Job 9:16
Job 9:16 in Multiple Translations
If I summoned Him and He answered me, I do not believe He would listen to my voice.
If I had called, and he had answered me; yet would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice.
If I had called, and he had answered me, Yet would I not believe that he hearkened unto my voice.
If I had sent for him to be present, and he had come, I would have no faith that he would give ear to my voice.
Even if I called him to come and he responded, I don't believe he would listen to me.
If I cry, and he answere me, yet woulde I not beleeue, that he heard my voyce.
Though I had called and He answereth me, I do not believe that He giveth ear [to] my voice.
If I had called, and he had answered me, yet I wouldn’t believe that he listened to my voice.
If I had called, and he had answered me; yet I would not believe that he had hearkened to my voice.
And if he should hear me when I call, I should not believe that he had heard my voice.
If I summoned him to come to the courtroom and he said that he would come, I would not believe that he would pay attention to what I would say.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 9:16
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 9:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִם
קָרָ֥אתִי
וַֽ/יַּעֲנֵ֑/נִי
לֹֽא
אַ֝אֲמִ֗ין
כִּֽי
יַאֲזִ֥ין
קוֹלִֽ/י
אִם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
קָרָ֥אתִי
qârâʼ
H7121
to call
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
וַֽ/יַּעֲנֵ֑/נִי
ʻânâh
H6030
to dwell
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אַ֝אֲמִ֗ין
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
יַאֲזִ֥ין
ʼâzan
H238
to listen
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
קוֹלִֽ/י
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms | 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 9:16
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.
קָרָ֥אתִי
qârâʼ
H7121
"to call"
V-Qal-Perf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to call out to someone or something, often by name. It's used in many situations, like calling for help or reading aloud. In Genesis, God calls out to Adam in the Garden.
Definition: : call_to/invite/entreat 1) to call, call out, recite, read, cry out, proclaim 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to call, cry, utter a loud sound 1a2) to call unto, cry (for help), call (with name of God) 1a3) to proclaim 1a4) to read aloud, read (to oneself), read 1a5) to summon, invite, call for, call and commission, appoint, call and endow 1a6) to call, name, give name to, call by 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to call oneself 1b2) to be called, be proclaimed, be read aloud, be summoned, be named 1c) (Pual) to be called, be named, be called out, be chosen
Usage: Occurs in 689 OT verses. KJV: bewray (self), that are bidden, call (for, forth, self, upon), cry (unto), (be) famous, guest, invite, mention, (give) name, preach, (make) proclaim(-ation), pronounce, publish, read, renowned, say. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 49:1; Judges 1:26.
וַֽ/יַּעֲנֵ֑/נִי
ʻânâh
H6030
"to dwell"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms | Suff
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.
לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
אַ֝אֲמִ֗ין
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
יַאֲזִ֥ין
ʼâzan
H238
"to listen"
V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To listen or hear is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often implying obedience or paying attention to what is being said, as in 1 Kings 3:9.
Definition: 1) to hear, listen 1a) (Hiphil) 1a1) to hear, listen, give ear 1a2) to be obedient, harken 1a3) to hear or listen to prayers (of God)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: give (perceive by the) ear, hear(-ken). See H239 (אָזַן). See also: Genesis 4:23; Psalms 77:2; Psalms 5:2.
קוֹלִֽ/י
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms | Suff
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
Study Notes — Job 9:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 9:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 9:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:16
- Cambridge Bible on Job 9:16
- Barnes' Notes on Job 9:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:16
- Sermons on Job 9:16
Context — Job: How Can I Contend with God?
14How then can I answer Him or choose my arguments against Him?
15For even if I were right, I could not answer. I could only beg my Judge for mercy.
16If I summoned Him and He answered me, I do not believe He would listen to my voice.
