Job 27:4
Job 27:4 in Multiple Translations
my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will not utter deceit.
My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.
Surely my lips shall not speak unrighteousness, Neither shall my tongue utter deceit.
Truly, there is no deceit in my lips, and my tongue does not say what is false.
my lips will never speak lies, my tongue will never be dishonest.
My lips surely shall speake no wickednesse, and my tongue shall vtter no deceite.
My lips do not speak perverseness, And my tongue doth not utter deceit.
surely my lips will not speak unrighteousness, neither will my tongue utter deceit.
My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.
My lips shall not speak iniquity, neither shall my tongue contrive lying.
I will not lie; I [SYN] will not say anything to deceive anyone.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 27:4
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 27:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
תְּדַבֵּ֣רְנָה
שְׂפָתַ֣/י
עַוְלָ֑ה
וּ֝/לְשׁוֹנִ֗/י
אִם
יֶהְגֶּ֥ה
רְמִיָּֽה
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
תְּדַבֵּ֣רְנָה
dâbar
H1696
to speak
V-Piel-Imperf-3fp
שְׂפָתַ֣/י
sâphâh
H8193
lips
N-fd | Suff
עַוְלָ֑ה
ʻevel
H5766
injustice
N-cs
וּ֝/לְשׁוֹנִ֗/י
lâshôwn
H3956
tongue
Conj | N-cs | Suff
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
יֶהְגֶּ֥ה
hâgâh
H1897
to mutter
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
רְמִיָּֽה
rᵉmîyâh
H7423
deceit
N-fs
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 27:4
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
תְּדַבֵּ֣רְנָה
dâbar
H1696
"to speak"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fp
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.
שְׂפָתַ֣/י
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.
עַוְלָ֑ה
ʻevel
H5766
"injustice"
N-cs
Injustice or moral evil is what this word represents, covering violent deeds, unfair speech, and general wrongdoing. It is used to describe actions that go against God's standards of righteousness.
Definition: injustice, unrighteousness Another spelling of av.lah (עַוְלָה "injustice" H5766B)
Usage: Occurs in 51 OT verses. KJV: iniquity, perverseness, unjust(-ly), unrighteousness(-ly); wicked(-ness). See also: Leviticus 19:15; Psalms 64:7; Psalms 7:4.
וּ֝/לְשׁוֹנִ֗/י
lâshôwn
H3956
"tongue"
Conj | N-cs | Suff
The tongue, used for eating, speaking, or describing a language. In the Bible, it appears in many books, including Genesis 11:1 and Acts 2:4.
Definition: : tongue/words 1) tongue 1a) tongue (of men) 1a1) tongue (literal) 1a2) tongue (organ of speech) 1b) language 1c) tongue (of animals) 1d) tongue (of fire) 1e) wedge, bay of sea (tongue-shaped)
Usage: Occurs in 115 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] babbler, bay, [phrase] evil speaker, language, talker, tongue, wedge. See also: Genesis 10:5; Psalms 126:2; Psalms 5:10.
אִם
ʼim
H518
"if"
Conj
This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.
Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather
Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.
יֶהְגֶּ֥ה
hâgâh
H1897
"to mutter"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To mutter or ponder, as seen in Psalm 1:2 where it means to meditate on God's law, and also in Psalm 37:35 where it describes plotting evil.
Definition: 1) to moan, growl, utter, muse, mutter, meditate, devise, plot, speak 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to roar, growl, groan 1a2) to utter, speak 1a3) to meditate, devise, muse, imagine 1b) (Poal) to utter 1c) (Hiphil) to mutter
Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: imagine, meditate, mourn, mutter, roar, [idiom] sore, speak, study, talk, utter. See also: Joshua 1:8; Proverbs 8:7; Psalms 1:2.
רְמִיָּֽה
rᵉmîyâh
H7423
"deceit"
N-fs
Remiyah refers to slackness or deceit, describing someone who is idle or treacherous, as seen in various KJV translations. It implies a lack of effort or loyalty.
Definition: deceit, treachery
Usage: Occurs in 15 OT verses. KJV: deceit(-ful, -fully), false, guile, idle, slack, slothful. See also: Job 13:7; Psalms 120:3; Psalms 32:2.
Study Notes — Job 27:4
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 27:4 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 27:4
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 27:4
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 27:4
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 27:4
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 27:4
- Cambridge Bible on Job 27:4
- Barnes' Notes on Job 27:4
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 27:4
- Sermons on Job 27:4
Context — Job Affirms His Integrity
2“As surely as God lives, who has deprived me of justice— the Almighty, who has embittered my soul—
3as long as my breath is still within me and the breath of God remains in my nostrils,
4my lips will not speak wickedness, and my tongue will not utter deceit.
