Job 11:5
Job 11:5 in Multiple Translations
But if only God would speak and open His lips against you,
But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;
But oh that God would speak, And open his lips against thee,
But if only God would take up the word, opening his lips in argument with you;
If only God would speak up and tell you directly,
But, oh that God would speake and open his lippes against thee!
And yet, O that God had spoken! And doth open His lips with thee.
But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against you,
But Oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;
And I wish that God would speak with thee, and would open his lips to thee,
But I wish/desire that God would talk and say something [MTY] to answer you!
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 11:5
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 11:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְֽ/אוּלָ֗ם
מִֽי
יִתֵּ֣ן
אֱל֣וֹהַּ
דַּבֵּ֑ר
וְ/יִפְתַּ֖ח
שְׂפָתָ֣י/ו
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
וְֽ/אוּלָ֗ם
ʼûwlâm
H199
but
Conj | Adv
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
יִתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֱל֣וֹהַּ
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
god
N-ms
דַּבֵּ֑ר
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
וְ/יִפְתַּ֖ח
pâthach
H6605
to open
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
שְׂפָתָ֣י/ו
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd | Suff
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
with
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Job 11:5
וְֽ/אוּלָ֗ם
ʼûwlâm
H199
"but"
Conj | Adv
This word is used to show contrast, like 'but' or 'however', and is often used to emphasize a point, as seen in its various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) but, but indeed (a strong adversative) 2) however, nevertheless
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: as for, but, howbeit, in very deed, surely, truly, wherefore. See also: Genesis 28:19; Job 2:5; Micah 3:8.
מִֽי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
יִתֵּ֣ן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
אֱל֣וֹהַּ
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
"god"
N-ms
Eloah refers to God or a deity, and is used to describe the one true God or false gods. It is often translated as God in the KJV, and is related to the word Elohim, which also refers to God.
Definition: 1) God 2) false god Aramaic equivalent: e.lah (אֱלָהּ "god" H0426)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See H430 (אֱלֹהִים). See also: Deuteronomy 32:15; Job 22:26; Psalms 18:32.
דַּבֵּ֑ר
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Impv-2ms
To speak or communicate, like God speaking to Moses in Exodus or a king commanding his people. It can also mean to promise or warn someone.
Definition: : speak/tell/command 1) to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, sing 1a) (Qal) to speak 1b) (Niphal) to speak with one another, talk 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to speak 1c2) to promise 1d) (Pual) to be spoken 1e) (Hithpael) to speak 1f) (Hiphil) to lead away, put to flight
Usage: Occurs in 1049 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, bid, command, commune, declare, destroy, give, name, promise, pronounce, rehearse, say, speak, be spokesman, subdue, talk, teach, tell, think, use (entreaties), utter, [idiom] well, [idiom] work. See also: Genesis 8:15; Exodus 12:25; Leviticus 23:9.
וְ/יִפְתַּ֖ח
pâthach
H6605
"to open"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to engrave or carve, and is used in Exodus to describe the intricate carvings on the furniture of the tabernacle.
Definition: 1) to open 1a) (Qal) to open 1b) (Niphal) to be opened, be let loose, be thrown open 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to free 1c2) to loosen 1c3) to open, open oneself 1d) (Hithpael) to loose oneself Aramaic equivalent: pe.tach (פְּתַח "to open" H6606)
Usage: Occurs in 133 OT verses. KJV: appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. See also: Genesis 7:11; Psalms 39:10; Psalms 5:10.
שְׂפָתָ֣י/ו
sâphâh
H8193
"lips"
N-fd | Suff
This word refers to lips or language, and can also mean the edge or border of something. It is used in the Bible to describe the shore of a sea or the edge of a cup.
