Job 29:22 — Word Study
WLCאַחֲרֵ֣י דְ֭בָרִי לֹ֣א יִשְׁנ֑וּ וְ֝עָלֵ֗ימוֹ תִּטֹּ֥ף מִלָּתִֽי׃
BSAAfterʼachar [following, in the rear] my wordsdâbâr [speech, declaration] they spokeshânâh▸ [replied, responded] no morelôʼ [not again, nothing else] my speechmillâh [manner of speaking, utterance] settlednâṭaph▸ [dropped, distilled] on them like dewʻal [upon their hearts, refreshing drops of rain, gentle moisture]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| אַחֲרֵ֣י | after | Prep |
| דְ֭בָרִי | word my | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| לֹ֣א | not | Particle |
| יִשְׁנ֑וּ | they repeated | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| וְ֝עָלֵ֗ימוֹ | and on them | Conjunction, preposition, suffix |
| תִּטֹּ֥ף | it dropped | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person feminine singular |
| מִלָּתִֽי׃ | speech my | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | After my words, they spoke no more; my speech settled on them like dew. |
| KJV | After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them. |
| ASV | After my words they spake not again; And my speech distilled upon them. |
| YLT | After my word they change not, And on them doth my speech drop, |
| WEB | After my words they didn’t speak again. My speech fell on them. |
| BBE | After I had said what was in my mind, they were quiet and let my words go deep into their hearts; |
The translations agree on the essence of Job's speech and its impact, particularly in the use of תִּטֹּ֥ף.
The sentence is structured around a main clause with supporting phrases that clarify the timing and impact of Job's speech.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbשָׁנָה
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Job 29:22
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Job's Reflection on His Former Influencegenerated
Job 29:22 captures Job's reminiscence of a time when his words held great weight and authority among those who listened to him. He recalls how his speech was impactful, settling on his audience like refreshing dew, a metaphor for the gentle and nourishing effect of his words. This verse is part of a larger reflection on wisdom and the respect he once commanded, as seen in the surrounding verses.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 32:15–16 | Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them. |
| 2 | Job 33:31–33 | Pay attention, Job, and listen to me; be silent, and I will speak. |
| 3 | Isaiah 52:15 | so He will sprinkle many nations. Kings will shut their mouths because of Him. For they will see what they have not been told, and they will understand what they have not heard. |
| 4 | Matthew 22:46 | No one was able to answer a word, and from that day on no one dared to question Him any further. |
| 5 | Deuteronomy 32:2 | Let my teaching fall like rain and my speech settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass, like showers on tender plants. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 9 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — תִּטֹּ֥ף, ti.Tofgenerated
The verb נָטַף (*nataph*) means to drop or drip, often used in the context of prophesying or speaking with inspiration. In this verse, it illustrates how Job's words fell upon his listeners gently and refreshingly, similar to dew that nourishes the earth.
This word conveys a sense of gradual and steady delivery, emphasizing the profound impact of Job's speech. It suggests that his words were not just spoken but were absorbed deeply by those who heard them.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In this study, we reference the Berean Standard Bible (BSB), which uses settled to describe Job's speech.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb יִשְׁנ֑וּ (*yishnu*) governs the sentence, with two phrases attached: a prepositional phrase indicating the timing of the action and a noun phrase describing the subject of the speech. The structure emphasizes the flow of Job's thoughts and the weight of his words.
The Hebrew word order places the emphasis on Job's speech and its effect on the listeners, illustrating how his utterance was both significant and memorable.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates תִּטֹּ֥ף as ἐλάλουν, which indicates a broader interpretation of Job's speech as an ongoing discourse. This choice suggests that Job's words were not just a momentary impact but had a lasting resonance.
This translation reflects a slight widening of the original meaning, focusing on the act of speaking rather than the specific imagery of dripping or settling.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 29:22 reflects on how after he spoke, others did not respond; his words were like refreshing dew, settling gently on their hearts. This verse highlights Job's past authority and the respect he commanded.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Job is expressing that his words had a gentle and refreshing effect on those who listened, similar to how dew nourishes the earth.
