יָק֥וֹט כִּסְל֑⁠וֹ וּ⁠בֵ֥ית עַ֝כָּבִ֗ישׁ מִבְטַחֽ⁠וֹ1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of confidence and trust, you could express the same ideas in other ways. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He is confident that certain things will happen, but they do not happen; he trusts in certain people and things to help him, but they do not”

5898:14e61xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠בֵ֥ית עַ֝כָּבִ֗ישׁ מִבְטַחֽ⁠וֹ1

Bildad is using the house of a spider (that is, a spiders web) to represent something flimsy and unreliable. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly as a comparison. Alternate translation: “and whose trust is as flimsy and unreliable as a spiders web”

5908:15g7alrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִשָּׁעֵ֣ן עַל־בֵּ֭ית⁠וֹ וְ⁠לֹ֣א יַעֲמֹ֑ד יַחֲזִ֥יק בּ֝֗⁠וֹ וְ⁠לֹ֣א יָקֽוּם1

Bildad is speaking of a godless person as if he were literally leaning against his house and causing it to collapse beyond repair. The house represents the possessions and status of the godless person. Alternate translation: “It does not take much for a godless person to lose his possessions and status without any hope of recovering them”

5918:15r6mqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesוְ⁠לֹ֣א יַעֲמֹ֑ד & וְ⁠לֹ֣א יָקֽוּם1

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use positive statements in your translation in place of these negative ones. Alternate translation: “and it collapses … but it remains collapsed”

5928:15s164rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ⁠לֹ֣א יָקֽוּם1

Bildad is speaking of the house of a godless person as if it were a living thing that could arise on its own. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but he cannot make it stand upright again” or “but he cannot repair it”

5938:16x5phrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorרָטֹ֣ב ה֭וּא לִ⁠פְנֵי־שָׁ֑מֶשׁ וְ⁠עַ֥ל גַּ֝נָּת֗⁠וֹ יֹֽנַקְתּ֥⁠וֹ תֵצֵֽא1

Bildad now speaks of a godless person as if he were a plant. In order to depict the temporary prosperity that godless people may enjoy, he describes this plant flourishing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning as a comparison. Alternate translation: “A godless person may at first thrive like a plant that is getting plenty of sunlight and whose shoots extend all over the garden in which it is planted”

5948:16d31wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלִ⁠פְנֵי־שָׁ֑מֶשׁ1

Here the word to the face of means “in front of” or “in the presence of” something. Bildad means that the plant is lush because it receives plenty of sunlight. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because it receives plenty of sunlight”

5958:17ctyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעַל־גַּ֭ל שָֽׁרָשָׁ֣י⁠ו יְסֻבָּ֑כוּ בֵּ֖ית אֲבָנִ֣ים יֶחֱזֶֽה1

Bildad is continuing to speak of the godless person and his temporary prosperity as if he were a plant. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “A godless person may at first be secure, like a plant whose roots are wrapped around a heap of stones, a plant that is solidly rooted among stones”

5968:17j275rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveעַל־גַּ֭ל שָֽׁרָשָׁ֣י⁠ו יְסֻבָּ֑כוּ1

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: “It wraps its roots around a heap of stones”

5978:17j276rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationבֵּ֖ית אֲבָנִ֣ים יֶחֱזֶֽה1

Bildad is speaking as if this plant were looking for a house to live in. He means that the plant naturally roots itself in a secure place among rocks. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it roots itself in a secure place among rocks”

5988:18j277rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastאִם1

In this verse, Bildad is drawing a contrast between the prosperity he described in the previous two verses and the inevitable destruction of the godless person. In your translation, you may wish to introduce this verse in a way that will indicate this contrast more explicitly. Alternate translation: “But when”

5998:18ib86rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיְבַלְּעֶ֥⁠נּוּ מִ⁠מְּקוֹמ֑⁠וֹ וְ⁠כִ֥חֶשׁ1

The pronoun it refers in its first and third instances to the plant Bildad has been describing, and it refers in its second instance to the place the plant was occupying. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “When one destroys such a plant from its place, then the place it formerly occupied will deny it”

6008:18tq8vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsוְ⁠כִ֥חֶשׁ בּ֝֗⁠וֹ לֹ֣א רְאִיתִֽי⁠ךָ1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “It will deny that it ever saw it”

6018:18b7jgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ⁠כִ֥חֶשׁ בּ֝֗⁠וֹ לֹ֣א רְאִיתִֽי⁠ךָ1

Bildad is speaking of the plants location as if it were a living thing that could recognize things and speak. The meaning of this phrase is similar to the meaning of the phrase “his place will not know him again” in 7:10. In this case, Bildad is saying that the plant will be so thoroughly removed that its former location will be convinced that it was never there to begin with. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it will be as if it had never been there at all”

6028:19llr9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyמְשׂ֣וֹשׂ דַּרְכּ֑⁠וֹ1

Bildad actually means to communicate the opposite of the literal meaning of his words. He is speaking in this way for emphasis. He does not mean that the godless person has actual joy. Such a person may have temporary prosperity, but he then experiences sorrow as a consequence of the way he has been living. Alternate translation: “the sorrow of his way”

6038:19z27brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמְשׂ֣וֹשׂ דַּרְכּ֑⁠וֹ1

Bildad is speaking of how a person lives as if that were a way or path that the person was walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the sorrow that comes from his conduct”

6048:19n1qgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ֝⁠מֵ⁠עָפָ֗ר אַחֵ֥ר יִצְמָֽחוּ1

Bildad is continuing to speak as if the godless person were a plant. When he says that other plants will sprout from the dust (that is, the ground), he means that other people will take the place of the godless person when his conduct causes his ruin. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and other people will take his position and his possessions”

6058:20i9v4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesאֵ֭ל לֹ֣א יִמְאַס־תָּ֑ם1

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 reject. Alternate translation: “God will always accept the innocent”

6068:20j278rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjתָּ֑ם1

Bildad is using the adjective innocent 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: “a person who is innocent”

6078:20gz4zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠לֹֽא־יַ֝חֲזִ֗יק בְּ⁠יַד־מְרֵעִֽים1

Bildad is speaking as if God would literally hold evildoers by the hand in order to keep them from falling down. He means that God does not strengthen or support people who do evil. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but he will not help evildoers”

6088:21e5gprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisעַד־יְמַלֵּ֣ה שְׂח֣וֹק פִּ֑י⁠ךָ וּ⁠שְׂפָתֶ֥י⁠ךָ תְרוּעָֽה1

Bildad 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: “He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and he will fill your lips with shouting”

6098:21ezc5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעַד־יְמַלֵּ֣ה שְׂח֣וֹק פִּ֑י⁠ךָ וּ⁠שְׂפָתֶ֥י⁠ךָ תְרוּעָֽה1

Bildad is speaking of Jobs mouth as if it were a container that God would fill with laughter and as if Jobs lips were a container that God would fill with shouting. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He will yet make you shout very joyfully”

6108:21td9src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheעַד־יְמַלֵּ֣ה שְׂח֣וֹק פִּ֑י⁠ךָ וּ⁠שְׂפָתֶ֥י⁠ךָ תְרוּעָֽה1

Bildad is using parts of Job, his mouth and his lips, to mean all of Job in the acts of laughing and shouting joyfully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He will yet make you laugh very happily and shout very joyfully”

6118:22tc4grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִלְבְּשׁוּ־בֹ֑שֶׁת1

Bildad is speaking as if Jobs enemies would literally wear shame as if it were their clothing. He means that they will be greatly ashamed for opposing Job when God honors and restores him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will be greatly ashamed”

6128:22k5y9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠אֹ֖הֶל רְשָׁעִ֣ים אֵינֶֽ⁠נּוּ1

Bildad is using one possession of the wicked, the tent in which they live, to mean all of their possessions and their standing in the community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the wicked will be without status or means”

6138:22uz63rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרְשָׁעִ֣ים1

Bildad is using the adjective wicked 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: “wicked people”

6148:22j279rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarksאֵינֶֽ⁠נּוּ1

If you decided to punctuate verses 1122 as a second-level quotation, indicate the end of this quotation here with a closing second-level quotation mark or whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a second-level quotation.

6159:intron51u0

Job 9 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is Jobs response to Bildads first speech. In 8:5, Bildad told Job that he should appeal to God. In response, Job protests in this chapter that a human being cannot appeal to God.

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

Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter

Litany

In verses 510, Job makes a series of statements about how powerful God is. These specific statements illustrate the general statement that Job makes in verse 4 that God is “wise in heart and mighty in strength.” A series of statements such as this is known as a litany. If your readers would recognize what Job is doing, you can translate and format this litany the way the ULT does. If the litany form would not be familiar to your readers, you could format the general statement in a way that will show that it is a summary statement that shows the overall meaning of what Job is saying. You could then put each sentence of the litany on a separate line. The format might look something like this:

God is wise in heart and mighty in strength (Who has hardened himself against him and been whole?),

the one removing mountains and they do not know, who overturns them in his anger, the one shaking the earth from its place and causing its pillars to tremble, the one speaking to the sun and it does not rise, and upon the stars he seals, stretching out the heavens by himself and treading on the waves of the sea, making the Bear, Orion, the Pleiades, and the chambers of the south, doing great {things} until there is no searching and distinguished {things} until there is no number.

6169:2r4pirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוּ⁠מַה־יִּצְדַּ֖ק אֱנ֣וֹשׁ עִם־אֵֽל1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “But a man cannot be righteous with God!”

6179:2a9kurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאֱנ֣וֹשׁ1

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

6189:3t9firc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאִם־יַ֭חְפֹּץ לָ⁠רִ֣יב עִמּ֑⁠וֹ1

In this part of the verse, the pronoun he refers to “a man” and the pronoun him refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “If a person desires to contend with God”

6199:3a6umrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלָ⁠רִ֣יב עִמּ֑⁠וֹ1

Job assumes that Bildad will understand that he is using the word contend to mean making a formal legal complaint against God. In this culture, people made such complaints to community leaders in public places such as the gate of a town. Each party would question the other in the presence of the leaders, who would then discuss the case and decide how to resolve it. Job is probably describing how he participated as a leader in such cases in 29:2123. Your language may have an expression for this process that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “to take God to court” or “to file charges against God”

6209:3j280rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsלֹֽא־יַ֝עֲנֶ֗⁠נּוּ1

In this part of the verse, (1) the pronoun he could refer to a human being and the pronoun him could refer to God. This seems likely, since after describing Gods knowledge and power, Job asks in 9:14 how he could possibly answer God and in 9:32 he says that God is “not a man, as I am, that I could answer him.” Alternate translation: “a human will not answer God” (2) the pronoun he could refer to God and the pronoun him could refer to a human being. This is also a possibility, since Job protests in 30:20 that God does not answer him. Alternate translation: “God will not answer a human”

6219:3j281rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeלֹֽא־יַ֝עֲנֶ֗⁠נּוּ1

If Job means that a human will not answer God, then he is using the future tense to describe what a person would be able to do. Your language may have its own way of expressing such a meaning. Alternate translation: “he could not answer him” or “he would not be able to answer him”

6229:3el71rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole אַחַ֥ת מִנִּי־אָֽלֶף1

The expression not … one from a thousand (that is, not one time out of a thousand) is an overstatement for emphasis. It is unlikely that one party in a court case would ask the other party as many as a thousand questions. Job means that a person would not find a single way to answer God satisfactorily no matter how many questions God asked. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no matter how many questions he asks”

6239:4j282rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsחֲכַ֣ם לֵ֭בָב1

The pronoun He refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God is wise in heart”

6249:4mh8arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorחֲכַ֣ם לֵ֭בָב וְ⁠אַמִּ֣יץ כֹּ֑חַ1

Here, the heart represents the thoughts. Alternate translation: “Gods thoughts are wise and he is mighty in strength”

6259:4f7rjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletוְ⁠אַמִּ֣יץ כֹּ֑חַ1

The terms mighty and strength 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: “and very strong”

6269:4j283rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִֽי־הִקְשָׁ֥ה אֵ֝לָ֗י⁠ו וַ⁠יִּשְׁלָֽם1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No person has ever hardened himself against God and been whole!”

6279:4b286rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהִקְשָׁ֥ה אֵ֝לָ֗י⁠ו1

Job is likely referring to bringing charges against God when he speaks of a person who has hardened himself against God, since a person who brings charges has determined not to show mercy. Rather, that person has decided to demand justice. You could indicate this in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “has brought charges against him”

6289:4j284rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוַ⁠יִּשְׁלָֽם1

By whole, Job probably means not suffering any damages, that is, winning a court case and having the other party pay compensation, rather than having to pay compensation oneself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and won the case”

6299:5j285rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהַ⁠מַּעְתִּ֣יק הָ֭רִים1

When Job refers to God removing mountains, he is likely describing earthquakes. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say that explicitly in your translation, as the UST does.

6309:5at5brc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsהַ⁠מַּעְתִּ֣יק הָ֭רִים1

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 removes mountains”

6319:5j286rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ⁠לֹ֣א יָדָ֑עוּ1

This could mean: (1) that the mountains do not know that God is about to remove them. In that case Job would be speaking of the mountains as if they were living things that could know something that was about to happen. (2) that people in general do not know that God is about to remove the mountains. In that case they would be an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. Either way, the idea is that God removes mountains without anyone or anything knowing in advance. Alternate translation: “suddenly” or “unexpectedly”

6329:5j344rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְּ⁠אַפּֽ⁠וֹ1

As the General Introduction to Job discusses, Job is using the term nose to mean anger by association with the way that a person who is angry breathes heavily through his nose. Your language and culture may also associate anger with a particular part of the body. If so, you could use an expression involving that part of the body in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “in his anger”

6339:6xth3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ֝⁠עַמּוּדֶ֗י⁠הָ יִתְפַלָּצֽוּ⁠ן1

People in this culture believed that there were pillars holding up the earth. You could retain the reference to pillars in your translation and it may seem like a figure of speech to your readers. Alternatively, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and causing it to tremble from deep underground”

6349:7j287rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהָ⁠אֹמֵ֣ר לַ֭⁠חֶרֶס וְ⁠לֹ֣א יִזְרָ֑ח1

Job is speaking as if the sun literally did not rise on certain days. He most likely means that the sun is not visible on those days because of cloud cover. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one who determines whether the sun will shine or clouds will cover it”

6359:7mt2xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠בְעַ֖ד כּוֹכָבִ֣ים יַחְתֹּֽם1

Job is speaking as if God literally put a seal over the stars on certain nights. He most likely means that the stars are not visible on those nights because of cloud cover. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and who keeps the stars from shining on certain nights”

6369:8lya7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitנֹטֶ֣ה שָׁמַ֣יִם לְ⁠בַדּ֑⁠וֹ וְ֝⁠דוֹרֵ֗ךְ עַל־בָּ֥מֳתֵי יָֽם1

People in this culture believed that the heavens (that is, the sky) were a solid object that God had stretched out over a framework in order to cover the earth. For example, Isaiah 40:22 says, “He stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to live in.” You could retain the reference to God stretching out the heavens in your translation, and it may seem like a figure of speech to your readers. Alternatively, you could state the meaning plainly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God alone created the sky and treads on the waves of the sea”

6379:8xis1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וְ֝⁠דוֹרֵ֗ךְ עַל־בָּ֥מֳתֵי יָֽם1

As a note to 7:12 explains, people in this culture considered the sea to be the realm of chaos. When Job speaks of God treading on the waves of the sea, he is speaking as if God were literally trampling down the forces of chaos with his feet. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and subduing the watery forces of chaos”

6389:9n4y8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesעָ֭שׁ כְּסִ֥יל וְ⁠כִימָ֗ה1

The words Bear, Orion, and Pleiades are the names of constellations of stars in the sky. Your culture may have its own terms for these constellations. Alternate translation: “the Big Dipper, the Hunter, and the Seven Sisters”

6399:9j288rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠חַדְרֵ֥י תֵמָֽן1

People in this culture believed that God kept natural forces in chambers. For example, Psalm 19:45 says that God has “pitched a tent for the sun” in the sky, from which the sun comes forth “like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber.” Psalm 135:7 refers similarly to God bringing the wind out of his “storehouses.” In Job 37:9, Elihu says that “the storm comes from its chamber.” So the reference here to the chambers of the south is likely to a place where, it was believed, God kept all the constellations of stars and from which God brought them out each night. You could retain the reference to these chambers in your translation and it may seem like a figure of speech to your readers. Alternatively, you could state the meaning plainly. Job is likely referring to the constellations themselves by association with their chambers. Alternate translation: “and all the other constellations”

6409:10g1vurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjגְ֭דֹלוֹת & וְ⁠נִפְלָא֗וֹת1

Job is using the adjective great and the participle distinguished as nouns to mean certain kinds of things. The ULT adds the word things to show this. Your language may use adjectives and participles in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent terms. Alternate translation: “wonders … and marvels”

6419:12gm8nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֵ֣ן יַ֭חְתֹּף מִ֣י יְשִׁיבֶ֑⁠נּוּ מִֽי־ יֹאמַ֥ר אֵ֝לָ֗י⁠ו מַֽה־ תַּעֲשֶֽׂה1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “If he takes something away, no one can bring it back. No one can ask him, What are you doing?’”

6429:12j289rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsמִ֣י יְשִׁיבֶ֑⁠נּוּ1

The meaning of who will turn him back depends on the meaning of the phrase he takes away. That phrase could mean: (1) that God takes something away. Alternate translation: “who can make him give it back” (2) that God leaves. Alternate translation: “who can make him come back”

6439:12j290rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesמִֽי־יֹאמַ֥ר אֵ֝לָ֗י⁠ו מַֽה־תַּעֲשֶֽׂה1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Who can ask him what he is doing”

6449:12tc75rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַֽה־תַּעֲשֶֽׂה1

The person challenging God would be using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not be doing that!”

6459:13j345rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֱ֭לוֹהַּ לֹא־יָשִׁ֣יב אַפּ֑⁠וֹ1

See how you translated the word nose in verse 5. Alternate translation: “God will not turn aside his anger”

6469:13j291rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֱ֭לוֹהַּ לֹא־יָשִׁ֣יב אַפּ֑⁠וֹ1

Job is speaking as if God might literally make his anger turn aside and go in a different direction. Job is actually describing how God might stop being angry (although in this case he would not). If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will not stop being angry”

6479:13j292rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesאֱ֭לוֹהַּ לֹא־יָשִׁ֣יב אַפּ֑⁠וֹ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this as a positive expression. Alternate translation: “God will still have anger”

6489:13nzr2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesרָֽהַב1

The word Rahab is another name for the sea monster. See the General Introduction to Job for a discussion of the sea monster, and see how you translated the name Leviathan in 3:8. Alternate translation: “the sea monster that is associated with chaos”

6499:13j340rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעֹ֣זְרֵי רָֽהַב1

When Job speaks of the helpers of Rahab, he likely means ocean waves, since he says in 9:8, in a context of overcoming chaos, that God treads on the waves of the sea. Alternate translation: “the chaotic ocean waves”

6509:13e9gurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationתחת⁠ו שָׁ֝חֲח֗וּ1

Job is speaking of the helpers of Rahab, most likely meaning the waves of the sea, as if they were a living thing that could bow to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “are under his control”

6519:14z61qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאַ֭ף כִּֽי־אָנֹכִ֣י אֶֽעֱנֶ֑⁠נּוּ1

Indeed that is an expression that indicates that what follows is greater in degree than what a person has just said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “How much less would I be able to answer him”

6529:14j293rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאַ֭ף כִּֽי־אָנֹכִ֣י אֶֽעֱנֶ֑⁠נּוּ1

For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated will answer. 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: “How much less would a mere mortal such as I be able to answer him”

6539:14j294rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאֶבְחֲרָ֖ה דְבָרַ֣⁠י עִמּֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is using the expression choose words to mean by association arguing a case against God, since he would have to choose the right words in order to do that. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “argue a case against him”

6549:15j295rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאֲשֶׁ֣ר אִם־צָ֭דַקְתִּי לֹ֣א אֶעֱנֶ֑ה1

The pronoun whom refers to text. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Even if I were righteous, I would not try to answer God”

6559:15j296rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאִם־צָ֭דַקְתִּי1

By righteous, in this context Job implicitly means being the unjustly injured party in a lawsuit. Your language may have an expression for this that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “if I were in the right”

6569:15j297rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלִ֝⁠מְשֹׁפְטִ֗⁠י אֶתְחַנָּֽן1

Job implicitly means that he would plead to God as his judge. He is not talking about appealing to some other legal authority to judge between him and God. You could indicate this in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I would plead for mercy to God as my judge”

6579:16j298rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיַאֲזִ֥ין1

Job is using the expression giving ear to mean listening, by association with the way that people listen with their ears. However, this specific expression has the sense of listening carefully, that is, paying attention. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he was paying attention to”

6589:16j299rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheקוֹלִֽ⁠י1

Job is using one part of himself, his voice, to mean all of him in the act of speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I was saying”

6599:17w3dcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבִּ⁠שְׂעָרָ֥ה1

When Job says that God would send a tempest or violent storm to break (destroy) him if he challenged God, Job could be using the storm to represent various troubles that God would cause him to experience. However, since God does approach Job in a violent storm at the end of the book, it would be appropriate to retain the term tempest in your translation rather than interpret the term as symbolic.

6609:18j300rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultלֹֽא־יִ֭תְּנֵ⁠נִי הָשֵׁ֣ב רוּחִ֑⁠י כִּ֥י יַ֝שְׂבִּעַ֗⁠נִי מַמְּרֹרִֽים1

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: “He fills me with bitterness, and by doing that, he does not allow me to cause my breath to return”

6619:18bw17rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomהָשֵׁ֣ב רוּחִ֑⁠י1

This expression means to rest in order to start breathing regularly again after exertion or extended speaking. Your language may have an expression for this that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “to catch my breath”

6629:18uqz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיַ֝שְׂבִּעַ֗⁠נִי מַמְּרֹרִֽים1

Job is speaking of himself as if he were a container that God fills with bitterness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he causes me great bitterness”

6639:18j301rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsיַ֝שְׂבִּעַ֗⁠נִי מַמְּרֹרִֽים1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of bitterness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he makes my life very bitter”

6649:19qi46rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־לְ⁠כֹ֣חַ & וְ⁠אִם־לְ֝⁠מִשְׁפָּ֗ט1

If to is an expression that introduces a matter under consideration. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If it is a matter of strength … Or if it is a matter of justice”

6659:19fjk3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִ֣י יוֹעִידֵֽ⁠נִי1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “no one is able to summon him!”

6669:20xtf8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֶ֭צְדָּק1

See how you translated the term righteous in 9:15. In this context, the term righteous implicitly describes being the unjustly injured party in a lawsuit. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I were in the right”

6679:20grl2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyפִּ֣⁠י יַרְשִׁיעֵ֑⁠נִי1

Job is using the term mouth to mean by association what he would say by using his mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I said would condemn me”

6689:20dd24rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationפִּ֣⁠י יַרְשִׁיעֵ֑⁠נִי1

Job is speaking of his mouth as if it were a living thing that could condemn him. He means that God would condemn him for what he said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God would condemn me for what I said”

6699:21ruv5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלֹֽא־אֵדַ֥ע נַפְשִׁ֗⁠י1

In this context, the word know means to have regard for something or to be concerned about something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am not concerned about my soul”

6709:21j302rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלֹֽא־אֵדַ֥ע נַפְשִׁ֗⁠י1

Job is using one part of himself, his soul, to mean all of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am not concerned about myself”

6719:22ahw1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאַחַ֗ת הִ֥יא1

The expression It is one could mean: (1) that God treats everyone in the same way. Alternate translation: “There is only one way that God treats people” (2) that the same thing would happen to Job whether he was righteous or unrighteous. Alternate translation: “There is only one thing that will happen to me whether I am good or bad”

6729:22j303rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsעַל־כֵּ֥ן אָמַ֑רְתִּי תָּ֥ם וְ֝⁠רָשָׁ֗ע ה֣וּא מְכַלֶּֽה1

Job has not said these specific words earlier, although they are a summary of what he has been saying to this point in his speech. So it may be more natural in your language to make this a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “that is why I have been saying that God destroys both the blameless and the wicked”

6739:22e1i7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjתָּ֥ם וְ֝⁠רָשָׁ֗ע1

Job is using the adjectives blameless and wicked 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: “Both blameless people and wicked people”

6749:23hsd9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשׁ֭וֹט יָמִ֣ית פִּתְאֹ֑ם1

Job is speaking of the disasters that people experience in life as if they were literally a scourge or whip that was punishing them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “disasters suddenly kill people”

6759:23m78urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsלְ⁠מַסַּ֖ת נְקִיִּ֣ם1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of despair, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “innocent people when they despair”

6769:23sgu2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjנְקִיִּ֣ם1

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

6779:24g65crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאֶ֤רֶץ ׀ נִתְּנָ֬ה בְֽ⁠יַד־רָשָׁ֗ע1

Here, hand represents the power and control that people have over something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The earth has been put under the control of the wicked”

6789:24v13grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveאֶ֤רֶץ ׀ נִתְּנָ֬ה בְֽ⁠יַד־רָשָׁ֗ע1

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 has given the earth into the hand of the wicked” or “God has put the earth under the control of the wicked”

6799:24rz2jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאֶ֤רֶץ ׀ נִתְּנָ֬ה1

Job is using the term earth to mean by association the people who live on the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The people who live on the earth have been given”

6809:24l9pzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorפְּנֵֽי־שֹׁפְטֶ֥י⁠הָ יְכַסֶּ֑ה1

Job is speaking as if God literally covers the faces of judges. He means that God keeps these judges from recognizing how to decide cases fairly. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He keeps judges from recognizing how to decide cases fairly”

6819:24y1ivrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisאִם־לֹ֖א1

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: “If it is not God who does these things”

6829:25aw7irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification וְ⁠יָמַ֣⁠י קַ֭לּוּ מִנִּי־רָ֑ץ בָּֽ֝רְח֗וּ1

Job is speaking of the days of his life as if they were a living thing that could run fast and flee. This could mean: (1) that Job is quickly using up his days, that is, he is rapidly approaching the end of his life. Alternate translation: “And I am using up my days very quickly” (2) that each of Jobs days goes by quickly. Alternate translation: “And each of my days seems very short”

6839:25um75rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלֹא־רָא֥וּ טוֹבָֽה1

Here, as in 7:7, to see good means to experience it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They do not experience good”

6849:25ej64rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjלֹא־רָא֥וּ טוֹבָֽה1

Job is using the adjective good as a noun to mean a certain kind of experience. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “They do not experience good things”

6859:25a6zyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationלֹא־רָא֥וּ טוֹבָֽה1

Job is speaking of the days of his life as if they were a living thing that could experience good things or fail to experience them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I do not experience good things during my days”

6869:26icr6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorחָ֭לְפוּ עִם־אֳנִיּ֣וֹת אֵבֶ֑ה1

Job is speaking as if the days of his life literally glide across the water together with boats of papyrus. As in the previous verse, he means that his days move very quickly. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am running out of days as quickly as a papyrus boat glides across the water” or “Each of my days goes by as quickly as a papyrus boat glides across the water”

6879:26vrq5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisכְּ֝⁠נֶ֗שֶׁר יָט֥וּשׂ עֲלֵי־אֹֽכֶל1

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: “as quickly as an eagle pounces on food”

6889:26iuy1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheאֹֽכֶל1

Job is using a general term, food, to one specific kind of food, the kind an eagle would catch and eat. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “its prey”

6899:27wk23rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsאִם־אָ֭מְרִ⁠י אֶשְׁכְּחָ֣ה שִׂיחִ֑⁠י אֶעֶזְבָ֖ה פָנַ֣⁠י וְ⁠אַבְלִֽיגָה1

It may be more natural in your language to have an indirect quotation here. Alternate translation: “If I told myself that I should forget my complaint and change my face and be cheerful”

6909:27vk9trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאֶשְׁכְּחָ֣ה שִׂיחִ֑⁠י1

When Job speaks of changing his face (that is, the expression on his face), he means by association feeling differently so that the expression on his face will change. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Let me feel differently about this”

6919:28rek4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultיָגֹ֥רְתִּי כָל־עַצְּבֹתָ֑⁠י יָ֝דַ֗עְתִּי כִּי־לֹ֥א תְנַקֵּֽ⁠נִי1

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: “because I know that you would not acquit me, I would fear all my sorrows”

6929:28hqx2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיָגֹ֥רְתִּי כָל־עַצְּבֹתָ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking implicitly of the sorrows he knows he would still experience when God punished him for the things God would consider him guilty of doing. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I would still fear all the sorrows that I would experience because of your punishments”

6939:28j304rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularלֹ֥א תְנַקֵּֽ⁠נִי1

The pronoun you is singular because it refers to God rather than to the three friends. So use the second-person singular in your translation if your language marks that distinction. Even though to this point in this speech Job has been protesting that he cannot argue his case with God, here he addresses God directly, as he did in 7:721 and as he will do later in this speech in 10:222. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “you, God, would not acquit me”

6949:29js2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyאָנֹכִ֥י אֶרְשָׁ֑ע לָ⁠מָּה1

This could mean: (1) that in order to convey emphasis, Job is saying the opposite of what he means. If a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could indicate what Job actually means and convey the emphasis another way. Alternate translation: “God thinks I am wicked! So why” (2) that without intending to convey emphasis, Job is describing how he believes God would regard him. Alternate translation: “Since God would consider me to be wicked anyway, why”

6959:29j305rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאָנֹכִ֥י אֶרְשָׁ֑ע1

For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the word translated 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: “I am a wicked person”

6969:29w57lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionלָ⁠מָּה־זֶּ֝֗ה הֶ֣בֶל אִיגָֽע1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “there is no reason for me to toil in vain”

6979:29j306rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהֶ֣בֶל אִיגָֽע1

By toil, Job implicitly means working hard to prove his innocence. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “would I work hard in vain to prove my innocence”

6989:30j307rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionאִם־ הִתְרָחַ֥צְתִּי בְמֵי־ שָׁ֑לֶג וַ֝⁠הֲזִכּ֗וֹתִי בְּ⁠בֹ֣ר כַּפָּֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking hypothetically of something he might do as a symbolic action to show that he is genuinely innocent. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “If I washed myself with water of snow and cleansed my hands with lye to show how innocent I am”

6999:30l6jtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבְמֵי־שָׁ֑לֶג1

The implication is that water from freshly melting snow is very pure. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “with very pure water”

7009:30a4jkrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownבְּ⁠בֹ֣ר1

The word lye describes a cleansing agent made from the ashes created by burning certain plants. If your readers would not be familiar with what lye is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable substance in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “with a strong cleansing agent”

7019:31sz3qrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionבַּ⁠שַּׁ֣חַת תִּטְבְּלֵ֑⁠נִי1

Job is speaking hypothetically of something he believes God would do as a symbolic action to show that God considered him guilty rather than innocent. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “you would plunge me into a ditch to show how guilty you considered me to be”

7029:31j308rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularתִּטְבְּלֵ֑⁠נִי1

The word you is singular here because Job is once again addressing God directly. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

7039:31j309rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבַּ⁠שַּׁ֣חַת1

By a ditch, Job implicitly means a ditch full of dirty water that would make his body dirty all over. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “into a ditch full of dirty water”

7049:31vh45rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ֝⁠תִֽעֲב֗וּ⁠נִי שַׂלְמוֹתָֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking of his clothes as if it were a living thing that could abhor him. He means that the water in the ditch would make his body so dirty that his own clothes would not want to be on his body. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and my body would become very dirty”

7059:33j310rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionיָשֵׁ֖ת יָד֣⁠וֹ עַל־שְׁנֵֽי⁠נוּ1

A judge would lay his hand on the opposing parties in a case as a symbolic action to show that he was bringing them both under his judicial authority. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “who would lay his hand upon the two of us to show that he had the authority to decide our case”

7069:34hm1trc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיָסֵ֣ר מֵ⁠עָלַ֣⁠י שִׁבְט֑⁠וֹ וְ֝⁠אֵמָת֗⁠וֹ1

The pronoun who refers to a judge who might decide Jobs case against God, and the pronoun his 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: “There is no judge who could turn Gods rod from upon me and Gods terror”

7079:34cc5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשִׁבְט֑⁠וֹ1

Job is speaking as if God were literally using a rod or stick to punish him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his punishment”

7089:34vs1brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ֝⁠אֵמָת֗⁠וֹ אַֽל־תְּבַעֲתַֽ⁠נִּי1

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 earlier in the sentence if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and turn his terror from upon me, so that it would not frighten me”

7099:35fa78rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאַֽ֭דַבְּרָה וְ⁠לֹ֣א אִירָאֶ֑⁠נּוּ1

Job means implicitly that he would do these things if there were someone to judge between him and God. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “If there were someone to judge between us, I would speak and I would not fear him”

7109:35j311אַֽ֭דַבְּרָה1

Job is using an emphatic verbal form. Your language may have a similar form that you could use in your translation. If not, you could express the emphasis another way. Alternate translation: “I would certainly speak”

7119:35ug86rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלֹא־כֵ֥ן אָ֝נֹכִ֗י עִמָּדִֽ⁠י1

Interpreters are unsure what this expression means. It could possibly mean: (1) Alternate translation: “That is not how things are with me at the moment” (2) Alternate translation: “I am not the kind of person who would do that now”

71210:introul990

Job 10 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

In this chapter, Job finishes responding to Bildads first speech. As he did in chapter 7, Job speaks to God in light of his exchange with his friend, although in this case Job describes what he would say to God rather than addressing God directly.

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

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]])

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Extended quotation

Starting in verse 2 and continuing through the end of the chapter, Job quotes what he would say to God if he could argue his case with him. If your language would not naturally put one direct quotation inside another, you could translate what Job says as an indirect quotation. A note to verse 2 suggests how to start doing that. You could follow the same approach throughout the rest of the chapter.

71310:1ch7hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheנָֽקְטָ֥ה נַפְשִׁ֗⁠י & בְּ⁠מַ֣ר נַפְשִֽׁ⁠י1

Job is using one part of himself, his soul, to mean all of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am weary … in my bitterness”

71410:1p5clrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאֶֽעֶזְבָ֣ה עָלַ֣⁠י שִׂיחִ֑⁠י1

In this expression, to abandon something upon oneself means not to restrain it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will complain without restraining myself”

71510:2j312rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesאֹמַ֣ר אֶל־אֱ֭לוֹהַּ אַל־תַּרְשִׁיעֵ֑⁠נִי הֽ֝וֹדִיעֵ֗⁠נִי עַ֣ל מַה־תְּרִיבֵֽ⁠נִי1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, this is the beginning of a long quotation within a quotation. Job is telling his friends what he would like to tell God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this and the rest of the chapter so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “I will tell God not to condemn me but to cause me to know for what he is accusing me”

71610:2j313rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarksאֹמַ֣ר אֶל־אֱ֭לוֹהַּ אַל־תַּרְשִׁיעֵ֑⁠נִי הֽ֝וֹדִיעֵ֗⁠נִי עַ֣ל מַה־תְּרִיבֵֽ⁠נִי1

If you decide to translate what Job says he would tell God as a direct quotation, you could indicate the start of the quotation with an opening second-level quotation mark or with some other punctuation or convention that your language uses to indicate the start of a second-level quotation.

71710:2j314rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאַל־תַּרְשִׁיעֵ֑⁠נִי הֽ֝וֹדִיעֵ֗⁠נִי1

Job means implicitly that he does not want God to condemn him without letting him know why he is condemning him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Do not condemn me without causing me to know”

71810:3aaw5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠ט֤וֹב לְ⁠ךָ֨ ׀ כִּֽי־תַעֲשֹׁ֗ק כִּֽי־תִ֭מְאַס יְגִ֣יעַ כַּפֶּ֑י⁠ךָ וְ⁠עַל־עֲצַ֖ת רְשָׁעִ֣ים הוֹפָֽעְתָּ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not consider it good to oppress me, to despise the work of your hands, while you shine on the plans of the wicked!”

71910:3vw7hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheיְגִ֣יעַ כַּפֶּ֑י⁠ךָ1

Job is using one part of God, his hands, to mean all of him in the act of working to make something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your own work”

72010:3q8wfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠עַל־עֲצַ֖ת רְשָׁעִ֣ים הוֹפָֽעְתָּ1

When Job says that God would shine, he means that God would have a glowing, approving expression on his face. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but on the plans of the wicked you smile”

72110:3j316rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠עַל־עֲצַ֖ת רְשָׁעִ֣ים הוֹפָֽעְתָּ1

Job is using one part of giving and showing approval, the act of visibly smiling, to mean the entire act of approving. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but you approve of what the wicked plan to do”

72210:3j315rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרְשָׁעִ֣ים1

Job is using the adjective wicked 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: “wicked people”

72310:4j317rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהַ⁠עֵינֵ֣י בָשָׂ֣ר לָ֑⁠ךְ אִם־כִּ⁠רְא֖וֹת אֱנ֣וֹשׁ תִּרְאֶֽה1

Job is using the terms eyes and seeing to mean by association knowing and understanding, since people often discover things by seeing them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do you only know and understand the kinds of things that people can see with their eyes”

72410:4e9t6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ⁠עֵינֵ֣י בָשָׂ֣ר לָ֑⁠ךְ אִם־כִּ⁠רְא֖וֹת אֱנ֣וֹשׁ תִּרְאֶֽה1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You do not have eyes of flesh! You do not see according to the seeing of a man!”

72510:4d65rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהַ⁠עֵינֵ֣י בָשָׂ֣ר לָ֑⁠ךְ1

Job is using the expression of flesh to mean “human,” by association with the way that humans have flesh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do you have human eyes?” or “You do not have human eyes!”

72610:4s8aerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־כִּ⁠רְא֖וֹת אֱנ֣וֹשׁ תִּרְאֶֽה1

Job 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: “You do not see as people see, do you?”

72710:4j318rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsכִּ⁠רְא֖וֹת אֱנ֣וֹשׁ1

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

72810:5st4nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהֲ⁠כִ⁠ימֵ֣י אֱנ֣וֹשׁ יָמֶ֑י⁠ךָ אִם־שְׁ֝נוֹתֶ֗י⁠ךָ כִּ֣⁠ימֵי גָֽבֶר1

Job is asking implicitly whether God has the same number of days and years as a human being, not whether God experiences the kind of days and years that people do. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Is the number of your days the same as the number of the days that a man has, or is the number of your years the same as the number of days that a person has”

72910:5awt6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠כִ⁠ימֵ֣י אֱנ֣וֹשׁ יָמֶ֑י⁠ךָ אִם־שְׁ֝נוֹתֶ֗י⁠ךָ כִּ֣⁠ימֵי גָֽבֶר1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations, not continuing this sentence into the following two verses. Alternate translation: “Your days are not like the days of a man! No, your years are not like the days of a person!”

73010:5j319rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהֲ⁠כִ⁠ימֵ֣י אֱנ֣וֹשׁ יָמֶ֑י⁠ךָ אִם־שְׁ֝נוֹתֶ֗י⁠ךָ כִּ֣⁠ימֵי גָֽבֶר1

Job is using the terms days and years to mean by association the lifetime of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could combine the two phrases and state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do you have as short a lifetime as people do” or “You do not have as short a lifetime as people do!”

73110:5j320rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאֱנ֣וֹשׁ & גָֽבֶר1

In this verse, the two instances of the word man translate two different words that have essentially the same meaning. Both of these masculine terms have a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a mortal … a human being”

73210:5j321rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismכִּ֣⁠ימֵי1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could say “years” instead of days here. This would maintain a parallel between the two parts of this verse without making any significant change in meaning. (The original reading may have been “years”; many translations say that.) Alternate translation: “like the years of”

73310:5e5pgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־שְׁ֝נוֹתֶ֗י⁠ךָ כִּ֣⁠ימֵי גָֽבֶר1

Job 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: “Your years are not like the days of a man, are they?”

73410:6zdk3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכִּֽי־תְבַקֵּ֥שׁ לַ⁠עֲוֺנִ֑⁠י וּ֭⁠לְ⁠חַטָּאתִ֥⁠י תִדְרֽוֹשׁ1

In this verse and the previous one, Job seems to be asking implicitly whether God is seeking urgently to discover whether he has sinned because God has only a short time to live and God wants to discover this before he dies. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Is that why you seek for my iniquity and search for my sin”

73510:6j322rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismכִּֽי־תְבַקֵּ֥שׁ לַ⁠עֲוֺנִ֑⁠י וּ֭⁠לְ⁠חַטָּאתִ֥⁠י תִדְרֽוֹשׁ1

These two phrases mean similar things. Job is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express, to convey his sense that God is seeking urgently to find out whether he has sinned. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine the phrases and express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “that you seek so urgently to discover whether I have sinned” or “Is that why you seek so urgently to discover whether I have sinned”

73610:6j323rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionכִּֽי־תְבַקֵּ֥שׁ לַ⁠עֲוֺנִ֑⁠י וּ֭⁠לְ⁠חַטָּאתִ֥⁠י תִדְרֽוֹשׁ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. If you chose not to continue the sentence from the previous verse in order to translate the questions there as statements or exclamations, this would be a new sentence. You could also choose not to continue it into the next verse. Alternate translation: “You do not need to seek for my iniquity and search for my sin!”

73710:7s3k7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionעַֽל־דַּ֭עְתְּ⁠ךָ כִּי־לֹ֣א אֶרְשָׁ֑ע וְ⁠אֵ֖ין מִ⁠יָּדְ⁠ךָ֣ מַצִּֽיל1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. If you chose not to continue the sentence from the previous verse in order to translate the question there as a statement or as an exclamation, this would be a new sentence. Alternate translation: “After all, you know that I am not wicked, and there is no one rescuing me from your hand!”

73810:7j324rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomעַֽל־דַּ֭עְתְּ⁠ךָ1

In this expression, above means “in addition to.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “even though you know that”

73910:7j325rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠אֵ֖ין מִ⁠יָּדְ⁠ךָ֣ מַצִּֽיל1

The implication seems to be that God does not need to seek urgently to discover whether Job has sinned, because Job cannot escape from God. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and that I cannot escape from you”

74010:7vzd3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמִ⁠יָּדְ⁠ךָ֣1

Job is using one part of God, his hand, to mean all of him in the act of apprehending Job as a wrongdoer. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from you”

74110:8p1mlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletיָדֶ֣י⁠ךָ עִ֭צְּבוּ⁠נִי וַֽ⁠יַּעֲשׂ֑וּ⁠נִי1

The terms formed and made 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: “Indeed, your hands created me”

74210:8tx92rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheיָדֶ֣י⁠ךָ1

Job is using one part of God, his hands, to mean all of him in the act of making Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You”

74310:9x1dyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכַ⁠חֹ֣מֶר עֲשִׂיתָ֑⁠נִי1

The point of this comparison is that God molded Jobs body as one molds clay to make things. Job is not saying that God made him to be like clay. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “you molded my body as one molds clay”

74410:9zg5jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְֽ⁠אֶל־עָפָ֥ר תְּשִׁיבֵֽ⁠נִי1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “so please do not turn me into dust again!”

74510:10h664rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠לֹ֣א כֶ֭⁠חָלָב תַּתִּיכֵ֑⁠נִי וְ֝⁠כַ⁠גְּבִנָּ֗ה תַּקְפִּיאֵֽ⁠נִי1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You have poured me like milk and caused me to curdle like cheese.”

74610:10c2ulrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileהֲ⁠לֹ֣א כֶ֭⁠חָלָב תַּתִּיכֵ֑⁠נִי וְ֝⁠כַ⁠גְּבִנָּ֗ה תַּקְפִּיאֵֽ⁠נִי1

The point of this comparison is that just as one pours out milk and curdles it to make cheese, so God has created Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “You are the one who has created me, just as one creates cheese out of milk”

74710:11j326rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureע֣וֹר וּ֭⁠בָשָׂר תַּלְבִּישֵׁ֑⁠נִי וּֽ⁠בַ⁠עֲצָמ֥וֹת וְ֝⁠גִידִ֗ים תְּסֹכְכֵֽ⁠נִי1

Ordinarily one builds the inside of something before its outside, so you might find it more natural to put the information about the bones and tendons before the information about the skin and flesh. Alternate translation: “You knit me together with bones and tendons and then you clothed me with skin and flesh”

74810:11p9pwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorע֣וֹר וּ֭⁠בָשָׂר תַּלְבִּישֵׁ֑⁠נִי1

Job is speaking as if God had literally clothed him with skin and flesh. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You have covered my body with skin and flesh”

74910:11mxm1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּֽ⁠בַ⁠עֲצָמ֥וֹת וְ֝⁠גִידִ֗ים תְּסֹכְכֵֽ⁠נִי1

Job is speaking as if God had literally knit him together with bones and tendons. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you have given me a supportive skeletal system of bones and tendons”

75010:12tc2urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitחַיִּ֣ים וָ֭⁠חֶסֶד עָשִׂ֣יתָ עִמָּדִ֑⁠י1

The implication is that God made these things alongside Job so that they would accompany him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “You caused life and covenant faithfulness to accompany me” or “You made sure that I would experience life and covenant faithfulness”

75110:12dt8arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוּ֝⁠פְקֻדָּתְ⁠ךָ֗1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of visitation, you could express the same idea in another way. In this context, the word visitation does not indicate that God spent time with Job temporarily but that he was always present with him. Alternate translation: “and your presence”

75210:12h7inrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheרוּחִֽ⁠י1

Job is using one part of himself, his spirit, to mean all of him, with an emphasis on him being alive. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “me” or “my life”

75310:13j327rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֭⁠אֵלֶּה צָפַ֣נְתָּ בִ⁠לְבָבֶ֑⁠ךָ1

Job is speaking as if God literally hid certain things in his heart. Here, the heart represents the thoughts and motives. Job means that God was secretly planning certain things. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “But you were secretly planning these things”

75410:13j328rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomזֹ֥את עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ1

The expression this was with you means “this is what you were thinking.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “this is what you were thinking”

75510:14zj6trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesוּ֝⁠מֵ⁠עֲוֺנִ֗⁠י לֹ֣א תְנַקֵּֽ⁠נִי1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this with a positive expression. Alternate translation: “and you would declare me guilty of my iniquity”

75610:14j329rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ֝⁠מֵ⁠עֲוֺנִ֗⁠י לֹ֣א תְנַקֵּֽ⁠נִי1

The implication is that God would punish Job for his iniquity if God did not acquit him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you would punish me for my iniquity”

75710:15j330rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultאִם־רָשַׁ֡עְתִּי אַלְלַ֬י לִ֗⁠י וְ֭⁠צָדַקְתִּי לֹא־אֶשָּׂ֣א רֹאשִׁ֑⁠י שְׂבַ֥ע קָ֝ל֗וֹן וּ⁠רְאֵ֥ה עָנְיִֽ⁠י1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could put the phrase I will not lift my head at the end of this verse, since the material that follows this phrase gives the reason for the result that it describes. Alternate translation: “And even if I am righteous, because I am nevertheless full of disgrace—yes, see my affliction!—I will not lift my head”

75810:15h2scrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionלֹא־אֶשָּׂ֣א רֹאשִׁ֑⁠י1

Job is saying that he would not lift his head (that is, he would look down) as a symbolic action to express that he was feeling shame. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. There may be some physical gesture with the same meaning in your culture that you could use in your translation. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “I will still look down in shame” or “I will still cover my eyes in shame” or “I will still act ashamed”

75910:15amu8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשְׂבַ֥ע קָ֝ל֗וֹן1

For emphasis, Job is speaking of himself as if he were a container that disgrace could fill. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “I feel very disgraced”

76010:15bu5trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularוּ⁠רְאֵ֥ה עָנְיִֽ⁠י1

The imperative see is singular because Job is addressing God, not his three friends. So use the second-person singular in your translation if your language marks that distinction. It may also be helpful to specify the addressee. Alternate translation: “Yes, God, see my affliction”

76110:15fs2urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוּ⁠רְאֵ֥ה1

Job is using the term see to mean “consider” by association with the way people consider things that they are looking at. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yes, consider”

76210:16z3nmrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ֭⁠יִגְאֶה1

The pronoun it refers to Jobs head, which in the previous verse he said he would not lift. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “And should my head arise”

76310:16j331rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ֭⁠יִגְאֶה1

Job is speaking of his head as if it were a living thing that could arise on its own. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And should I raise my head” or “And if I did raise my head”

76410:16bss8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכַּ⁠שַּׁ֣חַל תְּצוּדֵ֑⁠נִי1

The point of this comparison is that just as a lion stalks its prey relentlessly, so, Job is saying, God would stalk him relentlessly. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “you would stalk me as relentlessly as a lion stalks its prey”

76510:16yj7rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ֝⁠תָשֹׁ֗ב תִּתְפַּלָּא־בִֽ⁠י1

In this expression, the word return means to do something again. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and once again you would distinguish yourself against me”

76610:16j332rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ֝⁠תָשֹׁ֗ב תִּתְפַּלָּא־בִֽ⁠י1

Job means implicitly that God would distinguish himself by punishing Job in spectacular ways. (Exodus 3:20 uses the same verb to describe the plagues that God sent against the Egyptians.) You could indicate this meaning in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you would do further great things to punish me” or “you would punish me further in spectacular ways”

76710:17u754rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorתְּחַדֵּ֬שׁ עֵדֶ֨י⁠ךָ ׀ נֶגְדִּ֗⁠י1

In this verse, Job continues to describe what he believes God would do if he were to “lift” his “head” (that is, if he were to act as if he had nothing to be ashamed of), as he said in 10:15. Job could be using the word witnesses here to mean: (1) accusations that God would make against Job, as if God were literally a witness testifying against Job in a trial. Alternate translation: “You would accuse me of doing further wrong things” (2) sufferings that God would cause Job to experience, since people in this culture believed that sufferings were evidence that God was punishing someone for doing wrong. Alternate translation: “You would cause me to suffer even more”

76810:17di4rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysחֲלִיפ֖וֹת וְ⁠צָבָ֣א עִמִּֽ⁠י1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. Job is using the word changes to indicate that he feels that God is sending one army after another against him. 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: “you keep sending new armies against me”

76910:17zs8crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorחֲלִיפ֖וֹת וְ⁠צָבָ֣א עִמִּֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking as if God is literally sending one army after another against him. He means that he feels that God keeps attacking him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you keep attacking me”

77010:18j333rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ⁠לָ֣⁠מָּה מֵ֭⁠רֶחֶם הֹצֵאתָ֑⁠נִי1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not have brought me out of the womb!”

77110:18zk6frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠לָ֣⁠מָּה מֵ֭⁠רֶחֶם הֹצֵאתָ֑⁠נִי1

Job is speaking of God bringing him out from the womb by association to describe his birth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Why did you allow me to be born?” or “You should not have allowed me to be born!”

77210:18n2qlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismאֶ֝גְוַ֗ע1

See how you translated the similar expression in 3:11. Alternate translation: “If only I had passed away”

77310:18s56brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠עַ֣יִן לֹא־תִרְאֵֽ⁠נִי1

Job is using one part of a person, the eye, to mean all of a person in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and no one had ever seen me”

77410:19bzd2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ֝⁠בֶּ֗טֶן לַ⁠קֶּ֥בֶר אוּבָֽל1

Job is using the term womb by association to mean birth, and he is using the term grave by association to mean death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I wish that I had died as soon as I was born”

77510:19uc37rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveאוּבָֽל1

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: “I wish that someone had brought me”

77610:20yd2grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠לֹא־ מְעַ֣ט יָמַ֣⁠י1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “My days are so few!”

77710:20j334rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletוַחֲדָ֑ל וְשִׁ֥ית מִ֝מֶּ֗⁠נִּי1

The expressions cease and put from me 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: “So stop me making me suffer”

77810:20j335rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְשִׁ֥ית מִ֝מֶּ֗⁠נִּי1

Interpreters are not certain what this phrase means. It is possible that Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “and put these sufferings away from me”

77910:20j336rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠אַבְלִ֥יגָה מְּעָֽט1

Job is not asking God to let him smile a little; rather, Job is saying what he would do if God stopped making him suffer. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and then I would be able to smile a little”

78010:20j337rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠אַבְלִ֥יגָה מְּעָֽט1

Job is using the term smile to mean being happy or comforted, by association with the way that people who are happy or comforted smile. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and let me experience a little comfort”

78110:20j338rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠אַבְלִ֥יגָה מְּעָֽט1

In this verse, the term little translates the same word that the term few translates. Your language may allow you to show this in your translation. Alternate translation: “and let me smile for a few moments”

78210:21i9h6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletאֶל־אֶ֖רֶץ חֹ֣שֶׁךְ וְ⁠צַלְמָֽוֶת1

The terms darkness and deep shadow 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: “to the land of great darkness” or “to the place where it is very dark”

78310:21f7d8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאֶל־אֶ֖רֶץ חֹ֣שֶׁךְ וְ⁠צַלְמָֽוֶת1

Job is using the terms darkness and deep darkness to mean by association the abode of the dead, which people in this culture believed to be a very dark place, since it was away from any sunlight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the abode of the dead”

78410:22xkq9rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוַ⁠תֹּ֥פַע כְּמוֹ־אֹֽפֶל1

The pronoun it could refer to: (1) whatever faint light there might be in the abode of the dead. Alternate translation: “and where the light shines like gloom” or “and where the only light is very faint” (2) the land that Job has been describing, that is, the abode of the dead itself. In order to draw a contrast with the darkness in the abode of the dead, Job would be speaking as if a place that is well-lit shines. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “There is no light in that land”

78510:22a8nxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotemarksוַ⁠תֹּ֥פַע כְּמוֹ־אֹֽפֶל1

If you decided to translate verses 222 as a second-level direct quotation, indicate the end of that quotation here at the end of this sentence with a closing second-level quotation mark or whatever other punctuation or convention your language uses to indicate the end of a second-level quotation.

78611:introm1vt0

Job 11 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

In this chapter, Jobs friend Zophar responds to what Job said in chapters 9 and 10.

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

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Zophar answering Job with his own words

  • In 9:12, Job asked about God, when suggesting that God might act cruelly, “Who will turn him back?” Zophar says in his response in 11:10, answering Job in his own words to insist that God actually acts justly, ”Who will turn him back?”

  • In 10:15, Job says that he will not lift his head, he will continue to act ashamed, because God is punishing him even though he is innocent. Zophar says in response in 11:15 that if Job repents and prays for forgiveness, he will be able to lift up his face without any shame.

  • In 10:22, Job says that he will die and go to a place of complete darkness. Zophar says in response in 11:17 that Jobs life may seem like darkness now, but it will become bright and happy if he turns to God.

To help your readers appreciate how Zophar is answering Job with his own words, you may wish to translate Zophars expressions in these places in the same way that you translated Jobs similar expressions earlier. Notes will suggest ways to do this.

Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter

Rhetorical questions

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

78711:2ua2src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveהֲ⁠רֹ֣ב דְּ֭בָרִים לֹ֣א יֵעָנֶ֑ה וְ⁠אִם־אִ֖ישׁ שְׂפָתַ֣יִם יִצְדָּֽק1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Will no one answer the multitude of words? Or will anyone justify a man of lips?”

78811:2cq18rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠רֹ֣ב דְּ֭בָרִים לֹ֣א יֵעָנֶ֑ה וְ⁠אִם־אִ֖ישׁ שְׂפָתַ֣יִם יִצְדָּֽק1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “The multitude of words must be answered! A man of lips will not be justified!”

78911:2j348rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהֲ⁠רֹ֣ב דְּ֭בָרִים לֹ֣א יֵעָנֶ֑ה1

Zophar is using the term words by association to mean what Job has just said by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I must respond to the many things that you have just said”

79011:2j349rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠אִם־אִ֖ישׁ שְׂפָתַ֣יִם יִצְדָּֽק1

Zophar 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 of lips will not be justified, will he”

79111:2j350rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠אִם־אִ֖ישׁ שְׂפָתַ֣יִם יִצְדָּֽק1

Zophar is using the term lips by association to mean talking, since people use their lips when they talk. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Or is a man justified because he talks so much about being righteous” or “A man will not be justified because he talks so much about being righteous, will he”

79211:2j351rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personוְ⁠אִם־אִ֖ישׁ שְׂפָתַ֣יִם יִצְדָּֽק1

In this speech, Zophar is responding to Job, and he will address him directly as “you” in the rest of the speech. But here at the start he is speaking about Job in the third person, even though he is actually speaking to Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “Or will you be justified by talking so much about being righteous”

79311:3kgu1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionבַּ֭דֶּי⁠ךָ מְתִ֣ים יַחֲרִ֑ישׁו וַ֝⁠תִּלְעַ֗ג וְ⁠אֵ֣ין מַכְלִֽם1

Zophar is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “Your boastings should not make people silent! Someone should shame you for mocking!”

79411:3s3amrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוַ֝⁠תִּלְעַ֗ג1

Zophar means implicitly that Job has been mocking God. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Or will you mock God”

79511:4j352rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit וַ֭⁠תֹּאמֶר זַ֣ךְ לִקְחִ֑⁠י וּ֝⁠בַ֗ר הָיִ֥יתִי בְ⁠עֵינֶֽי⁠ךָ1

Zophar means implicitly that Job has said these things to God. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “For you have said to God, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in your eyes.’”

79611:4j353rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וַ֭⁠תֹּאמֶר זַ֣ךְ לִקְחִ֑⁠י וּ֝⁠בַ֗ר הָיִ֥יתִי בְ⁠עֵינֶֽי⁠ךָ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “For you have told God that your doctrine is pure and that you are clean in his eyes”

79711:4k2lerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorזַ֣ךְ לִקְחִ֑⁠י וּ֝⁠בַ֗ר הָיִ֥יתִי1

Zophar says that Job has spoken as if his doctrine were literally pure and his conduct was literally clean, that is, not physically dirty. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My doctrine is correct, and I am righteous”

79811:4e56urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְ⁠עֵינֶֽי⁠ךָ1

Zophar is using the term eyes by association to mean sight. Sight, in turn, represents attention, perspective, and judgment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in your perspective”

79911:5j354rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְֽ⁠אוּלָ֗ם מִֽי־יִתֵּ֣ן אֱל֣וֹהַּ דַּבֵּ֑ר וְ⁠יִפְתַּ֖ח שְׂפָתָ֣י⁠ו עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ1

The question who will give introduces a wish. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this question as a statement or exclamation expressing a wish, beginning here and continuing into the start of the next verse. Alternate translation: “I wish that God would speak and open his lips against you”

80011:5j355rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletוְֽ⁠אוּלָ֗ם מִֽי־יִתֵּ֣ן אֱל֣וֹהַּ דַּבֵּ֑ר וְ⁠יִפְתַּ֖ח שְׂפָתָ֣י⁠ו עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ1

The expressions speak and open his lips mean similar things. Zophar is using the two expressions together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “I dearly wish that God would tell you that you are wrong”

80111:5ii56rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠יִפְתַּ֖ח שְׂפָתָ֣י⁠ו1

Zophar is using the first part of the talking process, opening ones lips, to mean the entire process of talking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and talk”

80211:6ca7prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠יַגֶּד־לְ⁠ךָ֨ ׀ תַּֽעֲלֻמ֣וֹת חָכְמָה֮1

If you translated the beginning of this sentence in the previous verse as a statement or exclamation, translate the end of the sentence here in the same way. Alternate translation: “and declare to you the secrets of wisdom!”

80311:6j356rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכִּֽי־כִפְלַ֪יִם לְֽ⁠ת֫וּשִׁיָּ֥ה1

By it, Zophar implicitly means Gods wisdom, and by understanding, he means Jobs understanding. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Gods wisdom is double to your understanding” or “Gods wisdom is twice as great as your understanding”

80411:6j357rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomכִּֽי־כִפְלַ֪יִם לְֽ⁠ת֫וּשִׁיָּ֥ה1

By the expression double, Zophar actually means much greater. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Gods wisdom is far greater than your understanding”

80511:6qjk2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיַשֶּׁ֥ה לְ⁠ךָ֥ אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַ מֵ⁠עֲוֺנֶֽ⁠ךָ1

Zophar is speaking as if God were literally forgetting some of Jobs iniquity. He means that God is overlooking some of the sins that Job has committed and so not punishing him for all of them. Zophar is not suggesting that there are limits to Gods knowledge or memory. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God is overlooking some of your iniquity” or “God is not punishing you for all of your sins”

80611:7tvp2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomהַ⁠חֵ֣קֶר אֱל֣וֹהַ תִּמְצָ֑א1

Zophar is using the word find to mean “understand” and the word “searching” to mean contemplation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Will you understand God through contemplation”

80711:7j358rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ⁠חֵ֣קֶר אֱל֣וֹהַ תִּמְצָ֑א1

Zophar is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You will not find God by searching!” or “You cannot understand God through contemplation!”

80811:7j359rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִ֤ם עַד־תַּכְלִ֖ית שַׁדַּ֣י תִּמְצָֽא1

Zophar is using the word if to introduce a question that anticipates a negative answer. (And once again he is using the word find to mean “understand.”) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “You will never understand the Almighty unto perfection, will you”

80911:7j360rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsאִ֤ם עַד־תַּכְלִ֖ית שַׁדַּ֣י תִּמְצָֽא1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of perfection, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “You will never understand the Almighty perfectly, will you”

81011:7j361rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאִ֤ם עַד־תַּכְלִ֖ית שַׁדַּ֣י תִּמְצָֽא1

Zophar is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You will never understand the Almighty perfectly!”

81111:8n8yirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisגָּבְהֵ֣י שָׁ֭מַיִם מַה־תִּפְעָ֑ל עֲמֻקָּ֥ה מִ֝⁠שְּׁא֗וֹל מַה־תֵּדָֽע1

Zophar 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 height of Gods wisdom is the same as the height of the heavens! What will you do to understand it? The depth of Gods wisdom is deeper than Sheol! What will you know about it?”

81211:8jhq3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismגָּבְהֵ֣י שָׁ֭מַיִם מַה־תִּפְעָ֑ל עֲמֻקָּ֥ה מִ֝⁠שְּׁא֗וֹל מַה־תֵּדָֽע1

Zophar is using the highest and lowest points of creation, the heavens and Sheol, to mean them and everything in between, that is, all of creation. This could mean: (1) that Gods wisdom is completely comprehensive, as if it were literally very high and very deep. Alternate translation: “Gods wisdom is completely comprehensive! What will you do? What will you know?” (2) that Gods wisdom comprehends everything in creation. Alternate translation: “Gods wisdom comprehends all of creation! What will you do? What will you know?”

81311:8y9sprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַה־תִּפְעָ֑ל & מַה־תֵּדָֽע1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You cannot do anything to understand Gods wisdom! … You cannot know very much about it!”

81411:9z6cvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismאֲרֻכָּ֣ה מֵ⁠אֶ֣רֶץ מִדָּ֑⁠הּ וּ֝⁠רְחָבָ֗ה מִנִּי־יָֽם1

Zophar is using the two main components of creation below the heavens and above Sheol, the earth and the sea, to mean all of creation. This could mean: (1) that Gods wisdom is completely comprehensive, as if it were literally very long and very wide. Alternate translation: “Yes, Gods wisdom is completely comprehensive” (2) that Gods wisdom comprehends everything in creation. Alternate translation: “Yes, Gods wisdom comprehends all of creation”

81511:10y4fxrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיַחֲלֹ֥ף1

The pronoun he refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God comes”

81611:10d1jnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠יַסְגִּ֑יר וְ֝⁠יַקְהִ֗יל1

Zophar is referring implicitly to God assembling a group to hear his accusations against someone and pass judgment on that person. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and imprisons someone and calls an assembly to judge that person”

81711:10f915rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוּ⁠מִ֣י יְשִׁיבֶֽ⁠נּוּ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “then no one can turn him back..”

81811:10j362rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠מִ֣י יְשִׁיבֶֽ⁠נּוּ1

See how you translated this phrase in 9:12. Zophar is using Jobs own words against him, so it may be helpful to your readers to translate this phrase in the same way here. Alternate translation: “then who can stop him?” or “then no one can stop him!”

81911:10j363rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ⁠מִ֣י יְשִׁיבֶֽ⁠נּוּ1

In 9:12 you may have included the implicit information that Job was saying that no one can stop God by telling him it would be wrong to do something. If so, here you may wish to indicate what Zophar is suggesting in response, that God knows right and wrong so much better than humans that God does not need to listen to humans about what he is doing. Alternate translation: “then who can stop him, since he knows so much better than humans and does not need to listen to them?” or “then no one can stop him, since he knows so much better than humans and does not need to listen to them!”

82011:11j364rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsמְתֵי־שָׁ֑וְא1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of worthlessness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “which people are worthless”

82111:11gdx6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוַ⁠יַּרְא־אָ֝֗וֶן וְ⁠לֹ֣א יִתְבּוֹנָֽן1

Zophar is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “and he will surely notice iniquity when he sees it.”

82211:11j366rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיִתְבּוֹנָֽן1

The term notice implicitly means that God will do more than just take note of iniquity. It indicates that God will punish people for committing iniquity. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “punish people for it”

82311:12jlz1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyוְ⁠אִ֣ישׁ נָ֭בוּב יִלָּבֵ֑ב וְ⁠עַ֥יִר פֶּ֝֗רֶא אָדָ֥ם יִוָּלֵֽד1

For emphasis, Zophar is saying the opposite of what he means. The colt of a wild donkey will never be born to a man, and so, Zophar means, an empty man will never get a heart, that is, become wise. If a speaker of your language would not say the opposite of what he means for emphasis, in your translation you could indicate what Zophar actually means. Alternate translation: “But an empty man will never get a heart, any more than the colt of a wild donkey would ever be born to a man”

82411:12j367rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠אִ֣ישׁ נָ֭בוּב1

Zophar is speaking as if a man could literally be empty or hollow inside. He means that such a person lacks wisdom. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “But an empty-headed man” or “But a man who lacks wisdom”

82511:12e8e9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִלָּבֵ֑ב1

Here the heart represents a persons thoughts, so that to get a heart means to become wise. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will become wise”

82611:12j368rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠עַ֥יִר פֶּ֝֗רֶא אָדָ֥ם יִוָּלֵֽד1

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 a man will be the father of a wild-donkey colt”

82711:13j369rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאִם־אַ֭תָּ֗ה הֲכִינ֣וֹתָ לִבֶּ֑⁠ךָ1

For emphasis, Zophar is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already present in the word translated prepare. Zophar is drawing a contrast between what he is suggesting here that Job might do and what the “empty man” he described in the previous verse would not be able to do. 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: “But as for you, if you prepare your heart”

82811:13k56lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאִם־אַ֭תָּ֗ה הֲכִינ֣וֹתָ לִבֶּ֑⁠ךָ1

In this instance, the heart represents a persons will. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If you resolve to trust God”

82911:13mm3crc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוּ⁠פָרַשְׂתָּ֖ אֵלָ֣י⁠ו כַּפֶּֽ⁠ךָ1

Zophar is suggesting that Job might stretch out his hands to God as symbolic action in order to assume a posture of prayer. You may be able to describe your own cultures posture of prayer in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “and bow your head to him” or “and pray to him”

83011:14t8z8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאִם־אָ֣וֶן בְּ֭⁠יָדְ⁠ךָ הַרְחִיקֵ֑⁠הוּ1

Zophar is speaking as if iniquity were literally an object that Job could be holding in his hand and that Job could put it far away. Zophar means that Job might be committing iniquity and that if he has, he should stop. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if you have been committing iniquity, stop doing that”

83111:14u5yarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ⁠אַל־תַּשְׁכֵּ֖ן בְּ⁠אֹהָלֶ֣י⁠ךָ עַוְלָֽה1

Zophar is speaking of unrighteousness as if it were a living thing that could dwell in the same tents in which Job and his household are living. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. The word tents could be: (1) an image for Jobs whole life. Alternate translation: “yes, be sure that you are not practicing any unrighteousness” (2) a reference to Jobs household. Alternate translation: “and be sure that no one in your household is practicing any unrighteousness”

83211:14j370rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠אַל־תַּשְׁכֵּ֖ן בְּ⁠אֹהָלֶ֣י⁠ךָ עַוְלָֽה1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of unrighteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “yes, be sure that you are not doing anything that is not righteous”

83311:15db84rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionתִּשָּׂ֣א פָנֶ֣י⁠ךָ מִ⁠מּ֑וּם1

Zophar is suggesting that Job would be able to lift his face without being concerned that any blemish would show as symbolic action to indicate that he was not ashamed of anything. Job said in 10:15 that he could not do this, and so Zophar is answering Job with his own words. To help your readers appreciate what Zophar is doing, you could translate this expression similarly to the way you translated the comparable expression in 10:15. Alternate translation: “you will no longer need to look down in shame”

83411:15j371rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמִ⁠מּ֑וּם1

Zophar is speaking as if Job might literally have a blemish on his face and that it would go away if Job prayed to God. The blemish actually represents a cause for shame. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “without feeling any shame”

83511:15j372rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠הָיִ֥יתָ מֻ֝צָ֗ק1

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 will do the action, the context suggests that it will be God. Alternate translation: “and God will establish you”

83611:15j373rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠לֹ֣א תִירָֽא1

Zophar seems to mean implicitly that Job will not have to fear any further punishment from God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you will not be afraid that God will punish you anymore”

83711:16x6vtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכְּ⁠מַ֖יִם עָבְר֣וּ תִזְכֹּֽר1

The point of this comparison is that just as waters pass by (flowing down a river, for example) and are gone, so Jobs trouble will be gone and he will not remember it at all. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “you will not remember it at all, just as the water in a river flows by and is never seen again”

83811:17j374rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוּֽ֭⁠מִ⁠צָּהֳרַיִם יָק֣וּם חָ֑לֶד1

Zophar is using the term noon by association to mean the sun at noon, that is, the sun when it is highest and brightest in the sky. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And life will arise higher than the noonday sun”

83911:17dkt7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּֽ֭⁠מִ⁠צָּהֳרַיִם יָק֣וּם חָ֑לֶד1

Zophar is speaking of Jobs life as if it were literally an object like the sun that could arise into the sky. By saying that Jobs life will rise into the sky even higher than the sun at noon, he means that it will be very bright. The brightness, in turn, represents happy thriving. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And your life will become very happy again, as if it were brighter than the noonday sun”

84011:17dua9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorתָּ֝עֻ֗פָ⁠ה כַּ⁠בֹּ֥קֶר תִּהְיֶֽה1

In a poetic parallel, Zophar is once again using light, in this instance the light of dawn, to represent happiness. This contrasts with Jobs present misery, which Zophar represents as darkness. Zophar is once again answering Job with his own words. The term translated darkness here is from the same root as the term that the ULT translates as “obscurity” in 10:22. To help your readers appreciate what Zophar is doing, you could translate the term here the same way you translated it there. Alternate translation: “the misery of your life may feel like obscurity now, but it will change into happiness, just as dawn changes darkness into light”

84111:18iqu3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ֝⁠חָפַרְתָּ֗1

Zophar means implicitly that Job will look around and see that there is no danger. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you will look around and see that there is no danger”

84211:18f1berc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלָ⁠בֶ֥טַח תִּשְׁכָּֽב1

Zophar is referring implicitly to when Job would lie down to sleep at night. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Your language may have its own expression that you could use here in your translation. Alternate translation: “you will lie down to sleep in safety” or “you will go to bed in safety”

84311:18hc18rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsלָ⁠בֶ֥טַח תִּשְׁכָּֽב1

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: “you will lie down safely”

84411:19fm2wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְֽ֭⁠רָבַצְתָּ1

Zophar once again means implicitly that Job would recline to sleep at night. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Yes, you will lie down to sleep for the night”

84511:19j375rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠חִלּ֖וּ פָנֶ֣י⁠ךָ רַבִּֽים1

Zophar is speaking as if many people would literally stroke Jobs face, as someone would do who was trying to make someone else favorable to him. Zophar means that Job would become influential again and people would seek his favor. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “many people will seek your favor”

84611:20s359rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠עֵינֵ֥י רְשָׁעִ֗ים תִּ֫כְלֶ֥ינָה1

Zophar is referring to death by association with the way peoples eyes fail when they are about to die (either in the sense of becoming visibly dim or in the sense of no longer seeing well). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “But the wicked will die”

84711:20j376rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוּ֭⁠מָנוֹס אָבַ֣ד מִנְ⁠הֶ֑ם1

Zophar is speaking of escape as if it were a living thing that could perish. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, they will not be able to escape dying”

84811:20j377rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismוְ֝⁠תִקְוָתָ֗⁠ם מַֽפַּח־נָֽפֶשׁ1

Zophar is using the phrase expiration of breath, which means “breathing out,” to mean dying. This is a mild way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “they will have no hope other than to pass away” or “they will have no hope other than to die”

84912:introu4jn0

Job 12 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is the start of Jobs response to Zophars first speech. (Jobs response to him continues in chapters 13 and 14.)

  • Verses 16: Job speaks to all three of his friends and protests that they have not been telling him anything that he does not already know
  • Verses 712: Job speaks specifically to Zophar and insists that what Zophar has just said in his speech is common knowledge in the world and something that he himself knows.
  • Verses 1325: Job describes how God is so powerful that no one can resist what he does.

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

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Plural and singular “you”

The pronoun “you” is plural in verses 13 because Job is addressing all three of his friends. The pronoun “you” is singular in verses 78 because Job is addressing Zophar. Use the plural and singular forms in these places if your language marks that distinction.

Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter

Litany

In verses 1324, Job makes a series of statements about how powerful God is. These specific statements illustrate the general statement that Job makes in verse 4 that God is “wise in heart and mighty in strength.” A series of statements such as this is known as a litany. If your readers would recognize what Job is doing, you can translate and format this litany the way the ULT does. If the litany form would not be familiar to your readers, you could format the general statement in a way that will show that it is a summary statement that shows the overall meaning of what Job is saying. You could then put each sentence of the litany on a separate line. The format might look something like this:

With him {are} wisdom and might; to him {are} counsel and understanding. Behold, he breaks down, and it is not rebuilt; he closes upon a man, and it is not opened. Behold, he withholds the waters and they dry up, and he sends them out and they overthrow the land. With him {are} strength and prudence; to him {are} the one straying and the one causing to stray; the one leading counselors away naked, and he makes judges foolish. He removes the bond of kings and he wraps a cloth around their loins; the one leading priests away naked, and the incumbent ones he overthrows, the one removing the lip {that is} to the ones being trusted, and he takes away the discernment of the elders, the one pouring contempt on nobles, and the belt of the mighty ones he loosens, the one revealing deep things out of darkness, and he brings dark shadow into the light, the one magnifying nations, and he destroys them; the one enlarging nations, and he exiles them, the one removing a heart from the leaders of the people of the earth; he causes them to wander in a wasteland {with} no path. They grope in darkness and not in light; he makes them wander like a drunkard.

85012:2dpz4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyאָ֭מְנָם כִּ֣י אַתֶּם־עָ֑ם וְ֝⁠עִמָּ⁠כֶ֗ם תָּמ֥וּת חָכְמָֽה1

For emphasis, Job is saying the opposite of what he means. If a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could indicate what Job actually means. Alternate translation: “You are speaking as if you were the people and as if wisdom would with you, but that is not true”

85112:2dk3zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularאַתֶּם־עָ֑ם1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the word you is plural here and in the next two verses because Job is referring to his three friends. So use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction. Other languages may have other ways to indicate the plural reference. Alternate translation: “the three of you are the people”

85212:2xl1krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאַתֶּם־עָ֑ם1

Job could be saying (while meaning the opposite): (1) that his three friends are so wise that their opinion is the one that really matters. Alternate translation: “you are the people whose opinion matters” (2) that in their counsel, his three friends are embodying the collective wisdom of their people. Alternate translation: “you have expressed the wisdom of our whole people”

85312:2j378rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ֝⁠עִמָּ⁠כֶ֗ם תָּמ֥וּת חָכְמָֽה1

Job is speaking of wisdom as if it were a living thing that could die. He is saying (while meaning the opposite) that his friends are the only people who are truly wise and so there will be no wisdom left on earth once they die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and indeed, you are the only wise people on earth”

85412:3j379rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorגַּם־לִ֤⁠י לֵבָ֨ב ׀ כְּֽמוֹ⁠כֶ֗ם1

Here, the heart represents the thoughts, and in this context, specifically wise thoughts. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have wisdom just as you do”

85512:3j380rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלֹא־נֹפֵ֣ל אָנֹכִ֣י מִ⁠כֶּ֑ם1

Job is using this expression to mean that he is not inferior to his friends. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I do not fall short of you” or “I am not inferior to you”

85612:3kd9krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ⁠אֶת־מִי־אֵ֥ין כְּמוֹ־אֵֽלֶּה1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Indeed, such things as these are with everyone.”

85712:3j381rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠אֶת־מִי־אֵ֥ין כְּמוֹ־אֵֽלֶּה1

Job is using this expression to mean that everyone knows the things that his friends have been saying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And everyone knows such things as these” or “And everyone knows the things that you have been saying”

85812:4qdq1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personשְׂחֹ֤ק לְ⁠רֵעֵ֨⁠הוּ ׀ אֶֽהְיֶ֗ה קֹרֵ֣א לֶ֭⁠אֱלוֹהַּ וַֽ⁠יַּעֲנֵ֑⁠הוּ1

Job is actually using the pronouns him and his to refer to himself. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this using first-person pronouns. Alternate translation: “Even though God used to answer me when I called on him, now I have become laughter to my neighbor”

85912:4f67drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyשְׂחֹ֤ק1

Job is using the term laughter by association to mean an object of laughter, that is, of derision. Your language may have an expression that you could use in your translation to convey this meaning. Alternate translation: “a laughingstock”

86012:4j382rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisשְׂ֝ח֗וֹק צַדִּ֥יק תָּמִֽים1

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. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “I, a just and blameless man, have become a laughingstock!”

86112:5cg28rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjשַׁאֲנָ֑ן1

Job is using the adjective secure 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: “people who are secure”

86212:5z8zarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorנָ֝כ֗וֹן לְ⁠מ֣וֹעֲדֵי רָֽגֶל1

Job is speaking of certain people as if their foot was literally slipping and they were about to fall down. Job is likely describing people who are struggling with difficulties, and he is saying that people who are secure believe that they are struggling because God is punishing them for their sins. 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: “They believe that when people struggle in life, that is because God is punishing them for their sins”

86312:5j6phrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisנָ֝כ֗וֹן1

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. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They think that it is prepared”

86412:5j383rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveנָ֝כ֗וֹן1

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. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “They think that God has prepared it”

86512:6j384rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיִשְׁלָ֤יוּ אֹֽהָלִ֨ים ׀ לְ⁠שֹׁ֥דְדִ֗ים1

Job is speaking of the tents of these robbers as if they were living things that could prosper. By referring to one valuable possession of the robbers, Job means that the robbers themselves prosper. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Robbers live in prosperity”

86612:6j385rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralוּֽ֭⁠בַטֻּחוֹת1

Job is using the plural form securities to indicate that these provokers of God experience security to a supreme extent. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “and complete security is”

86712:6j8fdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֤ר הֵבִ֖יא אֱל֣וֹהַּ בְּ⁠יָדֽ⁠וֹ1

Here, hand represents the power and control that a person has over something. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “to the person who thinks that he has God in his pocket” or “to the person who thinks he has more control over his life than God does”

86812:7-8c1y7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge0

In 11:9, Zophar used the two main components of creation, the earth and the sea, to mean all of creation. Here in 12:78, Job is responding to Zophar in his own words. Job's language is more extensive, and so it is more emphatic. Job is using the inhabitants of three components of creation (the beasts of the land, the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea), along with the earth itself, to mean all of creation. To show this, you could create a verse bridge for verses 78. It might say something like this: “You can go anywhere in creation and ask a creature—even ask the earth itself—about Gods ways, and that creature will be able to explain them to you”

86912:7de2xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeוְֽ⁠אוּלָ֗ם שְׁאַל־נָ֣א בְהֵמ֣וֹת וְ⁠תֹרֶ֑⁠ךָּ וְ⁠ע֥וֹף הַ֝⁠שָּׁמַ֗יִם וְ⁠יַגֶּד־לָֽ⁠ךְ1

Job is using an imperative sentence to tell the condition under which something would happen. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate this as a conditional sentence. Alternate translation: “But now if you asked the beasts, one of them would teach you, and if you asked the birds of the heavens, one of them would declare to you”

87012:7j496rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְֽ⁠אוּלָ֗ם שְׁאַל־נָ֣א בְהֵמ֣וֹת וְ⁠תֹרֶ֑⁠ךָּ וְ⁠ע֥וֹף הַ֝⁠שָּׁמַ֗יִם וְ⁠יַגֶּד־לָֽ⁠ךְ1

Job is speaking as if Zophar could literally have a conversation with beasts and birds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If you actually could ask the beasts, one of them would teach you, and if you actually could ask the birds of the heavens, one of them would declare to you”

87112:7t82wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularוְֽ⁠אוּלָ֗ם שְׁאַל־נָ֣א1

The pronoun you and the implied “you” in the imperative verb (ask) are singular here and in the next verse because Job is speaking directly to one of his friends. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction. Job is probably addressing Zophar, since he said in 11:89 that Job could search through all of creation and still not comprehend the wisdom of God. Job is saying in response that Gods ways are common knowledge to animals and birds. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that in your translation. Alternate translation: “But now, Zophar, ask”

87212:7j386rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠תֹרֶ֑⁠ךָּ & וְ⁠יַגֶּד־לָֽ⁠ךְ1

Job means implicitly that the beasts and birds would teach and declare Gods ways. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and one of them will teach you Gods ways … and one of them will declare Gods ways to you”

87312:7j387rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ⁠ע֥וֹף הַ֝⁠שָּׁמַ֗יִם1

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: “ask the birds of the heavens”

87412:8k4carc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeא֤וֹ שִׂ֣יחַ לָ⁠אָ֣רֶץ וְ⁠תֹרֶ֑⁠ךָּ וִֽ⁠יסַפְּר֥וּ לְ֝⁠ךָ֗ דְּגֵ֣י הַ⁠יָּֽם1

Job is using an imperative sentence to tell the condition under which something would happen. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate this as a conditional sentence. Alternate translation: “Or if you spoke to the earth, then it would teach you; the fish of the sea would recount to you”

87512:8g5xsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationא֤וֹ שִׂ֣יחַ לָ⁠אָ֣רֶץ וְ⁠תֹרֶ֑⁠ךָּ וִֽ⁠יסַפְּר֥וּ לְ֝⁠ךָ֗ דְּגֵ֣י הַ⁠יָּֽם1

Job is continuing to speak as if Zophar could literally have a conversation with the earth and with fish. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If you could actually speak to the earth, it would teach you. If you could have a conversation with the fish of the sea, they would recount to you”

87612:8j388rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠תֹרֶ֑⁠ךָּ וִֽ⁠יסַפְּר֥וּ לְ֝⁠ךָ֗ דְּגֵ֣י הַ⁠יָּֽם1

Once again Job means implicitly that the earth and the fish would teach and recount Gods ways. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and it will teach you Gods ways; the fish of the sea will recount Gods ways to you”

87712:8bjf6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוִֽ⁠יסַפְּר֥וּ לְ֝⁠ךָ֗ דְּגֵ֣י הַ⁠יָּֽם1

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: “or ask the fish of the sea, and they will recount to you”

87812:9hu2yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִ֭י לֹא־יָדַ֣ע בְּ⁠כָל־אֵ֑לֶּה כִּ֥י יַד־יְ֝הוָה עָ֣שְׂתָה זֹּֽאת1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “All of these know that the hand of Yahweh has done this!”

87912:9j389rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationמִ֭י לֹא־יָדַ֣ע בְּ⁠כָל־אֵ֑לֶּה1

Job is speaking of the creatures he described in the previous two verses as if they could know what Yahweh has done. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Which of all these creatures could not tell you, if you could actually have a conversation with them,”

88012:9tht3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיַד־יְ֝הוָה עָ֣שְׂתָה זֹּֽאת1

Here, hand represents the power and control that someone has over something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yahweh has done this by his own power”

88112:9j390rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעָ֣שְׂתָה זֹּֽאת1

In context, the word this likely refers to the misfortune that Job is suffering. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “has caused my misfortune”

88212:10tx1wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּ֭⁠יָד⁠וֹ1

Here, hand represents the power and control that someone has over something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “He has power over”

88312:10j391rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesוְ֝⁠ר֗וּחַ כָּל־בְּשַׂר־אִֽישׁ1

In this instance, Job is using the word and to emphasize something that is included in the previous phrase, not to introduce something additional. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation, preceded by a comma: “including the breath of all flesh of man”

88412:10s1srrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ֝⁠ר֗וּחַ כָּל־בְּשַׂר־אִֽישׁ1

Job is using the term breath by association to mean “life.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the life of all flesh of man”

88512:10j392rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ֝⁠ר֗וּחַ כָּל־בְּשַׂר־אִֽישׁ1

Job is using one part of man, his flesh, to mean all of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the life of every man”

88612:10j393rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsוְ֝⁠ר֗וּחַ כָּל־בְּשַׂר־אִֽישׁ1

Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “and the life of every woman and man” or “and the life of every person”

88712:11j394rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesהֲ⁠לֹא־אֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן וְ֝⁠חֵ֗ךְ אֹ֣כֶל יִטְעַם־לֽ⁠וֹ1

In this instance, Job is using the word and to say that the phrase it introduces is just as true as the previous phrase. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “Does not the ear test words, just as the palate tastes its food?”

88812:11d5vnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠לֹא־אֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן וְ֝⁠חֵ֗ךְ אֹ֣כֶל יִטְעַם־לֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Certainly the ear tests words just as the palate tastes its food!”

88912:11j395rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationהֲ⁠לֹא־אֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן וְ֝⁠חֵ֗ךְ אֹ֣כֶל יִטְעַם־לֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is speaking of the ear as if it could test words by itself. He is using the ear to represent hearing, and he means that people themselves test or consider the words of others when they hear them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do people not consider others words when they hear them, just as people discern with their mouths the taste of their food”

89012:11j396rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִלִּ֣ין1

Job is using the term words to mean what people say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what people say”

89112:11j397rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהֲ⁠לֹא־אֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן וְ֝⁠חֵ֗ךְ אֹ֣כֶל יִטְעַם־לֽ⁠וֹ1

Though Job is making a general statement, he is referring implicitly to what his friends have said to him and what he has decided about it. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I have heard what you have said and I have considered it and decided that it is not true, just as people discern with their mouths the taste of their food”

89212:11j398rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ֝⁠חֵ֗ךְ אֹ֣כֶל יִטְעַם־לֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is speaking of the palate or mouth as if it could taste by itself. He means that with their mouths, people discern the taste of the food that they eat. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “just as people discern with their mouths the taste of their food”

89312:12j399rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבִּֽ⁠ישִׁישִׁ֥ים חָכְמָ֑ה וְ⁠אֹ֖רֶךְ יָמִ֣ים תְּבוּנָֽה1

Though Job is making another general statement in this verse, he is referring implicitly to himself as someone who has acquired much wisdom through long experience. The further implication is that although Zophar challenged him in 11:8 by asking, “What will you know?” Job is insisting here that he actually does know a lot about life. You could indicate these things in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I have lived a long time and I have acquired much wisdom through experience, so I actually do know a lot about life”

89412:12v4ftrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsבִּֽ⁠ישִׁישִׁ֥ים חָכְמָ֑ה1

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: “The aged are wise”

89512:12j400rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjבִּֽ⁠ישִׁישִׁ֥ים1

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

89612:12lhn1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠אֹ֖רֶךְ יָמִ֣ים תְּבוּנָֽה1

The expression length of days means a long life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, people who have lived a long life have understanding”

89712:13mmb7rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsעִ֭מּ⁠וֹ חָכְמָ֣ה וּ⁠גְבוּרָ֑ה ל֝֗⁠וֹ עֵצָ֥ה וּ⁠תְבוּנָֽה1

The pronoun him refers in each instance to God. Job is no longer referring to an “aged” person, as in the previous verse. Instead, he is describing what he knows about God as someone who has lived a long time and acquired much wisdom. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “I know that God has wisdom and might; I know that God has counsel and understanding”

89812:13tw4vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsעִ֭מּ⁠וֹ חָכְמָ֣ה וּ⁠גְבוּרָ֑ה ל֝֗⁠וֹ עֵצָ֥ה וּ⁠תְבוּנָֽה1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of wisdom, might, counsel, and understanding, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “God is wise and mighty; he understands everything and knows what to do”

89912:13j401rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעִ֭מּ⁠וֹ חָכְמָ֣ה וּ⁠גְבוּרָ֑ה ל֝֗⁠וֹ עֵצָ֥ה וּ⁠תְבוּנָֽה1

As the following verses make clear, Job is saying implicitly that these qualities belong to God alone and that God does not share them with humans. In that sense, while it sounds as if Job is praising God, at the same time, Job is also complaining somewhat about God. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “God has so much knowledge and power that no human can resist him; God does not explain to anyone how he understands a situation or what he is going to do about it”

90012:14j402rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesיַ֭הֲרוֹס וְ⁠לֹ֣א יִבָּנֶ֑ה יִסְגֹּ֥ר עַל־אִ֝֗ישׁ וְ⁠לֹ֣א יִפָּתֵֽחַ1

In both of these instances, Job is using the word and to introduce what happens under the condition he is describing. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “if he breaks down, then it is not rebuilt; if he closes upon a man, then it is not opened”

90112:14v1ptrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠לֹ֣א יִבָּנֶ֑ה & וְ⁠לֹ֣א יִפָּתֵֽחַ1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and no one rebuilds … and no one opens”

90212:14j403rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיִסְגֹּ֥ר עַל־אִ֝֗ישׁ וְ⁠לֹ֣א יִפָּתֵֽחַ1

In this context, the expressions closes upon and opened refer to imprisonment and release. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he imprisons a man, and that man is not released” or “if he imprisons a man, then no one releases that man”

90312:14j495rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאִ֝֗ישׁ1

Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a man or woman” or “a person”

90412:15pl3crc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesהֵ֤ן יַעְצֹ֣ר בַּ⁠מַּ֣יִם וְ⁠יִבָ֑שׁוּ וִֽ֝⁠ישַׁלְּחֵ֗⁠ם וְ⁠יַ֖הַפְכוּ אָֽרֶץ1

In both of these instances, Job is using the word and to introduce what happens under the condition he is describing. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “if he withholds the waters, then they dry up; if he sends them out, then they overthrow the land”

90512:15rel2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠יַ֖הַפְכוּ אָֽרֶץ1

Job is speaking as if the waters would literally overthrow the land or turn it upside down. He means that the waters would completely cover the land so that there would be no land any more. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they completely flood the land”

90612:16gqf6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsעִ֭מּ⁠וֹ עֹ֣ז וְ⁠תֽוּשִׁיָּ֑ה1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of strength and prudence, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “God is strong and prudent”

90712:16uuh8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשֹׁגֵ֥ג וּ⁠מַשְׁגֶּֽה1

Job is speaking of people who are not living in the right way as if they were straying or going off the path that they should be walking on. He is speaking of people who persuade others to do wrong things as if they were causing them to stray. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “those who do not live right and those who persuade others not to live right”

90812:16j404rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitל֝֗⁠וֹ שֹׁגֵ֥ג וּ⁠מַשְׁגֶּֽה1

The implication is that if someone is straying or doing wrong, that person cannot excuse his actions by saying that someone else persuaded him to do them. The person who chose to do wrong is accountable to God, and anyone who persuaded him to do those wrong is also accountable to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state this plainly. Alternate translation: “those who do wrong and those who persuade them to do wrong are both accountable to God”

90912:16j405rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismל֝֗⁠וֹ שֹׁגֵ֥ג וּ⁠מַשְׁגֶּֽה1

Job is using two complementary types of people to mean all people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “everyone is accountable to God for what they do and for what they persuade others to do”

91012:17ux12rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsמוֹלִ֣יךְ יוֹעֲצִ֣ים שׁוֹלָ֑ל1

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 leads counselors away naked”

91112:17lk8brc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionמוֹלִ֣יךְ יוֹעֲצִ֣ים שׁוֹלָ֑ל1

To lead someone away naked, as victorious armies did to prisoners of war at this time, was a symbolic action that demonstrated that the conqueror had deprived the captive of his former status in his culture. In the case of a royal counselor, his power and authority were previously represented by his robe of office. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “God takes away from counselors the robes that represent the authority and power of their office”

91212:17j406rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמוֹלִ֣יךְ יוֹעֲצִ֣ים שׁוֹלָ֑ל1

Job is speaking as if God literally leads counselors away naked. He means that Gods wisdom is so great that it discredits the wisdom of even the wisest humans, as if to put them out of office. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Gods wisdom is so great that it discredits the wisdom of even the wisest humans”

91312:17uu39rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְֽ⁠שֹׁפְטִ֥ים יְהוֹלֵֽל1

The implication is probably that God makes judges seem foolish by being so much wiser than they are, and not that God affects the minds of judges so that they can no longer think intelligently. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and God makes judges seem foolish by being so much wiser than they are”

91412:18j407rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמוּסַ֣ר מְלָכִ֣ים פִּתֵּ֑חַ1

This could mean implicitly: (1) that kings might put a bond (that is, shackles) on someone to make him a prisoner, but God can set that person free. Alternate translation: “A king may imprison someone, but God can set that person free” (2) that kings may be wearing some symbol of royal authority as a bond (that is, as something bound around their bodies), such as a sash or chain, but God takes away their authority and removes this symbol of it. This meaning would be similar to what Job said in the previous verse about God removing counselors robes of authority. Alternate translation: “God strips kings of their royal sashes” or “God removes the chains of royal authority that kings are wearing”

91512:18w5lcrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionמוּסַ֣ר מְלָכִ֣ים פִּתֵּ֑חַ1

Whether this refers to God removing shackles from people whom kings have imprisoned or God removing symbols of royal authority that kings are wearing, it is a symbolic action that demonstrates that God is taking away kings authority. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “He takes away kings authority”

91612:18p4c4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוַ⁠יֶּאְסֹ֥ר אֵ֝ז֗וֹר בְּ⁠מָתְנֵי⁠הֶֽם1

To wrap a cloth around someones loins is to make them dress as a slave would. This is a symbolic action that shows that the person has become a slave. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “and he turns them into slaves”

91712:19mkn4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionמוֹלִ֣יךְ כֹּהֲנִ֣ים שׁוֹלָ֑ל1

See how you translated the similar expression in 12:17. Alternate translation: “God takes away from priests the robes that represent the authority and power of their office”

91812:19ch3frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjוְ⁠אֵֽתָנִ֣ים1

Job is using the adjective incumbent as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. The term is plural; the ULT shows this by adding the word ones. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “and people who are long established in their positions”

91912:20g3narc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמֵסִ֣יר שָׂ֭פָה לְ⁠נֶאֱמָנִ֑ים1

Job is using the term lip by association to mean speech. He is using speech, in turn, to mean what these trusted people say, that is, the advice that they give. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God discredits the advice of the ones being trusted”

92012:20dk1erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveמֵסִ֣יר שָׂ֭פָה לְ⁠נֶאֱמָנִ֑ים1

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: “God discredits the advice of the people in whom kings trust”

92112:21l74erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשׁוֹפֵ֣ךְ בּ֭וּז עַל־נְדִיבִ֑ים1

For emphasis, Job is speaking as if contempt were a liquid that God could literally pour on nobles. He means that God makes these princes lose the respect of others and experience complete contempt from them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in another way. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “God completely disgraces nobles”

92212:21k6sgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠מְזִ֖יחַ אֲפִיקִ֣ים רִפָּֽה1

Job is speaking as if God literally loosens the belt of mighty ones, that is, as if these mighty people tie up their robes so that they can do strenuous things, but God loosens their robes again so that they can not do those things. Job means that God is so strong that when he acts, even the strongest people are shown to be weak by comparison. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and God is so strong that when he acts, even the strongest people are shown to be weak by comparison”

92312:21j408rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjאֲפִיקִ֣ים1

Job is using the adjective mighty as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. The term is plural; the ULT shows this by adding the word ones. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “people who are mighty”

92412:22bqc1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמְגַלֶּ֣ה עֲ֭מֻקוֹת מִנִּי־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ וַ⁠יֹּצֵ֖א לָ⁠א֣וֹר צַלְמָֽוֶת1

Job is speaking as if God were literally bringing things that were shrouded in darkness into the light where they could be seen. 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 reveals deep things that are obscure to humans; yes, he helps people understand things that are unclear”

92512:22c31prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמְגַלֶּ֣ה עֲ֭מֻקוֹת מִנִּי־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ1

Job is speaking as if things that are difficult to understand are literally deep, that is, far underground where people cannot see them or reach them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one revealing the truth about things that are difficult to understand”

92612:22j409rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjעֲ֭מֻקוֹת1

Job is using the adjective deep as a noun to mean a certain kind of thing. The term is plural; the ULT shows this by adding the word things. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “things that are profound”

92712:24n4tarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלֵ֭ב1

Here, the heart represents the thoughts. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “understanding”

92812:24w1rerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ֝⁠יַּתְעֵ֗⁠ם בְּ⁠תֹ֣הוּ לֹא־דָֽרֶךְ1

Job is speaking as if God literally makes leaders wander in a wasteland. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he makes them confused so that they do not know the right thing to do”

92912:25x7t2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיְמַֽשְׁשׁוּ־חֹ֥שֶׁךְ וְ⁠לֹא־א֑וֹר1

Job is speaking as if these leaders whose understanding God takes away literally grope in darkness, as if there were no light by which they could see where to go. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They are not able to understand what they should do”

93012:25a21urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוַ֝⁠יַּתְעֵ֗⁠ם כַּ⁠שִּׁכּֽוֹר1

The point of this comparison is that just as a drunkard will wander in various directions without knowing where he is going, so these leaders will do one thing after another without being able to make a definite, correct plan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “he makes them act aimlessly, just as a drunkard wanders aimlessly”

93113:introx1ub0

Job 13 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is a continuation of Jobs response to Zophars first speech.

