Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer because I am greatly disturbed. New Living Translation “I must reply because I am greatly disturbed. English Standard Version “Therefore my thoughts answer me, because of my haste within me. Berean Standard Bible “So my anxious thoughts compel me to answer, because of the turmoil within me. King James Bible Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste. New King James Version “Therefore my anxious thoughts make me answer, Because of the turmoil within me. New American Standard Bible “Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, Even because of my inward agitation. NASB 1995 “Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, Even because of my inward agitation. NASB 1977 “Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, Even because of my inward agitation. Legacy Standard Bible “Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, Even because of my haste within me. Amplified Bible “Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me answer, Because of the uneasiness that is within me. Christian Standard Bible This is why my unsettling thoughts compel me to answer, because I am upset! Holman Christian Standard Bible This is why my unsettling thoughts compel me to answer, because I am upset! American Standard Version Therefore do my thoughts give answer to me, Even by reason of my haste that is in me. Contemporary English Version Your words are disturbing; now I must speak. English Revised Version Therefore do my thoughts give answer to me, even by reason of my haste that is in me. GOD'S WORD® Translation "My disturbing thoughts make me answer, and because of them I am upset. International Standard Version "Therefore my anxious thoughts cause me to answer because I'm agitated within me. Majority Standard Bible ?So my anxious thoughts compel me to answer, because of the turmoil within me. NET Bible "This is why my troubled thoughts bring me back--because of my feelings within me. New Heart English Bible "Therefore do my thoughts give answer to me, even by reason of my haste that is in me. Webster's Bible Translation Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste. World English Bible “Therefore my thoughts answer me, even by reason of my haste that is in me. Literal Translations Literal Standard Version“Therefore my thoughts cause me to answer, "" And because of my sensations in me. Young's Literal Translation Therefore my thoughts cause me to answer, And because of my sensations in me. Smith's Literal Translation For this my thoughts will turn back, and because of my haste in me. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTherefore various thoughts succeed one another in me, and my mind is hurried away to different things. Catholic Public Domain Version In response, various thoughts succeed one another in me, and my mind moves quickly through different ideas. New American Bible So now my thoughts provide an answer for me, because of the feelings within me. New Revised Standard Version “Pay attention! My thoughts urge me to answer, because of the agitation within me. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleTherefore my discipline has caused me to discern, and for my help it has remained with me. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated “Because my goings were discerned, and for my sake they persisted for me OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Therefore do my thoughts give answer to me, Even by reason of mine agitation that is in me. Brenton Septuagint Translation I did not suppose that thou wouldest answer thus: neither do ye understand more than I. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Zophar: Destruction Awaits the Wicked1Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: 2“So my anxious thoughts compel me to answer, because of the turmoil within me. 3I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply.… Cross References Job 15:2-3 “Does a wise man answer with empty counsel or fill his belly with the hot east wind? / Should he argue with useless words or speeches that serve no purpose? Job 18:1-2 Then Bildad the Shuhite replied: / “How long until you end these speeches? Show some sense, and then we can talk. Job 11:2-3 “Should this stream of words go unanswered and such a speaker be vindicated? / Should your babbling put others to silence? Will you scoff without rebuke? Job 32:17-20 I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know. / For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me. / Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin. ... Job 4:1-2 Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied: / “If one ventures a word with you, will you be wearied? Yet who can keep from speaking? Job 5:2 For resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple. Job 8:2 “How long will you go on saying such things? The words of your mouth are a blustering wind. Proverbs 18:13 He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him. Proverbs 29:20 Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Ecclesiastes 5:2 Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few. James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger, James 3:5-6 In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. Matthew 12:34-37 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ... 