Right Speaking in the Book of Job
October 24, 2022
Apprentice Travis
Shall he that contendeth with the Almighty instruct him?
He that reproveth God, let him answer it. Job 40:2
He that reproveth God, let him answer it. Job 40:2
Introduction
The first time Yours Truly met potential Apprentice Heal Catcher, we walked across Wabash Avenue to Rural King or, as it is known by Hautens, The Home of Free Popcorn. As we neared the entrance, he stopped and pointed at a sign on one of outdoor displays that read "Bale Feeder $450". Potential Apprentice Heal Catcher said, "I've heard of horses, cows, pigs, and chickens, but I've never heard of a bale."
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Potential Apprentice Heal Catcher is desirous of studying under a Master of the Occult Arts and Sciences and, until that fortuitous time, he is content to study with Yours Truly. For potential Apprentice Heal Catcher’s initial essay into The Wonderful World of Occult Research™, we suggested examining the book of Job from the Old Testament.
initial efforts
In our initial reading of the text, a general outline of the speakers was created and we randomly researched certain Hebrew words that seemed significant in the Blue Letter Bible.
On our second reading, the dated punctuation of the King James Bible version was modified for ease of comprehension. Notably, the common practice of the editors who created two questions where the conjunction “or” is used was altered to one question. For example:
On our second reading, the dated punctuation of the King James Bible version was modified for ease of comprehension. Notably, the common practice of the editors who created two questions where the conjunction “or” is used was altered to one question. For example:
Why did the knees prevent me? or why the breasts that I should suck? Job 3:12
Why did the knees prevent me or why the breasts that I should suck? Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off? Job 4:7 Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent, or where were the righteous cut off? Doth God pervert judgment? or doth the Almighty pervert justice? Job 8:3 Doth God pervert judgment or doth the Almighty pervert justice? |
There are many examples in the book of Job where the second section of the sentence being a variation of the first part. Of course, the primary reason for these repetitions, typically with contrasting images, is the poetic nature of the text and this practice is found in the other books of the Old Testament. Additionally, the usage of variant words allows for the employment of many synonyms with nuanced meanings, to the extent that the book of Job can be understood as a study of Hebrew vocabulary. As always, the usage of synonyms and contrasting sections both enlarges the text and increases the likelihood that the reader will incorrectly interpret sections of the book.
Will ye speak H1696 wickedly H5766 for God and talk H1696 deceitfully H7423 for him? Job 13:7
The King James Bible version translates the 1,143 occurrences of the verb dāḇar [Strong's H1696] as: speak (840), say (118), talk (46), promise (31), tell (25), commune (20), pronounce (14), utter (7), command (4), and miscellaneous (38). Strong’s H1696 is a primitive root. There are 38 occurrences of H196 in the book of Job.
The King James Bible version translates the 55 occurrences of the masculine/feminine noun ‘evel [Strong's H5766] as: iniquity (36), wickedness (7), unrighteousness (3), unjust (2), perverseness (1), unjustly (1), unrighteously (1), wicked (1), wickedly (1), and variant (2). Strong’s H5766 is derived from Strong’s H5765. There are 11 occurrences of H5766 in the book of Job.
The King James Bible version translates the 15 occurrences of the femine noun rᵊmîyâ [Strong's H7423] as: deceitful (4), deceitfully (3), deceit (2), slothful (2), false (1), guile (1), idle (1), and slack (1). Strong’s H7423 is derived from Strong’s H7411. The other usage of Strong’s H7423 in the book of Job is found in 27:4.
After the third reading, neither insight nor inspiration was forthcoming and we were beginning to doubt that any obscure meaning would present itself. Additionally, the possibility of endlessly researching Hebrew synonyms seemed pointless and we decided that any esoteric interpretations, if they exist, would be available in a decent translation, which we consider the King James Bible version to be. Even if this translation were not ideal, the resources of the Blue Letter Bible and Bible Hub are sufficient to overcome any deficiencies. By not emphasizing the origins and meanings of the Hebrew text, the need for endless busy work attempting to pass as viable philological research is curtailed.