Definition: : lips/mouth 1) lip, language, speech, shore, bank, brink, brim, side, edge, border, binding 1a) lip (as body part) 1b) language 1c) edge, shore, bank (of cup, sea, river, etc)
Usage: Occurs in 164 OT verses. KJV: band, bank, binding, border, brim, brink, edge, language, lip, prating, (sea-)shore, side, speech, talk, (vain) words. See also: Genesis 11:1; Psalms 120:2; Psalms 12:3.
עִמָּֽ/ךְ
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
Study Notes — Job 11:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 11:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 11:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 11:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 11:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 11:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 11:5
- Cambridge Bible on Job 11:5
- Barnes' Notes on Job 11:5
- Sermons on Job 11:5
Context — Zophar Rebukes Job
3Should your babbling put others to silence? Will you scoff without rebuke?
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. 7Can you fathom the deep things of God or discover the limits of the Almighty?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 38:1–2 | Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said: “Who is this who obscures My counsel by words without knowledge? |
| 2 | Job 31:35 | (Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment. |
| 3 | Job 33:6–18 | I am just like you before God; I was also formed from clay. Surely no fear of me should terrify you; nor will my hand be heavy upon you. Surely you have spoken in my hearing, and I have heard these very words: ‘I am pure, without transgression; I am clean, with no iniquity in me. Yet God finds occasions against me; He counts me as His enemy. He puts my feet in the stocks; He watches over all my paths.’ Behold, you are not right in this matter. I will answer you, for God is greater than man. Why do you complain to Him that He answers nothing a man asks? For God speaks in one way and in another, yet no one notices. In a dream, in a vision in the night, when deep sleep falls upon men as they slumber on their beds, He opens their ears and terrifies them with warnings to turn a man from wrongdoing and keep him from pride, to preserve his soul from the Pit and his life from perishing by the sword. |
| 4 | Job 40:1–5 | And the LORD said to Job: “Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who argues with God give an answer.” Then Job answered the LORD: “Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth. I have spoken once, but I have no answer— twice, but I have nothing to add.” |
| 5 | Job 40:8 | Would you really annul My justice? Would you condemn Me to justify yourself? |
| 6 | Job 23:3–7 | If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat. I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. I would learn how He would answer, and consider what He would say. Would He contend with me in His great power? No, He would certainly take note of me. Then an upright man could reason with Him, and I would be delivered forever from my Judge. |
| 7 | Job 42:7 | After the LORD had spoken these words to Job, He said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you and your two friends. For you have not spoken about Me accurately, as My servant Job has. |
Job 11:5 Summary
[This verse, Job 11:5, is saying that Zophar wishes God would speak directly to Job, to help him understand the truth about his situation. This is similar to what we see in Psalm 119:66, where David asks God to teach him knowledge and good judgment. In simple terms, Zophar wants God to tell Job what's really going on and what He wants Job to do. This reminds us that sometimes we need to hear from God directly, and we can ask Him to speak to us, just like Zophar did, and just like David did in Psalm 119:66.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main idea of Job 11:5?
The main idea of Job 11:5 is that Job's friend Zophar wishes God would speak directly to Job, revealing the secrets of wisdom, as seen in this verse and supported by Psalm 119:66, where David asks God to teach him knowledge and good judgment.
Why does Zophar want God to speak to Job?
Zophar wants God to speak to Job because he believes Job needs to understand the true nature of his situation and the wisdom of God, as stated in Job 11:5 and echoed in Proverbs 2:6, which says that the Lord gives wisdom.
What does it mean for God to 'open His lips' against someone?
When God 'opens His lips' against someone, it means He is speaking directly and authoritatively to that person, often in a manner that is corrective or instructive, as seen in Job 11:5 and similar to Isaiah 55:11, where God's word is likened to rain that accomplishes its purpose.
Is Zophar's desire for God to speak to Job a genuine expression of concern or a form of judgment?
Zophar's desire for God to speak to Job may be motivated by a mix of concern and judgment, as he is frustrated with Job's responses and wants God to intervene, as seen in Job 11:5 and similar to the situation in Matthew 7:1-5, where Jesus teaches about judging others.
