Job 4:1-3

[clark thompson]

Job 4:1-3 King James Version (KJV)

4 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,

2 If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking?

3 Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.


Job 4:1-3 Lexham English Bible (LEB)
Eliphaz’s First Response to Job
4 Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,

2 “If someone would test a word with you, would you be offended? But who can refrain from speaking?3 Look, you have instructed many,
and you have strengthened weak hands.

Lexham English Bible (LEB) 2012 by Logos Bible Software. Lexham is a registered trademark of Logos Bible Software


These are my thoughts, please share yours.


1-2 He asks but does not let Job respond. This shows that no mater if Job wanted him to talk he was going to talk, he seems like he cared about whether Job wanted him to speak or not but goes ahead any way, we sometimes may do this instead of consider what they want we do or even consider what they want and do anyway as he did.


3 He here tries to encourage Job by reminding him of the good he had done sometimes we need this reminder to uplift us for further work.

 

[Br. Bear]

Greetings,

Verse 2
You might be grieved but I'm going to say it anyway (in other words, even if you should be respected especially at this time, I am going to say something anyway).
Verse 3 is a preliminary to the verses that follow and seen in context as with all of Job will be better placed for understanding.
You should know better than to complain and be asking God all those questions! (See previous chapter 3).
In other words, Of all people, you who has given so much advice to others need to get with it and practice what you preach and in fact you need to listen to what I am about to say because you're not so good as to be able to do it (cope heartily) without my/our advice and correction.

Bless you ....><>

 

[complete]

''Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said,
'if we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved?
but who can withhold himself from speaking?'

Hello Clark,
In my Bible there is also a metrical version given alongside the text, which says,

'If one replies to thee, wouldst thou be grieved?
Yet, who from speaking can refrain himself?
Behold, how many others thou hast taught:
and has been wont to nerve enfeebled hands; ... .... '

This reveals something of Job the man, who has obviously taught others, and strengthening others in their hour of need. To fully appreciate these words of Eliphaz to Job, a greater context needs to be seen: he is bringing his own understanding to bear upon Job's condition, the reasons for it, and it's solution. Yet, only God was in a position to know Job's true condition, and only He could provide the solution. This is something we all need to learn, isn't it?

Praise God!

In Christ Jesus
Complete