5I will never say that you are right; I will maintain my integrity until I die. 6I will cling to my righteousness and never let go. As long as I live, my conscience will not accuse me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 13:7 | Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf or speak deceitfully for Him? |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 11:10 | As surely as the truth of Christ is in me, this boasting of mine will not be silenced in the regions of Achaia. |
| 3 | John 8:55 | You do not know Him, but I know Him. If I said I did not know Him, I would be a liar like you. But I do know Him, and I keep His word. |
| 4 | Job 34:6 | Would I lie about my case? My wound is incurable, though I am without transgression.’ |
| 5 | Job 6:28 | But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face? |
Job 27:4 Summary
Job 27:4 means that Job is making a promise to himself and to God that he will only speak what is true and good, and not say anything that is mean or dishonest, which is similar to what is written in Proverbs 10:32, where the righteous know how to speak appropriately. This is important because the things we say can either help or hurt others, as seen in Proverbs 12:18, where reckless words can pierce like a sword. By choosing to speak kindly and truthfully, we can show love and respect to those around us, just like it is written in Ephesians 4:29, that our words should be used to build others up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivates Job to make this statement about not speaking wickedness?
Job's motivation comes from his commitment to integrity and righteousness, as seen in Job 27:5-6, where he declares his intention to maintain his integrity until he dies, and also in Job 31:5-6, where he states that he has not lied or deceived others.
Is it possible for a person to completely avoid speaking wickedness or deceit?
According to Psalm 19:12, it is possible for people to be unaware of the faults in their speech, but with God's help, as seen in Psalm 141:3, they can ask for their words to be guarded, which is in line with Job's statement in Job 27:4.
How can we, like Job, ensure that our words are not wicked or deceitful?
We can follow the example in Ephesians 4:29, where it is written that our words should be used to build others up, and also in Colossians 4:6, where it is stated that our speech should be seasoned with salt, making it gracious and effective.
What role does the tongue play in a person's spiritual life?
The tongue has significant power, as stated in James 3:9-10, where it can both praise God and curse people, and in James 1:26, where it is written that those who do not control their tongue deceive themselves.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can ensure that my words are a reflection of God's love and truth?
- How can I balance honesty with kindness in my speech, especially in difficult conversations?
- In what situations do I struggle most with speaking wickedness or deceit, and how can I seek God's help in those moments?
- What does it mean for me to 'maintain my integrity' in my daily interactions, as Job resolves to do in Job 27:5?
Gill's Exposition on Job 27:4
My lips shall not speak wickedness,.... This is the thing he swears to, this the matter of his oath, not only that he would not speak a wicked word not anything corrupt, unsavoury, unchaste, profane,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 27:4
My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. (Job 6:28; Job 6:30.) The "deceit" would be, if he were to admit guilt, against the witness of his conscience.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 27:4
I will speak nothing but the truth with all plainness and impartiality, neither defending myself and cause by vain and false professions of those virtues or graces which I know I have not; nor yet, in compliance with your desire and design, falsely accusing myself of those crimes wherewith you charge me, whereof I know myself to be innocent.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 27:4
Job 27:4 My lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit.Ver. 4. My lips shall not speak wickedness] Which I should do, should I, contrary to that which the Spirit of God witnesseth to my conscience, through a feigned humility, confess that I have been wicked. Let God’ s dejected servants take heed, lest by the temptation of Satan, and the misgivings of their own evil hearts of unbelief, they be drawn to belie the work of God’ s Spirit in them, and to hold themselves utterly void of grace, because not endued with such and such measures of grace. Learn to distinguish between imbecility and nullity; show yourselves faithful in weakness, though but weak in faith. There is an allowance to gold, with which it may pass; neither is it to be cast aside because it wanteth some grains, and hath a crack. Nec vinum reiecimus et si faecem habeat, saith Spinaeus (de Instit. Christ.). God seeth nothing amiss in that man whose heart is upright, 2 Chronicles 15:17. He lays the finger of mercy on the scars of his people’ s sins, as that limner in the story. He will not crush, but cherish, that worm Jacob.
Nor my tongue utter deceit] No, for that were to speak wickedness, yea, to speak yourself wicked. For the remnant of Israel shall not, by betraying the truth, do iniquity, nor speak lies; neither shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth, Zephaniah 3:13. For he said, Surely they are my people, children that will not lie; so he was their Saviour, Isaiah 63:8.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 27:4
Verse 4. My lips shall not speak wickedness] As I have hitherto lived in all good conscience before God, as he knoweth, so will I continue to live.
Cambridge Bible on Job 27:4
4. my lips shall not] Rather, do not. These words contain Job’s oath. He swears that he is sincere and speaks truly; comp. ch. Job 6:28. The words refer to his utterances in general, especially in regard to himself, but naturally in the main, as the connexion requires, to his assertions in regard to his innocence of wrong-doing (Job 27:5-6).
Barnes' Notes on Job 27:4
My lips shall not speak wickedness - This solemn profession made on oath might have done something to allay the suspicions of his friends in regard to him, and to show that they had been mistaken in his character.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 27:4
4. My lips — Literally, If my lips. The oath introduced by the usual form àí, im, commences with this verse: He will speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
Sermons on Job 27:4
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Mr Darby's Footnote to 1 Cor. 8:1 in the New Translation on Ginosko by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby explores the distinction between the Greek words 'ginosko' and 'oida' in the context of knowledge in the New Testament. He explains that 'ginosko' refers to objec |
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Learning the Truth by T. Austin-Sparks | T. Austin-Sparks emphasizes the necessity of knowing the truth as embodied in Jesus Christ, who is the ultimate source of freedom and life. He explains that true discipleship invol |