Job 16:2
Job 16:2 in Multiple Translations
“I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all.
I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all.
I have heard many such things: Miserable comforters are ye all.
Such things have frequently come to my ears: you are comforters who only give trouble.
“I've heard all this before. You are comforters who just cause trouble!
I haue oft times heard such things: miserable comforters are ye all.
I have heard many such things, Miserable comforters [are] ye all.
“I have heard many such things. You are all miserable comforters!
I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all.
I have often heard such things as these: you are all troublesome comforters.
“I have heard things like that before; all of you, instead of helping me, are only causing me to feel more miserable.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 16:2
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 16:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
שָׁמַ֣עְתִּי
כְ/אֵ֣לֶּה
רַבּ֑וֹת
מְנַחֲמֵ֖י
עָמָ֣ל
כֻּלְּ/כֶֽם
שָׁמַ֣עְתִּי
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
כְ/אֵ֣לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Prep | Pron
רַבּ֑וֹת
rab
H7227
many
Adj
מְנַחֲמֵ֖י
nâcham
H5162
to be sorry
V-Piel
עָמָ֣ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
trouble
N-cs
כֻּלְּ/כֶֽם
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 16:2
שָׁמַ֣עְתִּי
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
כְ/אֵ֣לֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Prep | Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
רַבּ֑וֹת
rab
H7227
"many"
Adj
This Hebrew word means a chief or captain, someone in charge. It is used in 2 Samuel 23:19 to describe a great and powerful man. The idea is one of leadership and authority.
Definition: adj 1) much, many, great 1a) much 1b) many 1c) abounding in 1d) more numerous than 1e) abundant, enough 1f) great 1g) strong 1h) greater than adv 1i) much, exceedingly
Usage: Occurs in 443 OT verses. KJV: (in) abound(-undance, -ant, -antly), captain, elder, enough, exceedingly, full, great(-ly, man, one), increase, long (enough, (time)), (do, have) many(-ifold, things, a time), (ship-)master, mighty, more, (too, very) much, multiply(-tude), officer, often(-times), plenteous, populous, prince, process (of time), suffice(-lent). See also: Genesis 6:5; 1 Kings 11:1; Psalms 3:2.
מְנַחֲמֵ֖י
nâcham
H5162
"to be sorry"
V-Piel
To comfort means showing pity or sympathy, as seen in God's actions throughout the Bible, such as in Isaiah 40. The word can also imply regret or remorse, like in the story of Jonah, who was sorry for his actions. It involves easing someone's pain or discomfort.
Definition: : comfort 1) to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be sorry, be moved to pity, have compassion 1a2) to be sorry, rue, suffer grief, repent 1a3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1a4) to comfort oneself, ease oneself 1b) (Piel) to comfort, console 1c) (Pual) to be comforted, be consoled 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be sorry, have compassion 1d2) to rue, repent of 1d3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1d4) to ease oneself Also means: na.cham (נָחַם ": relent" H5162H)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: comfort (self), ease (one's self), repent(-er,-ing, self). See also: Genesis 5:29; Isaiah 12:1; Psalms 23:4.
עָמָ֣ל
ʻâmâl
H5999
"trouble"
N-cs
This word refers to trouble or hard work that causes worry or pain, whether physical or mental, like the struggles of the Israelites in the book of Exodus.
Definition: 1) toil, trouble, labour 1a) trouble 1b) trouble, mischief 1c) toil, labour
Usage: Occurs in 54 OT verses. KJV: grievance(-vousness), iniquity, labour, mischief, miserable(-sery), pain(-ful), perverseness, sorrow, toil, travail, trouble, wearisome, wickedness. See also: Genesis 41:51; Ecclesiastes 1:3; Psalms 7:15.
כֻּלְּ/כֶֽם
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
Study Notes — Job 16:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 16:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 16:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 16:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 16:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 16:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 16:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 16:2
- Cambridge Bible on Job 16:2
- Barnes' Notes on Job 16:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 16:2
- Sermons on Job 16:2
Context — Job Decries His Comforters
1Then Job answered:
2“I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all.
3Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying? 4I could also speak like you if you were in my place; I could heap up words against you and shake my head at you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 13:4–5 | You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians. If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom! |
| 2 | Psalms 69:26 | For they persecute the one You struck and recount the pain of those You wounded. |
| 3 | Job 11:2–3 | “Should this stream of words go unanswered and such a speaker be vindicated? Should your babbling put others to silence? Will you scoff without rebuke? |
| 4 | James 1:19 | My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, |
| 5 | Philippians 1:16 | The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. |
| 6 | Job 6:25 | How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove? |
| 7 | Job 6:6 | Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg ? |
| 8 | Job 26:2–3 | “How you have helped the powerless and saved the arm that is feeble! How you have counseled the unwise and provided fully sound insight! |
| 9 | Job 19:2–3 | “How long will you torment me and crush me with your words? Ten times now you have reproached me; you shamelessly mistreat me. |
Job 16:2 Summary
[In this verse, Job is saying that his friends have not been very good at comforting him. He feels like they have been saying a lot of empty words that haven't really helped him feel any better, similar to the feelings expressed in Lamentations 1:2-3. He's frustrated because he feels like they're not really listening to him or trying to understand what he's going through. This reminds us that sometimes, people just need someone to listen to them and be present with them, rather than trying to offer solutions or advice, as seen in Job 2:13 and Romans 12:15.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Job's tone in this verse?
Job's tone in this verse is one of frustration and disappointment, as he feels his friends have not provided genuine comfort, similar to the emotional pain expressed in Psalms 55:12-14. He is exasperated by their words, which have failed to bring him solace.
