Job 21:4

Verse

Berean Standard Bible

Is my complaint against a man? Then why should I not be impatient?

American Standard Version (1901)

As for me, is my complaint to man? And why should I not be impatient?

Bible in Basic English

As for me, is my outcry against man? is it then to be wondered at if my spirit is troubled?

Free Bible Version

Am I complaining against people? Of course not. Why shouldn't I be impatient?

King James (Authorized) Version

As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?

Translation for Translators

“It is certainly not [RHQ] people against whom I am complaining, but God And it is certainly [RHQ] right for me to be impatient!

Unlocked Literal Bible

As for me, is my complaint to a person? Why should I not be impatient?

Noah Webster Bible

As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so , why should not my spirit be troubled?

World English Bible

As for me, is my complaint to man? Why shouldn’t I be impatient?

Young's Literal Translation

I — to man [is] my complaint? and if [so], wherefore May not my temper become short?

Context

Job: God Will Punish the Wicked

³Bear with me while I speak; then, after I have spoken, you may go on mocking. ⁴Is my complaint against a man? Then why should I not be impatient? ⁵Look at me and be appalled; put your hand over your mouth.

Summary

In this verse, Job expresses his frustration and disbelief at the prosperity of the wicked despite their lack of regard for God. He questions why the wicked seem to live without consequences or suffering, contrasting it with his own experiences of suffering despite his righteousness. Job's words reflect the age-old question of the problem of evil and the apparent injustice in the world, highlighting the complexity of human suffering and the mystery of God's ways. This verse sets the stage for Job's ongoing dialogue with his friends as he grapples with the difficult realities of life and faith.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
John Gill

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

As for me - האנכי heanochi, "Alas for me!" Is it not with a man that I speak? And, if this be the case, why should not my spirit be troubled? I do not reply against my Maker: I suffer much from God and man; why then may I not have the privilege of complaining to creatures like myself?