Job 16:20
Job 16:20 in Multiple Translations
My friends are my scoffers as my eyes pour out tears to God.
My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.
My friends scoff at me: But mine eye poureth out tears unto God,
My friends make sport of me; to God my eyes are weeping,
My friends scorn me, but my eyes pour out tears to God.
My friends speake eloquently against me: but mine eye powreth out teares vnto God.
My interpreter [is] my friend, Unto God hath mine eye dropped:
My friends scoff at me. My eyes pour out tears to God,
My friends scorn me: but my eye poureth out tears to God.
For behold my witness is in heaven, and he that knoweth my conscience is on high.
My three friends scorn/ridicule me, but my eyes are full of tears while I cry out to God.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 16:20
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 16:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מְלִיצַ֥/י
רֵעָ֑/י
אֶל
אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַ
דָּלְפָ֥ה
עֵינִֽ/י
מְלִיצַ֥/י
lûwts
H3887
to mock
V-Hiphil | Suff
רֵעָ֑/י
rêaʻ
H7453
neighbor
N-mp | Suff
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַ
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
god
N-ms
דָּלְפָ֥ה
dâlaph
H1811
to drip
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
עֵינִֽ/י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 16:20
מְלִיצַ֥/י
lûwts
H3887
"to mock"
V-Hiphil | Suff
This word means to mock or scorn someone, often by making fun of them or talking down to them. It can also refer to interpreting languages or acting as an ambassador. In some cases, it describes a person who is arrogant or boastful.
Definition: 1) to scorn, make mouths at, talk arrogantly 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to boast 1a2) to scorn 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to mock, deride 1b2) to interpret (language) 1b2a) interpreter (participle) 1b2b) ambassador (fig.) 1c) (Hithpalpel) to be inflated, scoff, act as a scorner, show oneself a mocker Also means: la.tsats (לָצַץ "to scorn" H3945)
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: ambassador, have in derision, interpreter, make a mock, mocker, scorn(-er, -ful), teacher. See also: Genesis 42:23; Proverbs 14:9; Psalms 1:1.
רֵעָ֑/י
rêaʻ
H7453
"neighbor"
N-mp | Suff
A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.
Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)
Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַ
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.
דָּלְפָ֥ה
dâlaph
H1811
"to drip"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs
To drip means to drop or leak, and it can also imply weeping or crying. This word is used in the Bible to describe tears or liquid flowing. It is often translated as drop or melt.
Definition: 1) to drop, drip 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to leak 1a2) to weep (of tears)
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: drop through, melt, pour out. See also: Job 16:20; Psalms 119:28; Ecclesiastes 10:18.
עֵינִֽ/י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cs | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
Study Notes — Job 16:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 16:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 16:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 16:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 16:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 16:20
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 16:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 16:20
- Cambridge Bible on Job 16:20
- Barnes' Notes on Job 16:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 16:20
- Sermons on Job 16:20
Context — Job Decries His Comforters
18O earth, do not cover my blood; may my cry for help never be laid to rest.
19Even now my witness is in heaven, and my advocate is on high.
20My friends are my scoffers as my eyes pour out tears to God.
21Oh, that a man might plead with God as he pleads with his neighbor! 22For when only a few years are past I will go the way of no return.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 5:7 | During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence. |
| 2 | Psalms 142:2 | I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him. |
| 3 | Job 16:4 | I could also speak like you if you were in my place; I could heap up words against you and shake my head at you. |
| 4 | Luke 6:11–12 | But the scribes and Pharisees were filled with rage and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus. In those days Jesus went out to the mountain to pray, and He spent the night in prayer to God. |
| 5 | Job 17:2 | Surely mockers surround me, and my eyes must gaze at their rebellion. |
| 6 | Job 12:4–5 | I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God, and He answered. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock. The one at ease scorns misfortune as the fate of those whose feet are slipping. |
| 7 | Psalms 109:4 | In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer. |
| 8 | Hosea 12:4–5 | Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there — the LORD is the God of Hosts— the LORD is His name of renown. |
Job 16:20 Summary
[Job is saying that the people he thought were his friends are actually making fun of him, which is very hurtful. At the same time, he is crying out to God and trusting that God sees and cares about his pain (Psalm 38:9). This shows us that even when people let us down, we can always turn to God and be honest with Him about how we are feeling. By doing so, we can find comfort and strength in His presence, just like Job is trying to do, and as we see in Isaiah 43:2, where God promises to be with us in our troubles.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Job say his friends are scoffers?
Job says his friends are scoffers because they have failed to provide him with meaningful comfort or support during his time of suffering, instead offering words that are hurtful and lacking in empathy, as seen in other parts of the book of Job.