Why does Job call his friends 'miserable comforters'?
Job calls his friends 'miserable comforters' because their attempts to comfort him have been unhelpful and lacking in empathy, as seen in the book of Job, chapters 4-14. Their words have only added to his distress, rather than alleviating it, much like the unhelpful counsel in Proverbs 26:24-26.
Is Job being too harsh with his friends?
While Job's words may seem harsh, his friends have been speaking to him in a way that is more condemning than comforting, similar to the unhelpful advice in Job 8:1-7. In his grief and pain, Job is expressing his deep disappointment and sense of betrayal, as seen in Job 19:13-19.
What can we learn from Job's response to his friends?
We can learn the importance of empathetic listening and providing genuine comfort to those who are suffering, as encouraged in Romans 12:15 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. Job's response highlights the need for sensitivity and understanding when interacting with others who are hurting.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times when I have felt like Job, with people offering unhelpful or insensitive words in my time of need?
- How can I be a more empathetic and supportive friend to those around me who are struggling?
- What are some ways I can offer comfort and solace to someone who is hurting, beyond just offering words?
- What can I learn from Job's example about expressing my own emotions and needs to others?
Gill's Exposition on Job 16:2
I have heard many such things,.... As those Eliphaz has been discoursing of, concerning the punishment of wicked men; many instances of this kind had been reported to him from his preceptors, and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 16:2
I have heard many such things: miserable comforters are ye all. Miserable - burdensome; i:e., annoying. (cf. Job 13:4)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 16:2
I have heard many such things; both from you, who do so odiously repeat the same things, and from divers others; for these things, though you pride and please yourselves in them, as if you had made some great and strange discoveries, are but vulgar and trivial. Miserable comforters; instead of giving me those comforts which you pretend to do, , and which my condition loudly calls for, you feed me with terrors, and censures, and scoffs.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 16:2
Job 16:2 I have heard many such things: miserable comforters [are] ye all.Ver. 2. I have heard many such things] Heard them over and over, till I am even sated and nauseated, Vexatus toties rauci; q.d. Your sayings are superfluous, your proofs insufficient; you produce nothing new, nothing but what is trivial, and of very common observation. Haec sex centies audivi, Mine ears are grated and grieved with these unnecessary repetitions, only reinforced with greater bitterness; which, as it addeth nothing at all to the weight of your words, so it causeth me to add this, Miserable comforters are ye all] Heb. Comforters of misery, or of molestation, onerous and burdensome (so the Vulgate rendereth it), and in that sense, weighty if you will, laying more load upon me who was before in a sinking condition. You charge me for slighting the consolations of God, and pretend to come on purpose to comfort me; but such cold comforters I have seldom met with; for instead of abating and allaying my sorrows, you do all you can to increase and heighten them. Is this your kindness to your friend? Calvin noteth upon this text, That some comforters have but one song to sing, and they have no regard to whom they sing it. But St Jude’ s rule is, Of some have compassion, making a difference; others save with fear, Judges 1:22-23; which while Job’ s friends observed not, they were justly styled, "Miserable comforters."
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 16:2
(2) I have heard many such things.—Trite rather than true, or at least the whole truth. “Common is the common-place, And vacant chaff well meant for grain.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 16:2
Verse 2. I have heard many such things] These sayings of the ancients are not strange to me; but they do not apply to my case: ye see me in affliction; ye should endeavour to console me. This ye do not; and yet ye pretend to do it! Miserable comforters are ye all.
Cambridge Bible on Job 16:2
2. many such things] Job cannot help expressing his impatience of the sameness and the amount of his friends’ talk, and its uselessness or even worse. miserable comforters] The margin is, troublesome comforters, lit. comforters of trouble, whose comfort brings no ease but only more trouble. The words are a reply to the query of Eliphaz, Are the comforts of God too small for thee? Job 15:11. Their comforts were all founded on a false assumption of his guilt, and contained the condition of his repentance. Such words only increased his perplexity and misery.
Barnes' Notes on Job 16:2
Many such things - That is, either things fitted to provoke and irritate, or sentiments that are common-place. There was nothing new in what they said, and nothing to the purpose. Miserable comforters - Compare Job 13:4.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 16:2
Exordium, or introductory strophe — Job repudiates the commonplace, cheap, and heartless consolation of his friends, Job 16:2-5. 2. Miserable comforters — Literally, Comforters of trouble: sorrow-bringing comforters.
Sermons on Job 16:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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. |
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Job, 1975 Part 1 by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Job and the conversations that take place within it. The speaker acknowledges that the book contains 41 chapters filled with vario |
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Confidence in God, Not Man by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes Job's unwavering confidence in God amidst his suffering, as Job refuses to let his friends dictate his faith or understanding of his situation. He asserts h |
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God Uses Foolish Things - Part 1 by Jackie Pullinger | The sermon transcript provided is not coherent and does not contain any clear message or topic. It seems to be a jumble of unrelated thoughts and statements. There is no mention of |
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Children by Charles Stanley | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that while parents have a responsibility to teach and guide their children in their faith, ultimately each child must develop their own belie |
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The Restraining Power of the Holy Ghost by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of David and Nabal from the Bible. David sends his men to Nabal's house during shearing time to ask for provisions for his hungry a |
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1992 Missions Conference Talk - Part 1 by Richard Wurmbrand | This sermon emphasizes the importance of listening to God and each other, highlighting a personal story of enduring love and faithfulness through trials. It delves into the concept |