We noticed that on most occurrences of the word “Almighty” that the word “God” would be included either in the sentence or in a contiguous verse.
The King James Bible version translates the 48 occurrences of the masculine noun šaday [Strong's H7706] as: Almighty (48). Strong’s H7706 is derived from Strong’s H7703. Strong’s H7706 is found on 31 occasions in the book of Job.
The King James Bible version translates the 58 occurrences of the verb šāḏaḏ [Strong's H7703] as: spoil (30), spoiler (11), waste (8), destroy (2), robbers (2), and miscellaneous (5).
Both occurrences of H7703 in the book of Job:
The King James Bible version translates the 55 occurrences of the masculine/feminine noun ‘evel [Strong's H5766] as: iniquity (36), wickedness (7), unrighteousness (3), unjust (2), perverseness (1), unjustly (1), unrighteously (1), wicked (1), wickedly (1), and variant (2). Strong’s H5766 is derived from Strong’s H5765. There are 11 occurrences of H5766 in the book of Job.
The King James Bible version translates the 15 occurrences of the femine noun rᵊmîyâ [Strong's H7423] as: deceitful (4), deceitfully (3), deceit (2), slothful (2), false (1), guile (1), idle (1), and slack (1). Strong’s H7423 is derived from Strong’s H7411. The other usage of Strong’s H7423 in the book of Job is found in 27:4.
After the third reading, neither insight nor inspiration was forthcoming and we were beginning to doubt that any obscure meaning would present itself. Additionally, the possibility of endlessly researching Hebrew synonyms seemed pointless and we decided that any esoteric interpretations, if they exist, would be available in a decent translation, which we consider the King James Bible version to be. Even if this translation were not ideal, the resources of the Blue Letter Bible and Bible Hub are sufficient to overcome any deficiencies. By not emphasizing the origins and meanings of the Hebrew text, the need for endless busy work attempting to pass as viable philological research is curtailed.
We noticed that on most occurrences of the word “Almighty” that the word “God” would be included either in the sentence or in a contiguous verse.
The King James Bible version translates the 48 occurrences of the masculine noun šaday [Strong's H7706] as: Almighty (48). Strong’s H7706 is derived from Strong’s H7703. Strong’s H7706 is found on 31 occasions in the book of Job.
The King James Bible version translates the 58 occurrences of the verb šāḏaḏ [Strong's H7703] as: spoil (30), spoiler (11), waste (8), destroy (2), robbers (2), and miscellaneous (5).
Both occurrences of H7703 in the book of Job:
The tabernacles of robbers H7703 prosper and they that provoke God are secure, into whose hand God bringeth abundantly. Job 12:6
A dreadful sound is in his ears. In prosperity, the destroyer H7703 shall come upon him. Job 15:21 |
the Lord's wrath
My [the Lord, v.7] wrath is kindled against thee [Eliphaz, v.7] and against thy two friends,
for ye* have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Job 42:7
for ye* have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath. Job 42:7
*dāḇar is the Second Person Masculine Plural and refers to Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar.