  • Verses 119: Job complains to his friends that they have been speaking about him unfairly
  • Verses 2028: Job begins to plead his case to God. He asks God to stop punishing him and to reveal any sins that are causing God to punish him with such great suffering.

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

##Translation Issues in This Chapter

singular and plural “you”

The words “you” and “your” and the implied “you” in imperative verbs are all plural in verses 119 because in those verses Job is addressing his three friends. These forms are singular in verses 2028 because Job is addressing God. If your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you,” use the appropriate forms in these different parts of the chapter.

“lift his face” (verse 8), “hide your face” (verse 24)

These expressions reflect a cultural practice. In this culture, the subject of a king would look humbly down at the ground when he came into the kings presence. If the king was pleased with him, the king would “lift his face,” that is, get him to look up (for example, with a finger under his chin, or with a verbal command) to indicate that he could look at the king directly. In this way the king would be showing that he favored this subject. A reference to lifting someones face came to mean showing favoritism towards that person. That is the meaning in verse 8, where Job says that his friends are not considering his case fairly but instead showing partiality towards God. Similarly, if someone “hid his face” from someone (that is, turned his face away so that he was not looking at the person), that would be a sign that he was not pleased with the person. The expression “hide the face” came to mean “show disfavor,” even if someone was not literally looking away from someone else. That is what Job means in verse 24 when he asks God, “Why do you hide your face?” Notes to these verses suggest ways of translating these expressions.

93213:1d8w1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheכֹּ֭ל רָאֲתָ֣ה עֵינִ֑⁠י שָֽׁמְעָ֥ה אָ֝זְנִ֗⁠י וַ⁠תָּ֥בֶן לָֽ⁠הּ1

Job is using one part of himself, his eye, to mean all of him in the act of seeing. He uses another 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: “I myself have seen all; I myself have heard and understood it”

93313:1q1yirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכֹּ֭ל1

Job is using the word all to mean everything that his friends have told him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “all that the three of you have told me”

93413:2cq6crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularכְּֽ֭⁠דַעְתְּ⁠כֶם & מִ⁠כֶּֽם1

The word you is plural here and through verse 13 because Job is addressing his three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

93513:2j410rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיָדַ֣עְתִּי גַם־אָ֑נִי לֹא־נֹפֵ֖ל אָנֹכִ֣י1

For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the words translated know and falling. 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, for example, by using the intensive pronoun “myself.” Alternate translation: “I myself also know. I myself am not falling”

93613:2lcm5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלֹא־נֹפֵ֖ל אָנֹכִ֣י מִ⁠כֶּֽם1

See how you translated the similar expression in 12:3. Alternate translation: “I do not fall short of you” or “I am not inferior to you”

93713:3mx6rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeאֲ֭נִי אֶל־שַׁדַּ֣י אֲדַבֵּ֑ר1

Job is using this future statement to express a wish. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that in your translation. Alternate translation: “I wish to speak with the Almighty” or “I would rather speak with the Almighty”

93813:4f979rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאַתֶּ֥ם טֹֽפְלֵי־שָׁ֑קֶר1

Job is speaking as if his friends were literally plastering him with a lie, that is, coating him with untruth as if they were plastering a surface with it. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “you are smearing me with lies”

93913:4p89crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorרֹפְאֵ֖י אֱלִ֣ל כֻּלְּ⁠כֶֽם1

Job is speaking as if his friends were literally doctors or healers who were trying to cure him of a disease but were failing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “none of you have helped me at all by what you have said”

94013:5gp7irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomמִֽי־יִ֭תֵּן הַחֲרֵ֣שׁ תַּחֲרִישׁ֑וּ⁠ן1

See how you translated the expression Who will give in 11:56. Alternate translation: “I wish that being silent, you would be silent!”

94113:5j411rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplicationהַחֲרֵ֣שׁ תַּחֲרִישׁ֑וּ⁠ן1

Job is repeating a verb that means to be silent in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “you would be completely silent”

94213:5t33jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוּ⁠תְהִ֖י לָ⁠כֶ֣ם לְ⁠חָכְמָֽה1

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: “That would be the wisest thing you could do”

94313:6v78irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠רִב֖וֹת שְׂפָתַ֣⁠י הַקְשִֽׁיבוּ1

Job is using one part of himself, his lips, to mean all of him in the act of speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and heed the things I am saying as I plead my case”

94413:7scy3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ֭⁠לְ⁠אֵל תְּדַבְּר֣וּ עַוְלָ֑ה וְ֝⁠ל֗⁠וֹ תְּֽדַבְּר֥וּ רְמִיָּֽה1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You have been speaking unrighteously for God! You have been talking deceitfully for him!”

94513:8x6cvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠פָנָ֥י⁠ו תִּשָּׂא֑וּ⁠ן אִם־לָ⁠אֵ֥ל תְּרִיבֽוּ⁠ן1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You have been lifting his face! You have been pleading for God!”

94613:8gc76rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomהֲ⁠פָנָ֥י⁠ו תִּשָּׂא֑וּ⁠ן1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the expression lift his face means to show favor or favoritism towards someone. Alternate translation: “Will you show him favoritism?” or “You are showing him favoritism!”

94713:8i61hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלָ⁠אֵ֥ל תְּרִיבֽוּ⁠ן1

Job is using the word plead to mean “argue a court case.” He is suggesting that his friends are not counseling him impartially but, rather, taking Gods side against him even though, as he sees it, he has a valid case against God. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “will you take Gods side against me?” or “you are taking Gods side against me!”

94813:9l9wkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ֭⁠טוֹב כִּֽי־יַחְקֹ֣ר אֶתְ⁠כֶ֑ם אִם־כְּ⁠הָתֵ֥ל בֶּ֝⁠אֱנ֗וֹשׁ תְּהָתֵ֥לּוּ בֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “It is not good that he will examine you! You will not deceive him as you might deceive a man”

94913:9j412rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהֲ֭⁠טוֹב כִּֽי־יַחְקֹ֣ר אֶתְ⁠כֶ֑ם1

Job means implicitly that it would not be good for his friends if God were to examine them because God would discover that they had not been telling the truth about him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “If God were to examine you, he would discover that you have not been telling the truth about him, and that would not be good for you”

95013:9gk9jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsבֶּ֝⁠אֱנ֗וֹשׁ1

Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a man or a woman” or “a human”

95113:10j413rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultהוֹכֵ֣חַ יוֹכִ֣יחַ אֶתְ⁠כֶ֑ם אִם־בַּ֝⁠סֵּ֗תֶר פָּנִ֥ים תִּשָּׂאֽוּ⁠ן1

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: “If in secret you were lifting faces, reproving, he would reprove you”

95213:10ecs9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplicationהוֹכֵ֣חַ יוֹכִ֣יחַ1

Job is repeating the verb reprove in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “He would certainly reprove”

95313:10g5lzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomפָּנִ֥ים תִּשָּׂאֽוּ⁠ן1

See how you translated the similar expression in 13:8. Alternate translation: “you were showing favoritism”

95413:11j11vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠לֹ֣א שְׂ֭אֵת⁠וֹ תְּבַעֵ֣ת אֶתְ⁠כֶ֑ם וּ֝⁠פַחְדּ֗⁠וֹ יִפֹּ֥ל עֲלֵי⁠כֶֽם1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “His majesty would certainly terrify you and the dread of him would certainly fall on you!”

95513:11e6x9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוּ֝⁠פַחְדּ֗⁠וֹ יִפֹּ֥ל עֲלֵי⁠כֶֽם1

Job is speaking of dread as if it were a living thing that could actively fall on his friends, either in the sense of overwhelming them or of assailing them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and would you not become extremely afraid of him”

95613:12s8nyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor זִֽ֭כְרֹנֵי⁠כֶם מִשְׁלֵי־אֵ֑פֶר1

Job is speaking as if the maxims that his friends have been quoting were literally made of ashes. Since, in this culture, garbage was burned into ashes, Job likely means that these maxims are worthless, at least as applied to his situation. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The memorable proverbs you have been quoting are worthless to me”

95713:12brf8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלְ⁠גַבֵּי־חֹ֝֗מֶר גַּבֵּי⁠כֶֽם1

Job is speaking as if his friends defenses of God were literally made of clay. He likely means that, like clay, they are fragile and would shatter if struck. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “your defenses would crumble if anyone challenged you”

95813:13vp1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠יַעֲבֹ֖ר עָלַ֣⁠י מָֽה1

Job is speaking as if something might literally come upon him when he spoke. He means that something might happen to him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I will accept the consequences, whatever they may be”

95913:14wk5urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionעַל־מָ֤ה ׀ אֶשָּׂ֣א בְשָׂרִ֣⁠י בְ⁠שִׁנָּ֑⁠י וְ֝⁠נַפְשִׁ֗⁠י אָשִׂ֥ים בְּ⁠כַפִּֽ⁠י1

Job is posing to his friends a question whose answer he already knows. He is doing this to introduce the answer. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Let me tell you why I am taking my flesh in my teeth, yes, putting my life in my hands.”

96013:14j414rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעַל־מָ֤ה ׀ אֶשָּׂ֣א בְשָׂרִ֣⁠י בְ⁠שִׁנָּ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking as if he were literally taking (that is, carrying) his own flesh in his teeth. The image seems to be that of an animal carrying in its mouth prey that it has caught and killed. Until the animal is able to bring the prey safely into its den, the prey is vulnerable and there is a risk that another animal will come and take it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Why do I put my flesh at risk”

96113:14j415rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheעַל־מָ֤ה ׀ אֶשָּׂ֣א בְשָׂרִ֣⁠י בְ⁠שִׁנָּ֑⁠י1

Job is using one part of himself, his flesh, to mean all of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Why am I putting myself at risk”

96213:14j416rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠נַפְשִׁ֗⁠י אָשִׂ֥ים בְּ⁠כַפִּֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking as if he is literally holding his life in his hands, where once again it would be vulnerable, as in the preceding image in this verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and jeopardize my life”

96313:15j417rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalיִ֭קְטְלֵ⁠נִי ל֣וֹ אֲיַחֵ֑ל1

Job is using the statement form to describe a conditional relationship, that is, to say what he would do if God did a specific thing. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “even if he kills me, I will still hope in him”

96413:15j418rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorדְּ֝רָכַ֗⁠י1

Job is speaking of how he has been living as if he had been walking along certain ways or paths. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my conduct”

96513:15j419rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאֶל־פָּנָ֥י⁠ו1

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: “in his presence”

96613:16e8gkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsגַּם־הוּא־לִ֥⁠י לִֽ⁠ישׁוּעָ֑ה1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of salvation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “This is what will actually save me”

96713:16j420rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjחָנֵ֥ף1

Job is using the adjective godless 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: “a godless person”

96813:16t8zhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלְ֝⁠פָנָ֗י⁠ו1

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: “into his presence”

96913:17z88nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplicationשִׁמְע֣וּ שָׁ֭מוֹעַ1

Job is repeating the verb hear in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “Make sure that you hear”

97013:17g1xrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ֝⁠אַֽחֲוָתִ֗⁠י1

Job is using the term word to mean what he is about to say to God in his own defense by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and may what I am about to say be”

97113:17ppd9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ֝⁠אַֽחֲוָתִ֗⁠י בְּ⁠אָזְנֵי⁠כֶֽם1

Job is using the term ears by association to mean hearing or listening. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as a new sentence: “Yes, listen carefully to my declaration”

97213:18mb7wrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאֲנִ֥י אֶצְדָּֽק1

For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated am righteous. 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: “I am certainly righteous” or “I am certainly innocent”

97313:19u63crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִי־ה֭וּא יָרִ֣יב עִמָּדִ֑⁠י1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I do not believe that anyone could contend successfully with me”

97413:19t9jjrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּֽי1

Job is using the word For to describe what would happen under the condition he has just described. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “If someone does prove me wrong,”

97513:19b4n5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismוְ⁠אֶגְוָֽע1

See how you translated the similar expression in 3:11. Alternate translation: “and pass away”

97613:20j421rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאַךְ־שְׁ֭תַּיִם1

At this point in his speech, Job stops addressing his three friends and starts addressing God directly. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “God, only two things do not do to me”

97713:20y87xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularאַל־תַּ֣עַשׂ & מִ֝⁠פָּנֶ֗י⁠ךָ1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the word your and the implied “you” in the imperative do are singular here because Job is starting to address God directly. He continues to speak to God for the rest of this chapter and in all of chapter 14. So use singular forms of second-person pronouns and imperatives in your translation from here to the end of chapter 14 if your language marks that distinction.

97813:20yzd3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ֝⁠פָּנֶ֗י⁠ךָ1

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: “from you presence”

97913:21l5nnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyכַּ֭פְּ⁠ךָ מֵ⁠עָלַ֣⁠י הַרְחַ֑ק1

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

98013:21w19trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ֝⁠אֵ֥מָתְ⁠ךָ֗1

Job is using the term fear by association to mean something that causes a person to feel fear, the awesome presence of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and with your fearsome presence”

98113:23adu2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletכַּ⁠מָּ֣ה לִ֭⁠י עֲוֺנ֣וֹת וְ⁠חַטָּא֑וֹת פִּֽשְׁעִ֥⁠י וְ֝⁠חַטָּאתִ֗⁠י הֹדִיעֵֽ⁠נִי1

While the terms iniquities, sins, and transgression mean similar things, Job is not necessarily using the three terms together for emphasis. There is a slight distinction between the kinds of activities that these terms describe, and Job may be naming these different activities as specific examples of potential wrongdoing in order to represent all types of wrongdoing. To show this, in your translation you could use three different terms that your language may have for wrongdoing. Alternatively, you could express the general meaning. Either way, you could combine the question and the imperative into a polite request. Alternate translation: “Please tell me what crimes or misdeeds or offenses I may have committed” or “Please tell me if I have done wrong in any way”

98213:24i7qirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלָֽ⁠מָּה־פָנֶ֥י⁠ךָ תַסְתִּ֑יר1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the expression hide your face means to show disfavor or hostility to someone. Alternate translation: “Why do you treat me with hostility”

98313:25xm7frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֶ⁠עָלֶ֣ה נִדָּ֣ף תַּעֲר֑וֹץ וְ⁠אֶת־קַ֖שׁ יָבֵ֣שׁ תִּרְדֹּֽף1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You do not need to terrify a driven leaf! You do not need to pursue dry stubble!”

98413:25j422rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהֶ⁠עָלֶ֣ה נִדָּ֣ף תַּעֲר֑וֹץ וְ⁠אֶת־קַ֖שׁ יָבֵ֣שׁ תִּרְדֹּֽף1

Job is speaking as if he were literally a driven leaf and dry stubble. By comparing himself to those things, he is indicating that he is fragile and insignificant and that God does not need to oppose him powerfully. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as exclamations: “You do not need to terrify someone who is as fragile as I am! You do not need to pursue someone who is as insignificant as I am!”

98513:25j423rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveהֶ⁠עָלֶ֣ה נִדָּ֣ף1

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. Job is referring to a leaf that is driven by the wind. Alternate translation: “a leaf that the wind is driving” or “a leaf that the wind is blowing about”

98613:26h6dxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorתִכְתֹּ֣ב עָלַ֣⁠י מְרֹר֑וֹת1

Job is speaking as if God were literally writing down charges against him. In this culture, that was the way of formally filing legal charges against someone. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you charge me with bitter crimes”

98713:26j424rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorתִכְתֹּ֣ב עָלַ֣⁠י מְרֹר֑וֹת1

Job is speaking as if the things that God is holding against him were bitter or bad-tasting. He means that they are things that would make someone feel unpleasant, just as bitter food or drink does. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you charge me with horrible crimes”

98813:26bc7xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠תוֹרִישֵׁ֗⁠נִי עֲוֺנ֥וֹת נְעוּרָֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking as if God is literally giving him an inheritance. He means that God is punishing him for the wrong things that he did in his youth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you punish me for the iniquities of my youth”

98913:26l6wxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ֝⁠תוֹרִישֵׁ֗⁠נִי עֲוֺנ֥וֹת נְעוּרָֽ⁠י1

Job is suggesting implicitly that God should not judge him strictly for things he did in his youth, since youths are immature and impulsive and they do wrong things without having the kind of self-control and knowledge that adults should have. The Bible expresses this same perspective in Psalm 25:7. You could indicate this implication in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you judge me strictly for the immature things I did as a youth, which is not fair”

99013:27l4hxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠תָ֘שֵׂ֤ם בַּ⁠סַּ֨ד ׀ רַגְלַ֗⁠י1

Job is speaking as if God literally has put his feet in shackles. He means that God has restrained his actions severely by punishing him for the slightest infractions. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you restrain my actions severely by punishing me for the slightest infractions”

99113:27v65xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠תִשְׁמ֥וֹר כָּל־אָרְחוֹתָ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking as if his courses of action were literally paths that he was walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you watch everything I do”

99213:27x3kdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעַל־שָׁרְשֵׁ֥י רַ֝גְלַ֗⁠י תִּתְחַקֶּֽה1

Job is speaking as if God were literally taking some action regarding his feet. Interpreters are unsure of the exact meaning of this image. Job could be speaking as if: (1) God had drawn lines in the ground to mark foot-shaped areas where Job would have to step. Alternate translation: “you only allow me to step in a few small places” or “you only permit me to do a limited number of things without being punished” (2) God had put some kind of mark on his feet so that he would leave a distinctive footprint that God could easily track. Alternate translation: “you closely watch all of my actions”

99313:28mlj8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personוְ֭⁠הוּא & יִבְלֶ֑ה1

Job is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “and I decay”

99413:28fq5krc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesוְ֭⁠הוּא & יִבְלֶ֑ה1

Job is using the word and to introduce the result of the sufferings he is experiencing, which he considers to be punishments from God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “so that he decays” or “so that I decay”

99514:introt3210

Job 14 General Notes

##Structure and Formatting

This chapter is the conclusion of Jobs response to Zophars first speech.

  • Verses 112: Job says that God should not pay so much attention to humans, since they have short and troubled lives.
  • Verses 1317: Job speculates about what it would be like if God could bring him back to life and be friendly towards him again.
  • Verses 1822: Job concludes pessimistically that he will likely just die and be separated forever from human community.

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

Special Concepts in This Chapter

Resurrection

Job lived at a time when people did not know for certain whether there would be a resurrection of the dead, so Job speculates about this in his speeches. Sometimes he is more hopeful about it, and at other times he is less hopeful about it. In your translation, reflect what he is feeling and saying. It is not necessary to adjust his words in order to make them a confident proclamation about the resurrection.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

singular and plural “you”

The words “you” and “your” and the implied “you” in imperative verbs are singular throughout this chapter because Job is addressing God. If your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you,” use the singular form in your translation.

“man” in a generic sense

In several places in this chapter, Job uses the word “man” in a generic sense that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. It may be helpful in your translation to say “men and women” or to use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women, such as “people,” “mortals,” or “humans.”

99614:1j425rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisאָ֭דָם יְל֣וּד אִשָּׁ֑ה קְצַ֥ר יָ֝מִ֗ים וּֽ⁠שְׂבַֽע־רֹֽגֶז1

Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. However, Job is being deliberately terse in order to describe the human condition as pitiful, so you may wish to translate this statement with fewer words than your language would ordinarly use. Alternate translation: “Man, who is born of woman, is few of days and full of trouble”

99714:1j426rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveאָ֭דָם יְל֣וּד אִשָּׁ֑ה1

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: “Every child of a human mother”

99814:1j427rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאָ֭דָם יְל֣וּד אִשָּׁ֑ה1

Job is using the phrase born of woman by association to mean that people are mortal. In other words, just as they are naturally born, they will naturally die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Mortal man”

99914:1d6inrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאָ֭דָם יְל֣וּד אִשָּׁ֑ה1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here and throughout the chapter the masculine term “man” has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, in all such instances you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “Mortal humans”

100014:1u162rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomקְצַ֥ר יָ֝מִ֗ים וּֽ⁠שְׂבַֽע־רֹֽגֶז1

Job does not mean that in general people live for only a few days. He is using the term days to mean time in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “His life is short and it is full of trouble”

100114:1pfe3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּֽ⁠שְׂבַֽע־רֹֽגֶז1

Job is speaking of Man as if he were a container that trouble fills. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and continually troubled”

100214:2bgr2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismכְּ⁠צִ֣יץ יָ֭צָא וַ⁠יִּמָּ֑ל וַ⁠יִּבְרַ֥ח כַּ֝⁠צֵּ֗ל וְ⁠לֹ֣א יַעֲמֽוֹד1

These two phrases mean similar things. Job is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. Since Job is using two different images together, it may be helpful to connect the phrases with a word other than and in order to show that the second phrase is conveying the same idea as the first one, not saying something additional. Alternate translation: “He comes forth and withers like a flower; yes, he flees like a shadow and does not stand”

100314:2w4bbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוַ⁠יִּבְרַ֥ח כַּ֝⁠צֵּ֗ל וְ⁠לֹ֣א יַעֲמֽוֹד1

In this context, the word stand means to stay in one place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he flees like a shadow; indeed, he does not remain”

100414:3tkx9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאַף־עַל־זֶ֭ה פָּקַ֣חְתָּ עֵינֶ֑⁠ךָ וְ⁠אֹ֘תִ֤⁠י תָבִ֖יא בְ⁠מִשְׁפָּ֣ט עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. It may be helpful to make this two sentences. Alternate translation: “And yet on such you open your eye! You bring me into judgment with you!”

100514:3inl9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאַף־עַל־זֶ֭ה פָּקַ֣חְתָּ עֵינֶ֑⁠ךָ1

Job is using the phrase open your eye by association to mean watching. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Must you really watch such creatures”

100614:3fg87rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularפָּקַ֣חְתָּ עֵינֶ֑⁠ךָ & תָבִ֖יא & עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the words you and your are singular here because Job is continuing to address God directly. So use the singular forms of those pronouns in your translation here and throughout this chapter if your language marks that distinction.

100714:4j428rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִֽי־יִתֵּ֣ן טָ֭הוֹר מִ⁠טָּמֵ֗א לֹ֣א אֶחָֽד1

For emphasis, Job is posing a question and then answering it himself. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No one can bring clean from unclean!”

100814:4pls1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjמִֽי־יִתֵּ֣ן טָ֭הוֹר מִ⁠טָּמֵ֗א לֹ֣א אֶחָֽד1

Job is using the adjectives clean and unclean as nouns, probably 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: “Every person is unclean, so no person can bear and raise someone who is clean”

100914:4j429rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמִֽי־יִתֵּ֣ן טָ֭הוֹר מִ⁠טָּמֵ֗א לֹ֣א אֶחָֽד1

Job is speaking as if people who are sinful are literally unclean or dirty and as if people who are not sinful are literally clean. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Every person is sinful, so no person can bear and raise someone who is not sinful”

101014:5jij3rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsחֲרוּצִ֨ים ׀ יָמָ֗י⁠ו1

The pronoun his refers to a person in general, as in verse 2. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “a persons days are determined”

101114:5fm5brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveחֲרוּצִ֨ים ׀ יָמָ֗י⁠ו1

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: “you have determined his days” or “you determine for how many days each person will live”

101214:5iz79rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomמִֽסְפַּר־חֳדָשָׁ֥י⁠ו אִתָּ֑⁠ךְ1

The expression is with you describes something that the person being addressed has the power and authority to decide. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “the number of his months is up to you” or “the number of his months is something that you decide”

101314:6j430rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultשְׁעֵ֣ה מֵ⁠עָלָ֣י⁠ו וְ⁠יֶחְדָּ֑ל1

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: “so that he may desist, look away from him”

101414:6j431rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠יֶחְדָּ֑ל1

In the context of this speech by Job, the word desist implicitly means to stop being continually concerned that God is watching and will judge and punish the slightest infraction. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “that he may live without continually fearing your punishment”

101514:6w4rxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileעַד־יִ֝רְצֶ֗ה כְּ⁠שָׂכִ֥יר יוֹמֽ⁠וֹ1

The point of this comparison is that a hireling, that is, someone hired by the day for manual labor, has difficult work, but he knows that it is only for a short time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “until he finishes living his difficult but short life”

101614:6j432rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִ֝רְצֶ֗ה & יוֹמֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is speaking of a human beings brief life as if it were literally only a day. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he lives out his brief life”

101714:7l8i1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsיֵ֥שׁ לָ⁠עֵ֗ץ תִּ֫קְוָ֥ה אִֽם־יִ֭כָּרֵת וְ⁠ע֣וֹד יַחֲלִ֑יף וְ֝⁠יֹֽנַקְתּ֗⁠וֹ לֹ֣א תֶחְדָּֽל1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hope, you could express the same idea in another way, such as with the verb “hope.” Alternate translation: “people may hope that if a tree is cut down, it will sprout again and it will live”

101814:7ezr1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיִ֭כָּרֵת1

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: “someone cuts it down”

101914:8cqw2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ֝⁠בֶ⁠עָפָ֗ר יָמ֥וּת גִּזְעֽ⁠וֹ1

Job means implicitly that the stump of the tree he is using as an example begins to die. If the tree had died completely, it could not regenerate, as he describes in the next verse. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and its stump begins to die”

102014:9f92crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationמֵ⁠רֵ֣יחַ מַ֣יִם1

Job is speaking of the tree he is describing as if it could actually smell the scent of waters. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “as soon as the ground becomes moist,”

102114:9dav4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounוְ⁠עָשָׂ֖ה קָצִ֣יר1

Job is not referring to a specific branch. He actually means that the stump of the tree will send forth many branches or shoots. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and send forth many shoots”

102214:9bx2irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכְּמוֹ־נָֽטַע1

Job is referring implicitly to a young plant, which would grow rapidly. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “as young plants do” or “as if it were a young plant”

102314:10j433rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsוְ⁠גֶ֣בֶר & אָדָ֣ם1

In this verse, the two instances of the word man translate two different words that have essentially the same meaning. These masculine terms have a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use terms in your language that are clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “but a mortal … a human being”

102414:10j434rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismוַ⁠יִּגְוַ֖ע1

See how you translated the similar expression in 3:11. Alternate translation: “and passes away”

102514:10wz2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ⁠אַיּֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “and he is gone completely”

102614:11f32zrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge0

This verse is the beginning of a sentence that Job completes at the start of the next verse. The entire sentence draws a comparison. To show this, you could create a verse bridge for verses 1112. Within it, this sentence might say something like this: “Just as waters disappear from a lake and a river dwindles and dries up, so a man lies down and does not arise.”

102714:11dug9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletיֶחֱרַ֥ב וְ⁠יָבֵֽשׁ1

The terms dwindles and dries up 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: “steadily dries up”

102814:12a5nlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismשָׁכַ֗ב וְֽ⁠לֹא־יָ֫ק֥וּם1

Job is using the expression lies down as a mild way to refer to death, and he is using the expression arise to mean “come back to life.” Your language may have similar expressions that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “passes away and does not return to this life”

102914:12j435rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלֹ֣א יָקִ֑יצוּ וְ⁠לֹֽא־יֵ֝עֹ֗רוּ מִ⁠שְּׁנָתָֽ⁠ם1

Job is speaking of people who are dead as if they were asleep. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will remain dead; they will not be brought back to life”

103014:12j436rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsלֹ֣א יָקִ֑יצוּ וְ⁠לֹֽא־יֵ֝עֹ֗רוּ מִ⁠שְּׁנָתָֽ⁠ם1

The pronoun their and both instances of the pronoun they refer to people who die. Up to this point in this speech, Job has been talking about people dying by referring to a “man.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use singular pronouns in this sentence for continuity. Alternate translation: “he will not awake, no, he will not be roused from his sleep”

103114:12h4i1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠לֹֽא־יֵ֝עֹ֗רוּ מִ⁠שְּׁנָתָֽ⁠ם1

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 no one will rouse them from their sleep” or “and no one will rouse him from his sleep”

103214:13w12irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomמִ֤י יִתֵּ֨ן ׀ בִּ⁠שְׁא֬וֹל תַּצְפִּנֵ֗⁠נִי תַּ֭סְתִּירֵ⁠נִי עַד־שׁ֣וּב אַפֶּ֑⁠ךָ תָּ֤שִׁ֥ית לִ֖⁠י חֹ֣ק וְ⁠תִזְכְּרֵֽ⁠נִי1

See how you translated the expression Who will give in 11:56. Alternate translation (as an exclamation): “I wish that you would conceal me in Sheol, {that} you would hide me until the turning of your nose, {that} you would set a limit for me and remember me!”

103314:13j438rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעַד־שׁ֣וּב אַפֶּ֑⁠ךָ1

Job is speaking as if Gods anger might literally turn and go in a different direction. Job actually means that God would stop being angry. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “until you stop being angry with me”

103414:13is2hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitתָּ֤שִׁ֥ית לִ֖⁠י חֹ֣ק וְ⁠תִזְכְּרֵֽ⁠נִי1

This could mean implicitly: (1) that God would set a limit on the time that Job had to spend in Sheol before God would remember him (see the explanation of the term “remember” in the next note). Alternate translation: “that you would decide how long I needed to spend in Sheol before you would remember me” (2) that God would choose a particular time sometime in the future when he would remember Job. Alternate translation: “that you would choose a particular time when you would remember me”

103514:13km9hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠תִזְכְּרֵֽ⁠נִי1

Job is using the expression remember in a particular sense. He is not suggesting that God would forget anything or that there are limits to Gods knowledge or memory. Rather, in contexts such as this, the word “remember” means to be aware that someone needs help and to help that person. (For example, Genesis 8:1 says that at the height of the Great Flood, “God remembered Noah and all the living things and all the livestock that were with him in the ark, and God caused a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters subsided.”) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and help me”

103614:14u755rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאִם־יָמ֥וּת גֶּ֗בֶר הֲ⁠יִ֫חְיֶ֥ה1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Even if a man dies, he might live again!”

103714:14he34rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomכָּל־יְמֵ֣י צְבָאִ֣⁠י1

Job is using the term days to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Throughout the time of my hardship”

103814:14ws2yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsכָּל־יְמֵ֣י צְבָאִ֣⁠י1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hardship, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Throughout the time when things are hard for me”

103914:14j439rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכָּל־יְמֵ֣י צְבָאִ֣⁠י1

Since Job said in 7:1 that a person experiences “hardship” on earth, in this phrase he is probably referring implicitly to life on earth. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “For as long as I live on this earth”

104014:14a2dmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֲיַחֵ֑ל עַד־בּ֝֗וֹא חֲלִיפָתִֽ⁠י1

Since Job suggests at the beginning of this verse that people could live again after they die, and since he describes his present life on earth as hardship, the implication seems to be that by my change, he means his death, which presumably would lead to a better life. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I will wait patiently to die and then live a better life” or “I will hope expectantly that after I die I will live a better life”

104114:15d3u1rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesתִּ֭קְרָא וְ⁠אָנֹכִ֣י אֶֽעֱנֶ֑⁠ךָּ לְֽ⁠מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה יָדֶ֣י⁠ךָ תִכְסֹֽף1

In this verse, Job is describing what would happen under the condition he described in the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, to indicate this you could add a connecting word at the start of this verse. You could also use the conditional tense rather than the future tense if that would be more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “Then you would call, and I would answer you. You would desire the work of your hands”

104214:15tbe8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitתִּ֭קְרָא וְ⁠אָנֹכִ֣י אֶֽעֱנֶ֑⁠ךָּ1

Here Job is using words that are very similar to the ones that he used in 13:22 to challenge God to argue his case with him. But now he means that he and God would converse in a friendly way. To help your readers appreciate this use of language, it would be helpful to translate the terms here the same way you translated them in 13:22.

104314:15j440rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ⁠אָנֹכִ֣י אֶֽעֱנֶ֑⁠ךָּ1

For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the word translated answer. 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 I would gladly answer you”

104414:15j3fprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלְֽ⁠מַעֲשֵׂ֖ה יָדֶ֣י⁠ךָ1

Job is using one part of God, his hands, to mean all of him in the act of creating Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the person whom you created”

104514:16q9vmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעַ֭תָּה צְעָדַ֣⁠י תִּסְפּ֑וֹר לֹֽא־תִ֝שְׁמ֗וֹר עַל־חַטָּאתִֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking as if God literally will number or count the steps he is taking. He is speaking of living as if it were walking along a path. Job alludes to what he said in 13:27, that God was watching his paths and marking places where he had to step. Job could mean here: (1) that once God was no longer angry with him, God would caringly observe all that he did to ensure that he was all right, but God would no longer be looking to see whether he was doing wrong. Alternate translation: “then you would caringly observe all that I did, but you would no longer be looking to see whether I was doing wrong” (2) that God is currently restricting his activities, but once God was no longer angry with him, God would not watch him so closely. Alternate translation: “now you are restricting my activities to keep me from doing the slightest thing wrong, but then you would no longer watch me so closely”

104614:16bay1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלֹֽא־תִ֝שְׁמ֗וֹר עַל־חַטָּאתִֽ⁠י1

Job is using his sin to mean all of him in the act of sinning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you would not watch over me to see whether I am doing wrong”

104714:17zvn3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveחָתֻ֣ם בִּ⁠צְר֣וֹר פִּשְׁעִ֑⁠י1

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: “You would seal my transgression in a bag”

104814:17cby4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorחָתֻ֣ם בִּ⁠צְר֣וֹר פִּשְׁעִ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking as if God would literally seal his transgression in a bag. He means that God would forgive his transgression and no longer regard it, as if it were hidden from view and inaccessible. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You would completely forgive my transgression”

104914:17qe5irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ֝⁠תִּטְפֹּ֗ל עַל־עֲוֺנִֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking as if God would literally plaster over his iniquity. Once again he means that God would forgive him and no longer regard his iniquity, as if it were hidden from view. Job is using the same terminology as in 13:4, where he said that his friends were plastering him with a lie. There he meant that while he was righteous, his friends were making it appear that he was sinful. Here he means that God would make him appear righteous because God would have forgiven all of his sin. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you would make me appear righteous”

105014:18j441rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge0

This verse is the beginning of a sentence that Job completes in the next verse. The entire sentence draws a comparison. To show this, you could create a verse bridge for verses 1819. It might say something like this: “However, just a falling mountain crumbles and a rock moves from its place, just as waters wear down stones and its flooding washes away the dust of the earth, so you destroy the hope of man”

105114:18j442rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastוְ֭⁠אוּלָם1

Job is using the word translated However to indicate a strong contrast between the possibility of renewed life and reconciliation with God after death, which he was discussing in verses 1417, and what seems to him to be the actual human condition, which he will describe in the rest of this chapter. In your translation, indicate this strong contrast in a way that is natural in your language.

105214:18hga3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהַר־נוֹפֵ֣ל יִבּ֑וֹל1

Job is speaking as if a mountain might literally be falling. He means that the mountain is becoming lower in elevation because it is eroding. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “an eroding mountain crumbles”

105314:18h2q3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounוְ֝⁠צ֗וּר יֶעְתַּ֥ק מִ⁠מְּקֹמֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is not referring to a specific rock. He means rocks in general. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and rocks move from their places”

105414:18j443rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ֝⁠צ֗וּר יֶעְתַּ֥ק מִ⁠מְּקֹמֽ⁠וֹ1

The meaning of this phrase may be similar to the meaning of the phrases “his place will not know him again” in 7:10 and “one destroys it from its place” in 8:18. The emphasis may be not on the rock moving but on its no longer being in its place. Alternate translation: “and yes, even large rocks disappear”

105514:19nc2arc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns תִּשְׁטֹֽף־ סְפִיחֶ֥י⁠הָ עֲפַר־אָ֑רֶץ 1

The pronoun its refers to the earth. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the flooding of the earth washes away its dust” or “when the earth floods, that washes away its dust”

105614:20q4myrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorתִּתְקְפֵ֣⁠הוּ לָ֭⁠נֶצַח1

Job is speaking as if each person were in a lifelong struggle with God and as if God were able to overpower or defeat each person throughout his life. Job likely means that people struggle to live, but God is able to enforce his decree that each person must ultimately die after living for a certain time. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You make peoples bodies wear out throughout their lives”

105714:20uah1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismוַֽ⁠יַּהֲלֹ֑ךְ1

Job is using the expression goes away to mean “dies.” This is a mild way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “and he passes away”

105814:20p3dhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomמְשַׁנֶּ֥ה פָ֝נָ֗י⁠ו1

The expression changing his face describes a persons face becoming wrinkled as that person ages. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “making his face wrinkled”

105914:20j444rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמְשַׁנֶּ֥ה פָ֝נָ֗י⁠ו1

Job may be using one part of the aging process, the changing of the face to become wrinkled, to mean the entire process. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “causing him to age”

106014:20lq7frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוַֽ⁠תְּשַׁלְּחֵֽ⁠הוּ1

Job is implicitly describing how God will send a person away from the community of living people to the abode of the dead. Job will describe this isolation in more detail in the next two verses. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you send him away from the community of living people to the abode of the dead”

106114:21m7cwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsבָ֭נָי⁠ו1

Here the masculine term sons has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “His children”

106214:22j445rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheאַךְ־בְּ֭שָׂר⁠וֹ עָלָ֣י⁠ו יִכְאָ֑ב וְ֝⁠נַפְשׁ֗⁠וֹ עָלָ֥י⁠ו תֶּאֱבָֽל1

Job is using parts of a person, his flesh and his soul, to mean all of a person in the act of grieving and mourning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He alone grieves for himself, yes, he alone mourns for himself”

106315:introp4sy0

Job 15 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

In this chapter, Jobs friend Eliphaz speaks to him once again. This time he speaks more strongly than he spoke before.

  • Verses 110: Eliphaz argues that the insights of traditional wisdom are on his side.
  • Verses 1116: Eliphaz argues that Job should not defiantly insist that he is righteous.
  • Verses 17­19: Eliphaz invites Job to consider the insights of traditional wisdom.
  • Verses 2035: Eliphaz quotes the insights of traditional wisdom.

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

106415:2mw8hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֶֽ⁠חָכָ֗ם יַעֲנֶ֥ה דַֽעַת־ר֑וּחַ וִֽ⁠ימַלֵּ֖א קָדִ֣ים בִּטְנֽ⁠וֹ1

Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. This verse is the beginning of a question that continues into the next verse, but if you translate it as a statement or as an exclamation, it may be helpful to make it a separate sentence in your translation. Alternate translation: “A wise person does not answer with knowledge of wind or fill his belly with the east wind!”

106515:2j446rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personהֶֽ⁠חָכָ֗ם יַעֲנֶ֥ה דַֽעַת־ר֑וּחַ וִֽ⁠ימַלֵּ֖א קָדִ֣ים בִּטְנֽ⁠וֹ1

Eliphaz is talking about Job in the third person, even though he is speaking to him directly. He is saying that Job himself must not be a wise person, since he has been talking in this way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “I can tell that you are not a wise person, because you have answered with knowledge of wind, yes, you have filled your belly with the east wind!”

106615:2j447rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjהֶֽ⁠חָכָ֗ם יַעֲנֶ֥ה1

Eliphaz is using the adjective wise 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: “Will the wise person answer”

106715:2hd46rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorדַֽעַת־ר֑וּחַ1

Eliphaz is speaking as if Jobs knowledge consisted literally of wind. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language, as the UST models. Eliphaz could mean: (1) that Job is talking a lot, making a loud sound, but not saying anything of substance, just as the wind blows loudly but is only air. Alternate translation: “with such bluster” (2) that what Job is saying is insubstantial, as if it were the air that the wind was blowing around. Alternate translation: “with such empty statements”

106815:2h768rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוִֽ⁠ימַלֵּ֖א קָדִ֣ים בִּטְנֽ⁠וֹ1

Eliphaz is speaking as if Job has literally filled his belly with the east wind. In this location, the wind from the east brought hot air from the desert. Eliphaz is using this image to portray Job as taking deep breaths so that he can speak at length and then breathing out hot air as he speaks. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language, as the UST models. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “No, a wise man would not be so full of hot air”

106915:3mka2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהוֹכֵ֣חַ בְּ֭⁠דָבָר לֹ֣א יִסְכּ֑וֹן וּ֝⁠מִלִּ֗ים לֹא־יוֹעִ֥יל בָּֽ⁠ם1

Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. This verse is the continuation of a question that began in the previous verse, but it may be helpful to make it a separate sentence in your translation. Alternate translation: “No, a wise person does not reason with a word that does not benefit or with words that do not have profit in them!”

107015:3j448rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהוֹכֵ֣חַ בְּ֭⁠דָבָר לֹ֣א יִסְכּ֑וֹן וּ֝⁠מִלִּ֗ים לֹא־יוֹעִ֥יל בָּֽ⁠ם1

Eliphaz is using the terms word and words to mean what Job has been saying by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “reasoning by saying things that do not benefit and by making statements that do not have profit in them”

107115:4k1xgrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאַ֭תָּה תָּפֵ֣ר יִרְאָ֑ה1

For emphasis, Eliphaz is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already present in the word translated destroy. 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: “you are completely destroying fear”

107215:4kfj8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיִרְאָ֑ה1

By fear, Eliphaz implicitly means the fear of God, that is, reverent respect for God. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the fear of God” or “reverent respect for God”

107315:4fz3crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyשִׂ֝יחָ֗ה לִ⁠פְנֵי־אֵֽל1

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. Eliphaz is using the term to describe devotion that someone would offer to God as one person to another. Alternate translation: “personal devotion to God”

107415:5t4nvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיְאַלֵּ֣ף עֲוֺנְ⁠ךָ֣ פִ֑י⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is speaking as if Jobs iniquity were a living thing that was teaching his mouth what to say. He means that Job is saying wrong things about God in order to excuse his own sin. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are saying things to excuse your inquity”

107515:5tt4grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ֝⁠תִבְחַ֗ר לְשׁ֣וֹן עֲרוּמִֽים1

Eliphaz is using the term tongue by association to mean speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are deliberately speaking as the crafty do” or “you know that you are speaking deceitfully”

107615:5gfb6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjעֲרוּמִֽים1

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”

107715:6j5ybrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיַרְשִֽׁיעֲ⁠ךָ֣ פִ֣י⁠ךָ וְ⁠לֹא־אָ֑נִי וּ֝⁠שְׂפָתֶ֗י⁠ךָ יַעֲנוּ־בָֽ⁠ךְ1

Eliphaz is speaking of Jobs mouth and lips as if they were living things that could condemn and testify against him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It is clear from what you say that you are wrong; I do not need to prove that. Indeed, what you say provides evidence that you are wrong”

107815:7dpx3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠רִאישׁ֣וֹן אָ֭דָם תִּוָּלֵ֑ד וְ⁠לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י גְבָע֣וֹת חוֹלָֽלְתָּ1

Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You were not born the first man! No, you were not formed to the face of the hills!”

107915:7a7jqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהֲ⁠רִאישׁ֣וֹן אָ֭דָם תִּוָּלֵ֑ד וְ⁠לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י גְבָע֣וֹת חוֹלָֽלְתָּ1

Eliphaz is implicitly challenging Job not to consider himself wiser than everyone else because, after all, he is not older than everyone else. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “You should not think that you are wiser than everyone else, because you were not born the first man! No, you were not formed to the face of the hills!”

108015:7j449rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleהֲ⁠רִאישׁ֣וֹן אָ֭דָם תִּוָּלֵ֑ד וְ⁠לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י גְבָע֣וֹת חוֹלָֽלְתָּ1

Eliphaz is overstating his point for emphasis as he challenges Job not to consider himself wiser than others. If a speaker of your language would not make this kind of overstatement, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “You should not think that you are wiser than everyone else, because you are not older than the other wise people in our community”

108115:7v4jtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveהֲ⁠רִאישׁ֣וֹן אָ֭דָם תִּוָּלֵ֑ד1

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: “Are you the first person who ever lived”

108215:7j450rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsהֲ⁠רִאישׁ֣וֹן אָ֭דָם1

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

108315:7j451rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י גְבָע֣וֹת חוֹלָֽלְתָּ1

Here the word face represents the presence of something by association with the way people can see the face of a person who is present. By asking whether Job was formed in the presence of the hills, Eliphaz is asking whether Job was formed at the same time as the hills, that is, long ago. Alternate translation: “and were you formed when the hills were formed”

108415:7j452rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י גְבָע֣וֹת חוֹלָֽלְתָּ1

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 did God form you when he formed the hills”

108515:7j453rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheגְבָע֣וֹת1

Eliphaz is using one part of the earth, its hills, to mean all of it as God created it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the earth”

108615:8s4d8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ⁠בְ⁠ס֣וֹד אֱל֣וֹהַ תִּשְׁמָ֑ע וְ⁠תִגְרַ֖ע אֵלֶ֣י⁠ךָ חָכְמָֽה1

Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You do not hear the counsel of God! You cannot limit wisdom to yourself!”

108715:9afn9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַה־יָּ֭דַעְתָּ וְ⁠לֹ֣א נֵדָ֑ע תָּ֝בִ֗ין וְֽ⁠לֹא־עִמָּ֥⁠נוּ הֽוּא1

Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You do not know anything that we do not know! You do not understand anything that we do not understand!”

108815:9dt5nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisתָּ֝בִ֗ין וְֽ⁠לֹא־עִמָּ֥⁠נוּ הֽוּא1

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: “What do you understand that we do not understand?”

108915:9j454rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְֽ⁠לֹא־עִמָּ֥⁠נוּ הֽוּא1

In this context, the expression with us indicates understanding. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that we do not understand”

109015:10j456rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjגַּם־שָׂ֣ב גַּם־יָשִׁ֣ישׁ1

Eliphaz is using the adjectives gray-haired and aged 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: “Both gray-haired people and aged people”

109115:10j455rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletגַּם־שָׂ֣ב גַּם־יָשִׁ֣ישׁ1

The terms gray-haired and aged 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: “The most senior people”

109215:10e1wmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבָּ֑⁠נוּ1

In this context, the expression with us indicates agreement. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “agree with us”

109315:10bpjlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjכַּבִּ֖יר מֵ⁠אָבִ֣י⁠ךָ יָמִֽים1

Eliphaz is using this adjective phrase as a noun phrase to mean a certain group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this phrase with an equivalent one. Alternate translation: “people who are greater than your father in days”

109415:10j457rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyכַּבִּ֖יר מֵ⁠אָבִ֣י⁠ךָ יָמִֽים1

Eliphaz is using the term days to refer by association to how long a person has lived. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people who are greater in age than your father” or “people who are older than your father”

109515:11w8rrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ⁠מְעַ֣ט מִ֭מְּ⁠ךָ תַּנְחֻמ֣וֹת אֵ֑ל וְ֝⁠דָבָ֗ר לָ⁠אַ֥ט עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ1

Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You seem to consider the consolations of God to be too small for you. You seem to feel the same way about a word spoken in gentleness to you.”

109615:11j458rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהַ⁠מְעַ֣ט מִ֭מְּ⁠ךָ תַּנְחֻמ֣וֹת אֵ֑ל1

Eliphaz is speaking as if Job literally considered the consolations of God to be small in size. He means that Job does not appear to consider them significant. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do you consider the consolations of God to be insignificant” or “You seem to consider the consolations of God to be insignificant”

109715:11lg22rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsתַּנְחֻמ֣וֹת אֵ֑ל1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of consolations, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Is what God is doing to comfort you”

109815:11j459rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ֝⁠דָבָ֗ר לָ⁠אַ֥ט עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ1

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: “or is a word in gentleness to you too small for you”

109915:11j460rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ֝⁠דָבָ֗ר לָ⁠אַ֥ט עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ1

Eliphaz is using the term word to mean what he and the other friends have been saying to Job by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or what we have been telling you in gentleness”

110015:11j461rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ֝⁠דָבָ֗ר לָ⁠אַ֥ט עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of gentleness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “or what we have been telling you gently”

110115:11j462rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ֝⁠דָבָ֗ר לָ⁠אַ֥ט עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ1

It may not seem that Jobs friends have been speaking to him in gentleness. Eliphaz has just said that he is wicked and guilty, and the other friends have said similar things. Eliphaz could mean: (1) that he and the other friends have been trying to speak to Job as gently as they could. Alternate translation: “or words that your friends have been speaking to you as gently as they could” (2) that given Jobs apparent disregard for Gods consolations, he and the other friends have been too gentle with Job. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Perhaps we need to speak even more sternly to you!”

110215:12j463rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַה־יִּקָּחֲ⁠ךָ֥ לִבֶּ֑⁠ךָ וּֽ⁠מַה־יִּרְזְמ֥וּ⁠ן עֵינֶֽי⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. (This is the beginning of a sentence that Eliphaz completes in the next verse.) Alternate translation: “Your heart should not carry you away and your eyes should not flash”

110315:12bbd3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationמַה־יִּקָּחֲ⁠ךָ֥ לִבֶּ֑⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is speaking of Jobs heart as if it were a living thing that could carry him away. He is using Jobs heart to represent his emotions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Why are you allowing yourself to become so emotional” or, as a statement, “You should not allow yourself to become so emotional”

110415:12c87rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוּֽ⁠מַה־יִּרְזְמ֥וּ⁠ן עֵינֶֽי⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is speaking of anger by association with the way that the eyes of a person who is angry will appear to flash or give off light. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and why are you so angry” or as a statement, “and you should not be so angry”

110515:13q3szrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheכִּֽי־תָשִׁ֣יב אֶל־אֵ֣ל רוּחֶ֑⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is using one part of Job, his spirit, to mean all of him in the act of turning against God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that you turn yourself against God”

110615:13v2f5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠הֹצֵ֖אתָ מִ⁠פִּ֣י⁠ךָ מִלִּֽין1

Eliphaz is using the term words to mean what Job has been saying by using words and the term mouth to mean speaking. He is suggesting that the things Job has been saying are inappropriate. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and say such inappropriate things”

110715:14n6c7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמָֽה־אֱנ֥וֹשׁ כִּֽי־יִזְכֶּ֑ה וְ⁠כִֽי־יִ֝צְדַּ֗ק יְל֣וּד אִשָּֽׁה1

Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Man cannot be clean! No, one born of a woman cannot be righteous!”

110815:14z1zlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאֱנ֥וֹשׁ1

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

110915:14u6txrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִזְכֶּ֑ה1

Eliphaz is speaking as if people who are innocent of wrongdoing are literally clean. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he should be innocent”

111015:14j464rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיְל֣וּד אִשָּֽׁה1

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: “someone to whom a woman has given birth”

111115:14j465rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיְל֣וּד אִשָּֽׁה1

Eliphaz is speaking of human mortality by association with the way that people are born physically and, by implication, will also die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a mortal”

111215:15iv3brc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsלֹ֣א יַאֲמִ֑ין1

The pronoun he refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God does not trust”

111315:15h358rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבִּ֭⁠קְדֹשָׁיו1

Eliphaz is using the expression holy ones to refer to the angels, by association with the way that angels are holy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in his angels”

111415:15pd53rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠שָׁמַ֗יִם לֹא־זַכּ֥וּ1

Eliphaz is speaking as if things that are pure are literally clean, that is, not physically dirty. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the heavens are not pure”

111515:15j466rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ֝⁠שָׁמַ֗יִם לֹא־זַכּ֥וּ1

By the heavens, Eliphaz likely means the sky, which is a created object and therefore finite and incapable of perfection. It is unlikely that Eliphaz is referring to heaven, the abode of God, and saying that it is not clean, meaning “pure.” You could clarify this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and not even the sky is pure”

111615:15q77frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְ⁠עֵינָֽי⁠ו1

Eliphaz is using the term eyes by association to mean sight. Sight, in turn, represents attention, perspective, and judgment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from his perspective”

111715:16j796rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom אַ֭ף כִּֽי־נִתְעָ֥ב וְֽ⁠נֶאֱלָ֑ח1

Indeed that is an expression that indicates that what follows is greater in degree than what a person has just said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how much less the abominable and the corrupted”

111815:16j467rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisאַ֭ף כִּֽי־נִתְעָ֥ב וְֽ⁠נֶאֱלָ֑ח1

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 are the abominable and the corrupted clean in his eyes”

111915:16j468rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjנִתְעָ֥ב וְֽ⁠נֶאֱלָ֑ח1

Eliphaz is using the adjectives abominable and corrupted 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: “abominable and corrupt people”

112015:16gt36rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletנִתְעָ֥ב וְֽ⁠נֶאֱלָ֑ח1

The terms abominable and corrupted 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: “humans, who are so very wicked”

112115:16j469rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְֽ⁠נֶאֱלָ֑ח1

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 corrupt”

112215:16j470rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאִישׁ־שֹׁתֶ֖ה כַ⁠מַּ֣יִם עַוְלָֽה1

Eliphaz seems to be referring implicitly to Job when he speaks of a man drinking iniquity like water. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “such as a man like you who drinks iniquity like water”

112315:16we5grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאִישׁ־שֹׁתֶ֖ה כַ⁠מַּ֣יִם עַוְלָֽה1

Eliphaz is speaking as if Job were literally drinking iniquity the way he would drink water. He means that Job eagerly and willingly does wrong things, the way thirsty people eagerly and willingly drink water. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a man who freely commits iniquity” or “such as a man like you who freely commits iniquity”

112415:18q3ucrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureאֲשֶׁר־חֲכָמִ֥ים יַגִּ֑ידוּ וְ⁠לֹ֥א כִֽ֝חֲד֗וּ מֵ⁠אֲבוֹתָֽ⁠ם1

Eliphaz is not suggesting that the wise might have hidden something from their fathers. He means that they have declared what they learned from their fathers and not hidden any of it from the people of their own generation. It may be helpful to move the information that the wise have not hidden what they learned to the end of the sentence. Alternate translation: “what the wise have declared from their fathers and not hidden”

112515:18j471rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjחֲכָמִ֥ים1

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

112615:18j472rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsמֵ⁠אֲבוֹתָֽ⁠ם1

Although the term fathers 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 language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “from their ancestors”

112715:19psj1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלָ⁠הֶ֣ם לְ֭⁠בַדָּ⁠ם נִתְּנָ֣ה הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ וְ⁠לֹא־עָ֖בַר זָ֣ר בְּ⁠תוֹכָֽ⁠ם1

By them, Eliphaz means the “fathers” or ancestors whom he described in the previous verse, and by the land he probably means Edom and specifically his home city of Teman, which was renowned for its wisdom (see Jeremiah 49:7). By saying that only those ancestors lived there and no stranger passed among them, he means that their wisdom was not diluted by outside influences. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “My wise ancestors lived by themselves in Teman, where there were no outside influences to dilute their wisdom”

112815:19yjj4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveנִתְּנָ֣ה הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ1

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: “God gave the land”

112915:20j473rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomכָּל־יְמֵ֣י רָ֭שָׁע1

Eliphaz is using the term days to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “For the whole lifetime of the wicked”

113015:20j474rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרָ֭שָׁע1

Eliphaz is using the adjective wicked 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: “the wicked person”

113115:20q88xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמִתְחוֹלֵ֑ל1

Eliphaz means implicitly that a wicked person will be writhing in pain because God will be punishing him for his sin. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “he is writhing in pain from Gods punishments”

113215:20s474rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוּ⁠מִסְפַּ֥ר שָׁ֝נִ֗ים נִצְפְּנ֥וּ לֶ⁠עָרִֽיץ1

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 the number of years that he must suffer punishment for his own sins, they are reserved for the oppressor”

113315:20caz3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveנִצְפְּנ֥וּ1

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: “God has reserved them”

113415:21fj8prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyקוֹל־פְּחָדִ֥ים בְּ⁠אָזְנָ֑י⁠ו1

Eliphaz is using the term ears by association to mean hearing. By saying that the wicked person hears the sound of terrors, Eliphaz means by association that he experiences those terrors. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He experiences terrible things”

113515:21j475rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבַּ֝⁠שָּׁל֗וֹם1

The word translated prosperity can also mean “peace.” Eliphaz could be describing: (1) how wicked people may become prosperous for a time. Alternate translation: “though he may become prosperous,” (2) how wicked people may enjoy peace for a time. Alternate translation: “just when he is at peace,”

113615:21j476rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationשׁוֹדֵ֥ד יְבוֹאֶֽ⁠נּוּ1

Eliphaz is describing how the wicked experience the destruction and loss of their property, and he is speaking of that destruction as if it were a living thing that comes upon the wicked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his property is suddenly destroyed” or “he suddenly loses his property”

113715:22i3pkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלֹא־יַאֲמִ֣ין שׁ֭וּב מִנִּי־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ1

Eliphaz is speaking as if this wicked person has literally gone to a place where there is darkness and as if that wicked person does not believe that he can return from there. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He does not believe that his troubles will ever end”

113815:22j477rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesלֹא־יַאֲמִ֣ין שׁ֭וּב מִנִּי־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this with a positive expression. Alternate translation: “He believes that he will always have troubles”

113915:22j478rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְצָפ֖וּי & ה֣וּא אֱלֵי־חָֽרֶב1

It is possible that this second part of the verse also describes what wicked people believe. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and he is afraid that he is selected for the sword”

114015:22j479rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְצָפ֖וּי ה֣וּא אֱלֵי־חָֽרֶב1

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 God has selected him for the sword” or “and God has determined that someone will kill him with a sword”

114115:22lh1irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyחָֽרֶב1

Eliphaz is using one kind of deadly weapon, the sword, by association to mean violent death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “violent death”

114215:23j480rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes נֹ֘דֵ֤ד ה֣וּא לַ⁠לֶּ֣חֶם אַיֵּ֑ה1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “He is wandering for bread, asking where it is” or “He is wandering for bread, wondering where he will find it”

114315:23k4qmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלַ⁠לֶּ֣חֶם1

Eliphaz is using one kind of food, bread, to mean food in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for food”

114415:23ul3lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיֽוֹם־חֹֽשֶׁךְ1

Eliphaz is using the term day to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a time of darkness”

114515:23j481rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיֽוֹם־חֹֽשֶׁךְ1

Eliphaz is speaking as if this wicked person knows that a time is coming when there will literally be darkness during the day. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a time of great trouble”

114615:23j482rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveנָכ֖וֹן בְּ⁠יָד֣⁠וֹ1

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: “that God has prepared for him is at hand”

114715:23gu8grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomנָכ֖וֹן בְּ⁠יָד֣⁠וֹ1

Eliphaz is using the expression at hand to mean “nearby,” and he means near in time rather than near in place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is prepared and just about to happen”

114815:24e7mbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיְֽ֭בַעֲתֻ⁠הוּ צַ֣ר וּ⁠מְצוּקָ֑ה1

Eliphaz is speaking of Distress and anguish as if they were living things that could terrify a wicked person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He is so afraid of what is going to happen to him that he continually feels distress and anguish”

114915:24vur7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletיְֽ֭בַעֲתֻ⁠הוּ צַ֣ר וּ⁠מְצוּקָ֑ה1

The terms Distress and anguish 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 distress terrifies him” or “He is so afraid of what is going to happen to him that he continually feels great distress”

115015:24tg34rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsתִּ֝תְקְפֵ֗⁠הוּ1

The pronoun it refers to Distress and anguish. Eliphaz is speaking of these two similar things as if they were one thing. Your language may permit you to do that in your translation. Alternatively, it may be more natural in your language to use a plural pronoun. Alternate translation: “they overpower him”

115115:25uuk8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomנָטָ֣ה אֶל־אֵ֣ל יָד֑⁠וֹ1

When Eliphaz says that the wicked person has stretched out his hand, he means specifically that he has stretched out a hand that is holding a sword or some other weapon. In other words, this expression means to fight against someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he has fought against God”

115215:26sx7vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיָר֣וּץ אֵלָ֣י⁠ו בְּ⁠צַוָּ֑אר בַּ֝⁠עֲבִ֗י גַּבֵּ֥י מָֽגִנָּֽי⁠ו1

Eliphaz is speaking as if a wicked person would literally attack God in this way. He is actually making a comparison to describe the arrogant confidence with which a wicked person defies God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this as a comparison rather than as a literal statement. Alternate translation: “He opposes God as if he were a warrior arrogantly attacking God, confident that his thick shield would protect him”

115315:26j483rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיָר֣וּץ אֵלָ֣י⁠ו1

The pronoun He refers to the wicked person, while the pronoun him refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “The wicked person rushes against God”

115415:26j484rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבְּ⁠צַוָּ֑אר1

This expression refers to the attitude of someone who is holding his neck straight and his head high, displaying arrogant confidence with his posture. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “arrogantly”

115515:26b87urc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownבַּ֝⁠עֲבִ֗י גַּבֵּ֥י מָֽגִנָּֽי⁠ו1

The word “boss” describes the outwardly rounded part of a shield. A warrior would face this part of the shield against an enemy, holding the shield by a handle inside the boss. If a shield had a thick boss, that would protect the warrior against blows from swords and spears, and it would also allow a warrior to use the shield to knock an opponent down and pin him to the ground. If your readers would not be familiar with what bosses of shields are, in your translation you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “confident that he can use his thick shield to protect himself and attack his opponent”

115615:26db71rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyבַּ֝⁠עֲבִ֗י1

Eliphaz speaks in this verse of the *thickness of the shield that the wicked person would use against God, but in the next verse he indicates that the wicked person is actually “fat” and so not in shape physically for combat. So while Eliphaz seems to suggest here that the wicked person is a formidable foe, he actually means the opposite of what he is saying, as the next verse reveals. To help your readers recognize this, if your language has a word that can mean both “thick” and “fat,” it would be appropriate to use that word here in your translation.

115715:26j485rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralגַּבֵּ֥י מָֽגִנָּֽי⁠ו1

By using the plural forms bosses and shields, Eliphaz seems to be portraying the wicked person as if he were an army or as if he were commanding an army. It may be more natural in your language to use singular forms. Alternate translation: “the boss of his shield”

115815:27uc39rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheכִּֽי־כִסָּ֣ה פָנָ֣י⁠ו בְּ⁠חֶלְבּ֑⁠וֹ וַ⁠יַּ֖עַשׂ פִּימָ֣ה עֲלֵי־כָֽסֶל1

Eliphaz is using two parts of the wicked person, his face and his flanks, to indicate that his whole body is obese. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “though he is very fat”

115915:27j486rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכִּֽי־כִסָּ֣ה פָנָ֣י⁠ו בְּ⁠חֶלְבּ֑⁠וֹ וַ⁠יַּ֖עַשׂ פִּימָ֣ה עֲלֵי־כָֽסֶל1

The implication is that the wicked person has a face that is fat and flanks that have blubber because he overeats and lives indolently. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “he is very fat because he eats too much and lives a lazy life”

116015:28ki37rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesוַ⁠יִּשְׁכּ֤וֹן1

Eliphaz is using the word And to describe what happens to the wicked after he unsuccessfully opposes God. In the previous verse, Eliphaz was describing the former prosperity of the wicked person. In this verse, he is describing what happens to the wicked person after he loses his prosperity. The implication may be that the wicked person needs to live in abandoned places not only because he is poor but also because he is an outcast, that is, because others have rejected him. Alternate translation: “Then he becomes poor and outcast, and so”

116115:29r891rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠לֹא־יָק֣וּם חֵיל֑⁠וֹ1

See how you translated the term stand in 14:2. Alternate translation: “and his wealth will not remain”

116215:29j488rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠לֹֽא־יִטֶּ֖ה לָ⁠אָ֣רֶץ מִנְלָֽ⁠ם1

See how you translated the similar expression in 1:10. Alternate translation: “and they will not have large herds of cattle” or “and he will not have large herds of cattle”

116315:29j487rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsמִנְלָֽ⁠ם1

The pronoun their refers to wicked people. Since Eliphaz speaks of a wicked person in the singular in the first part of this verse, it may be more natural in your language to use the singular here as well. Alternate translation: “his possessions”

116415:30jpq7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלֹֽא־יָס֨וּר ׀ מִנִּי־חֹ֗שֶׁךְ1

See how you translated the similar expression in 15:22. Alternate translation: “His troubles will never end”

116515:30pm4arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיֹֽ֭נַקְתּ⁠וֹ תְּיַבֵּ֣שׁ שַׁלְהָ֑בֶת1

Eliphaz is speaking as if the wicked person were literally a plant or bush whose stalks a flame could dry up or burn up. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He will certainly perish”

116615:30a9harc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠יָס֗וּר בְּ⁠ר֣וּחַ פִּֽי⁠ו1

Eliphaz is speaking as if a hot wind that dried up plants were actually breath from Gods mouth. (The same image appears elsewhere in the Bible, for example, in Isaiah 40:7, “The grass withers, the flower wilts, for the breath of Yahweh blows on it.”) If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, God will destroy him”

116715:30j489rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsפִּֽי⁠ו1

The pronoun his refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Gods mouth”

116815:30rxv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismוְ֝⁠יָס֗וּר1

Eliphaz is using the word depart to mean “die.” This is a mild way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “and he will pass away” or “and he will die”

116915:31lr37rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsאַל־יַאֲמֵ֣ן ב⁠שו & נִתְעָ֑ה1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of emptiness and recompense, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “Let him not trust in things that have no value… for in return he will receive things that have no value”

117015:32j490rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבְּֽ⁠לֹא־י֭וֹמ⁠וֹ1

Eliphaz assumes that Job will understand that by his day, he means the day for the wicked to die. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “When it is not his day to die” or “Before the time would have come for him to die”

117115:32j491rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveתִּמָּלֵ֑א1

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: “this will happen”

117215:32s26krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ֝⁠כִפָּת֗⁠וֹ לֹ֣א רַעֲנָֽנָה1

Eliphaz is continuing the image from the previous verse of the wicked person being like a plant or bush. He is speaking of this plant or bush being alive by association with the way that its branches would be green inside if it were alive. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, he will die”

117315:33beb8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileיַחְמֹ֣ס כַּ⁠גֶּ֣פֶן בִּסְר֑⁠וֹ וְ⁠יַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ כַּ֝⁠זַּ֗יִת נִצָּתֽ⁠וֹ1

The point of these comparisons is that the wicked person will not be able to succeed in his endeavors. They will all end in failure, just as a grapevine may not be able to nourish its grapes and so they will fall off while they are still unripe, and just as an olive tree might lose its blossoms due to cold weather in the spring and not bear any fruit that year. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “His endeavors will fail, as if he were a grapevine that lost its grapes because it could not nourish them or an olive tree that bore no fruit because it shed its blossoms due to cold weather in the spring”

117415:33g676rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיַחְמֹ֣ס כַּ⁠גֶּ֣פֶן בִּסְר֑⁠וֹ וְ⁠יַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ כַּ֝⁠זַּ֗יִת נִצָּתֽ⁠וֹ1

Eliphaz speaks as if the grapevine itself would shake off its grapes and as if the olive tree itself would cast off its blossoms. He means that the grapes will drop from the vine and the blossoms will fall off the tree. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He will be like a grapevine whose grapes drop off and an olive tree whose blossoms fall off”

117515:34rr5nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjחָנֵ֣ף1

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

117615:34j492rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorגַּלְמ֑וּד1

This could mean: (1) that godless people literally will have no children or that they will have no children who survive them. Alternate translation: “will have no children who survive them” (2) that godless people will produce nothing of enduring value, as if they had no descendants. Alternate translation: “will produce nothing of enduring value”

117715:34v3q1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠אֵ֗שׁ אָכְלָ֥ה אָֽהֳלֵי־שֹֽׁחַד1

Eliphaz is speaking as if fire would literally devour or eat up these tents. He means that fire would destroy them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and fire destroys the tents of bribery”

117815:34x22krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ֝⁠אֵ֗שׁ אָכְלָ֥ה אָֽהֳלֵי־שֹֽׁחַד1

Eliphaz is using the term bribery by association to mean people who pay and demand bribes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and fire destroys the tents of people who engage in bribery”

117915:34j493rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠אֵ֗שׁ אָכְלָ֥ה אָֽהֳלֵי־שֹֽׁחַד1

Eliphaz is speaking as if the tents of people who engage in bribery will literally burn up in a fire. He means that they will be destroyed by one means or another. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the tents of people who engage in bribery will be destroyed”

118015:34j494rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ֝⁠אֵ֗שׁ אָכְלָ֥ה אָֽהֳלֵי־שֹֽׁחַד1

Eliphaz is using one possession of wicked people, the tents in which they live, to mean all of their possessions and their standing in the community. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar expression in 8:22. Alternate translation: “and those who practice bribery will be without status or means”

118115:35u7sbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהָרֹ֣ה עָ֭מָל וְ⁠יָ֣לֹד אָ֑וֶן וּ֝⁠בִטְנָ֗⁠ם תָּכִ֥ין מִרְמָֽה1

Eliphaz is speaking as if wicked people were literally women who had trouble, iniquity, and deceit as their children. He means that wicked people produce these things in their lives. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They think of bad things to do and they do wicked things, yes, they intentionally deceive others”

118216:introj3zc0

Job 16 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is the beginning of Jobs response to Eliphazs second speech. In verses 16, Job complains that his friends have not helped him with their advice. In verses 722, Job describes how he feels God has made him suffer. Job briefly addresses God directly in verses 7 and 8.

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

Special Concepts in This Chapter

“witness,” “advocate,” and “intercessor”

In verses 1921, Job describes the need for someone to plead his case to God in heaven. This is likely the same figure whom Job calls his “redeemer” in 19:25. Although Job does not seem to be giving a prophecy knowingly about the Messiah, the role that he describes closely parallels the way that Jesus intercedes for people in heaven. He says that such a person would testify that he had not done wrong (be his “witness”), take his side (be his “advocate”), and plead with God not to punish him (be his “intercessor”). In your translation, use words that describe someone in your culture who does these things for another person. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/intercede]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/testimony]])

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Variation between singular and plural “you”

In verses 18, Job sometimes uses the singular form of “you” to address either Eliphaz or God and he sometimes uses the plural form of “you” to address all three of his friends together. Notes identify which form he is using in each instance so that you can use the appropriate form in your translation if your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you.”

118316:2j497rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularכֻּלְּ⁠כֶֽם1

As the context suggests, the word you is plural here because Job is using it to refer to his three friends. So use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

118416:2t7wjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionמְנַחֲמֵ֖י עָמָ֣ל1

Job is not using this possessive form to say that his friends are providing comfort to trouble. He is using the form to say that in their attempts to be his comforters, they are causing him further trouble. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “troublesome counselors”

118516:3p7garc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠קֵ֥ץ לְ⁠דִבְרֵי־ר֑וּחַ א֥וֹ מַה־יַּ֝מְרִֽיצְ⁠ךָ֗ כִּ֣י תַעֲנֶֽה1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “I wish that you would stop speaking these words of wind! I do not think anything compels you to answer.”

118616:3g4tprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלְ⁠דִבְרֵי־ר֑וּחַ1

Job is answering Eliphaz with his own words. See how you translated the similar expression in 15:2. Alternate translation: “to insubstantial words” or “to such bluster”

118716:3j498rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularתַעֲנֶֽה1

The word you is singular here because Job is using it to refer only to Eliphaz, who has just spoken to him. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

118816:4j499rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheל֤וּ־יֵ֪שׁ נַפְשְׁ⁠כֶ֡ם תַּ֤חַת נַפְשִׁ֗⁠י1

Job is using one part of himself and his friends, their souls, to mean all of them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if you were in my place”

118916:4j500rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularכָּ⁠כֶ֪ם & נַפְשְׁ⁠כֶ֡ם & עֲלֵי⁠כֶ֣ם & עֲ֝לֵי⁠כֶ֗ם1

The word you is plural in each of these instances because Job is using it to refer to his three friends. So use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

119016:4mg21rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאַחְבִּ֣ירָה& בְּ⁠מִלִּ֑ים1

Job is using the term words to mean the things that he would say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I would say one thing after another”

119116:4bv7src://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוְ⁠אָנִ֥יעָה עֲ֝לֵי⁠כֶ֗ם בְּמ֣וֹ רֹאשִֽׁ⁠י1

To shake the head at someone is a symbolic action indicating disapproval. This action may have the same meaning in your culture. If not, your culture may have a comparable gesture that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “and I would point my finger at you”

119216:5j501rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyאֲאַמִּצְ⁠כֶ֥ם בְּמוֹ־פִ֑⁠י וְ⁠נִ֖יד שְׂפָתַ֣⁠י יַחְשֹֽׂךְ1

For emphasis, Job is saying the opposite of what he means. He does not feel that his friends actually have been strengthening him or relieving him. If a speaker of your language would not say the opposite of what he means for emphasis, in your translation you could indicate what Job actually means. Alternate translation: “I would say things such as you have been saying, thinking that I was strengthening and comforting you, even though saying such things would actually make you feel worse, as you have been making me feel worse”

119316:5i21irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularאֲאַמִּצְ⁠כֶ֥ם1

The word you is plural here because Job is using it to refer to his three friends. So use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

119416:5dvh6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְּמוֹ־פִ֑⁠י וְ⁠נִ֖יד שְׂפָתַ֣⁠י1

Job is using the terms mouth and lips by association to mean speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by what I said, and the things that I spoke”

119516:6vjz7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveלֹא־יֵחָשֵׂ֣ךְ כְּאֵבִ֑⁠י1

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: “that does not relieve my pain”

119616:6s8sfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַה־מִ⁠נִּ֥י יַהֲלֹֽךְ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “that does not make the pain go away”

119716:7t7qhrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsהֶלְאָ֑⁠נִי1

The pronoun he most likely refers to God, since the following pronoun you seems clearly to address God. Job seems to be referring to God in the third person in order to make a transition from speaking to his friends, and he then seems to be addressing God directly in the second person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “you, God, have exhausted me”

119816:7mrz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularהֲ֝שִׁמּ֗וֹתָ1

The word you is singular here because Job is using it to refer to God. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

119916:8pz4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personification וַֽ֭⁠תִּקְמְטֵ⁠נִי לְ⁠עֵ֣ד הָיָ֑ה וַ⁠יָּ֥קָם בִּ֥⁠י כַ֝חֲשִׁ֗⁠י בְּ⁠פָנַ֥⁠י יַעֲנֶֽה1

Job is speaking as if his shriveled condition, his leanness, were a living thing that was serving as a witness and testifying against him. He means that people consider him to be guilty of sin because they believe that God is punishing him with a sickness that has made him lose weight. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and because you have afflicted me with a sickness that has made me emaciated, people consider that to be evidence that I have sinned”

120016:8z1f4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularוַֽ֭⁠תִּקְמְטֵ⁠נִי1

The word you is singular here because Job is using it to refer to God. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

120116:8wiw6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheבְּ⁠פָנַ֥⁠י1

Here the word face could mean: (1) Job himself, using one part of him to represent all of him. Alternate translation: “against me” (2) Jobs reputation as a righteous person, in a specific sense of the word face. Alternate translation: “against my good reputation”

120216:9a6ferc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorטָרַ֨ף ׀ וַֽ⁠יִּשְׂטְמֵ֗⁠נִי1

Job is speaking as if God were literally a wild animal that had attacked and torn him. If it would be more natural in your language, you could express this as a comparison. Alternate translation: “he has been like a wild animal, tearing and attacking me”

120316:9crc6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureטָרַ֨ף ׀ וַֽ⁠יִּשְׂטְמֵ֗⁠נִי1

Since a wild animal would attack its prey before tearing it, it might be more natural to reverse the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: “he has attacked me and he has torn me”

120416:9j503rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionחָרַ֣ק עָלַ֣⁠י בְּ⁠שִׁנָּ֑י⁠ו1

This action expresses strong anger. If there is a similar gesture in your culture, you could consider using it here in your translation. You could also indicate the meaning of this gesture. Alternate translation: “he is so angry at me that he grinds his teeth together”

120516:9c555rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִלְט֖וֹשׁ עֵינָ֣י⁠ו לִֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking as if God, whom he believes is acting towards him as an enemy, were literally sharpening his eyes, the way one would sharpen a sword in order to use it dangerously as a weapon. Job means that God is focusing his eyes intently on him to recognize ways to attack him further and to ensure that he, Job, does not escape. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “focuses his eyes intently on me”

120616:10i21wrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionפָּעֲר֬וּ עָלַ֨⁠י ׀ בְּ⁠פִי⁠הֶ֗ם1

Opening the mouth wide at someone was a symbolic action that expressed ridicule. If there is a similar gesture in your culture, you could consider using it here in your translation. You could also indicate the meaning of this gesture. Alternate translation: “They open their mouths wide at me in order to ridicule me”

120716:10j504rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsבְּ⁠פִי⁠הֶ֗ם1

Since Job is speaking of many people, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of mouth. Alternate translation: “with their mouths”

120816:11mm84rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיְדֵ֖י1

Here, hands represents the power and control that people have over something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the power of”

120916:11j505rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרְשָׁעִ֣ים1

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

121016:11zm7grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִרְטֵֽ⁠נִי1

Job is speaking as if God were literally throwing him into the hands of the wicked. He means that God is abandoning him to whatever it is that wicked people would want to do to him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he abandons me”

121116:12t8kcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַֽ⁠יְפַרְפְּרֵ֗⁠נִי וְ⁠אָחַ֣ז בְּ֭⁠עָרְפִּ⁠י וַֽ⁠יְפַצְפְּצֵ֑⁠נִי1

Job is speaking as if God has literally shattered him, breaking him into many parts, and seized his neck and shaken him to pieces. He means that God has destroyed everything important in his life—his family, his health, and his possessions. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this as a comparison, as the UST does, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but he has destroyed my family, my health, and my possessions”

121216:12nt7zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ⁠יְקִימֵ֥⁠נִי ל֝֗⁠וֹ לְ⁠מַטָּרָֽה1

Job is speaking as if God has literally set him up as a target. (He continues this image in the first line of the next verse.) He means that it seems as if God has harmed him very intentionally. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this as a comparison, as the UST does, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yes, it seems as if he has harmed me very intentionally”

121316:13kx4drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיָ֘סֹ֤בּוּ עָלַ֨⁠י ׀ רַבָּ֗י⁠ו1

Job is speaking as if archers whom God commands have literally surrounded him. He means that God has caused him to experience many different troubles. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly, as long as you also used plain language in the last sentence of the previous verse. Alternate translation: “he has caused me to experience many troubles”

121416:13j507rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיְפַלַּ֣ח כִּ֭לְיוֹתַ⁠י וְ⁠לֹ֣א יַחְמ֑וֹל יִשְׁפֹּ֥ךְ לָ֝⁠אָ֗רֶץ מְרֵרָֽתִ⁠י1

Job means implicitly that these archers are seeking mercilessly to kill him by shooting their arrows into his vital organs. (By saying that God pours his bile on the ground, Job means that Gods archers have pierced his liver as well as his kidneys, since the liver produces bile and that fluid would spill out of the body if the liver were pierced.) You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “They are seeking mercilessly to kill me by shooting their arrows into my vital organs”

121516:13e7bprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיְפַלַּ֣ח כִּ֭לְיוֹתַ⁠י וְ⁠לֹ֣א יַחְמ֑וֹל יִשְׁפֹּ֥ךְ לָ֝⁠אָ֗רֶץ מְרֵרָֽתִ⁠י1

Job does not mean that arrows have literally pierced his kidneys and liver. He is continuing the image of the archers to indicate that it feels to him as if God is mercilessly trying to kill him in a way that he could not possibly survive. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It feels to me as if God is mercilessly trying to kill me in a way that I could not possibly survive”

121616:13j506rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיְפַלַּ֣ח & וְ⁠לֹ֣א יַחְמ֑וֹל & יִשְׁפֹּ֥ךְ1

The pronouns He and he refer to God. Job means that God is doing these things through the symbolic archers that he describes in the previous sentence. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use plural pronouns to show that this is a continuation of the image of the archers. Alternate translation: “They pierce my kidneys and do not spare; they pour my bile on the ground”

121716:14lx7frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִפְרְצֵ֣⁠נִי פֶ֭רֶץ עַל־פְּנֵי־פָ֑רֶץ1

Job is speaking as if he were a defensive wall around a city and God was smashing openings or breaches in that wall. He means that the continual sufferings that he is experiencing are making him less and less able to be resilient. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He causes me continual sufferings that are making me less and less resilient”

121816:14j508rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomפֶ֭רֶץ עַל־פְּנֵי־פָ֑רֶץ1

This expression could mean: (1) that God is smashing openings in many different places in this wall (which represents Job). Alternate translation, if you choose to represent the image in your translation: “smashing openings in many different places in my wall” (2) that after succeeding in smashing an opening in this wall, God smashes repeatedly in the same place to make that opening bigger. Alternate translation: “ever enlarging the opening in my wall”

121916:14r9mdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיָרֻ֖ץ עָלַ֣⁠י כְּ⁠גִבּֽוֹר1

Job is speaking as if God were literally running against him the way a warrior would run to attack an enemy soldier. Job is answering Eliphaz with his own words. In 15:26, Eliphaz used the same image to describe how wicked people oppose God. If you used the image or represented it as a comparison in your translation in that verse, you may wish to translate the corresponding image here in the same way. If you used plain language there, you could use similar language here. Alternate translation: “he opposes me very forcefully”

122016:15cnt2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשַׂ֣ק תָּ֭פַרְתִּי עֲלֵ֣י גִלְדִּ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking as if he had literally sewn sackcloth onto his skin. He could mean: (1) that he is continually in mourning, as if he wore sackcloth (a sign of mourning) so frequently that it seemed to be sewn onto his skin. Alternate translation: “I am continually in mourning” (2) that he actually has been wearing sackcloth (although the narrative at the beginning of the book does not say so) and it has stuck to his skin because of his boils, as if it were sewn to his skin. Alternate translation: “The sackcloth I have been wearing in grief has stuck to my skin”

122116:15hil8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠עֹלַ֖לְתִּי בֶ⁠עָפָ֣ר קַרְנִֽ⁠י1

People in the biblical culture used the horn of an animal to represent strength and honor. When they did, they would speak of humans as if they had horns like animals. For example, Psalm 112:9 says of the person who fears Yahweh, “His horn rises high in honor.” Job is using the image in the opposite way to say that he is suffering disgrace. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I am suffering great disgrace”

122216:16l1idrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠עַ֖ל עַפְעַפַּ֣⁠י צַלְמָֽוֶת1

Job is describing the fact that he has not been sleeping well, by association with the way that dark circles form around the eyes of someone who lacks sleep. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and I have dark circles around my eyes from lack of sleep”

122316:17cs74rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלֹא־חָמָ֣ס בְּ⁠כַפָּ֑⁠י1

Job is using one part of himself, his hands, to mean all of him in the potential act of committing violence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have not committed any violence”

122416:17j509rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorזַכָּֽה1

Job is speaking as if his prayer were literally pure, that is, as if it were a physical substance that had nothing else mixed in. He means that when he prays, he means just what he says and he has no other motives other than sincerely speaking with God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is sincere”

122516:18xf2zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheאֶ֭רֶץ אַל־תְּכַסִּ֣י דָמִ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking to something that he knows cannot hear him, the Earth. He is doing that to show in a strong way how he feels about what has been happening to him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I hope that when I die, my blood will remain visible on the earth”

122616:18aj18rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֶ֭רֶץ אַל־תְּכַסִּ֣י דָמִ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking as if he were literally going to be murdered and as if his blood were going to fall to the ground and soak into the earth unless something prevented that. He means that he is like the victim of a deadly crime in that he deserves justice but there is a risk that he will not receive it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I want to receive justice for what is happening to me”

122716:18bg2urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheוְֽ⁠אַל־יְהִ֥י מָ֝ק֗וֹם לְ⁠זַעֲקָתִֽ⁠י1

It is likely that Job is continuing to address the Earth in this part of the verse. Once again he is doing that in order to show in a strong way how he feels about what has been happening to him. Job is speaking as if the earth could hear him and as if it could make sure that none of its locations would provide a place for anyone to hide Jobs cry so that it was not answered. The context makes clear that this is a cry for justice. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly Alternate translation: “and I hope that my cry for justice is answered and not hidden”

122816:19z7jsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבַ⁠שָּׁמַ֣יִם עֵדִ֑⁠י וְ֝⁠שָׂהֲדִ֗⁠י בַּ⁠מְּרוֹמִֽים1

See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter to decide how to translate the terms witness and advocate, which both describe the same person, someone whom Job expects will intercede for him in heaven. Alternate translation: “the person who has taken my side is pleading my case to God in heaven”

122916:19ietkrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralבַּ⁠מְּרוֹמִֽים1

Job is using the term heights to mean heaven, which is high above the earth. The plural form probably identifies these heights as the supreme example of their class. That is, while being on top of a mountain gives someone a commanding position, ruling from heaven gives God the supremely commanding position. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is in highest heaven” or “is in heaven, where he rules supremely”

123016:20b5wzrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralמְלִיצַ֥⁠י רֵעָ֑⁠י1

This could mean: (1) that Job has a single individual in mind here, the one he called his “witness” and “advocate” in the previous verse. While the terms intercessors and friends are plural, it seems Job could be using plural forms to indicate an indefinite individual. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “There is a certain intercessor who is my friend” (2) that Job is saying that by contrast with the way this “witness” and “advocate” will take his side, his friends have been scoffing at him. The word translated intercessors can also mean “scoffers” (although Job uses it again in 33:23 to mean “intercessor”). Alternate translation: “My friends are scoffing at me”

123116:20v43grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheאֶל־אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַ דָּלְפָ֥ה עֵינִֽ⁠י1

Job is using one part of himself, his eye, to mean all of him in the act of weeping. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am pleading tearfully to God for mercy”

123216:21izh8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personלְ⁠גֶ֣בֶר1

When he refers to a man in the first part of this verse, Job seems to be speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “for me”

123316:21kk12rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוּֽ⁠בֶן־אָדָ֥ם לְ⁠רֵעֵֽ⁠הוּ1

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 a son of man argues for his neighbor”

123416:21j510rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesוּֽ⁠בֶן־אָדָ֥ם לְ⁠רֵעֵֽ⁠הוּ1

In this instance, Job is using the word and to say that the phrase it introduces is just as true as the previous phrase. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “just as a son of man argues for his neighbor”

123516:21j511rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsוּֽ⁠בֶן־אָדָ֥ם לְ⁠רֵעֵֽ⁠הוּ1

Although the terms son and man are masculine, the phrase a son of man has a generic sense and means “a human being.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “just as one human being argues on behalf of another human being”

123616:22j512rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomשְׁנ֣וֹת מִסְפָּ֣ר יֶאֱתָ֑יוּ1

Job is using the expression years of number to mean “a few years.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a few years will go by”

123716:22z81vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismוְ⁠אֹ֖רַח לֹא־אָשׁ֣וּב אֶהֱלֹֽךְ1

When Job says that he will go on a path and not return, he means that he will die. This is a mild way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “and I will pass away” or “and then I will die”

123817:intrors6g0

Job 17 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is the conclusion of Jobs response to Eliphazs second speech. Job expresses his disappointment with his friends advice, he asks Yahweh to help him, and he wishes that he had good things to hope for.

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

123917:1j513rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleרוּחִ֣⁠י חֻ֭בָּלָה יָמַ֥⁠י נִזְעָ֗כוּ1

Job is making an overstatement when he says that his spirit has already been destroyed and his days have already been extinguished. He means that this is nearly the case. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My spirit is nearly destroyed, my days are nearly extinguished”

124017:1j514rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveרוּחִ֣⁠י חֻ֭בָּלָה יָמַ֥⁠י נִזְעָ֗כוּ1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “My troubles have nearly destroyed my spirit and extinguished my days”

124117:1c8r6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheרוּחִ֣⁠י1

This could mean: (1) Jobs life. Job would be using one part of himself, his spirit, to mean all of him. Alternate translation: “My life” (2) Jobs strength and morale. Alternate translation: “My strength” or “My morale”

124217:1yjx4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיָמַ֥⁠י נִזְעָ֗כוּ1

Job is using the term days to mean a specific period of time, his lifetime. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my life is extinguished”

124317:1j515rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיָמַ֥⁠י נִזְעָ֗כוּ1

Job is speaking as if his life were literally a flame that something had extinguished or snuffed out. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my life is almost over”

124417:1j516rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralקְבָרִ֥ים לִֽ⁠י1

While the term graves is plural, it seems unlikely that Job means he will be buried in more than one grave. (1) Job could be using the plural form to indicate an indefinite thing. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “there is a grave ready for me somewhere” (2) Job could be speaking of a graveyard or cemetery by association with the way that such a place contains many graves. Alternate translation: “the graveyard is ready for me”

124517:1awv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismקְבָרִ֥ים לִֽ⁠י1

Job is saying that graves are ready for him to mean that he will die soon. This is a mild way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “soon I will die”

124617:2jf81rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־לֹ֣א הֲ֭תֻלִים עִמָּדִ֑⁠י1

Job 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: “There are mockers with me, are there not?”

124717:2z26qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאִם־לֹ֣א הֲ֭תֻלִים עִמָּדִ֑⁠י1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Surely there are mockers with me!”

124817:2j517rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personאִם־לֹ֣א הֲ֭תֻלִים עִמָּדִ֑⁠י1

By mockers, Job most likely means his friends. He would be speaking of them in the third person even though they are present. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “All three of you have been mocking me!”