17For He would crush me with a tempest and multiply my wounds without cause. 18He does not let me catch my breath, but overwhelms me with bitterness.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 29:24 | If I smiled at them, they did not believe it; the light of my countenance was precious. |
| 2 | Exodus 6:9 | Moses relayed this message to the Israelites, but on account of their broken spirit and cruel bondage, they did not listen to him. |
| 3 | Psalms 66:18–20 | If I had cherished iniquity in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God has surely heard; He has attended to the sound of my prayer. Blessed be God, who has not rejected my prayer or withheld from me His loving devotion! |
| 4 | Judges 6:13 | “Please, my Lord,” Gideon replied, “if the LORD is with us, why has all this happened to us? And where are all His wonders of which our fathers told us, saying, ‘Has not the LORD brought us up out of Egypt?’ But now the LORD has forsaken us and delivered us into the hand of Midian.” |
| 5 | Psalms 116:1–2 | I love the LORD, for He has heard my voice— my appeal for mercy. Because He has inclined His ear to me, I will call on Him as long as I live. |
| 6 | Luke 24:41 | While they were still in disbelief because of their joy and amazement, He asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” |
| 7 | Psalms 18:6 | In my distress I called upon the LORD; I cried to my God for help. From His temple He heard my voice, and my cry for His help reached His ears. |
| 8 | Psalms 126:1 | When the LORD restored the captives of Zion, we were like dreamers. |
| 9 | Acts 12:14–16 | When she recognized Peter’s voice, she was so overjoyed that she forgot to open the gate, but ran inside and announced, “Peter is standing at the gate!” “You are out of your mind,” they told her. But when she kept insisting it was so, they said, “It must be his angel.” But Peter kept on knocking, and when they opened the door and saw him, they were astounded. |
Job 9:16 Summary
[Job 9:16 is a verse where Job is feeling really overwhelmed and unsure if God is listening to him, which is a feeling many of us can relate to. He's not saying that God can't hear him, but rather that he feels like God might not be paying attention to his voice, similar to the feelings expressed in Psalms 10:1. This verse reminds us that it's okay to express our doubts and fears to God, and that He is big enough to handle our honest emotions, as seen in Psalms 42:1-2. As we read in Matthew 7:7-8, we can come to God with confidence, knowing that He loves us and wants to hear from us.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Job mean when he says he doesn't believe God would listen to his voice?
Job is expressing his feelings of hopelessness and despair, feeling that even if God were to answer him, He would not truly hear or respond to his concerns, as seen in Job 9:16, similar to the feelings of the Psalmist in Psalms 38:9
Is Job questioning God's character or goodness?
Job is not questioning God's character, but rather his own ability to approach and be heard by God, as he feels overwhelmed by his circumstances, much like the prophet Jeremiah in Lamentations 3:8
How does this verse relate to the concept of prayer and speaking to God?
This verse highlights the struggle of feeling heard by God in prayer, but as Romans 8:26-27 reminds us, the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses and intercedes for us, even when we don't know what to pray for
What can we learn from Job's honest expression of his emotions and doubts?
We can learn the importance of honesty and transparency in our relationship with God, as seen in Psalms 51:17, where David expresses his brokenness and humility before God, and as the Bible encourages us to come boldly to the throne of grace in Hebrews 4:16
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I felt like God wasn't listening to me, and how did I respond?
- How can I balance my desire to be heard by God with the recognition of His sovereignty and wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- What does it mean to 'summon' God, and how can I approach Him in prayer with confidence and humility, as encouraged in Hebrews 10:19-22?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's character and goodness, even when I don't understand my circumstances, as seen in Job 13:15?