The Lord explicitly states that Job’s three friends ,unlike Job, have spoken incorrectly of “the thing that is right”. In an attempt to understand what the Lord knows about himself to be correct, other translations were consulted [courtesy of Biblehub.com]:
The Lord explicitly states that Job’s three friends ,unlike Job, have spoken incorrectly of “the thing that is right”. In an attempt to understand what the Lord knows about himself to be correct, other translations were consulted [courtesy of Biblehub.com]:
“I am angry with you … for not telling the truth.” Contemporary English Version
“You have not spoken rightly concerning me …” New American Bible Ye “have not said anything true before me …” Brenton Septuagint Translation Ye “have not spoken concerning Me rightly …” Young's Literal Translation Ye “have not spoken of me the thing that is right …” American Standard Version Ye “have not spoken of Me the thing that is right …” JPS Tanakh 1917 You “did not speak the truth about me …” Good News Translation You “have not spoken about Me accurately …” Berean Standard Bible You “have not spoken about me what is right …” NET Bible You “have not spoken accurately about me …” New Living Translation You “have not spoken correctly concerning Me …” Literal Standard Version You “have not spoken of me the thing that is right …” New Heart English Bible You “have not spoken of me the thing that is right …” World English Bible You “have not spoken of Me what is right …” Amplified Bible You “have not spoken of me what is right …” English Standard Version You “have not spoken of Me what is right …” NASB 1977 You “have not spoken of Me what is right …” NASB 1995 You “have not spoken of Me what is right …” New King James Version You “have not spoken of me what is right …” New Revised Standard Version You “have not spoken of Me what is trustworthy …”.New American Standard Bible You “have not spoken righteousness before me …” Aramaic Bible in Plain English You “have not spoken the thing that is right before my [sic] …” Douay-Rheims Bible You “have not spoken the truth about Me …” Holman Christian Standard Bible You “have not spoken the truth about me …” New International Version You “haven't spoken correctly about me …” International Standard Version You have not spoken the truth about me …” Christian Standard Bible |
These 26 additional translations provide no indication of a specific statement or statements that Job said regarding the truth of the Lord, nor is there any hint of a particular utterance by Job’s friends that is inaccurate. Therefore, at this point, one must proceed on the premise that every statement by Job about the Lord is accurate and any contradictory statements by his friends must be false. Although Elihu is not mentioned by the Lord, it seems that his statements are correct, as only Eliphaz and his “two friends” are specified for the Lord’s wrath. In conclusion to this part, our working premise is that statements by Job and Elihu are either identical or complementary, not contradictory; while statements by Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar that contradict either Job or Elihu are incorrect.
Therefore, the text of Job’s speeches where “Almighty” is found will be compared to the statements regarding the “Almighty” made by his three friends and Elihu in an attempt to determine what is rightly spoken regarding the Lord.
Therefore, the text of Job’s speeches where “Almighty” is found will be compared to the statements regarding the “Almighty” made by his three friends and Elihu in an attempt to determine what is rightly spoken regarding the Lord.
the ten reproaches
An indication that investigating the usage of “Almighty” is possibly the proper method is the realization that Strong’s H7706 only appears in the speeches. Strong’s H7706 is absent from the introduction and conclusion.
These ten times have ye* [Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, 2:11] reproached me.
Ye* are not ashamed that ye* make yourselves strange to me. Job 19:3
Ye* are not ashamed that ye* make yourselves strange to me. Job 19:3
*Second Person Masculine Plural
After several readings, the contents of the speeches by Job’s friends seem similar and to distinguish the speaker, the respective texts of Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, and the Lord are colored red, blue, violet, and dark orange, respectively. Elihu’s text is dark green, while statements by Job remain black.
An outline of the speeches:
After several readings, the contents of the speeches by Job’s friends seem similar and to distinguish the speaker, the respective texts of Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar, and the Lord are colored red, blue, violet, and dark orange, respectively. Elihu’s text is dark green, while statements by Job remain black.