124917:2wp1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוּ֝⁠בְ⁠הַמְּרוֹתָ֗⁠ם תָּלַ֥ן עֵינִֽ⁠י1

Job is using one part of himself, his eye, to mean all of him in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, using the second person: “Yes, all I can see is your provocations”

125017:2wr6qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוּ֝⁠בְ⁠הַמְּרוֹתָ֗⁠ם תָּלַ֥ן עֵינִֽ⁠י1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of provocations, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Yes, all I can see is you provoking me”

125117:2j518rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ֝⁠בְ⁠הַמְּרוֹתָ֗⁠ם תָּלַ֥ן עֵינִֽ⁠י1

The implication is that Jobs friends have only been provoking him, not comforting him, because otherwise he would be able to recognize their comfort. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “You have only been provoking me, not comforting me”

125217:3j519rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularשִֽׂימָ⁠ה־נָּ֭א עָרְבֵ֣⁠נִי עִמָּ֑⁠ךְ1

The word you and the implied “you” in the imperative set and in the imperative be surety for are singular because they refer to God. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

125317:3fwk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשִֽׂימָ⁠ה־נָּ֭א עָרְבֵ֣⁠נִי עִמָּ֑⁠ךְ1

Job is speaking as if God would literally set down, that is, surrender to a court, something of value in order to guarantee Jobs appearance in court and good conduct. Job is similarly speaking as if God would literally be surety for him, that is, personally guarantee his appearance and conduct. Job speaks this way even though he says at the same time that God himself would be trying his case (that is the meaning of with you). Your culture may have a similar custom that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “Please put up a bond for me even as you try my case”

125417:3l8dvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִֽי ה֝֗וּא לְ⁠יָדִ֥⁠י יִתָּקֵֽעַ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No one else will strike himself to my hand”

125517:3j520rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionמִֽי ה֝֗וּא לְ⁠יָדִ֥⁠י יִתָּקֵֽעַ1

Job is speaking of one person striking his hand against a second persons hand as a symbolic action in order to show that he was committing himself to serve as a guarantor for that second person. Your culture may have a similar practice that you could use in your translation, and you can also explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “No one else will shake hands with me to pledge that he will be my guarantor”

125617:4j521rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּֽי1

Job is using the word For to introduce the reason why he said in the previous verse that he believed no one else would be a guarantor for him. Alternate translation: “My friends will not be my guarantors because”

125717:4fbr7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלִ֭בָּ⁠ם צָפַ֣נְתָּ מִּ⁠שָּׂ֑כֶל1

Job is speaking as if God had literally hidden the hearts of his friends in a place where their hearts would not come in contact with understanding. Within the context of this image, Job is using the heart to represent the mind. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have kept their minds from understanding”

125817:4wj87rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלֹ֣א תְרֹמֵֽם1

Job is speaking as if God would literally exalt his friends or lift them up to a height. He means that God would honor them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will not honor them”

125917:4y4nerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלֹ֣א תְרֹמֵֽם1

Job means implicitly that since God has kept his friends from understanding that he is innocent, God will not exalt or honor his friends by giving a guilty verdict against him, thereby vindicating what the friends have been saying. That would be allowing error to triumph. You could indicate that explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “you will not vindicate what they have been erroneously saying by giving a guilty verdict against me”

126017:5kb8zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלְ֭⁠חֵלֶק יַגִּ֣יד רֵעִ֑ים וְ⁠עֵינֵ֖י בָנָ֣י⁠ו תִּכְלֶֽנָה1

Job is using one thing that God does to maintain justice, punish those who commit perjury for a bribe, to represent all that God does to maintain justice. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “After all, you maintain justice by punishing people who corrupt court proceedings”

126117:5i5psrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismוְ⁠עֵינֵ֖י בָנָ֣י⁠ו תִּכְלֶֽנָה1

Job is speaking of how the eyes of people who are dying fail (no longer see) in order to describe those people dying. This is a poetic way of speaking about death. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “his sons will certainly die”

126217:5j522rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsבָנָ֣י⁠ו1

Here the masculine term sons has a generic sense that includes both sons and daughters. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “his children”

126317:6j523rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְֽ֭⁠הִצִּגַ⁠נִי1

The pronoun he refers to God. After briefly speaking directly to God in verses 3 and 4, Job now speaks of God once again in the third person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “But God has made me”

126417:6kzr9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלִ⁠מְשֹׁ֣ל עַמִּ֑ים1

Job is using the word saying to mean that the peoples are citing him by name as an outstanding example of someone who seemed to be prospering because he was righteous but who came to ruin because he was actually wicked. Your language may have an expression for this practice of citing people by name as examples that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “a byword for the peoples”

126517:6me7lrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוְ⁠תֹ֖פֶת לְ⁠פָנִ֣ים אֶֽהְיֶֽה1

People were spitting in Jobs face as a symbolic action to show their contempt for him as a wicked person, which he appeared to them to be. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “and people have even been spitting in my face to show their contempt for me because they think I am a wicked person”

126617:7a9iprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוַ⁠תֵּ֣כַהּ מִ⁠כַּ֣עַשׂ עֵינִ֑⁠י1

Job is using the term eye by association to mean sight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because of my sorrow, I can only see dimly”

126717:7my86rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכַּ⁠צֵּ֣ל1

The point of this comparison is that just as a shadow is insubstantial, so Jobs members, that is, the parts of his body, have become very thin. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “have become as thin as a shadow”

126817:8g1f9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjיְשָׁרִ֣ים & וְ֝⁠נָקִ֗י & חָנֵ֥ף1

Job is using the adjectives upright, innocent, and godless 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: “Upright people … and innocent people … godless people”

126917:9j524rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjצַדִּ֣יק & וּֽ⁠טֳהָר־יָ֝דַ֗יִם1

Job is using the adjectives righteous and clean 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: “righteous people … and people whose hands are clean”

127017:9r9ayrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠יֹאחֵ֣ז & דַּרְכּ֑⁠וֹ1

Job is speaking of how God wants a person to live, or of the future that God has planned for a person, as if that were a way or path that God wants the person to walk along. When Job says that the righteous will hold his way, he means that that person will continue to walk along that path. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And … will continue to live as God desires”

127117:9lqi9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּֽ⁠טֳהָר־יָ֝דַ֗יִם1

Job is speaking as if people who are innocent of wrongdoing have hands that are literally clean. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and innocent people”

127217:9lx6mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיֹסִ֥יף אֹֽמֶץ1

When Job says that innocent people will add strength, he means by this expression that they will continually grow stronger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will grow stronger and stronger”

127317:10e43irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personכֻּלָּ֣⁠ם1

Job is speaking about his friends in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “all of you”

127417:10e7nvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysתָּ֭שֻׁבוּ וּ⁠בֹ֣אוּ1

This phrase may be expressing a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word return tells in what way Job wants his friends to come. He wants them to try speaking with him “again.” 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: “come again”

127517:10j525rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjבָ⁠כֶ֣ם חָכָֽם1

Job is using the adjective wise as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. The ULT indicates this by adding the word person. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “anyone among you who is wise”

127617:11nba8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיָמַ֣⁠י עָ֭בְרוּ1

Job is using the term days to refer to a specific time, his lifetime. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My life is almost over”

127717:11j526rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveזִמֹּתַ֣⁠י נִתְּק֑וּ1

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: “I will not be able to fulfill my plans”

127817:11f9nnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationמ֖וֹרָשֵׁ֣י לְבָבִֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking of his heart as if it were a living thing that could have desires. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the things that I deeply desired”

127917:12m8i8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלַ֭יְלָה לְ⁠י֣וֹם יָשִׂ֑ימוּ1

Job is speaking about troubled times in life as if they were literally night and happy, prosperous times in life as if they were literally day. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They claim that what is happening to me is actually good”

128017:12m4j6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיָשִׂ֑ימוּ1

The pronoun They refers to Jobs friends. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “My friends change”

128117:12j527rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personיָשִׂ֑ימוּ1

Job is speaking about his friends in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “You, my friends, change” or “You change”

128217:12j528rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsא֝֗וֹר קָר֥וֹב מִ⁠פְּנֵי־חֹֽשֶׁךְ1

Many interpreters believe that in this sentence, Job is summarizing what his friends have been telling him. You may wish to represent the sentence in your translation as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “You say, Light is near from the face of darkness

128317:12fif1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyא֝֗וֹר קָר֥וֹב מִ⁠פְּנֵי־חֹֽשֶׁךְ1

Here the word face represents the presence of something, by association with the way that people can see the face of a person who is present. Alternate translation: “Light is near from the presence of darkness”

128417:12j529rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-proverbsא֝֗וֹר קָר֥וֹב מִ⁠פְּנֵי־חֹֽשֶׁךְ1

Job may be using a proverb, a short, popular saying about something that is generally true in life, to summarize what his friends have been telling him. Or his friends may have been quoting this proverb themselves in their advice to Job. Your language may have a similar saying that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Its always darkest before the dawn”

128517:13h88crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheבַּ֝⁠חֹ֗שֶׁךְ רִפַּ֥דְתִּי יְצוּעָֽ⁠י1

Job is using the single activity of preparing a bed on which to sleep to mean all that is involved in making a place ones home. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if I have made my home in the realm of the dead”

128617:13j530rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבַּ֝⁠חֹ֗שֶׁךְ1

Job is using the term darkness to mean the realm of the dead, Sheol, by association with the way that it is dark there. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if in the realm of the dead”

128717:14j531rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesלַ⁠שַּׁ֣חַת קָ֭רָאתִי אָ֣בִ⁠י אָ֑תָּה1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “if I tell the pit that it is my father” or “if I call the pit my father”

128817:14uwb3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלַ⁠שַּׁ֣חַת קָ֭רָאתִי אָ֣בִ⁠י אָ֑תָּה1

If Job said this, he would be saying that the pit was his home, by association with the way that a person lives in the home of his father. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if I call to the pit, You {are} my home

128917:14j532rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheלַ⁠שַּׁ֣חַת קָ֭רָאתִי אָ֣בִ⁠י אָ֑תָּה1

If Job did speak this way to the pit, that is, to the realm of the dead, he would be speaking to something that he knew could not hear and understand him in order to make an emphatic statement. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if I said that the pit was certainly going to be my home”

129017:14j533rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisאִמִּ֥⁠י וַ֝⁠אֲחֹתִ֗⁠י לָֽ⁠רִמָּֽה1

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: “or if I call to the worm and say, You are my mother, or, You are my sister

129117:14e6lbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאִמִּ֥⁠י וַ֝⁠אֲחֹתִ֗⁠י לָֽ⁠רִמָּֽה1

If Job said this to a worm, such as would be found in a grave, he would be saying that the grave was going to be his home, by association with the way that a person shares a home with his mother and sister. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or if I call to the worm, I am going to share the grave with you” or “or if I call to the worm, I am going to be in a grave, just as you are

129217:14j534rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheאִמִּ֥⁠י וַ֝⁠אֲחֹתִ֗⁠י לָֽ⁠רִמָּֽה1

If Job did speak this way to a worm, he would be speaking to something that he knew could not hear and understand him in order to make an emphatic statement. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if I said that I was certainly going to be in a grave”

129317:14j535rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounלָֽ⁠רִמָּֽה1

Job is not referring to a specific worm. He means any worm. Express this in the way that would be most natural in your language. Alternate translation: “to a worm”

129417:14nrr3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownלָֽ⁠רִמָּֽה1

A worm is a small, legless creature that burrows through the ground, passing the soil through its digestive system in order to extract the nutrients that the soil contains. Worms also pass whatever else they find underground through their digestive systems, including dead bodies. If your readers would not be familiar with what a worm is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable creature in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “to a small burrowing creature”

129517:15zb7drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ֭⁠אַיֵּה אֵפ֣וֹ תִקְוָתִ֑⁠י וְ֝⁠תִקְוָתִ֗⁠י מִ֣י יְשׁוּרֶֽ⁠נָּה1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “then I would not have any real hope! No, I would not have any hope that anyone could see!”

129617:15j536rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ֭⁠אַיֵּה אֵפ֣וֹ תִקְוָתִ֑⁠י וְ֝⁠תִקְוָתִ֗⁠י מִ֣י יְשׁוּרֶֽ⁠נָּה1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hope, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “then I would not really have anything to hope for! No, I would not have anything to hope for that anyone could see!”

129717:16h77prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionבַּדֵּ֣י שְׁאֹ֣ל תֵּרַ֑דְנָה אִם־יַ֖חַד עַל־עָפָ֣ר נָֽחַת1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “Then they would descend to the bars of Sheol! Then our rest would be together in the dust!”

129817:16j537rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralתֵּרַ֑דְנָה1

The pronoun they refers to the hope that Job described in the previous verse. Job may be using a plural term to speak of the hope that he said would not be and the hope that he said no one would see, even though this is basically the same hope. If it would be more natural in your language, you could use a singular pronoun in your translation. Alternate translation: “Will it descend” or, as a statement, “Then it would descend”

129917:16yx83rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבַּדֵּ֣י שְׁאֹ֣ל1

Job is using the term bars to mean “gates,” by association with the way that bars keep a gate locked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the gates of Sheol”

130017:16j538rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבַּדֵּ֣י שְׁאֹ֣ל1

Job means implicitly that if his hope went down to the bars or gates of Sheol, it would be admitted there. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to Sheol and be admitted there”

130117:16z16erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismאִם־יַ֖חַד עַל־עָפָ֣ר נָֽחַת1

When Job speaks of having rest in the dust, he means having died. This is a poetic way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “Will we die together” or “Will my hope die with me”

130217:16ajw5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationאִם־יַ֖חַד עַל־עָפָ֣ר נָֽחַת1

Job is speaking of his hope as if it were a living thing that could have rest. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do I have nothing more to hope for in this life”

130318:introqk5f0

Job 18 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

In this chapter, Jobs friend Bildad speaks to him for a second time. As Eliphaz did in his second speech to Job in chapter 15, Bildad speaks more strongly to Job in this speech than he did in his first speech. Using much of the same language that Job used in chapters 16 and 17, Bildad defends himself and the other two friends and warns Job that God will punish him severely if he continues to be wicked (as Bildad believes him to be).

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

130418:2b4enrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionעַד־אָ֤נָה ׀ תְּשִׂימ֣וּ⁠ן קִנְצֵ֣י לְ⁠מִלִּ֑ין1

Bildad is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should make an end of words right now!” or “It is not helpful for you to keep saying such things!”

130518:2jpp1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyעַד־אָ֤נָה ׀ תְּשִׂימ֣וּ⁠ן קִנְצֵ֣י לְ⁠מִלִּ֑ין1

Bildad is using the term words to mean what Job has been saying by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Bildad is answering Job by using the same language that Job used in 16:3. See how you translated the expression “an end to words” there; ends of words here is a slight variation. Alternate translation: “For how long will you keep talking”

130618:2j539rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralתְּשִׂימ֣וּ⁠ן & תָּ֝בִ֗ינוּ1

The pronoun you and the implied “you” in the imperative Consider are plural. Bildad may be using these plural forms because he is answering Job in his own words and Job addressed “all of you” (meaning his three friends) when he asked in 16:3](../16/03.md), “Is there an end to words of wind?” Bildad could be portraying Job as representative of a group of people who think and speak as he does. If your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you,” it may be more natural to use singular forms in your translation.

130718:3b16nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַ֭דּוּעַ נֶחְשַׁ֣בְנוּ כַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֑ה נִ֝טְמִ֗ינוּ בְּ⁠עֵינֵי⁠כֶֽם1

Bildad is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “We should not be regarded as beasts, stupid in your eyes!”

130818:3v7r1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveמַ֭דּוּעַ נֶחְשַׁ֣בְנוּ כַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֑ה1

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: “Why do you regard us as beasts”

130918:3j540rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכַ⁠בְּהֵמָ֑ה1

Bildad is using this comparison to say that just as beasts have no understanding, so Job regards his friends as having no understanding. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “as beasts that have no understanding”

131018:3yk9urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְּ⁠עֵינֵי⁠כֶֽם1

Bildad is using the term eyes by association to mean sight. Sight, in turn, represents attention, perspective, and judgment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from your perspective”

131118:3pdy5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralבְּ⁠עֵינֵי⁠כֶֽם1

The word your is plural here, like the word “you” in the previous verse. Since Bildad is addressing Job, it may be more natural to use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

131218:4zm4prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personטֹֽרֵ֥ף נַפְשׁ֗⁠וֹ בְּ⁠אַ֫פּ֥⁠וֹ1

Bildad is speaking about Job in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “You who tear yourself in your nose”

131318:4j542rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitטֹֽרֵ֥ף נַפְשׁ֗⁠וֹ בְּ⁠אַ֫פּ֥⁠וֹ1

Bildad is continuing to answer Job in his own words. In 16:9, Job spoke as if God were literally a wild animal that had torn him in his anger. Bildad is saying that it is actually Job who is tearing himself apart in his own anger. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “It is you who are tearing yourself apart in your anger”

131418:4ug9irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ֭⁠לְמַעַנְ⁠ךָ תֵּעָ֣זַב אָ֑רֶץ וְ⁠יֶעְתַּק־צ֝֗וּר מִ⁠מְּקֹמֽ⁠וֹ1

Bildad is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “The earth will not be forsaken for your sake, and the rock will not move from its place!”

131518:4r5lgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveתֵּעָ֣זַב אָ֑רֶץ1

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: “will people forsake the earth” or “will people stop living on the earth”

131618:4zyh5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠יֶעְתַּק־צ֝֗וּר מִ⁠מְּקֹמֽ⁠וֹ1

Bildad is continuing to answer Job in his own words. In 14:1819, Job said to God, “you destroy the hope of man,” and he compared that to the way “a rock moves from its place.” This could be a reference to an earthquake or a landslide. Bildad is implying that Job is being overly grandiose by comparing his individual situation with great natural events. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “It is not as if your individual situation is a great earthquake!”

131718:5e2firc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorא֣וֹר רְשָׁעִ֣ים יִדְעָ֑ךְ וְ⁠לֹֽא־יִ֝גַּ֗הּ שְׁבִ֣יב אִשּֽׁ⁠וֹ1

Bildad is speaking of the happiness and prosperity of a wicked person as if those things were literally a light or flame. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “any happiness or prosperity that wicked people enjoy will not last for very long”

131818:5d868rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרְשָׁעִ֣ים1

Bildad is using the adjective wicked as a noun to mean a certain group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “wicked people” or, since Bildad uses the singular his later in the verse, “a wicked person”

131918:6uj2trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorא֭וֹר חָשַׁ֣ךְ בְּ⁠אָהֳל֑⁠וֹ וְ֝⁠נֵר֗⁠וֹ עָלָ֥י⁠ו יִדְעָֽךְ1

Bildad is continuing to speak of the happiness and prosperity of a wicked person as if those things were literally a light or lamp. He is also continuing to answer Job in his own words. In 17:12, Job said that his friends were telling him that light must be near because it was presently so dark in his life. Bildad is saying here in response that wicked people may be in the light, but soon it will become dark for them. To help make this clear to your readers, it may be helpful to use the same language here that you used in 17:12. Alternate translation: “Even though a wicked person may have light, darkness is near” or “Even though a wicked person may experience prosperity, soon he will have trouble instead”

132018:7fxl3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheיֵֽ֭צְרוּ צַעֲדֵ֣י אוֹנ֑⁠וֹ1

Bildad is using one sign of weakness, a shortening stride, to indicate weakness in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He will become weak”

132118:7j543rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionצַעֲדֵ֣י אוֹנ֑⁠וֹ1

Bildad is using this possessive form to speak of steps that are characterized by strength. It may be more natural for you to express this meaning using a form other than a possessive. Alternate translation: “His vigorous stride”

132218:7bgk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְֽ⁠תַשְׁלִיכֵ֥⁠הוּ עֲצָתֽ⁠וֹ1

Bildad is speaking of a plan that a wicked person might make as if it were a living thing that could cast him down, that is, throw him or make him fall onto the ground. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and his schemes will only harm him in the end”

132318:8t3iwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשֻׁלַּ֣ח בְּ⁠רֶ֣שֶׁת בְּ⁠רַגְלָ֑י⁠ו וְ⁠עַל־שְׂ֝בָכָ֗ה יִתְהַלָּֽךְ1

Bildad is speaking as if a wicked person would literally be caught in a net or pitfall. He means that such a person will experience troubles that will keep him from fulfilling his plans. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will experience troubles that will keep him from fulfilling his plans”

132418:8fl11rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationשֻׁלַּ֣ח בְּ⁠רֶ֣שֶׁת בְּ⁠רַגְלָ֑י⁠ו1

Bildad is speaking of the feet of a wicked person as if they were a living thing that could cast him into a net. The implication seems to be that if the feet of the wicked person, rather than his eyes and his mind, are determining where he is going, he will walk into dangers unawares. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will walk unawares into a net”

132518:8wa1nrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownשְׂ֝בָכָ֗ה1

A pitfall is a type of trap for animals. To make it, people dig a pit in the ground and cover it with netting. They then put plant materials all over the netting to make it appear that the ground above the pit is just ordinary ground. If your readers would not be familiar with what a pitfall 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 concealed trap”

132618:9t6fvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיֹאחֵ֣ז בְּ⁠עָקֵ֣ב פָּ֑ח יַחֲזֵ֖ק עָלָ֣י⁠ו צַמִּֽים1

Bildad is continuing to speak of a wicked person as if he would literally be caught in a snare or trap. If you decided in the previous verse to express the meaning of this image rather than retain it in your translation, you could restate the meaning here. Alternate translation: “Yes, a wicked person will not be able to succeed; he will fail because of all the trouble that he causes for himself”

132718:9jr8grc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownיֹאחֵ֣ז בְּ⁠עָקֵ֣ב פָּ֑ח1

A snare was a device that people in this culture used to catch birds. It consisted of a loose loop of cord. A hunter would put seeds or other bait inside the loop. When a bird came inside the loop to eat the bait, the hunter would pull on the cord and catch the bird by its feet. A snare might also have a mechanism that a bird would trigger automatically by stepping inside the loop. Bildad is speaking as if this would happen to a wicked person, so that he would be caught by the heel. If your readers would not be familiar with what a snare 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: “He will step into a device that will seize his foot”

132818:9j544rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownצַמִּֽים1

By trap, Bildad means some other device for catching birds or animals. Interpreters are unsure exactly what this device is. The word Bildad uses suggests the idea of braiding, and so this could be a net of some kind. Alternate translation: “a net”

132918:10u5ykrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorטָמ֣וּן בָּ⁠אָ֣רֶץ חַבְל֑⁠וֹ וּ֝⁠מַלְכֻּדְתּ֗⁠וֹ עֲלֵ֣י נָתִֽיב1

Bildad is continuing to speak of a wicked person as if he would literally be caught by a rope or trap. If you decided in the previous two verses to express the meaning of this image rather than retain it in your translation, you could restate the meaning in another way here.

133018:10j545rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionחַבְל֑⁠וֹ וּ֝⁠מַלְכֻּדְתּ֗⁠וֹ עֲלֵ֣י1

In these possessive forms, His and his are the objects rather than the subjects of rope and trap. That is, Bildad is not speaking of a rope and trap that the wicked person owns but of a rope and trap that will catch the wicked person. Alternate translation: “The rope that will catch him … and the trap that will catch him is hidden”

133118:10q4wxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveטָמ֣וּן בָּ⁠אָ֣רֶץ חַבְל֑⁠וֹ1

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: “The ground is concealing the rope that will catch him”

133218:10xp42rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownחַבְל֑⁠וֹ1

By rope, Bildad means some further device for catching birds or animals. He seems to mean some larger device for catching animals that would work the same way as a “snare” that catches birds. A hunter might hide a loop of rope in the ground and pull on the rope to catch an animal once it stepped inside the loop. Alternate translation: “a loop of rope to catch him”

133318:10f193rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוּ֝⁠מַלְכֻּדְתּ֗⁠וֹ עֲלֵ֣י נָתִֽיב1

Bildad 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 a trap is hidden for him on the path”

133418:10j546rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownוּ֝⁠מַלְכֻּדְתּ֗⁠וֹ1

It is unclear whether Bildad is talking about a specific type of trap here. He may be using a general term for any device that would catch a bird or animal. If your language has such a general term, it would be appropriate to use it here in your translation.

133518:11ln1grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוֶ⁠הֱפִיצֻ֥⁠הוּ לְ⁠רַגְלָֽי⁠ו1

Bildad is speaking of these Terrors as if they were a living thing that could chase a wicked person the way a dog or wolf would, nipping at his feet to disable him so that he could not run away to safety. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he will not be able to escape from these troubles”

133618:12v7elrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיְהִי־רָעֵ֥ב אֹנ֑⁠וֹ1

Bildad is speaking of the strength of a wicked person as if it were a living thing that could become hungry. He means that a wicked persons strength becomes weakened as if by hunger. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He is weakened as if by hunger”

133718:12j547rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ֝⁠אֵ֗יד נָכ֥וֹן1

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: “and God has prepared disaster”

133818:12zbs5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלְ⁠צַלְעֽ⁠וֹ1

Bildad is speaking as if disaster were literally at the side of a wicked person. He means that it will strike him as soon as there is opportunity. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to strike him as soon as there is opportunity”

133918:13u5isrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיֹ֭אכַל בַּדֵּ֣י עוֹר֑⁠וֹ יֹאכַ֥ל בַּ֝דָּ֗י⁠ו בְּכ֣וֹר מָֽוֶת1

The pronoun It refers to the firstborn of death later in the verse. If it would be clearer in your language, you could put the noun phrase in the first part of the verse and the pronoun in the second part of the verse. Alternate translation: “The firstborn of death devours parts of his skin; it devours his parts”

134018:13mrr7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבְּכ֣וֹר מָֽוֶת1

The expression the firstborn of death means the strongest kind of death or a terrible kind of death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a deadly disease”

134118:13j548rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionבַּ֝דָּ֗י⁠ו1

Since the pronoun his in this possessive form refers to the wicked person as a whole, it is likely that the word parts describes his arms and his legs. Alternate translation: “his arms and his legs”

134218:14j549rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיִנָּתֵ֣ק & וְ֝⁠תַצְעִדֵ֗⁠הוּ1

If terror is indeed the agent that Bildad says pulls the wicked person from his tent, then Bildad is speaking of terror as if it were a living thing that could do this. He actually means that the disasters that cause a wicked person to feel terror also deprive him of safety and security. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The disasters that cause him to feel terror take him away … and they march him”

134318:14m1glrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיִנָּתֵ֣ק1

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, from the context it appears that this may be terror itself, since terror seems to be personified in the second part of the verse. Alternate translation: “Terror pulls him”

134418:14r3dqrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ֝⁠תַצְעִדֵ֗⁠הוּ לְ⁠מֶ֣לֶךְ בַּלָּהֽוֹת1

The pronoun one probably refers to terror. The pronoun is feminine, as is the word “terror,” and Hebrew speakers sometimes used feminine pronouns to represent feminine subjects they had not yet named but which they had in mind. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and terror marches him to its king”

134518:14atl1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ֝⁠תַצְעִדֵ֗⁠הוּ לְ⁠מֶ֣לֶךְ בַּלָּהֽוֹת1

If the pronoun one does refer to terror, then Bildad is speaking of terror as if it were a living thing, a soldier, who could march a captured enemy to his king as a prisoner. Once again Bildad would be using terror to mean the disasters that cause a wicked person to feel terror. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the disasters that cause him to feel terror bring him to the king of terrors”

134618:14j550rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ֝⁠תַצְעִדֵ֗⁠הוּ לְ⁠מֶ֣לֶךְ בַּלָּהֽוֹת1

Like the expression “the firstborn of death” in the previous verse, the expression the king of terrors here is a superlative. It means the worst terror there is, specifically, death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the disasters that cause him to feel terror ultimately cause him to die”

134718:15j551rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsתִּשְׁכּ֣וֹן בְּ֭⁠אָהֳל⁠וֹ1

The pronoun One is feminine in this verse, as in the previous verse, and so it may refer once again to terror. (However, interpreters have a range of understandings of what this verse means.) Alternate translation: “Terror will dwell in his tent”

134818:15n4syrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמִ⁠בְּלִי־ל֑⁠וֹ1

Bildad means implicitly that the tent will no longer belong to the wicked person, probably because he will be dead (a prisoner of the “king of terrors,” death, as the previous verse describes). You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “which will be abandoned because he is dead”

134918:15fpm9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיְזֹרֶ֖ה עַל־נָוֵ֣⁠הוּ גָפְרִֽית1

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 scatters sulfur upon his home” or “God destroys his home by raining burning sulfur on it”

135018:16uul5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמִ֭⁠תַּחַת שָֽׁרָשָׁ֣י⁠ו יִבָ֑שׁוּ וּ֝⁠מִ⁠מַּ֗עַל יִמַּ֥ל קְצִירֽ⁠וֹ1

Bildad is speaking as if the wicked person were literally a tree that dies from lack of moisture. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He fails in every aspect of life and finally he dies”

135118:16u1byrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounיִמַּ֥ל קְצִירֽ⁠וֹ1

Bildad is not referring to a specific branch. He means every branch on the tree that he is using to symbolize the wicked person. If you retain the image in your translation, it may be more natural in your language to use a plural form. Alternate translation: “his branches wither”

135218:17m6xwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionזִֽכְר⁠וֹ1

Bildad is using this possessive form to mean other peoples memory of the wicked person, not the wicked persons memory of things. Alternate translation: “The memory of him”

135318:17j552rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִנִּי־אָ֑רֶץ1

Bildad is using the term earth by association to mean the people who live on the earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from among the people who live on the earth”

135418:17y9j9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyשֵׁ֥ם1

Here, name represents a persons fame and reputation. Alternate translation: “reputation”

135518:17fs6rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעַל־פְּנֵי־חֽוּץ1

Bildad is speaking as if the surface of the land or ground were literally its face. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “upon the surface of the land”

135618:18er2mrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיֶ֭הְדְּפֻ⁠הוּ מֵ⁠א֣וֹר אֶל־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ1

The pronoun They is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be more natural in your language, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “He will be driven from light into darkness”

135718:18w8ixrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיֶ֭הְדְּפֻ⁠הוּ מֵ⁠א֣וֹר אֶל־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ1

Bildad is using the term light to represent life and the term darkness to represent death. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He will be driven from among the living into the abode of the dead”

135818:18dr9vrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוּֽ⁠מִ⁠תֵּבֵ֥ל יְנִדֻּֽ⁠הוּ1

The pronoun they is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “yes, he will be chased from the world”

135918:20wn9yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismעַל־י֭וֹמ⁠וֹ נָשַׁ֣מּוּ אַחֲרֹנִ֑ים וְ֝⁠קַדְמֹנִ֗ים אָ֣חֲזוּ שָֽׂעַר1

Bildad is using two groups of people to mean all people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. This could mean: (1) people who live after God punishes the wicked person and people who were alive beforehand and recognized that God would punish the wicked person. Alternate translation: “The way God punishes him will make a great impression on everyone who ever hears of him” (2) people who live to the west of the wicked person and people who live to the east of the wicked person. Alternate translation: “The way God punishes him will make a great impression on the people who live all around him”

136018:20j553rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjאַחֲרֹנִ֑ים וְ֝⁠קַדְמֹנִ֗ים1

If Bildad is speaking of people who live after and before God punishes the wicked person, then he is using those adjectives as nouns to mean certain groups of people. The ULT adds the word ones in each case to suggest this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “Those who live after him … and those who see what is going to happen to him”

136118:20r4ptrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomי֭וֹמ⁠וֹ1

Bildad is using the term day to mean what happens to the wicked person at a particular time, the time when God punishes him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what happens to him when God punishes him”

136218:20j554rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאָ֣חֲזוּ שָֽׂעַר1

Bildad is speaking as if horror were literally an object that people could seize. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will become horrified”

136318:21da3src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאַךְ־אֵ֭לֶּה מִשְׁכְּנ֣וֹת עַוָּ֑ל וְ֝⁠זֶ֗ה מְק֣וֹם לֹא־יָדַֽע־אֵֽל1

Bildad is speaking as if all the misfortunes he has described were literally the dwellings of wicked people, the place where they live. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “this is what will happen to the wicked, yes, this is the fate of one who does not know God”

136418:21j555rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjעַוָּ֑ל1

Bildad is using the adjective wicked 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: “wicked people”

136519:introvq570

Job 19 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is Jobs response to Bildads second speech. It is structured as a chiasm. (See the discussion of that poetic form in the General Introduction to Job.)

  • Verses 17: Job rebukes his friends for not being sympathetic to him.
  • Verses 81: Job uses images to describe how God has made him suffer.
  • Verses 1319: Job describes how his family and friends have abandoned him.
  • Verses 2021: Job uses images to describe how God has made him suffer.
  • Verse 22: Job rebukes his friends for not being sympathetic to him.
  • Verses 2324: Job wishes that people would hear his defense and he foresees that God will vindicate him.

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

Special Concepts in This Chapter

Jobs Faith

In verses 2527, Job shows the great depth of his faith in God even after suffering so much. Job believes that even if God is treating him unfairly now, God will ultimately do the right thing. Job does not understand that God is actually not treating him unfairly. But the faith and confidence that he nevertheless has in God are remarkable. (See: [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/faith]])

136619:2xxa9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionעַד־אָ֭נָה תּוֹגְי֣וּ⁠ן נַפְשִׁ֑⁠י וּֽ⁠תְדַכְּאוּ⁠נַ֥נִי בְ⁠מִלִּֽים1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You have afflicted my soul and crushed me with words for long enough!”

136719:2j556rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularתּוֹגְי֣וּ⁠ן & וּֽ⁠תְדַכְּאוּ⁠נַ֥נִי1

The word you is plural here and through verse 5 because Job is addressing his three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

136819:2j557rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheנַפְשִׁ֑⁠י1

Job is using one part of himself, his soul, to mean all of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “me”

136919:2r3lwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּֽ⁠תְדַכְּאוּ⁠נַ֥נִי בְ⁠מִלִּֽים1

Job is speaking as if his friends could literally crush him with their words. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and discourage me deeply with your words”

137019:2j558rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְ⁠מִלִּֽים1

Job is using the term words to mean what his friends have been saying by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by what you have been saying”

137119:3k4thrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomעֶ֣שֶׂר פְּ֭עָמִים1

The expression ten times means “many times,” not literally ten times, no more and no less. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “many times”

137219:3uy8erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-sentencesלֹֽא־תֵ֝בֹ֗שׁוּ תַּהְכְּרוּ־לִֽ⁠י1

In this sentence structure, the verb mistreat is dependent on the verb ashamed. It may be more natural in your language to use a different sentence structure. Alternate translation: “you are not ashamed to mistreat me”

137319:4bfn1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאִ֝תִּ֗⁠י תָּלִ֥ין מְשׁוּגָתִֽ⁠י1

Interpreters are not certain what Job means by this statement. He could mean: (1) that any sin he might have committed would be his own private concern. This would be consistent with his rebuke of his friends for reproaching him publicly as a sinner. Alternate translation: “that would be my own private concern” (2) that he would be the only one who would know for sure whether he had sinned. Alternate translation: “that would be for me to determine”

137419:5z7gmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעָלַ֣⁠י תַּגְדִּ֑ילוּ וְ⁠תוֹכִ֥יחוּ עָ֝לַ֗⁠י חֶרְפָּתִּֽ⁠י1

See how you translated the similar use of the term exalt in 17:4. Alternate translation: “you want to prove that you are right and I am wrong by appealing to the way that I am suffering”

137519:6gb9hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ֝⁠מְצוּד֗⁠וֹ עָלַ֥⁠י הִקִּֽיף1

Job is speaking as if a net that God had set as a trap had literally closed around him. Job is answering Bildad in his own words, but Job is making the net a symbol of the unjust punishment of the innocent rather than of the just punishment of the wicked. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, he has unfairly punished me even though I am innocent”

137619:7zyg9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאֶצְעַ֣ק חָ֭מָס1

The expression Violence! refers generally to mistreatment, including but not limited to actual violence. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I cry, Someone is mistreating me

137719:7j559rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesאֶצְעַ֣ק חָ֭מָס1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “I protest that someone is mistreating me”

137819:7j560rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠לֹ֣א אֵעָנֶ֑ה1

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 no one answers me”

137919:7i4w8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠אֵ֣ין מִשְׁפָּֽט1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “but no one ensures that I am treated justly”

138019:8dpr7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאָרְחִ֣⁠י גָ֭דַר וְ⁠לֹ֣א אֶעֱב֑וֹר1

Job is speaking of his life as if it were a way or path that he was walking along, and he is speaking as if God had built a wall to block that path so that he could not continue on it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar image in 3:23. Alternate translation: “God has kept me from being able to overcome my troubles and resume my regular life”

138119:8ly9grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠עַ֥ל נְ֝תִיבוֹתַ֗⁠י חֹ֣שֶׁךְ יָשִֽׂים1

In a parallel image, Job is speaking of his activities as if they were paths on which he was walking, and he is speaking as if God had made it so dark on those paths that he could not walk on them because he could not see where he was going. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, God has prevented me from knowing the right things to do”

138219:9hjr9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכְּ֭בוֹדִ⁠י מֵ⁠עָלַ֣⁠י הִפְשִׁ֑יט1

Job is speaking as if the glory or honor that he formerly had were literally an article of clothing that God had stripped from him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He has taken away the honor that I formerly had”

138319:9rf7src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ֝⁠יָּ֗סַר עֲטֶ֣רֶת רֹאשִֽׁ⁠י1

Job is speaking as if he had formerly been wearing an actual crown, a symbol of ruling authority, and that God had removed that crown from his head. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, he has deprived me of the authority I once had”

138419:9j561rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionעֲטֶ֣רֶת רֹאשִֽׁ⁠י1

Job is using this possessive form to speak symbolically of a crown that he once wore on his head. In the context, the phrase the crown of my head does not mean the very top of Jobs head. Alternate translation: “the crown that I once wore on my head”

138519:10tiq1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִתְּצֵ֣⁠נִי סָ֭בִיב1

Job is speaking as he were literally a building and God had broken him down completely. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He has destroyed everything in my life”

138619:10r4pdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוָ⁠אֵלַ֑ךְ1

Job is speaking as if he has literally gone away or left the area where he was formerly living. See how you translated the similar expression in 14:20. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Job is speaking of what he expects to happen imminently as if it had already happened. Alternate translation: “and I am about to die”

138719:10jd8wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוַ⁠יַּסַּ֥ע כָּ֝⁠עֵ֗ץ תִּקְוָתִֽ⁠י1

Job is using this comparison to say that just as a tree will not grow again once it has been completely uprooted, so he believes that God has taken away his hope forever. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and he has taken away my hope forever, just as an uprooted tree will never grow back”

138819:10v64yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוַ⁠יַּסַּ֥ע כָּ֝⁠עֵ֗ץ תִּקְוָתִֽ⁠י1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hope, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and he has kept me from ever hoping again, just as an uprooted tree will never grow back”

138919:11p3myrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ⁠יַּ֣חַר עָלַ֣⁠י אַפּ֑⁠וֹ1

Job is speaking as if God had literally kindled his anger or set it on fire. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And he has allowed himself to become very angry with me”

139019:12wkz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיַ֤חַד ׀ יָ֘בֹ֤אוּ גְדוּדָ֗י⁠ו וַ⁠יָּסֹ֣לּוּ עָלַ֣⁠י דַּרְכָּ֑⁠ם וַ⁠יַּחֲנ֖וּ סָבִ֣יב לְ⁠אָהֳלִֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking as if he were literally a city and God had sent troops to lay siege to that city, building ramps by which they could get over its walls. Job is likely speaking of the troubles he is experiencing as if they were soldiers whom God had sent to attack him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God has made me experience many kinds of troubles, and they are causing me more and more distress”

139119:12fg89rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ⁠יַּחֲנ֖וּ סָבִ֣יב לְ⁠אָהֳלִֽ⁠י1

Job continues the military image but changes it slightly when he speaks as if he were literally a tent around which an enemy army had encamped. Job may be picturing himself as one of a number of soldiers who are all staying in tents but whose camp an enemy army has surrounded. Or Job may be using the word tent simply to mean the place where he lives, that is, his life. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, I am experiencing troubles in many different aspects of my life”

139219:13zk2brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאַ֭חַ⁠י מֵ⁠עָלַ֣⁠י הִרְחִ֑יק1

Job is speaking as if God had removed his brothers to a distance from him. Job is actually speaking of the diminished quality of the relationship he now has with them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He has caused my brothers to withdraw from me”

139319:13j563rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאַ֭חַ⁠י1

Job is probably using the word brothers to mean close relatives, both male and female, who may not literally be his siblings. Your language may use that word or an equivalent term in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in plain language. Alternate translation: “my close relatives”

139419:13iv61rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠יֹדְעַ֗⁠י אַךְ־זָ֥רוּ מִמֶּֽ⁠נִּי1

Job is speaking as if his acquaintances had literally turned away from him, that is, turned to face in another direction so that they could not see him or turned and walked away from him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and my acquaintances now act as if they do not even know me”

139519:14l2e7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּֽ⁠מְיֻדָּעַ֥⁠י שְׁכֵחֽוּ⁠נִי1

Job is speaking as if his familiar friends had literally forgotten him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “act as if they never knew me”

139619:15kz75rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionגָּ֘רֵ֤י בֵיתִ֣⁠י1

Job is using this possessive form to refer to people who have stayed in his house as Guests. Alternate translation: “People who once stayed in my house as guests”

139719:15y376rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְ⁠עֵינֵי⁠הֶֽם1

Job is using the term eyes by association to mean sight. Sight, in turn, represents attention, perspective, and judgment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from their perspective” or “as far as they are concerned”

139819:16x8akrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלְ⁠עַבְדִּ֣⁠י קָ֭רָאתִי וְ⁠לֹ֣א יַעֲנֶ֑ה1

In this context, the word call implicitly means “summon” and the word answer implicitly means “obey.” You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I summon my servant, but he does not obey and come to me”

139919:16j564rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounלְ⁠עַבְדִּ֣⁠י1

Job is not referring to a specific servant. He means all of his servants. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “to my servants“

140019:16hds8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְּמוֹ־פִ֝֗⁠י אֶתְחַנֶּן־לֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is using the term mouth to mean by association what he has to say with his mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have to speak pleadingly to him”

140119:17dgg7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheר֭וּחִֽ⁠י זָ֣רָה לְ⁠אִשְׁתִּ֑⁠י1

This could mean: (1) that Job is using one part of himself, his breath, to mean all of himself. In verses 1319, Job is talking about how all of his friends and relatives now treat him as if they did not know him. In verses 13 and 15, Job uses words related to the word that the ULT translates as strange in this verse. Alternate translation: “I am like a stranger to my wife” (2) that Job is referring literally to his breath and saying that because of his sickness, it smells bad and is offensive to his wife. Alternate translation: “Because of my sickness, my breath smells bad and is offensive to my wife”

140219:17ufr3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionוְ֝⁠חַנֹּתִ֗י לִ⁠בְנֵ֥י בִטְנִֽ⁠י1

Job is the possessive form of my womb to mean the womb of his wife. He is speaking of the children that they had together. Alternate translation: “even though we had children together and I treated them kindly”

140319:18fp7grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאָ֝ק֗וּמָה וַ⁠יְדַבְּרוּ־בִֽ⁠י1

This could mean implicitly: (1) that when Job stands up to speak, younger people who should listen respectfully (see 32:67) contradict him instead. Alternate translation: “when I stand up to speak, younger people disrespectfully contradict me” (2) that when Job tries to stand up, struggling because of his sickness, children make fun of him. Alternate translation: “when I struggle to stand up, they make fun of me”

140419:19uf7frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionמְתֵ֣י סוֹדִ֑⁠י1

Job is using this possessive form to describe the friends with whom he took counsel, that is, the friends with whom he shared his private thoughts and whose advice he asked. Alternate translation: “the friends in whom I confided”

140519:19t7hnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveנֶהְפְּכוּ־בִֽ⁠י1

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: “have turned against me”

140619:20j565rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounבְּ⁠עוֹרִ֣⁠י וּ֭⁠בִ⁠בְשָׂרִ⁠י דָּבְקָ֣ה עַצְמִ֑⁠י1

Job is not referring to a specific bone. He means all of his bones. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “My bones cling to my skin and to my flesh”

140719:20lt45rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationבְּ⁠עוֹרִ֣⁠י וּ֭⁠בִ⁠בְשָׂרִ⁠י דָּבְקָ֣ה עַצְמִ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking of this representative bone as if it were living thing that could cling to his skin and flesh. He means that his bones are right next to his skin and flesh, that is, all of the muscle in between has wasted away. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am just skin and bones”

140819:20ud4zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוָ֝⁠אֶתְמַלְּטָ֗⁠ה בְּ⁠ע֣וֹר שִׁנָּֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking as if he had barely escaped from some disaster, and he is describing what he was able to escape with. Interpreters have different ideas about what he is describing, but they generally agree that it means something insignificant. Alternate translation: “and there is practically nothing left of me”

140919:21ux63rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplicationחָנֻּ֬⁠נִי חָנֻּ֣⁠נִי1

Job is repeating the verb Pity in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “Please have pity on me”

141019:21tbg5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיַד־אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַּ נָ֣גְעָה בִּֽ⁠י1

Here the hand of God represents the power and activity of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God is powerfully afflicting me”

141119:22g28hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionלָ֭⁠מָּה תִּרְדְּפֻ֣⁠נִי כְמוֹ־אֵ֑ל וּ֝⁠מִ⁠בְּשָׂרִ֗⁠י לֹ֣א תִשְׂבָּֽעוּ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You should not pursue me as God would! You should be satisfied with my flesh!”

141219:22c296rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileלָ֭⁠מָּה תִּרְדְּפֻ֣⁠נִי כְמוֹ־אֵ֑ל1

The point of this comparison is that just as God would pursue someone relentlessly to make sure that sin was punished appropriately, so Jobs friends have been relentlessly insisting that he has sinned. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “Why do you insist relentlessly that I have sinned” or, as a statement, “You should not insist relentlessly that I have sinned”

141319:22y17frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוּ֝⁠מִ⁠בְּשָׂרִ֗⁠י לֹ֣א תִשְׂבָּֽעוּ1

Job is likely alluding to a popular expression. In this culture, if someone accused another person maliciously, people said that he was “eating the pieces” of that person. Job is suggesting that his friends are ”eating“ him in this sense (that is, accusing him maliciously) and they are not yet satisfied with the amount of his flesh that they have ”eaten.“ If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And will you never stop accusing me maliciously” or, as a statement, “Yes, you should stop accusing me so maliciously”

141419:23r9n7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomמִֽי־יִתֵּ֣ן אֵ֭פוֹ וְ⁠יִכָּתְב֣וּ⁠ן מִלָּ֑⁠י מִֽי־יִתֵּ֖ן בַּ⁠סֵּ֣פֶר וְ⁠יֻחָֽקוּ1

See how you translated the expression Who will give in 11:56. Alternate translation: “I wish that my words would now be written down! I wish that they would be inscribed on a scroll!”

141519:23j566rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמִֽי־יִתֵּ֣ן אֵ֭פוֹ וְ⁠יִכָּתְב֣וּ⁠ן מִלָּ֑⁠י מִֽי־יִתֵּ֖ן בַּ⁠סֵּ֣פֶר וְ⁠יֻחָֽקוּ1

In context, Job is suggesting that this is actually unlikely, even though he wishes that it could happen. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “It is unfortunate that my words cannot be written down. It is unfortunate that they cannot be inscribed on a scroll”

141619:23j567rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠יִכָּתְב֣וּ⁠ן מִלָּ֑⁠י1

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: “someone will write down my words”

141719:23llm4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִלָּ֑⁠י1

Job is using the term words to mean what he has been saying by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I have been saying”

141819:23ti7grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבַּ⁠סֵּ֣פֶר וְ⁠יֻחָֽקוּ1

Job is speaking as if he wanted his words literally to be inscribed or engraved on a scroll. He could mean: (1) that he wants someone to record them meticulously on a scroll. Alternate translation: “they will be recorded on a scroll” (2) that he wants someone to engrave them onto a copper sheet. Alternate translation: “they will be inscribed on a copper sheet”

141919:23j568rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠יֻחָֽקוּ1

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: “someone will inscribe them”

142019:24gz9crc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownבְּ⁠עֵט־בַּרְזֶ֥ל1

A stylus was an iron tool that people in this culture used to engrave writing onto hard surfaces. They would strike the stylus with another tool such as a hammer in order to remove tiny pieces of the surface a little at a time in order to create letters. For better visibility, they would sometimes then fill these letters with lead, which is a soft metal that they could pound into shape. If your readers would not be familiar with what a stylus 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: “With a small iron tool cutting tool”

142119:25j569rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastוַ⁠אֲנִ֣י יָ֭דַעְתִּי1

Job is using the word translated But to draw a contrast between what he has just suggested is unlikely, that his claims of innocence will be recorded for posterity, and something that he is very confident about, that his redeemer will ultimately vindicate him as innocent. In your translation, you may wish to introduce this verse in a way that will indicate this contrast more explicitly. Alternate translation: “But even though it is unlikely that my claims of innocence will be recorded for posterity, I still know that”

142219:25j570rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוַ⁠אֲנִ֣י יָ֭דַעְתִּי1

For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the word translated 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: “But I know very well {that}”

142319:25j571rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitגֹּ֣אֲלִ⁠י חָ֑י1

Job means implicitly that even though he expects to die, his redeemer will still be alive to vindicate him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “even though I expect to die soon, my redeemer will still be alive”

142419:25q57zrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownגֹּ֣אֲלִ⁠י1

A redeemer was a close relative who would take responsibility to do whatever was necessary to help another family member who was threatened or in need. Your language and culture may have a name for a person who fulfills this role, and you could use that name in your translation. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the close relative who will vindicate me”

142519:25j573rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-extrainfoגֹּ֣אֲלִ⁠י1

As Job indicates in the next verse, he believes that God will be his redeemer. This is similar to the way that Job speaks in 16:19 of having an “advocate” in heaven and to the way that he asks God in 17:3 to be his “surety.” Since Job speaks of God in the next verse, you do not need to explain in this verse that God is the redeemer whom Job is expecting. It may even be that Job wishes to generate some suspense and attention by not naming the redeemer right away, and it would be good to give your readers that same experience.

142619:25j574rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjוְ֝⁠אַחֲר֗וֹן1

Job is using the adjective last as a noun to mean a certain time. This could mean: (1) a “later” time, after Job has died. Alternate translation: “after I have died” (2) that Job is the “last” time, the time at the end of the world. Alternate translation: “and that at the end of the world”

142719:25yy3qrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionיָקֽוּם1

In this culture, people stood up when they were about to speak. This was a symbolic action by which they indicated that they had something important to say. Standing up commanded the attention of the people they wanted to listen to them. In this context, the important thing that the redeemer had to say would be that Job was innocent. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “he will stand and speak in my defense”

142819:25j575rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyעַל־עָפָ֥ר1

Job is using the term dust by association to mean the earth, on whose surface there is dust. This may also be a poetic allusion to the fact that Job would be dead and at “rest” in the “dust,” as he said in 17:16. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “upon the earth”

142919:26j576rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ⁠אַחַ֣ר ע֭וֹרִֽ⁠י נִקְּפוּ־זֹ֑את1

The pronoun they is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “and that after my skin has been stricken off”

143019:26t5gtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠אַחַ֣ר ע֭וֹרִֽ⁠י נִקְּפוּ־זֹ֑את1

Job is speaking as if someone or something might literally strike the skin off his bones. He could mean: (1) that his body will decay so that only the bones are left. Alternate translation: “and that even after my body decays so that only the bones are left” (2) that worms, such as he mentioned in 17:14, will eat the skin off his bones. Alternate translation: “and that even after worms eat the skin off my bones”

143119:26j577rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ֝⁠מִ⁠בְּשָׂרִ֗⁠י1

Job could be saying that he will behold God: (1) from the vantage point of his flesh, that is, from within his body. This would be an implicit expression of faith and confidence in the resurrection of the body. Alternate translation: “yet from my resurrected body” (2) apart from his flesh, that is, as a spirit after death. Alternate translation: “yet as a spirit after death”

143219:26p2plrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֶֽחֱזֶ֥ה אֱלֽוֹהַּ1

As the General Notes to chapter 13 discuss, in this culture, a subject would be able to look a sovereign in the face if the sovereign favored that subject. Job seems to be alluding here to that cultural norm. The implication is that God will no longer consider him guilty but acknowledge that he was innocent all along. Job indicates in the previous verse that God will also acknowledge his innocence publicly to everyone on earth. Alternate translation: “I will be able to look God in the face because he will affirm that I am innocent”

143319:27j578rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismאֲנִ֨י ׀ אֶֽחֱזֶה־לִּ֗⁠י וְ⁠עֵינַ֣⁠י רָא֣וּ1

These two phrases mean similar things. Job is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “I myself will see very clearly”

143419:27j579rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאֲנִ֨י ׀ אֶֽחֱזֶה1

For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated will behold. 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: “I will certainly behold”

143519:27m1wtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠עֵינַ֣⁠י רָא֣וּ1

Job is using one part of himself, his eyes, to mean all of him in the act of seeing. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “and see with my own eyes”

143619:27k566rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ⁠לֹא־זָ֑ר1

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. In this context, the word stranger means “someone else.” But it is also an allusion to what Job said in verse 15, that people who knew him now regard him as a “stranger.” Alternate translation: “and it will not be someone else who beholds him”

143719:27c3pcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכָּל֖וּ כִלְיֹתַ֣⁠י בְּ⁠חֵקִֽ⁠י1

Here, the kidneys represents the emotions. Job is saying that he is overcome with emotion at the thought of seeing God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am overcome with emotion at this thought”

143819:28np8prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesכִּ֣י תֹ֭אמְרוּ מַה־נִּרְדָּף־ל֑⁠וֹ וְ⁠שֹׁ֥רֶשׁ דָּ֝בָ֗ר נִמְצָא־בִֽ⁠י1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “If you say that you are still going to persecute me because you believe that the root of the matter is found in me”

143919:28j580rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularתֹ֭אמְרוּ1

The word you is plural here because Job is addressing his three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

144019:28ddd3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠שֹׁ֥רֶשׁ דָּ֝בָ֗ר1

Job is saying that his friends might speak as if his situation were literally a plant that had a root. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “For the cause of the problem”

144119:28j581rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personבִֽ⁠י1

Job seems to begin this hypothetical saying of the three friends as a direct quotation but finish it as an indirect quotation, saying in me rather than “in him.” It may be more natural in your language to finish the quotation as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “in him”

144219:29j582rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ⁠פְּנֵי־חֶ֗רֶב1

Here the word face represents the presence of someone or something by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “of the presence of the sword”

144319:29tw35rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמִ⁠פְּנֵי־חֶ֗רֶב1

Job is using one kind of severe punishment, execution by a sword, to mean severe punishment in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that God may punish you severely”

144419:29t8ggrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsחֵ֭מָה עֲוֺנ֣וֹת חָ֑רֶב1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wrath, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when God becomes angry at people for being wicked, God punishes them severely”

144519:29n1i1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsש⁠דין1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “that God punishes wickedness justly”

144620:introp78g0

Job 20 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is the second speech of Jobs friend Zophar. In this chapter, Zophar speaks more strongly to Job than he did the first time spoke to him.

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

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Zophar answering Job with his own words

In 7:8, as Job was appealing to God, he said, “The eye of the one seeing me will not regard me; your eyes will be on me, but I will not exist.” Zophar says in 20:9 about the wicked person, “The eye that saw him will not continue.” Job said in 7:10 of himself as a mortal person, “He will not return again to his house, and his place will not know him again.” Zophar says of the wicked person in 20:9, “his place will no longer observe him.” In both instances Zophar is suggesting that Job himself is a wicked person, using Jobs own words.

Similarly, Zophar says in 20:27 of the wicked person that “the heavens will reveal his iniquity, and the earth will raise itself up against him” as a witness. In 16:18, Job called upon the earth to see that he received justice, and in 16:19, Job said that he had an advocate in the heavens. So Zophar is likely answering Job once again in his own words, implying that Job himself is a wicked person of the type that he has been describing in his speech.

To help your readers appreciate how Zophar is answering Job with his own words, you may wish to translate what Zophar says in these instances similarly to the way you translated what Job said earlier.

Indelicate images that Zophar uses

As noted above, Zophar speaks strongly to Job in this speech. He uses a couple of images drawn from bodily functions that people in your culture might consider indelicate to include in a Bible translation. If so, you could use comparable images. Zophar says in 20:7 of the wicked person, “he will perish forever like his dung.” You could refer to something else that disappears completely, saying, for example, “he will perish forever like the dust that the wind blows away.” Zophar says of the wicked person in 20:15, “He swallows wealth, but he will vomit it.” You might say instead something such as, “Though he may become rich, he will lose all his money.”

144720:2j583rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesלָ֭⁠כֵן1

Zophar is using the word Therefore to introduce the reason he is about to give for why he is speaking to Job again. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “This is why”

144820:2eef1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationשְׂעִפַּ֣⁠י יְשִׁיב֑וּ⁠נִי1

Zophar is speaking of his thoughts as if they were a living thing that could turn him back, that is, make him turn around and return to Job as if he had left him. He means that he wants to speak to Job again and share what he is thinking in response to what Job has just said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I need to speak to you again and tell you what I am thinking”

144920:2wy6hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoוּ֝⁠בַ⁠עֲב֗וּר ח֣וּשִׁ⁠י בִֽ⁠י1

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: “because I feel such urgency”

145020:3m5c5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionמוּסַ֣ר כְּלִמָּתִ֣⁠י1

Zophar is using this possessive form to describe a rebuke that he feels has brought dishonor to him. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “a rebuke that dishonors me”

145120:3pk2src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ֝⁠ר֗וּחַ מִֽ⁠בִּינָתִ֥⁠י יַעֲנֵֽ⁠נִי1

Zophar is speaking as if there were a spirit in his understanding that could answer him, that is, show him how to respond to Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but I have had a good idea that enables me to understand how I should respond”

145220:4um5prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠זֹ֣את יָ֭דַעְתָּ מִנִּי־עַ֑ד מִנִּ֤י שִׂ֖ים אָדָ֣ם עֲלֵי־אָֽרֶץ1

Zophar is using the question form for emphasis. (The question continues into the next verse.) If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Surely you are aware of this from long ago, from the placing of man upon the earth”

145320:4j584rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheהֲ⁠זֹ֣את יָ֭דַעְתָּ מִנִּי־עַ֑ד מִנִּ֤י שִׂ֖ים אָדָ֣ם עֲלֵי־אָֽרֶץ1

Zophar is speaking as if Job himself should have known from long ago what he is about to say. He means that Job is one member of the human community that has known this for as long as it has existed. As a member of that community, Job should know it because it has been passed down to him through traditional wisdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Surely you are aware of this traditional wisdom that we have received from our earliest ancestors”

145420:4j585rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמִנִּ֤י שִׂ֖ים אָדָ֣ם עֲלֵי־אָֽרֶץ1

Zophar is using one thing that God did when he created people, placing them on the earth, to mean all that God did in creating people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “ever since God created man”

145520:4j586rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsמִנִּ֤י שִׂ֖ים אָדָ֣ם עֲלֵי־אָֽרֶץ1

Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “ever since God created people”

145620:5nhc5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionכִּ֤י רִנְנַ֣ת רְ֭שָׁעִים מִ⁠קָּר֑וֹב וְ⁠שִׂמְחַ֖ת חָנֵ֣ף עֲדֵי־רָֽגַע1

In this verse, Zophar completes the question that he began in the previous verse, using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “that the triumph of the wicked {is} from near, and the joy of the godless {is} for a moment!”

145720:5ubq8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרְ֭שָׁעִים1

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

145820:5j587rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomמִ⁠קָּר֑וֹב1

Zophar is using this expression to mean that the triumph of the wicked does not extend very far. He means that it does not extend very far in time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “does not last very long”

145920:5u62frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjחָנֵ֣ף1

Job is using the adjective godless, which is singular, 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: “the godless person”

146020:5j588rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounחָנֵ֣ף1

Zophar is not referring to a specific godless person. He means all godless people. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “godless people”

146120:6v8z8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאִם־יַעֲלֶ֣ה לַ⁠שָּׁמַ֣יִם שִׂיא֑⁠וֹ וְ֝⁠רֹאשׁ֗⁠וֹ לָ⁠עָ֥ב יַגִּֽיעַ1

Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person might literally become so tall that his head would be at the same level as cloud in the skies. He means that a wicked person might become very prosperous and powerful. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Though a wicked person may become very prosperous and powerful”

146220:6by93rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounלָ⁠עָ֥ב1

Zophar is not referring to a specific cloud. He means the many clouds that appear in the sky. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “to the clouds”

146320:7b9xvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכְּֽ֭⁠גֶלֲל⁠וֹ1

The point of this comparison may be the one that Zophar makes explicitly, that a wicked person will perish forever as dung perishes forever. However, the point of the comparison could also be that just as people consider dung a loathsome substance and dispose of it, people will consider a wicked person to be loathsome and not commemorate him in any way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and no on will commemorate him, because they consider him so loathsome”

146420:7sfs4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesיֹאמְר֥וּ אַיּֽ⁠וֹ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “will ask where he has gone”

146520:7j589rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאַיּֽ⁠וֹ1

The people who are asking about the wicked person are using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “He is gone completely!”

146620:8rep3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיָ֭עוּף1

Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person would literally fly away. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He will vanish”

146720:8j590rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכַּ⁠חֲל֣וֹם1

The point of this comparison is that just as when a dream ends, the person who had the dream realizes that it was not real, so it will be as if the wicked person had never existed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “as if he had never existed”

146820:8byk9rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ⁠לֹ֣א יִמְצָא֑וּ⁠הוּ1

They is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “and no one will be able to find him”

146920:8j591rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ֝⁠יֻדַּ֗ד1

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: “he will flee”

147020:8j592rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠יֻדַּ֗ד1

Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person would literally be chased away or flee. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he will vanish”

147120:9xu8trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheעַ֣יִן שְׁ֭זָפַתּ⁠וּ וְ⁠לֹ֣א תוֹסִ֑יף1

Zophar is using one part of a person, his eye, to mean all of that person in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Anyone who previously saw him will not continue to see him”

147220:9x7curc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ⁠לֹא־ע֝֗וֹד תְּשׁוּרֶ֥⁠נּוּ מְקוֹמֽ⁠וֹ1

As Job did in 7:10, Zophar is speaking here of a persons place of residence as if it were a living thing that could observe that person. The idea is that the place where the person once lived will not have occasion to observe him again because he will never return to that place. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he will no longer live in his former place of residence”

147320:10v5eerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureבָּ֭נָי⁠ו יְרַצּ֣וּ דַלִּ֑ים וְ֝⁠יָדָ֗י⁠ו תָּשֵׁ֥בְנָה אוֹנֽ⁠וֹ1

You may find it more natural to put the information about what a wicked person will have to do while he is still alive before the information about what his children will have to do after he dies. Alternate translation: “His hands will return his wealth, and his children will recompense the poor”

147420:10lji7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ֝⁠יָדָ֗י⁠ו תָּשֵׁ֥בְנָה אוֹנֽ⁠וֹ1

Zophar is using one part of a wicked person, his hands, to mean all of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he will return his wealth”

147520:10j593rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ֝⁠יָדָ֗י⁠ו תָּשֵׁ֥בְנָה אוֹנֽ⁠וֹ1

The implication is that this is wealth that a wicked person obtained fraudulently or by oppression and that he has been required to return. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and he will have to return the wealth that he obtained fraudulently and by oppression”

147620:11re6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheעַ֭צְמוֹתָי⁠ו מָלְא֣וּ1

Zophar is using one part of a wicked person, his bones, to mean his whole body. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “His body is full”

147720:11je7rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismוְ֝⁠עִמּ֗⁠וֹ עַל־עָפָ֥ר תִּשְׁכָּֽב1

Zophar is using the phrase lie down … in the dust to mean “die.” This is a poetic way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “but it will die with him”

147820:11j594rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ֝⁠עִמּ֗⁠וֹ עַל־עָפָ֥ר תִּשְׁכָּֽב1

Zophar is speaking of the vigor of a wicked person as if it were a living thing that could lie down in the dust or die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but he will die while he is still young and strong”

147920:12w36zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorתַּמְתִּ֣יק בְּ⁠פִ֣י⁠ו רָעָ֑ה1

Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person could literally put wickedness in his mouth and taste it and find it sweet. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he enjoys wickedness”

148020:12j595rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsתַּמְתִּ֣יק בְּ⁠פִ֣י⁠ו רָעָ֑ה1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wickedness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “wicked things are sweet in his mouth” or “he enjoys doing wicked things”

148120:12nj4prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיַ֝כְחִידֶ֗⁠נָּה תַּ֣חַת לְשׁוֹנֽ⁠וֹ1

Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person might hide wickedness under his tongue. The image is of a person tucking something sweet under his tongue to make it last longer so that he can savor it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he savors it” or “he savors doing wicked things”

148220:13d1n2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיַחְמֹ֣ל עָ֭לֶי⁠הָ וְ⁠לֹ֣א יַֽעַזְבֶ֑⁠נָּה1

Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person would literally have pity on wickedness and not forsake it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he is reluctant to let it go” or “he is reluctant to stop doing wicked things”

148320:13j596rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠יִמְנָעֶ֗⁠נָּה בְּ⁠ת֣וֹךְ חִכּֽ⁠וֹ1

Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person would literally hold wickedness against the roof of his mouth so that he could savor it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but continues to savor it” or “but continues to savor doing them”

148420:14n7jwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלַ֭חְמ⁠וֹ בְּ⁠מֵעָ֣י⁠ו נֶהְפָּ֑ךְ מְרוֹרַ֖ת פְּתָנִ֣ים בְּ⁠קִרְבּֽ⁠וֹ1

Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person literally eats wickedness and that it turns into the bitterness of asps (that is, the poison of those snakes) when he starts to digest it. Zophar means, within the context of the image, that the wicked person gets a painfully upset stomach. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the consequences of his wicked actions turn out to be very unpleasant, and he suffers greatly from them”

148520:14lnj1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownמְרוֹרַ֖ת פְּתָנִ֣ים1

The term asps describes a certain type of poisonous snake. If this snake, or snakes in general, would not be familiar to your readers, you could use a general term. Alternate translation: “it becomes snake poison” or “it becomes reptile poison”

148620:15hs62rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorחַ֣יִל בָּ֭לַע וַ⁠יְקִאֶ֑⁠נּוּ מִ֝⁠בִּטְנ֗⁠וֹ יוֹרִשֶׁ֥⁠נּוּ אֵֽל1

Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person would literally swallow wealth but then vomit it back up again, and as if God would literally expel it or force it out of his belly, presumably by causing him to vomit. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He is greedy to become rich, but he will lose all his money; God will cause him to lose it”

148720:16l7ykrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorרֹאשׁ־פְּתָנִ֥ים יִינָ֑ק1

Zophar is speaking as if a wicked person would literally suck the poison of asps. This could mean: (1) that Zophar is alluding to the images in verses 12 and 13 of a wicked person savoring wickedness as if it were something he held under his tongue or against the roof of his mouth. Zophar would be saying that the delicacy that the wicked person savors or sucks turns out to be poison, meaning something that will kill him. Alternate translation: “In the end, the wickedness that he savors will kill him” (2) that an asp will bite the wicked person and he will absorb its poison as if he had sucked it in. This would be a more general statement. Alternate translation: “Something deadly will destroy him”

148820:16m2parc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyתַּֽ֝הַרְגֵ֗⁠הוּ לְשׁ֣וֹן אֶפְעֶֽה1

Zophar may be reflecting a belief of his culture that the forked tongue of a snake was sharp and that snakes injected poison into people and animals by piercing them with their tongues. If Zophar understood, as people today now understand, that snakes inject their poison through their fangs after biting their victims, then Zophar would be using the term tongue by association to mean the mouth and thus the fangs. Alternate translation: “the fangs of the viper will kill him” or “a viper will kill him by biting him and injecting him with poison through his fangs”

148920:16dg2brc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownפְּתָנִ֥ים & אֶפְעֶֽה1

See how you translated the word “asps” in in 20:14. A viper is another kind of poisonous snake If these snakes, or snakes in general, would not be familiar to your readers, you could use general terms. Alternate translation: “snakes … the poisonous snake” or “reptiles … the poisonous reptile”

149020:16rf6crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounאֶפְעֶֽה1

Zophar is not referring to a specific viper. He means one that might bite a wicked person. Alternate translation: “a viper”

149120:17nb52rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבִ⁠פְלַגּ֑וֹת נַהֲרֵ֥י נַ֝חֲלֵ֗י דְּבַ֣שׁ וְ⁠חֶמְאָֽה1

Zophar is speaking as if streams, rivers, and torrents could literally flow with honey and butter. He is referring to the abundant quantities of these things with which God would bless a righteous person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the abundant quantities of honey and butter with which God blesses righteous people”

149220:17w9e5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheבִ⁠פְלַגּ֑וֹת נַהֲרֵ֥י נַ֝חֲלֵ֗י דְּבַ֣שׁ וְ⁠חֶמְאָֽה1

Zophar is using two agricultural products, honey and butter, to mean agricultural products in general and thus, in this culture, wealth in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the abundant wealth with which God blesses righteous people”

149320:17j597rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletבִ⁠פְלַגּ֑וֹת נַהֲרֵ֥י נַ֝חֲלֵ֗י1

The terms streams, rivers, and torrents mean similar things. Zophar 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: “the deeply flowing streams of”

149420:18th8arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיָ֭גָע1

It is clear from the next verse, as well as from v. 10, that by gain here, Zophar implicitly means money that a wicked person has made by dishonest means. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “his ill-gotten gain”

149520:19j598rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjדַּלִּ֑ים1

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

149620:19j599rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesוְ⁠לֹ֣א יִבֶנֵֽ⁠הוּ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this as a positive expression. Alternate translation: “that someone else built” or “that belonged to someone else”

149720:20j600rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלֹא־יָדַ֣ע שָׁלֵ֣ו בְּ⁠בִטְנ֑⁠וֹ1

Here, the belly or stomach represents a persons desires, and specifically in this context, greedy desires. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he has not experienced the satisfaction of his greedy desires”

149820:20j601rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsלֹא־יָדַ֣ע שָׁלֵ֣ו בְּ⁠בִטְנ֑⁠וֹ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of satisfaction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “he could never satisfy his greedy desires”

149920:20j602rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjבַּ֝⁠חֲמוּד֗⁠וֹ לֹ֣א יְמַלֵּֽט1

Zophar is using the adjective desired as a noun to mean a certain kind of thing. The ULT adds the word thing 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: “he will not rescue any of the things that he desired”

150020:20zi35rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesבַּ֝⁠חֲמוּד֗⁠וֹ לֹ֣א יְמַלֵּֽט1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this with a positive expression. Alternate translation: “he will lose all of the things that he desired”

150120:21e2vtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֵין־שָׂרִ֥יד לְ⁠אָכְל֑⁠וֹ1

This could mean implicitly: (1) Alternate translation: “There is nothing left after he has eaten” (2) Alternate translation: “There is nothing left for him to eat”

150220:22j603rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבִּ⁠מְלֹ֣אות שִׂ֭פְק⁠וֹ1

Zophar is speaking of the wealth of a wicked person as if he were a container that could become full. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Even if he becomes very wealthy,”

150320:22k3n2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיֵ֣צֶר ל֑⁠וֹ1

Zophar is using this expression to mean that the wicked person will experience great distress. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “he will be in dire straits” or “he will experience great distress”

150420:22j604rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjכָּל־יַ֖ד עָמֵ֣ל תְּבוֹאֶֽ⁠נּוּ1

Zophar is using the adjective troubling 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: “the hand of every person who causes trouble will come against him”

150520:22tq3yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyכָּל־יַ֖ד עָמֵ֣ל תְּבוֹאֶֽ⁠נּוּ1

Here, hand represents the power and activity of a person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “every person who causes trouble will work against him”

150620:22j605rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleכָּל־יַ֖ד עָמֵ֣ל תְּבוֹאֶֽ⁠נּוּ1

Zophar says every here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “people who cause trouble will work against him”

150720:23j606rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיְהִ֤י ׀ לְ⁠מַלֵּ֬א בִטְנ֗⁠וֹ יְֽשַׁלַּח־בּ֭⁠וֹ חֲר֣וֹן אַפּ֑⁠וֹ וְ⁠יַמְטֵ֥ר עָ֝לֵ֗י⁠מוֹ בִּ⁠לְחוּמֽ⁠וֹ1

The pronoun He at the start of this verse, the two instances of him, and the second instance of his refer to the wicked person, while the two instances of he later in the verse and the first instance of his refer to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “The wicked person will be about to fill his belly, and God will send the burning of his nose against that wicked person, yes, God will rain it upon that person while that person is eating”

150820:23i6l2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠יַמְטֵ֥ר עָ֝לֵ֗י⁠מוֹ1

Zophar is speaking as if God would literally make his anger rain on a wicked person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, he will punish him severely”

150920:23d4yyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבִּ⁠לְחוּמֽ⁠וֹ1

Interpreters are not certain what Zophar means by this expression, which can be translated in various ways. It could mean: (1) Alternate translation: “while he is eating” (2) Alternate translation: “upon his flesh” or “upon his body” (3) Alternate translation: “with his arrows” or “with his weapons”

151020:24x5uwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִ֭בְרַח מִ⁠נֵּ֣שֶׁק בַּרְזֶ֑ל תַּ֝חְלְפֵ֗⁠הוּ קֶ֣שֶׁת נְחוּשָֽׁה1

Zophar is speaking as if different soldiers were using a weapon of iron and a bow of bronze to attack the wicked person he is describing. Zophar is using these weapons to represent dangers. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He may escape from one danger, but another danger will overtake him”

151120:24kj9mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיִ֭בְרַח מִ⁠נֵּ֣שֶׁק בַּרְזֶ֑ל תַּ֝חְלְפֵ֗⁠הוּ קֶ֣שֶׁת נְחוּשָֽׁה1

Since a bow of bronze is a more powerful and deadly weapon than a weapon of iron such as a sword or spear, Zophar implicitly means that if a wicked person escapes from one danger, a greater danger will overtake him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “He may escape from one danger, but a greater danger will overtake him”

151220:24j607rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyקֶ֣שֶׁת נְחוּשָֽׁה1

Zophar is using the term bow by association to mean an arrow from a bow. If you decide to retain this image in your translation, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “an arrow that someone shoots using a bronze bow”

151320:25j608rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשָׁלַף֮ וַ⁠יֵּצֵ֪א מִ⁠גֵּ֫וָ֥ה וּ֭⁠בָרָק מִֽ⁠מְּרֹרָת֥⁠וֹ יַהֲלֹ֗ךְ עָלָ֥י⁠ו אֵמִֽים1

Zophar is continuing to speak as if someone had shot an arrow into the wicked person he is describing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The wicked person realizes that the danger that has overtaken him is going to destroy him”

151420:25j609rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוּ֭⁠בָרָק1

Zophar is using the term gleaming by association to mean an arrow whose metal point gleams in the sunlight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the point of the arrow”

151520:25puf6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralעָלָ֥י⁠ו אֵמִֽים1

Zophar could be using the plural form Terrors in an intensive sense to mean the worst of terrors, that is, death, as in 18:14. Alternate translation: “He is terrified because he realizes that he is going to die”

151620:26w5ygrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleכָּל־חֹשֶׁךְ֮ טָמ֪וּן1

Zophar says All here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “Great darkness is hidden”

151720:26j610rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכָּל־חֹשֶׁךְ֮ טָמ֪וּן1

Zophar is using the term darkness to represent troubles. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Great troubles are hidden”

151820:26j611rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveכָּל־חֹשֶׁךְ֮ טָמ֪וּן1

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: “God has hidden great troubles”

151920:26j612rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכָּל־חֹשֶׁךְ֮ טָמ֪וּן1

Zophar is speaking as if God had literally hidden darkness, representing troubles. He could mean: (1) that God has reserved those troubles to destroy the treasured possessions of the wicked person he is describing. Alternate translation: “God has reserved great troubles” (2) that it is as if those troubles were an animal that had hidden itself so that it could pounce on the possessions of the wicked person. Alternate translation: “Great troubles are lying in wait”

152020:26j613rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveלִ⁠צְפּ֫וּנָ֥י⁠ו1

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: “for the things that he treasures”

152120:26syj5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveתְּ֭אָכְלֵ⁠הוּ אֵ֣שׁ לֹֽא־נֻפָּ֑ח1

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 fire that no one has blown on to kindle will devour him”

152220:26w47rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitתְּ֭אָכְלֵ⁠הוּ אֵ֣שׁ לֹֽא־נֻפָּ֑ח1

The implication is that no human being will have blown on this fire to kindle it; God will send the fire. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “A fire that God sends will devour him” or “God will send fire that will devour him”

152320:26qsw9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorתְּ֭אָכְלֵ⁠הוּ אֵ֣שׁ לֹֽא־נֻפָּ֑ח1

Zophar is speaking as if fire were literally going to devour or eat up this wicked person. Within the context of the image, he means that the fire will burn him up, and the image of fire itself represents God destroying the wicked person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will destroy him”

152420:26j614rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיֵ֖רַע שָׂרִ֣יד בְּ⁠אָהֳלֽ⁠וֹ1

Zophar is continuing to speak as if fire were literally going to consume this wicked person and his possessions. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, God will completely destroy everything in his tent, leaving nothing”

152520:26j615rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיֵ֖רַע שָׂרִ֣יד בְּ⁠אָהֳלֽ⁠וֹ1

Zophar is using one possession of this wicked person, the tent in which he lives, to mean all of his possessions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, God will completely destroy all of his possessions, leaving nothing”

152620:27v1vgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיְגַלּ֣וּ שָׁמַ֣יִם עֲוֺנ֑⁠וֹ וְ֝⁠אֶ֗רֶץ מִתְקוֹמָ֘מָ֥ה לֽ⁠וֹ1

Zophar is speaking as if the heavens and the earth were living things that could testify against this wicked person. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “If the sky could speak, it would testify that it had observed his iniquity; if the earth could speak, it would raise itself up against him”

152720:27j616rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ֝⁠אֶ֗רֶץ מִתְקוֹמָ֘מָ֥ה לֽ⁠וֹ1

Zophar means that the earth would raise itself up, that is, stand up, against this wicked person in order to bring charges against him or to serve as a witness in a legal proceeding. In this culture, in order to begin a case against someone, a person would stand up among those who had gathered in the public square. Someone who had evidence to bring in such a proceeding would similarly stand up. Either way, the earth, Zophar says, would testify that the wicked person was guilty. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “and the earth will stand and bring charges against him” or “and the earth will stand and be a witness against him”

152820:28j617rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיִ֭גֶל יְב֣וּל בֵּית֑⁠וֹ1

Zophar is speaking of the wealth that the wicked person has in his house as if it were a living thing that could depart. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He will lose the wealth that is in his house”

152920:28j618rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorנִ֝גָּר֗וֹת1

Zophar is speaking as if the wicked persons wealth were a liquid that could literally be flowing away. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “vanishing” or “being destroyed”

153020:28j620rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבְּ⁠י֣וֹם אַפּֽ⁠וֹ1

While God would punish the wicked person on a specific day, Zophar is using the term day to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at the time when God angrily punishes him”

153120:29j621rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorזֶ֤ה ׀ חֵֽלֶק־אָדָ֣ם רָ֭שָׁע מֵ⁠אֱלֹהִ֑ים וְ⁠נַחֲלַ֖ת אִמְר֣⁠וֹ מֵ⁠אֵֽל1

Zophar is speaking as if God were literally giving a wicked man a portion, probably meaning a portion of family property, and a heritage, similarly meaning an inheritance. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This is the punishment that the wicked man deserves, and God will punish him in that way”

153220:29j622rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאָדָ֣ם רָ֭שָׁע1

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

153320:29j623rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounאָדָ֣ם רָ֭שָׁע1

Zophar is not referring to a specific wicked man or person. He means wicked people in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “wicked people”

153420:29j624rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionוְ⁠נַחֲלַ֖ת אִמְר֣⁠וֹ מֵ⁠אֵֽל1

Zophar is using this possessive form to describe a symbolic heritage or inheritance that God has appointed to a wicked person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and his appointed heritage from God” or “and the heritage that God has appointed to him”

153521:introk6tx0

Job 21 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is Jobs response to Zophars second speech.

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

Special Concepts in This Chapter

Punishment for the sins of ones parents or ancestors

In the culture in which the book of Job was composed, people commonly believed that God might punish someone for the sins of their parents or ancestors. Job says in verse 19 of this chapter that this is what his three friends believe. However, while peoples sins may have consequences for their children and descendants, God does not punish people directly for their parents or ancestors sins. Be sure that this is clear in your translation.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

The adjective “wicked” as a noun

In verses 7, 16, 17, and 28, Job uses the adjective “wicked” as a noun to mean wicked people in general. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase such as “wicked people.”

153621:2ztr6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularשָׁ֭מוֹעַ & תַּנְח֥וּמֹֽתֵי⁠כֶֽם1

The word your and the implied “you” in the imperative hear are plural because Job is addressing his three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

153721:2l3vprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplicationשִׁמְע֣וּ שָׁ֭מוֹעַ מִלָּתִ֑⁠י1

Job is repeating the verb hear in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “Listen carefully to my words”

153821:2j625rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִלָּתִ֑⁠י1

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

153921:2j626rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionתַּנְח֥וּמֹֽתֵי⁠כֶֽם1

Job is using this possessive form to describe not the consolation that his friends will have but the consolation that he wants them to offer him. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the consolation that you offer to me”

154021:3x7gyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularשָׂ֭אוּ⁠נִי & תַלְעִֽיג1

The implied “you” in the imperative Tolerate is plural because Job is addressing his three friends, but the pronoun you later in the verse is singular because Job is responding directly to Zophar. Use the corresponding forms in your translation if your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you.”

154121:3j627rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ⁠אָנֹכִ֣י אֲדַבֵּ֑ר1

For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb speak. 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 I will take my turn and speak”

154221:3w3a4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyתַלְעִֽיג1

For emphasis, Job is saying the opposite of what he means. If a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could indicate what Job actually means. Alternate translation: “you will probably continue to mock me, even though you should not do so”

154321:4d6w5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionלְ⁠אָדָ֣ם שִׂיחִ֑⁠י1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “my complaint is not to a man!”

154421:4j628rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsלְ⁠אָדָ֣ם שִׂיחִ֑⁠י1

Although the term man is masculine, Job does not mean specifically a male human. He is using the term to mean a mortal as opposed to God. Alternate translation: “my complaint is not to a mortal!”

154521:4j629rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesלְ⁠אָדָ֣ם שִׂיחִ֑⁠י1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this as a positive expression. Alternate translation: “my complaint is to God!”

154621:4j630rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ⁠אִם1

Job is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. You could supply these words from the context if that would be clearer in your language. (Some languages may be able to say simply “And if not” to follow up on a question that expects a negative answer.) Alternate translation: “And if my complaint is not to a mortal but to God”

154721:4j631rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַ֝דּ֗וּעַ לֹא־תִקְצַ֥ר רוּחִֽ⁠י1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “then my breath may certainly be short!”

154821:4j632rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמַ֝דּ֗וּעַ לֹא־תִקְצַ֥ר רוּחִֽ⁠י1

Job is using his breath being short (that is, the fact that he is breathing quickly) by association to mean him being upset. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “why may I not be upset” or, as a statement, “then I may certainly be upset!”

154921:5j633rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularפְּנוּ & וְ⁠שִׂ֖ימוּ1

The implied “you” in the imperatives Look and lay is plural because Job is addressing his three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

155021:5j634rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsוְ⁠שִׂ֖ימוּ יָ֣ד עַל־פֶּֽה1

Since Job is speaking to three people, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural forms of hand and mouth. Alternate translation: “and lay your hands upon your mouths”

155121:5lu7qrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוְ⁠שִׂ֖ימוּ יָ֣ד עַל־פֶּֽה1

Covering the mouth with the hand prevents a person from speaking. Job is suggesting that his three friends perform this symbolic action to indicate that his situation is so tragic and distressing that nothing can be said about it. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “and lay your hands upon your mouths to show that my situation is so tragic and distressing that nothing can be said about it”

155221:6j635rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitזָכַ֥רְתִּי1

Job is referring implicitly to when he remembers or is mindful of his sufferings. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I think about my sufferings”

155321:6j636rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠נִבְהָ֑לְתִּי1

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: “then that terrifies me”

155421:6f8uurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ⁠אָחַ֥ז בְּ֝שָׂרִ֗⁠י פַּלָּצֽוּת1

Job is speaking of trembling as if it were a living thing that could seize his flesh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and my flesh trembles”

155521:6suz1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠אָחַ֥ז בְּ֝שָׂרִ֗⁠י פַּלָּצֽוּת1

Job is using one part of himself, his flesh, to mean his whole body. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and my whole body trembles”

155621:7i446rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַדּ֣וּעַ רְשָׁעִ֣ים יִחְי֑וּ עָ֝תְק֗וּ גַּם־גָּ֥בְרוּ חָֽיִל1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “The wicked should not live, grow old, and become mighty in power!”

155721:7j637rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרְשָׁעִ֣ים1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here, as in several other places in the chapter, Job is using the adjective wicked as a noun to mean a certain group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “wicked people”

155821:8w7jerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomזַרְעָ֤⁠ם נָכ֣וֹן1

Here, seed means “children.” Alternate translation: “Their children are established”

155921:8j638rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveזַרְעָ֤⁠ם נָכ֣וֹן1

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: “Their children grow up”

156021:8j639rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֣ם1

Here the word faces represents the presence of people by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “in their presence” or “in their homes”

156121:8n4nprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ֝⁠צֶאֱצָאֵי⁠הֶ֗ם לְ⁠עֵינֵי⁠הֶֽם1

Job is using the term eyes by association to mean sight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and their descendants in their sight” or “and their descendants where they can see them”

156221:8j640rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ֝⁠צֶאֱצָאֵי⁠הֶ֗ם לְ⁠עֵינֵי⁠הֶֽם1

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 their descendants grow up where they can see them”

156321:9j641rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsבָּתֵּי⁠הֶ֣ם שָׁל֣וֹם1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of peace, you could express the same idea in another way. In this instance, Job is using an abstract noun with the sense of an adjective. Alternate translation: “Their houses are peaceful”

156421:9e8z5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבָּתֵּי⁠הֶ֣ם1

Job could be using the term houses by association to mean the households of wicked people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Their households”

156521:9u9sbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠לֹ֤א שֵׁ֖בֶט אֱל֣וֹהַּ עֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם1

Job is using the term rod by association to mean punishment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as in UST: “and God does not punish them”

156621:10za7crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounשׁוֹר֣⁠וֹ עִ֭בַּר וְ⁠לֹ֣א יַגְעִ֑ל תְּפַלֵּ֥ט פָּ֝רָת֗⁠וֹ וְ⁠לֹ֣א תְשַׁכֵּֽל1

Although Job uses singular pronouns in this verse, he is not referring to a specific wicked person. He is still speaking of wicked people in general. It may be more natural in your language to express his meaning by using plural pronouns. Alternate translation: “Their bulls breed and they do not fail; their cows calve and they do not miscarry”

156721:11f9aerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileיְשַׁלְּח֣וּ כַ֭⁠צֹּאן עֲוִילֵי⁠הֶ֑ם1

The point of this comparison is that just as shepherds send their flocks out to pasture, so the wicked people whom Job is describing send their young children out to play in the fields around their homes. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “They send their young children out to play in the fields around their homes as if they were a flock of sheep going out to pasture”

156821:11j642rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיְשַׁלְּח֣וּ & עֲוִילֵי⁠הֶ֑ם1

The implication is that wicked people can send their babes (young children) out to play because they are safe, as Job says in verse 9. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Because they are so safe, they can allow their young children to play outside”

156921:11j643rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ֝⁠יַלְדֵי⁠הֶ֗ם יְרַקֵּדֽוּ⁠ן1

The implication is that the children of wicked people dance because they are happy and carefree. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and their children dance because they are happy and carefree”

157021:12j644rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיִ֭שְׂאוּ כְּ⁠תֹ֣ף וְ⁠כִנּ֑וֹר1

The implication is that the children lift up these musical instruments in order to play them. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “They play the tambourine and the harp” or “They play tambourines and harps”

157121:12elg8rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיִ֭שְׂאוּ & וְ֝⁠יִשְׂמְח֗וּ1

In this verse, the pronouns They and they refer to the children of wicked people, not to wicked people themselves. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Their children lift up … and those children rejoice”

157221:12w5nfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounכְּ⁠תֹ֣ף וְ⁠כִנּ֑וֹר & עוּגָֽב1

Job is not referring to a specific tambourine or harp or flute. He means those musical instruments in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “tambourines and harps … flutes”

157321:13s7tfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיְמֵי⁠הֶ֑ם1

Job is using the term days to mean a specific period of time, the lifetime of wicked people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “their lifetime”

157421:13bx7urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ֝⁠בְ⁠רֶ֗גַע1

The implication is that wicked people do not die a painful, lingering death. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “quickly and painlessly”

157521:14j645rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוַ⁠יֹּאמְר֣וּ לָ֭⁠אֵל ס֣וּר מִמֶּ֑⁠נּוּ וְ⁠דַ֥עַת דְּ֝רָכֶ֗י⁠ךָ לֹ֣א חָפָֽצְנוּ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “They tell God to turn away from them because they do not desire knowledge of his ways”

157621:14j646rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorס֣וּר מִמֶּ֑⁠נּוּ1

The wicked people are speaking as if they wanted God literally to turn away from them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Do not be concerned with us”

157721:14j647rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠דַ֥עַת דְּ֝רָכֶ֗י⁠ךָ לֹ֣א חָפָֽצְנוּ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for we do not want to know your ways”

157821:14fm9xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorדְּ֝רָכֶ֗י⁠ךָ1

The wicked people are speaking of how God wants people to live as if that were a series of ways or paths that God wanted people to walk along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how you want people to live”

157921:15j648rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesמַה־שַׁדַּ֥י כִּֽי־נַֽעַבְדֶ֑⁠נּוּ וּ⁠מַה־נּ֝וֹעִ֗יל כִּ֣י נִפְגַּע־בּֽ⁠וֹ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could continue to translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “They ask who the Almighty is, that they should serve him, and how they would profit, that they should pray to him”

158021:15j649rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personמַה־שַׁדַּ֥י כִּֽי־נַֽעַבְדֶ֑⁠נּוּ וּ⁠מַה־נּ֝וֹעִ֗יל כִּ֣י נִפְגַּע־בּֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is continuing to quote what wicked people say. The wicked people may no longer be speaking “to God,” as in the previous verse, but speaking about God. Alternatively, they may be speaking to God but using the third person. You might choose to translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “Who are you, the Almighty, that we should serve you? And how will we profit, that we should pray to you?”

158121:15k5g5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַה־שַׁדַּ֥י כִּֽי־נַֽעַבְדֶ֑⁠נּוּ וּ⁠מַה־נּ֝וֹעִ֗יל כִּ֣י נִפְגַּע־בּֽ⁠וֹ1

The wicked people are using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “The Almighty is not important, so we do not have to serve him! It would not benefit us, so we do not have to pray to him!”

158221:16ke4mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsהֵ֤ן לֹ֣א בְ⁠יָדָ֣⁠ם טוּבָ֑⁠ם עֲצַ֥ת רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים רָ֣חֲקָה מֶֽ⁠נִּי1

Job is making two statements in this verse that express strong feelings. In the previous verse, he described how wicked people say that they do not need to pray to God because that would not benefit them. In his first statement here, he insists in response that any benefit or prosperity that the wicked enjoy is something that God has generously given to them even though they do not deserve it. In his second statement, Job reacts strongly against the counsel or advice that he said wicked people give themselves, that they should not serve the Almighty or pray to him. The ULT places exclamation marks at the end of these sentences to show that they communicate strong emotion. In your translation, use your own languages way of showing that.

158321:16t984rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלֹ֣א בְ⁠יָדָ֣⁠ם1

Job is using the word hand to represent the power and control that people have over something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is not of their own making” or “is not something that they have gained by themselves”

158421:16j650rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעֲצַ֥ת רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים רָ֣חֲקָה מֶֽ⁠נִּי1

Job is speaking as if he wanted the counsel of the wicked literally to be far away from him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I want nothing to do with the counsel of the wicked”

158521:17d4mwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionכַּ⁠מָּ֤ה ׀ נֵר־רְשָׁ֘עִ֤ים יִדְעָ֗ךְ וְ⁠יָבֹ֣א עָלֵ֣י⁠מוֹ אֵידָ֑⁠ם חֲ֝בָלִ֗ים יְחַלֵּ֥ק בְּ⁠אַפּֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “The lamp of the wicked does not often go out! No, their calamity does not come upon them often! God does not distribute pains to them in his anger!”

158621:17c9nnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכַּ⁠מָּ֤ה ׀ נֵר־רְשָׁ֘עִ֤ים יִדְעָ֗ךְ1

Job is speaking as if wicked people literally had a lamp that might go out or stop burning. He is using this image to represent them dying. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “How often do the wicked die”

158721:17g7clrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠יָבֹ֣א עָלֵ֣י⁠מוֹ אֵידָ֑⁠ם1

Job is speaking as if calamity were literally an object that comes upon people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or how often do they experience their calamity”

158821:17bmg2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoאֵידָ֑⁠ם1

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

158921:17j651rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsחֲ֝בָלִ֗ים יְחַלֵּ֥ק בְּ⁠אַפּֽ⁠וֹ1

The pronouns his and he refer to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Does God distribute pains to them in his anger”

159021:18lhr9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionיִהְי֗וּ כְּ⁠תֶ֥בֶן לִ⁠פְנֵי־ר֑וּחַ וּ֝⁠כְ⁠מֹ֗ץ גְּנָבַ֥תּ⁠וּ סוּפָֽה1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “They are not often like stubble to the face of the wind or like chaff that a storm carries away!”

159121:18a6g9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileיִהְי֗וּ כְּ⁠תֶ֥בֶן לִ⁠פְנֵי־ר֑וּחַ וּ֝⁠כְ⁠מֹ֗ץ גְּנָבַ֥תּ⁠וּ סוּפָֽה1

Job is comparing Gods punishment to the wind and a storm, and he is comparing wicked people to stubble and chaff that strong winds drive away quickly and completely. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could say this in plain language. Alternate translation: “How often does God destroy them quickly and completely in punishment for their sins” or, as a statement, “God does not often destroy them quickly and completely in punishment for their sins”

159221:18j652rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלִ⁠פְנֵי־ר֑וּחַ1

Here the phrase to the face of means “in the presence of,” by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. To say that something is in the presence of the wind is to say that the wind is blowing on it. Alternate translation: “when the wind blows on it”

159321:19gwj5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֱל֗וֹהַּ יִצְפֹּן־לְ⁠בָנָ֥י⁠ו אוֹנ֑⁠וֹ1

Since this sentence does not agree with what Job says in the rest of this speech, Job must be quoting a popular saying that he knows Zophar would agree with (see, for example, 20:10). You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “You say, God lays up his guilt for his sons

159421:19sac1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesאֱל֗וֹהַּ יִצְפֹּן־לְ⁠בָנָ֥י⁠ו אוֹנ֑⁠וֹ1

If you decide to identify this explicitly as a popular saying that Job is quoting, if it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “You say that God lays up his guilt for his sons”

159521:19ev9vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֱל֗וֹהַּ יִצְפֹּן־לְ⁠בָנָ֥י⁠ו אוֹנ֑⁠וֹ1

This saying speaks of guilt as something that can be stored for later use. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God remembers what he is guilty of doing and punishes his sons for it”

159621:19j653rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsלְ⁠בָנָ֥י⁠ו1

Here the masculine term sons has a generic sense that includes both male and female children. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use translate this in a way that shows that. Alternate translation: “for his sons and daughters” or “for his children”

159721:19j654rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיְשַׁלֵּ֖ם אֵלָ֣י⁠ו וְ⁠יֵדָֽע1

The first instance of him refers to God, while the second instance of him and the word he refer to a wicked person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Let God repay to the wicked person, and that person will know”

159821:19j655rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיְשַׁלֵּ֖ם אֵלָ֣י⁠ו1

Here the word repay has the sense of “punish.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Let God punish him”

159921:19iyl4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠יֵדָֽע1

Job means implicitly that if God would repay or punish the wicked person, then that person would know that he was guilty of sinning. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and he will know that he is guilty of sinning”

160021:20j2utrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheיִרְא֣וּ עֵינָ֣יו & כִּיד֑⁠וֹ1

Job is using one part of the wicked person, his eyes, to mean all of him in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Let him see his own destruction”

160121:20wq4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠מֵ⁠חֲמַ֖ת שַׁדַּ֣י יִשְׁתֶּֽה1

Job is speaking as if the wrath of the Almighty were a liquid that a wicked person could literally drink. He means that he wishes that wicked people would experience that wrath. Alternate translation: “and let him experience the wrath of the Almighty” or “and let the Almighty punish him in his wrath”

160221:21j656rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּ֤י1

Job is using the word For to introduce the reason why he said in the previous two verses that God should punish wicked people themselves rather than their children. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Let the wicked person himself suffer, for”

160321:21vtu2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַה־חֶפְצ֣⁠וֹ בְּ⁠בֵית֣⁠וֹ אַחֲרָ֑י⁠ו וּ⁠מִסְפַּ֖ר חֳדָשָׁ֣י⁠ו חֻצָּֽצוּ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “he has no interest in his house after him when the number of his months is cut off!”

160421:21j657rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְּ⁠בֵית֣⁠וֹ1

Job is most likely using the term house by association to mean the household or family of a wicked person. The popular saying that he quoted in verse 19 suggested that God would punish a wicked person by making his children suffer, but Job is saying here that after a wicked person dies, he will not care about that. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in his family” or “in his children”

160521:21rky2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוּ⁠מִסְפַּ֖ר חֳדָשָׁ֣י⁠ו חֻצָּֽצוּ1

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: “when God cuts off the number of his months”

160621:21m58jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠מִסְפַּ֖ר חֳדָשָׁ֣י⁠ו חֻצָּֽצוּ1

Job is speaking as if the number of months that a wicked person would live might literally be cut off, as if it were a branch on a tree, for example. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when the number of his months ends” or “when his lifetime ends” or “when God ends his lifetime”

160721:22ail2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ⁠לְ⁠אֵ֥ל יְלַמֶּד־דָּ֑עַת וְ֝⁠ה֗וּא רָמִ֥ים יִשְׁפּֽוֹט1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No one can teach knowledge to God, since he judges the ones being high!”