Reflection Questions
- What would it mean for God to speak directly to me, and how would I respond?
- In what ways do I, like Zophar, wish God would intervene in the lives of those around me?
- How can I, like Job, cultivate a posture of humility and openness to God's wisdom, even in difficult circumstances?
- What are some ways that God 'opens His lips' to me, and how can I be more attentive to His voice?
Gill's Exposition on Job 11:5
But O that God would speak,.... To Job, and stop his mouth, so full of words; convict him of his lies, reprove him for his mocks and scoffs, and make him ashamed of them; refute his false doctrine
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 11:5
But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee; No JFB commentary on this verse.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 11:5
i.e. Plead with thee, according to thy desire, , &c. He would soon put thee to silence and shame.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 11:5
Job 11:5 But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;Ver. 5. But oh that God would speak, &c.] For we do but lose our sweet words upon thee, since thou art set, and so wedded and wedged to thine own will and way, that thou canst not be removed and rectified, but by an extraordinary touch from the hand of heaven: oh therefore that God would speak and open his lips against thee, and for us; for so Zophar doubts not but he would do; but if it proved otherwise, Job 42:7-10, Job was justified, and these three condemned, because they had not spoken of God (or to God, as in this text), the thing that was right, Job 11:7, but had been Satan’ s instruments to discourage Job, and to drive that good man to many passionate speeches. Some men (and women too, as Sarah, Genesis 16:5) are overly hasty to send for God, as it were, by a post, to decide their controversies; who, if he should come at their call, would certainly pronounce against them. Fret not thyself therefore to do evil, Psalms 37:1; be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything in this way before God, Ecclesiastes 5:2, or to interest him in thy quarrels and controversies, for he will surely pass an impartial sentence; neither is there any iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respecting of persons, nor receiving of gifts, 1 Chronicles 19:7. One interpreter from this wish of Zophar noteth, that it is an ordinary practice of heretics (Satan’ s factors) to mention God, as approving of their errors, if by speaking he would from heaven declare himseff plainly, and that therefore we should take heed of those that labour to work upon us this way, when by right reason they are able to evince nothing that they say.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 11:5
Verse 5. But O that God would speak] How little feeling, humanity, and charity is there in this prayer!
Cambridge Bible on Job 11:5
5. Job had expressed his readiness to meet God and plead his cause before Him, ch. Job 9:25; Zophar, with reference to this, exclaims, Would that God would speak! The result would be different from what Job anticipated, his guilt would be laid before him.
Barnes' Notes on Job 11:5
But oh that God would speak - Hebrew, “and truly, who will give that God should speak.” It is the expression of an earnest wish that God would address him, and bring him to a proper sense of his ill desert.
Sermons on Job 11:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(The Power of the Holy Spirit - 1) the Breath of God by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker begins a series of messages on the power of the Holy Spirit. He focuses on the use of word pictures by Jesus to illustrate spiritual truths. The first p |
|
(Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 4. God's Voice From the Whirlwind by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the speaker begins by reminding the audience of the outline of the book of Job, which includes a prologue, dialogue between Job and his friends, and an epilogue. Th |
|
God's Truth About Responsibility by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the controversial topic of responsibility and who is to blame for our problems. He discusses the common belief that Satan is responsible for |
|
|
God Breaks Us to Humble Us (Tamil) by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of believing in God's ability to bring heavenly life on earth, highlighting how doubt can hinder us. It discusses how Jesus always solved prob |
|
Dallas Area Conference 1993-10 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, David shares the emotional journey that he and his fellow Christians have been through. He describes how people at work offered to help him, but he encouraged them |
|
|
Studies in Job-02 Job-2 by William MacDonald | In this sermon, the preacher, Ellie Fad, discusses the topic of suffering and its relationship to sin. He highlights that all three of Job's friends agree that suffering is a resul |
|
Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson | The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends. |