An outline of the speeches:
Job
3:1-3:26 6:1-7:21 9:1-10:22 12:1-14:22 16:1-17:16 19:1-29 21:1-34 23:1-24:25 26:1-31:40 40.3-5 42:1-6 |
Eliphaz
4:1-5:27 15.1-35 22:1-30 |
Bildad
8:1-22 18:1-21 25:1-6 |
Zophar
11:1-20 20:1-29 |
Elihu
32:6-37:24 |
The Lord
38:1-40.2 40:6-41:34 42:7-8 |
A causal viewing of the plan of the text demonstrates that Job’s friends have not addressed Job on ten occasions. In an attempt to understand the meaning of Job 19:3, various commentaries were consulted:
These ten times - Many times; the word "ten" being used as we often say, "ten a dozen" or "twenty," to denote many; see Genesis 31:7, "And your father hath changed my wages "ten times." Leviticus 26:26, "and when I have broken your staff of bread, "ten women" shall bake your bread, in one oven;" compare Numbers 14:22; Nehemiah 4:6.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible ten—that is, often (Ge 31:7). Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary These ten times, i.e. many times. A certain number for an uncertain. So this phrase is oft used, as Genesis 31:7 Numbers 14:22, &c. Matthew Poole's Commentary These {a} ten times have ye reproached me: ye are not ashamed that ye make yourselves strange to me. (a) That is, many times, as in Ne 4:12. Geneva Study Bible 3. Ten times is a round number for often, Genesis 31:7; Numbers 14:22. Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Verse 3. - These ten times have ye reproached me. (For the use of the expression "ten times" for "many times." "frequently." see Genesis 31:7, 41; Numbers 14:22; Nehemiah 4:12; Daniel 1:20, etc.) Pulpit Commentary These ten times have ye reproached me,.... Referring not to ten sections or paragraphs, in which they had done it, as Jarchi; or to the five speeches his friends, in which their reproaches were doubled; or to Job's words, and their answer, as Saadiah; for it does not denote an exact number of their reproaches, which Job was not so careful to count; but it signifies that he had been many times reproached by them; so Aben Ezra, and in which sense the phrase is often used, see Genesis 31:7; … Gill's Exposition of the Entire Bible |
Along with the other commentators, Gill does not credit Job with counting the number of reproaches. All commentaries are consistent in stating, firstly, that “ten” is an indefinite number and, secondly, that there is no significance to this number. Of course, the omnipotent narrator did not supply this specific word mindlessly, for no reason. Leo Strauss asks:
Cannot miracles be wrought by such little words as "almost," "perhaps," [and] "seemingly"? Persecution and the Art of Writing, pg. 79
Since the six commentaries are in agreement that the little word “ten” is of no significance, we wonder if their consensus is, in fact, true and “ten” is an indeterminate quantity and has no interpretive value.
occurrences of strong's h7706
The King James Bible version translates the 48 occurrences of the masculine noun šaday [Strong's H7706] as: Almighty (48). Strong’s H7706 derives from Strong’s H7703, a primitive root. Strong’s H7706 appears on 31 occasions in the book of Job.
Although Strong's H7706 “Almighty” is found throughout the speeches, it is absent in the introduction, the narrative, and the epilogue.
Usage of Almighty by the various characters:
Although Strong's H7706 “Almighty” is found throughout the speeches, it is absent in the introduction, the narrative, and the epilogue.
Usage of Almighty by the various characters:
Character
Job Eliphaz Elihu Bildad Zophar The Lord Total |
Occurrences of
Strong's H7706 14 7 6 2 1 1 31 |
As Job’s friends use the word H7706 Almighty a total of ten times [Eliphaz, 7; Bildad, 2; Zophar, 1], there is the possibility that a correspondence exists between the Almighty and the ten accusations. If a connection does exist, then it is possible that the nature of “right speaking” regarding the Lord can be determined by examining the verses where the word Almighty occurs.
comparing job's statements with his friend's statements
where strong's h7706 is present
where strong's h7706 is present
Behold, happy is the man whom God H433 correcteth, therefore, despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty H7706, Job 5:17
Eliphaz interprets the predicament of Job as a correction from God and as a chastisement from the Almighty. As Job has not sinned, the views of Eliphaz are not correct. Job’s suffering is not the result of his wrongdoing, but as a test between the Lord and Satan. Of course, this trial is unknown to Job, his wife, his friends, and any disinterested bystanders.
For the arrows of the Almighty H7706 are within me. The poison whereof drinketh up my spirit. The terrors of God H433 do set themselves in array against me. Job 6:4
Job offers his opinions on the results of the actions that he attributes to God and to the Almighty. These views cannot be evidence for right speaking regarding either God or the Almighty, as Satan is the cause of these calamities.
To him that is afflicted, pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty H7706. Job 6:14
Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes [abandons or ceases to support] the fear of the Almighty. Job 6:14, New International Version
This passage is consistent with Job 15:25.
Doth God H410 pervert judgment or doth the Almighty H7706 pervert justice? Job 8:3
Although Bildad’s rhetorical question provides no understanding regarding either God or the Almighty, these two views are common among most people: God does not pervert judgment nor does the Almighty pervert justice.