160821:22x9p8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyרָמִ֥ים1

Job is probably using the term high by association to mean angels, who are high in heaven. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “even the angels”

160921:23j658rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsזֶ֗ה1

The pronoun This does not refer to a specific person. Job is using it to describe one kind of person and to introduce a contrast with a different kind of person, whom he describes as “That one” in verse 25. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “One person”

161021:23krv3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבְּ⁠עֶ֣צֶם תֻּמּ֑⁠וֹ1

In this expression, the word bone indicates the essence of something. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “at the height of his perfection”

161121:23j659rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsבְּ⁠עֶ֣צֶם תֻּמּ֑⁠וֹ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of perfection, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “while he is still perfectly healthy”

161221:23j660rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleכֻּ֝לּ֗⁠וֹ שַׁלְאֲנַ֥ן וְ⁠שָׁלֵֽיו1

Job says all here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “he is very tranquil and secure”

161321:23j661rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletכֻּ֝לּ֗⁠וֹ שַׁלְאֲנַ֥ן וְ⁠שָׁלֵֽיו1

The terms tranquil and secure mean similar things. Job may be using the two terms together for emphasis. However, there is a slight difference between them. The word tranquil refers more to a person not having to worry about threats, while the word secure refers more to a person being wealthy. You could express both words with a single phrase that would communicate emphasis, or you could use two words to bring out the different shades of meaning. Alternate translation: “he is very comfortable” or “he is so wealthy that he does not worry”

161421:24mli3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheעֲ֭טִינָי⁠ו מָלְא֣וּ חָלָ֑ב1

Interpreters are not entirely sure of the meaning of the word translated as pails. One likely interpretation is that it describes pails that people would use to collect milk from their cattle. If that is the meaning, then Job is using one aspect of this persons prosperity, the fact that his cattle give milk abundantly, to indicate that the person is prosperous in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “His cattle give milk abundantly” or “He is very prosperous”

161521:24uug7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוּ⁠מֹ֖חַ עַצְמוֹתָ֣י⁠ו יְשֻׁקֶּֽה1

Job is using one aspect of this persons health, the fact that the marrow of his bones is healthy, to indicate that the person is healthy in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he is very healthy”

161621:24sa7qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיְשֻׁקֶּֽה1

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: “is moist”

161721:25s5gerc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ⁠זֶ֗ה1

See how you translated the expression “This one” in 21:23. Alternate translation: “But another person”

161821:25m7zqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבְּ⁠נֶ֣פֶשׁ מָרָ֑ה1

Like the word “bone” in verse 21, in this expression, the word soul indicates the essence of something. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “in the depths of bitterness”

161921:25k7cwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsבְּ⁠נֶ֣פֶשׁ מָרָ֑ה1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of bitterness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “when his life is very bitter”

162021:25j662rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠לֹֽא־אָ֝כַ֗ל בַּ⁠טּוֹבָֽה1

Job is talking about more than food here, and so when he speaks as if a person could literally have eaten things that are good (although in this case the person did not), he means experiencing those things. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he has not experienced the good”

162121:25xpm3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjוְ⁠לֹֽא־אָ֝כַ֗ל בַּ⁠טּוֹבָֽה1

Job is using the adjective good as a noun to mean a certain kind of thing. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “and he has not experienced good things” or “and he has not enjoyed good things”

162221:26fc95rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismיַ֭חַד עַל־עָפָ֣ר יִשְׁכָּ֑בוּ1

Job is using the phrase lie down … in the dust to mean “die.” This is a poetic way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “They both die and are buried”

162321:26j663rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounוְ֝⁠רִמָּ֗ה תְּכַסֶּ֥ה עֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם1

Job is not referring to a specific worm. He means worms in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “and worms cover them both”

162421:26tyf2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ֝⁠רִמָּ֗ה תְּכַסֶּ֥ה עֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם1

The implication of worms covering the bodies of these dead people is that the worms are eating their bodies. For clarity, you could indicate that in your. Alternate translation: “and worms eat their bodies”

162521:27veu9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיָ֭דַעְתִּי מַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵי⁠כֶ֑ם וּ֝⁠מְזִמּ֗וֹת1

Job implicitly means that he knows his friends are thinking of him when they speak of a wicked person. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I know that when you speak of a wicked person, you are speaking of me, and I know the notions”

162621:27j664rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularמַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵי⁠כֶ֑ם & תַּחְמֹֽסוּ1

The words your and you are plural here because Job is addressing his three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction. The words “you” and “your” are plural in the rest of the chapter as well, specifically in verses 29 and 34.

162721:27jy5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ֝⁠מְזִמּ֗וֹת עָלַ֥⁠י תַּחְמֹֽסוּ1

Job is speaking as if his friends would literally wrest, or yank violently out of place, notions or ideas to use against him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the ideas you misappropriate to use against me”

162821:28j665rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesכִּ֤י תֹֽאמְר֗וּ אַיֵּ֥ה בֵית־נָדִ֑יב וְ֝⁠אַיֵּ֗ה אֹ֤הֶל ׀ מִשְׁכְּנ֬וֹת רְשָׁעִֽים1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “For you ask where the house of the tyrant is and where the tent of the habitation of the wicked is”

162921:28n1y2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאַיֵּ֥ה בֵית־נָדִ֑יב וְ֝⁠אַיֵּ֗ה אֹ֤הֶל ׀ מִשְׁכְּנ֬וֹת רְשָׁעִֽים1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “The house of the tyrant is gone! The tent of the habitation of the wicked is gone!”

163021:28j666rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheאַיֵּ֥ה בֵית־נָדִ֑יב וְ֝⁠אַיֵּ֗ה אֹ֤הֶל ׀ מִשְׁכְּנ֬וֹת רְשָׁעִֽים1

In this quotation that Job attributes to his friends, he is using one possession of a prince, his house, and one possession of the wicked, their tent, to mean all of their possessions and ultimately their lives. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as exclamations: “The tyrant no longer lives among us! The wicked no longer live among us!”

163121:28j667rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאַיֵּ֥ה בֵית־נָדִ֑יב וְ֝⁠אַיֵּ֗ה אֹ֤הֶל ׀ מִשְׁכְּנ֬וֹת רְשָׁעִֽים1

This quotation means implicitly that the tyrant and the wicked are no longer alive because God has killed them to punish them for doing wrong. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “God punishes the tyrant by killing him! God punishes the wicked by killing them!”

163221:28j668rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounאַיֵּ֥ה בֵית־נָדִ֑יב1

Job is not referring to a specific tyrant. He means tyrants in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “Where are the houses of tyrants?” or “Tyrants no longer live among us!” or “God punishes tyrants by killing them!”

163321:28j670rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjוְ֝⁠אַיֵּ֗ה אֹ֤הֶל ׀ מִשְׁכְּנ֬וֹת רְשָׁעִֽים1

Job is using the adjective wicked as a noun to mean a group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Since Job is speaking of more than one person, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of “tent.” Alternate translation: “Where are the tents in which wicked people lived?” or “Wicked people no longer live among us!” or “God punishes wicked people by killing them!”

163421:28j669rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsאֹ֤הֶל ׀ מִשְׁכְּנ֬וֹת רְשָׁעִֽים1

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

163521:29asa9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠לֹ֣א שְׁ֭אֶלְתֶּם ע֣וֹבְרֵי דָ֑רֶךְ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You must have asked travelers of the way!”

163621:29czd4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהֲ⁠לֹ֣א שְׁ֭אֶלְתֶּם ע֣וֹבְרֵי דָ֑רֶךְ1

Job means implicitly that his friends must have heard from widely traveled people that the wicked are not always punished as they have been claiming. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “You must have asked travelers of the way, and they must have told you what really happens to wicked people!”

163721:29j671rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounע֣וֹבְרֵי דָ֑רֶךְ1

Job is not referring to a specific way, that is, to a specific road or route. He means roads in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “people who travel on roads” or “people who have traveled widely”

163821:29j672rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ֝⁠אֹתֹתָ֗⁠ם לֹ֣א תְנַכֵּֽרוּ1

This is the beginning of a sentence in which Job is using the question form for emphasis. The sentence continues into the next verse. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should acknowledge their signs”

163921:29j673rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ֝⁠אֹתֹתָ֗⁠ם1

Job is using the word signs in a specific sense. He means proofs or tokens that something is true. He is probably referring to stories that travelers tell of wicked people whom they have seen or heard about. These stories, in Jobs opinion, would offer evidence that he is right and his friends are wrong about what happens to wicked people. (Job describes the content of these stories in the next verse.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Or … the truth of the stories they tell about wicked people”

164021:30q7hnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionכִּ֤י לְ⁠י֣וֹם אֵ֭יד יֵחָ֣שֶׂךְ רָ֑ע לְ⁠י֖וֹם עֲבָר֣וֹת יוּבָֽלוּ׃1

In this verse, Job completes a sentence that he began in the previous verse using the question form for emphasis. If in the previous verse you said something such as “You should acknowledge their signs,” you may be able to translate this much as it appears in the ULT, treating it as the continuation of a statement or exclamation. Alternate translation: “that the wicked is spared in the day of calamity, that in the day of wrath they are brought forth.”

164121:30wy2erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיֵחָ֣שֶׂךְ רָ֑ע1

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: “God spares the wicked”

164221:30j674rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרָ֑ע1

Job is using the adjective wicked 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: “a wicked person”

164321:30j675rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלְ⁠י֣וֹם אֵ֭יד1

Job is using the term day to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at the time of calamity” or “when calamity happens”

164421:30j676rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלְ⁠י֖וֹם עֲבָר֣וֹת1

Job is once again using the term day to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at the time of wrath”

164521:30x25qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלְ⁠י֖וֹם עֲבָר֣וֹת1

Job is using the term wrath by association to mean God punishing people in his wrath. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at the time when God punishes people,”

164621:30j677rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיוּבָֽלוּ1

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. The idea is that wicked people are brought forth from, that is, taken out of, the group of people whom God is punishing. Alternate translation: “God brings them forth” or “God does not punish them”

164721:31b6yhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִֽי־יַגִּ֣יד עַל־פָּנָ֣י⁠ו דַּרְכּ֑⁠וֹ וְ⁠הֽוּא־עָ֝שָׂ֗ה מִ֣י יְשַׁלֶּם־לֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “No one declares his way to his face! No one repays him for what he has done!”

164821:31ri98rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorדַּרְכּ֑⁠וֹ1

Job is speaking of how a person lives as if that were a way or path that the person was walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his manner of life”

164921:31wlf1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyעַל־פָּנָ֣י⁠ו1

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: “to him personally”

165021:31wn61rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠הֽוּא־עָ֝שָׂ֗ה מִ֣י יְשַׁלֶּם־לֽ⁠וֹ1

As in verse 19, here the word repay has the sense of “punish.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as a statement: “God does not punish him for what he has done.”

165121:32j678rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastוְ֭⁠הוּא לִ⁠קְבָר֣וֹת יוּבָ֑ל1

The word that the ULT translates as brought forth here is the same word that it translates as “brought forth” in verse 30. Job is saying that a wicked person is not only spared from Gods punishment, he is buried with honor in a great procession (which Job describes further in the next verse). Your language may similarly have a term that you could use in both contexts to show the contrast that Job is drawing here between what a wicked person deserves and what he gets.

165221:32g68arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ֭⁠הוּא & יוּבָ֑ל 1

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: “Indeed, people will carry him”

165321:32j679rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְֽ⁠עַל־גָּדִ֥ישׁ יִשְׁקֽוֹד1

The implication is that people will keep watch over the wicked persons burial mound to make sure that it is kept in good order and not desecrated. In other words, even in death the wicked person has an honored place in the community. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and people from the community will watch his burial mound to make sure that no one desecrates it”

165421:32j680rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownגָּדִ֥ישׁ1

In this culture, to show special honor to a person after his death, people might build a mound of stones or earth over his grave. If your readers would not be familiar with this practice, in your translation you could name a comparable practice of your own culture, or you could convey the meaning with a general expression. Alternate translation: “his honorable burial site”

165521:33eqt1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyרִגְבֵ֫י נָ֥חַל1

Job is using the phrase The clods of the torrent by association to mean the burial mound that the wicked persons mourners build up over his grave. He is using the word torrent to mean the course that a torrent or stream flows through, from which people could take clods of dirt to build a mound. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “His burial mound”

165621:33j681rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמָֽתְקוּ־ל֗⁠וֹ1

Job is speaking as if the wicked person, even after death, could literally taste his burial mound and find it to be sweet. Job means that the wicked person would enjoy being honored with a burial mound. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will honor him”

165721:33p9wdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleכָּל־אָדָ֣ם1

Job says every here as a generalization for emphasis. He means that a procession consisting of a large number of people will follow the wicked persons body to its grave. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “a long procession”

165821:33j682rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוּ֝⁠לְ⁠פָנָ֗י⁠ו1

In this context, the phrase to his face means “in front of him” or “ahead of him.” It is a further reference to the funeral procession for the wicked person. Alternate translation: “and ahead of him”

165921:33j683rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleאֵ֣ין מִסְפָּֽר1

As a generalization for emphasis, Job is saying that a number of people too great to count will walk in front of the wicked persons body to lead it in an honorary procession to his grave. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “people in great numbers are also walking”

166021:34j6yyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ֭⁠אֵיךְ תְּנַחֲמ֣וּ⁠נִי הָ֑בֶל1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You are comforting me in vain!”

166121:34aa8arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוּ֝⁠תְשֽׁוּבֹתֵי⁠כֶ֗ם נִשְׁאַר־מָֽעַל1

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. Job is saying that once he disregards everything that seems to be present in his friends answers but is not actually present, falsehood is the only thing that will remain. Alternate translation: “And your answers are nothing but falsehood”

166221:34j684rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוּ֝⁠תְשֽׁוּבֹתֵי⁠כֶ֗ם נִשְׁאַר־מָֽעַל1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of falsehood, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “And what you are saying in answer to me is entirely false”

166322:introm13v0

Job 22 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is the third and last speech of Jobs friend Eliphaz. What he says in this speech is stronger than what he says in his previous two speeches. He insists that Job must have done wrong, and he suggests several specific evil things that Job may have done.

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

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Eliphaz answering Job with his own words

In several places in this chapter, Eliphaz answers Job with his own words. That is, Eliphaz uses the same expressions that Job did earlier, but with different meaning and implications. To help your readers appreciate this, you may wish to translate Eliphazs expressions in these places in the same way that you translated Jobs similar expressions earlier. Notes will suggest ways to do this.

166422:2r9kdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ⁠לְ⁠אֵ֥ל יִסְכָּן־גָּ֑בֶר1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “A man cannot be useful to God!”

166522:2j685rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsגָּ֑בֶר1

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

166622:3h3perc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ⁠חֵ֣פֶץ לְ֭⁠שַׁדַּי כִּ֣י תִצְדָּ֑ק וְ⁠אִם־בֶּ֝֗צַע כִּֽי־תַתֵּ֥ם דְּרָכֶֽי⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “It is not pleasure to the Almighty that you are righteous! It is not gain to him that you perfect your ways!”

166722:3j686rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠אִם־בֶּ֝֗צַע כִּֽי־תַתֵּ֥ם דְּרָכֶֽי⁠ךָ1

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: “it is not gain to him that you perfect your ways, is it”

166822:3j687rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorדְּרָכֶֽי⁠ךָ1

Job is speaking of how a person lives as if that were a series of ways or paths that the person was walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your manner of life”

166922:4s9qhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲֽ֭⁠מִ⁠יִּרְאָ֣תְ⁠ךָ יֹכִיחֶ֑⁠ךָ יָב֥וֹא עִ֝מְּ⁠ךָ֗ בַּ⁠מִּשְׁפָּֽט1

Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “God is certainly not rebuking you and entering into judgment with you because of your reverent respect for him!”

167022:4g1nnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהֲֽ֭⁠מִ⁠יִּרְאָ֣תְ⁠ךָ1

By fear, Eliphaz implicitly means the fear of God, that is, reverent respect for God. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “For your reverent respect for him”

167122:5zd3wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠לֹ֣א רָעָֽתְ⁠ךָ֣ רַבָּ֑ה1

Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Your wickedness is great!”

167222:5j688rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleוְ⁠אֵֽין־קֵ֝֗ץ לַ⁠עֲוֺנֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz says no end here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “And you are guilty of very many iniquities”

167322:6z1dnrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּֽי1

Eliphaz is not saying that Job has definitely done the wrongs that he describes in this verse and the next three verses. He is using the word For to encourage Job to consider what he might have done wrong, since God seems to be punishing him for something. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “Perhaps” or “Consider whether”

167422:6hip2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitתַחְבֹּ֣ל אַחֶ֣י⁠ךָ חִנָּ֑ם1

By without cause, Eliphaz probably means that Job did not need to take a garment in pledge as security for the kind of small loan that a laborer in this culture would require. Job was a wealthy man, Eliphaz notes in verse 8, and he could afford a relatively small loss, while the outer garment the laborer would have to give in pledge (described in the second half of the verse) probably represented his most valuable possession. Eliphaz may also be suggesting that the laborer was trustworthy and Job could have and should have trusted him to repay the loan without demanding security. Your culture may have terms and customs relating to loans and pledges that you could use in your translation to bring out the implicit meaning here. Alternate translation: “you have forced your brother to give you his outer garment as security for a loan, even though you did not need to do that”

167522:6j689rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאַחֶ֣י⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is using the term brother figuratively to mean a fellow human being. He is suggesting that Job should feel an affinity for any fellow human. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your fellow human being”

167622:6qq5grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ⁠בִגְדֵ֖י עֲרוּמִּ֣ים תַּפְשִֽׁיט1

The word translated naked can describe people who have little clothing, and that seems to be the meaning here. It would not make sense to speak of the clothing of people who were naked in the sense of having no clothing. The idea seems to be that by taking in pledge an outer garment that a laborer would also use as a blanket at night, Job was leaving that person without enough clothing to stay warm. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “indeed, you have left that person without enough clothing to stay warm”

167722:7j690rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjעָיֵ֣ף & וּ֝⁠מֵ⁠רָעֵ֗ב1

Eliphaz is using the adjectives weary and hungry 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: “weary people … and from hungry people”

167822:7q9nbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלָֽחֶם1

Eliphaz is using one kind of food, bread, to mean food in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “food”

167922:8j691rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personוְ⁠אִ֣ישׁ זְ֭רוֹעַ ל֣⁠וֹ הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ וּ⁠נְשׂ֥וּא פָ֝נִ֗ים יֵ֣שֶׁב בָּֽ⁠הּ1

Eliphaz could mean: (1) that Job himself was this man of arm. In that case he would be speaking of Job in the third person, even though he was speaking directly to Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “even though, as a man of arm, the earth was to you, and you dwelt upon it as someone lifted of face” (2) that Job showed favoritism to powerful and honored people. Alternate translation: “but you decided in favor of the man of arm and the lifted of face, so that the earth was to them and they dwelt upon it”

168022:8dj3nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠אִ֣ישׁ זְ֭רוֹעַ ל֣⁠וֹ הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ1

The expression the man of arm means a powerful person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but the powerful person, the earth was to him” or “but as a powerful person, the earth was to you”

168122:8gry9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleל֣⁠וֹ הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ1

Eliphaz is speaking as if this man of arm possessed the entire earth. He likely means that this person (possibly Job) owned much land. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “he owned much land”

168222:8ti2jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוּ⁠נְשׂ֥וּא פָ֝נִ֗ים יֵ֣שֶׁב1

The expression lifted of face means to be favored or honored. (See the discussion of the phrase “lift his face” in the General Notes to chapter 13.) Alternate translation: “and honored people dwelt” or “and you as an honored person dwelt”

168322:8u5ggrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוּ⁠נְשׂ֥וּא פָ֝נִ֗ים1

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 people who received honors”

168422:9kyr7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוּ⁠זְרֹע֖וֹת יְתֹמִ֣ים יְדֻכָּֽא1

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 you have broken the arms of the fatherless”

168522:9j692rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjוּ⁠זְרֹע֖וֹת יְתֹמִ֣ים יְדֻכָּֽא1

Job is using the adjective fatherless 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 word or phrase. Alternate translation: “and you have broken the arms of orphans”

168622:9pdd7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠זְרֹע֖וֹת יְתֹמִ֣ים יְדֻכָּֽא1

Eliphaz is speaking as if Job had literally broken the arms of fatherless people. He means that Job has not helped orphans but has treated them in a way that has made them even weaker and more destitute. (As in the previous verse, the arm is a symbol of power.) If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you have taken advantage of orphans” or “and you have exploited orphans”

168722:10wdg6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorסְבִיבוֹתֶ֣י⁠ךָ פַחִ֑ים1

Eliphaz is speaking as if snares or traps were literally surrounding Job. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are having many different kinds of trouble”

168822:10j693rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוִֽ֝⁠יבַהֶלְ⁠ךָ פַּ֣חַד פִּתְאֹֽם1

Eliphaz is using the term fear by association to mean things that cause fear. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and fearful things suddenly terrify you”

168922:11j694rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisאוֹ־חֹ֥שֶׁךְ לֹֽא־תִרְאֶ֑ה1

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 is why you are in darkness and cannot see”

169022:11kz5frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאוֹ־חֹ֥שֶׁךְ לֹֽא־תִרְאֶ֑ה1

Eliphaz is speaking as if Job were literally in darkness and could not see anything. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And that is why your troubles are so great that you do not know what to do about them”

169122:11a6parc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְֽ⁠שִׁפְעַת־מַ֥יִם תְּכַסֶּֽ⁠ךָּ1

Eliphaz is speaking as if Job were literally engulfed in deep waters. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yes, that is why you feel completely overwhelmed”

169222:12st8prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲֽ⁠לֹא־אֱ֭לוֹהַּ גֹּ֣בַהּ שָׁמָ֑יִם1

Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “God is in the height of the heavens!”

169322:12n1zirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionגֹּ֣בַהּ שָׁמָ֑יִם1

Eliphaz is using this possessive form to describe the highest part of the heavens. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “in the highest heaven” or “in heaven, above the sky”

169422:12rtk3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוּ⁠רְאֵ֤ה רֹ֖אשׁ כּוֹכָבִ֣ים כִּי־רָֽמּוּ1

In this context, the word head means “height.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And behold how high the stars are”

169522:12j695rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ⁠רְאֵ֤ה רֹ֖אשׁ כּוֹכָבִ֣ים כִּי־רָֽמּוּ1

The implication is that since God is above the stars, and the stars are very high up, the highest things that people can see, then God must be supremely high. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “God is even above the stars, even though those are the highest things that we can see”

169622:13j696rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוְֽ֭⁠אָמַרְתָּ מַה־יָּ֣דַֽע אֵ֑ל הַ⁠בְעַ֖ד עֲרָפֶ֣ל יִשְׁפּֽוֹט1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But you say that God does not know what is happening here on earth and that he cannot judge through thick darkness”

169722:13y6zhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַה־יָּ֣דַֽע אֵ֑ל הַ⁠בְעַ֖ד עֲרָפֶ֣ל יִשְׁפּֽוֹט1

Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “God does not know what is happening here on earth! He cannot judge through thick darkness!”

169822:13j697rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהַ⁠בְעַ֖ד עֲרָפֶ֣ל יִשְׁפּֽוֹט1

As is clear from the next verse, Eliphaz is using the expression thick darkness by association to mean dark clouds. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as a statement: “He cannot see through dark clouds in order to know how to judge people!”

169922:14j698rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesעָבִ֣ים סֵֽתֶר־ל֭⁠וֹ וְ⁠לֹ֣א יִרְאֶ֑ה וְ⁠ח֥וּג שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם יִתְהַלָּֽךְ1

If you decided in the previous verse to translate this quotation as an indirect quotation, you can continue to do that in this verse. In many languages it will not be necessary to change the wording from that of a direct quotation.

170022:14j699rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠לֹ֣א יִרְאֶ֑ה1

Eliphaz implicitly means that by saying this, Job means that God does not see what is happening on earth. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and he does not see what is happening on earth”

170122:14x5aprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠ח֥וּג שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם יִתְהַלָּֽךְ1

The implication is that because the dome of the heavens is above the clouds, the clouds block Gods view of the earth. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “indeed, he walks around on the dome of the heavens, where the clouds block his view of the earth”

170222:15cvp4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ⁠אֹ֣רַח עוֹלָ֣ם תִּשְׁמֹ֑ר אֲשֶׁ֖ר דָּרְכ֣וּ מְתֵי־אָֽוֶן1

Eliphaz is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. This sentence continues for the next two verses. Alternate translation: “You should not keep the old way that men of iniquity have walked”

170322:15j700rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהַ⁠אֹ֣רַח עוֹלָ֣ם תִּשְׁמֹ֑ר אֲשֶׁ֖ר דָּרְכ֣וּ מְתֵי־אָֽוֶן1

Eliphaz is speaking of how people live as if that were a way or path that people were walking along. When Eliphaz asks whether Job will keep that way or stay on that path, he is asking whether Job really wants to live that way himself. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Will you live as men of iniquity have customarily lived” or, as a statement, “You should not live as men of iniquity have customarily lived”

170422:15j701rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsמְתֵי־אָֽוֶן1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of iniquity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “wicked people”

170522:16j702rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֲשֶֽׁר־קֻמְּט֥וּ1

Eliphaz is speaking as if these “men of iniquity” were literally carried off as if they were a bundle of sticks that someone had collected. He means that they died. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who died”

170622:16j703rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveאֲשֶֽׁר־קֻמְּט֥וּ1

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: “whom death carried off”

170722:16j704rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠לֹא־עֵ֑ת1

Eliphaz implicitly means that these wicked men died before it was their time to die. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “before it was their time to die” or “while they were still young”

170822:16j705rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveנָ֝הָ֗ר יוּצַ֥ק יְסוֹדָֽ⁠ם1

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 torrent washed away their foundations”

170922:16lc5krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorנָ֝הָ֗ר יוּצַ֥ק יְסוֹדָֽ⁠ם1

Eliphaz is speaking as if these wicked men were buildings that collapsed when a torrent of water destroyed their foundations. The suggestion in the image is that the men died unexpectedly and violently. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, they died unexpectedly and violently”

171022:17j706rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesהָ⁠אֹמְרִ֣ים לָ֭⁠אֵל ס֣וּר מִמֶּ֑⁠נּוּ וּ⁠מַה־יִּפְעַ֖ל שַׁדַּ֣י לָֽ⁠מוֹ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “the ones who told God to turn away from them and asked what the Almighty would do to them”

171122:17j707rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorס֣וּר מִמֶּ֑⁠נּוּ1

Eliphaz depicts these wicked people as speaking as if they wanted God literally to turn away from them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the same expression in 21:14. Alternate translation: “Do not be concerned with us”

171222:17j708rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personוּ⁠מַה־יִּפְעַ֖ל שַׁדַּ֣י לָֽ⁠מוֹ1

The wicked people are speaking about themselves in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “and, What will the Almighty do to us

171322:17q2mtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוּ⁠מַה־יִּפְעַ֖ל שַׁדַּ֣י לָֽ⁠מוֹ1

The wicked people are using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “and, The Almighty will not do anything to us!’”

171422:17j709rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ⁠מַה־יִּפְעַ֖ל שַׁדַּ֣י לָֽ⁠מוֹ1

The wicked people implicitly mean that the Almighty will not do anything to punish them if they do the wrong actions that they are contemplating. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and, The Almighty will not do anything to us if we do evil things!’”

171522:18jh2rrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ⁠ה֤וּא מִלֵּ֣א בָתֵּי⁠הֶ֣ם ט֑וֹב1

The pronoun he refers to God. Eliphaz is echoing what Job said about wicked people in 21:16, “their prosperity is not in their hand,” that is, their prosperity is not of their own making. Eliphaz is saying, as Job did, that any good the wicked enjoy is something that God has generously given to them even though they do not deserve it. Eliphaz is agreeing with Job on that point, although he is making it in support of a different conclusion, that in the end, God actually does punish the wicked in this life. Alternate translation: “Yet God filled their houses with good”

171622:18nr68rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjוְ⁠ה֤וּא מִלֵּ֣א בָתֵּי⁠הֶ֣ם ט֑וֹב1

Eliphaz is using the adjective good as a noun to mean a certain kind of thing. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “Yet he filled their houses with good things”

171722:18j710rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleוְ⁠ה֤וּא מִלֵּ֣א בָתֵּי⁠הֶ֣ם ט֑וֹב1

Eliphaz says filled here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “Yet he generously gave them many good things”

171822:18l57xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ⁠עֲצַ֥ת רְ֝שָׁעִ֗ים רָ֣חֲקָה מֶֽ⁠נִּי1

Eliphaz is echoing what Job said in 21:16. He is speaking as if he wanted the counsel of the wicked literally to be far away from him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See how you translated the similar expression in 21:16. Alternate translation: “so I want nothing to do with the counsel of the wicked”

171922:19ku9src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיִרְא֣וּ צַדִּיקִ֣ים1

Eliphaz implicitly means that the righteous see what happens to wicked people. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “The righteous see what happens to wicked people”

172022:19q2jlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjצַדִּיקִ֣ים & וְ֝⁠נָקִ֗י1

Eliphaz is using the adjectives righteous and innocent 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: “Righteous people … and innocent people”

172122:20j4fqrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאִם־לֹ֣א נִכְחַ֣ד קִימָ֑⁠נוּ וְ֝⁠יִתְרָ֗⁠ם אָ֣כְלָה אֵֽשׁ1

The pronoun their refers to the enemy mentioned in the first part of the verse. It may be more natural in your language to make the pronoun agree in number. Since Eliphaz speaks of wicked people in the plural in these verses, you may find it appropriate to do that by saying “enemies.” Alternate translation: “If our enemies are not cut off? And fire has devoured their possessions”

172222:20j711rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsאִם־לֹ֣א נִכְחַ֣ד קִימָ֑⁠נוּ וְ֝⁠יִתְרָ֗⁠ם אָ֣כְלָה אֵֽשׁ1

Eliphaz is quoting what righteous and innocent people say about wicked people whom God destroys. If that would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that in your translation. Alternate translation: “They say, If our enemies are not cut off? And fire has devoured their possessions!’”

172322:20j712rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesאִם־לֹ֣א נִכְחַ֣ד קִימָ֑⁠נוּ וְ֝⁠יִתְרָ֗⁠ם אָ֣כְלָה אֵֽשׁ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “They say that their enemies have been cut off and that fire has devoured their possessions”

172422:20j713rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־לֹ֣א נִכְחַ֣ד קִימָ֑⁠נוּ1

The righteous and innocent people are 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: “Our enemies have been cut off, have they not”

172522:20j714rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאִם־לֹ֣א נִכְחַ֣ד קִימָ֑⁠נוּ1

The righteous and innocent people are using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Our enemies have been cut off!”

172622:20jwg8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveאִם־לֹ֣א נִכְחַ֣ד קִימָ֑⁠נוּ1

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 has cut off our enemies!”

172722:20j715rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאִם־לֹ֣א נִכְחַ֣ד קִימָ֑⁠נוּ1

To make a different point, that God actually judges wicked people in this life, Eliphaz is echoing what Job said in 21:21. There Job spoke of a wicked person dying as if he were literally being cut off, like a branch from a tree. See how you translated the similar expression there. Alternate translation: “God has ended the lives of our enemies!”

172822:20j716rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠יִתְרָ֗⁠ם אָ֣כְלָה אֵֽשׁ1

Eliphaz depicts innocent and righteous people as speaking as if fire had destroyed the possessions of wicked people. Eliphaz depicts them as speaking as if the fire had literally devoured or eaten the possessions. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And they have lost their possessions” or “And other people will now get their possessions”

172922:21aj2crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהַסְכֶּן־נָ֣א עִמּ֑⁠וֹ וּ⁠שְׁלם1

Eliphaz is echoing his own words at the beginning of this speech and Jobs words in his preceding speech. In verse 2, Eliphaz insisted that a person cannot be “useful to God,” that is, a person can do nothing to win Gods favor or to put God under obligation. Here Eliphaz uses a different form of the same verb to encourage Job to Reconcile with God. A person, he says, can at least cultivate a good relationship with God. Job said in 21:19 that he wished God would “repay” wicked people, that is, punish them. Eliphaz uses the same verb here to encourage Job to be at peace with God, with the suggestion that to that end, Job should do whatever is necessary to make up for any wrong things he has done. Your language may have terms that you could use here and in 21:19 and 22:2 in order to show these connections.

173022:21z6jkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוּ⁠שְׁלם1

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: “and have a peaceful relationship with him”

173122:21j717rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsבָּ֝⁠הֶ֗ם1

The pronoun these refers to the actions of reconciling and being at peace with God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “if you do these things”

173222:21j718rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjתְּֽבוֹאַתְ⁠ךָ֥ טוֹבָֽה1

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

173322:21j719rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationתְּֽבוֹאַתְ⁠ךָ֥ טוֹבָֽה1

Eliphaz is speaking of good as if it were a living thing that could come to Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you will have good things once again”

173422:22ll7grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyקַח & מִ⁠פִּ֣י⁠ו תּוֹרָ֑ה1

Eliphaz is using the term mouth by association to mean what God says by using his mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “let what God says instruct you”

173522:22y867rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠שִׂ֥ים אֲ֝מָרָ֗י⁠ו בִּ⁠לְבָבֶֽ⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is speaking as if Job could literally set Gods words in his heart. He is using the heart to represent the memory. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, carefully remember his words”

173622:22dp7drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠שִׂ֥ים אֲ֝מָרָ֗י⁠ו בִּ⁠לְבָבֶֽ⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is using the term words to mean what God says by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “yes, carefully remember what he says”

173722:23x1jkrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultתִּבָּנֶ֑ה תַּרְחִ֥יק עַ֝וְלָ֗ה מֵ⁠אָהֳלֶֽ⁠ךָ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could reverse the order of these phrases, since the phrase if you distance unrighteousness from your tent, like the phrase ** If you return to the Almighty**, gives the reason for the result that would follow, you will be built up. Alternate translation: “if you distance unrighteousness from your tent, you will be built up”

173822:23j720rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveתִּבָּנֶ֑ה1

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: “he will build you up”

173922:23mz1irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorתִּבָּנֶ֑ה1

Eliphaz is speaking as if Job were a building that God would rebuild after it had been ruined. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God will restore you to health and prosperity”

174022:23kbt1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorתַּרְחִ֥יק עַ֝וְלָ֗ה מֵ⁠אָהֳלֶֽ⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is speaking as if unrighteousness were an object that Job could literally set at some distance from the tent in which he lives. In this image, the tent represents Jobs life. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if you stop practicing unrighteousness in your life”

174122:23j721rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsתַּרְחִ֥יק עַ֝וְלָ֗ה מֵ⁠אָהֳלֶֽ⁠ךָ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of unrighteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “if you stop doing unrighteous things”

174222:24j722rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeוְ⁠שִׁית־עַל־עָפָ֥ר בָּ֑צֶר וּ⁠בְ⁠צ֖וּר נְחָלִ֣ים אוֹפִֽיר1

Eliphaz is using an imperative sentence to tell the condition under which something would happen. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate this as a conditional sentence. Alternate translation: “Now if you set your gold in the dust, and Ophir among the stones of the torrents”

174322:24u6qkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠שִׁית־עַל־עָפָ֥ר בָּ֑צֶר וּ⁠בְ⁠צ֖וּר נְחָלִ֣ים אוֹפִֽיר1

Eliphaz is speaking as if he wants Job literally to throw away his gold, including the fine gold he has from the land of Ophir, so that it lands in the dust and among the stones of the torrents. He means that Job should not depend on gold as a source of security. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, combining the parallel statements into a single statement and conveying the emphasis of the parallelism in another way: “Now if you do not rely on gold at all”

174422:24j723rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠שִׁית־עַל־עָפָ֥ר בָּ֑צֶר וּ⁠בְ⁠צ֖וּר נְחָלִ֣ים אוֹפִֽיר1

Eliphaz is using one type of wealth, gold, including fine gold from Ophir, to mean wealth in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And abandon all of your wealth” or “Now if you do not rely on wealth at all”

174522:24g8dqrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesאוֹפִֽיר1

The word Ophir is the name of a land that produced gold of excellent quality.

174622:24m1gkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisאוֹפִֽיר1

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: “set Ophir”

174722:24j724rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאוֹפִֽיר1

Eliphaz is using the name Ophir by association to mean gold from the country of Ophir. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “set the gold of Ophir”

174822:25wg73rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠הָיָ֣ה שַׁדַּ֣י בְּצָרֶ֑י⁠ךָ וְ⁠כֶ֖סֶף תּוֹעָפ֣וֹת לָֽ⁠ךְ1

Eliphaz is speaking as if the Almighty would literally be precious metals that Job owned. He means that Job would value the Almighty more than anything else. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “then you will value the Almighty more than anything else”

174922:25j725rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralבְּצָרֶ֑י⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is using the plural form golds to indicate gold of supreme excellence. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “more valuable to you than the finest gold you could possess”

175022:25wd8vrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralוְ⁠כֶ֖סֶף תּוֹעָפ֣וֹת1

Eliphaz is using the plural form heights to indicate silver of superlative quality. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “and silver of the highest quality”

175122:26l352rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוְ⁠תִשָּׂ֖א אֶל־אֱל֣וֹהַּ פָּנֶֽי⁠ךָ1

In 10:15, Job said to God, “I will not lift my head.” He means that he would look down as a symbolic action to express that he was feeling shame. Here Eliphaz responds that Job will no longer need to do that. See how you translated the similar expression in 10:15. Alternate translation: “and you will no longer need to look down, away from God, in shame” or “and you will be confident that God accepts you”

175222:27j726rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠יִשְׁמָעֶ֑⁠ךָּ1

In this context, the word hear means to grant a request. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he will grant your request”

175322:27j727rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ⁠נְדָרֶ֥י⁠ךָ תְשַׁלֵּֽם1

Eliphaz assumes that Job will understand that by vows he means the vows that a person in this culture would make to God to promise public recognition of mercies granted. The implication is that God would grant such mercies to Job and so he would have occasion to pay such vows. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and you will have occasion to thank God publicly for mercies that he has granted to you”

175422:28j728rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְֽ⁠תִגְזַר־א֭וֹמֶר1

Eliphaz is using the term word to mean what Job might say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And you will say what you want to happen” or “And you will say what you plan to do”

175522:28ldp9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠יָ֣קָם לָ֑⁠ךְ1

In this context, the word stand means “happen,” with the idea of surety and durability. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and it will certainly happen for you” or “and you will certainly be able to do it”

175622:28k1nurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠עַל־דְּ֝רָכֶ֗י⁠ךָ נָ֣גַֽהּ אֽוֹר1

Eliphaz is speaking of the plans Job might want to carry out as if they were a series of paths that Job would be walking along. When he says that light will shine on these paths, he means that Job will know clearly how to carry out his plans. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you will know clearly how to carry out your plans successfully”

175722:29j729rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהִ֭שְׁפִּילוּ וַ⁠תֹּ֣אמֶר גֵּוָ֑ה1

Eliphaz is speaking as if people might literally cast Job down, that is, throw him down from a height or throw him onto the ground. He is also speaking as if Job might ask God to lift him up from where people had thrown him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you are in difficult circumstances and you say, Help me!’”

175822:29yck5rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsהִ֭שְׁפִּילוּ1

Here, they is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “when you are cast down”

175922:29j730rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוַ⁠תֹּ֣אמֶר גֵּוָ֑ה1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “and you ask God to lift you up”

176022:29j731rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיוֹשִֽׁעַ1

The pronoun he refers to God. Eliphaz is talking about the results of prayer, as he described in verse 27. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God will save”

176122:29j732rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjוְ⁠שַׁ֖ח עֵינַ֣יִם1

Job is using the adjective phrase the lowered of eyes 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: “then … the person who has lowered his eyes” or “then … the who is looking down”

176222:29xgw4rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוְ⁠שַׁ֖ח עֵינַ֣יִם1

In this culture, lowering ones eyes was a symbolic action that indicated that one was in difficult circumstances and felt humbled by them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “then … the person who is humbled by being in difficult circumstances”

176322:29j733rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personוְ⁠שַׁ֖ח עֵינַ֣יִם1

Eliphaz is speaking about Job in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “then … you from the difficult circumstances that have humbled you”

176422:30j734rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיְֽמַלֵּ֥ט & וְ֝⁠נִמְלַ֗ט1

The pronoun He in the first part of this verse refers to God, while the pronoun he in the second part of the verse refers to a person who is not innocent. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God will rescue … indeed, that person will be rescued”

176522:30j735rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjאִֽי־נָקִ֑י1

Job is using the adjective not-innocent 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: “people who are not innocent” or “people who are guilty of sin”

176622:30j736rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ֝⁠נִמְלַ֗ט1

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: “indeed, God will rescue him”

176722:30wrz4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְּ⁠בֹ֣ר כַּפֶּֽי⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is likely using the term hands by association to mean “prayers,” since people in this culture lifted their hands when they prayed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “through the cleanness of your prayers”

176822:30f84nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבְּ⁠בֹ֣ר כַּפֶּֽי⁠ךָ1

Eliphaz is speaking as if Job would have literally refrained from doing things that would make his hands dirty. He means that Job would not have done wrong things, and so he could offer prayers to God as an innocent person whose prayers God would answer. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “through the prayers that you, as an innocent person, offer for him”

176923:introfb420

Job 23 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is the beginning of Jobs response to Eliphazs third and final speech. Jobs response continues in the next chapter.

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

Special Concepts in This Chapter

Legal proceeding

In this chapter, Job speaks of making a legal case to prove his innocence to God. As a note to 9:3 explains, in this culture, people typically presented such cases to community leaders in public places such as the gate of a town. Each party in a dispute would question the other party in the presence of the leaders, and the leaders would then discuss the case and decide which party was guilty and which party was innocent. However, the Bible indicates that judges would also travel around from place to place and hear cases. For example, 1 Samuel 7:1617 says that Samuel “went around to Bethel and Gilgal and Mizpah and judged Israel in all those places.” Job is envisioning God serving as this kind of judge and hearing his case. In your translation, express his language in such a way that readers who are familiar with the legal process in your own culture will recognize what Job is saying.

Translation issues in This chapter

“he,” “him,” and “his”

The pronouns “he,” “him,” and “his” refer to God throughout this chapter. The UST models how a translation may say “God” regularly in order to make this clear.

“my hand” or “his hand” (23:2)

In verse 2, Hebrew manuscripts read “my hand.” The ULT follows that reading. Some ancient translations of the Hebrew Bible into other languages say “his hand,” and some modern versions follow that reading. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the readingof the ULT.

177023:2fi9src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitגַּם־הַ֭⁠יּוֹם1

Job is using this expression to emphasize to his friends that their arguments have not changed his situation at all. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Despite all the things you have said to me,”

177123:2ke1prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמְרִ֣י שִׂחִ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking as if his complaint about what has happened to him is bitter or bad-tasting. The image is that what he says is so unpleasant that it leaves a bad taste in his mouth when he says it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have many unpleasant things to complain about”

177223:2cm2jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיָ֝דִ֗⁠י כָּבְדָ֥ה עַל־אַנְחָתִֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking as if he were literally holding his hand down hard on his groaning in order to suppress it. He means that there is more that he could groan or complain about than he has actually stated yet. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have been suppressing my groaning”

177323:3pn2brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomמִֽי־יִתֵּ֣ן יָ֭דַעְתִּי וְ⁠אֶמְצָאֵ֑⁠הוּ1

See how you translated the expression Who will give in 11:56. Alternate translation: “I wish that I knew and I would find him!”

177423:3rpr9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysיָ֭דַעְתִּי וְ⁠אֶמְצָאֵ֑⁠הוּ1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word knew tells in what way Job would be able to find 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: “I knew where to find him”

177523:3j737rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיָ֭דַעְתִּי וְ⁠אֶמְצָאֵ֑⁠הוּ & תְּכוּנָתֽ⁠וֹ1

The pronouns him and his refer to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “I knew where to find God … the place where God lives”

177623:4u14trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלְ⁠פָנָ֣י⁠ו1

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: “in his presence” or “to him personally”

177723:4vtm3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ֝⁠פִ֗⁠י אֲמַלֵּ֥א תוֹכָחֽוֹת1

Job is speaking as if arguments were objects with which he could literally fill his mouth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I would make many arguments as I spoke”

177823:5s5tdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאֵ֭דְעָה מִלִּ֣ים יַעֲנֵ֑⁠נִי1

Job is using the term words to mean what God would say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I would know what he would tell me in response”

177923:6p72src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisאַךְ־ה֝֗וּא יָשִׂ֥ם בִּֽ⁠י1

Job is leaving out some of the words of a characteristic Hebrew expression that occurs in full form in 1:8, 2:3, and 7:17. Alternate translation: “he would only set his heart upon me”

178023:6tw6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאַךְ־ה֝֗וּא יָשִׂ֥ם בִּֽ⁠י1

See how you translated this expression in 1:8, 2:3, and 7:17. Alternate translation: “he would only consider what I had to say”

178123:7lx63rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitשָׁ֗ם1

There implicitly means in Gods presence, as Job describes in verses 3 and 4. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “In Gods presence,”

178223:7j738rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-tenseיָ֭שָׁר נוֹכָ֣ח עִמּ֑⁠וֹ1

Job is using the participle arguing to depict action as occurring regularly in order to indicate that it is possible. Alternate translation: “the upright can reason with him”

178323:7j739rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personיָ֭שָׁר נוֹכָ֣ח עִמּ֑⁠וֹ1

Job is likely referring to himself when he speaks of an upright person. In that case, he would be speaking of himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “an upright person like me can reason with him” or “I, as an upright person, can reason with him”

178423:7aw1lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjיָ֭שָׁר1

Job is using the adjective upright 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: “an upright person”

178523:8tfb8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridge0

In this verse and the next verse, Job is using the four major directions to mean everywhere in creation. He is speaking of looking everywhere for the “place” where God lives, as he described in verse 3. To show this, you could create a verse bridge for verses 89. It might say something like this: “Behold, I could go everywhere in creation, and I might see evidence of God at work, but I would not find him personally”

178623:9ja9lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitשְׂמֹ֣אול בַּ⁠עֲשֹׂת֣⁠וֹ וְ⁠לֹא־אָ֑חַז1

Many interpreters believe that when Job refers to Gods working in the north, he means the northern lights (the aurora borealis). You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “when I see the northern lights, I believe that God must be present to create such beauty, but if I went to the north, I would not behold him personally”

178723:10lq4vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorדֶּ֣רֶךְ עִמָּדִ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking of how he has been living as if that were a way or path that he has been walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how I have been living”

178823:10x7cbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfutureבְּ֝חָנַ֗⁠נִי כַּ⁠זָּהָ֥ב אֵצֵֽא1

Job is using the past tense in order to refer to something that he hopes will happen in the future. He is doing this to describe what he is confident the outcome would be. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use the future tense. Alternate translation: “when he tests me, I will come out like gold”

178923:10v4c5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileבְּ֝חָנַ֗⁠נִי כַּ⁠זָּהָ֥ב אֵצֵֽא1

The point of this comparison is that just as genuine gold is shown to be pure when it is tested, so God giving Job a hearing would show that he is innocent. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “when he tests me, this will show that I am innocent, just as testing gold shows its purity”

179023:11w13vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבַּ֭⁠אֲשֻׁר⁠וֹ אָחֲזָ֣ה רַגְלִ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking as if he has used his foot literally to hold onto each place where God had stepped. He means that he has walked exactly where God had walked, putting his feet down right where God put his feet down. Job is using this image to mean that he has obeyed God exactly. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have obeyed God exactly”

179123:11xw5wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorדַּרְכּ֖⁠וֹ שָׁמַ֣רְתִּי וְ⁠לֹא־אָֽט1

Job is speaking of how God wants a person to live as if that were a way or path that the person should walk along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have lived consistently in the way God wants people to live”

179223:12fg26rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמִצְוַ֣ת שְׂ֭פָתָי⁠ו וְ⁠לֹ֣א אָמִ֑ישׁ1

Job is speaking as if he had not physically gone away from or departed from Gods commandment. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have not disobeyed the commandment of his lips” or, positively, “I have obeyed the commandment of his lips”

179323:12m22yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִצְוַ֣ת שְׂ֭פָתָי⁠ו1

Job is using the term lips by association to mean speaking, since people use their lips when they speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the commandment that he has spoken”

179423:12j740rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounמִצְוַ֣ת שְׂ֭פָתָי⁠ו1

Job is not referring to a specific commandment. He means Gods commandments in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “from the commandments that he has spoken”

179523:12tcz4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאִמְרֵי־פִֽי⁠ו1

Job is using the term words to mean what God has commanded by using words, and he is similarly using the term mouth to mean speaking, since people use their mouths when they speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the things his mouth has said”

179623:12xe4erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheאִמְרֵי־פִֽי⁠ו1

Job is using one part of God, his mouth, to mean all of him in the act of speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the things that he has said”

179723:12j741rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמֵ֝⁠חֻקִּ֗⁠י1

By portion, Job implicitly means his daily portion of food. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “more than the food that I eat”

179823:13j742rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ⁠ה֣וּא בְ֭⁠אֶחָד1

Job is leaving out a word that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. The context suggests that Job means that God is of one opinion, that is, he has decided one thing definitively. If it would be clearer in your language, you can supply the missing word. Your language may have a natural expression that would suit this context. Alternate translation: “But he is of one mind”

179923:13j743rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠מִ֣י יְשִׁיבֶ֑⁠נּוּ1

Job is speaking as if someone might physically turn God back from going in one direction and make God go in a different direction. He is speaking of someone making God change his mind. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and who will make him change his mind”

180023:13l1d5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוּ⁠מִ֣י יְשִׁיבֶ֑⁠נּוּ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “and no one will turn him back” or “and no one can make him change his mind”

180123:13if99rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠נַפְשׁ֖⁠וֹ אִוְּתָ֣ה וַ⁠יָּֽעַשׂ1

Job is using one part of God, his soul, to mean all of God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “For he desires to do something, and he does it” or “For he does whatever he desires”

180223:14g641rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionחֻקִּ֑⁠י1

Job is using this possessive form to describe what God has decreed for him, not a decree that he has made himself. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “what he has decreed for me” or “what he has decided to do to me”

180323:14i8u2rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ⁠כָ⁠הֵ֖נָּה רַבּ֣וֹת עִמּֽ⁠וֹ1

The pronoun these probably refers to the sufferings that Job is already experiencing. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and he is capable of afflicting me with many more sufferings if my present ones are not sufficient to fulfill his purpose”

180423:15n27irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ⁠פָּנָ֣י⁠ו אֶבָּהֵ֑ל1

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: “I am too terrified to be in his presence”

180523:15sw44rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֶ֝תְבּוֹנֵ֗ן1

Job is implicitly referring to when he might consider all that God might still do to him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I consider all that he might still do to me”

180623:16d4fwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֭⁠אֵל הֵרַ֣ךְ לִבִּ֑⁠י1

Here, the heart represents the emotions and specifically the emotion of courage. Job is speaking as if God had literally made his heart soft. He means that God has caused him to lose courage. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “For God has caused me to lose courage”

180723:17j744rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּֽי1

Job is using the word For to introduce the reason why he is terrified of God, as he described in the previous two verses. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I am terrified of God because”

180823:17j745rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveלֹ֣א נִ֭צְמַתִּי1

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: “God did not cut me off”

180923:17dng4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלֹ֣א נִ֭צְמַתִּי1

Job is speaking as if he might literally have been cut off, as if he were a branch on a tree, for example. He is talking about dying. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I did not die” or “God did not let me die”

181023:17j746rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ⁠פְּנֵי־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ1

In this instance, the phrase from the face of means “in front of” or “before.” It refers to time rather than to place. Alternate translation: “before the time of darkness” or “before the darkness came”

181123:17j747rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמִ⁠פְּנֵי־חֹ֑שֶׁךְ1

Job is using the term darkness to represent troubles. See how you translated the similar expression in 20:26. Alternate translation: “before these troubles began”

181223:17qpa8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוּ֝⁠מִ⁠פָּנַ֗⁠י כִּסָּה־אֹֽפֶל1

In this instance, the phrase **from my face ** means “in front of.” It could refer either to place or to time. Alternate translation: “and gloom covers everything in front of me” or “and gloom covers everything that will happen to me in the future”

181323:17j748rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ֝⁠מִ⁠פָּנַ֗⁠י כִּסָּה־אֹֽפֶל1

Job is speaking as if gloom were literally covering everything in front of him or everything that would happen to him in the future. He is using gloom, like darkness earlier in the verse, to represent troubles. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and there is trouble everywhere I look” or “and I can only anticipate further trouble happening to me”

181424:introe2gb0

Job 24 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is the continuation of Jobs response to Eliphazs third and final speech. Jobs response began in the previous chapter.

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

Special Concepts in This Chapter

Gods judgment of wicked people

In verses 117, Job protests that God does not judge wicked people. He lists many oppressive things that wicked people do to vulnerable, innocent people, and he complains that God acts as if there were nothing wrong with those things. But in verses 1824, Job then describes how God actually does judge wicked people. There is an explanation for this apparent contradiction. In the speech as a whole, Job is saying that he knows God will judge wicked people in the end, but it is very distressing to him that God does not judge and punish them now in order to keep them from continuing to oppress vulnerable people. In your translation, you can use language that shows that Job firmly believes what he says in both parts of the chapter, since it is actually consistent for him to say both that God seemingly does not judge wicked people now and that God ultimately will judge wicked people in the end. This is not a contradiction, it is a paradox, and the Bible speaks of it in other passages as well. For example, Ecclesiastes 8:11 says that because God does not immediately punish people who do wrong, people feel that they can get away with doing wrong. But Ecclesiastes goes on to say in the next verse that even if a sinner might do a hundred evil things and live a long time, it is still better to obey God.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Changing referents of “they”

Job uses the word “they” throughout this chapter to mean both wicked people and the poor people whom they exploit. He does not often indicate when he changing the referent of the word. Notes indicate the referent in each verse. In your translation, to be helpful to your readers, you may wish to specify “wicked people” or “poor people” each time the referent changes.

181524:1thc8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַדּ֗וּעַ מִ֭⁠שַּׁדַּי לֹא־נִצְפְּנ֣וּ עִתִּ֑ים וְ֝יֹדְעָ֗יו & לֹא־חָ֥זוּ יָמָֽי⁠ו1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “Times should be set by the Almighty! The ones knowing him ought to see his days!”

181624:1ej3yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveמַדּ֗וּעַ מִ֭⁠שַּׁדַּי לֹא־נִצְפְּנ֣וּ עִתִּ֑ים1

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: “Why does the Almighty not set times” or, as an exclamation, “The Almighty should set times!”

181724:1mg7hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעִתִּ֑ים1

Job implicitly means times for judgment. (See the discussion in the General Notes to chapter 23 of how judges in Israel would come to specific places at appointed times.) You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “times for judgment”

181824:1j749rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ֝יֹדְעָ֗יו לֹא־חָ֥זוּ יָמָֽי⁠ו1

In this context, to see means to experience. See how you translated the similar expression in 7:7. Alternate translation: “And why do the ones knowing him not experience his days?”

181924:1j750rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיָמָֽי⁠ו1

Job implicitly means days on which God would judge wicked people. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “days on which God judges wicked people”

182024:2h88wrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsגְּבֻל֥וֹת יַשִּׂ֑יגוּ1

The pronoun They refers to wicked people, not to “the ones knowing” God, as it does in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. The pronoun they in the second part of the verse also refers to wicked people, and that is also the reference in the next two verses. Alternate translation: “Wicked people remove boundary markers”

182124:2pse5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitגְּבֻל֥וֹת יַשִּׂ֑יגוּ1

Job implicitly means that wicked people steal land from others by removing the boundary markers that indicate property lines and arguing that their property extends farther into their neighbors land than it actually does. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “They steal land from others by removing boundary markers”

182224:2mn98rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounעֵ֥דֶר גָּ֝זְל֗וּ וַ⁠יִּרְעֽוּ1

Job is not referring to a specific flock. He means flocks in general that wicked people steal from vulnerable people such as widows and orphans, whom he names specifically in the next verse. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “they seize flocks and pasture them”

182324:2j751rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוַ⁠יִּרְעֽוּ1

Job implicitly means that wicked people steal flocks from others and pasture them with their own flocks as if they had owned them all along. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and put others animals in with their own as if those animals belonged to them”

182424:3fml5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounחֲמ֣וֹר יְתוֹמִ֣ים יִנְהָ֑גוּ יַ֝חְבְּל֗וּ שׁ֣וֹר אַלְמָנָֽה1

Job is not referring to a specific donkey, fatherless person, ox, or widow. He means those animals and people in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “Wicked people lead away donkeys that belong to fatherless people; they take in pledge oxen that belong to widows”

182524:3y9i2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjיְתוֹמִ֣ים1

Job is using the adjective fatherless as a noun to mean a certain group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “children whose fathers have died” or “orphans”

182624:3m884rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיַ֝חְבְּל֗וּ1

See the note to 22:6 about the cultural practice of taking possessions in pledge. See how you translated the similar expression there.

182724:4lzi7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיַטּ֣וּ אֶבְיוֹנִ֣ים מִ⁠דָּ֑רֶךְ1

This could mean: (1) that needy people avoid walking on the main road or way in order to avoid wicked people who would exploit them. In that sense, it is as if the wicked people are actively forcing the needy people off the road. Alternate translation: “Needy people stay off the main roads in order to avoid wicked people” (2) that wicked people push needy people aside on the road so that they can go ahead of them. Alternate translation: “Wicked people push needy people aside on the road so that they can go ahead of them”

182824:4j752rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjאֶבְיוֹנִ֣ים & עֲנִיֵּי1

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

182924:4r5d2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיַ֥חַד חֻ֝בְּא֗וּ עֲנִיֵּי־אָֽרֶץ1

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. Wicked people are the implied agent. Job is not saying simply that poor people hide themselves to avoid the wicked; he is saying that wicked people force poor people to hide themselves to escape oppression. Alternate translation: “all the poor people of the land have to hide in order to avoid the wicked people who would oppress them”

183024:5m813rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileפְּרָאִ֨ים ׀ בַּֽ⁠מִּדְבָּ֗ר יָצְא֣וּ בְּ֭⁠פָעֳלָ⁠ם1

The point of this comparison is that the need to escape from oppressive wicked people forces poor people to go far away from human community, like wild donkeys in the wilderness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “like wild donkeys in the wilderness, far away from human community,”

183124:5d79krc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיָצְא֣וּ1

Here and through verse 8, the pronoun they refers to poor people. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “poor people go out”

183224:5yaj6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounל֥⁠וֹ לֶ֝֗חֶם לַ⁠נְּעָרִֽים1

The pronoun him does not refer to a specific poor person. Job means poor people in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “provides them with bread for their children”

183324:5j753rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheל֥⁠וֹ לֶ֝֗חֶם לַ⁠נְּעָרִֽים1

Job is using one kind of food, bread, to mean food in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use a general term in your translation, or you could name the kind of food that people would find in the Arabah or desert. Alternate translation: “provides them with roots and herbs to feed to their children”

183424:6j8dxrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsבַּ֭⁠שָּׂדֶה בְּלִיל֣⁠וֹ יִקְצ֑וֹרוּ וְ⁠כֶ֖רֶם רָשָׁ֣ע יְלַקֵּֽשׁוּ1

The pronoun him could refer to: (1) the wicked person whom Job mentions in the second part of the verse. If that is the meaning, it may be helpful to mention the wicked person in the first part of the verse instead. Alternate translation: “Poor people gather fodder for their animals from what the wicked person has left in his field, and they glean in his vineyard” (2) an individual poor person. Alternate translation: “Each of these poor people gathers his fodder in the field, and they all glean the vineyard of the wicked”

183524:6j754rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjוְ⁠כֶ֖רֶם רָשָׁ֣ע1

Job is using the adjective wicked 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: “and the vineyard of a wicked person”

183624:6j755rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounוְ⁠כֶ֖רֶם רָשָׁ֣ע1

Job is not referring to a specific wicked person. He means wicked people in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “and the vineyards of wicked people”

183724:7u7w8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעָר֣וֹם1

As in 22:6, the word naked here does not mean without any clothing. Rather, as the context indicates, it means without sufficient clothing, in this case without an outer garment that would also serve as a blanket. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “exposed”

183824:7j756rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמִ⁠בְּלִ֣י לְב֑וּשׁ1

The poor people whom Job is talking about may be without a garment because: (1) wicked people have taken their outer garments in pledge and not returned them, as Eliphaz describes in 22:6. This would suit the context, in which Job is describing how wicked people oppress poor people. Alternate translation: “without a garment because wicked people have taken their garments in pledge and not returned them” (2) they are too poor to afford outer garments. Alternate translation: “without outer garments because they have become too poor to afford them”

183924:8a2gxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּֽ⁠מִ⁠בְּלִ֥י מַ֝חְסֶ֗ה1

In this instance, the word without means “without any other.” You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and because they have no other shelter,”

184024:8j5ebrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounחִבְּקוּ־צֽוּר1

Job is not referring to a specific rock. He means rocks in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “they hug the rocks”

184124:8j757rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomחִבְּקוּ־צֽוּר1

Job is using this expression to mean that poor people huddle up close to rocks in order to seek shelter from the rain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they huddle up close to rocks”

184224:9ma3crc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיִ֭גְזְלוּ & יַחְבֹּֽלוּ1

The pronoun They in the first part of the verse and the pronoun they in the second part of the verse refer to wicked people. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Wicked people snatch … wicked people bind a pledge”

184324:9ahj1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjיָת֑וֹם & עָנִ֥י1

Job is using the adjectives fatherless and poor 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: “fatherless children … poor people” or “children whose fathers have died … people who are poor”

184424:9t1kirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיִ֭גְזְלוּ מִ⁠שֹּׁ֣ד יָת֑וֹם1

Job implicitly means that wicked people snatch fatherless children from the breast of their mother, that is, while they are nursing, in order to claim the children as slaves in payment of a debt. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Wicked people even take infants away from their mothers while they are nursing, in order to claim the children as slaves in payment of a debt”

184524:9yq41rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְֽ⁠עַל־עָנִ֥י יַחְבֹּֽלוּ1

See how you translated the similar expression in 22:6. Alternate translation: “and they require the poor to give them their outer garments as security for loans”

184624:10u922rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsהִ֭לְּכוּ & נָ֣שְׂאוּ1

The pronoun They in the first part of the verse and the pronoun they in the second part of the verse refer to poor people. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Poor people go about … poor people carry”

184724:10eps1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעָר֣וֹם הִ֭לְּכוּ בְּלִ֣י לְב֑וּשׁ1

As in 22:6, the word naked here does not mean without any clothing. Job is describing the result of what he said at the end of the previous verse, that wicked people “bind a pledge” upon the poor, that is, they take their outer garments as security for loans. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Because wicked people take their outer garments in pledge, poor people go about exposed to the elements, not having sufficient clothing”

184824:10j758rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounוּ֝⁠רְעֵבִ֗ים נָ֣שְׂאוּ עֹֽמֶר1

Job is not referring to a specific sheaf. He means sheaves in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “and, hungry, they carry sheaves”

184924:10qj7xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ֝⁠רְעֵבִ֗ים נָ֣שְׂאוּ עֹֽמֶר1

Job is saying that poor people must try to earn money to feed themselves by working as day laborers, harvesting the grain in the fields of wicked people. But those poor people still go hungry, even with all that food around them, because the wicked people do not pay or feed their workers adequately. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and they are hungry, even though they work as harvesters, because the wicked people who own the fields they are harvesting do not pay or feed them adequately”

185024:11fp3grc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsבֵּין־שׁוּרֹתָ֥⁠ם יַצְהִ֑ירוּ יְקָבִ֥ים דָּ֝רְכ֗וּ וַ⁠יִּצְמָֽאוּ1

In this verse, the pronoun they refers to poor people and the pronoun their refers to wicked people. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Within the walls of wicked people, poor people press oil; poor people tread the winepresses of wicked people, but those poor people suffer thirst”

185124:11rks1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיַצְהִ֑ירוּ1

Job is referring to the way that workers would press oil from olives, which were a staple food in this culture. You could indicate that explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. You could also use a general expression if your readers might not be familiar with olives. Alternate translation: “they press oil from olives” or “they work hard to produce oil from plants”

185224:11a1m7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיְקָבִ֥ים דָּ֝רְכ֗וּ וַ⁠יִּצְמָֽאוּ1

Job is commenting here on the injustice of wicked people having poor people tread their winepresses but then not giving them any of the wine to drink. (In this culture, the water was often unsafe to drink. People drank wine to quench their thirst, and, because the wine had a low alcohol content, they could do that without getting drunk. Job is not saying that the wicked people should have given the poor people wine so that they could get drunk, only that they should have given them wine to quench their thirst.) See how you expressed the implicit meaning in the previous verse, where Job described how poor people carried grain but went hungry. Alternate translation: “they are thirsty, even though they work treading winepresses, because the wicked people who own the presses do not give them any of the wine to quench their thirst”

185324:12j759rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsמְתִ֨ים1

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

185424:12j760rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjוְ⁠נֶֽפֶשׁ־חֲלָלִ֥ים תְּשַׁוֵּ֑עַ1

Job is using the adjective wounded 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: “and the souls of wounded people cry out”

185524:12j761rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠נֶֽפֶשׁ־חֲלָלִ֥ים תְּשַׁוֵּ֑עַ1

Job is using one part of a wounded person, his soul, to mean all of him in the act of crying out. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and wounded people cry out”

185624:12j762rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠נֶֽפֶשׁ־חֲלָלִ֥ים תְּשַׁוֵּ֑עַ1

Job implicitly means that these people are crying out to God for justice. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and wounded people cry out to God for justice”

185724:12j763rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוֶ֝⁠אֱל֗וֹהַּ לֹא־יָשִׂ֥ים תִּפְלָֽה1

Job implicitly means that God seems to feel that there is nothing wrong with what the wicked people are doing, and so God does not punish them in response to the poor peoples cries for justice. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “but God does not punish the wicked people who have caused their suffering”

185824:13m581rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsהֵ֤מָּה & לֹֽא־הִכִּ֥ירוּ & וְ⁠לֹ֥א יָ֝שְׁב֗וּ1

The pronoun They at the start of the verse and the two instances of the pronoun they later in the verse refer to the wicked people whom Job has been describing. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “These wicked people … these wicked people … and they do not stay”

185924:13dl4erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorא֥וֹר1

Job is speaking as if light were an authority and these wicked people were rebelling against it. Job is using light to represent what God has revealed to humans about how they should live. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “against Gods moral revelation”

186024:13djk4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלֹֽא־הִכִּ֥ירוּ דְרָכָ֑י⁠ו וְ⁠לֹ֥א יָ֝שְׁב֗וּ בִּ⁠נְתִיבֹתָֽי⁠ו1

Job is speaking as if light maintained certain ways and paths that people should walk along. He means that Gods revelation shows people how they should conduct their lives. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they do not regard the manner of life that God has shown people they should follow; no, they live in a different way”

186124:13j764rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלֹֽא־הִכִּ֥ירוּ דְרָכָ֑י⁠ו1

Here the word regard means “look at” with the implication of looking with approval. Alternate translation: “they do not admire its ways”

186224:13j765rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesוְ⁠לֹ֥א יָ֝שְׁב֗וּ בִּ⁠נְתִיבֹתָֽי⁠ו1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this as a positive expression. Alternate translation: “and they leave its paths”

186324:14j766rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלָ⁠א֡וֹר1

This expression describes the time of day when it is just beginning to get light. There is enough light for the murderer to see, but not enough light for him to be identified. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “In the morning twilight,”

186424:14j767rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounיָ֘ק֤וּם רוֹצֵ֗חַ יִֽקְטָל & יְהִ֣י כַ⁠גַּנָּֽב1

Job is not referring to a specific murderer. He means murderers in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “murderers arise; they kill … they are like thieves”

186524:14j768rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjעָנִ֥י וְ⁠אֶבְי֑וֹן1

Job is using the adjectives poor and needy 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 and needy people”

186624:14u116rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletעָנִ֥י וְ⁠אֶבְי֑וֹן1

The terms poor and needy 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: “desperately poor people”

186724:14d2ftrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוּ֝⁠בַ⁠לַּ֗יְלָה יְהִ֣י כַ⁠גַּנָּֽב1

The point of this comparison is that the murderer escapes apprehension because he commits his crime in dim light and at a time when people are sleeping. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and he is like a thief in the night, whom no one sees commit his crime”

186824:15mza9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠עֵ֤ין נֹאֵ֨ף1

Job is using one part of an adulterer, his eye, to mean all of him in the act of watching. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And the adulterer”

186924:15jp3lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnoun נֹאֵ֨ף1

Job is not referring to a specific adulterer. He is describing the behavior that is characteristic of any adulterer. It may be more natural in your language to make adulterer an indefinite noun rather than a definite one. Alternate translation: “an adulterer”

187024:15ymp3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesלֵ֭⁠אמֹר לֹא־תְשׁוּרֵ֣⁠נִי עָ֑יִן1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “saying to himself that no one will perceive him”

187124:15ewy1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche לֹא־תְשׁוּרֵ֣⁠נִי עָ֑יִן1

The characteristic adulterer is using one part of someone who might perceive him, that persons eye, to mean all of that person in the act of perceiving him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “No one will perceive me”

187224:15j769rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠סֵ֖תֶר פָּנִ֣ים יָשִֽׂים1

Job is not speaking of a cover that would keep the adulterer from seeing. He is speaking of a disguise intended to keep people from recognizing who the adulterer is. You could express this in a way that would be familiar in your culture. Alternate translation: “and he pulls his hat down low over his face”

187324:16j770rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsחָתַ֥ר & בָּ֫תִּ֥ים1

The pronoun One refers to a wicked person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Since, as the rest of the verse shows, Job is actually describing behavior that is characteristic of wicked people in general, you may wish to use a plural term. Alternate translation: “Wicked people dig into houses”

187424:16c35grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitחָתַ֥ר בַּ⁠חֹ֗שֶׁךְ בָּ֫תִּ֥ים1

In this culture, houses were made of clay or sun-dried brick, so thieves could gain entry to a house most easily by digging through one of its walls. If houses in your culture are made of different materials that a thief would not or could not dig through, you may wish to use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “Wicked people break into houses”

187524:16k9sqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomחִתְּמוּ־לָ֗⁠מוֹ1

This expression means ”they stay indoors.“ If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they stay indoors”

187624:16j771rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלֹא־יָ֥דְעוּ אֽוֹר1

This expression means that wicked people are not familiar with light, and the reason is that they do not leave their homes when it is light. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they do not go out when it is light”

187724:16j772rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלֹא־יָ֥דְעוּ אֽוֹר1

While the word light here is literal, since Job is using it to mean day, there is also a moral overtone, as in verse 13, where Job said that wicked people rebel against the light, meaning Gods revelation. If your language has a term for “light” that also has these moral connotations, it would be appropriate to use it here in your translation.

187824:17j773rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּ֤י יַחְדָּ֨ו בֹּ֣קֶר לָ֣⁠מוֹ1

Job is using the word For to introduce the reason why he said in the preceding verse that wicked people do not go out during the day. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “They do not go out because for all of them, morning”

187924:17g55xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבֹּ֣קֶר לָ֣⁠מוֹ צַלְמָ֑וֶת1

Job is speaking as if morning were literally deep darkness for wicked people. He means that they dread and avoid morning just as honest people dread and avoid the night. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they dread the morning as if it were deep darkness”

188024:17j774rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsלָ֣⁠מוֹ & יַ֝כִּ֗יר1

The pronoun them refers to wicked people, and the pronoun one refers to a representative or characteristic wicked person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “for wicked people … each one of them regards”

188124:17y5ibrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיַ֝כִּ֗יר1

As in 24:13, here the word regards means “looks at” with the implication of looking with approval. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “each one of them admires”

188224:18ay3vrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastקַֽל־ה֤וּא ׀ עַל־פְּנֵי־מַ֗יִם1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, at this point in his speech, Job implicitly begins to draw a contrast between the present situation of wicked people and their ultimate fate. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “Nevertheless, he is swift”

188324:18lat6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomקַֽל־ה֤וּא ׀ עַל־פְּנֵי־מַ֗יִם1

Job is speaking as if the surface of the waters were literally their face. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He (is} swift on the surface of the waters”

188424:18f772rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorקַֽל־ה֤וּא ׀ עַל־פְּנֵי־מַ֗יִם1

Job is speaking as if a wicked person were literally something light that would float on the surface of the waters of a brook or river and pass swiftly downstream. He means that a wicked person only flourishes for a short time and then is gone. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Since Job speaks of wicked people in the plural in the next phrase, you may wish to use the plural in this phrase as well. Alternate translation: “Wicked people flourish only for a short time, then they are gone, like debris that water carries swiftly downstream”

188524:18j775rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלֹֽא־יִ֝פְנֶה דֶּ֣רֶךְ כְּרָמִֽים1

This expression means that no one goes to work in the vineyards of wicked people. Since Job says in verse 13 that poor people do work in their vineyards, he is talking here about what will happen to wicked people in the future. Alternate translation: “their vineyards will be abandoned”

188624:19u6dbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisצִיָּ֤ה גַם־חֹ֗ם יִגְזְל֥וּ מֵֽימֵי־שֶׁ֗לֶג שְׁא֣וֹל חָטָֽאוּ1

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. Job is drawing a comparison. Alternate translation: “Just as drought and heat strip away the waters of snow, so Sheol strips away those who have sinned.”

188724:19b8g4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִגְזְל֥וּ מֵֽימֵי־שֶׁ֗לֶג1

Job is speaking as if, in the hot season, Drought and heat literally strip away the waters in his arid region that come from melting snow in the mountains. He means that the heat makes these waters evaporate. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “make water from melted snow evaporate”

188824:20hnl6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיִשְׁכָּ֘חֵ֤⁠הוּ רֶ֨חֶם ׀ מְתָ֘ק֤⁠וֹ רִמָּ֗ה ע֥וֹד לֹֽא־יִזָּכֵ֑ר1

The pronouns him and he refers to a wicked person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “The womb will forget a wicked person, the worm will dine on that person, until he is not remembered”

188924:20dg9vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיִשְׁכָּ֘חֵ֤⁠הוּ רֶ֨חֶם1

Job is using the term womb by association to mean the mother who carried the wicked person in her womb and gave birth to him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “As for a wicked person, even his own mother will forget him”

189024:20ja3yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyמְתָ֘ק֤⁠וֹ רִמָּ֗ה1

The term translated dine means to eat with enjoyment. Job is describing an ironic consequence that wicked people will experience. During their lives, as he said earlier, they had oil and wine and grain that they enjoyed but did not share with others. Now, after death, they provide a satisfying meal for the worms that eat them in their graves. Your language may have a term similar to dine that you could use in your translation.

189124:20auf1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveע֥וֹד לֹֽא־יִזָּכֵ֑ר וַ⁠תִּשָּׁבֵ֖ר כָּ⁠עֵ֣ץ עַוְלָֽה1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “until no one remembers him and wickedness is like a tree that a windstorm has broken”

189224:20k6glrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוַ⁠תִּשָּׁבֵ֖ר כָּ⁠עֵ֣ץ עַוְלָֽה1

The point of this comparison is that just as a tree may be broken (by a powerful wind, for example) so that it falls over and dies, so a wicked person will lose his possessions and status and ultimately die. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and wickedness is broken, just as a windstorm knocks down a tree and it dies”

189324:21j776rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsרֹעֶ֣ה עֲ֭קָרָה1

The pronoun one refers to a wicked person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “A wicked person devours the barren”

189424:21ys4wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorרֹעֶ֣ה1

Job is speaking as if a wicked person would literally devour or eat up childless women and widows. He means that the wicked person would cheat and exploit them in the ways he described earlier in this speech. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one exploiting”

189524:21j777rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjעֲ֭קָרָה לֹ֣א תֵלֵ֑ד1

Job is using the adjective barren 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: “the barren woman, who has not borne”

189624:21m9u5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoעֲ֭קָרָה לֹ֣א תֵלֵ֑ד1

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: “the childless woman”

189724:21j778rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounעֲ֭קָרָה לֹ֣א תֵלֵ֑ד1

Job is not referring to a specific barren woman. He means women in general who have not had children. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “childless women”

189824:21i5m9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounוְ֝⁠אַלְמָנָ֗ה לֹ֣א יְיֵטִֽיב1

Job is not referring to a specific widow. He means widows in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “and he does not do good to widows”

189924:21j779rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesוְ֝⁠אַלְמָנָ֗ה לֹ֣א יְיֵטִֽיב1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this as a positive expression. Alternate translation: “and he harms the widow” or “and he harms widows”

190024:22xl8grc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוּ⁠מָשַׁ֣ךְ אַבִּירִ֣ים בְּ⁠כֹח֑⁠וֹ1

In this first part of the verse, the pronouns he and his refer to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “But God drags away the mighty by his power”

190124:22ps1mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠מָשַׁ֣ךְ1

Job is speaking as if God literally drags away people who are mighty. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “But he destroys”

190224:22j780rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjאַבִּירִ֣ים1

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

190324:22x59src://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיָ֝ק֗וּם וְֽ⁠לֹא־יַאֲמִ֥ין בַּֽ⁠חַיִּֽין1

Interpreters are uncertain as to whom the pronoun he refers in the two instances in the second part of this verse. This could mean: (1) that God arises against mighty people, so that each one of them realizes that he is doomed. Alternate translation: “God arises against them, so that each one of them despairs of life” (2) that a wicked person arises or prospers for a time, but he has no assurance of a long life. Alternate translation: “a wicked person may prosper for a time, but he has no assurance of a long life”

190424:23j781rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיִתֶּן־ל֣⁠וֹ לָ֭⁠בֶטַח וְ⁠יִשָּׁעֵ֑ן וְ֝⁠עֵינֵ֗י⁠הוּ עַל־דַּרְכֵי⁠הֶֽם1

The pronoun He in its first instance and the pronoun his refer to God, and the pronoun he in its second instance and the pronoun him refer to a wicked person. The pronoun them refers to wicked people in general. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God gives a wicked person security, and that person is supported, but Gods eyes are on the ways of wicked people”

190524:23j782rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיִתֶּן־ל֣⁠וֹ לָ֭⁠בֶטַח וְ⁠יִשָּׁעֵ֑ן1

If your language would not use the passive form he is supported, you could express the idea in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. If you would need to say who does the action, the context indicates that it is God. Alternate translation: “God gives him security and supports him”

190624:23j783rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismיִתֶּן־ל֣⁠וֹ לָ֭⁠בֶטַח וְ⁠יִשָּׁעֵ֑ן1

These two phrases mean similar things. Job is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. While Job seems to say that God actively gives security and support to wicked people, the idea is that God actually allows these things. Alternate translation: “God may allow a wicked person to feel a sense of security”

190724:23qks3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ֝⁠עֵינֵ֗י⁠הוּ עַל־דַּרְכֵי⁠הֶֽם1

Job is using one part of God, his eyes, to mean all of him in the act of seeing. Sight, in turn, represents awareness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but he watches their ways carefully” or “but he is very aware of their ways”

190824:23j784rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠עֵינֵ֗י⁠הוּ עַל־דַּרְכֵי⁠הֶֽם1

Job is speaking of how a person lives as if that were a way or path that the person was walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but he is very aware of how wicked people are living”

190924:24yq9prc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsר֤וֹמּוּ1

The pronoun They (or they) refers to wicked people in all of its instances in this verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers in the first instance. Alternate translation: “Wicked people are exalted”

191024:24j785rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorר֤וֹמּוּ1

Job is speaking of wicked people as if they were literally exalted or raised up to a high position. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They achieve greatness”

191124:24j786rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveר֤וֹמּוּ1

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: “They achieve greatness”

191224:24j787rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמְּעַ֨ט1

This could mean: (1) that wicked people are exalted for a little while. Alternate translation: “for a short time” (2) that wicked people are exalted a little bit. Alternate translation: “to a limited extent”

191324:24b7v1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְֽ⁠הֻמְּכ֗וּ1

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: “indeed, God brings them low”

191424:24j797rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְֽ⁠אֵינֶ֗⁠נּוּ1

This expression means that these “mighty” people no longer exist. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “then they no longer exist”

191524:24j788rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְֽ⁠הֻמְּכ֗וּ1

Job is speaking as if wicked people were literally brought low or moved down to a low position. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Since this phrase repeats the meaning of then they do not exist, the meaning seems to be that they die. Alternate translation: “indeed, they die”

191624:24j5zarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomכַּ⁠כֹּ֥ל יִקָּפְצ֑וּ⁠ן וּ⁠כְ⁠רֹ֖אשׁ שִׁבֹּ֣לֶת יִמָּֽלוּ1

The phrase they are gathered could be: (1) a characteristic Hebrew expression that describes death. Alternate translation: “like all people, they are die; yes, like the tops of ears of grain, they are cut off” (2) part of the comparison to ears of grain. In that case, it would be appropriate to translate it literally. Alternate translation: “like all people, they are gathered and cut off like the tops of ears of grain”

191724:24ix1vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveכַּ⁠כֹּ֥ל יִקָּפְצ֑וּ⁠ן וּ⁠כְ⁠רֹ֖אשׁ שִׁבֹּ֣לֶת יִמָּֽלוּ1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: (1) “God gathers them among the dead, as he does all people; yes, God cuts them off like the tops of ears of grain” or (2) “as he does to all people, God gathers them and cuts them off like the tops of ears of grain”

191824:25cfk7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ⁠אִם־לֹ֣א אֵ֭פוֹ מִ֣י יַכְזִיבֵ֑⁠נִי וְ⁠יָשֵׂ֥ם לְ֝⁠אַ֗ל מִלָּתִֽ⁠י1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “And if anyone believes that what I have said is not true, then I challenge him to prove me wrong and show that what I have said is not valid”

191924:25j789rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ⁠אִם־לֹ֣א1

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 if what I am saying is not true”

192024:25iy58rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠יָשֵׂ֥ם לְ֝⁠אַ֗ל מִלָּתִֽ⁠י1

This expression means to show that something is of no value, that is, not valid. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and show that my word is not valid”

192124:25j790rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִלָּתִֽ⁠י1

Job is using the term word to mean what he has been saying by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I have said”

192225:introyz1x0

Job 25 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is the third and final speech of Jobs friend Bildad.

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

Special Concepts in This Chapter

The brevity of Bildads speech

This speech by Bildad is much shorter than his first two speeches. It is also much shorter than the three speeches that Eliphaz has given to this point in the book and the two speeches that Zophar has given. The likely explanation is that Jobs friends are running out of things to say to him. Indeed, Zophar does not give a third speech at all. The narrator says in 32:3 that the three friends “found no answer” for Jobs arguments. The brevity of Bildads third speech and the absence of a third speech by Zophar dramatize this. Since the narrator eventually offers an explanation, it would not be necessary to put an explanation in your translation at the end of this chapter such as, “And that was all that Jobs friends had to say to him.”

Gods holiness and human sinfulness

In this short speech, Bildad describes Gods holiness and human sinfulness. While the points he makes are accurate, they are not convincing for Job, because he has actually been righteous. (See: [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/holy]] and [[rc:///tw/dict/bible/kt/sin]] and [[rc://*/tw/dict/bible/kt/righteous]])

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Bildad using the words of Eliphaz

Although Bildad speaks only briefly, he repeats significant phrases from Eliphazs first and second speeches. Bildad asks in verse 4, “So how will a man be righteous with God? Or how will one born of a woman be pure?” Eliphaz had asked similarly in 4:17, “Will a man be more righteous than God? If a man will be more pure than his Maker?” and in 15:14, “What is man, that he should be pure, or that one born of a woman should be righteous?” To show this, it would be helpful to use the same wording in your translation of 25:4 that you used in 4:17 and 15:14.

192325:2vb52rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsהַמְשֵׁ֣ל וָ⁠פַ֣חַד עִמּ֑⁠וֹ1

The pronoun him refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Dominion and awe are with God” or “God possesses dominion and awe”

192425:2j791rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysהַמְשֵׁ֣ל וָ⁠פַ֣חַד עִמּ֑⁠וֹ1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word fear tells what response Gods Dominion produces in those who recognize its powerful and holy character. (In this context, the word fear describes reverence and respect for God and awe at his greatness.) 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: “Fearful dominion is with him” or “Awesome dominion is with him”

192525:2cz5crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsהַמְשֵׁ֣ל וָ⁠פַ֣חַד עִמּ֑⁠וֹ1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of Dominion and fear, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “God rules in a way that inspires great respect”

192625:2t8t1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעֹשֶׂ֥ה שָׁ֝ל֗וֹם בִּ⁠מְרוֹמָֽי⁠ו1

The word translated peace could mean: (1) harmonious order. Alternate translation: “the one who establishes harmonious order” (2) the absence of conflict. Alternate translation: “the one who rules without opposition” or “the one who rules without rebellion”

192725:2j792rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralבִּ⁠מְרוֹמָֽי⁠ו1

See how you translated the same expression in 16:19. Alternate translation: “in his highest heaven” or “in heaven, where he rules supremely”

192825:3agz7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠יֵ֣שׁ מִ֭סְפָּר לִ⁠גְדוּדָ֑י⁠ו וְ⁠עַל־מִ֝֗י לֹא־יָק֥וּם אוֹרֵֽ⁠הוּ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “There is no number to his troops! His light arises on everyone!”

192925:3tb5crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהֲ⁠יֵ֣שׁ מִ֭סְפָּר לִ⁠גְדוּדָ֑י⁠ו1

In this verse, Bildad is describing Gods greatness by saying that at night, there are too many stars in the sky to count, and by day, the sun shines all over the world. So in this context, the word troops implicitly refers to the stars as if they were soldiers. Alternate translation: “Is there a number to the stars?” or “There are too many stars in the sky to count!”

193025:3j793rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠עַל־מִ֝֗י לֹא־יָק֥וּם אוֹרֵֽ⁠הוּ1

Bildad is using the term light by association to mean the sun. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And upon whom does the sun not rise?” or “And the sun shines on everyone!”

193125:4w2pfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוּ⁠מַה־יִּצְדַּ֣ק אֱנ֣וֹשׁ עִם־אֵ֑ל וּ⁠מַה־יִּ֝זְכֶּ֗ה יְל֣וּד אִשָּֽׁה1

Bildad is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “A man cannot be righteous with God! One born of a woman cannot be clean!”

193225:4v4y8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאֱנ֣וֹשׁ1

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

193325:4kx6lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיְל֣וּד אִשָּֽׁה1

See how you translated this expression in 15:14. Alternate translation: “a mortal”

193425:5un12rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיָ֭רֵחַ וְ⁠לֹ֣א יַאֲהִ֑יל1

Bildad implicitly means that compared with Gods holiness, the moon does not shine with the brightness of a pure, holy thing. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the moon has no holy brightness”

193525:5kt4vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְ⁠עֵינָֽי⁠ו1

Bildad is using the term eyes by association to mean sight. Sight, in turn, represents attention, perspective, and judgment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in his perspective”

193625:6c7khrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאַ֭ף כִּֽי־אֱנ֣וֹשׁ רִמָּ֑ה1

Indeed that is an expression that indicates that what follows is greater in degree than what a person has just said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “How much less a man, a worm”

193725:6j794rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisאַ֭ף כִּֽי־אֱנ֣וֹשׁ רִמָּ֑ה1

Bildad 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 could a man, a worm, be pure”

193825:6l7b7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאֱנ֣וֹשׁ & וּ⁠בֶן־אָ֝דָ֗ם1

Although the terms man and son are masculine, here both words have a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use terms in your language that are clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “a human … or a human child”

193925:6h6x7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֱנ֣וֹשׁ רִמָּ֑ה1

Bildad is speaking as if a human were literally a worm. He probably means that humans are lowly, just as worms are lowly, living in the dirt. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that lowly creature”

194025:6j795rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠בֶן־אָ֝דָ֗ם תּוֹלֵעָֽה1

Bildad is similarly speaking as if a human were literally a grub. Once again the basis of the comparison seems to be that just as grubs live in the earth, God originally formed humans from the earth. So this is a parallel poetic reference to human mortality. Rather than repeat the image, it may be more natural in your language to translate this as an explanatory phrase. Alternate translation, not preceded by a comma: “whom God formed from the earth”

194126:introf6650

Job 26 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter begins a long response by Job first to Bildads last speech and then to the friends in general. Bildad had spoken briefly of the greatness of God. Job shows that he is a truly godly man who appreciates Gods greatness by describing it in this chapter at greater length and in more eloquent language. Job told the friends in 12:3 that he had just as much wisdom as they did, and he demonstrates that in this chapter.

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

Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter

Litany

In verses 79, Job makes a series of statements about God that have a similar form. A series of statements such as this is known as a litany. If your readers would recognize what Job is doing, you can translate and format this litany the way the ULT does. If the litany form would not be familiar to your readers, you could help them appreciate it by putting each sentence of the litany on a separate line. See what you did with the similar litany in chapter 12. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make each verse in the litany a separate sentence. For example, you could begin verse 7, “God stretches out.” Notes to verses 79 offer further suggestions.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Reference of “he,” “him,” and “his”

The pronouns “he,” “him,” and “his” all refer to God throughout this chapter. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could specify the referent and say “God” or “Gods” at regular intervals for clarity.

194226:2lud4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyמֶה־עָזַ֥רְתָּ לְ⁠לֹא־כֹ֑חַ ה֝וֹשַׁ֗עְתָּ זְר֣וֹעַ לֹא־עֹֽז1

For emphasis, Job is saying the opposite of what he means. If a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could indicate what Job actually means. Alternate translation: “You have not helped the one without power! You have not saved the arm of no strength”

194326:2j798rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personמֶה־עָזַ֥רְתָּ לְ⁠לֹא־כֹ֑חַ ה֝וֹשַׁ֗עְתָּ זְר֣וֹעַ לֹא־עֹֽז1

Job is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “You have not helped me, even though I was without power! You have not saved me, even though my arm had no strength”

194426:2j799rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularעָזַ֥רְתָּ & ה֝וֹשַׁ֗עְתָּ1

In this verse, as well as in verses 3 and 4, the word you is singular because Job is addressing Bildad directly. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

194526:2j800rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheזְר֣וֹעַ לֹא־עֹֽז1

Job is using one part of himself, his arm, to mean all of him as someone who is struggling to have strength during difficulties. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a person of no strength” or “me, even though I had no strength”

194626:3s1r5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyמַה־יָּ֭עַצְתָּ לְ⁠לֹ֣א חָכְמָ֑ה וְ֝⁠תוּשִׁיָּ֗ה לָ⁠רֹ֥ב הוֹדָֽעְתָּ1

For emphasis, Job is continuing to say the opposite of what he means. If a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could indicate what Job actually means. Alternate translation: “You have not really advised one without wisdom! You have not really made known insight in abundance”

194726:3y2kkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personמַה־יָּ֭עַצְתָּ לְ⁠לֹ֣א חָכְמָ֑ה1

Job is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “You have not really advised me, even though I was without wisdom”

194826:4n9vjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאֶת־מִ֭י הִגַּ֣דְתָּ מִלִּ֑ין וְ⁠נִשְׁמַת־מִ֝י יָצְאָ֥ה מִמֶּֽ⁠ךָּ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Someone must have helped you declare those words! Someone elses breath must have come out from you!”

194926:4j801rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֶת־מִ֭י הִגַּ֣דְתָּ מִלִּ֑ין וְ⁠נִשְׁמַת־מִ֝י יָצְאָ֥ה מִמֶּֽ⁠ךָּ1

Job is implying that God must have helped Bildad speak, although he does not really mean it (see next note). You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “God must have helped you declare those words! Gods own breath must have come out from you!”

195026:4j802rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyאֶת־מִ֭י הִגַּ֣דְתָּ מִלִּ֑ין וְ⁠נִשְׁמַת־מִ֝י יָצְאָ֥ה מִמֶּֽ⁠ךָּ1

For emphasis, Job is continuing to say the opposite of what he means. If a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could indicate what Job actually means. Alternate translation: “You are merely sharing human opinions! You have no divinely granted insights!”

195126:4j803rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאֶת־מִ֭י הִגַּ֣דְתָּ מִלִּ֑ין1

Job is using the term words to mean what Bildad has just said by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God must have helped you say what you did!” or, showing that Job is saying the opposite of what he means, “What you said was merely your own human opinion”

195226:4j804rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠נִשְׁמַת־מִ֝י יָצְאָ֥ה מִמֶּֽ⁠ךָּ1

The word translated breath can also mean “spirit,” so this could mean: (1) that Job is making a parallel statement to the first part of the verse, using the breath that comes out of a persons mouth while he is speaking to mean the act of speaking itself. Alternate translation: “And who was speaking with you as you spoke” or “And who enabled you to speak so well” or “It is certainly not as if God was helping you speak!” (2) that Job is suggesting (while meaning the opposite of what he is saying) that an angel or Gods Spirit must have inspired Bildad to say what he did. Alternate translation: “And what spirit inspired you to speak so well” or “And was it not Gods Spirit who inspired you to speak so well”

195326:5xqx7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהָ⁠רְפָאִ֥ים יְחוֹלָ֑לוּ1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, at this point in this speech, Job begins a description of the greatness of God. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “But as for the greatness of God, the Raphaites tremble”

195426:5c81arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמִ⁠תַּ֥חַת מַ֝֗יִם וְ⁠שֹׁכְנֵי⁠הֶֽם1

Job implicitly means that the spirits of dead people tremble from their abode in Sheol, which he names specifically in the next verse but which he identifies by its location in this verse. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “from their abode deep below the sea, deep below the creatures that live in the sea”

195526:6j805rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsעָר֣וֹם שְׁא֣וֹל נֶגְדּ֑⁠וֹ1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the pronoun him in this verse refers to God, as do the pronouns “he,” “him,” and “his” throughout the chapter. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, here and at selected other places in the chapter. Alternate translation: “Sheol is naked before God”

195626:6c8rlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעָר֣וֹם שְׁא֣וֹל נֶגְדּ֑⁠וֹ1

Job is speaking of Sheol as if it were literally not wearing any clothing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Sheol is open before God” or “God can look right into Sheol”

195726:6v85xrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesוְ⁠אֵ֥ין כְּ֝ס֗וּת לָֽ⁠אֲבַדּֽוֹן1

The word Abaddon, which means “destruction,” is another name for Sheol.

195826:6j806rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠אֵ֥ין כְּ֝ס֗וּת לָֽ⁠אֲבַדּֽוֹן1

Job is speaking as if it might be possible to put an actual covering over Abaddon to keep God from seeing into it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and nothing keeps God from seeing into Abaddon”

195926:7j807rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismנֹטֶ֣ה צָפ֣וֹן עַל־תֹּ֑הוּ תֹּ֥לֶה אֶ֝֗רֶץ עַל־בְּלִי־מָֽה1

Job is using the two major components of creation, the sky (which he calls the north) and the earth, to mean all of creation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “the one having made all of creation where previously nothing was”

196026:7j808rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorנֹטֶ֣ה צָפ֣וֹן עַל־תֹּ֑הוּ תֹּ֥לֶה אֶ֝֗רֶץ עַל־בְּלִי־מָֽה1

Job is speaking as if God had literally stretched out the north (the sky) over nothingness and hung the earth on nothing. Since he speaks of the “pillars” of the heavens in verse 11, he is probably not saying directly that the sky and the earth are suspended over empty space. Instead, he is probably referring to God having created the sky and the land by bringing order to watery chaos. Job says this specifically in verses 12 and 13. Alternate translation: “the one having created the sky and the land by bringing order to watery chaos”

196126:7j809rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litanyנֹטֶ֣ה1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, this is the beginning of a litany that extends through verse 9. See that discussion and the notes to verses 79 for suggestions of how to present this material in a way that may be helpful to your readers.