What does it mean that Job's eyes pour out tears to God?
This phrase indicates that Job is crying out to God in desperation and sorrow, similar to what we see in Psalm 42:3, where the psalmist says his tears have been his food day and night.
Is Job questioning God's presence or care in his life?
While Job is certainly expressing deep emotional pain, his statement about his friends and his tears being poured out to God suggests that he still believes God is present and aware of his situation, as expressed in Jeremiah 23:24, which says that God fills heaven and earth.
How can we apply Job's experience to our own lives?
We can learn from Job's example by recognizing that even in the midst of great suffering, we can still turn to God and express our emotions honestly, trusting in His sovereignty and love, as seen in Romans 8:28, which reminds us that God works all things together for good.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I felt like my friends or family were not supporting me, and how did I turn to God in those moments?
- How can I balance honesty about my emotions with trust in God's goodness, as Job seems to be doing in this verse?
- In what ways can I be a better friend or supporter to those around me who are suffering, so they do not feel like their friends are scoffers?
- What does this verse teach me about the importance of expressing my emotions to God, and how can I cultivate a deeper practice of prayer in my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Job 16:20
My friends scorn me,.... Not that they scoffed at his afflictions and calamities, and at his diseases and disorders, that would have been very brutish and inhuman, but at his words, the arguments and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 16:20
My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God. Hebrew, more forcibly, 'my mockers-my friends!' A heart-cutting paradox!
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 16:20
My friends, who should defend me from the scorns and injuries of others, scorn me; so this word is used 19:28. I pour forth my prayers and tears to God, that he would judge me according to my innocency, and plead my righteous cause against you.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 16:20
Job 16:20 My friends scorn me: [but] mine eye poureth out [tears] unto God.Ver. 20. My friends scorn me] Or, play the rhetoricians against me. David likewise complaineth of his rhetorical mockers at feasts, that made as it were set speeches against him. One rendereth it, My friends are interpreters, or rather misinterpreters, of my speeches. "For my love they are my adversaries: but I give myself unto prayer," Psalms 109:4. But mine eye poureth out tears unto God] Expletur lachrymis egeriturque dolor. The Hebrew hath it, Mine eye droppeth or distilleth to God. Prayers and tears are the weapons of the saints, whose eyes, glazed with tears, are fitly compared to the fishpools of Heshbon, Son 7:4. These tears have a voice, they are most powerful orators. Christ, going to suffer on the cross, could not but turn back and comfort those weeping women.
God will pour out comforts into their bosoms who can pour out tears into his; they can never be at any loss who find out God to weep to.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 16:20
(20) My friends scorn me.—Or, as an apostrophe, “Ye my scorners who profess and ought to be my friends: mine eye poureth out tears unto God that He would maintain the right of man with God, and of the son of man with his neighbour;” or, “that one might plead for man with God as the son of man pleadeth for his neighbour”—this is what he has already longed for in Job 9:33.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 16:20
Verse 20. My friends scorn me] They deride and insult me, but my eye is towards God; I look to him to vindicate my cause.
Cambridge Bible on Job 16:20
20, 21. Job now names his Witness and states what he hopes for from Him.
Barnes' Notes on Job 16:20
My friends scorn me - Margin “are my scorners.” That is, his friends had him in derision and mocked him, and he could only appeal with tears to God.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 16:20
20. My friends scorn me — ξμιφιψςιis almost invariably rendered, My scorners are my friends.
Sermons on Job 16:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(The Law of the Holy Spirit) Jesus Stayed Away Sin by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of moving beyond the basic teachings of Christianity and pursuing a deeper level of spiritual maturity. He uses the analogy of |
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Road to Reality - the Fear of the Lord - Part 1 by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a radical lifestyle rather than just acquiring knowledge about theology and the Bible. He challenges the audience to |
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Going Weeping- Coming Rejoicing by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that God is all energy, life, and power. Christ is described as being everything to believers - wisdom, righteousness, sanctification, and r |
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A Baptism of Tears for Israel by Michael L. Brown | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the state of the American body, particularly those who consider themselves charismatic or spirit-filled believers. He criticizes the tendency |
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Why Responsibility by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of revelation, realization, and responsibility in relation to the word of God. He highlights the failure of responsibility thr |
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The Baptism (Part 2) by Ron Bailey | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the significance of a pivotal moment in history when Jesus came into the world. This moment, symbolized by Jesus' crucifixion, brought about |
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The Path to Perfection Santosh Poonen by Santosh Poonen | This sermon delves into the book of Hebrews, highlighting the importance of obedience as seen in the life of Jesus. It emphasizes the journey towards perfection through obedience, |