If thou [Job] wouldest seek unto God H410 betimes and make thy supplication to the Almighty H7706; If thou wert pure and upright; surely now he would awake for thee, and make the habitation of thy righteousness prosperous. Job 8:5-6
But if you will seek God earnestly and plead with the Almighty, if you are pure and upright, even now he will rouse himself on your behalf and restore you to your prosperous state.
Job 8:5-6, New International Version
Bildad’s statement is incorrect, as the introductory section demonstrates that Job has not sinned. There is no indication in the book of Job that righteousness is the cause of prosperity from the Almighty.
As Satan observes:
As Satan observes:
Doth Job fear God for nought? 10 Hast not thou [the Lord, v. 9] made an hedge about him and about his house and about all that he hath on every side? Job 1:9-10
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And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God H433 exacteth H5382 of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth. Canst thou [Job] by searching find out God H433? Canst thou find out the Almighty H7706 unto perfection? Job 11:6-7
Oh, how I wish that God would speak, that he would open his lips against you. Oh, how I wish that God would speak, that he would open his lips against you. “Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty? Job 11:6-7, New International Version
The King James Bible version translates the 6 occurrences of the verb nāšâ [Strong's H5382] as: forget (4), deprive (1), and exacteth (1). Strong's H5382 is a primitive root.
Zophar wishes that God would speak against Job and the two rhetorical questions do offer any discernment into the actions of either God or the Almighty. Zophar speaks incorrectly when he states that God has not fully punished Job, as God has not inflicted any horrors upon Job.
Zophar wishes that God would speak against Job and the two rhetorical questions do offer any discernment into the actions of either God or the Almighty. Zophar speaks incorrectly when he states that God has not fully punished Job, as God has not inflicted any horrors upon Job.
Surely, I would speak to the Almighty H7706 and I desire to reason H3198 with God H410.
Job 13:3
The King James Bible version translates the 59 occurrences of Strong's H3198 as: reprove (23), rebuke (12), correct (3), plead (3), reason (2), chasten (2), reprover (with H376) (2), appointed (1), arguing (1), and miscellaneous (9).
Jobs wishes to speak to the Almighty and, according to other translations of H3198 in the King James Bible version, desires to reprimand, censure, or rebuke God. Once again, these desires are not indicative of right speaking. Of course, reasoning, or “the action of thinking about something in a logical, sensible way”, is not synonymous with reproving or correcting.
The additional passages in the King James Bible where H3198 is translated as reason:
Jobs wishes to speak to the Almighty and, according to other translations of H3198 in the King James Bible version, desires to reprimand, censure, or rebuke God. Once again, these desires are not indicative of right speaking. Of course, reasoning, or “the action of thinking about something in a logical, sensible way”, is not synonymous with reproving or correcting.
The additional passages in the King James Bible where H3198 is translated as reason:
Should he reason H3198 with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good? Job 15:3
Come now, and let us reason together, H3198 saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1:18 |
For he [the wicked man, v. 20] stretcheth out his hand against God H410 and strengtheneth H1396 himself against the Almighty H7706. Job 15:25
“Distress and anguish fill him with terror; troubles overwhelm him, like a king poised to attack, because he shakes his fist at God and vaunts himself against the Almighty,” Job 15:24-25,
New International Version
This statement by Eliphaz agrees with Job’s statement [6:4].
Therefore they [the wicked, v.7] say unto God H410, “Depart from us, for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.” What is the Almighty H7706 that we should serve him and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?” Job 21:14-15
It is uncertain if prayer to the Almighty is profitable and this statement agrees with the rhetorical question in Job 22:16-17.
