Job 12:1
Job 12:1 in Multiple Translations
Then Job answered:
And Job answered and said,
Then Job answered and said,
And Job made answer and said,
Job replied,
Then Iob answered, and sayde,
And Job answereth and saith: —
Then Job answered,
And Job answered and said,
When Job answered, and said:
Then Job said to his three friends,
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 12:1
BAB
Word Study
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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 12:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יַּ֥עַן
אִיּ֗וֹב
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
וַ/יַּ֥עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
אִיּ֗וֹב
ʼÎyôwb
H347
Job
N-proper
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 12:1
וַ/יַּ֥עַן
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to sing or make music, but also to respond or give an answer. In the Bible, it is used to describe praising God in song or responding to a question. The KJV translates it as 'sing' or 'answer'.
Definition: (Qal) to dwell
Usage: Occurs in 316 OT verses. KJV: give account, afflict (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), (cause to, give) answer, bring low (by mistake for H6031 (עָנָה)), cry, hear, Leannoth, lift up, say, [idiom] scholar, (give a) shout, sing (together by course), speak, testify, utter, (bear) witness. See also H1042 (בֵּית עֲנוֹת), H1043 (בֵּית עֲנָת). See also: Genesis 18:27; 2 Samuel 14:19; Job 40:2.
אִיּ֗וֹב
ʼÎyôwb
H347
"Job"
N-proper
Job was a patriarch famous for his patience and is the subject of the book of Job, which explores his struggles and faith in God.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Job.1.1 Also named: Iōb (Ἰώβ "Job" G2492) § Job = "hated" a patriarch, the subject of the book of Job
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Job. See also: Job 1:1; Job 32:3; Ezekiel 14:20.
וַ/יֹּאמַֽר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
Study Notes — Job 12:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Job Presents His Case
Job 12:1 Summary
[Job 12:1 is a simple verse that says, 'Then Job answered,' but it marks an important turning point in the book of Job, as Job begins to respond to his friends and defend his character, much like the Psalmist does in Psalm 119:41-48. In this verse, Job is essentially saying, 'I have something to say, and I'm not going to be silent anymore,' which is a sentiment that can be understood in light of other Bible verses, such as Luke 12:8-9, where Jesus encourages his followers to speak up for their faith.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Job's response in Job 12:1?
Job is responding to the words of his friends, who have been trying to explain his suffering, as seen in the preceding chapters, particularly in Job 11, where Zophar speaks to Job, and Job is now answering them, as we see in Job 12:1, 'Then Job answered:'
Why does Job feel the need to respond to his friends?
Job feels the need to respond because his friends have been accusing him of sin and suggesting that his suffering is a result of God's judgment, as seen in Job 11:6, and Job wants to defend himself and his character, as we see in Job 12:2-3, where Job says, 'Truly then you are the people with whom wisdom itself will die! But I also have a mind; I am not inferior to you.'
What tone does Job convey in his response?
Job's tone is one of frustration and defensiveness, as he feels that his friends are not listening to him and are instead making assumptions about his character, similar to how the Psalmist feels in Psalm 38:9, where he says, 'Lord, my salvation and my glory depend on you; you are my mighty rock and refuge.'
How does Job's response relate to the broader theme of the book of Job?
Job's response in Job 12:1 is part of the larger dialogue between Job and his friends, which explores the nature of suffering, the character of God, and the human condition, all of which are central themes in the book of Job, as seen in Job 1:1-3, where we are introduced to Job's character and the events that unfold.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times when I have felt like Job, misunderstood and judged by others, and how did I respond?
- How can I, like Job, defend my faith and character in the face of adversity, as encouraged in 1 Peter 3:15?
- What can I learn from Job's example about perseverance and trust in God, even when I don't understand what is happening, as seen in Romans 8:28?
- How can I balance my desire to defend myself with the need to trust in God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Job 12:1
And Job answered and said. In reply to Zophar, and in defence of himself; what is recorded in this and the two following chapters.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 12:1
And Job answered and said, No JFB commentary on this verse.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 12:1
Job 12:1 And Job answered and said,Ver. 1. And Job answered and said] Being nipped and nettled with his friends’ hard usage of him, and harsh language to him, but especially with Zophar’ s arrogant and lofty preface in the former chapter, he begins now to wax warm, and more roughly and roundly to shape them an answer.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 12:1
XII.(1) And Job answered and said.—Each of the friends has now supplied his quota, and Job proceeds to reply to the third, showing that he is far more conversant with the wisdom and majesty of God than they are themselves, though in their own esteem they alone are wise.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 12:1
CHAPTER XII Job reproves the boasting of his friends, and shows their uncharitableness towards himself, 1-5; asserts that even the tabernacles of robbers prosper; and that, notwithstanding, God is the Governor of the world; a truth which is proclaimed by all parts of the creation whether animate or inanimate, and by the revolutions which take place in states, 6-25. NOTES ON CHAP. XII
Whedon's Commentary on Job 12:1
JOB’S THIRD REPLY, Job 12:12-14.1. Job answered — He scouts the pompous pretensions of the “friends” to superior wisdom, which, however, he remarks, do not prevent their treating misfortune with contempt.