Job 20:3
New International Version
I hear a rebuke that dishonors me, and my understanding inspires me to reply.

New Living Translation
I’ve had to endure your insults, but now my spirit prompts me to reply.

English Standard Version
I hear censure that insults me, and out of my understanding a spirit answers me.

Berean Standard Bible
I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply.

King James Bible
I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.

New King James Version
I have heard the rebuke that reproaches me, And the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer.

New American Standard Bible
“I listened to the reprimand which insults me, And the spirit of my understanding makes me answer.

NASB 1995
“I listened to the reproof which insults me, And the spirit of my understanding makes me answer.

NASB 1977
“I listened to the reproof which insults me, And the spirit of my understanding makes me answer.

Legacy Standard Bible
I listened to the discipline which dishonors me, And the spirit of my understanding makes me answer.

Amplified Bible
“I have heard the reproof which insults me, But the spirit of my understanding makes me answer.

Christian Standard Bible
I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding makes me reply.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding makes me reply.

American Standard Version
I have heard the reproof which putteth me to shame; And the spirit of my understanding answereth me.

Contemporary English Version
You have accused and insulted me, and reason requires a reply.

English Revised Version
I have heard the reproof which putteth me to shame, and the spirit of my understanding answereth me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I have heard criticism that makes me ashamed, but a spirit beyond my understanding gives me answers.

Good News Translation
What you have said is an insult, but I know how to reply to you.

International Standard Version
Whenever I hear an insulting rebuke, I respond from my spirit because I understand."

Majority Standard Bible
I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply.

NET Bible
When I hear a reproof that dishonors me, then my understanding prompts me to answer.

New Heart English Bible
I have heard the reproof which puts me to shame. The spirit of my understanding answers me.

Webster's Bible Translation
I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.

World English Bible
I have heard the reproof which puts me to shame. The spirit of my understanding answers me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
I hear the discipline of my shame, "" And the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer:

Young's Literal Translation
The chastisement of my shame I hear, And the spirit of mine understanding Doth cause me to answer:

Smith's Literal Translation
I shall hear the instruction of my shame, and the spirit of my understanding will cause me to answer.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
The doctrine with which thou reprovest me, I will hear, and the spirit of my understanding shall answer for me.

Catholic Public Domain Version
The teaching you use to admonish me, I will hear, and the spirit of my understanding will respond for me.

New American Bible
A rebuke that puts me to shame I hear, and from my understanding a spirit gives me a reply.

New Revised Standard Version
I hear censure that insults me, and a spirit beyond my understanding answers me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
I will make you hear the instruction of my discipline, and the spirit of my understanding will cause me to answer.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
The instruction of my reproof I shall hear, and the spirit of my understanding will answer me
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
I have heard the reproof which putteth me to shame, But out of my understanding my spirit answereth me.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I will hear my shameful reproach; and the spirit of my understanding answers me.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Zophar: Destruction Awaits the Wicked
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. 4Do you not know that from antiquity, since man was placed on the earth,…

Cross References
Job 15:2-6
“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? / But you even undermine the fear of God and hinder meditation before Him. ...

Job 18:2-4
“How long until you end these speeches? Show some sense, and then we can talk. / Why are we regarded as cattle, as stupid in your sight? / You who tear yourself in anger—should the earth be forsaken on your account, or the rocks be moved from their place?

Job 21:3-4
Bear with me while I speak; then, after I have spoken, you may go on mocking. / Is my complaint against a man? Then why should I not be impatient?

Job 16:3
Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying?

Job 19:2-3
“How long will you torment me and crush me with your words? / Ten times now you have reproached me; you shamelessly mistreat me.

Job 13:5
If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!

Job 12:3
But I also have a mind; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these?

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 6:25-26
How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove? / Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair?

Job 8:2
“How long will you go on saying such things? The words of your mouth are a blustering wind.

Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.

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 7:9
Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.

James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,


Treasury of Scripture

I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer.

the check

Job 19:29
Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath bringeth the punishments of the sword, that ye may know there is a judgment.

the spirit

Job 20:2
Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste.

Job 27:11
I will teach you by the hand of God: that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal.