This indicates the weight and authority of Job's words, suggesting that they left his listeners in a state of contemplation or silence.
Dew symbolizes refreshment and nourishment, implying that Job's speech was not only heard but also deeply felt and appreciated.
This verse illustrates Job's reflection on his past wisdom and the respect he once held, contrasting it with his current suffering and isolation.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can my words have a positive impact on others, similar to how Job's words affected his listeners?
- How can I ensure that my speech is refreshing and uplifting to those around me?
- What lessons can I learn from Job's experience about the importance of listening and responding to wise counsel?
- How do I handle situations when my words are not received as I intended?
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 29:22 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleAfter my words they spake not again,.... Did not or would not make any reply to them; they did not attempt to change and alter them, to add unto them, or take from them, or in any wise to correct
Read John Gill on Job 29 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryAfter my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them. Not again - did not contradict me.
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 29 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleAfter my words they spake not again; either to confute them as false, or to add to them as lame and imperfect. Dropped upon them, to wit, as the rain, as the next verse explains it, which when it comes down gently and droppingly upon the earth, is most acceptable and beneficial to it; not so when it comes in great and violent showers.
Read Matthew Poole on Job 29 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 29:22 After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.Ver. 22. After my words they spake not again] They replied not, but rested in my words, as if I had been some Doctor Resolutus or rather Irrefragabilis. The Vulgate rendereth it, Verbis meis addere nihil audebant, They dared not add anything to my words, as holding them current and sufficient. And my speech dropped upon them] viz. As dew drops, Deuteronomy 32:2, or, as some, prophecy, saith R. Levi here. Confer Micah 2:6 Amos 7:17. Surely as the dew refresheth and cherisheth the dry and fading fields; so do fit words the hearts of the hearers. And as the dew allayeth great heats, and moisteneth the earth, that it…
Read John Trapp on Job 29 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 22. My speech dropped upon them.] It descended as refreshing dew; they were encouraged, comforted, and strengthened by it.
Read AdamClarke on Job 29 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges22. dropped upon them] i. e. like a refreshing, quickening rain, when they were wearied and perplexed in counsel.
Read Cambridge on Job 29 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleAfter my words they spake not again - The highest proof which could be given of deference.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 29 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible22. Speech dropped — Rain is frequently used as a metaphor for pleasing and gentle discourse. “My doctrine shall drop as the rain.” (Deuteronomy 32:2.) Thus Milton, “Though his tongue dropt manna.”
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Job 29 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
After my words, they spoke no more; my speech settled on them like dew.
After my words they didn’t speak again. My speech fell on them.
After my words, they spoke no more; my speech settled on them like dew.
After I had spoken, they did not respond; my words fell on them drop by drop.
Tyndale line
After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.
After my words they spake not again; And my speech distilled upon them.
After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them.
After my words they spoke not again; and my speech dropped upon them.
After my wordes they replied not, and my talke dropped vpon them.
Strictly literal
After my words they spoke not again, and my speech dropped upon them;
After my word they change not, And on them doth my speech drop,
After my word they do not change, || And my speech drops on them,
After my words they made no reply, and my speech dropped on them [like dew].
After my words were done, they did not speak again; my speech dropped like water on them.
From the Latin
To my words they durst add nothing, and my speech dropped upon them.
Simplified
Once I had spoken they had nothing else to say; what I said was enough.
After I had said what was in my mind, they were quiet and let my words go deep into their hearts;
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint share a significant degree of agreement in this verse, with four out of seven words matching. This indicates a consistent understanding of Job's speech and its impact, although the Septuagint's word order differs from the Hebrew.
