Bear with me while I speak;
Job is addressing his friends, who have been accusing him of wrongdoing as the cause of his suffering. This plea for patience reflects Job's desire to be heard and understood. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, dialogue and discourse were essential for resolving disputes and understanding divine justice. Job's request for his friends to bear with him highlights the importance of listening before passing judgment, a principle echoed in James 1:19, which advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."

then, after I have spoken,
Job emphasizes the need for a fair hearing. This reflects the biblical principle of justice, where both sides of a matter should be heard before a conclusion is drawn, as seen in Deuteronomy 1:16. Job's insistence on speaking before being judged underscores the human need for expression and the pursuit of truth, which is a recurring theme throughout the wisdom literature of the Bible.

you may go on mocking.
Job acknowledges the mockery he has faced from his friends, who have misunderstood his plight. This phrase captures the tension between Job and his friends, who represent the traditional view that suffering is a direct result of sin. Job's statement is both a resignation to their scorn and a challenge to their simplistic understanding of divine justice. The theme of mockery and misunderstanding is also present in the life of Jesus Christ, who was mocked and misunderstood by many, as seen in Matthew 27:29-31. This connection highlights the suffering of the righteous and the ultimate vindication that comes from God alone.

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, enduring immense suffering and questioning the justice of God.

2. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who come to comfort Job but end up accusing him of wrongdoing, suggesting his suffering is due to sin.

3. The Land of Uz
The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.

4. God
The ultimate authority and sovereign being, whose justice and ways are questioned and explored throughout the Book of Job.

5. Suffering and Mocking
The events surrounding Job's discourse, where he addresses the mockery and misunderstanding of his friends regarding his suffering.Patience in Dialogue
Job asks for patience from his friends, highlighting the importance of listening before responding. In our interactions, we should strive to listen fully before forming judgments or responses.

Endurance in Suffering
Job's endurance amidst suffering is a testament to faith under trial. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast, trusting in God's ultimate justice and mercy.

Responding to Mockery
Job's experience with mockery teaches us to maintain integrity and composure when faced with misunderstanding or ridicule. Our response should reflect Christ-like patience and humility.

The Importance of Empathy
Job's plea for understanding underscores the need for empathy in our relationships. We should seek to understand others' perspectives, especially in times of distress.

The Role of Friends in Suffering
Job's friends initially come to comfort but end up causing more pain. This reminds us of the power of words and the importance of offering true support and encouragement.Verse 3. - Suffer me that I may speak; or, suffer me, and I also will speak. There is an emphasis on the "I" (אנכי). Job implies that his opponents are not allowing him his fair share of the argument, which is an accusation that can scarcely be justified. Since the dialogue opened, Job's speeches have occupied eleven chapters, those of his "comforters" seven only. But a controversialist who has much to say is apt to think that sufficient time is not allowed him. And after that I have spoken, mock on. Job does not hope to convince, or silence, or shame the other interlocutors. When he has said his say, all that he expects is mockery and derision.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Bear with
שָׂ֭אוּנִי (’ū·nî)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural | first person common singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

me while I
וְאָנֹכִ֣י (wə·’ā·nō·ḵî)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 595: I

speak;
אֲדַבֵּ֑ר (’ă·ḏab·bêr)
Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

then after
וְאַחַ֖ר (wə·’a·ḥar)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb
Strong's 310: The hind or following part

I have spoken,
דַּבְּרִ֣י (dab·bə·rî)
Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

you may keep mocking.
תַלְעִֽיג׃ (ṯal·‘îḡ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3932: To deride, to speak unintelligibly


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OT Poetry: Job 21:3 Allow me and I also will speak (Jb)