Job 33:3
My words shall be of the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.

Jump to Previous
Answers Arguments Cause Causeth Censure Chastisement Check Dishonors Ear Hear Heard Inspires Insults Makes Puts Putteth Putting Rebuke Reproach Reproof Shame Spirit Understanding Wind Wisdom
Jump to Next
Answers Arguments Cause Causeth Censure Chastisement Check Dishonors Ear Hear Heard Inspires Insults Makes Puts Putteth Putting Rebuke Reproach Reproof Shame Spirit Understanding Wind Wisdom
Job 20
1. Zophar shows the state and portion of the wicked














I have heard a rebuke that insults me
In this passage, Zophar the Naamathite is responding to Job's previous discourse. The term "rebuke" indicates a strong criticism or correction, which Zophar perceives as offensive. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, honor and shame were significant social values, and a public rebuke could be seen as a serious affront to one's dignity. This reflects the intense emotional and rhetorical nature of the dialogues in the Book of Job, where friends engage in a cycle of speeches that often escalate in intensity. The concept of rebuke is also seen in Proverbs 27:5, which states, "Better is open rebuke than hidden love," highlighting the importance of correction in wisdom literature.

and my understanding prompts a reply
Zophar feels compelled to respond based on his understanding, which he believes is rooted in wisdom and tradition. This reflects the broader theme in Job of human wisdom versus divine wisdom. Zophar, like Job's other friends, believes in a retributive justice system where suffering is a direct result of sin. His "understanding" is based on this theological framework, which is challenged throughout the book. The idea of understanding prompting a reply is echoed in Proverbs 18:2, "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion," suggesting that true understanding should lead to thoughtful and wise responses. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate divine response in Job 38-41, where God's wisdom surpasses human understanding.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Zophar the Naamathite
One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. Zophar is known for his harsh and direct approach, often emphasizing God's justice and the need for repentance.

2. Job
The central figure of the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering. Job's responses to his friends' accusations are central to the account.

3. The Dialogue
This verse is part of the ongoing dialogue between Job and his friends, where they attempt to explain Job's suffering through their understanding of God's justice.
Teaching Points
The Impact of Words
Words have the power to wound or heal. Zophar's rebuke is an example of how words can insult and provoke rather than comfort and support.

Understanding and Wisdom
True understanding should lead to wise and compassionate responses. Zophar's understanding inspires a reply, but it lacks empathy and insight into Job's situation.

The Role of Friends in Suffering
Friends should offer support and encouragement, not judgment. Zophar's approach serves as a cautionary tale for how not to support someone in distress.

The Importance of Listening
Before responding, it is crucial to listen fully and understand the other person's perspective. Zophar's failure to do so leads to further conflict.

Responding to Criticism
Job's experience teaches us to consider criticism carefully, discerning what is true and what is not, and responding with integrity.(3) I have heard the check of my reproach.--Rather, I have heard, or, I hear the reproof of my shame: that is, a reproof that puts me to shame, or is intended to do so.

The spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.--Or, more literally, Out of my understanding my spirit answereth me, or causeth me to answer. He professes to be moved by an impulse within, which he cannot but obey.

Verse 3. - I have heard the check of my reproach; or, the reproof which putteth me to shame (Revised Version). Some suppose an allusion to Job 19:2, 3; but it is better to regard Zophar as enraged by vers. 28, 29 of Job 19. And the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer. This claim is not quite consistent with the acknowledgment of hastiness in ver. 2. But it is no unusual thing for an impetuous and hasty man to declare that he speaks from the dictates of pure dispassionate reason.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I have heard
אֶשְׁמָ֑ע (’eš·mā‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently

a rebuke
מוּסַ֣ר (mū·sar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4148: Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint

that insults me,
כְּלִמָּתִ֣י (kə·lim·mā·ṯî)
Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 3639: Insult, reproach, ignominy

and my understanding
מִֽבִּינָתִ֥י (mib·bî·nā·ṯî)
Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 998: An understanding

makes me reply.
יַעֲנֵֽנִי׃ (ya·‘ă·nê·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond


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OT Poetry: Job 20:3 I have heard the reproof which puts (Jb)
Job 20:2
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