196226:7j810rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsנֹטֶ֣ה1

The pronoun one refers to God, not to Abaddon. 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 stretching out”

196326:7ts32rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyצָפ֣וֹן1

Job is using the term north by association to mean the bright constellations in the northern sky, and so by further association the stars, and by even further association the sky itself, where the stars appear. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the sky”

196426:8q4f6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorצֹרֵֽר־מַ֥יִם בְּ⁠עָבָ֑י⁠ו וְ⁠לֹא־נִבְקַ֖ע עָנָ֣ן תַּחְתָּֽ⁠ם1

Job is speaking as if God literally uses clouds to bind or tie up the waters that eventually fall from those clouds to earth as rain. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, as a new sentence: “God makes rainclouds that contain much water”

196526:8j811rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounוְ⁠לֹא־נִבְקַ֖ע עָנָ֣ן תַּחְתָּֽ⁠ם1

Job is not referring to a specific cloud. He means clouds, specifically rainclouds, in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “but those rainclouds are not torn under those waters”

196626:8sxg4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠לֹא־נִבְקַ֖ע עָנָ֣ן תַּחְתָּֽ⁠ם1

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 those waters do not tear the clouds under them” or “but the weight of those waters does not tear the clouds apart”

196726:9r35vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorפְּנֵי1

Job is speaking as if the surface of the moon were literally its face. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the surface of”

196826:9j812rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounעֲנָנֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is not referring to a specific cloud. He means all the clouds that God would use to cover the moon. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “his clouds”

196926:10l8k5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorחֹֽק־חָ֭ג עַל־פְּנֵי־מָ֑יִם1

Job is speaking as if the surface of the waters or oceans were literally their face. He is describing the horizon, which, to a land-bound observer, seems to be a limit on how far the oceans extend. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God has placed a circular limit on the surface of the oceans”

197026:10j813rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyעַד־תַּכְלִ֖ית א֣וֹר עִם־חֹֽשֶׁךְ1

Job implicitly means that the limit that God has placed on the extent of the oceans coincides with the bottom of the dome of the sky, which people in this culture considered to be a solid object. Beneath the dome, in which the sun, moon, and stars shone, there was light. Beyond the dome was darkness. So Job is using the boundary of light with darkness to refer by association to the sky. You could indicate this in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “at the bottom of the dome of the sky”

197126:11n3vzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationעַמּוּדֵ֣י שָׁמַ֣יִם יְרוֹפָ֑פוּ וְ֝⁠יִתְמְה֗וּ מִ⁠גַּעֲרָתֽ⁠וֹ1

Many interpreters believe that here Job is speaking of high mountains as if they were the pillars of the heavens, since they appear to hold up the sky. Job would also be speaking as if God were literally issuing a rebuke to the mountains and that in response, they tremble and marvel. The reference may be to an earthquake, which causes mountains to shake. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God sends earthquakes that make even the high mountains shake”

197226:11f7hnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysיְרוֹפָ֑פוּ וְ֝⁠יִתְמְה֗וּ1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word marvel, a reference to being astonished by the power of God, tells why the pillars of the heavens tremble. 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: “shake with fear”

197326:12x7tirc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesמָ֣חַץ רָֽהַב1

See how you translated the name Rahab in 9:13. Alternate translation: ”he defeated the sea monster that is associated with chaos“

197426:13c72vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבְּ֭⁠רוּח⁠וֹ שָׁמַ֣יִם שִׁפְרָ֑ה1

Job is probably speaking as if strong winds, which clear the clouds from the sky after a storm, are the breath of God. Even though the word translated breath can also mean “wind” or “Spirit,” Job is probably using a poetic image rather than a literal statement to describe the power of God. If it would be more natural in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God sends strong winds to clear the sky of clouds after a storm”

197526:13c2jcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit נָחָ֥שׁ בָּרִֽיחַ1

The expression the fleeing serpent is another name for the sea monster. (In Isaiah 27:1, the sea monster is called ”the fleeing serpent“ and Leviathan.) See how you translated the name Leviathan in 3:8 and the name Rahab in the previous verse. Alternate translation: ”the sea monster that is associated with chaos“

197626:13r5lerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheחֹֽלֲלָ֥ה יָ֝ד֗⁠וֹ נָחָ֥שׁ בָּרִֽיחַ1

Job is using one part of God, his hand, to mean all of him in the act of doing combat with the chaos monster. He means that with a weapon such as a sword, God pierced the monster, that is, stabbed it to death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in combat, he killed the chaos monster”

197726:14j814rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorקְצ֬וֹת דְּרָכָ֗יו1

Job is speaking of the things that God does as if they were ways or paths that God was walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “are a small part of his actions”

197826:14k819rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ⁠מַה־שֵּׁ֣מֶץ דָּ֭בָר נִשְׁמַע־בּ֑⁠וֹ1

Job may be using the term word in the sense of the sound of a word, in which case the term small would indicate a faint sound or whisper. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and how faint a whisper we hear of him”

197926:14b468rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ⁠רַ֥עַם גְּ֝בוּרוֹתָ֗יו מִ֣י יִתְבּוֹנָֽן1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No, no one can understand the thunder of his power!”

198026:14j815rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionוְ⁠רַ֥עַם גְּ֝בוּרוֹתָ֗יו1

Job is using this possessive form to describe thunder that is characterized by power. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “And his powerful thunder”

198127:intromkb50

Job 27 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is a continuation of Jobs response to Bildad and the other two friends.

  • Verses 110: Job insists that he is godly and will continue to live that way
  • Verses 1123: Job describes how God punishes wicked people

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

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Reference of “he,” “him,” and “his”

From verse 14 through to the end of the chapter, the pronouns “he,” “him,” and “his” refer to the “wicked man” whom Job first mentions in verse 13. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could specify the referent and say “a wicked man” at regular intervals for clarity. Notes suggest how you might do this at various places.

198227:1j816rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ⁠יֹּ֣סֶף אִ֭יּוֹב שְׂאֵ֥ת מְשָׁל֗⁠וֹ וַ⁠יֹּאמַֽר1

The narrator is speaking as if Jobs discourse or speech were an object that he could take up or pick up. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “As Job continued his speech, he said” or “Job continued speaking and he said”

198327:2tp23rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisחַי־אֵ֭ל הֵסִ֣יר מִשְׁפָּטִ֑⁠י וְ֝⁠שַׁדַּ֗י הֵמַ֥ר נַפְשִֽׁ⁠י1

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: “As God lives, who has taken away my justice; as the Almighty lives, who has made my life bitter”

198427:2vm9grc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformulaחַי־אֵ֭ל הֵסִ֣יר מִשְׁפָּטִ֑⁠י וְ֝⁠שַׁדַּ֗י הֵמַ֥ר נַפְשִֽׁ⁠י1

Job is swearing an oath in the way that was characteristic in his culture. In your translation, you can translate this in the way that would be characteristic in your culture. Alternate translation: “I swear by God, who has turned away my justice; I swear by the Almighty, who has made my life bitter”

198527:2zm2rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationהֵסִ֣יר מִשְׁפָּטִ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking of his justice as if it were an object that God had taken away from him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “who has denied justice to me”

198627:3j817rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformulaכִּֽי1

Job is using the word that to introduce the content of the oath that he began to swear in the previous verse. In some cases, if you translated the previous verse to reflect the way people swear oaths in your culture, you may not need to include the word that here. If you chose to reflect the way Job swore this oath following the practices of his own culture, it may be helpful to show what he is using the word that to mean. Alternate translation: “I swear that”

198727:3xg5krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠ר֖וּחַ אֱל֣וֹהַּ בְּ⁠אַפִּֽ⁠י1

Job is using the breath in his nose by association to mean breathing, and he is using breathing by association to mean being alive. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and for as long as I draw the breath of life” or “and for as long as I am alive”

198827:4xct5rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformulaאִם־תְּדַבֵּ֣רְנָה שְׂפָתַ֣⁠י עַוְלָ֑ה וּ֝⁠לְשׁוֹנִ֗⁠י אִם־יֶהְגֶּ֥ה רְמִיָּֽה1

This is the conclusion of the oath that Job is swearing. In this culture, people would swear an oath by stating the first part of a condition but not the second part. (But see the General Notes to chapter 31, which explain how Job does state the second part of many conditions in the oaths that he swears in that chapter.) If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explicitly state the implied second part of the condition. Alternate translation: “if my lips speak wickedness, or if my tongue utters deceit, may God punish me severely!”

198927:4j818rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheאִם־תְּדַבֵּ֣רְנָה שְׂפָתַ֣⁠י עַוְלָ֑ה וּ֝⁠לְשׁוֹנִ֗⁠י אִם־יֶהְגֶּ֥ה רְמִיָּֽה1

Job is using parts of himself, his lips and his tongue, to mean all of him in the act of speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if I speak wickedness or utter deceit”

199027:4vg54rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsאִם־תְּדַבֵּ֣רְנָה שְׂפָתַ֣⁠י עַוְלָ֑ה וּ֝⁠לְשׁוֹנִ֗⁠י אִם־יֶהְגֶּ֥ה רְמִיָּֽה1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of wickedness and deceit, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “if I say anything that is wicked or deceitful”

199127:5tp64rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomחָלִ֣ילָ⁠ה לִּ⁠י֮ אִם־אַצְדִּ֪יק אֶ֫תְ⁠כֶ֥ם1

Job is using this expression to mean that he would no more justify his friends (that is, agree that they are right) than he would commit a Sacrilege, that is, do something that he knew would be offensive to God in a religious sense. Your language may have an expression with a similar sense that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “God forbid that I justify you” or “Far be it from me to justify you”

199227:5n6mbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularאֶ֫תְ⁠כֶ֥ם1

The word you is plural here because Job is addressing his three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

199327:5j819rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismאֶגְוָ֑ע1

See how you translated the term expire in 3:11. Alternate translation: “I pass away”

199427:5uy2nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלֹא־אָסִ֖יר תֻּמָּתִ֣⁠י מִמֶּֽ⁠נִּי1

Job is speaking as if his integrity, meaning in this case his conviction that he has been acting properly, were a person whom he could turn away and make go somewhere else. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will keep insisting that I have been acting properly”

199527:6rv4lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבְּ⁠צִדְקָתִ֣⁠י הֶ֭חֱזַקְתִּי וְ⁠לֹ֣א אַרְפֶּ֑⁠הָ1

Job is speaking as if his righteousness were literally an object that he was holding onto. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am going to continue to insist that I am righteous”

199627:6ttu9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationלֹֽא־יֶחֱרַ֥ף לְ֝בָבִ֗⁠י1

Job is speaking as if his heart, which in this context represents his conscience, were a person who might reproach him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will not have a guilty conscience”

199727:6j820rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesלֹֽא־יֶחֱרַ֥ף לְ֝בָבִ֗⁠י1

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 reproach. Alternate translation: “I will be confident that I have acted properly”

199827:6j821rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomמִ⁠יָּמָֽ⁠י1

Job is using this expression to describe his lifetime. He means the period extending from his earliest days of life to the present. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for as long as I live”

199927:7qkh5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיְהִ֣י כְ֭⁠רָשָׁע אֹ֣יְבִ֑⁠י וּ⁠מִתְקוֹמְמִ֥⁠י כְ⁠עַוָּֽל1

In this culture, people would make clear that they did not want something to happen to them by saying they wanted it to happen to their enemies. That showed that it was the opposite of what they wanted for themselves. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I do not want to be anything like the wicked or the unrighteous”

200027:7j822rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjכְ֭⁠רָשָׁע & כְ⁠עַוָּֽל1

Job is using the adjectives wicked and unrighteous 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: “like wicked people … like unrighteous people”

200127:7j823rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוּ⁠מִתְקוֹמְמִ֥⁠י כְ⁠עַוָּֽל1

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 one rising up against me be like the unrighteous”

200227:7cin4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠מִתְקוֹמְמִ֥⁠י1

Job is speaking as if this person were literally rising up, that is, standing up from a seating or lying position, in order to attack him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the one opposing me”

200327:8m193rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionכִּ֤י מַה־תִּקְוַ֣ת חָ֭נֵף כִּ֣י יִבְצָ֑ע כִּ֤י יֵ֖שֶׁל אֱל֣וֹהַּ נַפְשֽׁ⁠וֹ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “For the godless has no hope when he cuts him off, when God takes away his life.”

200427:8j824rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsכִּ֤י מַה־תִּקְוַ֣ת חָ֭נֵף1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of hope, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “For what does the godless hope for” or, as a statement, “For the godless has nothing to hope for”

200527:8j825rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjחָ֭נֵף1

Job is using the adjective godless 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: “a godless person”

200627:8twt1rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsכִּ֣י יִבְצָ֑ע כִּ֤י יֵ֖שֶׁל אֱל֣וֹהַּ נַפְשֽׁ⁠וֹ1

As the context makes clear, the pronoun he refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers by naming God in the first part of the verse and using a pronoun in the second part of the verse. Alternate translation: “when God cuts him off, when he takes away his life”

200727:8d94drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִבְצָ֑ע1

See how you translated the similar expression in 6:9. Alternate translation: “he kills him” or “God kills him”

200827:9jh1prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַֽ֭⁠צַעֲקָת⁠וֹ יִשְׁמַ֥ע ׀ אֵ֑ל כִּֽי־תָב֖וֹא עָלָ֣י⁠ו צָרָֽה1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “God will not hear his cry when trouble comes upon him!”

200927:9a8txrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomהַֽ֭⁠צַעֲקָת⁠וֹ יִשְׁמַ֥ע ׀ אֵ֑ל1

Job is using the term hear in a specific sense to mean “answer.” Alternate translation: “Will God answer his cry for help”

201027:9j826rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationכִּֽי־תָב֖וֹא עָלָ֣י⁠ו צָרָֽה1

Job is speaking of trouble as if it were a living thing that could come upon a wicked person (for example, as an animal might pounce on its prey). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when he experiences trouble” or “when he gets into trouble”

201127:10kq3brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאִם־עַל־שַׁדַּ֥י יִתְעַנָּ֑ג יִקְרָ֖א אֱל֣וֹהַּ בְּ⁠כָל־עֵֽת1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “He will not delight himself in the Almighty! He will not call to God in every time!”

201227:11s3uqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularאֶתְ⁠כֶ֣ם1

The word you is plural here because Job is addressing his three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

201327:11fyx9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְּ⁠יַד־אֵ֑ל1

Here, hand represents the activity of a person by association with the way that people use their hands to do things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “about the activity of God”

201427:11j827rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאֲשֶׁ֥ר עִם־שַׁ֝דַּ֗י1

Job is not using this expression to suggest that there are certain things with the Almighty, that is, objects that are in his presence. Rather, the expression refers to the things that pertain to the Almighty, meaning his characteristic ways of doing things. In this context, the expression refers to the way that the Almighty actually treats the wicked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how the Almighty does things” or “how the Almighty actually treats the wicked,”

201527:11re4mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesלֹ֣א אֲכַחֵֽד1

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 conceal. Alternate translation: “I will reveal”

201627:12j828rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאַתֶּ֣ם כֻּלְּ⁠כֶ֣ם חֲזִיתֶ֑ם1

For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated 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. The ULT does so by using the intensive pronoun yourselves. Alternate translation: “all of you have seen this quite clearly”

201727:12j830rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאַתֶּ֣ם כֻּלְּ⁠כֶ֣ם חֲזִיתֶ֑ם1

In this context, to see means to “experience.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all of you have experienced this quite consistently”

201827:12pnx9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ⁠לָ⁠מָּה־זֶּ֝֗ה הֶ֣בֶל תֶּהְבָּֽלוּ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “therefore you should not vainly speak this vanity”

201927:12j831rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryוְ⁠לָ⁠מָּה־זֶּ֝֗ה הֶ֣בֶל תֶּהְבָּֽלוּ1

For emphasis, Job 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 have another way of showing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “why then do you speak this utter vanity” or, as a statement, “you should therefore not speak this utter vanity”

202027:13g6qhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorזֶ֤ה ׀ חֵֽלֶק־אָדָ֖ם רָשָׁ֥ע ׀ עִם־אֵ֑ל1

Job is speaking as if the punishment that God assigns to a wicked man were literally a portion or share of goods that God allotted to that person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This is the punishment that God assigns to a wicked man”

202127:13j832rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאָדָ֖ם רָשָׁ֥ע1

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

202227:13djh6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְֽ⁠נַחֲלַ֥ת עָ֝רִיצִ֗ים מִ⁠שַּׁדַּ֥י יִקָּֽחוּ1

Job is speaking as if the punishment that the Almighty assigns to oppressors were literally a heritage or inheritance that he leaves to them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and this is the punishment that oppressors receive from the Almighty”

202327:14f7mjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאִם־יִרְבּ֣וּ בָנָ֣י⁠ו לְמוֹ־חָ֑רֶב1

Job is using the term sword by association to mean death, since in this culture people killed others with swords. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Even if a wicked person has many children, they will all die”

202427:14j833rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלָֽחֶם1

Job is using one kind of food, bread, to mean food in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “food”

202527:15dic8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheשְׂ֭רִידָיו בַּ⁠מָּ֣וֶת יִקָּבֵ֑רוּ1

The term death could mean: (1) death literally. Alternate translation: “His survivor will die and be buried” (2) a plague, in which case Job would be using a general term for death to mean one specific cause of death. There is a similar use in Jeremiah 15:2. In that case Job could also be speaking as if the plague itself had buried this survivor, meaning that it had caused his death. Alternate translation: “His survivor will be buried by a plague” or “A plague will kill his survivor”

202627:15mbb8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitשְׂ֭רִידָיו1

This could mean: (1) the wicked persons last surviving descendant. Alternate translation: “his last survivor” or “the end of his line” (2) not a specific survivor but his surviving descendants in general. Alternate translation: “his descendants”

202727:15p4u3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ֝⁠אַלְמְנֹתָ֗י⁠ו לֹ֣א תִבְכֶּֽינָה1

In this culture, a man might marry more than one woman, so by widows, Job means implicitly that this “wicked man” had more than one wife. You may find it more suitable to use a singular form in your translation. Alternate translation: “and his widow will not lament”

202827:16nm9mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileיִצְבֹּ֣ר כֶּ⁠עָפָ֣ר כָּ֑סֶף וְ֝⁠כַ⁠חֹ֗מֶר יָכִ֥ין מַלְבּֽוּשׁ1

The point of this comparison is that just as dust is abundant and clay mounds contain great quantities of clay, so a wicked person might acquire silver in abundance and clothing in great quantities. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “a wicked person acquires an abundant amount of silver and great quantities of clothing”

202927:16j834rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheכָּ֑סֶף1

Job is using one valuable commodity, silver, to represent wealth in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “wealth”

203027:17bh15rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjוְ⁠צַדִּ֣יק & נָקִ֥י1

Job is using the adjectives righteous and innocent 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: “but a righteous person … an innocent person”

203127:18q8iarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileבָּנָ֣ה כָ⁠עָ֣שׁ בֵּית֑⁠וֹ וּ֝⁠כְ⁠סֻכָּ֗ה עָשָׂ֥ה נֹצֵֽר1

The point of these comparisons is that the house of a moth, that is, its cocoon, is very fragile, as is a hut that a guard would build in a field out of branches to watch over crops during harvest time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “The house that he builds is as fragile as a moths cocoon, as rickety as a hut that a guard would build out of branches”

203227:18inb4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבָּנָ֣ה כָ⁠עָ֣שׁ בֵּית֑⁠וֹ וּ֝⁠כְ⁠סֻכָּ֗ה עָשָׂ֥ה נֹצֵֽר1

While the actual house of a wicked person might become abandoned and collapse from neglect, Job could be using the term house to represent the life of that person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “The life that he creates for himself is as fragile as a moths cocoon, as rickety as a hut that a guard would build from branches”

203327:18j835rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownבָּנָ֣ה כָ⁠עָ֣שׁ בֵּית֑⁠וֹ1

A moth is a flying insect that is typically active at night. It begins life as a wingless larva. The larva eventually spins a silk cocoon around itself, and inside that cocoon, it changes into a flying moth. If your readers would not be familiar with what a moth is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable creature that your readers would recognize and that similarly builds a fragile structure. The UST models one way to do this.

203427:19la2prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyעָשִׁ֣יר יִ֭שְׁכַּב & עֵינָ֖י⁠ו פָּקַ֣ח1

Job is speaking of going to sleep and waking up by association with things that people do when they go to sleep (lie down in bed) and wake up (open their eyes). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He goes to sleep rich … he wakes up”

203527:19b9sarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleעָשִׁ֣יר יִ֭שְׁכַּב & עֵינָ֖י⁠ו פָּקַ֣ח1

Job is making an overstatement to emphasize how quickly a wicked person loses his wealth. He is speaking as if that person would go to sleep rich and wake up with nothing, that is, as if he would lose all of his riches in a single night. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “He may be rich … only a short time passes”

203627:19i6exrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ⁠לֹ֣א יֵאָסֵ֑ף1

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: “but he does not continue to be rich”

203727:19x5lqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠אֵינֶֽ⁠נּוּ1

This expression means that the wicked person no longer has any possessions. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he discovers that he no longer has any possessions”

203827:20zw56rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלַ֝֗יְלָה גְּנָבַ֥תּ⁠וּ סוּפָֽה1

Job is speaking as if a storm would literally carry a wicked person away. He means that that person perishes as quickly and unexpectedly as he would if a storm carried him away. It may be more natural in your language to represent this image as a comparison. Alternate translation: “he perishes quickly and unexpectedly, as if a storm had carried him away in the night”

203927:21l4atrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִשָּׂאֵ֣⁠הוּ קָדִ֣ים וְ⁠יֵלַ֑ךְ וִֽ֝⁠ישָׂעֲרֵ֗⁠הוּ מִ⁠מְּקֹמֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is continuing to speak as if a wind would literally pick up a wicked person and carry him away. If you decided to represent this image as a comparison in the previous verse, you can continue to do that in this verse. Alternate translation: “Yes, it is as if the east wind takes him away, blowing him right out of his home, so that he is gone”

204027:21j836rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitקָדִ֣ים1

Job lived in a place where there was desert to the east, so he is referring implicitly to a strong, hot wind coming from the desert. In your translation, you could refer to the direction from which the strongest and stormiest winds come in your area.

204127:22wmn4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ⁠יַשְׁלֵ֣ךְ עָ֭לָי⁠ו וְ⁠לֹ֣א יַחְמֹ֑ל1

Job is speaking of this wind as if it were a living thing that could hurl itself upon a wicked person and not pity him, that is, not show him any mercy. If you decided to represent this image as a comparison in the previous two verses, you can continue to do that in this verse. Alternate translation: “It is as if a violent wind is blowing against him relentlessly”

204227:22xs2lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplicationבָּר֥וֹחַ יִבְרָֽח1

Job is repeating the verb “flee” in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. The specific sense here is that the wicked person is trying desperately to flee from this strong wind. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “he tries desperately to escape” or “it is as if he is trying desperately to escape”

204327:22fa8crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ֝⁠יָּד֗⁠וֹ1

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

204427:23kvs2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionיִשְׂפֹּ֣ק עָלֵ֣י⁠מוֹ כַפֵּ֑י⁠מוֹ1

In this culture, people would clap their hands together as a symbolic action to express negative emotions such as grief, indignation, or derision. In this context, Job is speaking as if the wind were expressing derision at the wicked person. If it would be helpful to your readers, particularly if people in your culture clap their hands together to express positive emotions such as approval and admiration, you could explain the significance of this action in your translation. You could also name a gesture that people in your culture use to express derision. Alternate translation: “It is as if such a wind claps its hands at him in derision” or “It is as if such a wind points its finger derisively at him”

204527:23r28vrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוְ⁠יִשְׁרֹ֥ק עָ֝לָ֗י⁠ו1

In this culture, people would make a hissing sound in order to express derision. Job is speaking as if the wind were also expressing derision at the wicked person by making such a sound. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action in your translation. You could also name a sound that people in your culture make in order to express derision. Alternate translation: “and makes a derisive hissing sound” or “and laughs derisively at him”

204627:23j837rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמִ⁠מְּקֹמֽ⁠וֹ1

This could mean: (1) that the wind Job is describing hisses at the wicked person from within the home that it has forced him to abandon. (Job says of the wind in verse 21, “it blasts him from his place.”) Alternate translation: “from within his former home, which this wind now occupies” (2) that the wind hisses at the wicked person now that he is out of his place. Alternate translation: “because he has had to abandon his home”

204728:introi55c0

Job 28 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is a continuation of Jobs response to Bildad and the other two friends. In this part of his speech, Job discusses how people can obtain wisdom. Both he and his friends have stressed the importance of wisdom (for example, in 12:2, 15:8, and 26:3). Job says at the end of this eloquent discussion, “Behold, the fear of the Lord—that is wisdom, and to turn from evil is understanding.” The implication is that Job, who prizes wisdom so much, would not have disrespected God, committed evil, and thus missed out on having wisdom. So in this chapter, Job gives another important defense of his innocence.

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

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Reference of “it” in verses 1318

Job introduces the subject of “wisdom” in verse 12. Then, from verse 14 through to the end of the chapter, he refers to wisdom most of the time with the pronouns “it” and “its.” If it would be helpful to your readers, you could specify the referent and say “wisdom” at regular intervals for clarity. Notes suggest how you might do this at various places.

204828:1fb4grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוּ֝⁠מָק֗וֹם1

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 surely there is a place”

204928:1zr9qrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsלַ⁠זָּהָ֥ב יָזֹֽקּוּ1

Here, they is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “where gold is refined” or “where people refine gold”

205028:2j838rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveבַּ֭רְזֶל מֵ⁠עָפָ֣ר יֻקָּ֑ח1

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 take iron from the dust”

205128:2a9j8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמֵ⁠עָפָ֣ר1

Job is using one part of the ground, the dust on its surface, to mean the ground itself. Iron is actually taken from deep in the ground. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the ground”

205228:2b12irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ֝⁠אֶ֗בֶן יָצ֥וּק נְחוּשָֽׁה1

Job is speaking of the ore from which copper is smelted as stone, since that ore is a type of stone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and people smelt copper from ore”

205328:2uui9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownוְ֝⁠אֶ֗בֶן יָצ֥וּק נְחוּשָֽׁה1

The term “smelt” means to break ore into pieces and to use great heat to melt it so that a metal such as copper will separate from it. If your readers would not be familiar with the process of smelting, you could describe it with a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “and people break up ore and melt it in order to extract copper from it”

205428:3fm47rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitקֵ֤ץ ׀ שָׂ֤ם לַ⁠חֹ֗שֶׁךְ1

Job means implicitly that the person he is describing either brings lights underground, where there is otherwise darkness, or opens a mineshaft that lets light in. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Bringing torches underground” or Opening a mine shaft”

205528:3j839rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוּֽ⁠לְ⁠כָל־תַּ֭כְלִית ה֣וּא חוֹקֵ֑ר אֶ֖בֶן1

The pronoun he refers to a person who is mining for precious metals. It does not refer back to anyone whom Job has mentioned previously. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “a miner searches, to every extremity, for a stone of”

205628:3l74rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleוּֽ⁠לְ⁠כָל־תַּ֭כְלִית ה֣וּא חוֹקֵ֑ר אֶ֖בֶן1

Job says every here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “a miner searches everywhere he can to try to find a stone of”

205728:3j840rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionאֶ֖בֶן אֹ֣פֶל וְ⁠צַלְמָֽוֶת1

Job is using this possessive form to describe a stone that can only be found in gloom and deep darkness. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “a stone that can only be found in gloom and deep darkness”

205828:3j841rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounאֶ֖בֶן אֹ֣פֶל וְ⁠צַלְמָֽוֶת1

Job is not referring to a specific stone. He means in general stone that contains precious metal, that is, ore. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “ore that can only be found in gloom and deep darkness”

205928:3sce6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletאֶ֖בֶן אֹ֣פֶל וְ⁠צַלְמָֽוֶת1

The terms gloom and deep darkness 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: “ore that can only be found where it is very dark”

206028:3j842rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאֶ֖בֶן אֹ֣פֶל וְ⁠צַלְמָֽוֶת1

Job is using the phrase gloom and deep darkness by association to mean deep underground, where it is very dark. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “ore that can only be found deep underground”

206128:4kp1mrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsפָּ֤רַץ נַ֨חַל ׀ מֵֽ⁠עִם־גָּ֗ר1

The pronoun He refers once again to a person who is mining for precious metals. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Since Job uses plural forms in the rest of this verse, you may wish to use a plural form here. Alternate translation: “Miners open shafts”

206228:4j843rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsמֵֽ⁠עִם־גָּ֗ר1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of habitation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “far from where people live”

206328:4j844rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounהַֽ⁠נִּשְׁכָּחִ֥ים מִנִּי־רָ֑גֶל1

Job is not referring to a specific foot. He means feet in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “the ones forgotten by feet”

206428:4hz3jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationהַֽ⁠נִּשְׁכָּחִ֥ים מִנִּי־רָ֑גֶל1

Job is speaking of a foot as if it were a living thing that could be unaware of something. (That is what the term forgotten indicates here.) This could be describing: (1) the location of the mines. Job would be saying that they are in remote places where people do not go. In that case the word foot would represent people traveling. Alternate translation: “in places where people do not go”(2) the way that people walk on the ground above mines without realizing that miners are at work deep below them. Alternate translation, beginning a new sentence: “The people walking on the ground high above miners do not realize that they are there”

206528:4j845rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsמֵ⁠אֱנ֣וֹשׁ1

Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “Away from other people”

206628:4yed2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitדַּ֖לּוּ & נָֽעוּ1

Job means implicitly that these miners dangle and swing from ropes in order to get down into the mines. He is emphasizing the risks that people will take in order to find precious metals. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “they dangle and swing dangerously from ropes in order to get down into their mines”

206728:5j846rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveאֶ֗רֶץ מִמֶּ֥⁠נָּה יֵֽצֵא־לָ֑חֶם וְ֝⁠תַחְתֶּ֗י⁠הָ נֶהְפַּ֥ךְ כְּמוֹ־אֵֽשׁ1

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. In this verse, Job is drawing a contrast between the ordinary activities that take place on the surface of the earth and the extraordinary, dangerous activities that take place in mines below the earth. Alternate translation: “People grow food on the surface of the earth, but below the surface, people transform the earth by means such as fire”

206828:5r3d3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלָ֑חֶם1

Job is using one kind of food, bread, to mean food in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “food”

206928:5mha5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorנֶהְפַּ֥ךְ כְּמוֹ־אֵֽשׁ1

Job is speaking as if miners literally overturned the earth, that is, put on top what had been on the bottom. He is speaking generally of how miners reshape the terrain in which they work. (This could include actual overturning in some cases.) If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the terrain is reshaped as with fire” or “miners reshape the terrain as with fire”

207028:5p8vkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitנֶהְפַּ֥ךְ כְּמוֹ־אֵֽשׁ1

Job assumes that his friends will understand that he is using the term fire to refer to an ancient mining practice. Miners would build fires against the walls of mines to heat the rock. They would then splash water against the heated rock to cause it to crack. This allowed them to extract ore more readily. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “miners reshape the terrain as they heat rock with fire and then douse it with water to crack it”

207128:6c4dwrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsמְקוֹם־סַפִּ֥יר אֲבָנֶ֑י⁠הָ וְ⁠עַפְרֹ֖ת זָהָ֣ב לֽ⁠וֹ1

The pronouns Its and it refer to the earth. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “The stones of the earth contain sapphire, and there is gold in some of the dusts of the earth”

207228:6lw93rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownסַפִּ֥יר1

A sapphire is a rare and valuable blue gemstone. If your readers would not be familiar with what a sapphire is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar gemstone that they would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “valuable gemstones”

207328:7c71rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitנָ֭תִיב לֹֽא־יְדָ֣ע⁠וֹ עָ֑יִט1

Job is referring implicitly to the path that miners take into the depths of the earth in search of gemstones and precious metals. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Miners take a route into the depths of the earth that not even a sharp-eyed bird of prey can detect”

207428:7u8nprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠לֹ֥א שְׁ֝זָפַ֗תּ⁠וּ עֵ֣ין אַיָּֽה1

Job is using one part of a falcon, its eye, to mean all of it in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “nor has the falcon has seen it”

207528:7j847rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounוְ⁠לֹ֥א שְׁ֝זָפַ֗תּ⁠וּ עֵ֣ין אַיָּֽה1

Job is not referring to a specific falcon. He means falcons in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “nor have falcons have seen it”

207628:7ft9lrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownאַיָּֽה1

A falcon is a bird that eats animals and other birds. If your readers would not be familiar with what a falcon is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar bird that they would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a hawk”

207728:8zce2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלֹֽא־הִדְרִיכֻ֥⁠הוּ בְנֵי־שָׁ֑חַץ1

The expression son of describes a person or animal that possesses a certain quality. The word pride indicates that the animals Job is describing are confident in their strength and fierceness and are not afraid of other animals. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use an equivalent idiom from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Even wild beasts that have no fear of going anywhere have not walked it”

207828:8j848rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsלֹֽא־הִדְרִיכֻ֥⁠הוּ1

The pronoun it refers to the “path” that Job described in the previous verse, that is, the route that miners take into the earth. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “have not walked on that path”

207928:8ad94rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounלֹֽא־עָדָ֖ה עָלָ֣י⁠ו שָֽׁחַל1

Job is not referring to a specific lion. He means lions in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “and lions have not passed over it”

208028:9d3ssrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsבַּֽ֭⁠חַלָּמִישׁ שָׁלַ֣ח יָד֑⁠וֹ1

The pronouns He and his refer to a miner. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be more natural in your language to use plural forms. Alternate translation: “Miners stretch out their hands against flinty rock”

208128:9nh4prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבַּֽ֭⁠חַלָּמִישׁ שָׁלַ֣ח יָד֑⁠וֹ הָפַ֖ךְ1

The expression “stretch out ones hand against” means to attack something. Job is saying that miners will attack, that is, break up even the hardest kinds of rock in search of valuable materials. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Miners break up even the hardest kinds of rock in search of valuable materials; they overturn”

208228:9j849rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהָפַ֖ךְ מִ⁠שֹּׁ֣רֶשׁ הָרִֽים1

Job is speaking of the ground below mountains as if it were the roots of those mountains. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation, using a plural form: “they overturn mountains, digging deep below them”

208328:9ng34rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleהָפַ֖ךְ מִ⁠שֹּׁ֣רֶשׁ הָרִֽים1

Job is speaking as if miners literally turn entire mountains upside down. He may be using the term mountains to represent great quantities of material. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly, and once again it may be more natural in your language to use a plural form. Alternate translation: “miners dislodge great quantities of material from the depths of the earth”

208428:10j850rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsבַּ֭⁠צּוּרוֹת יְאֹרִ֣ים בִּקֵּ֑עַ וְ⁠כָל־יְ֝קָ֗ר רָאֲתָ֥ה עֵינֽ⁠וֹ1

The pronouns He and his refer to a miner. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be more natural in your language to use plural forms. Alternate translation: “Miners cut out channels among the rocks, and their eyes see every valuable thing”

208528:10h31brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheרָאֲתָ֥ה עֵינֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is using one part of a miner, his eye, to mean all of him in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he sees” or “they see”

208628:10j851rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleוְ⁠כָל־יְ֝קָ֗ר1

Job says every here as a generalization for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “and … the many valuable things that the rocks contain”

208728:11j852rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsמִ֭⁠בְּכִי נְהָר֣וֹת חִבֵּ֑שׁ וְ֝⁠תַעֲלֻמָ֗הּ יֹ֣צִא אֽוֹר1

The pronouns He and he refer to a miner. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be more natural in your language to use plural forms. Alternate translation: “Miners bind the torrents from flowing, and they bring hidden things to light”

208828:11ar22rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמִ֭⁠בְּכִי נְהָר֣וֹת חִבֵּ֑שׁ וְ֝⁠תַעֲלֻמָ֗הּ יֹ֣צִא אֽוֹר1

Job is speaking as if a miner literally binds streams of water to keep them from flowing. He means that miners temporarily dam up streams or divert their flow to expose the materials that their waters usually hide. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Miners dam up or divert streams in order to expose what their waters usually hide”

208928:11c3wtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאֽוֹר1

Job is using the term light by association to describe something that is in view, since people need light in order to see things. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “into view”

209028:12n9fdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְֽ֭⁠הַ⁠חָכְמָה מֵ⁠אַ֣יִן תִּמָּצֵ֑א וְ⁠אֵ֥י זֶ֝ה מְק֣וֹם בִּינָֽה1

Job is speaking as if wisdom, which he also calls understanding, could literally be found in a place. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “But how can wisdom be obtained? How can a person get understanding?”

209128:12n9fxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְֽ֭⁠הַ⁠חָכְמָה מֵ⁠אַ֣יִן תִּמָּצֵ֑א וְ⁠אֵ֥י זֶ֝ה מְק֣וֹם בִּינָֽה1

Job is not using the question form simply for emphasis. He wants his listeners to consider these questions in light of what he has just said. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements. Alternate translation: “But now I want you to consider where wisdom is found. I want you to consider where the place of understanding is” or “But now I want you to consider how wisdom can be obtained. I want you to consider how a person can get understanding”

209228:12k2hzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְֽ֭⁠הַ⁠חָכְמָה מֵ⁠אַ֣יִן תִּמָּצֵ֑א וְ⁠אֵ֥י זֶ֝ה מְק֣וֹם בִּינָֽה1

Job is drawing an implicit comparison between the difficulty of finding gemstones and precious metals and the even greater difficulty of finding wisdom and understanding. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “But wisdom is even harder to find than gemstones and precious metals. It is harder to know where the place of understanding is than it is to find those things. So I want you to consider how one can obtain wisdom.”

209328:12j853rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismוְֽ֭⁠הַ⁠חָכְמָה מֵ⁠אַ֣יִן תִּמָּצֵ֑א וְ⁠אֵ֥י זֶ֝ה מְק֣וֹם בִּינָֽה1

These two phrases mean similar things. Job is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “But wisdom is even harder to find than gemstones and precious metals. So I want you to consider how one can obtain wisdom.”

209428:12bcr2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְֽ֭⁠הַ⁠חָכְמָה מֵ⁠אַ֣יִן תִּמָּצֵ֑א1

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 where does one find wisdom”

209528:13j854rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsלֹא־יָדַ֣ע אֱנ֣וֹשׁ1

Here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “People do not know”

209628:13drv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעֶרְכָּ֑⁠הּ1

The word translated disposition could mean implicitly: (1) where God has put wisdom. Alternate translation: “its location” (2) the value of wisdom. Alternate translation: “its price”

209728:13j855rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsעֶרְכָּ֑⁠הּ1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the pronoun it refers to wisdom here and through the rest of the chapter. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers at various points in your translation. Alternate translation: “the disposition of wisdom”

209828:13z9iprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠לֹ֥א תִ֝מָּצֵ֗א1

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: “nor can anyone find it”

209928:13j856rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjבְּ⁠אֶ֣רֶץ הַֽ⁠חַיִּֽים1

Job is using the adjective living as a noun to mean a certain group of people, those who are alive on earth. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “among the people who live on earth”

210028:14j857rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesתְּה֣וֹם אָ֭מַר לֹ֣א בִ⁠י־הִ֑יא וְ⁠יָ֥ם אָ֝מַ֗ר אֵ֣ין עִמָּדִֽ⁠י1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “The deep says that wisdom is not in it, and the sea says that it is not with it”

210128:14xi4crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationתְּה֣וֹם אָ֭מַר לֹ֣א בִ⁠י־הִ֑יא וְ⁠יָ֥ם אָ֝מַ֗ר אֵ֣ין עִמָּדִֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking of the deep (that is, the depths of the ocean) and of the sea (probably meaning its broad expanse) as if they were living things that could speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If the deep could speak, it would say, Wisdom {is} not in me, and if the sea could speak, it would say, It is not with me.’”

210228:14j858rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismתְּה֣וֹם אָ֭מַר לֹ֣א בִ⁠י־הִ֑יא וְ⁠יָ֥ם אָ֝מַ֗ר אֵ֣ין עִמָּדִֽ⁠י1

These two phrases mean similar things. Job is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could combine them. Alternate translation: “The deep, wide ocean says, It is not in me

210328:15h4tyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveלֹא־יֻתַּ֣ן סְג֣וֹר תַּחְתֶּ֑י⁠הָ וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִ֝שָּׁקֵ֗ל כֶּ֣סֶף מְחִירָֽ⁠הּ1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “One cannot give gold in exchange for wisdom, nor can one weigh out silver to pay for it”

210428:16j859rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveלֹֽא־תְ֭סֻלֶּה בְּ⁠כֶ֣תֶם אוֹפִ֑יר1

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: “One cannot measure the value of wisdom with the gold of Ophir”

210528:16hg4irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisבְּ⁠שֹׁ֖הַם יָקָ֣ר וְ⁠סַפִּֽיר1

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: “nor is it valued with precious onyx or sapphire” or “nor can one measure its value with precious onyx or sapphire”

210628:16ui38rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownבְּ⁠שֹׁ֖הַם יָקָ֣ר וְ⁠סַפִּֽיר1

An onyx is a valuable gemstone that comes in many colors but is best known in its black color. If your readers would not be familiar with what an onyx is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar gemstone that they would recognize, or you could use a general expression. See how you translated the term “sapphire” in 28:6. Alternate translation: “with valuable black or blue gemstones”

210728:17z7jxrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownוּ⁠זְכוֹכִ֑ית1

The term crystal could be describing: (1) a beautiful natural form that a clear or colored mineral might take, allowing light to shine through it. Your readers might be familiar with a mineral that forms crystals, and if so, you could use its name here in your translation. Alternate translation: “nor quartz” (2) clear, sparkling glass. Alternate translation: “nor sparkling glass”

210828:18hgr1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveרָאמ֣וֹת וְ֭⁠גָבִישׁ לֹ֣א יִזָּכֵ֑ר1

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: “One does not mention coral or jasper”

210928:18j860rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisרָאמ֣וֹת וְ֭⁠גָבִישׁ לֹ֣א יִזָּכֵ֑ר1

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: “One does not even mention coral or jasper when discussing things that might be worth as much as wisdom”

211028:18vgj8rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownרָאמ֣וֹת1

Coral is a beautiful, hard substance that grows on ocean reefs. If your readers would not be familiar with what coral 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: “Beautiful seashells”

211128:18sqn7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownוְ֭⁠גָבִישׁ1

The word jasper describes a precious stone, often reddish-brown, that often has streaks and markings of other colors. If your readers would not be familiar with what jasper is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable precious stone that they would recognize. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “and precious stones”

211228:18j861rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownמִ⁠פְּנִינִֽים1

The word rubies describes brilliant gemstones that are often deep red. If your readers would not be familiar with what rubies are, in your translation you could use the name of a gemstone that they would recognize. You could also use a general expression. Alternate translation: “is more than that of red gemstones”

211328:19nxz5rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownפִּטְדַת־כּ֑וּשׁ1

The word topaz describes a valuable gemstone that is often blue or yellow. If your readers would not be familiar with what topaz is, in your translation you could use the name of a gemstone that they would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “The gemstones that come from Cush”

211428:19mwy7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesכּ֑וּשׁ1

The word Cush is the name of a place. It is the ancient name for the upper Nile region.

211528:19ycn8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveבְּ⁠כֶ֥תֶם טָ֝ה֗וֹר לֹ֣א תְסֻלֶּֽה1

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: “one cannot value wisdom in terms of pure gold”

211628:20jiu5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְֽ֭⁠הַ⁠חָכְמָה מֵ⁠אַ֣יִן תָּב֑וֹא וְ⁠אֵ֥י זֶ֝֗ה מְק֣וֹם בִּינָֽה1

See how you translated the similar questions in 28:12. Alternate translation: “So then people do need to consider very carefully how to obtain wisdom. They should think deeply about how to get understanding.”

211728:21j3u4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְֽ֭⁠נֶעֶלְמָה מֵ⁠עֵינֵ֣י כָל־חָ֑י וּ⁠מֵ⁠ע֖וֹף הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֣יִם נִסְתָּֽרָה1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “The eyes of no living thing can see it; not even the birds of the heavens can spot it”

211828:21bj7xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמֵ⁠עֵינֵ֣י1

Job is using one part of a living thing, its eyes, to mean all of it in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the sight of”

211928:22j862rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesאֲבַדּ֣וֹן וָ֭⁠מָוֶת אָ֣מְר֑וּ בְּ֝⁠אָזְנֵ֗י⁠נוּ שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ שִׁמְעָֽ⁠הּ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Abaddon and death say that they have heard a rumor of it with their ears”

212028:22y7e5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationאֲבַדּ֣וֹן וָ֭⁠מָוֶת אָ֣מְר֑וּ בְּ֝⁠אָזְנֵ֗י⁠נוּ שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ שִׁמְעָֽ⁠הּ1

Job is speaking as if Abaddon and death were living things that could speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If Abaddon and death could speak, they would say, We have heard a rumor of it with our ears

212128:22j863rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletאֲבַדּ֣וֹן וָ֭⁠מָוֶת אָ֣מְר֑וּ בְּ֝⁠אָזְנֵ֗י⁠נוּ שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ שִׁמְעָֽ⁠הּ1

The terms Abaddon and death mean similar things. As a note to 26:6 explains, Abaddon is another name for Sheol, the abode of the dead. In this context, the term death likely refers by association to the abode of the dead. 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 underworld says, I have heard a rumor of it with my ears

212228:22j864rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfo בְּ֝⁠אָזְנֵ֗י⁠נוּ שָׁמַ֥עְנוּ שִׁמְעָֽ⁠הּ1

The speakers mean that while they have heard of wisdom with their ears, they have not seen it with their eyes or encountered it in person. So the mention of the ears, which might otherwise seem like extra information because the notion is already implicit in the term heard, actually serves to limit the statement, You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “We have only heard a rumor of it”

212328:23qlj3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֱ֭לֹהִים הֵבִ֣ין דַּרְכָּ֑⁠הּ וְ֝⁠ה֗וּא יָדַ֥ע אֶת־מְקוֹמָֽ⁠הּ1

Job is continuing to speak as if wisdom could literally be found in a place and that there was a way to get there. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God understands how humans can obtain wisdom, yes, he knows how they can become wise”

212428:23j865rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionדַּרְכָּ֑⁠הּ1

Job is using this possessive form to describe not the way that wisdom takes but the way that leads to wisdom. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the way that leads to wisdom”

212528:24j866rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּי1

Job is using the word For to introduce the reason why he said in the preceding verse that God knew where to find wisdom. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “God knows where to find wisdom because”

212628:24q6zdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-merismה֭וּא לִ⁠קְצוֹת־הָ⁠אָ֣רֶץ יַבִּ֑יט תַּ֖חַת כָּל־הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֣יִם יִרְאֶֽה1

Job is using the two main components of creation, earth and the heavens, to mean the entire creation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or plain language. Alternate translation: “he can see everything in the entire creation”

212728:24j867rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsה֭וּא & יַבִּ֑יט1

For emphasis, Job is stating the pronoun he, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated looks. 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: “he is the one who looks”

212828:25j868rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלַ⁠עֲשׂ֣וֹת לָ⁠ר֣וּחַ מִשְׁקָ֑ל1

Job is using the term weight to mean “force.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “When he determined the force of the wind”

212928:25l7lkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ֝⁠מַ֗יִם תִּכֵּ֥ן בְּ⁠מִדָּֽה1

Job is referring implicitly to the rain waters that clouds contain. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and apportioned rain waters to the clouds by measure”

213028:25j869rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ֝⁠מַ֗יִם תִּכֵּ֥ן בְּ⁠מִדָּֽה1

Job is speaking as if God literally used a measure in order to put the right amount of rain waters in the clouds. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and carefully apportioned rain waters to the clouds”

213128:26qy1src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלַ⁠חֲזִ֥יז קֹלֽוֹת1

Job is using the expression the flash of the thunders by association to mean the bolts of lightning that accompany thunder. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for the lightning bolts”

213228:27j870rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאָ֣ז רָ֭אָ⁠הּ וַֽ⁠יְסַפְּרָ֑⁠הּ1

The pronoun he refers to God, and the pronoun it refers to wisdom. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “then God recognized what wisdom would be, and he described it”

213328:28j871rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר ׀ לָֽ⁠אָדָ֗ם הֵ֤ן יִרְאַ֣ת אֲ֭דֹנָ⁠י הִ֣יא חָכְמָ֑ה וְ⁠ס֖וּר מֵ⁠רָ֣ע בִּינָֽה1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “And he told man that the fear of the Lord was indeed wisdom and that to turn from evil was understanding”

213428:28j872rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsלָֽ⁠אָדָ֗ם1

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

213528:28l4burc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personיִרְאַ֣ת אֲ֭דֹנָ⁠י1

The Lord is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “to fear me” or “to reverence me”

213628:28m7dqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠ס֖וּר מֵ⁠רָ֣ע בִּינָֽה1

The Lord is speaking as if people should physically turn away from evil. He means that if people want to have understanding, they should not live in an evil way but instead live in a good way. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and people will obtain understanding if they reject what is evil”

213729:introeli20

Job 29 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is a continuation of Jobs final response to his three friends. In this chapter, Job recalls the honor he enjoyed and the influence he exercised within his community before he suffered so many misfortunes.

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

Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter

Litany

In verses 26, Job makes a series of statements about what his life was like before his present troubles. He expresses a wish in verse 2 that his life could be like this again, and in verses 36 he offers a series of descriptions that each begin with “when” or “as that.” A series of statements such as this is known as a litany. If your readers would recognize what Job is doing, you can translate and format this litany the way the ULT does. If the litany form would not be familiar to your readers, you could help them appreciate it by putting each sentence of the litany on a separate line. See what you did with the similar litany in chapter 12. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could make each verse in the litany a separate sentence. For example, you could begin verse 3, “At that time.”

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Reference of “they” in verses 2125

Job uses “they” in verses 2125 as an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could specify a general referent such as “people” at regular intervals for clarity. Notes suggest how you might do that at various places.

213829:1j873rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ⁠יֹּ֣סֶף אִ֭יּוֹב שְׂאֵ֥ת מְשָׁל֗⁠וֹ וַ⁠יֹּאמַֽר1

See how you translated the same expression in 27:1. Alternate translation: “As Job continued his speech, he said” or “Job continued speaking and he said”

213929:2h8k3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomמִֽי־יִתְּנֵ֥⁠נִי כְ⁠יַרְחֵי1

See how you translated the expression Who will give in 11:56. Alternate translation: “Oh that I were as I was in the months of”

214029:2j875rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomכְ⁠יַרְחֵי־קֶ֑דֶם כִּ֝⁠ימֵ֗י אֱל֣וֹהַּ יִשְׁמְרֵֽ⁠נִי1

Job is using the terms months and days to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to be as I was in time past, as in the time when God kept me”

214129:3n6ggrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבְּ⁠הִלּ֣⁠וֹ נֵ֭ר⁠וֹ עֲלֵ֣י רֹאשִׁ֑⁠י לְ֝⁠אוֹר⁠וֹ אֵ֣לֶךְ חֹֽשֶׁךְ1

Job is speaking as if God literally shone a lamp above and around him so that he could see where to walk even in the darkness. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when God showed me clearly what to do so that I could make the right choices even in confusing situations”

214229:3z42nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheעֲלֵ֣י רֹאשִׁ֑⁠י1

Job is using one part of himself, his head, to mean all of him when speaking as if God shone a lamp above and around him. He is probably speaking of himself in terms of his head because that would have been the part of him closest to the lamp. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “above and around me”

214329:4bk56rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבִּ⁠ימֵ֣י חָרְפִּ֑⁠י1

Job is using the term days to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at the time when I was in my prime”

214429:4j876rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבְּ⁠ס֥וֹד אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַּ עֲלֵ֣י אָהֳלִֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking as if Gods friendship were literally an object that had rested upon his tent. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when God in friendship blessed my tent”

214529:4d6y9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאָהֳלִֽ⁠י1

As the next two verses indicate, Job is referring to his family by association with the tent in which they lived and to his possessions by association with the same tent, in which he kept them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or express the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my family and my possessions”

214629:5j877rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisסְבִ֖יבוֹתַ֣⁠י נְעָרָֽ⁠י1

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: “when my children were still around me”

214729:6xbc3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבִּ⁠רְחֹ֣ץ הֲלִיכַ֣⁠י בְּ⁠חֵמָ֑ה וְ⁠צ֥וּר יָצ֥וּק עִ֝מָּדִ֗⁠י פַּלְגֵי־שָֽׁמֶן1

Job is speaking as if his herds used to produce so much milk that there was butter everywhere he went, so that when he walked anywhere, it was as if his feet were literally being bathed in butter. He is also speaking as if his olive trees used to produce so many olives that it was as if there were literally streams of oil coming to him out of the rocks. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when my herds produced milk in great abundance and my olive trees yielded great quantities of oil for me”

214829:6j878rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveבִּ⁠רְחֹ֣ץ הֲלִיכַ֣⁠י בְּ⁠חֵמָ֑ה1

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: “when butter bathed my steps”

214929:6bt34rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounוְ⁠צ֥וּר1

Job is not referring to a specific rock. He means rocks in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “and the rocks”

215029:7tvt7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionבָּ֝⁠רְח֗וֹב אָכִ֥ין מוֹשָׁבִֽ⁠י1

Taking a seat in the public square by the city gate was a symbolic action by which Job showed that he was a recognized community leader, a member of the council that settled legal matters for the city residents. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “when I took my seat in the square as a recognized community leader”

215129:8j879rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠נֶחְבָּ֑אוּ1

This expression does not mean that these young men looked for hiding places where no one would find them. It means that they moved back from the place where the leaders sat, blending into the crowd. The idea is that before Job came, they thought they might have something to contribute to the deliberations after their elders had spoken, as Elihu does in this book starting in chapter 32. But once Job arrived, they knew that his wise counsel would settle matters and they would have no need or opportunity to contribute. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and withdrew” or “and stepped aside out of respect”

215229:8e835rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוִֽ֝⁠ישִׁישִׁים קָ֣מוּ עָמָֽדוּ1

Rising and standing when Job arrived was a symbolic action that showed respect for his wisdom and place in the community. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “and old men rose and stood out of respect for me”

215329:8j880rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletקָ֣מוּ עָמָֽדוּ1

The terms rose and stood 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: “stood to their feet”

215429:9c8d6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyעָצְר֣וּ בְ⁠מִלִּ֑ים1

Job is using the term words to mean what these princes had been saying by using words before he arrived. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “stopped speaking”

215529:9j881rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsוְ֝⁠כַ֗ף יָשִׂ֥ימוּ לְ⁠פִי⁠הֶֽם1

Since Job is speaking of many people, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural forms of hand and mouth. Alternate translation: “and they put their hands on their mouths” or “and they covered their mouths with their hands”

215629:9v8ymrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוְ֝⁠כַ֗ף יָשִׂ֥ימוּ לְ⁠פִי⁠הֶֽם1

Covering the mouth with the hand prevents a person from speaking. While the princes could simply have stopped talking without doing that, they did it as a symbolic action to show respect for Job, indicating that there was nothing they could say that would be more valuable than what he would say. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “and they covered their mouths with their hands to indicate respectfully that there was nothing they could say that would be more valuable than what I would say”

215729:10j882rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsקוֹל & וּ֝⁠לְשׁוֹנָ֗⁠ם & לְ⁠חִכָּ֥⁠ם1

Since Job is speaking of many people, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural forms of voice, tongue, and palate. Alternate translation: “The voices of … and their tongues … to their palates”

215829:10u1bbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveקוֹל־נְגִידִ֥ים נֶחְבָּ֑אוּ1

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: “The nobles hushed their voices”

215929:10nm6jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ֝⁠לְשׁוֹנָ֗⁠ם לְ⁠חִכָּ֥⁠ם דָּבֵֽקָה1

Job is speaking as if the tongue of each noble literally stuck to his palate, that is, to the roof of his mouth. He means that they did not say anything, as no one could say anything if his tongue truly had become stuck in this way. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they did not say anything”

216029:11j883rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּ֤י1

Job is using the word For to introduce the reason why he said in the preceding verses that these various groups of people kept silent when he arrived at the city gate. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “They all kept silent because”

216129:11n94lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheאֹ֣זֶן שָׁ֭מְעָה וַֽ⁠תְּאַשְּׁרֵ֑⁠נִי1

Job is using one part of each of these community members, 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: “they heard me and they blessed me”

216229:11j884rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsאֹ֣זֶן שָׁ֭מְעָה1

If you decide to retain the term ear in your translation to mean hearing, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of that word, since Job is speaking about many people. Alternate translation: “their ears heard”

216329:11j885rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוַֽ⁠תְּאַשְּׁרֵ֑⁠נִי1

Job means implicitly that the people blessed him for giving such wise, godly counsel. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and they blessed me for giving such wise, godly counsel”

216429:11t3turc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠עַ֥יִן רָ֝אֲתָ֗ה וַ⁠תְּעִידֵֽ⁠נִי1

Job is using the term eye by association to mean sight. Sight, in turn, represents attention, perspective, and judgment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and when they perceived that the advice I had given was wise, they attested that I had said the right thing”

216529:11j886rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsוְ⁠עַ֥יִן רָ֝אֲתָ֗ה1

If you decide to retain the term ear in your translation to mean hearing, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of that word, since Job is speaking about many people. Alternate translation: “and their eyes saw”

216629:12j887rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjעָנִ֣י & וְ֝⁠יָת֗וֹם & לֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is using the adjectives afflicted and fatherless 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 who were … and fatherless people … to them”

216729:12amrfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveעָנִ֣י1

The term afflicted may seem like a passive verbal form, but it is actually an adjective. It indicates people who are suffering from affliction, not people whom others have afflicted. However, if your language does not use passive verbal forms, it may be more natural to express this idea with a term other than “afflicted.” Alternate translation: “people who were suffering from affliction”

216829:13ui1trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounבִּרְכַּ֣ת אֹ֭בֵד עָלַ֣⁠י תָּבֹ֑א וְ⁠לֵ֖ב אַלְמָנָ֣ה אַרְנִֽן1

Job is not referring to a specific person who was perishing or to a specific widow. He means those types of people in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “The blessing of people who were perishing came upon me, and I gladdened the hearts of widows”

216929:13qs27rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationבִּרְכַּ֣ת אֹ֭בֵד עָלַ֣⁠י תָּבֹ֑א1

Job is speaking of the blessing that he received from someone who was perishing as if it were a living thing that could come upon him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “People who were perishing blessed me”

217029:13v84arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠לֵ֖ב אַלְמָנָ֣ה אַרְנִֽן1

Job is using one part of a widow, her heart, to mean all of her in the act of feeling joy. Here the heart represents the feelings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I made widows rejoice” or “and I gave widows reason to rejoice”

217129:14j888rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplicationצֶ֣דֶק לָ֭בַשְׁתִּי וַ⁠יִּלְבָּשֵׁ֑⁠נִי1

Job is repeating the verb clothed in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “I wrapped righteousness all around me”

217229:14r9i7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorצֶ֣דֶק לָ֭בַשְׁתִּי וַ⁠יִּלְבָּשֵׁ֑⁠נִי1

Job is speaking as if he literally clothed himself with righteousness during the time that he is describing. In this context, the image of clothing represents the character of a person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I was very careful to practice righteousness”

217329:14j889rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsצֶ֣דֶק לָ֭בַשְׁתִּי וַ⁠יִּלְבָּשֵׁ֑⁠נִי1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I was very careful to be righteous in my dealings with people”

217429:14rc4irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכִּֽ⁠מְעִ֥יל וְ֝⁠צָנִ֗יף מִשְׁפָּטִֽ⁠י1

In this comparison, clothing once again represents the character of a person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I was also careful to make sure that people received justice”

217529:14qe3src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionמִשְׁפָּטִֽ⁠י1

Job is using this possessive form to describe not justice that he received but just decisions that he helped the city leaders make. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the just decisions that I helped the city leaders make were”

217629:15z9qdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעֵינַ֣יִם הָ֭יִיתִי לַֽ⁠עִוֵּ֑ר וְ⁠רַגְלַ֖יִם לַ⁠פִּסֵּ֣חַ אָֽנִי1

Job is speaking as if he had literally been eyes and feet that other people needed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I saw and read things to help people who could not see, and I went places on behalf of people who could not go to those places themselves”

217729:15qwg2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjלַֽ⁠עִוֵּ֑ר & לַ⁠פִּסֵּ֣חַ1

Job is using the adjectives blind and lame 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: “for blind people … for lame people”

217829:16dv24rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאָ֣ב & לָֽ⁠אֶבְיוֹנִ֑ים1

Job is speaking as if he had literally been a father to needy people. He means that he fulfilled the role of a father by being a protector and advocate. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a protector of the needy” or “an advocate for the needy”

217929:16j890rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjלָֽ⁠אֶבְיוֹנִ֑ים1

Job is using the adjective needy 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 needy people”

218029:16j891rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠רִ֖ב לֹא־יָדַ֣עְתִּי אֶחְקְרֵֽ⁠הוּ1

Job is referring implicitly to a case whose details he did not know before someone brought it to the city gate for adjudication. Job did not know these details because he was not personally acquainted with the person bringing the case. So he was not motivated by friendship or family loyalty, but simply by the interests of justice. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and I made sure that each person got justice even if he was not a friend or relative of mine”

218129:17rxh7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וָֽ֭⁠אֲשַׁבְּרָ⁠ה מְתַלְּע֣וֹת עַוָּ֑ל וּ֝⁠מִ⁠שִּׁנָּ֗י⁠ו אַשְׁלִ֥יךְ טָֽרֶף1

Job is speaking as if an unrighteous person had been a wild animal that was holding a vulnerable person like captured prey in its teeth and as if he had broken the jaws of this animal so that they could no longer hold the vulnerable person, who would drop out to safety. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And when an unrighteous person had coerced a vulnerable person into an oppressive arrangement, I made the unrighteous person release the vulnerable person from that arrangement”

218229:17h48zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjעַוָּ֑ל & וּ֝⁠מִ⁠שִּׁנָּ֗י⁠ו1

Job is using the adjective unrighteous 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: “unrighteous people, and … from their teeth”

218329:18j892rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וָ֭⁠אֹמַר עִם־קִנִּ֣⁠י אֶגְוָ֑ע וְ֝⁠כַ⁠ח֗וֹל אַרְבֶּ֥ה יָמִֽים1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “And I said that I would expire in my nest and that I would multiply days like sand”

218429:18j893rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure וָ֭⁠אֹמַר עִם־קִנִּ֣⁠י אֶגְוָ֑ע וְ֝⁠כַ⁠ח֗וֹל אַרְבֶּ֥ה יָמִֽים1

Since Job would live a long life before expiring, it might be more natural to put the second phrase before the first one. Alternate translation: “I will multiply days like sand, and then I will expire in my nest”

218529:18j894rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismאֶגְוָ֑ע1

See how you translated the term expire in 3:11. Alternate translation: “I will pass away”

218629:18mx7prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעִם־קִנִּ֣⁠י1

Job is speaking of his home as if it were literally a nest such as a bird would live in. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in my own home”

218729:18ree7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוְ֝⁠כַ⁠ח֗וֹל אַרְבֶּ֥ה יָמִֽים1

The point of this comparison is that just as sand consists of a very large number of grains, so Job expected to live for a very large number of days. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “after I have lived for very many days” or “after I have lived for a long time”

218829:19j895rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesשָׁרְשִׁ֣⁠י פָת֣וּחַ אֱלֵי־מָ֑יִם וְ֝⁠טַ֗ל יָלִ֥ין בִּ⁠קְצִירִֽ⁠י1

If you decided in the previous verse to translate this quotation in a such way that there would not be a quotation within a quotation, you can continue doing that here. Alternate translation: “I said that my root was spread out to the waters and that the dew lodged on my branch”

218929:19f52qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשָׁרְשִׁ֣⁠י פָת֣וּחַ אֱלֵי־מָ֑יִם וְ֝⁠טַ֗ל יָלִ֥ין בִּ⁠קְצִירִֽ⁠י1

Job spoke of himself in those days as if he were literally a tree that was healthy and flourishing because it was getting all the moisture that it required. Since Job is describing what he used to say, it may be good to retain this image in your translation, but if it would be more natural in your language, you could express it as a comparison. Alternate translation: “I said that I was like a tree that was healthy and flourishing because it was getting all the moisture that it required through roots that reached down to ground water and through dew that formed at night on its branches”

219029:19j896rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsשָׁרְשִׁ֣⁠י פָת֣וּחַ & בִּ⁠קְצִירִֽ⁠י1

Since Job was speaking of many roots and branches, it may be more natural in your language to use plural forms here. Alternate translation: “My roots are spread out … on my branches”

219129:19j897rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠טַ֗ל יָלִ֥ין בִּ⁠קְצִירִֽ⁠י1

Job was speaking as if the dew had been a traveler that had found lodging for the night on a branch of the tree that he was using to represent himself. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and dew forms at night on my branches”

219229:20j898rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesכְּ֭בוֹדִ⁠י חָדָ֣שׁ עִמָּדִ֑⁠י וְ֝⁠קַשְׁתִּ֗⁠י בְּ⁠יָדִ֥⁠י תַחֲלִֽיף1

If you have been translating this quotation in such a way that there is not a quotation within a quotation, you can continue doing that here. Alternate translation: “I said that my glory was fresh in me and that my bow sprouted in my hand”

219329:20j899rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכְּ֭בוֹדִ⁠י חָדָ֣שׁ עִמָּדִ֑⁠י1

Job means implicitly that the glory or honor that he enjoys is always fresh because people keep honoring him in new ways. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “People keep honoring me in new ways”

219429:20bz9xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠קַשְׁתִּ֗⁠י בְּ⁠יָדִ֥⁠י תַחֲלִֽיף1

Job is speaking as if he had a bow, a weapon that he used with arrows, and that it grew freshly in his hand the way that a branch sprouts from a tree trunk. (Job uses the same verb for “sprout” in 14:79 to describe a tree reviving and sending out shoots when moisture returns to the ground.) He means that the bow, which represents his strength, is lively and vigorous. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I stay vigorously strong”

219529:21j901rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultלִֽ⁠י־שָׁמְע֥וּ וְ⁠יִחֵ֑לּוּ1

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: “Because people were waiting to hear what I would say, they listened to me”

219629:21j900rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsשָׁמְע֥וּ1

They is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. (As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, Job continues to use the pronoun “they” with this same indefinite sense through to the end of the chapter.) If it would be helpful in your language, here and in the following verses you could translate the term with an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “People listened”

219729:22j902rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאַחֲרֵ֣י דְ֭בָרִ⁠י1

Job is using the term word to mean what he said by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “After I had spoken”

219829:22l3t7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠עָלֵ֗י⁠מוֹ תִּטֹּ֥ף מִלָּתִֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking as if his speech literally dripped, that is, fell in drops, on his listeners. He means that it was refreshing and invigorating to them, like gentle rain. This enabled them to recognize that he was giving sound advice. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for what I said was refreshing to them”

219929:23g4birc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוְ⁠יִֽחֲל֣וּ כַ⁠מָּטָ֣ר לִ֑⁠י1

The point of this comparison is that just as people are eager for rain to fall and water their crops, so Jobs listeners were eager to hear him speak. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “And people as waited eagerly to hear me speak as they wait for rain to fall on their crops”

220029:23dye5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ֝⁠פִי⁠הֶ֗ם פָּעֲר֥וּ לְ⁠מַלְקֽוֹשׁ1

Job is using a complex image here. First, he is speaking as if the people listening to him were literally the ground. Second, he is speaking of the ground soaking up rainfall as if it were opening its mouth to drink water. Job does not mean that the people opened their mouths to speak; he is actually describing them listening. 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: “Yes, they were eager to listen to everything I said, just as the dry ground soaks up the latter rain when it falls”

220129:23v5kvrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownלְ⁠מַלְקֽוֹשׁ1

In the region where the book of Job was composed, people would plant crops in the fall. Rain at that time would help the crops start growing. But farmers depended on later rains, which would fall in the spring after an interval during which little rain fell, to enable the crops grow to maturity. Express this in a way that would be meaningful to your readers. Alternate translation: “as for the rain that falls again after the dry season”

220229:24j903rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאֶשְׂחַ֣ק אֲ֭לֵ⁠הֶם לֹ֣א יַאֲמִ֑ינוּ1

The pronouns them and they refer to people who were in desperate situations and did not believe that they would get justice or receive help. Alternate translation: “I smiled on people who felt desperate and hopeless”

220329:24vxz9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheאֶשְׂחַ֣ק אֲ֭לֵ⁠הֶם לֹ֣א יַאֲמִ֑ינוּ1

Job is describing one thing he did to encourage despondent people, he smiled on them, to mean all that he did to encourage them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I encouraged people who felt desperate and hopeless”

220429:24b3dwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠א֥וֹר פָּ֝נַ֗⁠י לֹ֣א יַפִּילֽוּ⁠ן1

Job is speaking as if there had been light shining from his face. He is describing a cheerful facial expression that indicated hope and a favorable disposition. Job is also using a further characteristic image for facial expressions. In this culture, people would say that someone “lifted up” his face if he made a cheerful expression but that his face “fell” if he made a gloomy expression. Job means that he did not let the situations of the people he wanted to help discourage him. Job is combining the two images and saying that they did not cause the light of his face to fall. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a different image that has this meaning or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I did not let their situations discourage me”

220529:25azd4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructure אֶֽבֲחַ֣ר דַּרְכָּ⁠ם֮ וְ⁠אֵשֵׁ֪ב רֹ֥אשׁ1

Since Job chose the way for the people of his community because he was their chief, it might be more natural to reverse the order of these phrases. Alternate translation: “I sat as a chief and I chose their way”

220629:25nhm5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֶֽבֲחַ֣ר דַּרְכָּ⁠ם֮1

Job is speaking of what he determined his community should do as if that were a way or path for the people to walk along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I guided them about the right things to do”

220729:25gh9mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠אֵשֵׁ֪ב רֹ֥אשׁ1

Job is describing how he held the position of a chief by association with the way he sat in a place reserved for such a leader. (He refers similarly to “my seat” in verse 7.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I was their chief”

220829:25dv86rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוְ֭⁠אֶשְׁכּוֹן כְּ⁠מֶ֣לֶךְ בַּ⁠גְּד֑וּד1

In this culture, kings would accompany their armies into the field as their commanders. The point of this comparison is probably that just as the authority of a king would be unquestioned within his army, so people did not question Jobs directions as their leader. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and everyone respected my authority”

220929:25nmq6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֖ר אֲבֵלִ֣ים יְנַחֵֽם1

Job makes this further comparison to specify that he led the community gently and in its own best interests. He did not exercise his authority in an arbitrary, despotic way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “but I was gentle and encouraging as a leader”

221030:introu96h0

Job 30 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is a continuation of Jobs final response to his three friends.

  • Verses 114: Job describes the disrespect he now experiences because he has suffered so many misfortunes
  • Verses 1519: Job describes his sufferings
  • Verses 2023: Job addresses God directly to complain that God has not helped him
  • Verses 3431: Job describes how he is suffering even though he helped others when they suffered

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

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Reference of “they” in verses 210

In verses 210, Job uses the pronouns “they,” “them,” and “their” to mean the young men who now treat him disrespectfully. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could specify this reference at regular intervals for clarity. Various notes suggest ways to do that. (In verse 5, as a note will clarify, one instance of “they” refers to other people.)

221130:1bw8lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjצְעִירִ֥ים מִמֶּ֗⁠נִּי לְ⁠יָ֫מִ֥ים1

Job is using the adjective phrase fewer in days as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. (He is contrasting his present situation, in which younger people now disrespect him, with the way that “young men” formerly withdrew respectfully from his presence and “old men” stood up out of respect for him, as he described in 29:8.) Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “those who are much younger than I am”

221230:1ghr9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֲשֶׁר־מָאַ֥סְתִּי אֲבוֹתָ֑⁠ם לָ֝⁠שִׁ֗ית עִם־כַּלְבֵ֥י צֹאנִֽ⁠י1

The implications of this statement is that the fathers of the young men who now laugh at Job were shiftless and incompetent. This could mean: (1) that Job would not employ these men to do even such menial tasks as shepherd dogs do. Alternate translation: “whose fathers I could not even employ to do menial tasks” (2) that Job would not specifically employ these men as shepherds for his flocks, working with his sheepdogs. Alternate translation: “whose fathers I would not even employ as shepherds”

221330:2dkd7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionכֹּ֣חַ יְ֭דֵי⁠הֶם לָ֣⁠מָּה לִּ֑⁠י1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I have no use for the strength of their hands!” or “the strength of their hands is useless to me!”

221430:2j904rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheכֹּ֣חַ יְ֭דֵי⁠הֶם לָ֣⁠מָּה לִּ֑⁠י1

Job is using one part of these young men, their hands, to mean all of them in the act of using strength to work. As the rest of the verse indicates, these young men have only feeble strength. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have no use for their feeble strength!” or “their feeble strength is useless to me!”

221530:2n58xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationעָ֝לֵ֗י⁠מוֹ אָ֣בַד כָּֽלַח1

Job is speaking of old age as if it were a living thing that has perished in these young men. Eliphaz uses the same term for “old age” in 5:26. There it means the maturity and accomplishment that come from a long life well lived. Here the term seems to indicate the vigor that someone would have in his youth that would enable him to live such a long life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They have lost the vigor that would have enabled them to live a long life” or “They have lost their youthful vigor”

221630:2b5girc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsעָ֝לֵ֗י⁠מוֹ 1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the pronoun them refers to the young men who now treat Job disrespectfully, as do the pronouns “they,” “them,” and “their” in verses 410. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “In these young men”

221730:3j6n1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהַֽ⁠עֹרְקִ֥ים צִיָּ֑ה1

Job is speaking of the dry land by association to mean the roots that grow in the land, as the next verse makes clear. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. It may also be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “These young men gnaw on the roots that they find in the ground”

221830:3j905rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomצִיָּ֑ה אֶ֝֗מֶשׁ שׁוֹאָ֥ה וּ⁠מְשֹׁאָֽה1

The term yesterday could mean: (1) time gone by. Alternate translation: “the land that has long been dry, a waste and desolation” (2) the darkness of the night that precedes day. Alternate translation: “the dry land in the gloom of waste and desolation”

221930:3i6mnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysשׁוֹאָ֥ה וּ⁠מְשֹׁאָֽה1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word desolation tells what kind of waste this is. 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: “in a desolate wasteland”

222030:4lbt6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownמַלּ֣וּחַ1

The word mallow describes a kind of flowering plant whose leaves are edible. Your language may have a name of its own for this plant that you could use in your translation. If your readers would not be familiar with the plant, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “desert plants”

222130:4dz4rrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsוְ⁠שֹׁ֖רֶשׁ רְתָמִ֣ים לַ⁠חְמָֽ⁠ם1

Since Job is speaking of many roots, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of root. Alternate translation: “and the roots of broom trees are their bread”

222230:4j906rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownרְתָמִ֣ים1

A broom tree is a kind of shrub that grows in desert areas. If your readers would not be familiar with this shrub, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable one that they would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “shrubs”

222330:4c9mnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלַ⁠חְמָֽ⁠ם1

Job is using one kind of food, bread, to mean food in general. While the roots of the broom tree are edible, they have a bitter taste, and only a desperate person would eat them. So there is a sense here that the people whom Job is describing eat these roots out of desperation. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is their food” or “is all they have to eat”

222430:5k9yzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיְגֹרָ֑שׁוּ1

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 drive these young men out”

222530:5j907rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמִן־גֵּ֥ו1

Job means implicitly that these young men are driven out from the midst of human community. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “from society”

222630:5j908rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיָרִ֥יעוּ עָ֝לֵ֗י⁠מוֹ1

Here the pronoun they is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. It means the people of society in general. (The pronoun them refers to the young men whom Job has been describing.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “people shout after these young men”

222730:5lwr2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכַּ⁠גַּנָּֽב1

Job is speaking of people chasing others away, so this seems to be a reference to people shouting at a would-be thief in order to call attention to him and get him to flee before he steals something. Job is probably not referring to people shouting to get others to pursue and apprehend a thief who has already stolen something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “as they would shout to chase away a would-be thief”

222830:6f7j8rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultלִ⁠שְׁכֹּ֑ן1

This phrase indicates the result of what Job describes in the previous verse, “They are driven out from the midst.” It may be helpful to indicate that explicitly, and it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “As a result, they have to live”

222930:6j909rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsבַּ⁠עֲר֣וּץ נְחָלִ֣ים1

Since Job is speaking of the slopes of many wadis, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of slope. Alternate translation: “on the slopes of wadis”

223030:6j910rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheחֹרֵ֖י עָפָ֣ר1

Job is using one part of the ground, the dust on its surface, to mean the ground itself. Iron is actually taken from deep in the ground. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in holes in the ground”

223130:7kkv4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִנְהָ֑קוּ1

Job is speaking as if these young men literally bray as if they were donkeys. He likely means that they moan with hunger, as wild animals cry out when they need food. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “these young men moan with hunger”

223230:7dmg5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיְסֻפָּֽחוּ1

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: “they gather together”

223330:8juk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounבְּֽנֵי־נָ֭בָל גַּם־בְּנֵ֣י בְלִי־שֵׁ֑ם1

Job is not referring to a specific fool or person without a name. He means such people in general. It may be more natural in your language to express these meanings by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “Sons of fools, indeed, sons of people without names”

223430:8h66qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisבְּֽנֵי־נָ֭בָל גַּם־בְּנֵ֣י בְלִי־שֵׁ֑ם1

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 helpful to your readers. However, you might also leave the words out in order to show the force of this exclamation, with which Job concludes his description of these young men. Alternate translation: “These young men are sons of fools! Indeed, they are sons of people without names”

223530:8i8txrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבְּֽנֵי־נָ֭בָל גַּם־בְּנֵ֣י בְלִי־שֵׁ֑ם1

In this context, the expression sons of describes people who share the qualities of something. Job is using this expression to describe the behavior and character of these young men. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. The word fool here does not indicate someone who lacks intelligence or education; it means someone who chooses to disobey God, thinking there will be no consequences. The word name here means a good reputation. Alternate translation: “People who foolishly think they can disobey God! No wonder they are people of no reputation”

223630:8wl4wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveנִ֝כְּא֗וּ מִן־הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ1

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 scourge them from the land”

223730:8r31irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheנִ֝כְּא֗וּ מִן־הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ1

Job is using one means by which authorities might drive such young men out of the community, by scourging (whipping) them, to mean all of the ways in which they would drive them out. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They are driven from the land” or “People drive them from the land”

223830:9v6wtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitנְגִינָתָ֣⁠ם1

Job means implicitly that these young men are singing about him disrespectfully. Your language may have a term that you could use to indicate that in your translation. Alternate translation: “the subject of their taunt-song”

223930:9u5hmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוָ⁠אֱהִ֖י לָ⁠הֶ֣ם לְ⁠מִלָּֽה1

The meaning of the term word here is the same as the meaning of the term “saying” in 17:6. Job means that these young men are citing him by name as an outstanding example of someone who seemed to be prospering because he was righteous but who came to ruin because he was actually wicked. Your language may have an expression for this practice of citing people by name as examples, and you may be able to use that expression in your translation. See how you translated the term “saying” in 17:6.

224030:10j911rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionרָ֣חֲקוּ מֶ֑⁠נִּי1

Staying away from Job, that is, not approaching him or speaking with him, was a symbolic action that conveyed disrespect and disapproval. Even though physically it was the same thing that young men formerly did to show respect for Job, discreetly withdrawing from his presence, now it had the opposite meaning. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “they stay away from me to show their disapproval” or “they shun me”

224130:10sx1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesוּ֝⁠מִ⁠פָּנַ֗⁠י לֹא־חָ֥שְׂכוּ רֹֽק1

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 withhold. Alternate translation: “but they spit in my face”

224230:10j912rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוּ֝⁠מִ⁠פָּנַ֗⁠י לֹא־חָ֥שְׂכוּ רֹֽק1

Spitting in Jobs face was a symbolic action that showed contempt for him as someone who was presumably a sinner. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. See how you translated the similar expression in 17:6. Alternate translation: “but they spit contemptuously in my face”

224330:10j913rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ֝⁠מִ⁠פָּנַ֗⁠י לֹא־חָ֥שְׂכוּ רֹֽק1

Job does not mean that these young men spit at him from a distance, even though he says that they stay away from him. He means that when they must unavoidably pass near him, they use the occasion to spit in his face. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “but they spit contemptuously in my face when they pass by”

224430:11j914rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsפִ֭תַּח & שִׁלֵּֽחוּ1

The pronoun he refers to God, and the pronoun they refers to the young men whom Job has been describing. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God has loosed … these young men cast away”

224530:11r95hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִתְרִ֣י פִ֭תַּח1

Job is speaking as if God has in some way literally loosed a cord that belongs to him or pertains to him. This could mean: (1) that God has loosened the bowstring on a bow that belongs to Job, so that the bow is no longer useful. The bow would represent Jobs strength. Alternate translation: “he has taken away my strength” (2) that God has released a cord that was holding up the tent in which Job lived, so that the tent has collapsed. The tent would represent Jobs life. Alternate translation: “he has ruined my life”

224630:11sq6drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠רֶ֗סֶן & שִׁלֵּֽחוּ1

Job is speaking as if restraint were literally an object that people could cast away. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “so they act without restraint”

224730:11pll3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ⁠פָּנַ֥⁠י1

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: “in my presence”

224830:12j915rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjעַל־יָמִין֮ פִּרְחַ֪ח יָ֫ק֥וּמוּ1

Job is using the adjective right as a noun to mean his right side. Your language may also use adjectives this way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “On my right side the brood arise”

224930:12z8g5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעַל־יָמִין֮ פִּרְחַ֪ח יָ֫ק֥וּמוּ1

The right side was usually the most dangerous side on which to approach an enemy soldier, since a majority of soldiers were right-handed and would use their right hands and arms to wield their swords. The implication is that these young men have no fear of what Job might do to them. Alternate translation: “Without fear the brood arise”

225030:12u9wmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorפִּרְחַ֪ח1

Job is speaking of these young men as if they were the brood of a bird or animal. The image is of a cluster of immature offspring moving agitatedly about. Your language may have a comparable expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “the rabble”

225130:12l5wgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheרַגְלַ֥⁠י שִׁלֵּ֑חוּ1

Job is using one part of himself, his foot, to mean all of him in the act of walking. He probably means that as he is walking on the road, when these young men are approaching from the opposite direction, they do not stand respectfully aside so that he can pass. Instead, they shove him out of the way so that they can pass. When young men traveling in the same direction overtake him, they similarly push him aside so that they can go by. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “on the roads, they push me out of the way”

225230:12j916rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוַ⁠יָּסֹ֥לּוּ עָ֝לַ֗⁠י אָרְח֥וֹת אֵידָֽ⁠ם1

Job is speaking of siege mounds by association with the way that they provide roads or ways for attacking armies to get into cities and cause their destruction. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they build siege mounds against me”

225330:12tdu8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ⁠יָּסֹ֥לּוּ עָ֝לַ֗⁠י אָרְח֥וֹת אֵידָֽ⁠ם1

Job is speaking as if he were a city and these young men were literally building siege mounds in order to conquer that city. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they look for ways to attack me”

225430:13sv3yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorנָתְס֗וּ נְֽתִיבָ֫תִ֥⁠י1

Job is speaking as if there were literally a path that he could take to escape from the attacks of these young men and that they are destroying it so that Job cannot use it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They prevent me from escaping”

225530:13x9pdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלְ⁠הַוָּתִ֥⁠י יֹעִ֑ילוּ1

Job is speaking as if calamity were literally an object that these young men could move forward, farther along its route to a destination. He means that in addition to all the bad things that have happened to him, they do further bad things to him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they add to my sufferings”

225630:13ayx7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלֹ֖א עֹזֵ֣ר לָֽ⁠מוֹ1

This could mean: (1) that they do despicable things to Job that no decent person would join them in doing. Alternate translation: “they do things to me that no decent person would do” (2) that they are contemptible people. This may be a popular expression indicating that. Alternate translation: “they are contemptible people”

225730:14b1fxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכְּ⁠פֶ֣רֶץ רָחָ֣ב יֶאֱתָ֑יוּ תַּ֥חַת שֹׁ֝אָ֗ה הִתְגַּלְגָּֽלוּ1

Job is continuing the image of himself as a city and these young men as a besieging army. He is describing an attack in full force: The army has made a wide breach in the city wall and the soldiers are pouring through it. Job says within this image that they roll on, perhaps like waves of the sea, one wave after another. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “These young men attack me without restraint, time and time again”

225830:15su3jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveהָהְפַּ֥ךְ עָלַ֗⁠י בַּלָּ֫ה֥וֹת1

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. The word Terrors could indicate: (1) things that create fear or terror. Alternate translation: “Terrible things keep happening to me” (2) terrors or fears themselves. Alternate translation: “I have many fears”

225930:15j917rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationתִּרְדֹּ֣ף & נְדִבָתִ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking of these Terrors as if they were living things that could pursue him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “each one deprives me of dignity”

226030:15y58lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכָּ֭⁠רוּחַ1

The point of this comparison is that just as a strong wind relentlessly drives away light objects, so the Terrors that Job is experiencing are relentlessly depriving him of dignity. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “relentlessly”

226130:15qzd6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוּ֝⁠כְ⁠עָ֗ב עָבְרָ֥ה יְשֻׁעָתִֽ⁠י1

The point of this comparison is that just as a cloud fades from the sky, so all hope of deliverance has faded for Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “and I no longer have any hope of deliverance”

226230:15j918rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוּ֝⁠כְ⁠עָ֗ב עָבְרָ֥ה יְשֻׁעָתִֽ⁠י1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of deliverance, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and I no longer have any hope that someone will deliver me”

226330:16vq4crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעָ֭לַ⁠י תִּשְׁתַּפֵּ֣ךְ נַפְשִׁ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking as if his life were a liquid that was being poured out of a container so that soon none of it would be left in the container. (Although the verb is reflexive, it has a passive sense; Job is not saying, within this image, that his life is doing this on its own initiative.) If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my life is ebbing away within me”

226430:16yd79rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיֹ֭אחֲז֣וּ⁠נִי יְמֵי־עֹֽנִי1

Job is speaking of these days as if they were living things that could seize him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am continually experiencing days of affliction”

226530:16j919rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsיְמֵי־עֹֽנִי1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of affliction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “days during which I am afflicted”

226630:17j920rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationלַ֗יְלָה עֲ֭צָמַ⁠י נִקַּ֣ר1

Job is speaking of Night as if it were a living thing that could pierce his bones. He is doing this to describe the pain that he feels more keenly at night. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “At night, pain pierces my bones”

226730:17j921rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלַ֗יְלָה עֲ֭צָמַ⁠י נִקַּ֣ר1

Job is using one part of himself, his bones, to mean all of him in the act of feeling pain. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “At night, pain pierces my body”

226830:17s5h2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלַ֗יְלָה עֲ֭צָמַ⁠י נִקַּ֣ר1

Job is speaking as if pain were literally piercing his body or putting holes in it. He means that he gets a stabbing sensation of pain as if he were actually being stabbed. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “At night, I have stabbing sensations of pain”

226930:17j922rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomמֵ⁠עָלָ֑⁠י1

It is not entirely clear what Job means by this expression. He uses the same expression in 30:30 to describe how his skin, darkened by disease, is peeling off. So this could be a reference to the pain from his sores radiating deep into his body. Alternate translation: “from the sores on my skin”

227030:17q849rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ֝⁠עֹרְקַ֗⁠י לֹ֣א יִשְׁכָּבֽוּ⁠ן1

Job is speaking of the pains he is suffering as if they were living things that could be gnawing him and could rest (although they do not). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and the pain is like someone chewing on me, and it never stops”

227130:18x296rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבְּ⁠רָב־כֹּ֭חַ1

Job is referring implicitly to the great force of his skin disease, its power to do so much damage. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Because of my serious disease,”

227230:18wpi4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor יִתְחַפֵּ֣שׂ לְבוּשִׁ֑⁠י1

Job is probably speaking of his skin as if it were his clothing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my skin is changed” or “my skin is disfigured”

227330:18j923rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsכְּ⁠פִ֖י כֻתָּנְתִּ֣⁠י יַֽאַזְרֵֽ⁠נִי1

The pronoun it refers to Jobs skin disease. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “my skin disease binds me like the collar of my tunic”

227430:18tm94rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכְּ⁠פִ֖י כֻתָּנְתִּ֣⁠י יַֽאַזְרֵֽ⁠נִי1

Job is speaking as if his disease were literally binding him, or wrapping him up tightly, the way a person in his culture would put on a tunic and then wrap its collar tightly around his neck. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my skin disease afflicts me continually”

227530:19j924rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsהֹרָ֥⁠נִי לַ⁠חֹ֑מֶר1

The pronoun He refers to text. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God has thrown me into the mud”

227630:19aa4hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהֹרָ֥⁠נִי לַ⁠חֹ֑מֶר1

Job is speaking as if God had literally thrown him into mud. This could mean: (1) that Job is using the image of being thrown into mud to represent his loss of position and status. Alternate translation: “God has reduced me to meager circumstances” (2) that Job is referring to the way he has been demonstrating his distress by sitting in the midst of the ash pile outside the city, as 2:8 describes. Alternate translation: “God has caused me such distress that I have been sitting in this ash heap”

227730:19m43krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileוָ֝⁠אֶתְמַשֵּׁ֗ל כֶּ⁠עָפָ֥ר וָ⁠אֵֽפֶר1

Job is speaking as if he had literally become like dust and ashes. This could be: (1) a physical description. Job may mean that the dust and ashes from the pile where he is sitting have stuck to his skin because of his oozing sores and so now he physically resembles dust and ashes himself. Job describes the appearance of his body in the previous verse, and this could be a continuation of that description. Alternate translation: “and I now appear to have become dust and ashes” (2) a comparison. Job may be saying that in some way his situation resembles some characteristic of dust and ashes, perhaps their lowliness of being on the ground. Alternate translation: “and I am greatly humiliated”

227830:20j925rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionעָ֝מַ֗דְתִּי1

Standing up was a symbolic action by which someone in this community would call attention to the fact that they needed help. Job may mean that he does this literally as an appeal to God for help, or he may be speaking as if he does it when actually he appeals for help in some other way, such as by praying, as he describes in the first part of the verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “I stand to get your attention and appeal for help”

227930:20k1garc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוַ⁠תִּתְבֹּ֥נֶן בִּֽ⁠י1

Job means implicitly that God does nothing but gaze at him without helping him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “but you only look at me and do not help me”

228030:21xk2hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionבְּ⁠עֹ֖צֶם יָדְ⁠ךָ֣1

Here, Gods hand represents his power. Job is using this possessive form to describe how Gods strength is characterized by power, that is, Gods strength is very great. Alternate translation: “with your great strength”

228130:22zy94rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorתִּשָּׂאֵ֣⁠נִי אֶל־ר֭וּחַ תַּרְכִּיבֵ֑⁠נִי וּ֝⁠תְמֹגְגֵ֗⁠נִי תּוּשִׁיָּֽה1

Job is speaking as if God uses the wind to lift him off the ground and as if the wind carries him away as if he were riding on it the way a person would ride a horse. He is also speaking as if God uses a storm to toss him about. He means that God is causing him such great distress that he feels as if these things are happening to him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You are causing me such great distress that it feels as if a storm wind is picking me up, carrying me away, and tossing me about”

228230:23j926rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismמָ֣וֶת & וּ⁠בֵ֖ית מוֹעֵ֣ד לְ⁠כָל־חָֽי1

These two phrases mean similar things. Job is using repetition to emphasize the idea that the phrases express. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that by using a word other than “and” in your translation. Alternate translation: “to death, yes, to the house of appointment to all the living”

228330:23py4prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמָ֣וֶת1

As the rest of the verse shows, Job is using the term death by association to mean Sheol, the abode of the dead. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to Sheol”

228430:23a3ymrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠בֵ֖ית מוֹעֵ֣ד לְ⁠כָל־חָֽי1

Job is speaking as if Sheol were a house in which dead people lived. He means that it is the place to which people go when they die. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and to the place of appointment to all the living”

228530:23j927rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionוּ⁠בֵ֖ית מוֹעֵ֣ד לְ⁠כָל־חָֽי1

Job is using this possessive form to indicate that God has appointed Sheol as the place where living people are to go when they die. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and to the place God has appointed for living people to go when they die”

228630:23nf6mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjחָֽי1

Job is using the adjective living 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: “living people”

228730:24s7pprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionלֹא־בְ֭⁠עִי יִשְׁלַח־יָ֑ד אִם־בְּ֝⁠פִיד֗⁠וֹ לָהֶ֥ן & שֽׁוּעַ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “one in a heap certainly stretches out a hand! He certainly cries out because he is in trouble!”

228830:24j928rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoלֹא־בְ֭⁠עִי יִשְׁלַח־יָ֑ד1

Job is using a hypothetical situation as an example and applying it by implication to his own situation. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “if someone is in a heap of ruins, then he certainly stretches out a hand, and in the same way I am calling to you for help.”

228930:24giv9rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionלֹא־בְ֭⁠עִי יִשְׁלַח־יָ֑ד1

Reaching out with ones hand when in a desperate situation is a symbolic action that constitutes an appeal for help. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “does not one in a heap of ruins appeal for help”

229030:24ly2erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־בְּ֝⁠פִיד֗⁠וֹ לָהֶ֥ן שֽׁוּעַ1

Job is using the word If to introduce a question that anticipates a contrary answer. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “He cries out because he is in trouble, does he not”

229130:25j929rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־לֹ֣א בָ֭כִיתִי לִ⁠קְשֵׁה־י֑וֹם1

Job is using the word If to introduce a question that anticipates a contrary answer. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “I wept for the difficult of day, did I not?”

229230:25k5gwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאִם־לֹ֣א בָ֭כִיתִי לִ⁠קְשֵׁה־י֑וֹם1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I certainly wept for the difficult of day!”

