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Job
Chapter 11
Verse 11

Job 11:5

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

But if only God would speak and open His lips against you,

American Standard Version (1901)

But oh that God would speak, And open his lips against thee,

Bible in Basic English

But if only God would take up the word, opening his lips in argument with you;

Free Bible Version

If only God would speak up and tell you directly,

King James (Authorized) Version

But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;

Translation for Translators

But I wish/desire that God would talk and say something [MTY] to answer you!

Unlocked Literal Bible

But, oh, that God would speak and open his lips against you;

Noah Webster Bible

But Oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;

World English Bible

But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against you,

Young's Literal Translation

And yet, O that God had spoken! And doth open His lips with thee.

Context

Zophar Rebukes Job

⁴You have said, ‘My doctrine is sound, and I am pure in Your sight.’ ⁵But if only God would speak and open His lips against you, ⁶and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves.

Summary

In this verse, Zophar, one of Job's friends, questions Job's claim to wisdom and understanding. Zophar implies that if Job could only comprehend the true mysteries of God and understand His ways, he would realize that he is not as innocent as he claims to be. This verse reflects the common belief in the Old Testament that suffering is a result of sin, and Zophar is urging Job to repent and seek God's forgiveness to alleviate his troubles. However, Zophar's words also reveal a lack of compassion and understanding towards Job's suffering, emphasizing the importance of speaking truth with love and empathy in times of trial.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

But O that God would speak - How little feeling, humanity, and charity is there in this prayer!

Job 11:5

Zophar Rebukes Job

⁴You have said, ‘My doctrine is sound, and I am pure in Your sight.’ ⁵But if only God would speak and open His lips against you, ⁶and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves.

Scripture
Sermons
Commentary

Berean Standard Bible

But if only God would speak and open His lips against you,

American Standard Version (1901)

But oh that God would speak, And open his lips against thee,

Bible in Basic English

But if only God would take up the word, opening his lips in argument with you;

Free Bible Version

If only God would speak up and tell you directly,

King James (Authorized) Version

But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;

Translation for Translators

But I wish/desire that God would talk and say something [MTY] to answer you!

Unlocked Literal Bible

But, oh, that God would speak and open his lips against you;

Noah Webster Bible

But Oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;

World English Bible

But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against you,

Young's Literal Translation

And yet, O that God had spoken! And doth open His lips with thee.