God H433 layeth up his [the wicked, v.7] iniquity for his children. He rewardeth him and he shall know it. His eyes shall see his destruction and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty H7706. Job 21:19-20
The opinion that God punishes the children for the father’s sins is consistent with Deuteronomy 5:9:
Thou shalt not bow down thyself unto them [a graven image, v.8], nor serve them, for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me,
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Can a man be profitable H5532 unto God H410, as he that is wise may be profitable H5532 unto himself? Is it any pleasure to the Almighty H7706 that thou art righteous or is it gain to him that thou makest thy ways perfect? Job 22:2-3
“Can a man be of benefit to God? Can even a wise person benefit him? What pleasure would it give the Almighty if you were righteous? What would he gain if your ways were blameless?
Job 22:2-3, New International Version
The rhetorical question suggests that man cannot give an advantage to God nor will the Almighty be pleased by righteousness.
Which [wicked men, v.15] were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood: which said unto God H410, “Depart from us” and what can the Almighty H7706 do for them? Job 22:16-17
It is uncertain that prayer to the Almighty is profitable and this statement agrees with Job 21:14-15. Since the Almighty is indifferent to righteousness, there is no reason that the Almighty would be motivated to benefit the “wicked men”.
If thou [Job] return to the Almighty H7706, thou shalt be built up, thou shalt put away iniquity far from thy tabernacles. Job 22:23
This statement is incorrect, as Job cannot return to the Almighty, as has not left the Almighty. The clear message of the book of Job is that prosperity is not always the result or the effect of being upright.
Yea, the Almighty H7706 shall be thy [Job] defence and thou shalt have plenty of silver, for then shalt thou have thy delight in the Almighty H7706 and shalt lift up thy face unto God H433.
Job 22:25-26
This passage is a continuation of verse 23 and although the reward of having “plenty of silver” may be tempting to most people who are credible, Job cannot return to the Almighty, as he has not forsaken him. Eliphaz teaches the common understanding that wealth is the result of being righteous. Finally, we note that the "prosperity Gospel" of certain modern protestants is contrary to the literal interpretation of the book of Job in toto, although this view is consistent with the statement of Eliphaz, when it is taken by itself in isolation.
For God H410 maketh my heart soft and the Almighty H7706 troubleth me, Job 23:16
Once again, Job assigns his emotions, the result, to God and to the Almighty, the supposed causes, and these emotional judgments are not relevant to right speaking about the nature of either the Almighty or of God.
Why, seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty H7706, do they that know him not see his days? Job 24:1
Why does the Almighty not set times for judgment? Why must those who know him look in vain for such days? Job 24:1, New International Version
Individuals who know the Almighty realize that he does not always fulfill the anticipation of prompt judgment in this world.
As God H410 liveth, who hath taken away my judgment and the Almighty H7706, who hath vexed H4843 my soul H5315. Job 27:2
As surely as God lives, who has denied me justice, the Almighty, who has made my life bitter, Job 27:2, New International Version
The King James Bible version translates the 16 occurrences of the verb mārar [Strong's H4843] as: bitterness (3), bitter (2), bitterly (2), choler (2), grieved (2), vexed (2), bitterness (with H4751) (1), grieved him (1), and provoke (1).
The King James Bible version translates the 753 occurrences of the feminine noun nep̄eš [Strong's H5315] as: soul (475), life (117), person (29), mind (15), heart (15), creature (9), body (8), himself (8), yourselves (6), dead (5), will (4), desire (4), man (3), themselves (3), any (3), appetite (2), and miscellaneous (47).
Since our premise is that Job speaks rightly, it is a true statement that if God exists, then he has denied justice to Job and it is also true that the Almighty has made Job’s soul bitter. It follows that it is a true statement that if God does not exist, then he has not denied justice to Job. Although the Old Testament speaks in the language of man and presumes the existence of God, no evidence or arguments are presented for this belief, as it is a presumption found in every book of the Old Testament. Therefore, these verses will be treated as providing no insight on right speaking.
The King James Bible version translates the 753 occurrences of the feminine noun nep̄eš [Strong's H5315] as: soul (475), life (117), person (29), mind (15), heart (15), creature (9), body (8), himself (8), yourselves (6), dead (5), will (4), desire (4), man (3), themselves (3), any (3), appetite (2), and miscellaneous (47).