229330:25j930rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjלִ⁠קְשֵׁה־י֑וֹם1

Job is using the adjective phrase difficult of day as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. (In this phrase, the word day indicates a time, and the possessive form indicates that this time was characterized by difficulty.) Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “for people who were going through difficult times”

229430:25j932rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעָֽגְמָ֥ה נַ֝פְשִׁ֗⁠י לָ⁠אֶבְיֽוֹן1

Job is suggesting implicitly that since he helped others who were in trouble, it is only fair for him to ask God for help now that he is in trouble himself. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “My soul grieved for the needy, so it is only fair for me to ask you for help now”

229530:25j931rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheעָֽגְמָ֥ה נַ֝פְשִׁ֗⁠י1

Job is using one part of himself, his soul, to mean all of him in the act of grieving sympathetically. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I grieved sympathetically”

229630:26j933rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּ֤י1

Job is using the word For to introduce the reason why he has been saying that he can legitimately appeal for help. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “I can legitimately appeal for help because”

229730:26dxl4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjט֣וֹב & וַ⁠יָּ֣בֹא רָ֑ע1

Job is using the adjectives good and bad 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. Alternate translation: “for good things … but bad things happened to me instead”

229830:26n1jnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלְ֝⁠א֗וֹר וַ⁠יָּ֥בֹא אֹֽפֶל1

Job is speaking as if helpful things were literally light and harmful things were literally darkness. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for helpful things, but harmful things happen instead”

229930:27r36urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveמֵעַ֖⁠י רֻתְּח֥וּ וְ⁠לֹא־דָ֗מּוּ1

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: “My innards are boiling and they do not rest”

230030:27j934rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמֵעַ֖⁠י רֻתְּח֥וּ וְ⁠לֹא־דָ֗מּוּ1

Job is speaking as if his innards have literally boiled and that they are literally not taking any opportunity to rest. This could mean: (1) that his abdomen continually has a hot, painful sensation because he is very upset and this has affected his digestion. Alternate translation: “My stomach is continually upset” (2) that he continually has feelings, which he is using his innards to represent, of anger and frustration. Alternate translation: “I continually feel anger and frustration”

230130:27u2glrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationקִדְּמֻ֥⁠נִי יְמֵי־עֹֽנִי1

Job is speaking of the difficult days he is experiencing as if they were living things that could confront him. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “I am facing day after day of affliction” or “I am experiencing day after day of affliction”

230230:28fj2nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitקֹדֵ֣ר הִ֭לַּכְתִּי בְּ⁠לֹ֣א חַמָּ֑ה1

Job means that his skin disease, not the sun, has darkened his skin, as he says explicitly in verse 30. The implication is that this darkened skin makes him appear as if he is a manual laborer who works out in the sun. Song of Songs 1:6 suggests that in this culture, a person in that situation would be less respected than someone who could employ others to do outdoor work and so did not have sun-darkened skin. You could indicate this in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “My disease-darkened skin makes me appear to be a manual laborer”

230330:28i5gurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitקַ֖מְתִּי בַ⁠קָּהָ֣ל אֲשַׁוֵּֽעַ1

Job may be implicitly indicating a further loss of dignity here. He has had to appeal for help in a public place where people gather. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I have had to humiliate myself by appealing for help in public”

230430:29f66brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאָ֭ח הָיִ֣יתִי לְ⁠תַנִּ֑ים וְ֝⁠רֵ֗עַ לִ⁠בְנ֥וֹת יַעֲנָֽה1

Job is speaking as if he had literally become a brother to jackals and a companion to ostriches. These wild dogs and wild birds live in deserted areas, and Job is suggesting that they are now his only relatives and friends, since he has become an outcast. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have become such an outcast that it is as if I live far away from other people”

230530:29j935rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלִ⁠בְנ֥וֹת יַעֲנָֽה1

In this context, the expression daughters of describes creatures that share the qualities of something. The word clamor is one possible meaning of an uncertain term that interpreters suggest could also mean “greed” or “the desert.” Whatever the meaning of that term, interpreters agree that the reference is to ostriches. If your language can refer to this kind of bird with a descriptive phrase rather than with a name, you could use that phrase in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “to ostriches”

230630:29jsv3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownלִ⁠בְנ֥וֹת יַעֲנָֽה1

An ostrich is a large, heavy bird that cannot fly but can run very fast. If your readers would not be familiar with ostriches, in your translation you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “to large, flightless, desert birds”

230730:30j936rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisע֭וֹרִ⁠י שָׁחַ֣ר מֵ⁠עָלָ֑⁠י1

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: “My skin has turned black and it is falling off from upon me”

230830:30udu9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠עַצְמִ⁠י־חָ֝֗רָה מִנִּי־חֹֽרֶב1

Job is using one part of himself, a bone, to mean all of him in the act of feeling hot. He is likely referring to the heat of fever. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and my body is hot with fever”

230930:31qj9src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוַ⁠יְהִ֣י לְ֭⁠אֵבֶל כִּנֹּרִ֑⁠י וְ֝⁠עֻגָבִ֗⁠י לְ⁠ק֣וֹל בֹּכִֽים1

Job is using musical instruments, the harp and the flute, to represent happiness, by association with the way that people play music when they are happy. He is using mourning and the sound of weeping to represent sorrow, since people mourn and weep when they are sad. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “So while I used to be joyful, now I am very sorrowful”

231031:introleq90

Job 31 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is the conclusion of Jobs final response to his three friends.

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

Important Figures of Speech in This Chapter

Litany

In verses 134 and 3840, Job swears a series of oaths to insist on his innocence. Typically he uses a statement that begins with “if” to suggest something he might have done wrong, and he then uses a statement that uses verbal forms such as “may” or “let” to wish that he would receive an appropriate punishment if he has indeed committed such a sin. In some cases, rather than wish for punishment, Job gives a reason why he would not have committed the sin he has described. In some other cases, Job makes only the “if” statement, leaving the rest of the conditional statement to be inferred. Notes throughout the chapter indicate how Job responds to each of the “if” statements that he makes.

A series of similar statements such as this is known as a litany. If your readers would recognize what Job is doing, you can translate and format this litany the way the ULT does. If the litany form would not be familiar to your readers, you could help them appreciate it by putting each sentence of the litany on a separate line. See what you did with the similar litanies in chapters 9, 12, 26, and 29. (See: rc:///ta/man/translate/figs-litany and rc:///ta/man/translate/writing-oathformula)

Special Concepts in This Chapter

Jobs understanding of appropriate punishment for sin

In this chapter, Job insists that he has been righteous by wishing aloud that he would receive the just punishment for any crimes that he may have committed. In most cases, Job himself would suffer the punishment that he describes. But in verses 9 and 10, Job says that if he has committed adultery with another mans wife, then may other men have sexual relations with his wife. It seems that Job is wishing that God would punish his wife for something that he himself had done. Since the book describes Job as a wise and righteous, it appears that readers are supposed to consider that this would be a just punishment, but it does not seem to be just or fair. One way to understand this may be to consider that Job is saying that if he has been unfaithful to his wife, then may his wife be unfaithful to him in return. This is not the ideal that the Bible as a whole teaches. As Christians, we are not supposed to take revenge on others by doing to them what they have done to us. But in this specific context, in which Job is swearing oaths to guarantee his innocence, having his wife be unfaithful to him if he had been unfaithful to her would be a punishment that fit the crime, and Job is insisting on his innocence by saying that he is prepared to receive the punishments that fit any crimes he has committed.

231131:1af9xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבְּ֭רִית כָּרַ֣תִּי לְ⁠עֵינָ֑⁠י1

In this culture, people would say that they had cut a covenant because making a covenant often involved a ceremony in which the two parties would cut up an animal and walk between the cut-up pieces. Jeremiah 34:18 refers to such a ceremony, and Genesis 15:819 describes God making a covenant with Abraham in this way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have made a covenant with my eyes”

231231:1ka6erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationבְּ֭רִית כָּרַ֣תִּי לְ⁠עֵינָ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking of his eyes as if they were living things with which he could make a covenant. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have resolved to exercise self-control regarding what I look at”

231331:1sxi9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוּ⁠מָ֥ה אֶ֝תְבּוֹנֵ֗ן עַל־בְּתוּלָֽה1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I would not gaze upon a virgin!”

231431:1j937rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ⁠מָ֥ה אֶ֝תְבּוֹנֵ֗ן1

Job means implicitly that he would not gaze lustfully. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “how then would I gaze lustfully” or “I would not gaze lustfully”

231531:1j938rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheעַל־בְּתוּלָֽה1

Job is using one kind of woman, a virgin, to mean women in general. He is not saying that if a woman had not had sexual relations with anyone, he would not look at her lustfully, but if a woman had had sexual relations, then he might look at her lustfully. Job is mentioning a virgin as one example of a woman whom he might be tempted to look at that way. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at a woman”

231631:2ygr6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוּ⁠מֶ֤ה ׀ חֵ֣לֶק אֱל֣וֹהַּ מִ⁠מָּ֑עַל וְֽ⁠נַחֲלַ֥ת שַׁ֝דַּ֗י מִ⁠מְּרֹמִֽים1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. This could mean: (1) a good portion and inheritance as a reward for obedience. These terms typically have a positive meaning. Alternate translation: “For then there would be no portion from God above or inheritance from the Almighty in the heights!” (2) a bad portion and inheritance, that is, a punishment, for disobedience. This would mean the same thing that Job says in the next verse. Alternate translation: “For then the portion from God above would not be good, nor the inheritance from the Almighty in the heights”

231731:2p7x8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorחֵ֣לֶק אֱל֣וֹהַּ מִ⁠מָּ֑עַל וְֽ⁠נַחֲלַ֥ת שַׁ֝דַּ֗י מִ⁠מְּרֹמִֽים1

Depending on the meaning (see previous note), Job is speaking as if either a reward or punishment from God would literally be a portion or a share in an inheritance. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: (1) “the reward from God above, or the blessing from the Almighty” or (2) “the punishment from God above, or the chastisement from the Almighty”

231831:2j939rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְֽ⁠נַחֲלַ֥ת1

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: “or what would be the inheritance”

231931:2j940rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralמִ⁠מְּרֹמִֽים1

See how you translated this same expression in 25:1. Alternate translation: “in highest heaven”

232031:3j941rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠לֹא־אֵ֥יד לְ⁠עַוָּ֑ל וְ֝⁠נֵ֗כֶר לְ⁠פֹ֣עֲלֵי אָֽוֶן1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “After all, calamity is for the unrighteous, and disaster for doers of wickedness!”

232131:3j942rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjלְ⁠עַוָּ֑ל1

Job is using the adjective unrighteous 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: “for unrighteous people”

232231:3j943rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsלְ⁠פֹ֣עֲלֵי אָֽוֶן1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of wickedness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “for people who do wicked things”

232331:4j944rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠לֹא־ה֭וּא יִרְאֶ֣ה דְרָכָ֑⁠י וְֽ⁠כָל־צְעָדַ֥⁠י יִסְפּֽוֹר1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Certainly God sees my ways and counts all my steps!”

232431:4vf6mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorדְרָכָ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking of how he has been living as if that were a series of ways or paths that he has been walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how I have been living”

232531:4n2ehrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְֽ⁠כָל־צְעָדַ֥⁠י יִסְפּֽוֹר1

Within the image of life as a series of paths, Job is speaking as if God would literally count each of the steps he was taking. By steps, he probably means individual actions, and by count, he probably means that God notices each one specifically. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and take note of each of my actions”

232631:5zdh8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationאִם־הָלַ֥כְתִּי עִם־שָׁ֑וְא1

Job is speaking of falsehood as if it were a living thing with which he could have walked. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If I have conducted myself with falsehood”

232731:5j945rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsאִם־הָלַ֥כְתִּי עִם־שָׁ֑וְא1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of falsehood, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “If I have conducted myself dishonestly”

232831:5a5strc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוַ⁠תַּ֖חַשׁ עַל־מִרְמָ֣ה רַגְלִֽ⁠י1

Job is using one part of himself, his foot, to mean all of him in the act of hurrying or being eager to do something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or I have hurried to deceit”

232931:5j946rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוַ⁠תַּ֖חַשׁ עַל־מִרְמָ֣ה רַגְלִֽ⁠י1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of deceit, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “or I have eagerly done something deceitful”

233031:6j947rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-versebridgeיִשְׁקְלֵ֥⁠נִי בְ⁠מֹאזְנֵי־צֶ֑דֶק וְ⁠יֵדַ֥ע אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַּ תֻּמָּתִֽ⁠י1

In this verse, Job interrupts the if-then statement he is making in verses 5, 7, and 8. He does that in order to assert that if God judges him fairly, then God will recognize that he does not deserve the punishment he describes in verse 8 or any of the other punishments he describes in this chapter. If it would be clearer in your language, you could put this assertion before the if-then statement by creating a verse bridge for verses 56. It might say something like this: “Now if God would weigh me in balances of righteousness, then he would know my integrity. If I have walked with falsehood or my foot has hurried to deceit”

233131:6ndj9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִשְׁקְלֵ֥⁠נִי בְ⁠מֹאזְנֵי־צֶ֑דֶק1

Job is speaking as if God might literally weigh him in a set of balances. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “let him judge me by standards of righteousness”

233231:6j948rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsיִשְׁקְלֵ֥⁠נִי בְ⁠מֹאזְנֵי־צֶ֑דֶק1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “let him judge me in a way that is right”

233331:6j949rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsתֻּמָּתִֽ⁠י1

See how you translated the term integrity in 2:3. Alternate translation: “that I live in the right way”

233431:7fm8crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheאִ֥ם תִּטֶּ֣ה אַשֻּׁרִ⁠י֮ מִנִּ֪י הַ֫⁠דָּ֥רֶךְ1

Job is using one part of himself, a step that he would take, to mean all of him in the act of walking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if I have turned aside from the way”

233531:7j950rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאִ֥ם תִּטֶּ֣ה אַשֻּׁרִ⁠י֮ מִנִּ֪י הַ֫⁠דָּ֥רֶךְ1

Job is speaking of the right manner in which to live as if it were a way or path that people should walk along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if I have failed to live correctly”

233631:7j951rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisלִבִּ֑⁠י & מֻאֽוּם1

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: “if my heart … if a spot”

233731:7r29irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ⁠אַחַ֣ר עֵ֭ינַ⁠י הָלַ֣ךְ לִבִּ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking of his heart and his eyes as if they were living things that could go places, the eyes going somewhere first and the heart following. Here Job is using his heart to mean his desires and his eyes to mean what he sees. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or if I have seen something that did not belong to me but I have coveted it for myself”

233831:7tvw5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor וּ֝⁠בְ⁠כַפַּ֗⁠י דָּ֣בַק מֻאֽוּם1

As in 17:9, Job is speaking as if people who are innocent of wrongdoing literally have clean hands, so that when he speaks of a spot or stain having stuck to his hands, he is raising the issue of whether he has done something wrong. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or I have done something morally wrong”

233931:8b7e8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֶ֭זְרְעָה וְ⁠אַחֵ֣ר יֹאכֵ֑ל1

Job means implicitly that if he has done any of the wrong things he has just listed, then the appropriate punishment would be for someone else to eat the crops that grew from seeds he would sow. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “may someone else eat the crops that grow from the seeds that I sow”

234031:9j952rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־נִפְתָּ֣ה לִ֭בִּ⁠י עַל־אִשָּׁ֑ה1

When Job speaks of whether his heart has been opened by a woman, he is using an expression that means to be enticed by a woman. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If my heart has been enticed by a woman”

234131:9p1ynrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheאִם־נִפְתָּ֣ה לִ֭בִּ⁠י עַל־אִשָּׁ֑ה1

Job is using one part of himself, his heart, meaning his desires, to mean all of him in the act of being enticed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If I have been enticed by a woman”

234231:9j953rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveאִם־נִפְתָּ֣ה לִ֭בִּ⁠י עַל־אִשָּׁ֑ה1

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. However, be careful to translate Jobs meaning accurately. Job is not describing a situation in which a woman would be essentially responsible for seducing him. He is describing a situation in which he would not have exercised self-control over what he looked at (as described in verse 1) and in which he allowed the beauty of a woman to entice him to do something he knew was wrong. Alternate translation: “If I have allowed a woman to entice me”

234331:9rs8zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠עַל־פֶּ֖תַח רֵעִ֣⁠י אָרָֽבְתִּי1

The implication is that this woman is married and that Job would have waited in hiding outside her door for her to open the door and let him come into her home and have sexual relations with her at a time when her husband was away. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and I have waited for my neighbors wife to let me into her home so that I could have sexual relations with her”

234431:10ngk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyתִּטְחַ֣ן לְ⁠אַחֵ֣ר אִשְׁתִּ֑⁠י1

Job is using the term grind, meaning to grind grain, by association to mean “be a concubine,” since concubines did the work of grinding grain for their masters, who were also their husbands. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. See the General Notes to this chapter for a further discussion of this verse. Alternate translation: “may my wife become the concubine of another man”

234531:10j954rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismוְ֝⁠עָלֶ֗י⁠הָ יִכְרְע֥וּ⁠ן אֲחֵרִֽין1

Job is using the phrase bow down upon to mean “have sexual relations with.” This is mild way of referring to something that is usually done in private. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “and may others sleep with her”

234631:11ds7erc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsכִּי־הִ֥יא & זִמָּ֑ה1

The pronoun that refers to what Job described in verse 9, not to what he described in verse 10. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “For if I had sexual relations with another mans wife, that would be lewdness”

234731:11h8zirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionוְ֝ה֗וּא & עָוֺ֥ן פְּלִילִֽים1

Job is using this possessive form to describe iniquity that judges would punish, not iniquity that judges would commit. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and judges would certainly punish such iniquity”

234831:12j955rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּ֤י1

Job is using the word For to introduce the reason why he would not commit adultery, not the reason why judges would punish adultery. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “I would not commit adultery, because I know that”

234931:12j956rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאֵ֣שׁ הִ֭יא1

The pronoun it refers to adultery. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “adultery is a fire”

235031:12r4vnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֵ֣שׁ הִ֭יא1

Job is speaking as if adultery were literally a fire. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it is very destructive”

235131:12i923rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעַד־אֲבַדּ֣וֹן תֹּאכֵ֑ל1

Job is speaking of the fire that he is using to represent adultery as if it burns everything in its path right down to the underworld. As a note to 26:6 explains, the word Abaddon is another name for Sheol. However, the word literally means “destruction,” and Job may be using it in that sense, even within the image of this fire. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it burns until everything before it is completely destroyed”

235231:12bn97rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּֽ⁠בְ⁠כָל־תְּב֖וּאָתִ֣⁠י תְשָׁרֵֽשׁand it would uproot all of my harvest1

Job is also speaking as if adultery were something that would uproot his entire harvest. He is probably using this image to represent the loss of all of his possessions. Proverbs 6:2635 indicates that in this culture, men found guilty of adultery could have to pay great amounts in fines and compensation. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and it could cost me all of my possessions” or “and it could make me lose all of my wealth”

235331:13j957rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsאִם־אֶמְאַ֗ס מִשְׁפַּ֣ט עַ֭בְדִּ⁠י וַ⁠אֲמָתִ֑⁠י1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “If I did not consider it important to treat my male servant or my female servant justly”

235431:14s3xgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוּ⁠מָ֣ה אֶֽ֭עֱשֶׂה כִּֽי־יָק֣וּם אֵ֑ל וְ⁠כִֽי־יִ֝פְקֹ֗ד מָ֣ה אֲשִׁיבֶֽ⁠נּוּ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “then I would not be able to do anything if God arose, or if he visited, I would not be able to answer him”

235531:14j958rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיָק֣וּם אֵ֑ל1

Job is asking implicitly what he would do if God arose or stood up to bring charges against him. As a note to 20:27 explains, in order to begin a case against someone, people in this culture would stand up among those who had gathered in the public square. See how you translated the similar expression in 20:27. Alternate translation: “God stood up to bring charges against me”

235631:14j959rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠כִֽי־יִ֝פְקֹ֗ד1

Job is using the term visited in a particular sense. When applied to God, the term often indicates that God takes action in the life of a person or group, whether to help needy people or to punish guilty people. For example, Ruth 1:6 says that Naomi, who had left Israel because of a famine, returned there after she heard that “Yahweh had visited his people, giving them bread.” Here the sense is that God would “visit” Job to help Jobs servants and to punish him for mistreating them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Or if he came to help my servants”

235731:15jl2jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲֽ֝⁠לֹא־בַ֭⁠בֶּטֶן עֹשֵׂ֣⁠נִי עָשָׂ֑⁠הוּ וַ֝⁠יְכֻנֶ֗⁠נּוּ בָּ⁠רֶ֥חֶם אֶחָֽד1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “After all, the one who made me in the belly also made him. Indeed, the same person fashioned us both in the womb.”

235831:15j960rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsעָשָׂ֑⁠הוּ1

Although the pronoun him is masculine, Job is using the word in a generic sense that refers both to the “male servant” and “female servant” whom he describes in verse 13. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use an expression in your language that would indicate this. Alternate translation: “Did … make my male servant and my female servant” or “Did … make them”

235931:15j961rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveוַ֝⁠יְכֻנֶ֗⁠נּוּ & אֶחָֽד1

By us, Job means himself and his servants but not the friends to whom he is speaking, so use the exclusive form of that word in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

236031:16yzr5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionמֵ⁠חֵ֣פֶץ דַּלִּ֑ים1

Job is using this possessive form to describe something that the poor would desire. The sense is that they would desire this because they needed it. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “something that the poor desired” or “something that the poor needed”

236131:16j962rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjדַּלִּ֑ים1

Job 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: “poor people”

236231:16e9r8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠עֵינֵ֖י אַלְמָנָ֣ה אֲכַלֶּֽה1

Job is using one part of this widow, her eyes, to mean all of her in the act of looking for help, that is, expecting and awaiting help. If her eyes were to fail, that would mean that she had given up hope of receiving the help she needed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or if I have neglected to help a widow for so long that she gave up hope of receiving help”

236331:16j963rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounאַלְמָנָ֣ה1

Job is not referring to a specific widow. He means any widow who might have needed help. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using an indefinite article. Alternate translation: “a widow”

236431:17gs2brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjיָת֣וֹם1

Job is using the adjective fatherless 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: “the fatherless person” or “the orphan”

236531:17j964rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounיָת֣וֹם1

Job is not referring to a specific fatherless person. He means any orphan who might have needed food. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “any orphan who might have needed food”

236631:18ibm5rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּ֣י1

Job is using the word for to introduce the reason why he does not even need to specify a consequence in this case if he has committed the sins he has just described. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “but I do not even need to say what God should do to me if I have done those things, because”

236731:18z518rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleמִ֭⁠נְּעוּרַ⁠י & וּ⁠מִ⁠בֶּ֖טֶן אִמִּ֣⁠י1

Job says from my youth and from the belly of my mother as overstatements for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “throughout my life … and continually”

236831:18xz2irc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsגְּדֵלַ֣⁠נִי & אַנְחֶֽ⁠נָּה1

The pronoun he refers to the representative orphan whom Job described in the verse 17, and the pronoun her refers to the representative widow he described in verse 16. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the orphan has grown up with me … I have guided the widow”

236931:19j965rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjלָ⁠אֶבְיֽוֹן1

Job is using the adjective needy 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: “for a needy person”

237031:19j966rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounלָ⁠אֶבְיֽוֹן1

Job is not referring to a specific needy person. He means any person who might have needed a covering, probably meaning an outer garment that would also have served as a blanket. You could indicate in your translation whom Job means if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “for any person who needed one”

237131:20j967rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureאִם־לֹ֣א בֵרֲכ֣וּ⁠נִי חֲלָצָ֑יו וּ⁠מִ⁠גֵּ֥ז כְּ֝בָשַׂ⁠י יִתְחַמָּֽם1

Since this representative needy person may have first warmed himself with a garment that Job provided and then blessed Job for this practical help, it may be more natural to reverse the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: “if he has not warmed himself from the wool of my sheep and blessed me for my kindness”

237231:20ut9qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheאִם־לֹ֣א בֵרֲכ֣וּ⁠נִי חֲלָצָ֑יו1

Job is using one part of this representative needy person, his loins, to mean all of him in the act of blessing Job. Job probably chooses the waist area to symbolize this person because that is the area that a person who needed clothing would cover first. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “if he has not blessed me”

237331:20r66urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוּ⁠מִ⁠גֵּ֥ז כְּ֝בָשַׂ⁠י1

Job is using this phrase by association to mean a garment that someone in his household would have woven from wool that his sheep had produced. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and … with a warm woolen garment that I provided”

237431:21mf7qrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionאִם־הֲנִיפ֣וֹתִי עַל־יָת֣וֹם יָדִ֑⁠י1

Shaking the hand, probably formed into a fist, against someone would be a symbolic action that threatened harm if the person did not acquiesce to ones wishes. In this context, it would be a gesture that threatened severe consequences if an opponent in court did not agree to settle a case on favorable terms. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “if I have tried to intimidate the fatherless into settling a case in my favor”

237531:21w7s9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאֶרְאֶ֥ה בַ֝⁠שַּׁ֗עַר עֶזְרָתִֽ⁠י1

Job is using the term gate by association to mean the community court, which would hold its sessions in the public square near the city gate. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I saw that there were people in court who would take my side”

237631:22sqk5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ֝⁠אֶזְרֹעִ֗⁠י מִ⁠קָּנָ֥⁠ה תִשָּׁבֵֽר1

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: “yes, may my arm break off from its socket”

237731:23ss4jrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּ֤י1

Job is using the word For to reassert the reason why he did not commit any of the crimes he has been describing. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “No, I did not do any of those things, because”

237831:23j968rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionאֵ֣יד אֵ֑ל1

Job is using this possessive form to describe the destruction of a wicked person by God, not the destruction of God by anything. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the knowledge that God destroys wicked people”

237931:23j969rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוּ֝⁠מִ⁠שְּׂאֵת֗⁠וֹ לֹ֣א אוּכָֽל1

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. Job is referring to neglecting the poor and intimidating the fatherless, as he described in verses 1921. Alternate translation: “and because of his majesty, I was not able to do any of those things” or “and because of his majesty, I could not have done any of those things”

238031:24j970rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוְ֝⁠לַ⁠כֶּ֗תֶם אָמַ֥רְתִּי מִבְטַחִֽ⁠י1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “and I have told fine gold that it was my confidence”

238131:24s4smrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheוְ֝⁠לַ⁠כֶּ֗תֶם אָמַ֥רְתִּי מִבְטַחִֽ⁠י1

If Job had spoken to fine gold in this way, he would have been speaking to something that he knew could not hear him in order to show in a strong way how he felt about it. If a speaker in your language would not do that, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I have said that fine gold was my confidence”

238231:24r6lgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ֝⁠לַ⁠כֶּ֗תֶם אָמַ֥רְתִּי מִבְטַחִֽ⁠י1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of confidence, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and I have said that I was confiding in fine gold”

238331:25sk1trc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformulaוְ⁠כִֽי־כַ֝בִּ֗יר מָצְאָ֥ה יָדִֽ⁠י1

In this instance, Job is swearing an oath by stating the first part of a condition (“if”) but not the second part (“then”). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explicitly state the implied second part of this condition. You could use the same language that Job uses in verses 11 and 28, or you could use plain language. Alternate translation: “and because my hand had acquired much, then judges would certainly punish such iniquity” or “and because my hand had acquired much, then I would certainly deserve punishment”

238431:25bt3prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheכַ֝בִּ֗יר מָצְאָ֥ה יָדִֽ⁠י1

Job is using one part of himself, his hand, to mean all of him in the act of acquiring wealth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I had acquired much”

238531:25j971rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjכַ֝בִּ֗יר1

Job is using the adjective much as a noun to mean wealth in quantity. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “a fortune”

238631:26j972rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyא֖וֹר1

Job is using the term light by association to mean the sun. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the sun”

238731:26m93prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠יָרֵ֗חַ & הֹלֵֽךְ1

Job is speaking as if the moon were literally walking across the sky. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or the moon moving across the sky”

238831:27qcf6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוַ⁠יִּ֣פְתְּ & לִבִּ֑⁠י1

See how you translated the similar expression about the “heart” being “opened” in 31:9. Alternate translation: “and I was attracted to the sun or the moon”

238931:27wm2trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוַ⁠תִּשַּׁ֖ק יָדִ֣⁠י לְ⁠פִֽ⁠י1

Job is speaking as if his hand were a living thing that could have kissed his mouth. He means that if he had wanted to offer worship to the sun or the moon, following the customs of this culture, he would have touched his hand to his mouth in a kiss and then waved the kiss up to the sun or the moon. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “and I had blown a kiss to the sun or the moon” or “and I had worshiped the sun or the moon”

239031:28pwl3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionגַּם־ה֭וּא עָוֺ֣ן פְּלִילִ֑י1

See how you translated the expression iniquity of judges in 31:11. Alternate translation: “judges would certainly also punish such iniquity”

239131:29b1imrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ֝⁠הִתְעֹרַ֗רְתִּי1

This expression means to consider oneself in a better position than another who has suffered a misfortune. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or gloated”

239231:29p1ntrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationכִּֽי־מְצָ֥א⁠וֹ רָֽע1

Job is speaking of evil as if it were a living thing that could have found someone who hated him. Here the word evil has the sense of “misfortune” rather than of moral wrong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because he suffered misfortune”

239331:29hvt5rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformulaכִּֽי־מְצָ֥א⁠וֹ רָֽע1

This is the conclusion of an oath that Job is swearing in this verse. See what you did in 31:25, where Job similarly does not state the second part of the condition in an oath that he is swearing. Alternate translation: “because evil found him, then judges would certainly punish such iniquity” or “because evil found him, then I would certainly deserve punishment”

239431:30w93crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ⁠לֹא־נָתַ֣תִּי לַ⁠חֲטֹ֣א חִכִּ֑⁠י1

Job is speaking as if his palate or mouth were a living thing that he could have caused to sin. He means that he himself could have sinned in something that he said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “For I have not said something sinful”

239531:31j973rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformulaאִם־לֹ֣א אָ֭מְרוּ מְתֵ֣י אָהֳלִ֑⁠י מִֽי־יִתֵּ֥ן מִ֝⁠בְּשָׂר֗⁠וֹ לֹ֣א נִשְׂבָּֽע1

As in 31:25 and 31:29, here Job does not state the second part of the condition in an oath that he is swearing. See what you did in those verses. Alternate translation: “If the men of my tent have not said, Who will give one who has not been satisfied from his flesh? then judges would certainly punish such iniquity” or “If the men of my tent have not said, Who will give one {who} has not been satisfied from his flesh? then I would certainly deserve punishment”

239631:31j974rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesאִם־לֹ֣א אָ֭מְרוּ מְתֵ֣י אָהֳלִ֑⁠י מִֽי־יִתֵּ֥ן מִ֝⁠בְּשָׂר֗⁠וֹ לֹ֣א נִשְׂבָּֽע1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “If the men of my tent have not asked who could show one who has not been satisfied from my flesh!”

239731:31ng3arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמְתֵ֣י אָהֳלִ֑⁠י1

Job is using the term tent by association to mean his household. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the men of my household”

239831:31j975rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsמְתֵ֣י אָהֳלִ֑⁠י1

Although Job refers to his male and female servants separately in 31:13, Job is likely using the masculine term men here in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “the men and women of my household” or “my servants”

239931:31hwl9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִֽי־יִתֵּ֥ן מִ֝⁠בְּשָׂר֗⁠וֹ לֹ֣א נִשְׂבָּֽע1

Jobs servants would be using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. (In this context, unlike elsewhere in the book, the expression Who will give does not express a wish. The servants are not saying, “We wish there was one who has not been satisfied.”) Alternate translation: “No one can show anyone who has not been satisfied from his flesh!” or, positively, “Everyone has been satisfied from his flesh!”

240031:31j976rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלֹ֣א נִשְׂבָּֽע1

As the next verse shows, Jobs servants would be speaking implicitly of hungry people. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “a hungry person who has not been satisfied”

240131:31j977rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ֝⁠בְּשָׂר֗⁠וֹ1

Jobs servants would be using the term flesh by association to mean meat and, by further association, food in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from his food”

240231:32p6kkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesבַּ֭⁠חוּץ לֹא־יָלִ֣ין גֵּ֑ר1

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 phrase stayed overnight in the outdoors. Alternate translation: “I have allowed the sojourner to stay in my home”

240331:32uns3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounלֹא־יָלִ֣ין גֵּ֑ר & לָ⁠אֹ֥רַח1

Job is not referring to a specific sojourner or to a specific traveler. He means sojourners and travelers in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “Sojourners have not stayed overnight … to travelers”

240431:32h895rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheדְּ֝לָתַ֗⁠י לָ⁠אֹ֥רַח אֶפְתָּֽח1

Job is using one thing he would do to provide hospitality, open his doors, to mean the entire act of providing hospitality. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have provided hospitality to travelers”

240531:33jav4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsכְ⁠אָדָ֣ם1

The word translated man could mean: (1) even though it is masculine, humanity in general, including both men and women. Alternate translation: “as people do” (2) Adam, the first man whom God created and who tried to hide from God when he realized that he had sinned. (However, many interpreters question whether Job would have been familiar with the book of Genesis.) Alternate translation: “like Adam”

240631:33sb1qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכִּסִּ֣יתִי & פְּשָׁעָ֑⁠י לִ⁠טְמ֖וֹן בְּ⁠חֻבִּ֣⁠י עֲוֺֽנִ⁠י1

Job is speaking as if guilt were an object that he could hide in his chest. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “I have concealed the guilt of my sins by keeping it inside” or “I have concealed my sins by not telling anyone about what I was guilty of doing”

240731:34b8mlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלֹא־אֵ֥צֵא פָֽתַח1

Job is using a thing he would do to confess his sins publicly, go out the door, to mean the entire act of making a public confession. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I did not confess my sin publicly”

240831:34ia4hrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-oathformulaלֹא־אֵ֥צֵא פָֽתַח1

This is the conclusion of an oath that Job is swearing in this verse. See what you did in 31:25, where Job similarly does not state the second part of the condition in an oath that he is swearing. Alternate translation: “I did not go out the door, then judges would certainly punish such iniquity” or “I did not go out the door, then I would certainly deserve punishment”

240931:35i9lkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomמִ֤י יִתֶּן־לִ֨⁠י ׀ שֹׁ֘מֵ֤עַֽ לִ֗⁠י1

See how you translated the expression Who will give in 11:56. Alternate translation: “I wish that I had someone who was hearing me!”

241031:35v1vprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitשֹׁ֘מֵ֤עַֽ לִ֗⁠י1

By one hearing me, Job implicitly means someone impartial “hearing” his case in the judicial sense and judging it. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “someone impartial who will judge between me and God”

241131:35vmt3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהֶן־תָּ֭וִ⁠י1

It appears that in this culture, both parties in a legal proceeding would submit their arguments to the court in writing and that they would sign them with their names or with a mark to authenticate them. Job is speaking as if he is putting his mark on a written record of his testimony in order to declare that everything he has just said is true. (It seems unlikely that he has actually put all of his testimony in writing, since this is not an actual court proceeding and God would not be submitting a corresponding written document.) You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I certify that I have been telling the truth”

241231:35u84zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ⁠סֵ֥פֶר כָּ֝תַ֗ב אִ֣ישׁ רִיבִֽ⁠י1

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 who will give to me the scroll that the man of my case has written?” or “And I wish that I had the scroll that the man of my case has written!”

241331:35qku3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִ֣ישׁ רִיבִֽ⁠י1

This expression refers to an opponent in a legal proceeding. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my opponent”

241431:36j978rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־לֹ֣א עַל־שִׁ֭כְמִ⁠י אֶשָּׂאֶ֑⁠נּוּ1

Job 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: “I would bear it on my shoulder, would I not?”

241531:36j979rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאִם־לֹ֣א עַל־שִׁ֭כְמִ⁠י אֶשָּׂאֶ֑⁠נּוּ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I would certainly bear it on my shoulder!”

241631:36gw5arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאִם־לֹ֣א עַל־שִׁ֭כְמִ⁠י אֶשָּׂאֶ֑⁠נּוּ1

Job is speaking as if he would literally bear his opponents written legal argument against him on his shoulder. He means that he would have no reason to be ashamed of any of the accusations, knowing that they would be proven false and his honor would be vindicated. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “I would wear it as a badge of honor!”

241731:36j980rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֶֽעֶנְדֶ֖⁠נּוּ עֲטָר֣וֹת לִֽ⁠י1

Job is using the plural form crowns to refer to a crown of superlative quality. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “I would wear it on my head as a splendid crown” or “I would wrap it around my head as a splendid garland”

241831:37l5p7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorצְ֭עָדַ⁠י1

Job is speaking of his actions as if they were steps along a path that he had been walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “my actions”

241931:37mvd6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכְּמוֹ־נָ֝גִ֗יד1

The point of this comparison is that just as a noble does things confidently and with self-assurance because of his position, so Job would approach the Almighty confidently, knowing that he was innocent. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “confidently”

242031:38r91trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationאִם־עָ֭לַ⁠י אַדְמָתִ֣⁠י תִזְעָ֑ק וְ֝⁠יַ֗חַד תְּלָמֶ֥י⁠הָ יִבְכָּיֽוּ⁠ן1

Job is speaking of the soil on his land and its furrows as if they were living things that could cry out for justice and weep because of oppression. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly, in light of what Job says in the next verse. Alternate translation: “If I have committed a sin in the way that I have used my land”

242131:39j981rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְלִי־כָ֑סֶף1

Job is using the term silver by association to mean money, since silver was used as money in this culture. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “without paying for it”

242231:39vfe3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismוְ⁠נֶ֖פֶשׁ בְּעָלֶ֣י⁠הָ הִפָּֽחְתִּי1

This could mean: (1) that as a poetic way of referring to death, Job is speaking of how someone might expire or breathe out breath. He would mean implicitly that he had not even left the people who were farming his land enough crops to live on. Alternate translation: “or caused its masters to die of starvation” (2) that Job had grieved the people who were farming his land by oppressing them, though he had not actually caused them to die. The word translated breath can also mean “soul,” and the word translated expire could mean “sigh.” In that case Job would be using the souls of these farmers to mean the farmers themselves. Alternate translation: “or caused the souls of its masters to sigh” or “or caused its masters to sigh from oppression”

242331:39j982rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבְּעָלֶ֣י⁠הָ1

In this context, the term masters describes people who are farming the land, not people who own it. It could refer to people who were tenants of land that Job owned. In that case, they would likely be sharecropping, that is, growing crops on Jobs land in exchange for giving him a share of the crops. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “its tenants” or “its sharecroppers” or “the people who were farming it”

242431:40k93zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisתַּ֤חַת חִטָּ֨ה ׀ יֵ֥צֵא ח֗וֹחַ וְ⁠תַֽחַת־שְׂעֹרָ֥ה בָאְשָׁ֑ה1

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: “may a thorn grow instead of wheat, and may a weed grow instead of barley”

242531:40j983rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounתַּ֤חַת חִטָּ֨ה ׀ יֵ֥צֵא ח֗וֹחַ וְ⁠תַֽחַת־שְׂעֹרָ֥ה בָאְשָׁ֑ה1

Job is not referring to a specific thorn or to a specific weed. He means thorns and weeds in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “may thorns grow instead of wheat, and may weeds grow instead of barley”

242631:40j984rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyתַּ֝֗מּוּ דִּבְרֵ֥י אִיּֽוֹב1

The narrator is using the term words to mean what Job has been saying by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “This is the end of what Job said”

242732:intropq4v0

Job 32 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter introduces a younger man named Elihu, who has been listening to the conversation between Job and his three friends. Elihu explains that he waited for the friends to speak first, out of respect for their age. But since they have not been able to answer Job effectively, he would now like to speak himself. Elihu continues to speak through chapter 37.

The ULT sets the lines 32:622 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because those verses are poetry.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Reference of “you” and “your”

In verses 6 and 1114, Elihu says “you” and “your” in order to refer to Jobs three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

“words” meaning speaking or what a person says

Several times in verses 1118, Elihu uses the term “words” to mean speaking or what a person says by using words. The narrator also uses the term in that sense in verse 4. Notes suggest ways to translate the term “words” in these various individual contexts.

242832:1j985rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitשְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת הָ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֣ים הָ֭⁠אֵלֶּה1

By the three of these men, the narrator implicitly means Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar”

242932:1k2f6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְּ⁠עֵינָֽי⁠ו1

The narrator is using the term eyes by association to mean sight. Sight, in turn, represents attention, perspective, and judgment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in his own perspective”

243032:2cr7drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ⁠יִּ֤חַר אַ֨ף ׀ אֱלִיה֣וּא בֶן־בַּרַכְאֵ֣ל הַ⁠בּוּזִי֮ מִ⁠מִּשְׁפַּ֪חַ֫ת רָ֥ם בְּ֭⁠אִיּוֹב חָרָ֣ה אַפּ֑⁠וֹ 1

See how you translated the word nose in 9:5. The narrator is speaking as if Elihus nose or anger could literally have burned. He means that Elihu became very angry. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Then Elihu son of Barakel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, became very angry. He became very angry against Job”

243132:2s11arc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventוַ⁠יִּ֤חַר1

The narrator is using the word translated Then 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.

243232:2j986rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsאֱלִיה֣וּא בֶן־בַּרַכְאֵ֣ל הַ⁠בּוּזִי֮ מִ⁠מִּשְׁפַּ֪חַ֫ת רָ֥ם1

The author is introducing Elihu as a new participant in the story by naming his father, his people group, and his clan. If your language has its own way of introducing new participants, you can use it here in your translation. You may wish to indicate in your translation, as the UST does, that Elihu had been listening as Job spoke with his three friends.

243332:2hxc1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesאֱלִיה֣וּא & בַּרַכְאֵ֣ל & הַ⁠בּוּזִי֮ & רָ֥ם1

The words Elihu, Barakel, and Ram are the names of men. Buzite is the name of the people group to which Elihu belonged. The term identifies him as one of the descendants of a man named Buz.

243432:3p4awrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorחָרָ֪ה אַ֫פּ֥⁠וֹ1

See how you translated the similar expression in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “he became very angry”

243532:3j987rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismוַ֝⁠יַּרְשִׁ֗יעוּ אֶת־אִיּֽוֹב1

A marginal notation in traditional manuscripts of the Hebrew Bible indicates that scribes changed this reading from “they had declared God wrong” to they had declared Job wrong. The scribes made this change in order to avoid the uncomfortable suggestion that God could be declared wrong. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. Alternate translation: “and so they had made it appear as if God were wrong”

243632:4j988rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultוֶֽ⁠אֱלִיה֗וּ חִכָּ֣ה אֶת־אִ֭יּוֹב בִּ⁠דְבָרִ֑ים כִּ֤י זְֽקֵנִים־הֵ֖מָּה מִמֶּ֣⁠נּוּ לְ⁠יָמִֽים1

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: “Now Jobs friends were much older than Elihu, so he had waited until they had finished speaking to Job before he spoke himself”

243732:4w92drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוֶֽ⁠אֱלִיה֗וּ חִכָּ֣ה אֶת־אִ֭יּוֹב בִּ⁠דְבָרִ֑ים כִּ֤י1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the narrator is using the term words to mean what Elihu wanted to say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Now Elihu had waited to speak to Job because”

243832:4j989rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomזְֽקֵנִים־הֵ֖מָּה & לְ⁠יָמִֽים1

See how you translated the similar expression in 30:1. Alternate translation: “they were older in age”

243932:5mm6zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֵ֤ין מַעֲנֶ֗ה בְּ֭⁠פִי שְׁלֹ֥שֶׁת הָ⁠אֲנָשִׁ֗ים1

The narrator is speaking as if an answer were an object that could have been in the mouths of Jobs friends. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Jobs three friends could say nothing further to answer him”

244032:6j990rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysוַ⁠יַּ֤עַן & וַ⁠יֹּ֫אמַ֥ר1

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 a person said something. Specifically, the person said it in order to answer or respond to what someone else said. See how you have been translating this expression. Alternate translation: “And … responded”

244132:6j991rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלְ֭⁠יָמִים1

Elihu is using the term days to refer to his age. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “in age”

244232:6jj95rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularוְ⁠אַתֶּ֣ם1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the word you is plural here because Elihu is addressing Jobs three friends, so use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

244332:7j992rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesאָ֭מַרְתִּי יָמִ֣ים יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ וְ⁠רֹ֥ב שָׁ֝נִ֗ים יֹדִ֥יעוּ חָכְמָֽה1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “I told myself that days should speak and that a multitude of years should teach wisdom”

244432:7z9d9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיָמִ֣ים יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ וְ⁠רֹ֥ב שָׁ֝נִ֗ים יֹדִ֥יעוּ חָכְמָֽה1

Elihu is speaking of days and years as if they were living things that could speak and teach wisdom. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. He means that people who have lived for many days and years should do those things. Alternate translation: “Let people who have lived for many days speak; yes, let those who have lived for a multitude of years teach wisdom”

244532:7j993rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsחָכְמָֽה1

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: “what is wise”

244632:8j994rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitרֽוּחַ־הִ֣יא בֶ⁠אֱנ֑וֹשׁ1

Elihu means implicitly that God created humans with a spirit as well as a body. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “man has a spirit, not just a body”

244732:8le8vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsבֶ⁠אֱנ֑וֹשׁ1

Although the term man is masculine, Elihu 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 language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “in humans”

244832:8tg64rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠נִשְׁמַ֖ת שַׁדַּ֣י תְּבִינֵֽ⁠ם1

Elihu means implicitly that because the Almighty breathed life into humans, divinely bestowing on them the gift of life (the Bible presents this concept in Genesis 2:7), humans have understanding, not just instinct as animals do. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and it is because the Almighty has breathed life into them that they have understanding”

244932:9j995rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלֹֽא־רַבִּ֥ים יֶחְכָּ֑מוּ וּ֝⁠זְקֵנִ֗ים יָבִ֥ינוּ מִשְׁפָּֽט1

Elihu means implicitly that it is not the great or the aged alone who are wise and understand justice. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “It is not only the great who are wise, and it is not the aged alone who understand justice”

245032:9j996rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרַבִּ֥ים & וּ֝⁠זְקֵנִ֗ים1

Elihu is using the adjectives great and aged 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: “Great people … and aged people”

245132:9j997rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsמִשְׁפָּֽט1

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

245232:10j998rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesלָ⁠כֵ֣ן אָ֭מַרְתִּי שִׁמְעָ⁠ה־לִּ֑⁠י אֲחַוֶּ֖ה דֵּעִ֣⁠י אַף־אָֽנִי1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Therefore I ask you to listen to me so that I also can declare my knowledge”

245332:10c94urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsדֵּעִ֣⁠י1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “what I know”

245432:11vq5wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלְֽ⁠דִבְרֵי⁠כֶ֗ם & מִלִּֽין1

Elihu is using the term words to mean what Jobs friends said and tried to say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for you to speak … for something to say”

245532:12cem5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאֲמָרָ֣י⁠ו1

Elihu is using the term words to mean what Job said by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what he said” or “his arguments”

245632:13ys9lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesפֶּן־תֹּ֣֭אמְרוּ מָצָ֣אנוּ חָכְמָ֑ה1

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: “So do not say that you have found wisdom”

245732:13pwq9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsלֹא־אִֽישׁ1

Elihu is using the masculine term man in a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “not a mere human being”

245832:14q8fqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠לֹא־עָרַ֣ךְ אֵלַ֣⁠י מִלִּ֑ין1

Elihu is using the term words to mean what Job and his friends have been saying by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Now Job has said nothing to provoke me, so I can speak reasonably to him, unlike you”

245932:15j999rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-asideחַ֭תּוּ לֹא־עָ֣נוּ ע֑וֹד הֶעְתִּ֖יקוּ מֵ⁠הֶ֣ם מִלִּֽים1

Elihu has been speaking directly to Jobs friends in the second person, but in this verse he starts speaking about them in the third person. This could mean: (1) that Elihu is now speaking to himself, but out loud, about the people to whom he had been speaking. He would be doing that to indicate in a strong way how he feels about those people. Alternate translation: “I am indignant that Jobs friends are dismayed and are no longer answering him and have nothing further to say to him” (2) that Elihu is now speaking about Jobs friends to others who are present. (It is unlikely that Elihu is turning to address Job himself here; Elihu begins addressing Job directly by name in 33:1.) Alternate translation: “Look, all the rest of you, at how Jobs friends are dismayed and are no longer answering him and have nothing further to say to him!” Since Jobs friends can hear what Elihu is saying, and since he is saying it partly for their benefit, you could also continue to use the second person in your translation, as the UST does.

246032:15gi7drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationהֶעְתִּ֖יקוּ מֵ⁠הֶ֣ם מִלִּֽים1

Elihu is speaking of words as if they were living things that could have gone away from Jobs friends. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they have nothing further to say”

246132:16k7n7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ֭⁠הוֹחַלְתִּי כִּי־לֹ֣א יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ כִּ֥י עָ֝מְד֗וּ לֹא־עָ֥נוּ עֽוֹד1

Elihu is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I shall not wait because they are not speaking, because they stand, they answer no more!”

246232:16k000rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeוְ֭⁠הוֹחַלְתִּי כִּי־לֹ֣א יְדַבֵּ֑רוּ כִּ֥י עָ֝מְד֗וּ לֹא־עָ֥נוּ עֽוֹד1

Elihu is using a future statement to give himself an instruction or command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate these words using a command or instruction form. Alternate translation: “I should not wait because they they are not speaking, because they stand, they answer no more!”

246332:16k001rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysעָ֝מְד֗וּ לֹא־עָ֥נוּ עֽוֹד1

Elihu is expressing a single idea by using the two verbs stand and answer. In this context, the word stand means to stop doing something. He does not mean that Jobs friends have stood to their feet. Alternate translation: “they have ceased to answer any more”

246432:17ii5qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsדֵעִ֣⁠י1

See how you translated the similar expression in verse 10. Alternate translation: “what I know”

246532:18j46irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמָלֵ֣תִי מִלִּ֑ים1

Elihu is using the term words to mean what he wants to say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am full of things to say”

246632:18k002rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמָלֵ֣תִי מִלִּ֑ים1

Elihu is speaking of himself as if he were a container that was full of words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I have very many things to say”

246732:18t9etrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitר֣וּחַ1

By spirit, Elihu could mean Gods Spirit, as he described in verse 8 and implied in verse 13. If this is the meaning, your language may have some convention, such as capitalization, for distinguishing Gods Spirit from the spirit of a person. Alternate translation: “the Spirit”

246832:18k003rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheבִּטְנִֽ⁠י1

Elihu is using one part of himself, his belly, to mean all of him in the act of being compelled. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “within me”

246932:19l5s6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyכְּ⁠יַ֥יִן1

Elihu is using the term wine by association to mean a wine container. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “is like a wine container”

247032:19a7czrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכְּ⁠אֹב֥וֹת חֲ֝דָשִׁ֗ים יִבָּקֵֽעַ1

Elihu is speaking as if his belly were literally bursting open the way new wineskins do if they are not able to stretch enough to accommodate the gases that form as the wine inside them ferments. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I feel as if I can barely contain all the things I want to say, as if I were a new wineskin that could hardly stretch enough to contain all the gases that were forming as the wine inside it fermented”

247132:20m29yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠יִֽרְוַֽח־לִ֑⁠י1

The idea of being able to breathe freely once again is implicit in the word translated refresh. Your language may have an equivalent expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “so that I can breathe a sign of relief”

247232:20w6zzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheאֶפְתַּ֖ח שְׂפָתַ֣⁠י1

See how you translated the similar expression in 11:5. Alternate translation: “I will talk”

247332:21k004rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאִ֑ישׁ & אָ֝דָ֗ם1

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

247432:21k005rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאַל & אֶשָּׂ֣א פְנֵי־אִ֑ישׁ1

See how you translated the similar expression in 13:8. Alternate translation: “let me not show favoritism to anyone”

247532:21mi73rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠אֶל־אָ֝דָ֗ם לֹ֣א אֲכַנֶּֽה1

Elihu may be using one thing that he might do to flatter someone, address him by an honorary title, to mean all the ways in which he might flatter someone. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and let me not flatter anyone”

247632:22nb65rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלֹ֣א יָדַ֣עְתִּי אֲכַנֶּ֑ה1

This could mean: (1) that Elihu is using the word know in the sense of being acquainted with something. He may mean that this is not his custom. Alternate translation: “it is not my custom to address people by honorary titles” (2) that Elihu is saying that he is not skilled at giving titles. Alternate translation: “I am not very good at giving titles” or “I am not very good at flattery”

247732:22i4r2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismכִּ֝⁠מְעַ֗ט יִשָּׂאֵ֥⁠נִי עֹשֵֽׂ⁠נִי1

When Elihu says that his Maker (God) would take him away if he flattered people, he is referring to death in a poetic way. He means that God would punish him by killing him. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “my Maker would do away with me”

247833:introt7rx0

Job 33 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is a continuation of Elihus speech. In this chapter, Elihu addresses Job directly. He invites Job to listen to him, summarizes what Job has said, and tells Job that he is wrong that God does not respond to people. Elihu says that God speaks to people in dreams to warn them not to keep sinning. He says that God also uses sickness to correct people. The implications are that Jobs sufferings are a warning from God not to sin; they are not a punishment from God for sins that Job has committed. In that sense, as Elihu says at the end of the chapter, Job has been right and his friends have been wrong about what has been happening to Job.

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

Special Concepts in This Chapter

ransom

In verse 24, Elihu describes how God may say of a person who is suffering because of his sin, “I have found a ransom.” The term “ransom” can describe a payment that is made in exchange for someones freedom. The term “redeem,” which Elihu uses earlier in that verse, can similarly mean to make a payment in order to have someone set free. However, in this context, the term “ransom” seems to describe instead a valuable consideration, not necessarily a monetary one, that provides the grounds for sparing someone from punishment. Be sure that it is clear in your translation of this verse that God is not saying that he is going to make a payment to someone else on behalf of the suffering person.

A further implication seems to be that the person whom Elihu is describing has repented because of his sufferings after an interpreting angel has explained to him the change needed in his actions. This repentance shows that the person has responded positively to Gods initiatives to get him to stop living in the wrong way and to start living in the right way once again. Be sure that it is also clear in your translation of verse 24 that there is nothing that the person has done to redeem or ransom himself. As Elihu says, God “is gracious to him.” It is God who brings the sickness into the persons life to “chasten” him, and it is God who sends the angel to warn and admonish the person, and so the person is spared from punishment through the actions of God.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

“words” meaning speaking or what a person says

As in chapter 32, many times in this chapter Elihu uses the term “words” to mean speaking or what a person says by using words. Notes suggest ways to translate the term “words” in these various individual contexts.### reference of “you” and “your”

Throughout this chapter, Elihu uses the pronouns “you” and “your” to address Job individually, so use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

“man” and “men” with generic meaning

In several places in this chapter, Elihu uses the words “man” and “men” in a generic sense that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. It may be helpful in your translation to say “men and women” or to use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Notes suggest translation possibilities at various places (see: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations).

“seals their correction” or “terrifies them with warnings” (verse 16)

In verse 16, the ULT follows the standard Hebrew text by saying “seals their correction.” However, as a footnote in the ULT indicates, many biblical scholars believe that the original reading was more likely “terrifies them with warnings,” and some translations say that. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of the ULT.

247933:1m7lurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִלָּ֑⁠י וְֽ⁠כָל־דְּבָרַ֥⁠י1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, Elihu is using the term words to mean what he wants to say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I have to say … all that I tell you”

248033:2j572rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfutureנָ֭א פָּתַ֣חְתִּי פִ֑⁠י דִּבְּרָ֖ה לְשׁוֹנִ֣⁠י בְ⁠חִכִּֽ⁠י1

Elihu is using the past tense to describe something that he intends to do in the immediate future. He is doing that in order to indicate his resolve to do what he describes. Alternate translation: “I am now about to open my mouth; my tongue is about to speak on my palate”

248133:2k006rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche נָ֭א פָּתַ֣חְתִּי פִ֑⁠י1

Elihu is using the first part of the speaking process, opening ones mouth, to mean the entire process of speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am now about to speak”

248233:2k007rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationדִּבְּרָ֖ה לְשׁוֹנִ֣⁠י בְ⁠חִכִּֽ⁠י1

Elihu is speaking of his tongue as if it were a living thing that could speak on its own. He means that he is about to use his tongue to form words by touching it against his palate and other places in his mouth. Your language may have a similar expression that you could use in your translation. Alternate translation: “the words are on the tip of my tongue”

248333:3k008rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאֲמָרָ֑⁠י1

Elihu is using the term words to mean what he plans to say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will speak”

248433:3u1kkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיֹֽשֶׁר־לִבִּ֥⁠י1

Elihu is using his heart to represent his character. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from the uprightness of my character”

248533:3k009rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsיֹֽשֶׁר־לִבִּ֥⁠י1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of uprightness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “as someone whose character is upright”

248633:3j6sdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ⁠דַ֥עַת שְׂ֝פָתַ֗⁠י בָּר֥וּר מִלֵּֽלוּ1

Elihu is speaking of his lips as if they were living things that could speak on their own. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I say will be pure knowledge”

248733:4g749rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultרֽוּחַ־אֵ֥ל עָשָׂ֑תְ⁠נִי וְ⁠נִשְׁמַ֖ת שַׁדַּ֣י תְּחַיֵּֽ⁠נִי1

Elihu is reasserting the reason he gave in 32:8 to account for how he will be able to speak knowledgably. See how you translated the similar expression there. Alternate translation: “I will be able to speak knowledgably because the Spirit of God made me; yes, it was the Almighty who breathed the breath of life into me”

248833:5ikf4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעֶרְכָ֥⁠ה & הִתְיַצָּֽבָ⁠ה1

Although they are used in other contexts as well, the words translated as array and station can have the sense of organizing troops into formations and placing them on a field of battle in order to defend a certain position. Elihu may be speaking as if Jobs words were troops that he wanted him to organize and as if Job himself were an army that should make a stand on a battlefield. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “marshal your arguments … draw up your defense” or “organize what you want to say … prepare to defend yourself”

248933:5k010rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלְ֝⁠פָנַ֗⁠י1

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: “in my presence” or “to me personally”

249033:6dis8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֲנִ֣י כְ⁠פִ֣י⁠ךָ לָ⁠אֵ֑ל1

Elihu could be using the term mouth to mean: (1) what Job said when he wished that God would respond to him. Job said something like this in 31:35 and in several other places earlier in his speeches. Alternate translation: “I will reply to you on behalf of God, as you wished” (2) Job himself. Elihu would be using part of Job, the part he has been using to pursue his case against God, to mean all of Job. If you follow this second interpretation in your translation, you may wish to put the sentence break at the end of the verse rather than in the middle of the verse, since the two halves of the verse would be parallel statements. Alternate translation: “I am just like you to God”

249133:6q828rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveמֵ֝⁠חֹ֗מֶר קֹרַ֥צְתִּי גַם־אָֽנִי1

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 formed me too from clay”

249233:6ym3brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמֵ֝⁠חֹ֗מֶר קֹרַ֥צְתִּי גַם־אָֽנִי1

Elihu is speaking as if God had literally formed him from clay. He is indicating that he is only a mortal human being by alluding to the way that God originally formed humans from the dust of the earth. The Bible presents this concept in Genesis 2:7). As the next verse makes clear, Elihu is reassuring Job that he does not have to be afraid of how he will respond to him, in contrast with the way Job said in 30:2123 and other places that he was afraid that God would respond to him violently and with great force. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am only a mortal human being”

249333:7dmb1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionאֵ֭מָתִ⁠י1

Elihu is using this possessive form to describe Jobs fear of him, not his own fear of something. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the fear of me”

249433:7y53lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠אַכְפִּ֗⁠י עָלֶ֥י⁠ךָ לֹא־יִכְבָּֽד1

Elihu is speaking as if he might literally use his arms and hands to push down hard on Job and keep him from getting up, although he says that he will not do that. He means that he will not treat Job severely. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I will not treat you severely”

249533:8zu7crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאָמַ֣רְתָּ בְ⁠אָזְנָ֑⁠י1

Elihu is using the term ears by association to mean hearing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have spoken in my hearing” or “you have spoken while I was listening”

249633:8c2f7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠ק֖וֹל מִלִּ֣ין אֶשְׁמָֽע1

Elihu is using the term words to mean what Job has said by using words. Elihu may be referring to the sound of the words to mean the exact words, that is, exactly what Job said. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and this is exactly what I heard you say”

249733:9f62qrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-quotationsזַ֥ךְ אֲנִ֗י בְּֽלִ֫י פָ֥שַׁע חַ֥ף אָנֹכִ֑י וְ⁠לֹ֖א עָוֺ֣ן לִֽ⁠י1

In this verse and the next two verses, Elihu is telling what he heard Job say. You may wish to indicate that with an introductory phrase. While Elihu quotes many words and phrases directly from Jobs speeches (for example, Job described his prayer as “pure” in 16:17), this is a general summary, not a series of exact quotations. Nevertheless, you may wish to present verses 911 as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “You have said, I am pure, without transgression; I am innocent, and I have no iniquity”

249833:9h3f9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesזַ֥ךְ אֲנִ֗י בְּֽלִ֫י פָ֥שַׁע חַ֥ף אָנֹכִ֑י וְ⁠לֹ֖א עָוֺ֣ן לִֽ⁠י1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate verses 911 so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “You have said that you are pure, without transgression; you have said that you are innocent and that you have no iniquity”

249933:10f8tfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesהֵ֣ן תְּ֭נוּאוֹת עָלַ֣⁠י יִמְצָ֑א יַחְשְׁבֵ֖⁠נִי לְ⁠אוֹיֵ֣ב לֽ⁠וֹ1

Elihu is continuing to provide a general summary of what he heard Job say, directly quoting certain words and phrases. For example, Job asked God in 13:24 why God considered him an enemy. If you decided to translate the previous verse as an indirect quotation, you can continue to do that here. Alternate translation: “You have said that God finds occasions against you and that he considers you to be his enemy”

250033:11w3jarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesיָשֵׂ֣ם בַּ⁠סַּ֣ד רַגְלָ֑⁠י יִ֝שְׁמֹ֗ר כָּל־אָרְחֹתָֽ⁠י1

Elihu is continuing to provide a general summary of what he heard Job say. In this verse he quotes directly what Job said in 13:27. If you decided to translate the previous two verses as an indirect quotation, you can continue to do that here. Alternate translation: “You have said that God puts your feet in shackles and that he watches all of your paths.

250133:11ra4erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיָשֵׂ֣ם בַּ⁠סַּ֣ד רַגְלָ֑⁠י יִ֝שְׁמֹ֗ר כָּל־אָרְחֹתָֽ⁠י1

Job spoke as if God had literally put his feet in shackles and as if his courses of action were literally paths that he was walking along. If you chose to express the ideas behind these images rather than the images themselves in 13:27, you can do the same thing here so that it will be clear that Elihu is quoting what Job said there.

250233:12bbu1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitזֹ֣את1

By this, Elihu seems to mean Jobs belief that God was not treating him fairly, which Elihu has just summarized. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “in thinking that God is not treating you fairly,”

250333:12k011rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultזֹ֣את לֹא־צָדַ֣קְתָּ & כִּֽי־יִרְבֶּ֥ה אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַ מֵ⁠אֱנֽוֹשׁ1

If it would be more natural in your language, you could move this phrase to the start of the verse (after Behold), since it gives the reason why Elihu says that Job is not right. Alternate translation: “since God is greater than man, you have misunderstood how he is treating you”

250433:12k012rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsמֵ⁠אֱנֽוֹשׁ1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, here the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “than humans”

250533:13z74qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַ֭דּוּעַ אֵלָ֣י⁠ו רִיב֑וֹתָ כִּ֥י כָל־דְּ֝בָרָ֗י⁠ו לֹ֣א־יַעֲנֶֽה1

Elihu is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not contend against him, that he does not answer any of ones words”

250633:13m749rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכִּ֥י כָל־דְּ֝בָרָ֗י⁠ו לֹ֣א־יַעֲנֶֽה1

Elihu could be saying: (1) that Jobs complaint is that God has not responded to his questions and protests. In that case, Elihu would be using the term translated words to mean what Job has been saying. Alternate translation: “that he does not respond when one speaks to him” (2) that God does not given an account for his own actions. The term translated words can also describe the matters with which someone is concerned or the things that someone does. Alternate translation: “that he does not account to anyone for how he treats that person”

250733:13k013rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personכִּ֥י כָל־דְּ֝בָרָ֗י⁠ו לֹ֣א־יַעֲנֶֽה1

Since Elihu is speaking to Job and he probably means that Job is complaining that God is not answering him, you could translate this in the second person if that would be more natural in your language. Alternate translation: “that does not answer any of your words” or “that he does not respond when you speak to him”

250833:13k014rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsכִּ֥י כָל־דְּ֝בָרָ֗י⁠ו לֹ֣א־יַעֲנֶֽה1

It may be more natural in your language to make this a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “saying, He does not answer any of my words” or “saying, He does not respond when I speak to him

250933:14gyh6rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-poetryבְ⁠אַחַ֥ת יְדַבֶּר־אֵ֑ל וּ֝⁠בִ⁠שְׁתַּ֗יִם1

As Eliphaz did in 5:19, here Elihu 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 a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could express the emphasis another way. Alternate translation: “God indeed speaks to people”

251033:14k015rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastלֹ֣א יְשׁוּרֶֽ⁠נָּה1

Elihu is drawing an implicit contrast between Gods genuine speaking and peoples failure to perceive it. You may wish to indicate this contrast explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “the only problem is, people do not perceive it”

251133:15zz7arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבַּ⁠חֲל֤וֹם ׀ חֶזְי֬וֹן לַ֗יְלָה בִּ⁠נְפֹ֣ל תַּ֭רְדֵּמָה עַל־אֲנָשִׁ֑ים1

Elihu is using two of the same phrases that Eliphaz used in 4:13 in order to make a very similar point. The implication is that Elihu believes that Eliphaz was right to say what he did. Since Elihu is echoing Eliphaz implicitly, it would probably not be appropriate to add an explicit phrase to the text saying something like “as Eliphaz said,” but it may be helpful to translate the phrases here the same way you did in 4:13.

251233:15vq5qrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralבִּ֝⁠תְנוּמ֗וֹת1

Elihu is using the plural form slumbers in a context where the singular term “slumber” would suffice. This suggests that he is using the plural form for emphasis. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “in sound slumber”

251333:16k016rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsיִ֭גְלֶה אֹ֣זֶן אֲנָשִׁ֑ים1

Since Elihu is speaking of many people, if you retain the term ear in your translation, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of the word. Alternate translation: “God opens the ears of people”

251433:16cgu3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיִ֭גְלֶה אֹ֣זֶן אֲנָשִׁ֑ים1

Elihu is using the term ear by association to mean hearing. When he says that God opens peoples ears, he means that God enables them to hear. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God enables people to hear him speaking”

251533:16k017rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיִ֭גְלֶה אֹ֣זֶן אֲנָשִׁ֑ים1

In this context, hearing represents understanding. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God enables people to understand what he is saying to them”

251633:16k018rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionוּ⁠בְ⁠מֹ֖סָרָ֣⁠ם יַחְתֹּֽם1

Elihu is using the possessive form their correction to describe the correction that God gives to people, not the correction that people give. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and seals the correction that he gives to them”

251733:16k019rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠בְ⁠מֹ֖סָרָ֣⁠ם יַחְתֹּֽם1

Elihu is speaking as if God literally placed a seal over the correction that he gave to people. He means that God preserves the value and influence of the correction. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and enables them to appreciate and benefit from the correction that he gives to them”

251833:17k020rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלְ֭⁠הָסִיר אָדָ֣ם מַעֲשֶׂ֑ה1

Elihu is speaking implicitly of a person doing something that was wrong. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to bring a person back from doing what is wrong”

251933:17qd6yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלְ֭⁠הָסִיר אָדָ֣ם מַעֲשֶׂ֑ה1

Elihu is speaking as if God would literally bring a person who was doing wrong back from a certain place. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to warn that person to stop doing what is wrong”

252033:17k021rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠גֵוָ֖ה מִ⁠גֶּ֣בֶר יְכַסֶּֽה1

Elihu is speaking as if pride were literally an object that God would conceal from a person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and to keep that person from becoming proud”

252133:18t4umrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיַחְשֹׂ֣ךְ נַ֭פְשׁ⁠וֹ1

The pronoun He refers to God, and the pronoun his refers to a person. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God spares a persons soul”

252233:18d93mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheנַ֭פְשׁ⁠וֹ & וְ֝⁠חַיָּת֗⁠וֹ1

Elihu is using parts of a person, his soul and his life, to mean all of him in the act of being spared from death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “him … and he spares him”

252333:18lgc1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismמֵ⁠עֲבֹ֥ר1

Elihu is using the phrase crossing over to mean “dying.” This is a poetic way of referring to death; it suggests the image of crossing a river that is the boundary between one territory and another. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from dying”

252433:18bd6lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבַּ⁠שָּֽׁלַח1

Elihu is using the term weapon by association to being killed by a weapon. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by being killed by a weapon”

252533:19pgn6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠הוּכַ֣ח1

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: “God also chastens a person”

252633:19x9jgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְר֖וֹב עֲצָמָ֣י⁠ו אֵתָֽן1

Elihu is speaking as if there were literally contention or warfare among the bones of this person. He is using an image similar to the one that Job used in 30:17 when he said, “Night pierces my bones.” Job meant that he got a stabbing sensation of pain in his body when he lay down at night. Here Elihu speaks similarly as if Jobs bones were being wounded in battle and Job was feeling the pain of that. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he feels continual discomfort in his body”

252733:20ubm9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ֝⁠נַפְשׁ֗⁠וֹ מַאֲכַ֥ל תַּאֲוָֽה1

Elihu 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 his soul abhors food of desire”

252833:20k022rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheחַיָּת֣⁠וֹ & וְ֝⁠נַפְשׁ֗⁠וֹ1

Elihu is using parts of a person, his life and his soul, to mean all of him in the act of abhorring food. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he … and he abhors”

252933:20k023rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלָ֑חֶם1

Elihu is using one kind of food, bread, to mean food in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “food”

253033:20x7zprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionמַאֲכַ֥ל תַּאֲוָֽה1

Elihu is using this possessive form to describe food that a person would especially desire, not food that belongs to desire. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “desirable food” or “delicacies”

253133:21f64yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְשֻׁפּ֥וּ עַ֝צְמוֹתָ֗י⁠ו לֹ֣א רֻאּֽוּ1

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 his bones, which people could not see before, become visible”

253233:22gup8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheנַפְשׁ֑⁠וֹ וְ֝⁠חַיָּת֗⁠וֹ1

Elihu is using parts of a person, his soul and his life, to mean all of him in the act of approaching death. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he … and he draws near”

253333:22ne1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלַֽ⁠מְמִתִֽים1

Elihu may be referring implicitly to specific angels who were believed to be agents through whom God caused people to die. (There are suggestions of this in 2 Samuel 24:16 and Psalm 78:49.) You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “to the angels of death”

253433:23kt34rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastאִם1

Elihu is drawing an implict contrast between the angels of death whom he described in the previous verse and the type of angel he describes in this verse, who helps keep a person from going “down to the pit” (as he says in the next verse). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the contrast explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “But if”

253533:23k024rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמֵלִ֗יץ1

The word translated interpreter is used elsewhere in the Bible to mean someone who translates what someone says in one language into another language, for example, in Genesis 42:23. Here, however, it implicitly means someone who speaks on behalf of another person, not necessarily translating what that person says into another language. Alternate translation: “an advocate” or “a spokesman”

253633:23zbw1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאֶחָ֥ד מִנִּי־אָ֑לֶף1

Elihu does not necessarily mean that exactly one out of every thousand angels is an interpreter such as he describes. Instead, this expression may mean in a general sense that such angels are rare. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “that rare kind of angel”

253733:23k025rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלְ⁠הַגִּ֖יד לְ⁠אָדָ֣ם יָשְׁרֽ⁠וֹ1

This could mean: (1) that the angel would declare to a person how he would need to change his actions so that he would be upright or have a right standing with God (his would refer to the person) or so that his actions would conform to Gods uprightness (his would refer to God). Alternate translation: “to declare to a person how he needs to change his actions in order to become upright” (2) that the angel would declare to God on behalf of a person (the word translated to would mean “for”) that the person was upright or had the potential to change his actions and become upright and so did not need to die. Alternate translation: “to declare to God on a persons behalf that he is upright”

253833:24k026rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוַ⁠יְחֻנֶּ֗⁠נּוּ1

The pronoun he refers to God and the pronoun him refers to the person whom Elihu has been describing. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and God is gracious to that person”

253933:24a1rprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוַ⁠יֹּ֗אמֶר פְּ֭דָעֵ⁠הוּ מֵ⁠רֶ֥דֶת שָׁ֗חַת מָצָ֥אתִי כֹֽפֶר1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “and tells the angels of death to spare him from going down to the pit because he has found a ransom”

254033:24es6zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsמָצָ֥אתִי כֹֽפֶר1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of ransom, you could express the same idea in another way. See the discussion of this idea in the General Notes to this chapter. Alternate translation: “I have found a good reason to spare him”

254133:24k027rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמָצָ֥אתִי כֹֽפֶר1

The word found does not mean that God did not know where this ransom was and had to look for it and finally found it. Rather, it means that when the suffering person repented, this was a consideration that helped provide grounds for sparing him. (See the discussion in the General Notes to this chapter.) You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I have recognized a good reason to spare him”

254233:25mu51rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheבְּשָׂר֣⁠וֹ1

Elihu is using one part of this persons body, his flesh, to mean his whole body in the act of being rejuvenated. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his body”

254333:25k7lerc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיָ֝שׁ֗וּב לִ⁠ימֵ֥י עֲלוּמָֽי⁠ו1

Elihu is speaking of this persons flesh as if it were a living thing that could go back in time to his youth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it becomes as it was in the days of his youth”

254433:25n9hsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלִ⁠ימֵ֥י עֲלוּמָֽי⁠ו1

Elihu is using the term days to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to the time of his youth”

254533:26k028rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronouns וַ⁠יִּרְצֵ֗⁠הוּ וַ⁠יַּ֣רְא פָּ֭נָי⁠ו בִּ⁠תְרוּעָ֑ה1

The pronoun he means God in the first instance and, in the second instance, he means the person whom Elihu has been describing. The pronoun him refers to this person, and the pronoun his refers to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “and God will accept this person, and the person will see Gods face with joy”

254633:26yt2qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוַ⁠יַּ֣רְא פָּ֭נָי⁠ו1

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. Based on what Elihu says in the next two verses, this probably means that he will come into Gods presence in a temple. Alternate translation: “and he will come into Gods presence in a temple”

254733:26d3zdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוַ⁠יָּ֥שֶׁב לֶ֝⁠אֱנ֗וֹשׁ צִדְקָתֽ⁠וֹ1

This could mean: Alternate translation: (1) “for God will restore the man to a right standing with him” or (2) “and God will restore his reputation as a righteous person” or (3) “and God will set things right for the man again”

254833:27k029rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיָשֹׁ֤ר ׀ עַל־אֲנָשִׁ֗ים1

Elihu assumes that Job will understand that by sing, he means that the person will go to a temple and publicly sing a song of thanksgiving to celebrate how God has delivered him, as was the custom in this culture. You could say that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “He will sing a song of thanksgiving in a temple”

254933:27t53prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוַ⁠יֹּ֗אמֶר חָ֭טָאתִי וְ⁠יָשָׁ֥ר הֶעֱוֵ֗יתִי וְ⁠לֹא־שָׁ֥וָה לִֽ⁠י1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “and say that he sinned and turned aside uprightness but that God did not requite to him”

255033:27k030rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠יָשָׁ֥ר הֶעֱוֵ֗יתִי1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of uprightness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and I turned aside what was right”

255133:27k031rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ⁠יָשָׁ֥ר הֶעֱוֵ֗יתִי1

Elihu is speaking of uprightness as if it were a living thing that had been walking down the right path and he turned it aside so that it began going down the wrong path. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I did what was not right”

255233:28u2a3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesפָּדָ֣ה נַ֭פְשׁוֹ & מֵ⁠עֲבֹ֣ר בַּ⁠שָּׁ֑חַת וְ֝חַיָּתוֹ & בָּ⁠א֥וֹר תִּרְאֶֽה1

If you decided in the previous verse to translate this quotation in such a way that there would not be a quotation within a quotation, you can continue doing that here. Alternate translation: “He will say that God has redeemed his soul from going over into the pit and that his life life will see light”

255333:28wt12rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheנַ֭פְשׁוֹ & וְ֝חַיָּתוֹ1

Elihu is using parts of this person, his soul and his life, to mean all of him in the act of being redeemed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “me … and I”

255433:28f6psrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ֝חַיָּתוֹ & בָּ⁠א֥וֹר תִּרְאֶֽה1

This person is using the term light by association to mean life on earth. As in many other places in the book, here the realm of the living is described as a place of light, by contrast with the realm of the dead, which is a place of darkness. (For example, in 18:18, “They will drive him from light into darkness, and they will chase him from the world.”) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I will continue to live on earth”

255533:29w47trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismפַּעֲמַ֖יִם שָׁל֣וֹשׁ1

As he did in verse 14, here Elihu 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 a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could express the emphasis another way. Alternate translation: “again and again”

255633:30m27irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheנַ֭פְשׁ⁠וֹ1

Elihu is using one part of this person, his soul, to mean all of him. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “him”

255733:30myd4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveלֵ֝⁠א֗וֹר בְּ⁠א֣וֹר הַֽ⁠חַיִּים1

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: “so that he can enlighten him with the light of the living”

255833:30k032rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjלֵ֝⁠א֗וֹר בְּ⁠א֣וֹר הַֽ⁠חַיִּים1

Elihu is using the plural adjective living as a noun to mean a certain group of people. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “so that he can enlighten him with the light of living people”

255933:30k033rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionלֵ֝⁠א֗וֹר בְּ⁠א֣וֹר הַֽ⁠חַיִּים1

Elihu is using the possessive form, the light of the living, to describe the light that living people have and by which they see, not light that living people give off. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “so that he can enlighten him with the light that living people have”

256033:30k034rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלֵ֝⁠א֗וֹר בְּ⁠א֣וֹר הַֽ⁠חַיִּים1

As in verse 38, the term light refers by association to life on earth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “so that he can restore him to life among the other people who live on earth”

256133:31z1l9rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ⁠אָנֹכִ֥י אֲדַבֵּֽר1

For emphasis, Elihu is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated speak. 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 let me be the one who speaks”

256233:32k035rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequentialאִם1

Since Elihu told Job in the previous verse to listen and be silent, when he tells him in this verse to speak and answer, he implicitly means that Job should do this only after listening to him. You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Then if”

256333:32k036rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיֵשׁ־מִלִּ֥ין1

Elihu is using the term words to mean what Job would say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “you have something to say”

256433:32g3l6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitחָפַ֥צְתִּי צַדְּקֶֽ⁠ךָּ1

Elihu seems to mean that he desires to show that Job has been right in saying that God is not punishing him for committing sin. Elihu has been suggesting that Jobs sufferings are instead a warning from God not to take a sinful course of action. You could indicate that explicitly in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I am trying to show that you have been right in saying that God is not punishing you for committing sin”

256533:33k037rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastאִם1

Elihu is implicitly drawing a contrast, suggesting that, on the other hand, Job may not have anything to say once he has listened to him further. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the contrast explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “But if”

256633:33k038rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאַתָּ֥ה שְֽׁמַֽע־לִ֑⁠י1

For emphasis, Elihu is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated listen. 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: “you be the one who listens while I speak”

256733:33k039rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsחָכְמָֽה1

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: “what is wise”

256834:introb9ku0

Job 34 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is a continuation of Elihus speech. In this chapter, Elihu speaks first to Jobs friends and others who may be listening, then from verse 16 onward he addresses Job directly, and then he speaks again to the others about Job starting in verse 34.

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

Special Concepts in This Chapter

Elihu speaking harshly about Job

It may be puzzling to your readers that while Elihu promises Job in 33:7 that he will be gentle with him, in this chapter, in verses 78 and 35, Elihu speaks very harshly about Job. However, this is really a matter of interpretation rather than translation, so it is not necessary to offer an explanation within the text of your translation.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Elihu quoting Job and his friends

In several places in this chapter, Elihu directly quotes Job or his friends. He does this to affirm what the friends said and to challenge what Job said. To help your readers appreciate that Elihu is doing this, you may wish to translate his expressions the same way you translated them when Job or his friends used them. In 34:3, Elihu quotes what Job said in 12:11. In 34:5, Elihu quotes what Job said in 27:2. In 34:6, Elihu quotes what Job said in 6:4, 16:13, and 27:4. In 34:7, Elihu quotes what Eliphaz said in 15:16. In 34:12, Elihu quotes what Bildad said in 8:3.

“man” and “men” with generic meaning

In several places in this chapter, Elihu uses the words “man” and “men” in a generic sense that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. It may be helpful in your translation to say “men and women” or to use a term in your language that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Notes suggest ways in which you might do this. (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations.)

“For” at the start of a verse introducing a reason

Several times in this chapter, Elihu says “For” at the beginning of a verse to introduce the reason for something he said in the previous verse. Elihu does this in verses 3, 5, 9, 11, 21, and 37. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could refer back more explicitly to the previous verse in order to show what Elihu is doing. The UST models ways to do this in each case. (“For” at the beginning of verse 23 introduces a new consideration, as the UST also illustrates.) (See: rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrases.)

256934:1h9vcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysוַ⁠יַּ֥עַן אֱלִיה֗וּא וַ⁠יֹּאמַֽר1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word answered tells for what purpose a person said something. In this case, Elihu said more things in light of what he had already said and thus, in a sense, in answer to them. 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 Elihu said further, in light of what he had already said”

257034:2k8a4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִלָּ֑⁠י1

Elihu is using the term words to mean what he is about to say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I have to say”

257134:2zux7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjחֲכָמִ֣ים1

Elihu is using the adjective wise as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. (The ULT adds the word ones to show this.) Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “you who are wise”

257234:3ln8src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileאֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן וְ֝⁠חֵ֗ךְ יִטְעַ֥ם לֶ⁠אֱכֹֽל1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, Elihu is using the same phrase that Job used to tell his friends in 12:11 that he had considered and rejected their perspective. Elihu is quoting Job in order to tell him that, for his part, he has considered Jobs perspective and rejected it. To help your readers recognize this, you may wish to use the same language in your translation here as you did in 12:11.

257334:3k040rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesאֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן וְ֝⁠חֵ֗ךְ יִטְעַ֥ם לֶ⁠אֱכֹֽל1

Elihu is using the word and to indicate that the phrase it introduces is just as true as the previous phrase. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “the ear tests words, just as the palate tastes food”

257434:3k041rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationאֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן וְ֝⁠חֵ֗ךְ יִטְעַ֥ם לֶ⁠אֱכֹֽל1

Elihu is speaking of the ear as if it could test words by itself. He is using the ear to represent hearing, and he means that people themselves test or consider the words of others when they hear them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people consider others words when they hear them, just as people discern with their mouths the taste of their food”

257534:3k043rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֹ֭זֶן מִלִּ֣ין תִּבְחָ֑ן וְ֝⁠חֵ֗ךְ יִטְעַ֥ם לֶ⁠אֱכֹֽל1

Though Elihu is making a general statement, he is referring implicitly to what Job has said and what he has decided about it. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “I have heard what Job has said and I have considered it and decided that it is not true, just as people discern with their mouths the taste of their food”

257634:3k042rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִלִּ֣ין1

Elihu is using the term words to mean what people say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what people say”

257734:3k044rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ֝⁠חֵ֗ךְ יִטְעַ֥ם לֶ⁠אֱכֹֽל1

Elihu is speaking of the palate or mouth as if it could taste by itself. He means that with their mouths, people discern the taste of the food that they eat. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “just as people discern with their mouths the taste of their food”

257834:4v6hjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveמִשְׁפָּ֥ט נִבְחֲרָה־לָּ֑⁠נוּ נֵדְעָ֖ה בֵינֵ֣י⁠נוּ מַה־טּֽוֹב1

Elihu is using the pronoun us to refer to himself and to the “wise ones” whom he is addressing, so use the inclusive form of that word if your language marks that distinction. (Even though Job is present and listening, Elihu is not addressing him, so Elihu is still saying us to include everyone whom he actually is addressing.)

257934:4k045rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsמִשְׁפָּ֥ט1

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

258034:5k046rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesכִּֽי־אָ֭מַר אִיּ֣וֹב צָדַ֑קְתִּי וְ֝⁠אֵ֗ל הֵסִ֥יר מִשְׁפָּטִֽ⁠י1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “For Job has said that he is righteous but that God has taken away his justice”

258134:5k2e1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ֝⁠אֵ֗ל הֵסִ֥יר מִשְׁפָּטִֽ⁠י1

Elihu is saying that Job has spoken of justice as if it were an object that God had taken away from him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but God has not been just in the way that he has treated me”

258234:6k047rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesעַל־מִשְׁפָּטִ֥⁠י אֲכַזֵּ֑ב אָנ֖וּשׁ חִצִּ֣⁠י בְלִי־פָֽשַׁע1

If you decided in the previous verse to translate this quotation in such a way that there would not be a quotation within a quotation, you can continue doing that here. Alternate translation: “Job has said that he would not lie about his justice and that his arrow is incurable, without transgression”

258334:6k523rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionעַל־מִשְׁפָּטִ֥⁠י אֲכַזֵּ֑ב1

In this quotation by Elihu, Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I would not lie about my justice!”

258434:6k048rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsעַל־מִשְׁפָּטִ֥⁠י אֲכַזֵּ֑ב1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I would not lie about whether I had done the right thing!”

258534:6i95prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyחִצִּ֣⁠י1

In this quotation by Elihu, Job is using the term arrow by association to mean a wound from an arrow. (Elihu is referring back to what Job said in 16:13 about Gods archers fatally wounding him with arrows.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “My wound”

258634:6k049rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisבְלִי־פָֽשַׁע1

In this quotation by Elihu, 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: “even though I am without transgression”

258734:7nd2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִי־גֶ֥בֶר כְּ⁠אִיּ֑וֹב1

Elihu is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “There is no other person like Job!”

258834:7glm5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִֽשְׁתֶּה־לַּ֥עַג כַּ⁠מָּֽיִם1

Elihu is speaking as if Job literally drank scorn the way he would drink water. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He indulges freely in making scornful statements”

258934:8j3zrrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsפֹּ֣עֲלֵי אָ֑וֶן & אַנְשֵׁי־רֶֽשַׁע1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of iniquity and wickedness, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “people who do what is iniquitous … people who are wicked”

259034:9k050rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesכִּֽי־אָ֭מַר לֹ֣א יִסְכָּן־גָּ֑בֶר בִּ֝⁠רְצֹת֗⁠וֹ עִם־אֱלֹהִֽים1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “For he has said that it does not benefit a person when he delights himself with God”

259134:10n22erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאַ֥נֲשֵׁ֥י לֵבָ֗ב1

Here the heart represents understanding. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “men of understanding” or “you wise men”

259234:10meh8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomחָלִ֖לָ⁠ה לָ⁠אֵ֥ל מֵ⁠רֶ֗שַׁע וְ⁠שַׁדַּ֥י מֵ⁠עָֽוֶל1

See how you translated the expression ”Sacrilege to“ in 27:5. Alternate translation: “Far be it from God to do wickedness, and from the Almighty to do iniquity”

259334:10k051rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisחָלִ֖לָ⁠ה לָ⁠אֵ֥ל מֵ⁠רֶ֗שַׁע וְ⁠שַׁדַּ֥י מֵ⁠עָֽוֶל1

Elihu 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: “Far be it from God to do wickedness, and far be it from the Almighty to do iniquity”

259434:11ia8grc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיְשַׁלֶּם & יַמְצִאֶֽ⁠נּוּ1

The pronoun he refers to God in both instances. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God repays … God causes it to find him”

259534:11y31yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomפֹ֣עַל אָ֭דָם יְשַׁלֶּם־ל֑⁠וֹ1

See how you translated the word “repay” in 21:19. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God punishes a person for what he does”

259634:11k052rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּֽ⁠כְ⁠אֹ֥רַח אִ֝֗ישׁ1

Elihu is speaking of how a person lives as if that were a path that the person was walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and based on how a person lives”

259734:11k053rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיַמְצִאֶֽ⁠נּוּ1

Here, it is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent in the immediate context. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that does not use an indefinite pronoun. Alternate translation: “God causes things to happen to him”

259834:13n1w5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִֽי־פָקַ֣ד עָלָ֣י⁠ו אָ֑רְצָ⁠ה וּ⁠מִ֥י שָׂ֝֗ם תֵּבֵ֥ל כֻּלָּֽ⁠הּ1

Elihu is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “God did not need anyone to appoint him over the earth or to set all of the world under his dominion!”

259934:13k054rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis וּ⁠מִ֥י שָׂ֝֗ם תֵּבֵ֥ל כֻּלָּֽ⁠הּ1

Elihu 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 set the world, all of it, under his dominion”

260034:14d4kxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאִם־יָשִׂ֣ים אֵלָ֣י⁠ו לִבּ֑⁠וֹ1

Here the heart represents the thoughts and perceptions. Alternate translation: “If he considered only himself” or “If he thought only about himself”

260134:14t8rtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitרוּח֥⁠וֹ וְ֝⁠נִשְׁמָת֗⁠וֹ אֵלָ֥י⁠ו יֶאֱסֹֽף1

As he did in 32:, here Elihu is alluding to the way that God originally breathed the breath of life into humans. You could indicate that explicitly in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “if he withdrew his Spirit and the breath of life from humans”

260234:15lah1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyכָּל־בָּשָׂ֣ר1

Elihu is using the term flesh by association to mean the creatures that God made, which generally have flesh. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “all creatures”

260334:15k055rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismיִגְוַ֣ע & יָ֑חַד1

Elihu is using the word expire 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. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “would pass away together” or “would die at the same time”

260434:15tmc7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ֝⁠אָדָ֗ם עַל־עָפָ֥ר יָשֽׁוּב1

Elihu does not mean that people would actively return to the dust on their own. Rather, as in 33:6, he is referring to the way that God originally formed people from the dust of the earth, and he means that humans would die and their bodies would become dust again. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and people would die be buried and their bodies would decompose and become part of the dirt again”

260534:16h7bgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ⁠אִם־בִּ֥ינָה1

Elihu 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: “But if understanding is to you” or “But if you have understanding”

260634:16lpb8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularשִׁמְעָ⁠ה & הַ֝אֲזִ֗ינָ⁠ה1

The imperatives hear and listen are singular because Elihu is now addressing Job directly. (He is marking a transition from addressing the other “wise ones” who are present by repeating those two terms, which he also used in verse 2.) So use singular imperative forms in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

260734:16giw9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהַ֝אֲזִ֗ינָ⁠ה לְ⁠ק֣וֹל מִלָּֽ⁠י1

Elihu is using the term words to mean what he is about to say by using words. As in 33:8, he may be referring to the sound of the words to mean the exact words, that is, exactly what he is going to say. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “listen to exactly what I am going to say”

260834:17rc4crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ⁠אַ֬ף שׂוֹנֵ֣א מִשְׁפָּ֣ט יַחֲב֑וֹשׁ וְ⁠אִם־צַדִּ֖יק כַּבִּ֣יר תַּרְשִֽׁיעַ1

Elihu is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. (The second question continues into the next two verses, but in many languages it will not be necessary to translate those verses differently except for the punctuation at the end of verse 19.) Alternate translation: “One hating justice will certainly not govern! No, you should not condemn the Righteous One, the Mighty One”

260934:17s1zlrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠אִם־צַדִּ֖יק כַּבִּ֣יר תַּרְשִֽׁיעַ1

Elihu is using the word If to introduce a question that anticipates a negative answer. If you decide to retain the question form, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “And you will not condemn the Righteous One, the Mighty One, will you”

261034:17l8xsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjצַדִּ֖יק כַּבִּ֣יר1

Elihu is using the adjectives Righteous and Mighty as nouns to mean a certain person, God, who possesses these qualities supremely. The ULT adds the word One in each case to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “God, who is supremely righteous and mighty”

261134:18n5xxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesהַ⁠אֲמֹ֣ר לְ⁠מֶ֣לֶךְ בְּלִיָּ֑עַל רָ֝שָׁ֗ע אֶל־נְדִיבִֽים1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “the one telling a king that he is worthless and telling nobles that they are wicked”

261234:18pa2arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounלְ⁠מֶ֣לֶךְ1

Elihu is not referring to a specific king. He means kings in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “to kings”

261334:19k056rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאֲשֶׁ֤ר לֹֽא־נָשָׂ֨א ׀ פְּנֵ֥י שָׂרִ֗ים1

See how you translated the similar expression in 13:8. Alternate translation: “who does not show favoritism to princes”

261434:19k057rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלִ⁠פְנֵי־דָ֑ל1

In this context, the phrase to the face of means “in front of” or “ahead of.” Alternate translation: “ahead of the poor” or “more than the poor”

261534:19k058rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjשׁ֭וֹעַ & דָ֑ל1

Elihu is using the adjectives rich and poor 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: “rich people … poor people”

261634:19sj41rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמַעֲשֵׂ֖ה יָדָ֣י⁠ו כֻּלָּֽ⁠ם1

Elihu is using one part of God, his hands, to mean all of him in the act of making people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he has made all of them”

261734:19k059rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionיָדָ֣י⁠ו1

If you decided in verse 17 to use a statement or exclamation to translate the question that begins in the middle of that verse and continues to the end of this verse, remember to use the punctuation here that your language uses to mark the end of a statement or exclamation.

261834:20xkd5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ⁠חֲצ֪וֹת לָ֥יְלָה1

Elihu is speaking as if what he is describing generally happens to people literally in the middle of the night. He means that it happens suddenly and unexpectedly, as if it happened at the time when people are usually asleep. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and suddenly and unexpectedly”

261934:20yx7frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיְגֹעֲשׁ֣וּ עָ֣ם1

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: “God shakes people”

262034:20nq3grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismוְ⁠יַעֲבֹ֑רוּ1

Elihu is using the word pass to mean “die.” This is a mild or poetic way of referring to death. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “and they depart” or “and they die”

262134:20k060rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ⁠יָסִ֥ירוּ אַ֝בִּ֗יר1

Here, they is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent 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: “and the mighty are taken away”

262234:20k061rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjאַ֝בִּ֗יר1

Elihu is using the adjective mighty 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: “even the person who is mighty”

262334:20dsu9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלֹ֣א בְ⁠יָֽד1

Elihu is using one part of a human being, his hand, to mean all of him in the act of potentially taking away a mighty person (although Elihu says that no person actually does this). If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “not by a human being”

262434:21k062rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsעֵ֭ינָי⁠ו & יִרְאֶֽה1

The first instance of the pronoun his and the pronoun he refer to God. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Gods eyes … God sees”

262534:21syl2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheעֵ֭ינָי⁠ו עַל1

Elihu is using one part of God, his eyes, to mean all of him in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he looks upon”

262634:21wn28rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorדַּרְכֵי־אִ֑ישׁ וְֽ⁠כָל־צְעָדָ֥י⁠ו1

Elihu is speaking of how a person lives as if that were a way or path that the person was taking steps along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how a person lives, and … everything that he does”

262734:22em2wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletאֵֽין־חֹ֭שֶׁךְ וְ⁠אֵ֣ין צַלְמָ֑וֶת1

The terms darkness and deep darkness mean similar things. Elihu 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: “There is no darkness at all”

262834:22k063rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveלְ⁠הִסָּ֥תֶר & פֹּ֣עֲלֵי אָֽוֶן1

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: “for the doers of iniquity to hide themselves”

262934:23k064rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisלֹ֣א עַל־אִ֭ישׁ יָשִׂ֣ים1

As Job does in 23:6, here Elihu is leaving out some of the words of a certain Hebrew expression that occurs in full form in other places in the book. See how you translated the expression “set upon” in 23:6. Alternate translation: “God does not set his heart upon a person” or “God does not consider a person”

263034:23dy7zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisלַ⁠הֲלֹ֥ךְ אֶל־אֵ֝֗ל בַּ⁠מִּשְׁפָּֽט1

Elihu 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: “so there is no need for any person to go to him for judgment”

263134:24hwl1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיָרֹ֣עַ כַּבִּירִ֣ים1

Elihu is speaking as if God literally shatters mighty people or breaks them into pieces. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He punishes mighty people by taking away their power and influence”

263234:24k065rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjכַּבִּירִ֣ים1

Elihu is using the adjective mighty 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: “mighty people”

263334:24nyi9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsלֹא־חֵ֑קֶר1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of investigation, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “without needing to investigate how they have been living”

263434:25z5n9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠הָ֥פַךְ & וְ⁠יִדַּכָּֽאוּ1

Elihu is speaking as if God literally overthrows mighty people who do wrong, that is, as if God throws them down onto the ground. Elihu is also speaking as if God literally crushes these people, that is, breaks them into small pieces. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he takes away their power and influence … and they are destroyed”

263534:25hq7vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלַ֝֗יְלָה1

See how you translated the similar phrase “in the middle of the night” in verse 20. Alternate translation: “suddenly and unexpectedly”

263634:25rxl8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠יִדַּכָּֽאוּ1

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 he crushes them”

263734:26mwg7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitרְשָׁעִ֥ים1

Elihu is using a plural form to indicate that these mighty people whom God judges are guilty of wickedness to a great degree. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “their great wickedness”

263834:27af3krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorסָ֣רוּ מֵֽ⁠אַחֲרָ֑י⁠ו1

Elihu is speaking as if these wicked mighty people were literally walking behind God but then turned away to walk in a different direction from his. He means that they stopped obeying Gods commandments. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they stopped obeying Gods commandments”

263934:27mv8lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠כָל־דְּ֝רָכָ֗י⁠ו לֹ֣א הִשְׂכִּֽילוּ1

Elihu is speaking of how God wants people to live as if that were a series of ways or paths along which God wants people to walk. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they did not respect the manner in which God wants people to live”

264034:28d5r1rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultלְ⁠הָבִ֣יא עָ֭לָי⁠ו צַֽעֲקַת־דָּ֑ל1

In the first part of this verse, Elihu is indicating the result of what he described in the previous verse, wicked people not obeying Gods commandments or respecting the way God wants people to live. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this explicitly in your translation. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “As a result, they caused the cry of the poor to come to God”

264134:28k066rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjדָּ֑ל & עֲנִיִּ֣ים1

Elihu is using the adjectives poor and afflicted 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 … afflicted people”

264234:28msidrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveעֲנִיִּ֣ים1

See how you translated the term lowly in 29:12.