Gill's Exposition on Job 9:16
If I had called, and he had answered me,.... Mr. Broughton reads the words, "if I cry, will he answer me?" as if Job had some doubt upon his mind whether God would vouchsafe to answer him, though he
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 9:16
If I had called, and he had answered me; yet would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 9:16
If I had called, i.e. prayed, as this word is commonly used, to wit, unto my Judge, for a favourable sentence, as he now said, and therefore it was needless here to mention the object of his calling or prayer. Yet would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice; I could not believe that God had indeed granted my desire, though he had done it; because I am so infinitely below him, and obnoxious to him, and still full of the tokens of his displeasure; and therefore should conclude that it was but a pleasant dream or fancy, and not a real thing: compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Job 9:16
Job 9:16 If I had called, and he had answered me; [yet] would I not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice.Ver. 16. If l had called and he had answered] If, in confidence of mine own righteousness, I had sought some good thing at his hands, and he had therein condescended to me, yet would I not believe that he had, in mercy, hearkened to my voice; but rather, for a further mischief, that he might roll himself upon me, as Joseph upon his brethren, and as God did upon the Israelites after their quails; that he might tear them with his tempest, &c. Some think that Job speaketh these words, as despairing of audience, or denying God’ s particular providence; but neither of these is likely. Rather it seemeth, saith Pineda, to be the speech of a mind marvellously cast down, and meanly conceited of himself, and of his prayer; and trusting to the goodness of God alone; so Drusius. Job speaketh not this, saith he, out of diffidence, but out of fear of God’ s judgments, and sense of his own imperfections. Yet I would not believe that he had hearkened unto my voice] Namely, for any worth that he findeth in it: what am I, poor creature, that I should think I had carried the matter with God?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 9:16
Verse 16. If I had called, and he had answered] I could scarcely suppose, such is his majesty and such his holiness, that he could condescend to notice a being so mean, and in every respect so infinitely beneath his notice. These sentiments sufficiently confuted that slander of his friends, who said he was presumptuous, had not becoming notions of the majesty of God, and used blasphemous expressions against his sovereign authority.
Cambridge Bible on Job 9:16
16. In Job 9:14-15 the plea against God is not supposed actually entered upon; the idea of such a plea presents itself to Job’s mind and he pictures the results that would follow upon himself; in Job 9:16 he assumes the plea entered upon, that he had actually cited God, who had appeared, and he describes what would follow at this stage. if I had called] i. e. cited God as a party in my plea against Him. that he had hearkened] Rather, that he would hearken. Had Job with a superhuman courage cited God, and had God appeared, Job would not believe that He would listen to him, cf. Job 9:35, ch. Job 13:21 seq., Job 23:6 seq.
Barnes' Notes on Job 9:16
If I had called, and he had answered me - It is remarked by Schultens, that the expressions in these verses are all taken from courts of justice.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 9:16
16. If I had called — From Job 9:12-15 he supposes the case that God would take the initiative in summoning to trial; now, that he himself would: Should I summon him, and he answer me, I would hardly
Sermons on Job 9:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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The Reward of Perseverance by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the theme of perseverance through suffering, using the story of Job as a powerful example. Despite Job's immense losses and despair, he ultimately found |
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God's Truth About Responsibility by Russell Kelfer | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the controversial topic of responsibility and who is to blame for our problems. He discusses the common belief that Satan is responsible for |
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(Exodus) Exodus 5:1-23 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the increasing difficulty faced by the Israelites in their servitude to Pharaoh. The officers of the Israelites cry out to Pharaoh, complainin |
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(Exodus) Exodus 6:6-13 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the seven "I wills" of redemption found in Exodus 6:6-8. He emphasizes the importance of crossing over into a new life through the death and |
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The Danger of a Compromised Life by Greg Laurie | In this sermon titled "The Danger of a Compromised Life," Pastor Greg Laurie discusses the story of Moses and the Israelites in the book of Exodus. He highlights how the Israelites |
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Foretaste of Hell by G.W. North | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Moses and his reluctance to fulfill God's call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. The preacher emphasizes how Moses initially |
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Men Whose Eyes Have Seen the King - Part 7 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the visions of God that Ezekiel saw. The speaker highlights that whenever the Lord takes a new step or movement, He reveals His glory to some |