אַחֲרֵ֣י דְ֭בָרִי לֹ֣א יִשְׁנ֑וּ וְ֝עָלֵ֗ימוֹ תִּטֹּ֥ף מִלָּתִֽי׃
4 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Job 29:22
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word אַחַר (*achar*) primarily denotes the concept of 'after' or 'behind' in both spatial and temporal contexts. It functions as a substantive, adverb, preposition, and conjunction, indicating a following part or time. The related form אַחֲרַי (*acharai*) refers to a person who turns backwards. There is a reference to Proverbs 28:23 in relation to the latter.
אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part
adv.
of place, behind
of time, afterwards
prep.
of place, behind, after
of time, after
conj. after that.
H310a אַחַר prop. subst. the hinder or following part . adv. . of place, behind
. of time, afterwards
. prep. . of place, behind, after
. of time, after
. conj. after that.
H310b אַחֲרַי a man that turneth backwards.
310 'achar akh-ar'
from 309; properly, the hind part; generally used as an
adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses):--after
(that, -ward), again, at, away from, back (from, -side),
behind, beside, by, follow (after, -ing), forasmuch, from,
hereafter, hinder end, + out (over) live, + persecute,
posterity, pursuing, remnant, seeing, since, thence(-forth),
when, with.
see HEBREW for 0309
אַחַר (a.char) — after.
1) after the following part, behind (of place), hinder, afterwards (of time)
1a) as an adverb
1a1) behind (of place)
1a2) afterwards (of time)
1b) as a preposition
1b1) behind, after (of place)
1b2) after (of time)
1b3) besides
1c) as a conjunction
1c) after that
1d) as a substantive
1d1) hinder part
1e) with other prepositions
1e1) from behind
1e2) from following after
אַחֲרַי (a.cha.ray) — backwards.
backwards (of a man that turns backwards)
Prep — PrepHAcmpc
דָּבָר (dabar) means 'word' or 'speech' and encompasses a range of meanings including discourse, saying, and matter. It can refer to anything spoken or a topic of discussion, extending to concepts like business or affairs. The entries consistently highlight its use in various contexts, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicographers.
דָּבָר 1439 n.m. speech, word
sg. speech, discourse, saying, word, as the sum of that which is spoken
sg. saying, utterance, sentence, as a section of a discourse
sg. a word, words
sg. matter, affair, thing about which one speaks
base
H1697 דָּבָר speech, word . sg. speech, discourse, saying, word, as the sum of that which is spoken
. sg. saying, utterance, sentence, as a section of a discourse
. sg. a word, words
. sg. matter, affair, thing about which one speaks
1697 dabar daw-baw'
from 1696; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or
thing; adverbially, a cause:--act, advice, affair, answer, X
any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case,
cause, certain rate, + chronicles, commandment, X
commune(-ication), + concern(-ing), + confer, counsel, +
dearth, decree, deed, X disease, due, duty, effect, +
eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-)ness, + glory, + harm, hurt,
+ iniquity, + judgment, language, + lying, manner, matter,
message, (no) thing, oracle, X ought, X parts, + pertaining, +
please, portion, + power, promise, provision, purpose,
question, rate, reason, report, request, X (as hast) said,
sake, saying, sentence, + sign, + so, some (uncleanness),
somewhat to say, + song, speech, X spoken, talk, task, + that,
X there done, thing (concerning), thought, + thus, tidings,
what(-soever), + wherewith, which, word, work.
see HEBREW for 01696
דָּבָר (da.var) — word.
: word/speech/command
1) speech, word, speaking, thing
1a) speech
1b) saying, utterance
1c) word, words
1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
דָּבָר (da.var) — word: speaking.
: speaking
1) speech, word, speaking, thing
1a) speech
1b) saying, utterance
1c) word, words
1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
דָּבָר (da.var) — word: thing.
: thing/matter
1) speech, word, speaking, thing
1a) speech
1b) saying, utterance
1c) word, words
1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
דָּבָר (da.var) — word: promised.
: promised/duty
1) speech, word, speaking, thing
1a) speech
1b) saying, utterance
1c) word, words
1d) business, occupation, acts, matter, case, something, manner (by extension)
דָּבָר (da.var) — word: deed.