264334:28k067rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיִשְׁמָֽע1

Elihu is using the term heard in a specific sense to mean “answered.” Alternate translation: “God answered”

264434:29k61crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ⁠ה֤וּא יַשְׁקִ֨ט ׀ וּ⁠מִ֥י יַרְשִׁ֗עַ וְ⁠יַסְתֵּ֣ר פָּ֭נִים וּ⁠מִ֣י יְשׁוּרֶ֑⁠נּוּ1

Elihu is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “Even if God is silent, no one can condemn him. If God hides his face, no one can perceive him”

264534:29w485rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheפָּ֭נִים1

Elihu is using one part of God, his face, to mean all of him in the act of hiding himself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “himself”

264634:29j5exrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠עַל־גּ֖וֹי וְ⁠עַל־אָדָ֣ם יָֽחַד1

Elihu is describing God as over or spatially above each nation and man (person) in order to indicate that God rules them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Yet he rules both individual nations and individual persons”

264734:30n7qwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisמִ֭⁠מְּלֹךְ אָדָ֥ם חָנֵ֗ף1

Elihu 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: “to protect a nation from the reigning of a godless man” or “to keep a godless person from reigning over a nation”

264834:30k068rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמִ⁠מֹּ֥קְשֵׁי עָֽם1

Elihu is speaking as if the people of a nation would literally be caught in snares or traps if a godless person became their ruler. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to keep people from being oppressed”

264934:31k069rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesכִּֽי־אֶל־אֵ֭ל הֶ⁠אָמַ֥ר נָשָׂ֗אתִי לֹ֣א אֶחְבֹּֽל1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “If one says to God that he has borne but he will no longer offend”

265034:31k070rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoכִּֽי־אֶל־אֵ֭ל הֶ⁠אָמַ֥ר1

Elihu is suggesting a hypothetical situation in order to illustrate a point. Alternate translation: “Suppose someone said to God”

265134:31k071rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisנָשָׂ֗אתִי1

The speaker in this hypothetical situation 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: “I have borne punishment for my sin”

265234:32u6lyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesבִּלְעֲדֵ֣י אֶ֭חֱזֶה אַתָּ֣ה הֹרֵ֑⁠נִי אִֽם־עָ֥וֶל פָּ֝עַ֗לְתִּי לֹ֣א אֹסִֽיף1

If you decided in the previous verse to translate this quotation in such a way that there would not be a quotation within a quotation, you can continue doing that here. Alternate translation: “if he asks God to teach him what he cannot see, and if he says that if he has done iniquity, he will not continue”

265334:32k072rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoבִּלְעֲדֵ֣י אֶ֭חֱזֶה אַתָּ֣ה הֹרֵ֑⁠נִי אִֽם־עָ֥וֶל פָּ֝עַ֗לְתִּי לֹ֣א אֹסִֽיף1

This verse continues the hypothetical situation that Elihu is suggesting in order to illustrate a point. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “And suppose that person asked God to teach him what he could not see, and suppose he told God that if he had done iniquity, he would not continue.”

265434:32k073rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאַתָּ֣ה הֹרֵ֑⁠נִי1

For emphasis, Elihu is stating the pronoun you, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated teach. 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: “please teach me”

265534:33px78rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomהַֽ⁠מֵ⁠עִמְּ⁠ךָ֬ יְשַׁלְמֶ֨⁠נָּה1

Elihu is using the expression from with you to refer, while addressing Job, to the perspective that Job has been expressing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will God still punish that repentant person, as you have been saying he would”

265634:33kc72rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hypoהַֽ⁠מֵ⁠עִמְּ⁠ךָ֬ יְשַׁלְמֶ֨⁠נָּה1

This is the end of the hypothetical situation that Elihu has been suggesting in order to illustrate a point. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “Then, in your opinion, would God still punish that person”

265734:33xdv4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיְשַׁלְמֶ֨⁠נָּה1

See how you translated the word “repay” in verse 11. Alternate translation: “will he still punish the person for having done wrong”

265834:33nw6crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisמָאַ֗סְתָּ1

Elihu 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: “you belittle what we have been saying about how God deals with people”

265934:34k074rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאַנְשֵׁ֣י לֵ֭בָב1

See how you translated the same expression in verse 10. Alternate translation: “Men of understanding”

266034:34k075rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠גֶ֥בֶר חָ֝כָ֗ם1

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: “and any wise person”

266134:34qbs3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisשֹׁמֵ֥עַֽ לִֽ⁠י1

Elihu 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: “hearing me will also say to me”

266234:35k076rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesאִ֭יּוֹב לֹא־בְ⁠דַ֣עַת יְדַבֵּ֑ר וּ֝⁠דְבָרָ֗י⁠ו לֹ֣א בְ⁠הַשְׂכֵּֽיל1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation, with no comma at the end of verse 34: “that Job does not speak with knowledge and that his words are without understanding”

266334:35k077rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsבְ⁠דַ֣עַת1

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

266434:35k078rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוּ֝⁠דְבָרָ֗י⁠ו לֹ֣א בְ⁠הַשְׂכֵּֽיל1

Elihu is using the term words to mean what Job has been saying by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and what he says is not with understanding”

266534:35k079rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוּ֝⁠דְבָרָ֗י⁠ו לֹ֣א בְ⁠הַשְׂכֵּֽיל1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of understanding, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and he does not really understand what he is talking about”

266634:36znm7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיִבָּחֵ֣ן אִיּ֣וֹב1

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: “God would test Job” or “God would put Job on trial”

266734:36w7ebrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomעַל־תְּ֝שֻׁבֹ֗ת בְּ⁠אַנְשֵׁי־אָֽוֶן1

Elihu is using the word among in a sense that suggests that one thing is associated with another. He means that Job responds in a way associated with men of iniquity, as if Job were such a person himself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because he answers as men of iniquity would”

266834:37fm5krc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionיִסְפּ֑וֹק1

As in 27:23, here clapping ones hands is a symbolic action that expresses derision. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate that explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “he claps his hands derisively”

266934:37g7ncrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠יֶ֖רֶב אֲמָרָ֣י⁠ו לָ⁠אֵֽל1

Elihu is using the term words to mean what Job has been saying by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he says more and more things against God”

267035:intromfr60

Job 35 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is a continuation of Elihus speech. In this chapter, Elihu speaks primarily to Job, although in the last verse he speaks about Job to the others who are present.

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

Special Concepts in This Chapter

Does God not benefit when humans do what is right?

In verses 68, Elihu tells Job that whether he is good or bad has no effect on God; that only affects other people. Elihu probably means that God does not owe Job anything for being good and that God does not have to defend himself against Job being bad. But if what Elihu says is taken in a general sense, then it does not express the full teaching of the Bible. Elsewhere the Bible says that God is delighted when people obey him and that God grieves when people sin, knowing the destructive effects that this will have. God is glorified when people acknowledge that humans flourish when they obey his commandments. Elihu, like Jobs friends, says things that are true to a certain extent but that do not fully express the counsel of God as found in the Bible as a whole.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

reference of “you” and “your”

Throughout this chapter, Elihu uses the pronouns “you” and “your” to address Job individually, so use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction. In verse 3, in the quotation by Elihu, the pronoun “you” is also singular because Job is using it to address God.

267135:1k080rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysוַ⁠יַּ֥עַן אֱלִיה֗וּ וַ⁠יֹּאמַֽר1

See how you translated the same expression in 34:1. Alternate translation: “And Elihu said further, in light of what he had already said”

267235:2s9jwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ֭⁠זֹאת חָשַׁ֣בְתָּ לְ⁠מִשְׁפָּ֑ט1

Elihu is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You should not consider this to be justice!”

267335:2g7jgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularהֲ֭⁠זֹאת חָשַׁ֣בְתָּ לְ⁠מִשְׁפָּ֑ט1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the word you is singular here and throughout the chapter because Elihu is addressing Job directly. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

267435:2yh9lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsהֲ֭⁠זֹאת חָשַׁ֣בְתָּ לְ⁠מִשְׁפָּ֑ט1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “You should not consider this a just thing to say!”

267535:2l3t8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesאָ֝מַ֗רְתָּ צִדְקִ֥⁠י מֵ⁠אֵֽל1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “You say that you are more righteous than God” or, since this is not a direct quote from Job, “You speak as if you are more righteous than God”

267635:3k081rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּֽי1

Elihu is using the word For to introduce the reason why he said in the previous verse that Job claimed to be more righteous than God. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “I say that because”

267735:3k082rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisתֹ֭אמַר מַה־יִּסְכָּן־לָ֑⁠ךְ מָֽה־אֹ֝עִ֗יל מֵֽ⁠חַטָּאתִֽ⁠י1

Elihu 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: “you have said to God, What does it benefit you if I am righteous? What more do I gain by not sinning than if I do sin?’”

267835:3k083rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesתֹ֭אמַר מַה־יִּסְכָּן־לָ֑⁠ךְ מָֽה־אֹ֝עִ֗יל מֵֽ⁠חַטָּאתִֽ⁠י1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “you have asked God what it benefits him if you do not sin and what more you gain by not sinning than if you do sin”

267935:3w8qvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמַה־יִּסְכָּן־לָ֑⁠ךְ מָֽה־אֹ֝עִ֗יל מֵֽ⁠חַטָּאתִֽ⁠י1

In this quotation by Elihu, Job is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “It does not benefit you if I do not sin! I do not gain more by not sinning than if I do sin!”

268035:3k084rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularמַה־יִּסְכָּן־לָ֑⁠ךְ1

The word you is singular here because in this quotation by Elihu, Job is addressing God directly. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

268135:3k085rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמֵֽ⁠חַטָּאתִֽ⁠י1

In this quotation by Elihu, Job is using the term sin by association to mean the act of sinning. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “more than if I had sinned”

268235:4k086rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyאֲ֭נִי אֲשִֽׁיבְ⁠ךָ֣ מִלִּ֑ין1

Elihu is using the term words to mean what he is going to say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will speak in reply to you”

268335:4tp7prc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאֲ֭נִי1

For emphasis, Elihu is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated answer. 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 showing this emphasis. Alternate translation: “I myself”

268435:4k087rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis וְֽ⁠אֶת־רֵעֶ֥י⁠ךָ עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ1

Elihu 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 I will answer your friends with you”

268535:5k088rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletהַבֵּ֣ט שָׁמַ֣יִם וּ⁠רְאֵ֑ה1

The terms Observe and see mean similar things. Elihu 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: “Carefully observe the heavens”

268635:5k089rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitשְׁ֝חָקִ֗ים גָּבְה֥וּ מִמֶּֽ⁠ךָּ1

Elihu is saying implicitly that God is even higher above Job than the heavens and the clouds. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the clouds soar above you; God is even greater than that!”

268735:6t1v8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאִם־חָ֭טָאתָ מַה־תִּפְעָל־בּ֑⁠וֹ וְ⁠רַבּ֥וּ פְ֝שָׁעֶ֗י⁠ךָ מַה־תַּעֲשֶׂה־לּֽ⁠וֹ1

Elihu is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “If you sin, you do not accomplish anything against God. If your transgressions multiply, you do not do anything to him.”

268835:6s7x4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ⁠רַבּ֥וּ פְ֝שָׁעֶ֗י⁠ךָ1

Elihu is speaking of Jobs supposed transgressions as if they were living things that could multiply on their own. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Or if you commit many transgressions”

268935:7m97krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאִם־צָ֭דַקְתָּ מַה־תִּתֶּן־ל֑⁠וֹ א֥וֹ מַה־מִ⁠יָּדְ⁠ךָ֥ יִקָּֽח1

Elihu is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “If you are righteous, you do not give anything to God; he does not receive anything from your hand!”

269035:7i418rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheמִ⁠יָּדְ⁠ךָ֥1

Elihu is using one part of Job, his hand, to mean all of him in the act of potentially giving something to God. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from you”

269135:8fa27rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsוּ⁠לְ⁠בֶן־אָ֝דָ֗ם1

See how you translated the expression “son of man” in 16:21. Alternate translation: “and … is to a human being”

269235:9p9swrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralמֵ֭⁠רֹב עֲשׁוּקִ֣ים1

Elihu is using the plural form oppressions in a context where the singular term “oppression” would suffice. This suggests that he is using the plural form for emphasis. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “Because of great oppression”

269335:9k090rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיַזְעִ֑יקוּ1

The pronoun they refers to people generally. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “people cry out for justice”

269435:9zb6trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ⁠זְּר֣וֹעַ1

Here, arm represents power, and in this context, the term indicates that mighty people are using their power to hurt others. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because of the violence of”

269535:9k091rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרַבִּֽים1

Elihu is using the adjective mighty 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: “mighty people”

269635:10k092rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוְֽ⁠לֹא־אָמַ֗ר אַ֭יֵּה אֱל֣וֹהַּ עֹשָׂ֑⁠י נֹתֵ֖ן זְמִר֣וֹת בַּ⁠לָּֽיְלָה1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “But one does not ask where God his Maker is, the one giving songs in the night”

269735:10k093rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאַ֭יֵּה אֱל֣וֹהַּ עֹשָׂ֑⁠י1

The expression Where is indicates a desire to know whether God will act. For example, in 2 Kings 2:14, Elisha asks, “Where is Yahweh, the God of Elijah?” as he strikes the Jordan River with Elijahs coat in order to part its waters so that he can walk across the riverbed. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate the question as the expression of a wish. Alternate translation: “I wish that God my Maker would act on my behalf”

269835:10f89rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorנֹתֵ֖ן זְמִר֣וֹת בַּ⁠לָּֽיְלָה1

Here, night represents difficult circumstances, and songs represent the rejoicing of a person whom God has delivered. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one delivering people from difficult circumstances”

269935:11k094rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesמַ֭לְּפֵ⁠נוּ מִ⁠בַּהֲמ֣וֹת אָ֑רֶץ וּ⁠מֵ⁠ע֖וֹף הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֣יִם יְחַכְּמֵֽ⁠נוּ1

If you decided in the previous verse to translate this quotation in such a way that there would not be a quotation within a quotation, you can continue doing that here. Alternate translation: “the one teaching people more than the beasts of the earth, making them wiser than the birds of the heavens.”

270035:11k095rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationמַ֭לְּפֵ⁠נוּ מִ⁠בַּהֲמ֣וֹת אָ֑רֶץ וּ⁠מֵ⁠ע֖וֹף הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֣יִם יְחַכְּמֵֽ⁠נוּ1

In this quotation, the speaker describes beasts and birds as if they were living things that God could teach and make wise. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the one who gave us more understanding than the beasts of the earth and the birds of the heavens”

270135:11k096rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveמַ֭לְּפֵ⁠נוּ & יְחַכְּמֵֽ⁠נוּ1

The speaker is using the pronoun us to mean people and thus to refer to himself and his listeners, so use the inclusive form of that word if your language marks that distinction.

270235:12xj4yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorשָׁ֣ם1

Elihu is speaking as if the troubles that people experience were a place that they were in. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “In their troubles,”

270335:12k097rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠לֹ֣א יַעֲנֶ֑ה מִ֝⁠פְּנֵ֗י גְּא֣וֹן רָעִֽים1

Here the word face represents the presence of something by association with the way that people can see the face of someone who is present.If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but he does not answer, since pride is present in those evil ones” or “but he does not answer, since those evil ones are so proud”

270435:12k098rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרָעִֽים1

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

270535:13k099rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsשָׁ֭וְא לֹא־יִשְׁמַ֥ע ׀ אֵ֑ל1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of vanity, you could express the same idea in another way. Here the word vanity describes a cry to God for help that is insincere. The person asking for Gods help has not repented of the sins that have gotten him into trouble; he is still doing “evil,” as verse 12 indicates. Alternate translation: “God does not hear an insincere prayer for help”

270635:13k100rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomשָׁ֭וְא לֹא־יִשְׁמַ֥ע ׀ אֵ֑ל1

Elihu is using the term hear in a specific sense to mean “answer.” Alternate translation: “God will not answer an insincere prayer for help”

270735:13k101rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismוְ֝⁠שַׁדַּ֗י לֹ֣א יְשׁוּרֶֽ⁠נָּה1

In this context, the word regard also means “answer.” Elihu is using both hearing and seeing in parallel statements to emphasize his point. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. (You could also combine both parts of this verse into a single statement, as the UST does.) Alternate translation: “no, the Almighty will not answer such a prayer”

270835:14di2grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisאַ֣ף כִּֽי1

Elihu 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 answer your prayers, given that”

270935:14c513rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsתֹ֭אמַר לֹ֣א תְשׁוּרֶ֑⁠נּוּ דִּ֥ין לְ֝⁠פָנָ֗י⁠ו וּ⁠תְח֥וֹלֵֽל לֽ⁠וֹ1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “you say, I do not see him; the case is to his face, and I am waiting for him,’”

271035:14njy6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyדִּ֥ין לְ֝⁠פָנָ֗י⁠ו1

In this context, the phrase to his face means “in front of him.” This is likely a reference to the written documents that people in this culture prepared for legal proceedings, as a note to 31:35 discusses. Job would be saying that his testimony was “in front of” God, that is, he had submitted it for God to read. Alternate translation: “you have submitted your case to him”

271135:15ub2krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotes וְ⁠עַתָּ֗ה כִּי־אַ֭יִן פָּקַ֣ד אַפּ֑⁠וֹ וְ⁠לֹֽא־יָדַ֖ע בַּ⁠פַּ֣שׁ מְאֹֽד1

If you decided in the previous verse to translate the beginning of this indirect quotation as a direct quotation, you can also translate the continuation of the indirect quotation here as a direct quotation. Alternate translation: “and also, In his anger, he does not visit, and he does not take much notice of transgression!”

271235:15kpu8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאַ֭יִן פָּקַ֣ד1

As Job did in 31:14, here Elihu is using the term visit in a particular sense. When applied to God, the term often indicates that God takes action in the life of a person or group, whether to help needy people or to punish guilty people. Here it has the latter sense. Alternate translation: “God does not punish people who are guilty of committing sin”

271335:16k102rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ֭⁠אִיּוֹב & יִפְצֶה־פִּ֑י⁠הוּ1

Elihu is using the first part of the speaking process, opening ones mouth, to mean the entire process of speaking. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “So Job speaks”

271435:16k103rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsבִּ⁠בְלִי־דַ֝֗עַת1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation, as in the UST: “without knowing what he is talking about”

271535:16ben3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy מִלִּ֥ין יַכְבִּֽר1

Elihu is using the term words to mean what Job has been saying by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he says many things”

271636:intropp2j0

Job 36 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is a continuation of Elihus speech. In this chapter, Elihu speaks primarily to Job, although others are present and listening.

  • Verses 121: Elihu says that God uses suffering to warn and correct people.
  • Verses 2223: Elihu describes how great God is, using a storm that is gathering and approaching to describe Gods great power.

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

Translation Issues in This Chapter

The difficulty of understanding verses 1721

Verses 1721 are very difficult to understand. Biblical scholars have offered a variety of explanations of what Elihu says in each verse. Published versions of the Bible differ significantly from one another in their renderings of this material. The ULT seeks to offer a consistent and reasonable translation of these verses. But if a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may find that it differs from the ULT in several places in the way that it translates these verses. If there is a Bible translation in your region, you may wish to use the readings that it uses. If not, you may wish to follow the readings of ULT.

singular “you” and “your”

The pronouns “you” and “your” and the implied “you” in imperative verbs are singular throughout this chapter because Elihu is addressing Job. If your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you,” use singular forms in your translation.

“hear” meaning “obey”

In verses 10, 11, and 12, Elihu uses the term “hear” in a specific sense to mean “obey.” You may wish to use the term “obey” in each instance in your translation.

271736:1k104rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysוַ⁠יֹּ֥סֶף אֱלִיה֗וּא וַ⁠יֹּאמַֽר1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word continued tells for what purpose a person said something. Specifically, the person said it to add more to what he had already said. 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 Elihu said further”

271836:2k105rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularכַּתַּר & וַ⁠אֲחַוֶּ֑⁠ךָּ1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the word you and the implied “you” in the imperative Be patient are singular here because in this chapter, Elihu is addressing Job directly. So if your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you,” use the singular form in your translation here and throughout the chapter.

271936:2h1hxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוַ⁠אֲחַוֶּ֑⁠ךָּ1

Elihu 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 I will show you that God has not been punishing you unfairly”

272036:2k106rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyע֖וֹד לֶ⁠אֱל֣וֹהַּ מִלִּֽים1

Elihu is using the term words to mean what he wants to say further by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “there are more things to say on behalf of God”

272136:3k107rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאֶשָּׂ֣א דֵ֭עִ⁠י לְ⁠מֵ⁠רָח֑וֹק1

Elihu is describing places that are afar off from the perspective of how far a person would have to travel to come from those places. That is why he speaks of the places as being from afar and why he speaks of going to those places as going to from afar. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will carry my knowledge to distant places”

272236:3c3pdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֶשָּׂ֣א דֵ֭עִ⁠י לְ⁠מֵ⁠רָח֑וֹק1

Elihu is speaking as if his knowledge were an object that he could literally carry to distant places. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “I will show a wide knowledge of my subject” or “I will speak with comprehensive knowledge”

272336:3k1008rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsאֶשָּׂ֣א דֵ֭עִ⁠י לְ⁠מֵ⁠רָח֑וֹק1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “I will show that I know a wide range of things”

272436:3u4g9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוּ֝⁠לְ⁠פֹעֲלִ֗⁠י אֶֽתֵּֽן־צֶֽדֶק1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of righteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and I will show that my Maker is righteous”

272536:3k109rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ֝⁠לְ⁠פֹעֲלִ֗⁠י1

By my Maker, Elihu implicitly means God, who made him. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and … to God, who made me”

272636:4sqx3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִלָּ֑⁠י1

Elihu is using the term words to mean what he is about to say by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “what I say”

272736:4k111rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjתְּמִ֖ים דֵּע֣וֹת עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ1

Elihu is using the adjective phrase complete in knowledge as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjective phrases in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “someone who has complete knowledge is with you”

272836:4k112rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleתְּמִ֖ים דֵּע֣וֹת עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ1

Elihu says complete here as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: ““someone who has very comprehensive knowledge is with you”

272936:4br1krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personתְּמִ֖ים דֵּע֣וֹת עִמָּֽ⁠ךְ1

Elihu is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I who have very comprehensive knowledge am with you”

273036:5z14crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ⁠לֹ֣א יִמְאָ֑ס1

Elihu is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. He is probably responding to what Job said to God in 10:3, “you … despise the work of your hands.” If that would be clearer in your language, you can supply these words from the context, specifically from verse 2, where Elihu speaks of God as his “Maker.” Alternate translation: “and he does not despise any of the people whom he has made”

273136:5j9ctrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisכַּ֝בִּ֗יר כֹּ֣חַֽ לֵֽב1

Elihu 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: “he is also mighty in that he is strong in heart”

273236:5k113rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכַּ֝בִּ֗יר כֹּ֣חַֽ לֵֽב1

Here the heart represents the mind or understanding. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he is also mighty in that he has great understanding”

273336:6k114rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesלֹא־יְחַיֶּ֥ה רָשָׁ֑ע1

Elihu is expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of his intended meaning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He punishes the wicked by killing them”

273436:6k115rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרָשָׁ֑ע & עֲנִיִּ֣ים1

Elihu is using the adjectives wicked and lowly 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: “wicked people … lowly people”

273536:6k117rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוּ⁠מִשְׁפַּ֖ט עֲנִיִּ֣ים יִתֵּֽן1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of justice, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “but he makes sure that others treat lowly people fairly”

273636:6k116rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveעֲנִיִּ֣ים1

See how you translated the term lowly in 29:12.

273736:7k118rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesלֹֽא־יִגְרַ֥ע מִ⁠צַּדִּ֗יק עֵ֫ינָ֥י⁠ו1

Elihu is expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of his intended meaning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He keeps his eyes on the righteous”

273836:7q9mjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלֹֽא־יִגְרַ֥ע מִ⁠צַּדִּ֗יק עֵ֫ינָ֥י⁠ו1

Elihu is using one part of God, his eyes, to mean all of him in the act of watching over the righteous. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He continually watches over the righteous”

273936:7k119rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjמִ⁠צַּדִּ֗יק1

Elihu 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: “from the person who is righteous”

274036:7k120rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounמִ⁠צַּדִּ֗יק1

Elihu is not referring to a specific righteous person. He means righteous people in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form, particularly since Elihu uses plural forms in the rest of this verse. Alternate translation: “from righteous people”

274136:7yc6frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠אֶת־מְלָכִ֥ים לַ⁠כִּסֵּ֑א וַ⁠יֹּשִׁיבֵ֥⁠ם1

Elihu is speaking as if God literally put righteous people on a throne together with kings. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “but he gives them positions of power and influence”

274236:7x6yzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ⁠יִּגְבָּֽהוּ1

Elihu is speaking as if righteous people literally rise high when God helps them. He is speaking of the esteem in which others come to hold them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and others esteem them greatly”

274336:8f3xmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismוְ⁠אִם־אֲסוּרִ֥ים בַּ⁠זִּקִּ֑ים יִ֝לָּכְד֗וּ⁠ן בְּ⁠חַבְלֵי־עֹֽנִי1

The phrase bound in chains could mean: (1) the same thing as caught in cords of affliction. Elihu may be using repetition to emphasize the idea that these phrases express. In that case, he would be speaking in both phrases as if righteous people were literally bound or caught by affliction in order to say that they were suffering from affliction. Alternate translation: “If they are bound in chains of affliction; yes, if they are caught in cords of affliction” (2) being bound in actual chains. This would mean that people who had previously been righteous had unfortunately committed some crime and had been punished with imprisonment. In that case Elihu would be using chains in the first part of the verse to mean actual physical restraint and cords in the second part of the verse to represent sufferings. Alternate translation: “But if they are put in prison for some crime or if they are suffering from affliction”

274436:8a6cwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveאֲסוּרִ֥ים בַּ⁠זִּקִּ֑ים יִ֝לָּכְד֗וּ⁠ן בְּ⁠חַבְלֵי־עֹֽנִי1

If your language does not use these passive forms, you could express the ideas in active form or in another way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “chains are binding them and cords of affliction have caught them”

274536:9qj2krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysפָּעֳלָ֑⁠ם וּ֝⁠פִשְׁעֵי⁠הֶ֗ם1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word transgressions tells what kind of deeds these people did. 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: “their evil deeds”

274636:9k121rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּ֣י יִתְגַּבָּֽרוּ1

Elihu is using the word for to introduce the reason why these people committed deeds that were transgressions. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “which they did because they became proud”

274736:10i8ajrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוַ⁠יִּ֣גֶל אָ֭זְנָ⁠ם לַ⁠מּוּסָ֑ר1

Elihu is using one part of these righteous people who unfortunately have sinned, their ear, to mean all of them in the act of hearing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he enables them to hear correction”

274836:10k123rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוַ⁠יִּ֣גֶל אָ֭זְנָ⁠ם לַ⁠מּוּסָ֑ר1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, in this context, to hear means to obey. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he enables them to obey correction”

274936:10gn8hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוַ⁠יִּ֣גֶל אָ֭זְנָ⁠ם לַ⁠מּוּסָ֑ר1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of correction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and he enables them to obey him when he corrects them”

275036:10k122rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsאָ֭זְנָ⁠ם1

If you retain the use of the term ear for the whole person in your translation, since Elihu is speaking of many people, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of ear. Alternate translation: “their ears”

275136:10k124rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotationsוַ֝⁠יֹּ֗אמֶר כִּֽי־יְשֻׁב֥וּ⁠ן מֵ⁠אָֽוֶן1

It may be more natural in your language to have a direct quotation here. Alternate translation: “and says, You shall return from iniquity!’”

275236:10k125rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-declarativeוַ֝⁠יֹּ֗אמֶר כִּֽי־יְשֻׁב֥וּ⁠ן מֵ⁠אָֽוֶן1

In this quotation by Elihu, God is using a future statement to give a command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate these words using a command form. Alternate translation: “and says, You must return from iniquity!’”

275336:10emb8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ֝⁠יֹּ֗אמֶר כִּֽי־יְשֻׁב֥וּ⁠ן מֵ⁠אָֽוֶן1

In this quotation by Elihu, God is speaking as if iniquity were a place from which disobedient people had to return. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and says, You must stop committing iniquity!’”

275436:10k126rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוַ֝⁠יֹּ֗אמֶר כִּֽי־יְשֻׁב֥וּ⁠ן מֵ⁠אָֽוֶן1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of iniquity, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and says, You must stop doing things that are iniquitous!’”

275536:11k127rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיִשְׁמְע֗וּ1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, Elihu is using the term hear in a specific sense to mean “obey.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly, here and in the next two verses. Alternate translation: “they obey”

275636:11hx9krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomיְכַלּ֣וּ יְמֵי⁠הֶ֣ם בַּ⁠טּ֑וֹב וּ֝⁠שְׁנֵי⁠הֶ֗ם בַּ⁠נְּעִימִֽים1

Elihu is using the terms days and years to refer to a specific time, the lifetimes of these repentant people. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they will complete their lifetimes in good; yes, they will have pleasantness for the rest of their lifetimes”

275736:11k128rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsיְכַלּ֣וּ יְמֵי⁠הֶ֣ם בַּ⁠טּ֑וֹב וּ֝⁠שְׁנֵי⁠הֶ֗ם בַּ⁠נְּעִימִֽים1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of good and pleasantness, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “they will enjoy good things and be in pleasant situations for the rest of their lifetimes”

275836:12q2nzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismבְּ⁠שֶׁ֣לַח יַעֲבֹ֑רוּ1

See how you translated the similar expression in 33:18. Alternate translation: “someone will kill them with a weapon”

275936:12k129rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemismוְ֝⁠יִגְוְע֗וּ1

Elihu is using the word expire 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. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “and they will pass away” or “and they will die”

276036:12k130rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsכִּ⁠בְלִי־דָֽעַת1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “because they acted as if they did not know how God wanted them to live”

276136:13k131rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjוְֽ⁠חַנְפֵי־לֵ֭ב1

Elihu is using the adjective phrase godless of heart as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. Your language may use adjective phrases in the same way. If not, you can translate this with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “And people who are godless in their hearts”

276236:13j1girc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְֽ⁠חַנְפֵי־לֵ֭ב1

Here the heart represents the character of a person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And people whose character is godless” or “And people of godless character”

276336:13z1u5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיָשִׂ֣ימוּ אָ֑ף1

Elihu is speaking as if anger, represented here by a part of the body, the nose, were an object that people could keep. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “remain angry with God”

276436:13a4swrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֲסָרָֽ⁠ם1

Elihu is speaking as if God literally binds disobedient people. He is using the same image as in verse 8 to mean that God afflicts them in order to correct them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he afflicts them”

276536:14k132rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureתָּמֹ֣ת בַּ⁠נֹּ֣עַר נַפְשָׁ֑⁠ם וְ֝⁠חַיָּתָ֗⁠ם בַּ⁠קְּדֵשִֽׁים1

You may find it more natural to put the information about what happens during the life of these disobedient people before the information about when they die. Alternate translation: “They live among the cultic prostitutes, and they die young”

276636:14k133rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheתָּמֹ֣ת בַּ⁠נֹּ֣עַר נַפְשָׁ֑⁠ם1

Elihu is using one part of these disobedient people, their soul, to mean all of them in the act of dying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “They die in youth”

276736:14k134rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsתָּמֹ֣ת & נַפְשָׁ֑⁠ם1

If you retain the use of the term soul for the whole person in your translation, since Elihu is speaking of many people, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of soul. Alternate translation: “Their souls die”

276836:14k135rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsבַּ⁠נֹּ֣עַר1

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

276936:14k136rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ֝⁠חַיָּתָ֗⁠ם בַּ⁠קְּדֵשִֽׁים1

Elihu is using the life of these people to mean all of them in the act of living. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they live among the cultic prostitutes”

277036:14ny42rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ֝⁠חַיָּתָ֗⁠ם בַּ⁠קְּדֵשִֽׁים1

Elihu means implicitly that these disobedient people are reduced to making their living as cultic prostitutes, that is, as people who perform sexual acts in connection with religious rites. (Your language may have a discreet expression for this kind of activity that you may wish to use in your translation. The UST models one way to do that.) Alternate translation: “and they are reduced to making a living as cultic prostitutes”

277136:15k137rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsיְחַלֵּ֣ץ עָנִ֣י בְ⁠עָנְי֑⁠וֹ1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of affliction, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “God uses the things that afflict a person to deliver that person”

277236:15k138rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjעָנִ֣י1

Elihu is using the adjective afflicted 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: “an afflicted person” or “someone who is suffering from affliction”

277336:15k139rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠יִ֖גֶל בַּ⁠לַּ֣חַץ אָזְנָֽ⁠ם1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of oppression, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and he uses the things that oppress people to open their ear”

277436:15wt6trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְ⁠יִ֖גֶל & אָזְנָֽ⁠ם1

See how you translated the similar expression in 36:10. Alternate translation: “and he leads them to obey”

277536:15k140rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-collectivenounsאָזְנָֽ⁠ם1

If you retain the use of the term ear for the whole person in your translation, since Elihu is speaking of many people, it may be more natural in your language to use the plural form of ear. Alternate translation: “their ears”

277636:16k141rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-pastforfutureהֲסִיתְ⁠ךָ֨ & מָ֣לֵא1

Elihu is using the past tense in order to refer to something that he believes God would have done if Job had repented (if Job had actually been guilty of sin). Alternate translation: “he would have drawn you … he would have filled”

277736:16k142rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationהֲסִיתְ⁠ךָ֨ ׀ מִ⁠פִּי־צָ֗ר1

Elihu is speaking of distress as if it were a living thing that had Job in its mouth and was about to swallow him. Your language may have a similar expression that you can use in your translation. You could also use plain language. Alternate translation: “he would have snatched you from the jaws of distress and brought you” or “he would have rescued you from the distress that you were in and brought you”

277836:16k143rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletרַ֭חַב לֹא־מוּצָ֣ק תַּחְתֶּ֑י⁠הָ1

These two expressions mean the same thing. Elihu is using them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “to a place where you have plenty of room” or “to a place where you would have had plenty of room”

277936:16h4g2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorרַ֭חַב לֹא־מוּצָ֣ק תַּחְתֶּ֑י⁠הָ1

Elihu is speaking as if God literally would have brought Job to a broad place, that is, to an open square such as Job mentioned in 29:7. Elihu means that God would have brought Job into a situation in life where he had many opportunities and the means to pursue them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “into a situation where you had many opportunities and the means to pursue them”

278036:16k144rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלֹא־מוּצָ֣ק תַּחְתֶּ֑י⁠הָ1

Elihu is using the expression under it to describe what this place is like. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “with no constriction there” or “where there is no constriction”

278136:16qjt9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠נַ֥חַת שֻׁ֝לְחָנְ⁠ךָ֗ מָ֣לֵא דָֽשֶׁן1

Elihu is speaking of the setting of Jobs table, that is, the food on his table, as if it were a container that God had filled with fatness. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he has given you much rich food to eat” or “and he would have given you much rich food to eat”

278236:17ybk9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠דִין־רָשָׁ֥ע מָלֵ֑אתָ1

For emphasis, Elihu is speaking as if Job were a container that was full of judgment. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in another way. Elihu could mean: (1) that Job is like the godless people he described in verse 13, who remain angry with God because they judge that God is punishing them unfairly. Alternate translation: “But you are judging God very unfairly, as the wicked do” (2) that Job is experiencing the consequences of Gods judgment against him. Alternate translation: “but God is judging you severely, as he judges the wicked”

278336:17k145rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרָשָׁ֥ע1

Elihu is using the adjective wicked 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: “wicked people”

278436:17k146rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletדִּ֖ין וּ⁠מִשְׁפָּ֣ט יִתְמֹֽכוּ1

The terms judgment and justice mean similar things. Elihu 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: “strict justice takes hold”

278536:17ji7mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationדִּ֖ין וּ⁠מִשְׁפָּ֣ט יִתְמֹֽכוּ1

Elihu is speaking of these judgment and justice as if they were living things that could take hold of someone or something. He could mean: (1) that God is executing judgment against Job by punishing him. In that case, Elihu would be using judgment in a different sense than he did in the first part of the verse, to mean Gods judgment of Job rather than Jobs judgment of God. Alternate translation: “God is judging you strictly by punishing you” (2) that judgment and justice take hold of one another, meaning that they work together closely to show that Job is guilty. Alternate translation: “a just judgment is that you are guilty”

278636:18mp6jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisכִּֽי־חֵ֭מָה פֶּן־יְסִֽיתְ⁠ךָ֣1

Elihu 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: “For there is wrath, so beware lest it entice you” or “For you are angry, so beware lest your anger entice you”

278736:18k147rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְ⁠סָ֑פֶק1

Elihu is using the term clapping by association to mean derision, since the people in this culture clapped their hands in order to express derision, as 27:23 and 34:37 indicate. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “into mocking God”

278836:18k148rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionוְ⁠רָב־כֹּ֝֗פֶר אַל־יַטֶּֽ⁠ךָּ1

It may be more natural in your language to express the meaning here by using a form other than a possessive form. Alternate translation: “and no ransom, no matter how great, will deliver you”

278936:19m4prrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠יַעֲרֹ֣ךְ שׁ֭וּעֲ⁠ךָ1

Elihu is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “God would not esteem your riches!” or “God would not want your money so much that he will accept a bribe and not punish you.”

279036:19k149rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisלֹ֣א בְ⁠צָ֑ר וְ֝⁠כֹ֗ל מַאֲמַצֵּי־כֹֽחַ1

Elihu 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: “No, God would not esteem gold or all of the strengths of wealth!”

279136:19z8pwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ֝⁠כֹ֗ל מַאֲמַצֵּי־כֹֽחַ1

Elihu is speaking of wealth as if it were a living thing that had strengths. He is using the idea of strength to refer to an amount or quantity of wealth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or any other kind of wealth, no matter how much of it there might be”

279236:20k150rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהַ⁠לָּ֑יְלָה1

Elihu is probably using the image of night to mean death, similarly to the way Bildad used “darkness” to mean death in 18:18. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “death” or “to die”

279336:20q5v5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלַ⁠עֲל֖וֹת עַמִּ֣ים תַּחְתָּֽ⁠ם1

By their place, Elihu seems to mean this earth. This may be an implicit warning to Job that once he dies, he will no longer have the opportunity that people on this earth have to repent and be reconciled to God. Alternate translation: “because when people die, they leave this earth and they have no further opportunity to repent”

279436:21k151rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאַל־תֵּ֣פֶן אֶל־אָ֑וֶן1

Elihu is speaking as if sin were in a particular direction and Job might literally turn towards that direction. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “do not commit sin”

279536:21qhr8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמֵ⁠עֹֽנִי1

Elihu is using the term affliction by association to mean Gods correction. (Elihu said in verses 810 and 15 that God used affliction to correct people.) If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “rather than accepting the correction that God is bringing to you through affliction”

279636:22c7mnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהֶן־אֵ֭ל יַשְׂגִּ֣יב בְּ⁠כֹח֑⁠וֹ1

This could mean, depending on the meaning of the rest of the sentence: (1) that Elihu is beginning his description of a gathering storm and he is calling the attention of the others who are present to the clouds that are forming in the sky. In that case, Elihu would mean the term Behold literally. Alternate translation: “Look, God causes to be high in his power!” (2) that while Elihu is going to use the storm to illustrate Gods power, here he is asking the others to reflect on how great Gods power is. Alternate translation: “Consider this: God causes to be high in his power”

279736:22x4qxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהֶן־אֵ֭ל יַשְׂגִּ֣יב בְּ⁠כֹח֑⁠וֹ1

Elihu could be saying: (1) that God makes high things, specifically in this case storm clouds, and that demonstrates his power. Alternate translation: “Look at what high clouds God is making in his power!” (2) that God has caused himself to be high, that is, that God has exalted himself. Alternate translation: “Consider how great God has shown himself to be”

279836:22ay6drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִ֖י כָמֹ֣⁠הוּ מוֹרֶֽה1

Elihu is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No one is a teacher like him!” or “He is about to teach us something in a way that no one else could.”

279936:23r88vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִֽי־פָקַ֣ד עָלָ֣י⁠ו דַּרְכּ֑⁠וֹ וּ⁠מִֽי־אָ֝מַ֗ר פָּעַ֥לְתָּ עַוְלָֽה1

Elihu is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “No one has appointed his way to him! And no one has told him, You have committed unrighteousness!”

280036:23k152rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמִֽי־פָקַ֣ד עָלָ֣י⁠ו דַּרְכּ֑⁠וֹ1

Elihu is speaking of how someone conducts himself as if that were a way or path that the person was walking along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Who has told him how to live” or “No one has told him how to live!”

280136:23tz9rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוּ⁠מִֽי־אָ֝מַ֗ר פָּעַ֥לְתָּ עַוְלָֽה1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “Or who has told him that he has committed unrighteousness” or “And no one has told him that he has committed unrighteousness!”

280236:23k153rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוּ⁠מִֽי־אָ֝מַ֗ר פָּעַ֥לְתָּ עַוְלָֽה1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of unrighteousness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Or who has told him that he has done what is not right” or “And no one has told him that he has done what is not right!”

280336:24k154rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomזְ֭כֹר1

Elihu is using the term Remember in a particular sense to mean “ensure.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Ensure”

280436:24k155rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאֲנָשִֽׁים1

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

280536:25k156rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכָּל־אָדָ֥ם חָֽזוּ־ב֑⁠וֹ אֱ֝נ֗וֹשׁ יַבִּ֥יט מֵ⁠רָחֽוֹק1

Elihu could possibly be indicating the storm that is gathering. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Everyone can see the storm clouds that God is forming in the sky, even though they are so high up and far away”

280636:25k157rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsכָּל־אָדָ֥ם & אֱ֝נ֗וֹשׁ יַבִּ֥יט1

Here again the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “Each person … people have regarded”

280736:25c8rqrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֱ֝נ֗וֹשׁ יַבִּ֥יט מֵ⁠רָחֽוֹק1

Elihu is speaking as if people have literally seen Gods work from afar, that is, from a distance. He probably means that people only see and understand Gods work indistinctly and without recognizing many specific details. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “however, people only understand Gods work indistinctly”

280836:25k158rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastאֱ֝נ֗וֹשׁ יַבִּ֥יט1

Elihu is implying a slight contrast: While people can see Gods work, they can only see it from afar. In your translation, you may wish to indicate this contrast in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “however, man has only regarded”

280936:26zd6hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִסְפַּ֖ר שָׁנָ֣י⁠ו וְ⁠לֹא־חֵֽקֶר1

Elihu may be using the term years, indicating age, by association to mean wisdom. The book makes this association in various other places, such as 12:12 and 32:7. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he is extremely wise, since he is older than anyone can determine”

281036:27k159rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּ֭י1

Elihu is using the word For to introduce the immediate reason why he has been saying that God is powerful and wise. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “We can see how powerful and wise God is from the way that”

281136:27z98grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיְגָרַ֣ע נִטְפֵי־מָ֑יִם1

Elihu is referring implicitly to the way God draws up water from the earth and sea as mist into the air. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “he makes drops of water rise into the air as mist”

281236:27k160rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלְ⁠אֵדֽ⁠וֹ1

Elihu is speaking as if the water that evaporates from the earth and sea literally forms a stream in the sky that supplies clouds with rainwater. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “into Gods supply” or “into the clouds”

281336:28k161rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאֲשֶֽׁר־יִזְּל֥וּ שְׁחָקִ֑ים1

The pronoun which refers to the “drops of water” that Elihu described in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “The clouds pour down these drops of water”

281436:28k162rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאָדָ֬ם1

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

281536:29q3k1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאִם־יָ֭בִין מִפְרְשֵׂי־עָ֑ב תְּ֝שֻׁא֗וֹת סֻכָּתֽ⁠וֹ1

Elihu is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “no one can understand how God makes clouds spread or how he makes thunder come from his hut!”

281636:29wh4wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorסֻכָּתֽ⁠וֹ1

Elihu is speaking as if God literally lived in a hut in the sky. (He is using the same term that Job used in 27:18 to describe a guard booth.) If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “from his dwelling place in the sky”

281736:30k163rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהֵן1

In this instance, Elihu seems to be using the term Behold literally. Alternate translation: “Look!”

281836:30k164rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsפָּרַ֣שׂ עָלָ֣י⁠ו אוֹר֑⁠וֹ1

The pronoun it refers to Gods “hut,” that is, his dwelling in the sky, which Elihu described in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “he spreads his lightning upon his dwelling place in the sky”

281936:30ip5frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorפָּרַ֣שׂ עָלָ֣י⁠ו אוֹר֑⁠וֹ1

Elihu is speaking as if God literally spreads lightning upon the sky. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “his lightning lights up the whole sky”

282036:30e9esrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠שָׁרְשֵׁ֖י הַ⁠יָּ֣ם כִּסָּֽה1

Elihu is speaking of the depths of the sea as if they were the roots of the sea. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he covers the depths of the sea”

282136:30k165rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠שָׁרְשֵׁ֖י הַ⁠יָּ֣ם כִּסָּֽה1

This could mean: (1) that God covers the depths of the sea with light. Alternate translation: “and the lightning is so bright that it even lights up the sea down to its depths” (2) that God covers the depths of the sea with water by refilling the sea with rainwater. Alternate translation: “and he refills the whole sea with rainwater”

282236:30k166rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleוְ⁠שָׁרְשֵׁ֖י הַ⁠יָּ֣ם כִּסָּֽה1

Elihu says that lightning lights up the sea all the way down to its depths as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “and the lightning shines deep into the ocean”

282336:31k167rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּי1

Elihu is using the word For to introduce the reason why the storms that God creates are so far-reaching in their effects, as he has just described. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “The storms that God creates are so far-reaching in their effects because”

282436:31k168rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsבָ֭⁠ם1

The pronoun them refers either to the clouds that Elihu describes in verses 28 and 29 or to the thunder and lightning that he describes in verses 29 and 30. But either way, he is referring ultimately to thunderstorms such as the one whose formation he is narrating in this part of his speech. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “by such storms”

282536:31k169rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיָדִ֣ין עַמִּ֑ים1

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate explicitly in your translation how God judges the peoples through the storms that he creates. Alternate translation: “he judges the peoples, sending lightning to punish those who disobey him but sending rain to bless those who obey him”

282636:31k170rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיִֽתֶּן־אֹ֥כֶל לְ⁠מַכְבִּֽיר1

If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate explicitly in your translation how God gives food in abundance through the storms that he creates. Alternate translation: “the rain from these storms causes crops to grow in abundance”

282736:32k171rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomעַל־כַּפַּ֥יִם כִּסָּה־א֑וֹר1

Elihu is using this expression to mean that God picks up so much lightning with his hands that his hands are no longer visible beneath it. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “He fills his hands with lightning”

282836:32k172rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ⁠יְצַ֖ו עָלֶ֣י⁠הָ בְ⁠מַפְגִּֽיעַ1

Elihu is speaking as if God literally gave a command to the lightning that it should hit a certain mark. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he makes it strike where he wishes”

282936:33k3qkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיַגִּ֣יד עָלָ֣י⁠ו רֵע֑⁠וֹ1

Elihu is speaking as if thunder were a shout that God made. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God announces it with thunder”

283036:33k173rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיַגִּ֣יד עָלָ֣י⁠ו רֵע֑⁠וֹ1

The pronoun it could refer to: (1) the storm in general. The second half of the verse suggests that this may be the case. Alternate translation: “God proclaims the coming storm with thunder” (2) the lightning Elihu describes in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “God proclaims the lightning with thunder”

283136:33se83rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisמִ֝קְנֶ֗ה אַ֣ף עַל־עוֹלֶֽה1

Elihu 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 cattle also declare their shout about the thing arising” or “the cattle also make noise about the thing arising”

283236:33k174rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyעַל־עוֹלֶֽה1

Elihu is using the phrase the thing arising to mean the coming storm by association with the way that its thunderclouds are rising up into the sky. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “about the coming storm”

283337:introccm70

Job 37 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This is the conclusion of Elihus speech. Elihu continues to use the storm that is gathering and approaching to describe Gods great power. He concludes by telling Job that he should not expect to be able to speak with such a powerful God.

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

Translation Issues in This Chapter

singular “you” in verses 1519

The pronoun “you” and the implied “you” in imperative verbs are singular in verses 1519 because Elihu is addressing Job. If your language marks a distinction between singular and plural “you,” use singular forms in your translation.

The nature of the questions in verses 1518

Elihu asks Job a series of questions in verses 1518. He may want Job to try to answer these questions so that Job will have to admit that he does not understand what God does. So these could be actual questions that Elihu is using to get information, specifically, these admissions from Job. Alternatively, Elihu may be using the question form for emphasis. A note to verse 15 suggests two possible ways in which you could translate the question there. Consider the most appropriate way to translate each of the questions in verses 1518.

283437:1nhy8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלְ֭⁠זֹאת יֶחֱרַ֣ד לִבִּ֑⁠י וְ֝⁠יִתַּ֗ר מִ⁠מְּקוֹמֽ⁠וֹ1

Elihu is speaking as if his heart were literally trembling and leaping. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at this, my heart pounds with emotion and skips a beat”

283537:1eid2rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsלְ֭⁠זֹאת1

The pronoun this refers to the approaching storm. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “as this storm approaches”

283637:2k175rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-reduplicationשִׁמְע֤וּ שָׁמ֣וֹעַ1

Elihu is repeating the verb hear in order to intensify the idea that it expresses. If your language can repeat words for intensification, it would be appropriate to do that here in your translation. If not, your language may have another way of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “Oh, hear”

283737:2k176rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularשִׁמְע֤וּ1

The implied “you” in the imperative hear is plural because Elihu is addressing Job, his three friends, and any others who may be present and listening. So use the plural form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

283837:2k177rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletבְּ⁠רֹ֣גֶז קֹל֑⁠וֹ וְ֝⁠הֶ֗גֶה מִ⁠פִּ֥י⁠ו יֵצֵֽא1

These two phrases mean the same thing. Elihu is using them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “how very loudly God is speaking”

283937:2ilg9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבְּ⁠רֹ֣גֶז קֹל֑⁠וֹ וְ֝⁠הֶ֗גֶה מִ⁠פִּ֥י⁠ו יֵצֵֽא1

Elihu is speaking as if thunder were literally Gods voice. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this image as a comparison. Alternate translation: “this loud thunder! It is as if God is roaring”

284037:3k178rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorתַּֽחַת־כָּל־הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֥יִם יִשְׁרֵ֑⁠הוּ וְ֝⁠אוֹר֗⁠וֹ עַל־כַּנְפ֥וֹת הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ1

Elihu is speaking as if thunder and lightning were captive or restrained and God let them loose or released them. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God makes it thunder so loudly that it can be heard under the whole sky, and he makes the lightning flash so brightly that it can be seen everywhere on earth”

284137:3k179rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleתַּֽחַת־כָּל־הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֥יִם יִשְׁרֵ֑⁠הוּ וְ֝⁠אוֹר֗⁠וֹ עַל־כַּנְפ֥וֹת הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ1

Elihu says that thunder can be heard everywhere under the sky and that lightning can be seen in the most distant places on earth as overstatements for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “God makes it thunder so loudly in the sky that people who are far away can hear it, and he makes the lightning flash so brightly that even people who are distant from where it strikes can see it”

284237:3k180rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיִשְׁרֵ֑⁠הוּ1

The pronoun it refers to the thunder that Elihu described in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God lets the thunder loose”

284337:3k181rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ֝⁠אוֹר֗⁠וֹ1

Elihu 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 he lets his lightning loose”

284437:3q5earc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעַל־כַּנְפ֥וֹת הָ⁠אָֽרֶץ1

People in this culture believed that the earth was a flat surface that had edges. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could express the meaning here in terms of your own culture. Alternate translation: “all around the world”

284537:4l4nhrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִשְׁאַג־ק֗וֹל1

Elihu is speaking as if thunder were a voice. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Thunder sounds loudly”

284637:4x26rrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאַחֲרָ֤י⁠ו1

The pronoun it refers to a flash of lightning. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “after there is a flash of lightning”

284737:4nei1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיַ֭רְעֵם בְּ⁠ק֣וֹל גְּאוֹנ֑⁠וֹ1

Elihu is speaking as if thunder were God speaking. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this image as a comparison. Alternate translation: “when we hear thunder, it sounds as if God is speaking in his majesty”

284837:4k182rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesוְ⁠לֹ֥א יְ֝עַקְּבֵ֗⁠ם1

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 restrain. (The pronoun them refers to bolts of lightning.) Alternate translation: “and he releases the lightning bolts”

284937:4k183rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorכִּֽי־יִשָּׁמַ֥ע קוֹלֽ⁠וֹ1

Elihu is once again speaking as if thunder were God speaking. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “after thunder is heard”

285037:4k5jsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveכִּֽי־יִשָּׁמַ֥ע קוֹלֽ⁠וֹ1

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: “when we hear his voice” or “when we hear thunder”

285137:5k184rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיַרְעֵ֤ם אֵ֣ל בְּ֭⁠קוֹל⁠וֹ נִפְלָא֑וֹת1

Elihu is once again speaking as if thunder were God speaking. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “How marvelous thunder is! It is as if God himself is speaking”

285237:5k185rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠לֹ֣א נֵדָֽע1

Here the term know has the sense of “understand” rather than “be aware of.” Elihu is not saying that people do not realize that God is doing great things. He is saying that people are not able to understand or appreciate the great things they see God doing. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “that people cannot comprehend”

285337:6k186rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּ֤י1

Elihu is using the word For to introduce the reason why he said in the previous verse that God did things marvelously that people could not comprehend. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “I say this because”

285437:6k187rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesלַ⁠שֶּׁ֨לַג ׀ יֹאמַ֗ר הֱוֵ֫א אָ֥רֶץ וְ⁠גֶ֥שֶׁם מָטָ֑ר וְ֝⁠גֶ֗שֶׁם מִטְר֥וֹת עֻזּֽ⁠וֹ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “he tells the snow to be on the earth and he tells the shower of rain, yes, the shower of rains, to be strong”

285537:6k188rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationלַ⁠שֶּׁ֨לַג ׀ יֹאמַ֗ר הֱוֵ֫א אָ֥רֶץ וְ⁠גֶ֥שֶׁם מָטָ֑ר וְ֝⁠גֶ֗שֶׁם מִטְר֥וֹת עֻזּֽ⁠וֹ1

Elihu is speaking as if snow and rain were living things to which God spoke. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he makes snow fall on the earth and he makes the shower of rain, yes, the shower of rains, become strong”

285637:6btz3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ⁠גֶ֥שֶׁם מָטָ֑ר1

Elihu 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 he says to the shower of rain”

285737:6k189rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralוְ֝⁠גֶ֗שֶׁם מִטְר֥וֹת1

Elihu is using the plural form rains for emphasis. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “to the heavy rain shower”

285837:6k190rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעֻזּֽ⁠וֹ1

In the quotation by Elihu, God is using the term Strength as a command. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Have strength” or “Be strong”

285937:7k191rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבְּ⁠יַד־כָּל־אָדָ֥ם יַחְתּ֑וֹם1

Elihu is speaking as if God literally put a seal on every persons hand to restrict it from being used. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He restrains the hand of every man”

286037:7y45frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheבְּ⁠יַד־כָּל־אָדָ֥ם יַחְתּ֑וֹם1

Elihu is using one part of a person, his hand, to mean all of him in the act of working. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “He restrains every person from working”

286137:7k192rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבְּ⁠יַד־כָּל־אָדָ֥ם יַחְתּ֑וֹם1

Elihu is referring implicitly to the way that a heavy downpour of rain prevents people from working in their fields. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “He sends heavy downpours that keep people from working in their fields”

286237:7k193rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאָדָ֥ם & לָ֝⁠דַ֗עַת כָּל־אַנְשֵׁ֥י מַעֲשֵֽׂ⁠הוּ1

Here the masculine terms man and men have a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “person so that all the people whom he has made will know”

286337:7k194rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisלָ֝⁠דַ֗עַת כָּל־אַנְשֵׁ֥י מַעֲשֵֽׂ⁠הוּ1

Elihu is leaving out some of the words that in many languages a sentence would need in order to be complete. If it would be clearer in your language, you can indicate from the context what God wants people to be knowing. Alternate translation: “so that all the people whom he has made will appreciate the great things that he does”

286437:8k195rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounוַ⁠תָּבֹ֣א חַיָּ֣ה בְמוֹ־אָ֑רֶב וּ⁠בִ⁠מְע֖וֹנֹתֶ֣י⁠הָ תִשְׁכֹּֽן1

Elihu is not referring to a specific beast. He means beasts in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “And the beasts go into their dens and remain in their lairs”

286537:8k196rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralוּ⁠בִ⁠מְע֖וֹנֹתֶ֣י⁠הָ תִשְׁכֹּֽן1

Elihu could be envisioning that a single beast would have several lairs, but he may be using the plural form for emphasis. Your language may also use plural forms for emphasis. If not, you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “and remains safely in its lair”

286637:9j84crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמִן־הַ֭⁠חֶדֶר1

As a note to 9:9 explains, people in this culture believed that God kept natural forces in “chambers” or storerooms and brought them out when he needed them. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “from the chamber where God keeps storms”

286737:9cpb8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוּֽ⁠מִ⁠מְּזָרִ֥ים קָרָֽה1

Elihu 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 the cold comes from the north winds” or “and the north winds bring cold”

286837:10u9mkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמִ⁠נִּשְׁמַת־אֵ֥ל יִתֶּן־קָ֑רַח1

Elihu is speaking as if cold wind were the breath of God. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “From the cold wind ice is made”

286937:10dc5frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveמִ⁠נִּשְׁמַת־אֵ֥ל יִתֶּן־קָ֑רַח1

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: “The breath of God makes ice” or “The cold wind makes ice”

287037:10k197rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠רֹ֖חַב מַ֣יִם בְּ⁠מוּצָֽק1

While water actually expands when it freezes, Elihu probably means that when water freezes solid, it does not move around with the wind and so it remains within a smaller area. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and the waters freeze solid and stay in one place”

287137:11gl6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאַף1

Elihu may be using the word translated Indeed to call the attention of Job and the others back to the gathering thunderstorm after talking about other things such as snow and ice. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Look!”

287237:11k198rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounעָ֑ב & עֲנַ֣ן אוֹרֽ⁠וֹ1

Elihu is not referring to a specific cloud. He means clouds in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “the clouds … his lightning-clouds”

287337:12k199rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsוְ⁠ה֤וּא מְסִבּ֨וֹת מִתְהַפֵּ֣ךְ1

The pronoun it refers to the cloud that Elihu described in the previous verse. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and if you decided to use plural forms there, you can use a plural form here as well. Alternate translation: “And the clouds swirl around”

287437:12k200rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomעַל־פְּנֵ֖י תֵבֵ֣ל אָֽרְצָ⁠ה1

Elihu is using the term face in a specific sense to mean “surface.” Alternate translation: “above the surface of the inhabited world”

287537:13it32rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלְ⁠שֵׁ֥בֶט1

Elihu is using the term rod by association to mean punishment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to punish people”

287637:13mjf4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלְ⁠אַרְצ֑⁠וֹ1

Elihu seems to be referring implicitly to God taking care of the earth that he created. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “for the good of his earth”

287737:13uep4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsלְ֝⁠חֶ֗סֶד1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of kindness, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “in order to be kind to people”

287837:13k201rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיַמְצִאֵֽ⁠הוּ1

The pronoun it refers in its first instance to rain and in its second instance to the place where the rain falls or to the people on whom it falls. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “God causes the rain to find the right place” or “God causes the rain to find the right people”

287937:13k202rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיַמְצִאֵֽ⁠הוּ1

Elihu is speaking of rain as if it were a living thing that God abled to find the right location on which to fall. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God makes it rain in the right place”

288037:14k203rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-imperativeהַאֲזִ֣ינָ⁠ה זֹּ֣את1

Elihu is using an emphatic form of the imperative. If your language has an emphatic imperative, it would be appropriate to use it here in your translation. Other languages may have other ways of expressing the emphasis. Alternate translation: “Pay close attention to this”

288137:14k204rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysעֲ֝מֹ֗ד וְ⁠הִתְבּוֹנֵ֤ן1

Elihu is expressing a single idea by using the two verbs stand and consider. In this context, the word stand means not to do anything else. Elihu does not want Job to stand to his feet. Alternate translation: “only consider”

288237:14k205rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjנִפְלְא֬וֹת אֵֽל1

Elihu is using the term marvelous (which is a participle serving as an adjective) as a noun to mean things of a certain kind. The ULT adds the word things to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this term with a different expression. Alternate translation: “the marvels that God does”

288337:15ch2brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ֭⁠תֵדַע בְּ⁠שׂוּם־אֱל֣וֹהַּ עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֑ם וְ֝⁠הוֹפִ֗יעַ א֣וֹר עֲנָנֽ⁠וֹ1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, this could mean: (1) that Elihu wants Job to try to answer this question and the following three questions so that Job will have to admit that he does not understand what God does. Alternate translation: “You do not know of the placing of God upon them, and his cloud causes lightning to flash, do you?” (2) that Elihu is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Surely you do not know of the placing of God upon them, and his cloud causes lightning to flash!”

288437:15k206rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingularהֲ֭⁠תֵדַע1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, the word you is singular here and through verse 19 because Elihu is addressing Job directly. So use the singular form in your translation if your language marks that distinction.

288537:15cbz2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionבְּ⁠שׂוּם־אֱל֣וֹהַּ עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֑ם1

Elihu is using this possessive form to describe God placing a command on the clouds (that is, giving them an order), not to describe someone placing God or God placing himself on the clouds. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “how God gives orders to the clouds”

288637:15k207rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesוְ֝⁠הוֹפִ֗יעַ א֣וֹר עֲנָנֽ⁠וֹ1

Elihu is using the word and to introduce the result of God placing a command on the clouds. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “so that his cloud causes lightning to flash”

288737:15k208rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ֝⁠הוֹפִ֗יעַ א֣וֹר עֲנָנֽ⁠וֹ1

Job is speaking of this cloud as if it were a living thing that could cause lightning to flash. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “so that lightning flashes from his cloud”

288837:15k209rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounוְ֝⁠הוֹפִ֗יעַ א֣וֹר עֲנָנֽ⁠וֹ1

Elihu is not referring to a specific cloud. He means clouds in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “and his clouds cause lightning to flash” or “so that lightning flashes from his clouds”

288937:16w6jdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ֭⁠תֵדַע עַל־מִפְלְשֵׂי־עָ֑ב מִ֝פְלְא֗וֹת תְּמִ֣ים דֵּעִֽים1

See how you translated the question in the previous verse, either as a question that Elihu wanted Job to answer or one whose form Elihu was using for emphasis.

289037:16z95qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעַל־מִפְלְשֵׂי־עָ֑ב1

By balancing, Elihu seems to be referring to how clouds float in the sky. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “how God makes the cloud float in the sky”

289137:16k210rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounעַל־מִפְלְשֵׂי־עָ֑ב1

Elihu is not referring to a specific cloud. He means clouds in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation, as in the UST: “how God makes clouds float in the sky”

289237:16s2uirc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisמִ֝פְלְא֗וֹת תְּמִ֣ים דֵּעִֽים1

Elihu 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, following a semicolon: “do you know about the wonders of the perfect in knowledges”

289337:16k211rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjתְּמִ֣ים דֵּעִֽים1

Elihu is using the adjective perfect as a noun to mean a certain person, God, whose knowledge is perfect, that is, complete and comprehensive. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “God, who is perfect in knowledges”

289437:16k212rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralתְּמִ֣ים דֵּעִֽים1

Elihu is using the plural form knowledges in a context where the singular term “knowledge” would suffice. This suggests that he is using the plural form for emphasis. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, it might be natural for you to use a singular form, or you could express the emphasis in another way. Alternate translation: “God, who knows everything perfectly”

289537:17hy96rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheאֲשֶׁר־בְּגָדֶ֥י⁠ךָ חַמִּ֑ים1

Elihu is using one part of Job, his clothes, to mean all of him in the act of being hot. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “You who sweat in your garments”

289637:17r98krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבְּ⁠הַשְׁקִ֥ט אֶ֝֗רֶץ מִ⁠דָּרֽוֹם1

Elihu assumes that Job will understand that by south he is referring to the desert. The book of Job is set in a location where there was a desert to the south. You could indicate that explicitly in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “when the air comes from the desert and the land is still”

289737:18c2kfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorתַּרְקִ֣יעַ עִ֭מּ⁠וֹ לִ⁠שְׁחָקִ֑ים1

People in this culture believed that the sky was a solid object, a great dome that God had made and placed above the earth. Elihu is speaking as if God had literally melted metal and then hammered it flat in order to make the sky. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Would you be able to create the sky as he did”

289837:18ww4src://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownכִּ⁠רְאִ֥י מוּצָֽק1

A mirror is an object that reflects images. People look into mirrors to check their appearance. In this culture, mirrors were made of bright metal. If your readers would not be familiar with what a mirror is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable metal object in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “as an object cast from metal”

289937:18k213rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveכִּ⁠רְאִ֥י מוּצָֽק1

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: “as a mirror that someone has cast from metal”

290037:19s7igrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveה֭וֹדִיעֵ⁠נוּ מַה־נֹּ֣אמַר ל֑⁠וֹ לֹ֥א־נַ֝עֲרֹ֗ךְ מִ⁠פְּנֵי־חֹֽשֶׁךְ1

Elihu is using the term us to refer to himself and the others who are listening but not to Job, whom he is addressing, so use the exclusive form of “us” in your translation if your language marks that distinction. Elihu seems to be using the term we to refer to Job as well as to himself and the others who are listening, since he is describing a general human condition. It may be natural in your language to use the inclusive form of “we” in this second instance if your language marks that distinction.

290137:19k214rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyה֭וֹדִיעֵ⁠נוּ מַה־נֹּ֣אמַר ל֑⁠וֹ1

For emphasis, Elihu is saying the opposite of what he means. If a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could indicate what Elihu actually means. Alternate translation: “I do not believe that you would be able to teach us what we should say to him”

290237:19k215rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלֹ֥א־נַ֝עֲרֹ֗ךְ1

See how you translated the term “array” in 33:5. Alternate translation: “we cannot marshal our arguments” or “we cannot organize what we want to say”

290337:19k216rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ⁠פְּנֵי־חֹֽשֶׁךְ1

Here the word face represents the presence of a person or thing by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “because of the darkness that is present”

290437:19q3strc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמִ⁠פְּנֵי־חֹֽשֶׁךְ1

Elihu is referring to the limitations of human understanding. He is speaking as if people were in darkness and so could not see or distinguish very much. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “because of the limitations of our human understanding”

290537:20z1trrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַֽ⁠יְסֻפַּר־ל֭⁠וֹ כִּ֣י אֲדַבֵּ֑ר1

Elihu is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “It should not be recounted to him that I would speak!”

290637:20fp7nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveהַֽ⁠יְסֻפַּר־ל֭⁠וֹ כִּ֣י אֲדַבֵּ֑ר1

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: “Should someone recount to him that I would speak?” or “No one should recount to him that I would speak!”

290737:20b2q9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאִֽם־אָ֥מַר אִ֝֗ישׁ כִּ֣י יְבֻלָּֽע1

Elihu is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “If a man spoke, surely he would be swallowed up!”

290837:20k217rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאִ֝֗ישׁ1

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

290937:20k218rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיְבֻלָּֽע1

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: “God would swallow him up”

291037:20x2hnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיְבֻלָּֽע1

Elihu is speaking as if God would literally swallow an insolent person. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he would be destroyed” or “God would destroy him”

291137:21k219rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesוְ⁠עַתָּ֤ה1

Elihu is using the phrase And now to introduce an important point, the conclusion of his speech, that Job should not be asking to speak with God. Your language may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “So then”

291237:21k220rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsלֹ֘א רָ֤אוּ1

Here, they is an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent 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: “people do not look at”

291337:21k221rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoא֗וֹר בָּהִ֣יר ה֭וּא בַּ⁠שְּׁחָקִ֑ים1

Elihu is using a poetic expression to describe the sun. 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: “the sun”

291437:21k222rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַֽ⁠תְּטַהֲרֵֽ⁠ם1

Elihu is speaking as if the wind literally cleansed the skies when it drove away all the clouds. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and driven away all the clouds”

291537:22k223rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמִ֭⁠צָּפוֹן1

Elihu assumes that Job will understand that by the north he means the abode of God. In this culture, people believed that there was a divine residence in the northern regions of the earth. You could translate this with a general expression or with a term that your readers would recognize as describing the abode of God. Alternate translation: “From Gods abode” or “From heaven”

291637:22k224rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyזָהָ֣ב יֶֽאֱתֶ֑ה1

Elihu is using the term gold by association to mean golden splendor, that is, the glory of God. He is actually speaking of God coming in glory. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God comes in his glory”

291737:22l64jrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastעַל־אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַּ נ֣וֹרָא הֽוֹד1

Elihu is drawing an implicit contrast between the brightness of the sun, which people cannot look at directly, and the infinitely greater brightness of Gods glory. You may wish to make this contrast explicit in your translation. The UST models one way to do that.

291837:23c4sdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitשַׁדַּ֣י לֹֽא־מְ֭צָאנֻ⁠הוּ1

Job said in 23:3 that he wished he knew where to find God so that he could go to where God was. Here Elihu is implicitly responding to Job in his own words. You could indicate that explicitly in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “So, Job, none of us are able to find God and go where he is”

291937:23k225rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclusiveשַׁדַּ֣י לֹֽא־מְ֭צָאנֻ⁠הוּ1

Elihu is using the pronoun we to refer to himself and to Job, to whom he is speaking, so use the inclusive form of that word if your language marks that distinction.

292037:23k226rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesוּ⁠מִשְׁפָּ֥ט וְ⁠רֹב־צְ֝דָקָ֗ה לֹ֣א יְעַנֶּֽה1

Elihu is expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of his intended meaning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and he ensures that there is justice and an abundance of righteousness”

292137:23k227rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוּ⁠מִשְׁפָּ֥ט וְ⁠רֹב־צְ֝דָקָ֗ה לֹ֣א יְעַנֶּֽה1

If your language does not use abstract nouns for the ideas of justice and righteousness, you could express the same ideas in other ways. Alternate translation: “and he is careful to treat people justly and to ensure that people everywhere do what is right”

292237:24k228rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאֲנָשִׁ֑ים1

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

292337:24k229rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלֹֽא־יִ֝רְאֶ֗ה כָּל־חַכְמֵי־לֵֽב1

Elihu does not mean that God is not pleased when people become wise. He means that God would not show favoritism to a person who was particularly wise compared with other people, because compared with Gods infinite wisdom, all people have only a little wisdom You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “He does not respect any person more than he respects other people, no matter how wise that person might be by human standards”

292437:24n2pvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorחַכְמֵי־לֵֽב1

As in 34:10, here the heart represents the understanding. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the wise in understanding”

292537:24k230rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjכָּל־חַכְמֵי־לֵֽב1

Elihu is using the adjective wise 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: “any people who are wise of heart” or “any people who are able to understand things wisely”

292638:introbs8p0

Job 38 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is the beginning of Yahwehs response to Job. His response continues through chapter 41.

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

In this chapter, Yahweh begins asking Job a series of questions in order to show that Job does not understand the workings of the created world. Yahweh asks questions about the earth in verses 420, with a summary challenge to Job in verse 21. Yahweh then asks questions about the sky in verses 2238. He starts asking questions about animals and birds in verse 39; this part of his speech continues into the next chapter.

The implication is that if Job does not understand and cannot explain how God makes things work in the visible creation, he certainly does not understand and cannot explain what God is doing as he works in unseen, mysterious ways to accomplish his purposes in the lives of people and over the course of human history.

When God comes to Job in the storm and responds to his questions, it becomes obvious that Elihu was wrong to say that God would not meet with Job. This shows Gods generosity to Job in granting him an interview as he requested, even though in the interview, God has to humble Job by demonstrating how little he actually knows.

Special Concepts in This Chapter

Yahwehs description of the creation

In this chapter, Yahweh describes the earth, sea, and sky according to the way the people of Jobs culture understood them. For example, in verse 16 Yahweh speaks of “springs” at the bottom of the sea that provide it with water. In verse 22, he speaks of “storehouses” in the sky where snow and hail are kept. In some parts of the chapter, these references occur within poetic images, such as the image in verses 46 of the earth as a building with “foundations” or the image in verses 1213 of the dawn grasping the “edges” of the earth and shaking it. But in other places, the references do not occur within poetic images. In such places, Yahwehs questions to Job, which demonstrate the limits of Jobs knowledge, depend for their force on these features being real, even though they do not correspond to the creation as we would describe it today. We may consider that Yahweh is using terminology that Job and the others who are listening would understand in order to communicate moral and spiritual insights to them. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate these descriptions of the natural world from an ancient perspective with equivalent expressions that use terms that reflect your own cultures perspective. Notes suggest how you might do this in various places. For example, a note to verse 16 suggests speaking of the “bottom of the sea” rather than of the “springs of the sea.”

Translation Issues in This Chapter

The nature of the questions in verses 441

Yawheh asks Job a series of questions in verses 441. He may want Job to try to answer these questions so that Job will have to admit that he does not know the answers. So these could be actual questions that Yahweh is using to get information, specifically, the information from Job that he does not know the answers. Alternatively, Yahweh may be using the question form for emphasis. A note to verse 4 suggests two possible ways in which you could translate the question there. Consider the most appropriate way to translate each of the questions in this chapter.

292738:1b53yrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventוַ⁠יַּֽעַן־יְהוָ֣ה אֶת־אִ֭יּוֹב מנ ה⁠סערה וַ⁠יֹּאמַֽר1

The narrator is using the word translated And to introduce a new event in the story. Use a word, phrase, or other method in your language that is natural for making a transition from what has already been happening in a story and introducing a new event. Alternate translation: “And when the storm that Elihu had been watching and describing finally arrived where he and the others were, Yahweh answered Job from the storm and said”

292838:1zh2urc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysוַ⁠יַּֽעַן־יְהוָ֣ה אֶת־אִ֭יּוֹב מנ ה⁠סערה וַ⁠יֹּאמַֽר1

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, the person 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.” Alternate translation: “And from the storm Yahweh responded to Job”

292938:2ln5mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִ֤י זֶ֨ה ׀ מַחְשִׁ֖יךְ עֵצָ֥ה בְ⁠מִלִּ֗ין בְּֽלִי־דָֽעַת1

Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis as he begins his reply to Job. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You have been darkening counsel by words without knowledge!”

293038:2kw1vrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמַחְשִׁ֖יךְ עֵצָ֥ה1

Yahweh is speaking as if Job had literally been making counsel (that is, proper understanding) darker. He means that Job has been making the truth harder to understand. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “obscuring proper understanding”

293138:2lq69rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְ⁠מִלִּ֗ין1

Yahweh is using the term words to mean what Job has been saying by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “by speaking”

293238:2k231rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsבְּֽלִי־דָֽעַת1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of knowledge, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “without knowing what he is talking about”

293338:3ur9irc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֱזָר & חֲלָצֶ֑י⁠ךָ1

Yahweh is speaking as if he literally wanted Job to gird up his loins, that is, to tuck the bottom of his robe into a belt so that he could move freely, as a soldier would do before going into battle. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “get ready for a difficult contest”

293438:3IDrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכְ⁠גֶ֣בֶר1

Yahweh is using a particular word for man that can, in contexts such as this one, emphasize the strength and valor of a warrior. The point of this comparison is that Job should be brave, as a solider must be when going into battle. Yahweh is not using the term man to suggest that men are strong and that women are weak. Alternate translation: “like a brave person” or “as a soldier would do when going into battle”

293538:3k38wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyוְ֝⁠אֶשְׁאָלְ⁠ךָ֗ וְ⁠הוֹדִיעֵֽ⁠נִי1

Yahweh is answering Job with his own words. In 13:22, Job said to God (who was not visibly present at the time), “And call, and I will answer, or I will speak, and answer me.” Yahweh is telling Job that he will take the first option: He, Yahweh, will “call” (ask questions) and Job can respond. However, Yahweh says something slightly different than Job did. He says that Job can inform him. For emphasis, Yahweh is actually saying the opposite of what he means. He already knows everything, so he does not need Job to provide him with information that he lacks. If a speaker of your language would not say the opposite of what he means for emphasis, in your translation you could indicate what Yahweh actually means. Alternate translation: “and I will question you and you can tell me what you think I do not already know”

293638:4xgy2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionאֵיפֹ֣ה הָ֭יִיתָ בְּ⁠יָסְדִ⁠י־אָ֑רֶץ1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, this could mean: (1) that Yahweh wants Job to try to answer this question and the questions in the rest of the chapter so that Job will have to admit that he does not know the answers. Alternate translation: “You were not there when I founded the earth, were you?” (2) that Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You were not there when I founded the earth!”

293738:4e2l4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבְּ⁠יָסְדִ⁠י־אָ֑רֶץ1

Yahweh is speaking as if the earth were literally a building and he had founded it, that is, laid a foundation for it (made a solid base on which to build it). Since this is poetry, you may wish to retain the image in your translation, using construction terms from your own culture, even if a speaker of your language would not ordinarily describe the creation of the world in this way. Alternatively, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when I cleared a space on which to build the earth” or “when I first started to create the earth”

293838:4k232rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהַ֝גֵּ֗ד1

Yahweh assumes that Job will understand that by Declare he means that he wants Job to declare how the foundations of the earth were laid. You could indicate that explicitly if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Explain how the foundations of the earth were laid” or “Explain how I first started to create the earth”

293938:4p418rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoאִם־יָדַ֥עְתָּ בִינָֽה1

It might seem that the expression know understanding contains extra information that would be unnatural to express in your language. If so, you can shorten it. Alternate translation: “if you know” or “if you understand”

294038:5sp2src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִי־שָׂ֣ם מְ֭מַדֶּי⁠הָ & א֤וֹ מִֽי־נָטָ֖ה עָלֶ֣י⁠הָ קָּֽו1

See how you translated the question in the previous verse, either as a question that Yahweh wanted Job to answer or one whose form Yahweh was using for emphasis. Translate the rest of the questions in the chapter in the same way that you decided to translate that one.

294138:5y99grc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisכִּ֣י תֵדָ֑ע1

Yahweh 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: “Tell me, if you know”

294238:5wjp1rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownמִֽי־נָטָ֖ה עָלֶ֣י⁠הָ קָּֽו1

By line, Yahweh means a measuring line, a long cord or rope with a standard length marked off at regular intervals. He is speaking as if someone had literally stretched such a cord over the earth to make sure that its measurements were exactly the ones that he had set. If your readers would not be familiar with what a measuring line is, if you wish to retain the poetic image in your translation, you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture. Alternatively, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “who measured it with a rod” or “who measured it to make sure that it had exactly the right dimensions”

294338:6i5wbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעַל־מָ֭ה אֲדָנֶ֣י⁠הָ הָטְבָּ֑עוּ א֥וֹ מִֽי־יָ֝רָ֗ה אֶ֣בֶן פִּנָּתָֽ⁠הּ1

Yahweh continues to speak as if the earth were literally a building. He here speaks as if he had sunk its foundations (that is, dug into the ground until he hit a solid surface on which to set them) and laid its cornerstone. As in verse 4, you may wish to retain the image in your translation, using construction terms from your own culture. Alternatively, you could use plain language. Alternate translation: “How did I make sure that the earth would stay in place? How did I make sure that it would be strong and stable”

294438:7ql8yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationבְּ⁠רָן־יַ֭חַד כּ֣וֹכְבֵי בֹ֑קֶר וַ֝⁠יָּרִ֗יעוּ כָּל־בְּנֵ֥י אֱלֹהִֽים1

It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. The phrase the stars of the morning could be describing: (1) the stars at the time of their original creation. In that case, Yahweh would be speaking of the stars as if they were living things that had sung a joyful song to celebrate the glory and beauty of the creation, including that of the earth. You could retain the image in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “When I made the earth, it was in beautiful harmony with the stars” (2) the angels, in parallel with the phrase the sons of God in the second half of the verse. Alternate translation: “When I made the earth, the angels sang a song of celebration”

294538:7j365rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוַ֝⁠יָּרִ֗יעוּ כָּל־בְּנֵ֥י אֱלֹהִֽים1

As in 1:6 and 2:1, the expression sons of God describes angelic beings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and all the angels shouted” or, if you translated the stars of the morning as “the angels” in the first half of the verse: “yes, all the angels shouted”

294638:7x5idrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוַ֝⁠יָּרִ֗יעוּ1

The term translated shouted implicitly means to shout for joy. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and … shouted for joy” or “and … shouted joyfully”

294738:8x8t1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ⁠יָּ֣סֶךְ בִּ⁠דְלָתַ֣יִם יָ֑ם1

Yahweh is speaking as if he had literally used doors to keep the sea from flowing onto the land. The image is that the sea is behind a wall or dam and that these doors can be opened for flood-control purposes but are ordinarily closed to contain the water. You could retain the image in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And who held the sea back with floodgates” or “And who restrained the sea from flowing onto the land”

294838:8k233rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-youdualבִּ⁠דְלָתַ֣יִם1

The term doors is in the dual, here and in verse 10, so put the term in the dual form if your language uses that form. Other languages may have other ways of expressing the meaning. Alternate translation: “with double doors”

294938:8k234rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitinfoבְּ֝⁠גִיח֗⁠וֹ מֵ⁠רֶ֥חֶם יֵצֵֽא1

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: “when it came out of the womb”

295038:8txy1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבְּ֝⁠גִיח֗⁠וֹ מֵ⁠רֶ֥חֶם יֵצֵֽא1

Yahweh is speaking as if the sea had literally been born and come out of the womb of its mother. You could retain the image in your translation, or you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when it was born” or “when I first made it a part of the creation”

295138:9n9ttrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבְּ⁠שׂוּמִ֣⁠י עָנָ֣ן לְבֻשׁ֑⁠וֹ וַ֝⁠עֲרָפֶ֗ל חֲתֻלָּתֽ⁠וֹ1

Continuing the image of the sea being born when it was created, Yahweh is speaking as if he literally provided clouds as its clothing and thick darkness as its swaddling bands when it was first born. Within the context of this speech, this may be a reference to the way Yahweh has complete knowledge of and control over every element of creation. People in this culture regarded the sea as the realm of watery chaos; these images may be an assertion that God has always had the sea under his control and care. Alternate translation: “when I sheltered it and protected it as a mother would do for her newborn child”

295238:9k235rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounבְּ⁠שׂוּמִ֣⁠י עָנָ֣ן לְבֻשׁ֑⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is not referring to a specific cloud. He means clouds in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “when I made the clouds its clothing”

295338:9zkz3rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownוַ֝⁠עֲרָפֶ֗ל חֲתֻלָּתֽ⁠וֹ1

The term swaddling bands describes the strips of cloth in which mothers in some cultures wrap their newborn babies to help them feel secure. If your readers would not be familiar with what swaddling bands are, if you wish to retain the poetic image in your translation, you could use the name of a comparable object in your culture. Alternate translation: “and thick darkness its baby blanket”

295438:10iq3rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוָ⁠אֶשְׁבֹּ֣ר עָלָ֣י⁠ו חֻקִּ֑⁠י1

Yahweh may be referring implicitly to the way he broke off the edge of the land to make a boundary for the sea. This could be a description of the cliffs that serve as the boundary between the land and the sea in many places. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And I broke off the land to make a boundary for the sea” or “And at the edge of the land I made cliffs that the sea cannot flow over”

295538:10b38yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureוָֽ֝⁠אָשִׂ֗ים בְּרִ֣יחַ וּ⁠דְלָתָֽיִם1

Since Yahweh would first have made doors and then a bar to put across them to keep them shut, it may be more natural to mention the doors first. Alternate translation: “and I set doors and a bar”

295638:10hyj2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוָֽ֝⁠אָשִׂ֗ים בְּרִ֣יחַ וּ⁠דְלָתָֽיִם1

As in verse 8, Yahweh is speaking as if he had literally set up doors to keep the sea from flowing onto the land. See how you translated the similar expression there. Alternate translation: “and I set up floodgates to hold the sea back” or “and I restrained the sea from flowing onto the land”

295738:11ixn6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוָ⁠אֹמַ֗ר עַד־פֹּ֣ה תָ֭בוֹא וְ⁠לֹ֣א תֹסִ֑יף וּ⁠פֹ֥א־יָ֝שִׁ֗ית בִּ⁠גְא֥וֹן גַּלֶּֽי⁠ךָ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “And I told the sea that it could come up to that point but not go any farther, yes, that I had established that boundary for its proud waves”

295838:11hv5frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-apostropheוָ⁠אֹמַ֗ר עַד־פֹּ֣ה תָ֭בוֹא וְ⁠לֹ֣א תֹסִ֑יף וּ⁠פֹ֥א־יָ֝שִׁ֗ית בִּ⁠גְא֥וֹן גַּלֶּֽי⁠ךָ1

Yahweh spoke to the sea, even though he knew that it could not hear him or understand him, in order to show in a strong way how he felt about the boundary he had established between the land and the sea in order to ensure an orderly creation. If a speaker in your language would not speak to something that could not hear or understand him, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and I declared that the sea could come up to that point but not go any farther, yes, that that would be the boundary for its proud waves”

295938:11k236rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisיָ֝שִׁ֗ית1

Yahweh 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: “one has set a boundary”

296038:11k237rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיָ֝שִׁ֗ית1

The pronoun one could be: (1) an indefinite pronoun that does not have a specific referent 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: “a boundary has been set” (2) a pronoun that Yahweh is using to speak of himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the second person. Alternate translation: “I have set a boundary”

296138:11k238rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionבִּ⁠גְא֥וֹן גַּלֶּֽי⁠ךָ1

Yahweh is using this possessive form to describe waves that are characterized by pride. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “your proud waves”

296238:11iy3qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationבִּ⁠גְא֥וֹן גַּלֶּֽי⁠ךָ1

Yahweh is speaking of the waves of the sea as if they were living things that could have pride. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for your mighty waves”

296338:12k239rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomהְֽ֭⁠מִ⁠יָּמֶי⁠ךָ1

Yahweh is using the term days to refer to a specific time, the lifetime of Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Ever in your lifetime”

296438:12i57arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationצִוִּ֣יתָ בֹּ֑קֶר1

Yahweh is speaking of the morning as if it were a living thing that Job could have commanded. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “have you made the day begin”

296538:12gc16rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationידעתה שחר מְקֹמֽ⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is speaking of the dawn as if it were a living thing whose place Job could have shown to it. Yahweh is referring to the way that the sun rises in a slightly different place each day, making the dawn appear in a slightly different location. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Have you made the sun rise in the right place”

296638:13s9dbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationלֶ֭⁠אֱחֹז בְּ⁠כַנְפ֣וֹת הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ וְ⁠יִנָּעֲר֖וּ רְשָׁעִ֣ים מִמֶּֽ⁠נָּה1

Yahweh is continuing to speak of the dawn as if it were a living thing, in this case speaking as if the dawn could take hold of the edges of the earth and shake it to make the wicked fall off of it. This is a reference to the way, as Job said in 24:1415, that criminals commit their crimes during the night, not during the day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “so that it will become light upon the earth and the wicked will stop committing crimes”

296738:13k385rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלֶ֭⁠אֱחֹז בְּ⁠כַנְפ֣וֹת הָ⁠אָ֑רֶץ1

See how you translated the similar expression in 37:3, where it was also evident that people in this culture believed that the earth was a flat surface that had edges. Alternate translation: “so that it will become light all around the world”

296838:13m62qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠יִנָּעֲר֖וּ רְשָׁעִ֣ים מִמֶּֽ⁠נָּה1

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: “in order to shake the wicked from it”

296938:13k240rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרְשָׁעִ֣ים1

Yahweh is using the adjective wicked 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: “wicked people”

297038:14k241rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsתִּ֭תְהַפֵּךְ & וְ֝⁠יִֽתְיַצְּב֗וּ1

The pronoun it refers to the earth and the pronoun they refers to the features of the earth. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “The earth is changed … and its features stand out”

297138:14m9rxrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileתִּ֭תְהַפֵּךְ כְּ⁠חֹ֣מֶר חוֹתָ֑ם1

The point of this comparison is that just as plain clay takes on distinct features when it is pressed under a seal, so the features of the earth become distinct in the light of day. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “Its features change from indistinct to distinct, just as clay takes on distinct features when it is pressed under a seal”

297238:14k242rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitתִּ֭תְהַפֵּךְ1

Yahweh means implicitly that this happens at dawn. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “When the light of day shines on it, it is changed”

297338:14k243rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveתִּ֭תְהַפֵּךְ1

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: “The light of day changes it”

297438:14dn8yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyכְּמ֣וֹ לְבֽוּשׁ1

Yahweh is using the term garment by association to mean the folds of a garment. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “like the folds of a garment”

297538:15k244rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjמֵרְשָׁעִ֣ים1

Yahweh is using the adjective wicked 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: “wicked people”

297638:15jfq3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyוְ⁠יִמָּנַ֣ע & אוֹרָ֑⁠ם1

For emphasis, Yahweh is saying the opposite of what he means. As Job said in 24:1617, for wicked people, day is like night (they stay at home and do not know what is going on outside) and night is like day (that is when they go out). So here Yahweh is speaking as if night were light, saying how wicked people see this from their perspective. If a speaker of your language would not say the opposite of what he means, in your translation you could indicate what Yahweh actually means. Alternate translation: “And … their opportunity to go out and commit crimes is withheld”

297738:15w5i8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠יִמָּנַ֣ע & אוֹרָ֑⁠ם1

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 day withholds their opportunity to go out and commit crimes”

297838:15k245rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוּ⁠זְר֥וֹעַ רָ֝מָ֗ה תִּשָּׁבֵֽר1

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 their high arm breaks”

297938:15e6v7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ⁠זְר֥וֹעַ רָ֝מָ֗ה תִּשָּׁבֵֽר1

Yahweh is speaking as if each wicked person had lifted his arm up high in order to strike a vulnerable person violently with it but that the arm had then been broken so that the wicked person could not use it that way. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and they cannot commit violence against anyone”

298038:16kmu4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitנִבְכֵי־יָ֑ם1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, people in this culture believed that there were springs at the bottom of the sea that provided it with water. As the parallel statement in the second part of the verse indicates, the focus of this question is on the bottom of the sea rather than on these springs themselves. You could say that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the bottom of the sea”

298138:17k246rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveהֲ⁠נִגְל֣וּ לְ֭⁠ךָ שַׁעֲרֵי־מָ֑וֶת1

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: “Has anyone revealed the gates of death to you”

298238:17k247rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהֲ⁠נִגְל֣וּ לְ֭⁠ךָ שַׁעֲרֵי־מָ֑וֶת1

Yahweh is using the term death by association to mean Sheol, the abode of the dead. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Have the gates of Sheol been revealed to you”

298338:17a7xyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהֲ⁠נִגְל֣וּ לְ֭⁠ךָ שַׁעֲרֵי־מָ֑וֶת1

Yahweh is using the term gates, meaning the entrance into Sheol, by association to mean the ability to go freely about in Sheol. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Has anyone shown you how to get into Sheol” or “Have you been able to go about in Sheol”

298438:17g37wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠שַׁעֲרֵ֖י צַלְמָ֣וֶת תִּרְאֶֽה1

Yahweh is using the term deep darkness by association to mean death and thus, in this context, the abode of the dead. So this question means basically the same thing as the first question in the verse, and you can translate it in the same way. Alternate translation: “Indeed, have you seen how to get into the abode of the dead”

298538:18k9n7rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralעַד־רַחֲבֵי־אָ֑רֶץ1

Yahweh is using the plural form breadths in a context where the singular term “breadth” would suffice. This suggests that he is using the plural form for emphasis. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “to how very broad the earth is”

298638:18q2ivrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהַ֝גֵּ֗ד1

See how you translated the term “Declare” in 38:4. Alternate translation: “Explain how wide the earth is”

298738:18l8zzrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיָדַ֥עְתָּ כֻלָּֽ⁠הּ1

The pronoun it refers to the earth. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “you know everything about the earth” or “you have seen all the way to the edge of the earth”

298838:19q3ukrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֵי־זֶ֣ה הַ֭⁠דֶּרֶךְ יִשְׁכָּן־א֑וֹר1

As a note to 9:9 explains, people in this culture believed that natural forces were kept in chambers or storerooms. Elihu said in 37:9 that the storm was coming from its “chamber.” Yahweh asks Job in verse 22 of this chapter whether he has seen the “storehouses” of the snow and hail. Here Yahweh is asking similarly whether Job knows how to get to the place where light dwells, that is, the place where he keeps light in order to have it available for use within creation. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that uses terms that reflect your own cultures understanding of creation. Alternate translation: “Do you know where the light of day goes when it is night”

298938:19p4uwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismוְ֝⁠חֹ֗שֶׁךְ אֵי־זֶ֥ה מְקֹמֽ⁠וֹ1

This question means something similar to the question in the first part of the verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate it similarly. Alternate translation: “and do you know where the darkness of night goes during the day”

299038:20k248rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsכִּ֣י תִ֭קָּחֶ⁠נּוּ אֶל־גְּבוּל֑⁠וֹ וְ⁠כִֽי־תָ֝בִ֗ין נְתִיב֥וֹת בֵּיתֽ⁠וֹ1

By it and its, Yahweh is referring specifically to darkness, which he mentioned in the latter part of the previous verse, but he is using darkness to mean both darkness and light. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use plural forms in your translation. Alternate translation: “that you would take them to their territories, and that you would perceive the paths of their houses”

299138:20d9pcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureכִּ֣י תִ֭קָּחֶ⁠נּוּ אֶל־גְּבוּל֑⁠וֹ וְ⁠כִֽי־תָ֝בִ֗ין נְתִיב֥וֹת בֵּיתֽ⁠וֹ1

Job would need to perceive how to get to the houses of light and darkness before he could take them there, so it might be more natural to reverse the order of these clauses. Alternate translation: “that you would perceive the paths of their houses and take them to their territories”

299238:20tyy4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorנְתִיב֥וֹת בֵּיתֽ⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is speaking of the places where light and darkness are kept as if they were literally houses in which they lived and as if there were literally paths that led to those houses. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “how to get to where it is kept” or “how to get to where they are kept”

299338:21ca1qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyיָ֭דַעְתָּ כִּי־אָ֣ז תִּוָּלֵ֑ד וּ⁠מִסְפַּ֖ר יָמֶ֣י⁠ךָ רַבִּֽים1

For emphasis, Yahweh is saying the opposite of what he means. If a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could indicate what he actually means. Alternate translation: “You must admit that you actually do not know any of these things, since you were not born then; the number of your days is not that many”

299438:21k249rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveתִּוָּלֵ֑ד1

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: “you were alive”

299538:21zfd6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאָ֣ז1

By then, Yahweh implicitly means when he created all of the things he has been describing. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “when I created all of these things”

299638:21hy8krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוּ⁠מִסְפַּ֖ר יָמֶ֣י⁠ךָ רַבִּֽים1

While Job actually has lived for a certain number of days, Yahweh is probably using the term days to refer to a specific time, the lifetime of Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and you have lived for such a long time” or “and you have had such a long lifetime”

299738:22sj2hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהֲ֭⁠בָאתָ אֶל־אֹצְר֣וֹת שָׁ֑לֶג וְ⁠אֹצְר֖וֹת בָּרָ֣ד תִּרְאֶֽה1

People in this culture believed that natural forces were kept in chambers or storerooms. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could translate this with an equivalent expression that uses terms that reflect your own cultures understanding of creation. Alternate translation: “Have you traveled into the sky, where snow and hail form”

299838:23fv91rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאֲשֶׁר־חָשַׂ֥כְתִּי1

The pronoun which refers to both the “snow” and the “hail” that Yahweh mentioned in the previous verse, but especially to the hail, which he used to defeat his enemies in battles such as the one described in Joshua 10:115. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers, and it may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “I keep snow and especially hail”

299938:23k250rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsלְ⁠עֶת־צָ֑ר1

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: “for a time when people are fighting”

300038:23k251rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלְ⁠י֥וֹם קְ֝רָ֗ב וּ⁠מִלְחָמָֽה1

Yahweh is using the term day to refer to a specific time. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “for a time when there is battle and war”

300138:23k252rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletקְ֝רָ֗ב וּ⁠מִלְחָמָֽה1

The terms battle and war mean similar things. Yahweh 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 warfare”

300238:24ctg6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיֵחָ֣לֶק 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. Alternate translation: “to the place from which the light radiates”

300338:24auw5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisיָפֵ֖ץ קָדִ֣ים עֲלֵי־אָֽרֶץ1

Yahweh 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: “What is the way to the place from which the east wind scatters over the earth”

300438:25ve3krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorפִלַּ֣ג לַ⁠שֶּׁ֣טֶף תְּעָלָ֑ה1

Yahweh is speaking as if a channel had literally been cut in the sky in order to direct the downpour of rain to certain locations (such as the next two verses describe). If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “made sure that rain would fall in certain places”

300538:25cd75rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוְ֝⁠דֶ֗רֶךְ לַ⁠חֲזִ֥יז קֹלֽוֹת1

Yahweh 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: “or who made a way for the lightning of the thunder”

300638:25k253rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionוְ֝⁠דֶ֗רֶךְ לַ⁠חֲזִ֥יז קֹלֽוֹת1

Yahweh seems to be using this possessive form to mean both lightning and thunder, and he seems to be using both of them to mean the thunderstorm in which they would occur. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “or who made a way for the thunderstorm” or “or who directed the thunderstorm to the right place”

300738:26na1jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsאִ֑ישׁ & אָדָ֥ם1

In both instances here, the masculine term man has a generic sense that includes both men and women. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use language in your translation that is clearly inclusive of both men and women. Alternate translation: “people are … people”

300838:27d9vtrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationלְ⁠הַשְׂבִּ֣יעַ1

Yahweh is speaking of an arid region as if it were a living thing that was thirsty and that rain could satisfy. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to water”

300938:27q9scrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletשֹׁ֭אָה וּ⁠מְשֹׁאָ֑ה1

The terms waste and desolation mean similar things. Yahweh 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 arid desert”

301038:28geg1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהֲ⁠יֵשׁ־לַ⁠מָּטָ֥ר אָ֑ב א֥וֹ מִי־ה֝וֹלִ֗יד אֶגְלֵי־טָֽל1

Yahweh is speaking as if the rain and the dew had an actual father. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “How does rain form? And how does dew form?”