1 Corinthians 1:20 Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 1 Corinthians 3:19-20 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.” Treasury of Scripture Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste. my thoughts Job 20:3 I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer. Job 4:2 If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking? Job 13:19 Who is he that will plead with me? for now, if I hold my tongue, I shall give up the ghost. and for Psalm 31:22 For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee. Psalm 116:11 I said in my haste, All men are liars. Proverbs 14:29 He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly. I make haste. Jump to Previous Agitation Cause Disquieting Disturbed Driving Greatly Haste Inward Prompt Reason Respond Thoughts Troubled Troubling WithinJump to Next Agitation Cause Disquieting Disturbed Driving Greatly Haste Inward Prompt Reason Respond Thoughts Troubled Troubling WithinJob 20 1. Zophar shows the state and portion of the wickedSo my anxious thoughts compel me to answer Zophar, one of Job's friends, speaks here, expressing his inner turmoil and urgency to respond to Job's previous discourse. The phrase "anxious thoughts" reflects a deep emotional disturbance, suggesting that Zophar feels a strong need to defend his understanding of God's justice. This mirrors the human tendency to react defensively when one's beliefs are challenged. In the broader context of the Book of Job, Zophar represents a traditional view of retributive justice, where suffering is seen as a direct consequence of sin. His compulsion to answer highlights the tension between human wisdom and divine mystery, a central theme in Job. This phrase can be connected to other scriptures that discuss the struggle between human understanding and divine wisdom, such as Proverbs 3:5-6, which advises trust in the Lord over one's own understanding. because of the turmoil within me Persons / Places / Events 1. Zophar the NaamathiteOne of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. Zophar is known for his blunt and often harsh speeches, emphasizing God's justice and the need for repentance. 2. Job The central figure of the Book of Job, a man of great faith who undergoes severe trials and suffering. His dialogues with his friends explore themes of suffering, justice, and faith. 3. The Dialogue This verse is part of a larger dialogue between Job and his friends, where they attempt to explain the reasons for Job's suffering. Zophar's speech in chapter 20 is his second response to Job. Teaching Points The Nature of Human AnxietyZophar's "anxious thoughts" reflect a common human experience. Anxiety often compels us to speak or act, sometimes without full understanding or wisdom. Recognizing this can help us seek God's guidance before responding to situations. The Importance of Seeking God's Wisdom Zophar's response is driven by his own turmoil rather than divine insight. This teaches us the importance of seeking God's wisdom and understanding, especially when addressing complex issues like suffering. The Role of Friends in Times of Suffering Zophar's approach reminds us to be cautious in how we support friends in distress. Offering comfort and understanding, rather than judgment, aligns more closely with Christ-like compassion. The Limitations of Human Understanding Zophar's speech underscores the limitations of human understanding in the face of divine mysteries. It encourages humility and reliance on God's greater wisdom. Responding to Inner Turmoil The verse invites reflection on how we handle our own inner turmoil. Turning to prayer and scripture can provide peace and clarity, guiding us to respond in ways that honor God.(2) Therefore.--That is, because of the eagerness that is in him. His spirit is stirred in him, and impels him to reply. Hebrew “For this reasonלָ֭כֵן (lā·ḵên) Adverb Strong's 3651: So -- thus my anxious thoughts שְׂעִפַּ֣י (śə·‘ip·pay) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 5587: Divided, a sentiment compel me to answer, יְשִׁיב֑וּנִי (yə·šî·ḇū·nî) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | first person common singular Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again because וּ֝בַעֲב֗וּר (ū·ḇa·‘ă·ḇūr) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5668: Crossed, transit, on account of, in order that of the turmoil ח֣וּשִׁי (ḥū·šî) Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular Strong's 2363: To hurry, to be eager with excitement, enjoyment within me. בִֽי׃ (ḇî) Preposition | first person common singular Strong's Hebrew Links Job 20:2 NIVJob 20:2 NLT Job 20:2 ESV Job 20:2 NASB Job 20:2 KJV Job 20:2 BibleApps.com Job 20:2 Biblia Paralela Job 20:2 Chinese Bible Job 20:2 French Bible Job 20:2 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Job 20:2 Therefore do my thoughts give answer (Jb) |
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