Since our premise is that Job speaks rightly, it is a true statement that if God exists, then he has denied justice to Job and it is also true that the Almighty has made Job’s soul bitter. It follows that it is a true statement that if God does not exist, then he has not denied justice to Job. Although the Old Testament speaks in the language of man and presumes the existence of God, no evidence or arguments are presented for this belief, as it is a presumption found in every book of the Old Testament. Therefore, these verses will be treated as providing no insight on right speaking.
Will he [the hypocrite [H2611], v.8] delight himself in the Almighty H7706? Will he always call upon God H433? Job 27:10
Will they [the godless, v.8] find delight in the Almighty? Will they call on God at all times?
Job 27:10, New International Version
The King James Bible version translates the 13 occurrences of the adjective ḥānēp̄ [Strong's H2611] as: hypocrite (13). Strong’s H2611 is derived from Strong’s H2610.
The King James Bible version translates the 11 occurrences of the verb ḥānēp̄ [Strong's H2610] as: pollute (4), defile (4), greatly (1), corrupt (1), and profane (1). Strong’s H2610 is not found in the book of Job.
This verse concerns the behavior of the godless and cannot provide any insight on right speaking regarding either the Almighty or God.
The King James Bible version translates the 11 occurrences of the verb ḥānēp̄ [Strong's H2610] as: pollute (4), defile (4), greatly (1), corrupt (1), and profane (1). Strong’s H2610 is not found in the book of Job.
This verse concerns the behavior of the godless and cannot provide any insight on right speaking regarding either the Almighty or God.
I will teach you by the hand of God H410 that which is with the Almighty H7706 will I not conceal. Job 27:11
I will teach you about the power of God; the ways of the Almighty I will not conceal.
Job 27:11, New International Version
Job will not hide his knowledge of the Almighty and he will edify by the “hand of God”. Neither of these two statements concern right speaking regarding either the Almighty or God.
This is the portion of a wicked man H7563 with God H410 and the heritage of oppressors which they shall receive of the Almighty H7706. Job 27:13
Here is the fate God allots to the wicked, the heritage a ruthless man receives from the Almighty: Job 27:13, New International Version
The King James Bible version translates the 5 occurrences of the verb hāḇal [Strong's H1891] as: become vain (4), and make vain (1). Strong’s H1891 is a primitive root.
The King James Bible version translates the 263 occurrences of the adjective rāšāʿ[Strong's H7563] as: wicked (249), ungodly (8), wicked man (3), and miscellaneous (3). Strong’s H7563 is derived from Strong’s H7561.
The King James Bible version translates the 34 occurrences of the verb rāšaʿ[Strong's H7561] as: condemn (15), wickedly (10), wicked (4), departed (2), trouble (1), vexed (1), and wickedness (1)
In verse 13, “This” refers to the rewards of the wicked man and the oppressors that are mentioned in the following verse, to wit, the starvation of their children and their ultimate murder.
The King James Bible version translates the 263 occurrences of the adjective rāšāʿ[Strong's H7563] as: wicked (249), ungodly (8), wicked man (3), and miscellaneous (3). Strong’s H7563 is derived from Strong’s H7561.
The King James Bible version translates the 34 occurrences of the verb rāšaʿ[Strong's H7561] as: condemn (15), wickedly (10), wicked (4), departed (2), trouble (1), vexed (1), and wickedness (1)
In verse 13, “This” refers to the rewards of the wicked man and the oppressors that are mentioned in the following verse, to wit, the starvation of their children and their ultimate murder.
As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God H433 was upon my tabernacle; When the Almighty H7706 was yet with me, when my children were about me; Job 29:4-5
These two verses provide no insight into right speaking of either God or the Almighty.
For what portion of God H433 is there from above and what inheritance of the Almighty H7706 from on high? Job 31:2
For what is our lot from God above, our heritage from the Almighty on high? Job 31:2,
New International Version
Due to insufficient information, Job’s question cannot be answered and this rhetorical question provides no understanding into right speaking concerning either God or the Almighty.
