Logos Bible Study

Job 20:2–3

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20:2“This is why1 my troubled thoughts bring me back2—

because of my feelings3 within me.

20:3When4 I hear a reproof that dishonors5 me,

then my understanding6 prompts me to answer.7

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Footnotes

  1. 1 The ordinary meaning of לָכֵן (lakhen) is “therefore,” coming after an argument. But at the beginning of a speech it is an allusion to what follows.
  2. 2 The verb is שׁוּב (shuv, “to return”), but in the Hiphil, “bring me back,” i.e., prompt me to make another speech. The text makes good sense as it is, and there is no reason to change the reading to make a closer parallel with the second half—indeed, the second part explains the first.
  3. 3 The word is normally taken from the root “to hasten,” and rendered “because of my haste within me.” But K&D 11:374 proposed another root, and similarly, but closer to the text, E. Dhorme (Job, 289–90) found an Arabic word with the meaning “feeling, sensation.” He argues that from this idea developed the meanings in the cognates of “thoughts” as well. Similarly, Gordis translates it “my feeling pain.” See also Eccl 2:25.
  4. 4 There is no indication that this clause is to be subordinated to the next, other than the logical connection, and the use of the ו (vav) in the second half.
  5. 6 The phrase actually has רוּחַ מִבִּינָתִי (ruakh mibbinati, “a spirit/wind/breath/impulse from my understanding”). Some translate it “out of my understanding a spirit answers me.” The idea is not that difficult, and so the many proposals to rewrite the text can be rejected. The spirit of his understanding prompts the reply.
  6. 7 To take this verb as a simple Qal and read it “answers me,” does not provide a clear idea. The form can just as easily be taken as a Hiphil, with the sense “causes me to answer.” It is Zophar who will “return” and who will “answer.”

Cross references

  1. 5 See Job 19:3.

In other versions

ESVEnglish Standard Version

“Therefore my thoughts answer me,

because of my haste within me.

I hear censure that insults me,

and out of my understanding a spirit answers me.

NIVNew International Version (2011)

“My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer

because I am greatly disturbed.

I hear a rebuke that dishonors me,

and my understanding inspires me to reply.

CSBChristian Standard Bible

This is why my unsettling thoughts compel me to answer,

because I am upset!

I have heard a rebuke that insults me,

and my understanding makes me reply.

NLTNew Living Translation

“I must reply

because I am greatly disturbed.

I’ve had to endure your insults,

but now my spirit prompts me to reply.

LEBThe Lexham English Bible

“Therefore my disquieting thoughts bring me back

for the sake of my inward excitement.

I hear discipline that insults me,

and a spirit beyond my understanding answers me.

KJV 1900King James Version

Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer,

And for this I make haste.

I have heard the check of my reproach,

And the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.