301138:29l9y4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמִ⁠בֶּ֣טֶן מִ֭י יָצָ֣א הַ⁠קָּ֑רַח וּ⁠כְפֹ֥ר שָׁ֝מַיִם מִ֣י יְלָדֽ⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is speaking as if ice and frost had an actual mother. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Where does ice come from? And where does the frost of the skies come from?”

301238:29qu6nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוּ⁠כְפֹ֥ר שָׁ֝מַיִם1

Yahweh assumes that Job will understand that by the frost of the skies, he means the frost that is on the ground in the morning after a cold night and that appears to have fallen from the sky, even though it is actually dew that has formed on the ground and frozen. (Yahweh is not referring to snow, which falls visibly from the sky.) You could indicate this in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And the frost that appears to have fallen from the skies”

301338:30k254rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכָּ֭⁠אֶבֶן מַ֣יִם יִתְחַבָּ֑אוּ וּ⁠פְנֵ֥י תְ֝ה֗וֹם יִתְלַכָּֽדוּ1

Yahweh is describing further natural phenomena that, like the ice and frost he described in the previous verse, occur when it is cold. Yahweh is suggesting that if Job is as wise as he claims, he ought to be able to explain these as well. So this is implicitly a question. You could translate it that way if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Can you explain how, in cold weather, the waters hide themselves as under stone, and the face of the deep freezes?”

301438:30iw86rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכָּ֭⁠אֶבֶן1

The point of this comparison is that just as it is not possible to see through stone, it is typically not possible to see through the ice that forms on top of the waters in the winter. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “As under stone through which one cannot see”

301538:30jjp9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationמַ֣יִם יִתְחַבָּ֑אוּ1

Yahweh is speaking as if the waters were living things that could hide themselves. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the waters are hidden”

301638:30cul4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוּ⁠פְנֵ֥י1

Yahweh is using the term face in a specific sense to mean “surface.” Alternate translation: “and the surface of”

301738:31p1airc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesהַֽ֭⁠תְקַשֵּׁר מַעֲדַנּ֣וֹת כִּימָ֑ה אֽוֹ־מֹשְׁכ֖וֹת כְּסִ֣יל תְּפַתֵּֽחַ1

See how you translated the names Pleiades and Orion in 9:9. Alternate translation: “Will you tie the bands of the Seven Sisters, or loose the cords of the Hunter”

301838:31kqa9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהַֽ֭⁠תְקַשֵּׁר מַעֲדַנּ֣וֹת כִּימָ֑ה אֽוֹ־מֹשְׁכ֖וֹת כְּסִ֣יל תְּפַתֵּֽחַ1

Yahweh is speaking as if these constellations were held together in the sky by bands and cords. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Are you the one who keeps the stars in the Pleiades together? Would you be able to make the stars in Orion drift apart”

301938:31wb4arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisאֽוֹ־מֹשְׁכ֖וֹת כְּסִ֣יל תְּפַתֵּֽחַ1

Yahweh 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: “Or will you loose the cords of Orion”

302038:32lrw6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownהֲ⁠תֹצִ֣יא מַזָּר֣וֹת בְּ⁠עִתּ֑⁠וֹ1

The word Mazzaroth seems to be the name of another constellation of stars, but it is no longer clear to which constellation this name applies. You could translate this as a general reference. Alternate translation: “Will you bring out the constellations in their time” or “Will you make each of the constellations appear in the sky at the right time”

302138:32x8g2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesוְ֝⁠עַ֗יִשׁ עַל־בָּנֶ֥י⁠הָ תַנְחֵֽ⁠ם1

See how you translated the name Bear in 9:. The term sons seems to apply to the stars that trail off into the sky from the main part of this constellation. Alternate translation: “Or will you make the Big Dipper and its handle appear in the right place”

302238:32a6brrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ֝⁠עַ֗יִשׁ עַל־בָּנֶ֥י⁠הָ תַנְחֵֽ⁠ם1

Yahweh is speaking of the constellation that this culture called the Bear as if it were a living thing that Job could have guided. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Or will you position the Big Dipper and its handle properly in the sky”

302338:32k255rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsבָּנֶ֥י⁠הָ1

Here the masculine term sons has a generic sense that would include both male and female young bears. Some languages may have a general term for the offspring of bears that would convey this sense. Other languages may use both the masculine and feminine forms of such a term. Alternate translation: “its cubs”

302438:33y4fprc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionחֻקּ֣וֹת שָׁמָ֑יִם1

Yahweh is using this possessive form to statutes that apply to the skies, not statutes that the skies have enacted. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the statutes that govern the sky” or “how the movements of the sun, moon, and stars are regulated”

302538:33k256rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאִם־תָּשִׂ֖ים מִשְׁטָר֣⁠וֹ בָ⁠אָֽרֶץ1

Although the pronoun its is singular, it refers to the skies. If it would be clearer in your language, you could use a plural pronoun in your translation. Alternate translation: “If you will establish their rule over the earth”

302638:33k257rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־תָּשִׂ֖ים מִשְׁטָר֣⁠וֹ בָ⁠אָֽרֶץ1

Yahweh 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: “You are not able to establish their rule over the earth, are you”

302738:33k258rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאִם־תָּשִׂ֖ים מִשְׁטָר֣⁠וֹ בָ⁠אָֽרֶץ1

Yahweh is speaking as if the skies literally ruled over the earth. He is likely referring to the way that the sun heats the earth, cloud cover cools the earth, and so forth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Can you make what happens in the sky influence conditions on the earth”

302838:34tca5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהֲ⁠תָרִ֣ים & קוֹלֶ֑⁠ךָ1

Yahweh is speaking of how Job might raise his voice by association to mean how Job might shout out a command. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Will you shout a command”

302938:34k259rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounלָ⁠עָ֣ב1

Yahweh is not referring to a specific cloud. He means clouds in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “to the clouds”

303038:34yh4frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְֽ⁠שִׁפְעַת־מַ֥יִם תְּכַסֶּֽ⁠ךָּ1

By waters, Yahweh implicitly means rain. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and make heavy rain fall on you”

303138:35na4prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureהַֽ⁠תְשַׁלַּ֣ח בְּרָקִ֣ים וְ⁠יֵלֵ֑כוּ וְ⁠יֹאמְר֖וּ לְ⁠ךָ֣ הִנֵּֽ⁠נוּ1

If Job actually were to command lightning bolts, they would first say to him, Behold, us, and then they would go to where Job was sending them. So it may be more natural to put the information about what they would say before the information that they would go. Alternate translation: “If you wanted to send out lightning bolts, would they say to you, Behold, us, and then go where you sent them”

303238:35z4cbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠יֹאמְר֖וּ לְ⁠ךָ֣ הִנֵּֽ⁠נוּ1

The expression Behold, us was the way that servants in this culture responded when their masters summoned them. They were telling their masters that they were available to serve them in whatever way was needed. Your culture may have a comparable expression that you can use in your translation. Alternate translation: “and they will say to you, At your service

303338:35k260rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesוְ⁠יֹאמְר֖וּ לְ⁠ךָ֣ הִנֵּֽ⁠נוּ1

If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “and they will tell you that they are at your service”

303438:36h7ayrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמִי־שָׁ֭ת בַּ⁠טֻּח֣וֹת חָכְמָ֑ה א֤וֹ מִֽי־נָתַ֖ן לַ⁠שֶּׂ֣כְוִי בִינָֽה1

The meaning of the terms translated clouds and mist is no longer clear, although these terms seem to refer to some phenomena of the skies, since that is the subject of verses 2238. However, some versions nevertheless translate these terms as references to parts of the human body or to birds. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the terms that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use terms comparable to the ones that the ULT uses.

303538:36sfx3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationמִי־שָׁ֭ת בַּ⁠טֻּח֣וֹת חָכְמָ֑ה א֤וֹ מִֽי־נָתַ֖ן לַ⁠שֶּׂ֣כְוִי בִינָֽה1

If the terms translated clouds and mist do refer to phenomena of the skies, Yahweh is speaking of these phenomena as if they were living things that could have wisdom and understanding to know where they should form and when. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Who makes sure that clouds and mist form in the right places at the right times”

303638:37w7u7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠נִבְלֵ֥י שָׁ֝מַ֗יִם מִ֣י יַשְׁכִּֽיב1

Yahweh is speaking of the clouds in the skies as if they were water skins, containers for liquid made of animals skins, like the wineskins that Elihu described in 32:19. When Yahweh asks who will tilt these water skins, he means who will tip them over so that they pour out their contents. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Or who will make the clouds pour out water onto the earth”

303738:38njw9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְּ⁠צֶ֣קֶת עָ֭פָר לַ⁠מּוּצָ֑ק וּ⁠רְגָבִ֥ים יְדֻבָּֽקוּ1

Yahweh is describing how the dust of the ground hardens into a *mass and how the clods of earth stick together by association to refer to a prolonged period of drought. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to water the earth when it is very dry from a long drought”

303838:39n1pjrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠חַיַּ֖ת כְּפִירִ֣ים תְּמַלֵּֽא1

Yahweh is using the term life by association to mean hunger, since eating is necessary to sustain life. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “or satisfy the hunger of her cubs”

303938:39k261rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠חַיַּ֖ת כְּפִירִ֣ים תְּמַלֵּֽא1

Yahweh is using the word or to introduce what would happen as a result of what he described in the preceding phrase. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “in order to satisfy the hunger of her cubs” or “so that she can feed her cubs”

304038:40hu7vrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיָשֹׁ֥חוּ בַ⁠מְּעוֹנ֑וֹת יֵשְׁב֖וּ1

The pronouns they and their refer to the lioness that Yahweh described in the previous verse. It may be more natural in your language to use singular forms here. Alternate translation: “she crouches in her den, when she lies in wait”

304138:40g23nrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבַ⁠סֻּכָּ֣ה1

The general term shelter refers implicitly to a thicket or some other place where a lioness could conceal herself. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “in a thicket”

304238:41k262rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounלָ⁠עֹרֵ֗ב צֵ֫יד֥⁠וֹ כִּֽי־יְ֭לָדָיו1

Yahweh is not referring to a specific raven. He means ravens in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “food for the ravens when their children”

304338:41hc2brc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownלָ⁠עֹרֵ֗ב צֵ֫יד֥⁠וֹ1

A raven is a large bird with shiny black feathers that feeds on dead animals. If your readers would not be familiar with what a raven is, in your translation you could use the name of a comparable bird in your culture, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “food for the birds”

304438:41y9eyrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכִּֽי־יְ֭לָדָיו & אֶל־אֵ֣ל יְשַׁוֵּ֑עוּ1

Yahweh is referring to how baby birds chirp loudly and continually when they need food. He is saying that he hears this as a prayer, as if the baby birds were crying out to him for what they needed. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “when its offspring chirp loudly for food as if they were crying out to God for it”

304538:41k263rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personאֶל־אֵ֣ל1

Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “to me”

304638:41nde9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיִ֝תְע֗וּ לִ⁠בְלִי־אֹֽכֶל1

Yahweh is speaking as if the baby ravens would literally stagger, that is, walk as if they could barely stand up. He means that they would act in a way that showed they were weak with hunger. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “when they are weak with hunger”

304739:introl9e10

Job 39 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is a continuation of Yahwehs response to Job.

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

In this chapter, Yahweh continues to ask Job questions that show that Job does not understand the workings of the created world. Yahweh began to ask Job questions about animals and birds in 38:39; he continues to do that in this chapter.

The implication continues to be that if Job does not understand and cannot explain how God makes things work in the visible creation, he certainly does not understand and cannot explain what God is doing as he works in unseen, mysterious ways to accomplish his purposes in the lives of people and over the course of human history.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

The nature of Yahwehs questions to Job

As in the previous chapter, Yahweh may want Job to try to answer the questions he is asking so that Job will have to admit that he does not know the answers. Alternatively, Yahweh may be using the question form for emphasis. Consider the most appropriate way to translate each of the questions in this chapter.

304839:1m8kwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠יָדַ֗עְתָּ עֵ֭ת לֶ֣דֶת יַעֲלֵי־סָ֑לַע1

As the General Notes to this chapter discuss, this could mean: (1) that Yahweh wants Job to try to answer this question and the questions in the rest of the chapter so that Job will have to admit that he does not know the answers. Alternate translation: “You do not know the time of the bearing of the goats of the rock, do you?” (2) that Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If you would not use the question form for that purpose in your language, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “You do not know the time of the bearing of the goats of the rock!”

304939:1k264rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיַעֲלֵי־סָ֑לַע1

Yahweh is using the term rock by association to identify these goats by where they live. Your language may have its own name for goats of this type that identifies them by where they live. If not, you could identify them with a descriptive phrase. Alternate translation: “mountain goats” or “wild goats” or “goats that live among the rocks”

305039:1j6icrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitחֹלֵ֖ל אַיָּל֣וֹת תִּשְׁמֹֽר1

The implication of this question is that Job would have to know when female deer were going to bear their fawns in order to be there to watch them give birth. So this question means basically the same thing as the first question in the verse. You could indicate this meaning in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Would you know when the does were going to give birth to their fawns so that you could be there to watch”

305139:2nrm8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitתְּמַלֶּ֑אנָה1

Yahweh is referring implicitly to the number of months that the does will fulfill or complete before they give birth to their fawns. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “they will fulfill before giving birth”

305239:3n62wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyחֶבְלֵי⁠הֶ֥ם תְּשַׁלַּֽחְנָה1

Yahweh is using the expression labor pains by association to mean the fawns that the does deliver after going into labor. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they deliver their children”

305339:4v8psrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsבְ֭נֵי⁠הֶם & לָֽ⁠מוֹ1

The pronouns Their and them are masculine, meaning that they refer to the fathers and mothers of these young deer. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Your language may similarly use masculine plural pronouns for a group of two or more subjects that includes both male and female individuals. If not, you could show the meaning by using an explanatory phrase. Alternate translation: “The sons of does and bucks … to their parents”

305439:4k265rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsבְ֭נֵי⁠הֶם1

Here the masculine term sons has a generic sense that would include both male and female young deer. Some languages may have a general term for the offspring of deer that would convey this sense. Other languages may use both the masculine and feminine forms of such a term. Alternate translation: “their fawns”

305539:4wey9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounבַ⁠בָּ֑ר1

Yahweh is not referring to a specific field. He means fields in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “in the fields”

305639:5x4tgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounפֶּ֣רֶא & עָ֝ר֗וֹד1

Yahweh is not referring to a specific wild donkey. He means wild donkeys in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using plural forms. Alternate translation: “the wild donkeys … these donkeys”

305739:6k266rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureאֲשֶׁר־שַׂ֣מְתִּי עֲרָבָ֣ה בֵית֑⁠וֹ וּֽ⁠מִשְׁכְּנוֹתָ֥י⁠ו מְלֵֽחָה1

In some languages it may be more natural to mention the place first and then give the information that Yahweh had made this a place for wild donkeys to live in. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “I have made the Arabah his house, yes, I have made the salt land his habitations”

305839:6qyi5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֲשֶׁר־שַׂ֣מְתִּי עֲרָבָ֣ה בֵית֑⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is speaking as if the Arabah or desert were literally a house in which a wild donkey lived. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “to whom I have given the Arabah as a place to live”

305939:6k267rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisוּֽ⁠מִשְׁכְּנוֹתָ֥י⁠ו מְלֵֽחָה1

Yahweh 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 whose habitations I have made in the salt land”

306039:6k268rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוּֽ⁠מִשְׁכְּנוֹתָ֥י⁠ו מְלֵֽחָה1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of habitations, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “yes, to whom I have given the salt land as a place to inhabit”

306139:6hfq8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמְלֵֽחָה1

Yahweh is using the term salt land to refer by association to a particular area of the desert where there is much salt in the soil and, as a result, few plants can grow. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the barren land” or “the desert”

306239:7m4lnrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיִ֭שְׂחַק לַ⁠הֲמ֣וֹן קִרְיָ֑ה1

Yahweh is speaking of the wild donkey as if it could consciously express by laughing what it was thinking and feeling. Here the term laughs implicitly means laughing scornfully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It prefers being in the desert to being in the city”

306339:7rpn6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheתְּשֻׁא֥וֹת נ֝וֹגֵ֗שׂ לֹ֣א יִשְׁמָֽע1

If this donkey had a driver who forced it to go places and do things, one thing that would happen is that the donkey would hear the shouts of the driver, that is, the commands that the driver was shouting at it. Yahweh is using this one thing to represent the entire possibility of the donkey having an owner and driver. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it has no owner who shouts at it to make it go places and do things”

306439:8t3sarc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyכָּל־יָר֣וֹק1

Yahweh is using the term green by association to mean any green herb or plant that would grow in the desert. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “any plant that it can eat”

306539:9f9twrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationהֲ⁠יֹ֣אבֶה רֵּ֣ים עָבְדֶ֑⁠ךָ1

Yahweh is speaking of the wild ox as if it were a living thing that could consent to serve Job. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Would a wild ox plow your fields without balking”

306639:9t1u5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־יָ֝לִ֗ין עַל־אֲבוּסֶֽ⁠ךָ1

Yahweh 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: “It would not lodge by your manger, would it”

306739:9sgz6rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownאֲבוּסֶֽ⁠ךָ1

A manger was a box or frame in which people put hay or other food for animals to eat. In this culture, animals were often kept near a home to keep them safe and so that their owners could feed them easily. If your readers would not be familiar with what a manger 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: “your feeding trough” or “the box in which you put food for your farm animals”

306839:10mt1prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהֲֽ⁠תִקְשָׁר־רֵ֭ים בְּ⁠תֶ֣לֶם עֲבֹת֑⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is asking implicitly whether Job could use rope to harness a wild ox to a plow that was in a furrow. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Can you harness a wild ox to a plow and get it to plow furrows in your field”

306939:10k269rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־יְשַׂדֵּ֖ד עֲמָקִ֣ים אַחֲרֶֽי⁠ךָ1

Yahweh 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: “It would not harrow the valleys after you, would it”

307039:10gny8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאִם־יְשַׂדֵּ֖ד עֲמָקִ֣ים אַחֲרֶֽי⁠ךָ1

In this culture, farmers would lead a draft animal from the front as it pulled a harrow behind it. That is why Yahweh says after you. If farmers in your culture who harrow with draft animals instead walk behind the harrow, you could translate this in a way that expressed the general meaning without specifying a particular method of harrowing. Alternate translation: “Could you use it to harrow your fields in the valleys”

307139:10uq7trc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownיְשַׂדֵּ֖ד עֲמָקִ֣ים1

To harrow means to smooth and break up soil once it has been plowed. If your readers would not be familiar with what it means to harrow a field, in your translation you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “it will pull a light implement to smooth and break up the soil in your fields in the valleys”

307239:11au79rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהֲֽ⁠תִבְטַח־בּ֭⁠וֹ כִּי־רַ֣ב כֹּח֑⁠וֹ וְ⁠תַעֲזֹ֖ב אֵלָ֣י⁠ו יְגִיעֶֽ⁠ךָ1

Yahweh means implicitly that Job or any other human being would not be able to trust a wild ox as a farm animal, because it could not be trained to do field work. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Would you really be able to trust a wild ox, because it was so strong, to do the hard part of your farm work”

307339:12ht1zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהֲ⁠תַאֲמִ֣ין בּ֭⁠וֹ כִּי־יָשִׁ֣יב & זַרְעֶ֑⁠ךָ וְֽ⁠גָרְנְ⁠ךָ֥ יֶאֱסֹֽף1

As in the previous verse, Yahweh means implicitly that Job or any other human being would not be able to depend on a wild ox to do the work of a farm animal. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Would you really be able to depend on it to bring in your grain from your fields to your threshing floor”

307439:13k270rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounכְּנַף־רְנָנִ֥ים נֶעֱלָ֑סָה1

Since the word wing applies to many ostriches, it may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “The wings of ostriches flap vigorously”

307539:13k698rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכְּנַף־רְנָנִ֥ים נֶעֱלָ֑סָה1

Ostriches cannot fly; this is a reference to the way they flap their wings vigorously when they run. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “The wings of ostriches flap vigorously when they run”

307639:13c9hcrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownרְנָנִ֥ים1

See how you translated the expression “daughters of clamor” in 30:29. Here Yahweh uses a different term for the same kind of bird.

307739:13b62xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletאִם־אֶ֝בְרָ֗ה חֲסִידָ֥ה וְ⁠נֹצָֽה1

The terms feather and plumage mean similar things. Yahweh 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: “If they are kind feathers”

307839:13y8q9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheאִם־אֶ֝בְרָ֗ה חֲסִידָ֥ה וְ⁠נֹצָֽה1

Yahweh is using one part of an ostrich, its feathers, to mean all of it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If it is a kind bird”

307939:13k271rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־אֶ֝בְרָ֗ה חֲסִידָ֥ה וְ⁠נֹצָֽה1

Yahweh 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: “But it is not a kind bird, is it”

308039:13a7t4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאִם־אֶ֝בְרָ֗ה חֲסִידָ֥ה וְ⁠נֹצָֽה1

The word translated kind is also the word for another type of bird called a “stork.” The stork was given that name because it was kind to its young. So it is possible that Yahweh is comparing the ostrich directly to the stork here. Many versions of the Bible translate this verse that way. If a translation of the Bible exists in your region, you may wish to use the reading that it uses. If a translation of the Bible does not exist in your region, you may wish to use the reading of ULT. Alternate translation: “But it is not a bird like the stork, is it”

308139:15k272rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוַ֭⁠תִּשְׁכַּח כִּי1

Yahweh is speaking of an ostrich as if it could consciously forget than an animal might crush her eggs if she left them on the ground. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and it does this even though”

308239:15eg2irc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsתְּזוּרֶ֑⁠הָ & תְּדוּשֶֽׁ⁠הָ1

The pronoun it refers in both of these instances to the ostrichs eggs, which Yahweh described in the previous verse. It may be more natural in your language to use plural pronouns for the eggs. Alternate translation: “might crush them … might trample them”

308339:15p8ekrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheרֶ֣גֶל תְּזוּרֶ֑⁠הָ1

Yahweh is using one part of an animal, its foot, to mean all of it in the act of stepping on the eggs of an ostrich. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “an animal might step on them”

308439:16u9gcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotationsבָּנֶ֣י⁠הָ1

Here the masculine term sons has a generic sense that would include both male and female young ostriches. Some languages may have a general term for the offspring of birds that would convey this sense. Other languages may use both the masculine and feminine forms of such a term. Alternate translation: “its chicks”

308539:16uqn1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationלְ⁠רִ֖יק יְגִיעָ֣⁠הּ בְּלִי־פָֽחַד1

Yahweh is speaking of an ostrich as if it could consciously feel fear that the labor it had expended to have offspring might be in vain, that is, the offspring might die, if it did not take better care of them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it does not carefully protect their lives”

308639:17jm95rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationהִשָּׁ֣⁠הּ אֱל֣וֹהַּ חָכְמָ֑ה וְ⁠לֹא־חָ֥לַק לָ֝֗⁠הּ בַּ⁠בִּינָֽה1

Yahweh is speaking of an ostrich as if it could consciously forget any wisdom it might have acquired and as if it might possess understanding. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “God has not given it the instincts to take better care of its young”

308739:17c8hurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personהִשָּׁ֣⁠הּ אֱל֣וֹהַּ חָכְמָ֑ה וְ⁠לֹא־חָ֥לַק1

Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I have caused it to forget wisdom, and I have not given”

308839:18bd6wrc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastכָּ֭⁠עֵת בַּ⁠מָּר֣וֹם תַּמְרִ֑יא1

Yahweh is implicitly drawing a contrast between the apparently foolish behavior of the ostrich as a mother and its impressive physical capabilities, specifically how fast and powerfully it can run. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate the contrast explicitly in your translation. Alternate translation: “Nevertheless, when it lifts itself on high”

308939:18k273rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomכָּ֭⁠עֵת בַּ⁠מָּר֣וֹם תַּמְרִ֑יא1

This expression does not refer to the ostrich flying, since ostriches cannot fly. Rather, it is a reference to what an ostrich does in order to run. It stretches to its full height and spreads and flaps its wings. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Nevertheless, when it runs”

309039:18y8shrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationתִּֽשְׂחַ֥ק לַ֝⁠סּ֗וּס וּ⁠לְ⁠רֹֽכְבֽ⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is speaking of the ostrich as if it could consciously express by laughing what it was thinking and feeling. Here the term laughs implicitly means laughing scornfully. The ostrich would express scorn towards a horse and its rider because it could run faster than the horse. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it can run even faster than a horse”

309139:19jg2wrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounלַ⁠סּ֣וּס & צַוָּאר֣⁠וֹ רַעְמָֽה1

Yahweh is not referring to a specific horse. He means horses in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “to horses … their necks with manes”

309239:19z5thrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהֲ⁠תַלְבִּ֖ישׁ צַוָּאר֣⁠וֹ רַעְמָֽה1

Yahweh is speaking as if the mane of a horse were clothing that it wore. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Were you the one who gave horses such splendid manes”

309339:20lpb2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileהְֽ֭⁠תַרְעִישֶׁ⁠נּוּ כָּ⁠אַרְבֶּ֑ה1

The point of this comparison is that a horse can jump high and gracefully, just as a locust can easily jump high for its size. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “Are you the one who gave horses such graceful and powerful jumping ability”

309439:21gcq9rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsיַחְפְּר֣וּ בָ֭⁠עֵמֶק1

The pronoun They refers to horses. Since Yahweh uses singular pronouns in the rest of this section, it may be natural in your language to use a singular form here as well. Alternate translation: “It paws in the valley” or “A horse paws in the valley”

309539:21nvw4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיַחְפְּר֣וּ בָ֭⁠עֵמֶק1

Yahweh is using the term valley by association to mean a battleground, since at this time armies would fight against each other in valleys. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Before a battle, a horse paws the ground”

309639:21k6rcrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ⁠יָשִׂ֣ישׂ בְּ⁠כֹ֑חַ1

Yahweh is speaking of a horse as if it could consciously rejoice over the strength that it had. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and it prances mightily”

309739:22juq5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיִשְׂחַ֣ק לְ֭⁠פַחַד וְ⁠לֹ֣א יֵחָ֑ת1

Yahweh is speaking of the horse as if it could consciously express by laughing what it was thinking and feeling. Here the term laughs implicitly means laughing scornfully. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It does not feel fear; no, it is not frightened”

309839:22vse1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletיִשְׂחַ֣ק לְ֭⁠פַחַד וְ⁠לֹ֣א יֵחָ֑ת1

These two expressions mean similar things. Yahweh is using them terms together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Alternate translation: “It is not afraid at all”

309939:22uk9zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegativesוְ⁠לֹֽא־יָ֝שׁ֗וּב מִ⁠פְּנֵי־חָֽרֶב1

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 turn back. Alternate translation: “and it charges forward to the face of the sword”

310039:22k274rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyמִ⁠פְּנֵי־חָֽרֶב1

Here the word face represents the presence of a person or thing by association with the way people can see the face of someone who is present. Alternate translation: “from the presence of the sword”

310139:22k275rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounמִ⁠פְּנֵי־חָֽרֶב1

Yahweh is not referring to a specific sword. He means swords in general and, by extension, all the weapons of an enemy army. Alternate translation: “from the weapons it encounters”

310239:23cvi2rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownעָ֭לָי⁠ו תִּרְנֶ֣ה אַשְׁפָּ֑ה1

A quiver is a container that holds arrows. At this time, quivers were typically made of leather. If your readers would not be familiar with what a quiver is, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “The container for its riders arrows bounces against its side”

310339:23qlj4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisלַ֖הַב חֲנִ֣ית וְ⁠כִידֽוֹן1

Yahweh is leaving some words that in many languages this 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: “as does the flashing of the spear and the javelin”

310439:23q76brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionלַ֖הַב חֲנִ֣ית וְ⁠כִידֽוֹן1

Yahweh is using this possessive form to describe a spear and javelin that are characterized by flashing. These may have been made of wood, but they would have had metal points that gleamed in the sunlight. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “as do the spear and javelin whose points glisten in the sunlight”

310539:24sh13rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיְגַמֶּא־אָ֑רֶץ1

Yahweh is speaking as if a horse literally swallows the ground when it runs fast over it. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it races over the ground” or “it gallops across the ground”

310639:24bkv1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysבְּ⁠רַ֣עַשׁ וְ֭⁠רֹגֶז1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word rage tells why the horse is shaking. 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, preceded by a comma: “shaking with rage”

310739:24kx1qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכִּי־ק֥וֹל שׁוֹפָֽר1

Yahweh is referring implicitly to when someone would blow a horn to signal that the army should advance into battle. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “when it hears a horn sound the battle call”

310839:24yf1brc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesוְ⁠לֹֽא־יַ֝אֲמִ֗ין1

Yahweh is expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of his intended meaning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and it charges forward”

310939:25k276rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבְּ⁠דֵ֤י שֹׁפָ֨ר1

This expression means “as often as the horn sounds.” If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “As often as the horn sounds”

311039:25q35drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיֹ֘אמַ֤ר הֶאָ֗ח1

Yahweh is speaking of a horse as if it could speak and use this expression to show its delight. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it snorts enthusiastically.”

311139:25k277rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיָרִ֣יחַ מִלְחָמָ֑ה1

Yahweh is using the term battle by association to mean the enemy army that is approaching to fight a battle with the army to which the horse belongs. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it smells the enemy army approaching ”

311239:25i8r5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisרַ֥עַם שָׂ֝רִים וּ⁠תְרוּעָֽה1

Yahweh 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: “it hears the thunder of the princes and the battle-cry”

311339:25nry6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorרַ֥עַם שָׂ֝רִים1

Yahweh is speaking as if the loud orders that the princes or commanders were shouting to their troops were literally thunder. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the loud shouts of the princes” or “the loudly shouted orders of the princes”

311439:26k278rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounיַֽאֲבֶר־נֵ֑ץ יִפְרֹ֖שׂ כְּנָפָ֣יו1

Yahweh is not referring to a specific hawk. He means hawks in general. It may be more natural in your language to express this meaning by using a plural form. Alternate translation: “do hawks soar, do they stretch their wings”

311539:26k279rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownנֵ֑ץ1

A hawk is a bird of prey, typically with rounded wings and a long tail. If your readers would not be familiar with what a hawk is, in your translation you could use the name of a similar bird that your readers would recognize, or you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “a bird of prey”

311639:26k280rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisיִפְרֹ֖שׂ כְּנָפָ֣יו & לְ⁠תֵימָֽן1

Yahweh 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: “by your wisdom does it stretch its wings toward the south”

311739:26rx7src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיִפְרֹ֖שׂ כְּנָפָ֣יו & לְ⁠תֵימָֽן1

Yahweh is using the phrase stretch its wings by association to mean flying. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “does it fly toward the south”

311839:26ckg8rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיִפְרֹ֖שׂ כְּנָפָ֣יו לְ⁠תֵימָֽן1

Yahweh is referring implicitly to the way that hawks and other birds in the northern hemisphere migrate south to warmer weather when winter is approaching. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “does it migrate to a warmer climate for the winter”

311939:27cz3rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־עַל־פִּ֭י⁠ךָ יַגְבִּ֣יהַּ נָ֑שֶׁר וְ֝⁠כִ֗י יָרִ֥ים קִנּֽ⁠וֹ1

Yahweh 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: “It is not at your mouth that the eagle mounts up and that its nest is high, is it”

312039:27cd7krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyעַל־פִּ֭י⁠ךָ1

Yahweh is using the term mouth to mean by association what Job may have said with his mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “at your instruction”

312139:28k281rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletיִ֭שְׁכֹּן וְ⁠יִתְלֹנָ֑ן1

The terms dwells and lodges mean similar things. Yahweh 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: “It lives all the time” or “It makes its home”

312239:28u8qmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysשֶׁן־סֶ֝֗לַע וּ⁠מְצוּדָֽה1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two expressions connected with and. The word stronghold describes the character of a peak of a crag. 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: “on the inaccessible peak of a crag”

312339:29ak87rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomלְ֝⁠מֵ⁠רָח֗וֹק עֵינָ֥י⁠ו יַבִּֽיטוּ1

See how you translated the expression “to from afar” in 36:3. Alternate translation: “its eyes look to distant places”

312439:29t32lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלְ֝⁠מֵ⁠רָח֗וֹק עֵינָ֥י⁠ו יַבִּֽיטוּ1

Yahweh is using one part of an eagle, its eyes, to mean all of it in the act of looking for food. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: ”it can spot its prey far in the distance“

312539:30s29lrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheוְאֶפְרֹחָ֥יו יְעַלְעוּ־דָ֑ם1

Yahweh is using one thing that eaglets do when they consume freshly killed prey, suck up blood, to mean the entire act of eating such prey, which would include smaller birds and small mammals. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And it brings fresh prey for its eaglets to eat”

312639:30iv5jrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjוּ⁠בַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר חֲ֝לָלִ֗ים שָׁ֣ם הֽוּא1

Yahweh is using the adjective slain as a noun to mean people and animals in a certain condition. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this word with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “but it also feeds on the flesh of people and animals that others have killed”

312740:introk9mj0

Job 40 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

The ULT sets the lines of verses 12, 45, and 724 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are poetry.

  • Verses 12: Yahweh challenges Job to respond to what he has said so far.
  • Verses 35: Job replies that he has nothing to say in response.
  • Verses 614 Yahweh tells Job that if he wishes to judge the world as he would do, he must display power and justice in subduing wicked people.
  • Verses 1524 Yahweh tells Job to consider a great creature named Behemoth.

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Behemoth

To help Job continue to recognize that he occupies a small and insignificant place within creation, Yahweh describes the strength and power of one of his great creatures, Behemoth. While this animal was known in the time of Job, its exact identity is now uncertain. You may therefore wish to use the name Behemoth in your translation, spelling it the way it sounds in your language, rather than trying to specify a particular animal that Yahweh is describing. The UST models this approach.

Special Concepts in This Chapter

Justice

In verse 8, Yahweh asks Job whether he wishes to decide what is right. and then in the next verse, Yahweh asks Job whether he has great power. However, Yahweh is not suggesting that might makes right. Rather, he is asking Job whether he has the might to make things right, as he then describes in verses 1014. In verse 10, the terms ”majesty,“ ”greatness,“ ”glory,“ and ”splendor“ describe moral qualities, not simply power. See if you have terms available in your language that can convey this meaning in your translation.

312840:1jlf1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysוַ⁠יַּ֖עַן יְהוָ֥ה אֶת־אִיּ֗וֹב וַ⁠יֹּאמַֽר1

See how you translated the similar expression in 34:1. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh said to Job, in light of all that he had just said”

312940:2p78zrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personהֲ֭⁠רֹב עִם־שַׁדַּ֣י יִסּ֑וֹר מוֹכִ֖יחַ אֱל֣וֹהַּ יַעֲנֶֽ⁠נָּה1

The Almighty is speaking about himself in the third person, and though he is addressing Job directly, he is also speaking about him in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could have the Almighty speak of himself in the first person and of Job in the second person. Alternate translation: “You said you wanted to reprove me, the Almighty; do you still wish to contend with me? You said you wanted to correct me, God; if so, then you must answer it”

313040:2k282rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsמוֹכִ֖יחַ אֱל֣וֹהַּ יַעֲנֶֽ⁠נָּה1

God is using the pronoun it to refer to everything he has just said to Job. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “If you still think you can correct me, then respond to everything I have just said to you”

313140:3k283rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysוַ⁠יַּ֖עַן אִיּ֥וֹב אֶת־יְהוָ֗ה וַ⁠יֹּאמַֽר1

Here the narrator expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word answered tells for what purpose a person said something. Specifically, the person 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.” Alternate translation: “And Job responded to Yahweh”

313240:4q9w7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמָ֣ה אֲשִׁיבֶ֑⁠ךָּ1

Job is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “I am not able to answer you!”

313340:4k284rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionיָ֝דִ֗⁠י שַׂ֣מְתִּי לְמוֹ־פִֽ⁠י1

Putting his hand over his mouth was a symbolic action by which Job showed that he had nothing to say in response to Yahweh. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. You could also use an expression from your language and culture that has the same significance. Alternate translation: “I put my hand over my mouth so that I will not say anything” or “I bite my tongue”

313440:5k285rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelismאַחַ֣ת דִּ֭בַּרְתִּי וְ⁠לֹ֣א אֶֽעֱנֶ֑ה וּ֝⁠שְׁתַּ֗יִם וְ⁠לֹ֣א אוֹסִֽיף1

As Eliphaz did in 5:19 and as Elihu did in 33:14 and 33:29, here Job 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, but if a speaker of your language would not do this, in your translation you could express the emphasis another way. Alternate translation: “Though I was insisting that you were wrong, I will not say that any longer”

313540:5k286rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ⁠לֹ֣א אֶֽעֱנֶ֑ה1

Job is implicitly using the term answer in the same sense that the narrator used it in verse 1 and in 34:1. That is, Job means that he will not say more things in light of what he has already said and thus, in a sense, in answer to them. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “but I will say nothing further”

313640:6k287rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysוַ⁠יַּֽעַן־יְהוָ֣ה אֶת־אִ֭יּוֹב מנ סערה וַ⁠יֹּאמַֽר1

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, the person 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.” Alternate translation: “And from the storm Yahweh responded to Job”

313740:7t5gfrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאֱזָר & חֲלָצֶ֑י⁠ךָ1

See how you translated the same expression in 38:3. Alternate translation: “you must continue to take part in a difficult contest”

313840:7k288rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileכְ⁠גֶ֣בֶר1

See how you translated the same expression in 38:3. Alternate translation: “like a brave person” or “as a soldier would do when going into battle”

313940:7k289rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ironyאֶ֝שְׁאָלְ⁠ךָ֗ וְ⁠הוֹדִיעֵֽ⁠נִי1

See how you translated the same expression in 38:3. Alternate translation: “I will question you and you can tell me what you think I do not already know”

314040:8q5c9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַ֭⁠אַף תָּפֵ֣ר מִשְׁפָּטִ֑⁠י תַּ֝רְשִׁיעֵ֗⁠נִי לְמַ֣עַן תִּצְדָּֽק1

Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “Do not think that you can actually annul my judgment! Do not think that you can condemn me so that you may be right!”

314140:8k290rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsהַ֭⁠אַף תָּפֵ֣ר מִשְׁפָּטִ֑⁠י1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of judgment, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Would you actually try to show that I do not judge people correctly?” or “Do not think that you can actually show that I do not judge people correctly!”

314240:9h8v3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוְ⁠אִם־זְר֖וֹעַ כָּ⁠אֵ֥ל ׀ לָ֑⁠ךְ וּ֝⁠בְ⁠ק֗וֹל כָּמֹ֥⁠הוּ תַרְעֵֽם1

Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You do not have an arm such as God has! You cannot thunder with a voice as he does!”

314340:9k291rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personוְ⁠אִם־זְר֖וֹעַ כָּ⁠אֵ֥ל ׀ לָ֑⁠ךְ וּ֝⁠בְ⁠ק֗וֹל כָּמֹ֥⁠הוּ תַרְעֵֽם1

God is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “Do you have an arm such as I have? Can you thunder with a voice such as I do?” or “You do not have an arm such as I have! You cannot thunder with a voice as I do!”

314440:9k292rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוְ⁠אִם־זְר֖וֹעַ כָּ⁠אֵ֥ל ׀ לָ֑⁠ךְ1

Yahweh 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: “Now you do not have an arm such as I have, do you”

314540:9zc8krc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוְ⁠אִם־זְר֖וֹעַ כָּ⁠אֵ֥ל ׀ לָ֑⁠ךְ1

Here the arm of God represents his power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Now you do not have power such as I have, do you”

314640:9bf69rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוּ֝⁠בְ⁠ק֗וֹל כָּמֹ֥⁠הוּ תַרְעֵֽם1

Yahweh is speaking as if his own voice literally made the sound of thunder. He means that his voice is very loud, and that shows how powerful he is. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Or do you have a loud and powerful voice such as I do” or “Or is it evident from the volume of your voice how powerful you are, as it is for me”

314740:10k293rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesנָ֣א1

Yahweh is using the word Then to indicate what Job should do if he has the kind of power that Yahweh described in the previous verse. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “If you do, then”

314840:10tc7mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעֲדֵ֥ה & גָֽא֣וֹן וָ⁠גֹ֑בַהּ וְ⁠ה֖וֹד וְ⁠הָדָ֣ר תִּלְבָּֽשׁ1

Yahweh is speaking as if he wanted Job literally to adorn and clothe himself with the qualities that he names. He means that Job ought to make it apparent that he has these qualities if he wishes to judge the world as Yahweh would do. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “display your majesty and greatness; show your glory and splendor”

314940:10k294rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletגָֽא֣וֹן וָ⁠גֹ֑בַהּ וְ⁠ה֖וֹד וְ⁠הָדָ֣ר1

The terms majesty and greatness mean similar things, and the terms glory and splendor also mean similar things. Yahweh 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: “in great majesty, and … in bright splendor”

315040:11ec11rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהָ֭פֵץ עֶבְר֣וֹת אַפֶּ֑⁠ךָ1

Yahweh is speaking as if Jobs outbursts were objects that he could Scatter. Elihu used the same word for “scatter” in 37:11 to describe how God made lightning bolts go to various places, so the implication seems to be that Yahweh is challenging Job to direct his righteous anger against his enemies if he has the power to do that. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Direct your righteous anger against all your enemies”

315140:11k295rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjגֵּ֝אֶ֗ה1

Yahweh is using the adjective proud as a noun to mean a certain kind of person. The ULT adds the word one to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “proud person”

315240:11vj9frc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוְ⁠הַשְׁפִּילֵֽ⁠הוּ1

Yahweh is speaking as if Job would literally bring an arrogant person down from a height to a lower place. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and humble him”

315340:12k296rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjגֵּ֭אֶה1

See how you translated the same expression in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “proud person”

315440:12k297rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorוַ⁠הֲדֹ֖ךְ1

Yahweh is speaking as if he wants Job literally to trample or walk all over wicked people if he wishes to judge the world as Yahweh would do. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and punish”

315540:12k298rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjרְשָׁעִ֣ים1

Yahweh is using the adjective wicked 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 adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “wicked people”

315640:12k299rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomתַּחְתָּֽ⁠ם1

As Elihu did similarly in 36:16, here Yahweh is using the expression under them to mean at the location on which these wicked people stand. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “right where they are”

315740:13k300rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyטָמְנֵ֣⁠ם בֶּ⁠עָפָ֣ר יָ֑חַד1

Yahweh is using the term dust, meaning the ground, by association to mean graves in which people are buried. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Bury them all in the ground” or “Bury them all in graves”

315840:13k301rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitטָמְנֵ֣⁠ם בֶּ⁠עָפָ֣ר יָ֑חַד1

The implication is that Job should first judge and punish proud and wicked people, executing them for their crimes, and then bury them, if he wishes to judge the world as Yahweh would do. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Judge and execute all proud and wicked people for their crimes”

315940:13se3trc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionפְּ֝נֵי⁠הֶ֗ם חֲבֹ֣שׁ בַּ⁠טָּמֽוּן1

Yahweh is referring to a cultural practice. This could mean: (1) the action of wrapping the head separately from the rest of the body when preparing a body for burial. Yahweh would be using this action to mean the entire act of burial, and this second part of the verse would mean the same thing as the first part of the verse. Alternate translation: “bury them in the hidden place” (2) the symbolic action of covering the face of a person who was about to be executed. (There is an example of this in the Bible in Esther 7:8.) The face represented the person, and the fact that it could no longer be seen indicated that soon the person would no longer be alive. Yahweh would be using the covering of the face to mean the entire act of executing such criminals. Alternate translation: “execute them and put them in the hidden place”

316040:13y16qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjבַּ⁠טָּמֽוּן1

Yahweh is using the adjective hidden as a noun to mean a certain kind of place, the grave, into which people cannot see. The ULT adds the word place to show this. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “in the grave” or “in the abode of the dead”

316140:14k302rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalוְ⁠גַם־אֲנִ֥י אוֹדֶ֑⁠ךָּ1

Yahweh is using the word And to introduce the second part of an implied conditional statement. He means that he will praise Job only if Job is able to do the things he has just described. Alternate translation: “Only then would I praise you” or “If you were able to do these things, then I would praise you”

316240:14k303rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-pronounsאֲנִ֥י אוֹדֶ֑⁠ךָּ1

For emphasis, Yahweh is stating the pronoun I, whose meaning is already present in the verb translated praise. 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: “I myself will praise you”

316340:14k304rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיְמִינֶֽ⁠ךָ1

Here the right hand represents the power and control that people have over something. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “your power”

316440:14k305rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיְמִינֶֽ⁠ךָ1

Yahweh is using the right hand as a symbol of strength because in this culture, a majority of the population more naturally used that hand. Yahweh is not saying that there is anything wrong with being left-handed. Particularly if many of the people in your culture naturally use their left hands, you may wish to use an equivalent expression here that does not name a particular hand. Alternate translation: “your own hand”

316540:15k306rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהִנֵּה1

Yahweh is speaking as if he wants Job to behold or look at an animal that is not present. Yahweh is using sight to represent attention. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “consider”

316640:15t3anrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesבְ֭הֵמוֹת1

See the discussion of the name Behemoth in the General Notes to this chapter to decide how to represent this name in your translation.

316740:15k307rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֲשֶׁר־עָשִׂ֣יתִי עִמָּ֑⁠ךְ1

Yahweh means that he made Behemoth just as he made Job, not that he made Behemoth at the same time when he made Job. Alternate translation: “which I myself created, just as I created you”

316840:15h3k4rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrastחָ֝צִ֗יר כַּ⁠בָּקָ֥ר יֹאכֵֽל1

There is an implied contrast here. This great beast has the size and strength to hunt and kill other animals; nevertheless, it lives on plants. (This may be an implicit indication that such great wild beasts remain under the restraint of Yahweh.) You may wish to indicate this contrast in your translation, in a way that is natural in your language. Alternate translation: “despite its great size and strength, it eats grass like an ox”

316940:15k308rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheחָ֝צִ֗יר1

Yahweh is probably using one kind of plant, grass, to mean all kinds of green plants that animals eat. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “green plants”

317040:16utj1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamationsהִנֵּה־נָ֣א כֹח֣⁠וֹ בְ⁠מָתְנָ֑י⁠ו וְ֝⁠אֹנ֗⁠וֹ בִּ⁠שְׁרִירֵ֥י בִטְנֽ⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is once again using the term behold to mean “consider.” In this instance, it may be natural in your language to translate these statements as exclamations that are calling for Jobs attention. Alternate translation: “What strength it has in its loins! What power it has in the muscles of its belly!”

317140:17t5ejrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileיַחְפֹּ֣ץ זְנָב֣⁠וֹ כְמוֹ־אָ֑רֶז1

The point of this comparison is that just as the branch of a cedar tree is flexible but strong, so this beast can raise its tail and hold it flexibly in the air. The ability to hold a tail upright, which older animals can no longer do, is a sign of youthful strength. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “It shows its vigor by holding up its tail as if that were a cedar branch”

317240:17k309rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveגִּידֵ֖י פַחֲדָ֣יו יְשֹׂרָֽגוּ1

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: “the sinews of its thighs hold tightly to one another”

317340:18g8shrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorעֲ֭צָמָי⁠ו אֲפִיקֵ֣י נְחוּשָׁ֑ה1

Yahweh is speaking as if the bones of this beast were literally tubes of bronze. He is using the metal bronze to represent great strength, and he likely speaks of tubes because bones are hollow. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Its bones are very strong, as if they were made of bronze”

317440:18v226rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileגְּ֝רָמָ֗י⁠ו כִּ⁠מְטִ֥יל בַּרְזֶֽל1

The point of this comparison is that just as bars of iron are very strong, so the legs of this beast are very strong. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “its legs are very strong, as if they were iron bars”

317540:19c5rbrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personה֭וּא רֵאשִׁ֣ית דַּרְכֵי־אֵ֑ל1

Yahweh is speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “It is the first of my ways”

317640:19k310rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorה֭וּא רֵאשִׁ֣ית דַּרְכֵי־אֵ֑ל1

Yahweh is speaking of the things that a person has done as if those were ways or paths that the person had walked along. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It is the first of my works”

317740:19kd2rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomה֭וּא רֵאשִׁ֣ית דַּרְכֵי־אֵ֑ל1

Yahweh is using the word first in a particular sense to mean “chief” or “greatest.” He does not mean that he created Behemoth before he created any other animal. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It is my greatest creature”

317840:19k311rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleה֭וּא רֵאשִׁ֣ית דַּרְכֵי־אֵ֑ל1

Yahweh is likely using the word first, meaning “greatest,” as an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “It is one of my most powerful creatures”

317940:19k312rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-123personהָ֝⁠עֹשׂ⁠וֹ יַגֵּ֥שׁ חַרְבּֽ⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is once again speaking about himself in the third person. If it would be helpful in your language, you could translate this in the first person. Alternate translation: “When I made it, I provided it with a sword”

318040:19k313rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyהָ֝⁠עֹשׂ⁠וֹ יַגֵּ֥שׁ חַרְבּֽ⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is speaking of Behemoth as if it literally had a sword. The following verse suggests that he is most likely referring to the long, sharp tusks that it used to shear the plants that it ate. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “When I made it, I provided it with long, sharp tusks”

318140:20k314rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-words-phrasesכִּֽי1

Yahweh is using the word For to introduce the reason why he created Behemoth with long, sharp tusks. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could indicate this in your translation. Alternate translation: “I gave it tusks because”

318240:20f3rurc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationב֭וּל הָרִ֣ים יִשְׂאוּ־ל֑⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is speaking of these hills as if they were living things that could provide food for Behemoth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it eats the plants that grow on the hills”

318340:20k315rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהָרִ֣ים יִשְׂאוּ1

The term hills likely refers in this context to the higher ground on both sides of the river in which Behemoth lives. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “the higher ground on the sides of the river provides”

318440:20k316rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְֽ⁠כָל־חַיַּ֥ת הַ֝⁠שָּׂדֶ֗ה יְשַֽׂחֲקוּ־שָֽׁם1

Yahweh means implicitly that the beasts of the field can play where Behemoth is feeding because it eats plants and so it will not harm them. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “and so it leaves the nearby beasts of the field peacefully alone” or “and so it does not harm any of the nearby beasts of the field”

318540:21h567rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownצֶאֱלִ֥ים1

It is uncertain exactly what kind of trees Yahweh is describing here, although it is clear that they are a type that grows on riverbanks. You may wish to use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “shade trees”

318640:21uth5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysקָנֶ֣ה וּ⁠בִצָּֽה1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word marsh tells what kind of reed is in view. 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: “marsh reeds” or “the reeds of the marsh”

318740:22k317rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownיְסֻכֻּ֣⁠הוּ צֶאֱלִ֣ים צִֽלֲל֑⁠וֹ1

If you translated the term lotus trees as “shade trees” in the previous verse, you could translate this verse in such a way as to avoid using the term shade twice. Alternate translation: “Those trees cover it with their shade”

318840:22k86urc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownעַרְבֵי־נָֽחַל1

The term willows describes large trees that grow in damp ground. If your readers would not be familiar with what willow trees are, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “the trees that grow near the river”

318940:23vbe3rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalהֵ֤ן יַעֲשֹׁ֣ק נָ֭הָר1

Yahweh is using the word Behold to introduce a conditional statement, that is, to say how Behemoth would respond if a certain thing happened. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Even if a river overflows”

319040:23k318rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitלֹ֣א יַחְפּ֑וֹז1

Yahweh means implicitly that Behemoth does not tremble with fear when rivers flood. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “it does not tremble with fear”

319140:23x8nvrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheיַרְדֵּ֣ן1

Yahweh is using one specific river, the Jordan, to mean any river in which Behemoth might be living. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the river in which it is living”

319240:24uyb7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionבְּ⁠עֵינָ֥י⁠ו יִקָּחֶ֑⁠נּוּ בְּ֝⁠מֽוֹקְשִׁ֗ים יִנְקָב־אָֽף1

Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “No one can capture it with its eyes! No one can pierce its nose with a cord!”

319340:24k319rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְּ⁠עֵינָ֥י⁠ו יִקָּחֶ֑⁠נּוּ1

Yahweh is using the term eyes by association to mean sight. This could mean: (1) that no one can capture Behemoth while it still has the use of its eyes. Alternate translation: “No one can capture it while it is watching!” or “No one can capture it without first blinding it!” (2) that no one can capture Behemoth by using something that it would see. Alternate translation: “No one can capture it by putting attractive bait in front of it!”

319440:24k320rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitבְּ֝⁠מֽוֹקְשִׁ֗ים יִנְקָב־אָֽף1

In this culture, people would control the movements of a large animal by passing a thin but strong cord or rope through a puncture in its nose. Yahweh is saying that no one could do this with Behemoth. Alternate translation: “No one would be able to control its movements by passing a cord through a hole in its nose!”

319541:introet130

Job 41 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

This chapter is the conclusion of Yahwehs response to Job.

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

Translation Issues in This Chapter

Leviathan

In the previous chapter, to help Job recognize what a small and insignificant place he occupied within creation, Yahweh told him to consider a great creature named Behemoth. In this chapter, for the same purpose, Yahweh tells Job to consider another great creature that he calls Leviathan.

As the General Introduction to Job explains, ancient peoples seem to have been aware of a large, fierce creature that lived in the ocean, which they called the “sea monster.” They also used the names Leviathan and Rahab to describe this creature. While it seems to have been known in the time of Job, its exact identity is uncertain today. And so it may be best to use the name Leviathan in your translation, spelling it the way it sounds in your language, rather than trying to specify a particular animal that Yahweh is describing. The UST models this approach.

Yahweh answering Job with his own words

In several places in this chapter, Yahweh alludes to Jobs opening speech, in which Job cursed the day of his birth, by using the same language that Job did. In verse 10, Yahweh speaks of awakening Leviathan, as Job did in 3:8. In verse 18, Yahweh speaks of “the eyelids of the dawn,” meaning the first rays of the rising sun, as Job did in 3:9. In verse 30, Yahweh speaks of a “shard,” a piece of broken pottery, such as Job took to scrape his skin, as 2:8 describes. In each case, these are the only two occurrences of these words or phrases in the book. As Yahweh concludes his own speech, he is going all the way back to the beginnings of Jobs troubles and to the first concerns that he expressed in order to address everything that Job has said throughout the book. To help your readers appreciate what Yahweh is doing, you may wish to translate his expressions in these places in the same way that you translated Jobs similar expressions earlier.

319641:1tg8arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionתִּמְשֹׁ֣ךְ לִוְיָתָ֣ן בְּ⁠חַכָּ֑ה וּ֝⁠בְ⁠חֶ֗בֶל תַּשְׁקִ֥יעַ לְשֹׁנֽ⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You cannot draw out Leviathan with a hook! No, you cannot tie its tongue with a rope!”

319741:1k321rc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-participantsתִּמְשֹׁ֣ךְ לִוְיָתָ֣ן1

Yahweh now wants Job to consider another one of his great creatures, Leviathan. But he does not indicate this by saying, as he did for Behemoth in 40:15, “Now behold Leviathan.” Instead, he describes how difficult it would be to capture Leviathan, following upon his description of how difficult it would be to capture Behemoth. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use a natural way in your language to show that here Yahweh is introducing another creature that he wants Job to consider. The UST models this approach. Alternate translation: “Now I want you to consider another of my great creatures. Will you draw out Leviathan”

319841:1f9dwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisתִּמְשֹׁ֣ךְ לִוְיָתָ֣ן1

Yahweh 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: “Will you draw Leviathan out of the water”

319941:1k322rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesלִוְיָתָ֣ן1

See how you translated the name Leviathan in 3:8.

320041:1t8j2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheתַּשְׁקִ֥יעַ לְשֹׁנֽ⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is using one part of Leviathans mouth, its tongue, to mean its entire mouth. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “will you tie its mouth shut”

320141:2y88erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-infostructureהֲ⁠תָשִׂ֣ים אַגְמ֣וֹן בְּ⁠אַפּ֑⁠וֹ וּ֝⁠בְ⁠ח֗וֹחַ תִּקּ֥וֹב לֶֽחֱי⁠וֹ1

Since someone would first have to capture Leviathan with a hook before restraining it with a rope in its nose, it may be more natural to put the information about the hook first. Alternate translation: “Will you capture it by hooking its jaw and then put a rope into its nose to restrain it?”

320241:2k323rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהֲ⁠תָשִׂ֣ים אַגְמ֣וֹן בְּ⁠אַפּ֑⁠וֹ1

See how you translated the similar expression in 40:24. Alternate translation: “Will you control its movements by passing a rope through a hole in its nose”

320341:3f3f9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠יַרְבֶּ֣ה אֵ֭לֶי⁠ךָ תַּחֲנוּנִ֑ים אִם־יְדַבֵּ֖ר אֵלֶ֣י⁠ךָ רַכּֽוֹת1

Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “It would not multiply supplications to you! It would not speak tender things to you!”

320441:3d9dmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationהֲ⁠יַרְבֶּ֣ה אֵ֭לֶי⁠ךָ תַּחֲנוּנִ֑ים אִם־יְדַבֵּ֖ר אֵלֶ֣י⁠ךָ רַכּֽוֹת1

Yahweh is speaking as if Leviathan could talk intelligently. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If it could speak, it would not multiply supplications to you! If it could talk, it would not say tender things to you!”

320541:3k324rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsהֲ⁠יַרְבֶּ֣ה אֵ֭לֶי⁠ךָ תַּחֲנוּנִ֑ים1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of supplications, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “It would not keep begging you to release it!”

320641:3k325rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאִם־יְדַבֵּ֖ר אֵלֶ֣י⁠ךָ רַכּֽוֹת1

Yahweh 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: “It would not speak tender things to you, would it?”

320741:3k326rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjאִם־יְדַבֵּ֖ר אֵלֶ֣י⁠ךָ רַכּֽוֹת1

Yahweh is using the adjective tender as a noun to mean a certain kind of saying. The ULT adds the word things to show that. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “It would not speak politely to you, would it”

320841:4lt8src://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠יִכְרֹ֣ת בְּרִ֣ית עִמָּ֑⁠ךְ תִּ֝קָּחֶ֗⁠נּוּ לְ⁠עֶ֣בֶד עוֹלָֽם1

Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “It would not cut a covenant with you! You could not take it for a servant forever!”

320941:4k4darc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationהֲ⁠יִכְרֹ֣ת בְּרִ֣ית עִמָּ֑⁠ךְ1

Yahweh is speaking as if Leviathan could intelligently make legal arrangements. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “If it could cut covenants, it would not cut one with you!”

321041:4k327rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomהֲ⁠יִכְרֹ֣ת בְּרִ֣ית1

See how you translated the expression “cut a covenant” in 31:1. Alternate translation: “Will it make a covenant”

321141:4k328rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitעוֹלָֽם1

The word translated forever does not mean for eternity. It describes an indefinite future period. In this context, it describes becoming a servant without any specified term of service, that is, for life. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “for the rest of its life”

321241:5d2evrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַֽ⁠תְשַׂחֶק־בּ֭⁠וֹ כַּ⁠צִּפּ֑וֹר וְ֝⁠תִקְשְׁרֶ֗⁠נּוּ לְ⁠נַעֲרוֹתֶֽי⁠ךָ1

Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You could not play with it as with a bird! No, you could not tie it for your girls!”

321341:5k329rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitכַּ⁠צִּפּ֑וֹר1

In this culture, a person might keep a bird as a pet. If someone in your culture would not do that, you could use a general expression. Alternate translation: “as with a pet”

321441:5kt39rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוְ֝⁠תִקְשְׁרֶ֗⁠נּוּ1

In this context, the word tie probably refers to putting a leash on an animal. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Or will you put a leash on it”

321541:6al1qrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionיִכְר֣וּ עָ֭לָי⁠ו חַבָּרִ֑ים יֶ֝חֱצ֗וּ⁠הוּ בֵּ֣ין כְּֽנַעֲנִֽים1

Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “Partners will not bargain over it! They will not divide it among merchants!”

321641:6s28mrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitיִכְר֣וּ עָ֭לָי⁠ו חַבָּרִ֑ים יֶ֝חֱצ֗וּ⁠הוּ בֵּ֣ין כְּֽנַעֲנִֽים1

The word partners refers to fishermen working together. If they made a large catch, they would bargain over how much of it belonged to each of them. The word merchants refers to people who would buy the catch in order to resell it to their customers. The fishermen would be able to divide Leviathan among several merchants because it would be such a large catch. You could indicate these things in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. The UST models one way to do that.

321741:7j5dmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהַֽ⁠תְמַלֵּ֣א בְ⁠שֻׂכּ֣וֹת עוֹר֑⁠וֹ וּ⁠בְ⁠צִלְצַ֖ל דָּגִ֣ים רֹאשֽׁ⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “You cannot fill its hide with harpoons or its head with spears of fish!”

321841:7g9bkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionוּ⁠בְ⁠צִלְצַ֖ל דָּגִ֣ים1

Yahweh is using this possessive form to describe spears that are used to catch fish, not spears that are made of fish. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “or … with fishing spears”

321941:8k330rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-condition-hypotheticalשִׂים־עָלָ֥י⁠ו כַּפֶּ֑⁠ךָ זְכֹ֥ר מִ֝לְחָמָ֗ה אַל־תּוֹסַֽף1

Yahweh is actually making a conditional statement here. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “If you ever put your hand on it, you will always remember the battle you fought with it, and you will never do that again!”

322041:8k331rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyשִׂים־עָלָ֥י⁠ו כַּפֶּ֑⁠ךָ1

Here, hand represents power. If it would be helpful in your language, you could use an equivalent expression or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Use force against it” or “Try to fight with it”

322141:9k332rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionתֹּחַלְתּ֥⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is using this possessive form to describe the hope of anyone who wants to capture Leviathan. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “the hope of anyone who wants to capture Leviathan”

322241:9s2herc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveנִכְזָ֑בָה1

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: “is deceptive” or “is false”

322341:9k333rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionהֲ⁠גַ֖ם אֶל־מַרְאָ֣י⁠ו יֻטָֽל1

Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “one is cast down even at its appearance!”

322441:9k334rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomהֲ⁠גַ֖ם אֶל־מַרְאָ֣י⁠ו יֻטָֽל1

This question anticipates a positive answer. If you decide to retain the question form in your translation, you may need to make the question negative, as the ULT does, in order to indicate that.

322541:9k335rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveהֲ⁠גַ֖ם אֶל־מַרְאָ֣י⁠ו יֻטָֽל1

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: “does not one fall over even at its appearance”

322641:9x9znrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleהֲ⁠גַ֖ם אֶל־מַרְאָ֣י⁠ו יֻטָֽל1

When Yahweh says that the mere appearance of Leviathan is enough to knock a person over, this is an overstatement for emphasis. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “is not its mere appearance overwhelmingly terrifying”

322741:10k336rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיְעוּרֶ֑⁠נּוּ1

Yahweh is speaking as if Leviathan were literally asleep and someone might awaken it. He is referring to disturbing or attacking Leviathan when it is not acting hostilely. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “he will disturb it” or “he will attack it”

322841:10wj5rrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionוּ⁠מִ֥י ה֝֗וּא לְ⁠פָנַ֥⁠י יִתְיַצָּֽב1

Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “Then surely no one will stand to my face!”

322941:10k337rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyלְ⁠פָנַ֥⁠י יִתְיַצָּֽב1

Here the word face represents what is directly in front of Yahweh. Yahweh is referring to someone coming directly in front of him to attack him. Alternate translation: “who would attack me”

323041:11s27erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִ֣י הִ֭קְדִּימַ⁠נִי וַ⁠אֲשַׁלֵּ֑ם1

Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No one has anticipated me, that I should repay!”

323141:11k338rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitהִ֭קְדִּימַ⁠נִי1

The word translated anticipated means to arrive somewhere before someone else, but it has the implication of making arrangements to help that other person when he arrives. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “has helped me”

323241:11k339rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisתַּ֖חַת כָּל־הַ⁠שָּׁמַ֣יִם לִ⁠י־הֽוּא1

Yahweh 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: “Everything under the whole sky belongs to me”

323341:12pqy2rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-litotesלא־אַחֲרִ֥ישׁ בַּדָּ֑י⁠ו וּ⁠דְבַר־גְּ֝בוּר֗וֹת וְ⁠חִ֣ין עֶרְכּֽ⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is expressing a positive meaning by using a negative word together with a word that is the opposite of his intended meaning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I will certainly speak about its limbs and the matter of its strengths and the beauty of its form”

323441:12c6dkrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-pluralגְּ֝בוּר֗וֹת1

Yahweh is using the plural form strengths in a context where the singular term “strength” would suffice. This suggests that he is using the plural form for emphasis. Your language may use plural forms in the same way. If not, you could express the meaning in another way. Alternate translation: “its great strength”

323541:13fp4xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionמִֽי־גִ֭לָּה פְּנֵ֣י לְבוּשׁ֑⁠וֹ בְּ⁠כֶ֥פֶל רִ֝סְנ֗⁠וֹ מִ֣י יָבֽוֹא1

Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate these questions as statements or as exclamations. Alternate translation: “No one has removed the face of its clothing! No one has entered into the double of its bridle!”

323641:13r6zdrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorפְּנֵ֣י לְבוּשׁ֑⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is speaking as if the tough skin or hide of Leviathan were its clothing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the face of its hide”

323741:13k340rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomפְּנֵ֣י לְבוּשׁ֑⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is using the term face in a specific sense to mean “surface.” By the surface of Leviathans hide, he means the scales that he describes in verses 1517. Alternate translation: “the scales on its hide”

323841:13k341rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-possessionבְּ⁠כֶ֥פֶל רִ֝סְנ֗⁠וֹ1

Yahweh is using this possessive form to describe a bridle that is characterized by being double. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Into its double bridle”

323941:13k342rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownבְּ⁠כֶ֥פֶל רִ֝סְנ֗⁠וֹ1

The term bridle describes a type of headgear that people put on animals in order to control them. It consists of a bit that goes into the animals mouth and a series of straps that a rider can use to apply pressure to the bit. If your readers would not be familiar with what a bridle is, you could use a general expression in your translation. Alternate translation: “Into its double controlling mouthpiece”

324041:13k343rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyבְּ⁠כֶ֥פֶל רִ֝סְנ֗⁠וֹ1

As the next verse suggests, Yahweh is using the term bridle by association to mean the mouth of Leviathan and specifically its jaws, since the term double indicates that he is referring to something paired. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Into its double jaws”

324141:14e1dkrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestionדַּלְתֵ֣י פָ֭נָי⁠ו מִ֣י פִתֵּ֑חַ1

Yahweh is using the question form for emphasis. If a speaker of your language would not use the question form for that purpose, you could translate this as a statement or as an exclamation. Alternate translation: “No one has opened the doors of its face!”

324241:14k344rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorדַּלְתֵ֣י פָ֭נָי⁠ו1

Yahweh is speaking as if the jaws of Leviathan were literally doors in its face. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Its jaws”

324341:14k345rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsסְבִיב֖וֹת שִׁנָּ֣י⁠ו אֵימָֽה1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of terror, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “Its teeth are terrifying”

324441:15wa6crc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorמָֽגִנִּ֑ים1

Yahweh is speaking as if the scales of Leviathan were literally shields. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “scales”

324541:15k346rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationגַּ֭אֲוָה1

Yahweh is speaking of Leviathan as if it were a living thing that could take pride in its scales. He means that it could be confident in their protection. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “are its protection”

324641:15k347rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveסָ֝ג֗וּר חוֹתָ֥ם צָֽר1

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. It may be helpful to begin a new sentence here. Alternate translation: “A tight seal shuts them together”

324741:15s54hrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorסָ֝ג֗וּר חוֹתָ֥ם צָֽר1

Yahweh is speaking as if a tight seal literally held the scales of Leviathan closely to one another. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this as a comparison. Alternate translation: “They overlap closely, as if a seal held them together”

324841:16cs18rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperboleוְ֝⁠ר֗וּחַ לֹא־יָב֥וֹא בֵֽינֵי⁠הֶֽם1

As an overstatement for emphasis, Yahweh says that not even air comes between the scales of Leviathan. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “and there is no space at all between them”

324941:17z5wzrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאִישׁ־בְּ⁠אָחִ֥י⁠הוּ יְדֻבָּ֑קוּ1

Yahweh is speaking as if a scale were literally a man and the scale next to it were literally his brother. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Each scale is joined together with the scale next to it”

325041:17x9sgrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveאִישׁ־בְּ⁠אָחִ֥י⁠הוּ יְדֻבָּ֑קוּ1

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: “Each scale closely adjoins the scale next to it”

325141:17k348rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיִ֝תְלַכְּד֗וּ וְ⁠לֹ֣א יִתְפָּרָֽדוּ1

Yahweh is speaking of the scales of Leviathan as if they were living things that could clasp themselves together and potentially separate themselves (although they do not). If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “they overlap, with no separation between them”

325241:18k349rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ֝⁠עֵינָ֗י⁠ו כְּ⁠עַפְעַפֵּי־שָֽׁחַר1

See how you translated the expression the eyelids of the dawn in 3:9. Alternate translation: “and its eyes are like the first flashes of light from the sunrise”

325341:19k350rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-goמִ֭⁠פִּי⁠ו לַפִּידִ֣ים יַהֲלֹ֑כוּ1

In a context such as this, your language might say “go” instead of come. Alternate translation: “Flames go out of its mouth”

325441:19mp8prc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationכִּיד֥וֹדֵי אֵ֝֗שׁ יִתְמַלָּֽטוּ1

Yahweh is speaking of sparks of fire as if they were living things that could leap out of the mouth of Leviathan on their own. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it sends out sparks of fire”

325541:20uk6drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyכְּ⁠ד֖וּד נָפ֣וּחַ וְ⁠אַגְמֹֽן1

Yahweh is using the term blown by association to mean a fire that someone has blown or fanned to make it burn hot. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “like a pot over a blown fire and a reed”

325641:20k351rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveכְּ⁠ד֖וּד נָפ֣וּחַ וְ⁠אַגְמֹֽן1

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: “like a pot over a fire that someone has blown and a reed”

325741:20k352rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadysכְּ⁠ד֖וּד נָפ֣וּחַ וְ⁠אַגְמֹֽן1

This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with and. The word reed tells what kind of fuel the fire is burning that is heating the pot. People would make a fire out of dried reeds if they wanted it to burn hot quickly, although for a short time, such as to boil water. 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: “like a pot that is boiling over a hot fire”

325841:22k353rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationבְּֽ֭⁠צַוָּאר⁠וֹ יָלִ֣ין עֹ֑ז1

Yahweh is speaking as if strength were a living thing that could stay for the night in the neck of Leviathan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It has a very strong neck”

325941:22lw67rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationתָּד֥וּץ דְּאָבָֽה1

Yahweh is speaking of fear as if it were a living thing that could leap up in front of Leviathan. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “people become very afraid”

326041:22k354rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyוּ֝⁠לְ⁠פָנָ֗י⁠ו1

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: “in its presence” or “and … in front of it”

326141:23k355rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitמַפְּלֵ֣י בְשָׂר֣⁠וֹ דָבֵ֑קוּ יָצ֥וּק עָ֝לָ֗י⁠ו בַּל־יִמּֽוֹט1

Yahweh is referring to the underbelly of Leviathan as the folds of its flesh. In most animals, this area is soft and vulnerable, but in Leviathan it is tight and secure. You could indicate the meaning of this expression in your translation if that would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “Its underbelly parts are tight and secure”

326241:23uak5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveיָצ֥וּק עָ֝לָ֗י⁠ו בַּל־יִמּֽוֹט1

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: “they stay firmly in place”

326341:24b1b7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלִ֭בּ⁠וֹ יָצ֣וּק כְּמוֹ־אָ֑בֶן וְ֝⁠יָצ֗וּק כְּ⁠פֶ֣לַח תַּחְתִּֽית1

Here the would heart could mean: (1) the disposition of Leviathan. If that were hard, then Yahweh would be saying that Leviathan acted cruelly and was not afraid of anyone or anything. Alternate translation: “It acts cruelly and fears nothing” (2) the chest of Leviathan. Alternate translation: “Its chest is hard like stone; yes, it is hard like a lower millstone”

326441:24ja7yrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-unknownכְּ⁠פֶ֣לַח תַּחְתִּֽית1

A millstone is one of a pair of large, flat, round stones that people use to crush kernels of grain to process them into food for humans. The lower millstone needs to be especially strong and hard because it bears the weight of the upper millstone and the force of the crushing. If your readers would not be familiar with what a millstone 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: “like a stone that people use to crush grain”

326541:25ygt1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjאֵלִ֑ים1

Yahweh is using the adjective mighty 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 adjective with an equivalent phrase. Alternate translation: “mighty people” or “even brave warriors”

326641:26m7wsrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomמַשִּׂיגֵ֣⁠הוּ חֶ֭רֶב בְּלִ֣י תָק֑וּם1

Yahweh is using the term stand in a specific sense to mean “succeed.” Alternate translation: “Someone may strike it with a sword, but that will have no effect”

326741:26k356rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisחֲנִ֖ית מַסָּ֣ע וְ⁠שִׁרְיָֽה1

Yahweh 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: “neither does the spear, the dart, the javelin”

326841:26k357rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-genericnounחֲנִ֖ית מַסָּ֣ע וְ⁠שִׁרְיָֽה1

Yahweh is not referring to a specific spear, dart, or javelin. He means any such weapon. Alternate translation: “neither does any spear, dart, or javelin that may strike it”

326941:27uu6erc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsisיַחְשֹׁ֣ב לְ⁠תֶ֣בֶן בַּרְזֶ֑ל לְ⁠עֵ֖ץ רִקָּב֣וֹן נְחוּשָֽׁה1

Yahweh 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: “It regards iron as straw, and it regards bronze as rotten wood”

327041:27hml3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileיַחְשֹׁ֣ב לְ⁠תֶ֣בֶן בַּרְזֶ֑ל לְ⁠עֵ֖ץ רִקָּב֣וֹן נְחוּשָֽׁה1

The point of this comparison is that just as straw is flimsy and rotten wood falls apart, so Leviathan considers iron to be flimsy and bronze to be a substance that would fall apart. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “It considers iron to be as flimsy as straw, and it regards bronze as something that would fall apart like rotten wood”

327141:27k358rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationיַחְשֹׁ֣ב לְ⁠תֶ֣בֶן בַּרְזֶ֑ל לְ⁠עֵ֖ץ רִקָּב֣וֹן נְחוּשָֽׁה1

Yahweh is speaking as if Leviathan could intelligently make judgments about the strength of metals that might be used to make weapons that people would use against it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “An iron weapon that someone might use against it would be as flimsy as straw, and a bronze weapon that someone might use against it would fall apart”

327241:28k359rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorבֶן־קָ֑שֶׁת1

Yahweh is speaking as if an arrow were literally the son of the bow from which it was shot. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “An arrow”

327341:28k360rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveלְ֝⁠קַ֗שׁ נֶהְפְּכוּ־ל֥⁠וֹ אַבְנֵי־קָֽלַע1

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: “with it, the stones of the sling become chaff”

327441:28jl4xrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorלְ֝⁠קַ֗שׁ נֶהְפְּכוּ־ל֥⁠וֹ אַבְנֵי־קָֽלַע1

Yahweh is speaking as if stones slung at Leviathan from a sling would literally become chaff. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “stones slung at it do not hurt it any more than chaff would”

327541:29zzu4rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveכְּ֭⁠קַשׁ נֶחְשְׁב֣וּ תוֹתָ֑ח1

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: “It regards clubs as chaff”

327641:29k361rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationכְּ֭⁠קַשׁ נֶחְשְׁב֣וּ תוֹתָ֑ח1

Yahweh is speaking as if Leviathan could intelligently make judgments about the strength of weapons that people might use against it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It senses no more danger from a club than it would from chaff”

327741:29yn7yrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-personificationוְ֝⁠יִשְׂחַ֗ק לְ⁠רַ֣עַשׁ כִּידֽוֹן1

Yahweh is speaking of Leviathan as if it would laugh in derision if someone threatened it by shaking a spear at it. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “and it scorns the threat of a spear”

327841:30k362rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorתַּ֭חְתָּי⁠ו חַדּ֣וּדֵי חָ֑רֶשׂ1

Yahweh is speaking as if Leviathan literally had points of a shard underneath it, sharp pieces of broken pottery. This is a poetic reference to the sharp scales that are on its underbelly. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this as a comparison. Alternate translation: “It has pointed scales on its underbelly that are as sharp as pieces of broken pottery”

327941:30sy31rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileיִרְפַּ֖ד חָר֣וּץ עֲלֵי־טִֽיט1

The point of this comparison could be that: (1) Leviathan spreads a trail through the mud the way a threshing sledge would leave a trail of separated grain on a threshing floor. Alternate translation: “it tears up the mud as it moves along, leaving a distinct trail as a threshing sledge does” (2) that Leviathan spreads itself out heavily in the mud. Alternate translation: “it spreads itself heavily, like a threshing sledge, upon the mud”

328041:31p2f1rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיַרְתִּ֣יחַ כַּ⁠סִּ֣יר מְצוּלָ֑ה1

Yahweh is using the term pot by association to mean the water in a pot that someone was heating to make the water boil. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It makes the deep boil like the water in a pot that someone is heating”

328141:31k363rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיַרְתִּ֣יחַ כַּ⁠סִּ֣יר מְצוּלָ֑ה1

Yahweh is speaking as if Leviathan literally made the ocean boil the way the water in a pot would boil. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It churns up the waters of the ocean as it swims”

328241:31k364rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyיָ֝֗ם יָשִׂ֥ים כַּ⁠מֶּרְקָחָֽה1

Yahweh is using the term ointment pot by association to mean the ointment in a pot that someone would stir to mix its ingredients together. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it makes the sea like ointment that someone is stirring in a pot”

328341:31z9purc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-simileיָ֝֗ם יָשִׂ֥ים כַּ⁠מֶּרְקָחָֽה1

The point of this comparison is that that when Leviathan swims through the sea, it makes the waters foam the way ointment foams in a pot when its ingredients are stirred together. If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this point explicitly. Alternate translation: “it makes the waters of the sea foam the way ointment foams when someone stirs it in a pot”

328441:32k365rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorאַ֭חֲרָי⁠ו יָאִ֣יר נָתִ֑יב1

Yahweh is speaking as if the wake that Leviathan leaves in the water were literally a path. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “It leaves a shining wake behind it in the water”

328541:32xdy6rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorיַחְשֹׁ֖ב תְּה֣וֹם לְ⁠שֵׂיבָֽה1

Yahweh is speaking as if people would actually consider the deep to be white-haired when they saw the wake that Leviathan left. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “this makes the deep appear as if it had white hair”

328641:33p5t9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheעַל־עָפָ֥ר1

Yahweh is using one part of the earth, the dust on its surface, to mean the earth itself. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “On earth”

328741:33k366rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveהֶ֝⁠עָשׂ֗וּ לִ⁠בְלִי־חָֽת1

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: “the one that I made without fear”

328841:34k367rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjאֵֽת־כָּל־גָּבֹ֥הַּ יִרְאֶ֑ה1

Yahweh is using the adjective high as a noun to mean a certain kind of thing. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate this adjective with an equivalent phrase. In this context, it indicates strength or power, not simply great height. Alternate translation: “It sees everything that is powerful”

328941:34b5cmrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomאֵֽת־כָּל־גָּבֹ֥הַּ יִרְאֶ֑ה1

Yahweh is using the term see in a specific sense. It could mean: (1) that Leviathan can look directly at any powerful creature without being fearful or intimidated. Alternate translation: “It can look at any powerful thing without becoming afraid” (2) that Leviathan looks down disdainfully at all other powerful creatures. Alternate translation: “It disdains all other powerful things”

329041:34k368rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomה֝֗וּא מֶ֣לֶךְ עַל־כָּל־בְּנֵי־שָֽׁחַץ1

In this context, the expression sons of describes something that shares the qualities of something else. Yahweh is using this expression to describe the behavior and character of certain creatures. While they do not literally feel pride as people would, they act as if they are superior to other creatures, for example, by not staying out of their way. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could use an equivalent expression from your language or state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “it is king over all the dangerous animals”

329141:34c959rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorה֝֗וּא מֶ֣לֶךְ עַל־כָּל־בְּנֵי־שָֽׁחַץ1

Yahweh is speaking as if Leviathan were literally a king. He means that no other animal can challenge Leviathan. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “no other dangerous animal can challenge it”

329242:introg9q60

Job 42 General Notes

Structure and Formatting

The ULT sets the lines of verses 16 farther to the right on the page than the rest of the text because they are poetry.

  • Verses 16: Job acknowledges that he did not have the knowledge and wisdom to challenge Yahwehs government of the universe.
  • Verses 717: The author describes how Yahweh restored Jobs health and prosperity and gave him a long life.

Special concepts in This chapter

Jobs repentance

This chapter describes how Yahweh blessed Job with health, prosperity, and a long life after he repented. However, Yahwehs blessing was not dependent upon Jobs repentance. It was dependent 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]])

329342:2wu37rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠לֹא־יִבָּצֵ֖ר מִמְּ⁠ךָ֣ מְזִמָּֽה1

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 no one can thwart any of your plans”

329442:3b75drc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesמִ֤י זֶ֨ה ׀ מַעְלִ֥ים עֵצָ֗ה בְּֽלִ֫י דָ֥עַת1

In the first sentence in this verse, Job is quoting what Yahweh said in 38:2, at the beginning of his speech. The ULT indicates this by putting the sentence in second-level quotation marks. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “You asked who this was who was concealing counsel without knowledge.”

329542:3k369rc://*/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-resultלָ⁠כֵ֣ן1

Job is using the word Therefore to introduce a conclusion that he has reached on the basis of what Yahweh said in his entire speech. Job is not using the word to introduce the reason why he has spoken without understanding. It may be helpful to clarify this for your readers. Alternate translation: “Based on everything you have said, I now recognize that”

329642:4k370rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-quotesinquotesשְֽׁמַֽע־נָ֭א וְ⁠אָנֹכִ֣י אֲדַבֵּ֑ר אֶ֝שְׁאָלְ⁠ךָ֗ וְ⁠הוֹדִיעֵֽ⁠נִי1

In this verse, Job is once again quoting what Yahweh said in his speech. In 38:3 and 40:7, Yahweh said, “I will question you, and you will inform me.” Since Job had said in 13:22 that he could choose either to ask questions first or to listen to questions first, by saying that he would question Job, Yahweh was implicitly telling Job to listen, as Job indicates in the first part of this verse. The ULT indicates that Job is quoting Yahweh by putting this verse in second-level quotation marks. If it would be clearer in your language, you could translate this so that there is not a quotation within a quotation. Alternate translation: “You told me to listen and you would speak; you said that you would question me and I would inform you”

329742:5gp4arc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלְ⁠שֵֽׁמַע־אֹ֥זֶן שְׁמַעְתִּ֑י⁠ךָ וְ֝⁠עַתָּ֗ה עֵינִ֥⁠י רָאָֽתְ⁠ךָ1

Job is using one part of himself, his ear, to mean all of him in the act of hearing. He is using one part of himself, his eye, to mean all of him in the act of seeing. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “Before this I had only heard about you, but now I have seen you for myself”

329842:6y9x9rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitאֶמְאַ֣ס1

By the word despise, Job does not mean that he hates something. He means that he thinks little of something. He could mean: (1) that he thinks little of himself, that is, he no longer believes that he can credibly declare whether God is treating anyone fairly or unfairly. Alternate translation: “I no longer believe that I understand as much as I thought I did” (2) that he now thinks little of what he said in all of his speeches. Alternate translation: “I recognize that what I said was wrong”

329942:6p13drc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionעַל־עָפָ֥ר וָ⁠אֵֽפֶר1

In this culture, people would sprinkle dust and ashes on themselves as a symbolic action to show that they were greatly distressed. This is what Jobs friends were doing in 2:12 when they threw dust into the air so that it would land on their heads. Job was doing something similar in 2:8 when he sat down in a pile of ashes. Job could be sprinkling dust and ashes from the pile on himself as he speaks these words, or he could be speaking as if he were doing that in order to describe how sincerely he is repenting. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “by sprinkling dust and ashes on myself to show how distressed I am by what I did” or “very sincerely, as if I were sprinkling dust and ashes on myself to show how distressed I am by what I did”

330042:7bj1vrc://*/ta/man/translate/writing-neweventוַ⁠יְהִ֗י1

The author is using the phrase translated And it happened 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.

330142:7k371rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymyדִּבֶּ֧ר & אֶת־הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֥ים הָ⁠אֵ֖לֶּה1

The author is using the term words to mean what Yahweh said to Job by using words. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “had said these things”

330242:7snw3rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorחָרָ֨ה אַפִּ֤⁠י בְ⁠ךָ֙ וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁנֵ֣י רֵעֶ֔י⁠ךָ1

Yahweh is speaking as if his nose, meaning his anger, were literally burning. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “I am feeling great anger against you and your two friends”

330342:8k372rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomכִּ֧י אִם־פָּנָ֣י⁠ו אֶשָּׂ֗א1

See how you translated the similar expression in 13:8. Alternate translation: “I will surely show favor to him” or “I will surely answer his prayer for you”

330442:8vy3trc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsלְ⁠בִלְתִּ֞י עֲשׂ֤וֹת עִמָּ⁠כֶם֙ נְבָלָ֔ה1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of folly, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “lest I punish you for the foolish things you have said about me”

330542:9l5p5rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוַ⁠יִּשָּׂ֥א יְהוָ֖ה אֶת־פְּנֵ֥י אִיּֽוֹב1

See how you translated the similar expression in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh showed favor to Job” or “and Yahweh answered Jobs prayer for his three friends”

330642:10khw7rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוַֽ⁠יהוָ֗ה שָׁ֚ב אֶת־שבית אִיּ֔וֹב1

The author is speaking as if Jobs troubles had been holding him in captivity. The expression turned the captivity means that Yahweh ended this captivity. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “And Yahweh restored Job to his former prosperity”

330742:10k373rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnounsוַ֧⁠יֹּסֶף יְהוָ֛ה אֶת־כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֥ר לְ⁠אִיּ֖וֹב לְ⁠מִשְׁנֶֽה1

If your language does not use an abstract noun for the idea of double, you could express the same idea in another way. Alternate translation: “and Yahweh gave Job two times as much as he previously had”

330842:11k374rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-symactionוַ⁠יֹּאכְל֨וּ עִמּ֣⁠וֹ לֶחֶם֮ בְּ⁠בֵית⁠וֹ֒1

Eating a meal with Job in his home was a symbolic action that acknowledged Jobs restored place in the community. Job had complained in 30:10 about how people were staying away from him a symbolic action that conveyed disrespect and disapproval. Jobs family and friends were now showing respect and approval. If it would be helpful to your readers, you could explain the significance of this action. Alternate translation: “and they ate bread with him in his house to show their respect for him and their approval of him”

330942:11k375rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdocheלֶחֶם֮1

The author is using one kind of food, bread, to mean food in general. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “a meal”

331042:11k376rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletוַ⁠יָּנֻ֤דוּ ל⁠וֹ֙ וַ⁠יְנַחֲמ֣וּ אֹת֔⁠וֹ1

The terms consoled and comforted 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 offered him much sympathy”

331142:11k377rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorהָ֣⁠רָעָ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־הֵבִ֥יא יְהוָ֖ה1

The author is speaking as if troubles were an object that Yahweh could have brought to Job and put on top of him. If it would be clearer in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “the troubles that Yahweh had caused him to experience”

331242:11k378rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoneyקְשִׂיטָ֣ה אֶחָ֔ת1

A kesitah was a piece of silver of a certain weight that had not been minted into a coin. Its exact value is uncertain. You may wish to translate the term kesitah with a general expression. Alternate translation: “a piece of silver”

331342:14k379rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomוַ⁠יִּקְרָ֤א שֵׁם־הָֽ⁠אַחַת֙ יְמִימָ֔ה וְ⁠שֵׁ֥ם הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֖ית קְצִיעָ֑ה וְ⁠שֵׁ֥ם הַ⁠שְּׁלִישִׁ֖ית קֶ֥רֶן הַפּֽוּךְ1

The expression called the name is the way people in this culture spoke of giving a child a name when the child was born. Alternate translation: “He gave the first the name Jemimah, and he gave the second the name Keziah, and he gave the third the name Keren-Happuch.”

331442:14k380rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-nominaladjהָֽ⁠אַחַת֙ & הַ⁠שֵּׁנִ֖ית & הַ⁠שְּׁלִישִׁ֖ית1

The author is using the adjectives first, second and third as nouns to refer to specific individuals. Your language may use adjectives in the same way. If not, you can translate these words with equivalent phrases. Alternate translation: “his first daughter … his second daughter … his third daughter”

331542:14xd1hrc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-namesיְמִימָ֔ה & קְצִיעָ֑ה & קֶ֥רֶן הַפּֽוּךְ1

The words Jemimah, Keziah, and Keren-Happuch are the names of women.

331642:15l9nwrc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassiveוְ⁠לֹ֨א נִמְצָ֜א נָשִׁ֥ים1

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 there were no other women”

331742:15k381rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-explicitוַ⁠יִּתֵּ֨ן לָ⁠הֶ֧ם אֲבִי⁠הֶ֛ם נַחֲלָ֖ה בְּ⁠ת֥וֹךְ אֲחֵי⁠הֶֽם1

It was not customary in this culture for fathers to give their daughters an inheritance. The author may mention this because it shows the special love and regard that Job had for his daughters. You could indicate that in your translation if it would be helpful to your readers. Alternate translation: “And their father loved them so much and regarded them so highly that he gave them an inheritance in the midst of their brothers”

331842:15k382rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-idiomבְּ⁠ת֥וֹךְ אֲחֵי⁠הֶֽם1

This expression could mean: (1) that Job gave his daughters an inheritance just as he did for his sons. Alternate translation: “just as he did for their brothers” (2) that Job gave his daughters as an inheritance land that was located in the same area as land that he gave to his sons as their inheritance. Alternate translation: “of land that adjoined land that he left to his sons”

331942:16k383rc://*/ta/man/translate/translate-kinshipאֶת־בָּנָי⁠ו֙ וְ⁠אֶת־בְּנֵ֣י בָנָ֔י⁠ו אַרְבָּעָ֖ה דֹּרֽוֹת1

In this culture, Jobs generation was considered the first generation, so four generations refers to his childrens childrens children. Your language may have terms of its own for these kinship relationships. Alternate translation: “his children and his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren”

332042:17k384rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphorזָקֵ֖ן וּ⁠שְׂבַ֥ע יָמִֽים1

The author is speaking as if days were an object and as if Job were a container that was full of them. If it would be helpful in your language, you could state the meaning plainly. Alternate translation: “old and having lived for many days”

332142:17d827rc://*/ta/man/translate/figs-doubletזָקֵ֖ן וּ⁠שְׂבַ֥ע יָמִֽים1

The expressions old and full of days mean similar things. The author is using them together for emphasis. If it would be clearer for your readers, you could express the emphasis with a single phrase. Your language may have a characteristic expression that it would use in such a context. Alternate translation: “at a ripe old age”