Oh, that one would hear me! Behold, my desire is, that the Almighty H7706 would answer me and that mine adversary H376 had written a book. Job 31:35
The King James Bible version translates the 1,639 occurrences of the masculine noun 'îš [Strong's H376] as: man (1,002), men (210), one (188), husband (69), any (27), and miscellaneous (143).
Job’s wish offers no discernment on the subject of right speaking with respect to the Almighty.
In conclusion to this part, the majority of passages provide no clues into right speaking concering either God or the Almighty, as these quotes consist mainly of interpretations upon Job’s circumstances, as well as the unfounded belief that Job’s suffering, the effect, is the result of God’s punishment for Job’s sins, the supposed cause.
The passages with general remarks:
Job’s wish offers no discernment on the subject of right speaking with respect to the Almighty.
In conclusion to this part, the majority of passages provide no clues into right speaking concering either God or the Almighty, as these quotes consist mainly of interpretations upon Job’s circumstances, as well as the unfounded belief that Job’s suffering, the effect, is the result of God’s punishment for Job’s sins, the supposed cause.
The passages with general remarks:
5:17 God and the Almighty punish, no insight
6:4 no insight 6:14 [with 15:25], no insight 8:5-6 incorrect, Job has not sinned, prosperity is not by the Almighty due to righteousness [Bildad] 8:3 no insight 11:6-7 incorrect; Job has not been fully punished by God [Zophar] 13:3 no insight 15:25 [with 6:14], evil men are against God, no insight 21:4-5 no insight 21:19-20 God and the Almighty punish 22:2-3 incorrect; God and the Almighty are indifferent to man’s behavior 22:16-17 no insight 22:23 incorrect, Job has not sinned; no insight [Eliphaz] 22:25-26 no insight; Almighty will delight 23:16 no insight 24:1 no insight 27:2 God denies justice; Almighty vexes; no insight 27:10 no insight 27:11 no insight 27:13 God and the Almighty punished 29:4-5 no insight 31:2 no insight 31:35 no insight |
The previous list with verses providing no insights into right speaking with references to God or the Almighty omitted:
8:5-6 incorrect, Job has not sinned, prosperity is not by the Almighty due to righteousness [Bildad]
11:6-7 incorrect; Job has not been fully punished by God [Zophar] 21:19-20 God and the Almighty punish wicked men [Job] 22:2-3 incorrect; God and the Almighty are indifferent to man’s behavior [Eliphaz] 22:23 incorrect, Job has not sinned; no insight [Eliphaz] 27:13 God and the Almighty punish the wicked man [Job] |
conclusion
[The LORD] said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against thee and against thy two friends, for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.” Job 42:7
Job does not contradict himself when he declares that God and the Almighty punish wicked men [21:19-20; 27:13]. By stating that Job has sinned, both Bildad and Eliphaz have spoken incorrectly [8:5-6; 22:23]. Bildad speaks wrongly when he suggests that the Almighty creates prosperity for the righteous. Zophar states Job has not been fully punished by God, but this is incorrect, as punishment is reserved for the wicked and sinners [11:6-7], not Job, who is perfect and upright [Job 2:3]. Eliphaz is incorrect when he states that God and the Almighty are indifferent to the actions of man [22:2-3].
In conclusion, the "right speaking" by Job is that the Almighty and God are concerned with the behavior of man and God and the Almighty punish wicked men.
In conclusion, the "right speaking" by Job is that the Almighty and God are concerned with the behavior of man and God and the Almighty punish wicked men.
By the plenitude of power authorized and granted by the Ancient and Esteemed Order of Hierophants, it is duly proclaimed, declared, and exclaimed that potential Apprentice Heal Catcher is hereby elevated to the exalted and sublime position of Apprentice and shall henceforth be recognized as Apprentice Travis to a Master of the Occult Arts and Sciences.
All rights, privileges, and benefits associated with said position, current and future, are hereby solemnly bestowed and conferred upon Apprentice Travis this twenty fourth day of October in the year of our Lord and Master two thousand twenty two. So mote it be. G.D.O’Bradovich III |