: deed
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp1bs
לֹא (lo') is a Hebrew word meaning 'not' or 'no.' It serves as a simple negation and can imply absence or prohibition. The word can also be used in various contexts, often combined with other particles for emphasis or clarification. Its Aramaic equivalent is לָא (la), which also means 'not.'
לֹא or לוֹא adv. not
base
H3808 לֹא or לוֹא not
3808 lo' lo
or lowi {lo}; or loh (Deut. 3:11) {lo}; a primitive particle;
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often
used with other particles (as follows):--X before, + or else,
ere, + except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never,
no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), (X as though...,(can-), for) not (out
of), of nought, otherwise, out of, + surely, + as truly as, +
of a truth, + verily, for want, + whether, without.
לֹא (lo) — not.
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)
Part — ParticleHTn
שָׁנָה (shanah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to change or to repeat. It encompasses a range of meanings including altering, duplicating, and disguising oneself. The entries indicate various grammatical forms, such as Qal (to change), Piel (to alter), and Hithpael (to disguise). Notably, it can refer to both literal and figurative changes.
[שָׁנָה] vb. change
Qal I do not change
Pi. transit., change, alter
Pu. usu. is changed, mollified
Hithp. arise, pray, and disguise thyself.
base
שָׁנָה vb. repeat, do again
Qal do again
Niph. concerning the dream’s being repeated
base
H8138a שָׁנָה change H8138b שָׁנָה repeat, do again
8138 shanah shaw-naw'
a primitive root; to fold, i.e. duplicate (literally or
figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or
intransitive):--do (speak, strike) again, alter, double, (be
given to) change, disguise, (be) diverse, pervert, prefer,
repeat, return, do the second time.
שָׁנָה (sha.nah) — to change.
1) change, alter
1a) (Qal) to change
1b) (Piel) to change, alter
1c) (Pual) to be changed, mollified
1d) (Hithpael) to disguise oneself
שָׁנָה (sha.nah) — to repeat.
1) to repeat, do again
1a) (Qal) to do again
1b) (Niphal) to be repeated
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVqi3mp
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
Conj | Prep | Suff — Conjunction · preposition · suffixHC/R/Sp3mp
נָטַף (nataph) is a Hebrew verb meaning to drip or drop, and it can also refer to prophesying or speaking by inspiration. The word is built from a primitive root and covers actions related to dripping or distilling gradually, as well as the act of delivering prophetic discourse. It appears in various forms, including Qal and Hiphil, indicating different nuances of the action.
[נָטַף] vb. drop, drip
Qal drop, drip
Hiph.
drip
of speech, esp. prophecy
base
H5197 נָטַף
5197 nataph naw-taf'
a primitive root; to ooze, i.e. distil gradually; by
implication, to fall in drops; figuratively, to speak by
inspiration:--drop(-ping), prophesy(-et).
נָטַף (na.taph) — to drip/prophesy.
1) to drop, drip, distil, prophesy, preach, discourse
1a) (Qal) to drop, drip
1b) (Hiphil)
1b1) to drip
1b2) to drop (prophecy)
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person feminine singularHVqi3fs
מִלָּה (millah) means 'word' or 'speech' and can refer to a discourse or topic. It is derived from a root that suggests collective speech or utterance. The term encompasses various forms of communication, including answers and by-words. The Aramaic equivalent is also מִלָּה.
מִלָּה n.f. word, speech, utterance
base
H4405 מִלָּה
4405 millah mil-law'
from 4448 (plural masculine as if from milleh {mil-leh'}; a
word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic:--+
answer, by-word, matter, any thing (what) to say, to
speak(-ing), speak, talking, word.
see HEBREW for 04448
מִלָּה (mil.lah) — speech.
word, speech, utterance
Aramaic equivalent: mil.lah (מִלָּה "word" H4406)
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp1bs