Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version It would surely outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been impetuous. New Living Translation they would outweigh all the sands of the sea. That is why I spoke impulsively. English Standard Version For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. Berean Standard Bible For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas—no wonder my words have been rash. King James Bible For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up. New King James Version For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea— Therefore my words have been rash. New American Standard Bible “For then it would be heavier than the sand of the seas; For that reason my words have been rash. NASB 1995 “For then it would be heavier than the sand of the seas; Therefore my words have been rash. NASB 1977 “For then it would be heavier than the sand of the seas, Therefore my words have been rash. Legacy Standard Bible For then it would be heavier than the sand of the seas; Therefore my words have been rash. Amplified Bible “For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; Therefore my words have been incoherent, Christian Standard Bible For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas! That is why my words are rash. Holman Christian Standard Bible For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas! That is why my words are rash. American Standard Version For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas: Therefore have my words been rash. Contemporary English Version They outweigh the sand along the beach, and that's why I have spoken without thinking first. English Revised Version For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas: therefore have my words been rash. GOD'S WORD® Translation then they would be heavier than the sand of the seas. I spoke carelessly Good News Translation they would weigh more than the sands of the sea, so my wild words should not surprise you. International Standard Version It would weigh more than the sand on the seashore! Here's why I've talked so rashly: NET Bible But because it is heavier than the sand of the sea, that is why my words have been wild. New Heart English Bible For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas, therefore have my words been rash. Webster's Bible Translation For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor then it would outweigh the sand of the seas—no wonder my words have been rash. World English Bible For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas, therefore my words have been rash. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor now it is heavier than the sands of the sea, "" Therefore my words have been rash. Young's Literal Translation For now, than the sands of the sea it is heavier, Therefore my words have been rash. Smith's Literal Translation For now it will be heavy above the sand of the seas: for this my words were rash. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAs the sand of the sea this would appear heavier: therefore my words are full of sorrow : Catholic Public Domain Version Compared to the sand of the sea, they would appear heavier, and so my words are full of sorrow. New American Bible They would now outweigh the sands of the sea! Because of this I speak without restraint. New Revised Standard Version For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor then it would be heavier than the sand of the seas; therefore my words are restrained. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated Because now it is more than the sand of the seas, because of this, my words were restrained OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917For now it would be heavier than the sand of the seas; Therefore are my words broken. Brenton Septuagint Translation And verily they would be heavier than the sand by the seashore: but, as it seems, my words are vain. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Job Replies: My Complaint is Just…2“If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales. 3For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been rash. 4For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.… Cross References Job 23:2 “Even today my complaint is bitter. His hand is heavy despite my groaning. Job 7:11 Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. Job 9:17 For He would crush me with a tempest and multiply my wounds without cause. Job 10:1 “I loathe my own life; I will express my complaint and speak in the bitterness of my soul. Job 13:3 Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God. Job 16:6 Even if I speak, my pain is not relieved, and if I hold back, how will it go away? Job 21:4 Is my complaint against a man? Then why should I not be impatient? Job 23:4 I would plead my case before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. Job 30:16 And now my soul is poured out within me; days of affliction grip me. Job 31:35 (Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment. Psalm 38:4 For my iniquities have overwhelmed me; they are a burden too heavy to bear. Psalm 42:5 Why are you downcast, O my soul? Why the unease within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him for the salvation of His presence. Psalm 55:2 Attend to me and answer me. I am restless in my complaint, and distraught Psalm 69:1-3 For the choirmaster. To the tune of “Lilies.” Of David. Save me, O God, for the waters are up to my neck. / I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me. / I am weary from my crying; my throat is parched. My eyes fail, looking for my God. Psalm 77:3 I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused and my spirit grew faint. Selah Treasury of Scripture For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up. heavier. Proverbs 27:3 A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both. Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. my words are swallowed up. Job 37:19,20 Teach us what we shall say unto him; for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness… Psalm 40:5 Many, O LORD my God, are thy wonderful works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward: they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee: if I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be numbered. Psalm 77:4 Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak. Jump to Previous Broken Heavier Impetuous Outweigh Rash Sand Sands Sea Seas Surely Swallowed Uncontrolled Vehement Weight Wonder WordsJump to Next Broken Heavier Impetuous Outweigh Rash Sand Sands Sea Seas Surely Swallowed Uncontrolled Vehement Weight Wonder WordsJob 6 1. Job shows that his complaints are not causeless.8. He wishes for death, wherein he is assured of comfort. 14. He reproves his friends of unkindness. For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas— This phrase emphasizes the immense weight of Job's suffering. In biblical literature, the "sand of the seas" is often used to denote something vast and innumerable, as seen in Genesis 22:17, where God promises Abraham descendants as numerous as the sand. Job's comparison suggests that his grief and anguish are beyond measure, highlighting the depth of his despair. The imagery of sand also connects to the ancient Near Eastern understanding of the sea as a symbol of chaos and overwhelming force, further illustrating the intensity of Job's trials. no wonder my words have been rash. Persons / Places / Events 1. JobA man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and questioning the reasons behind it. 2. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar Job's three friends who come to comfort him but end up engaging in a series of dialogues, often accusing Job of wrongdoing as the cause of his suffering. 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 purposes and plans are central to the unfolding account of Job's trials. 5. Suffering and Trials The events that Job is enduring, which include the loss of his children, wealth, and health, serving as the backdrop for his lament in this verse. Teaching Points The Weight of SufferingJob's comparison of his suffering to the weight of the sand of the seas illustrates the immense burden he feels. This metaphor helps us understand that suffering can feel overwhelming and all-consuming. The Rashness of Words Job acknowledges that his words have been rash. This teaches us the importance of being mindful of our words, especially in times of distress, and the need for grace and understanding from others. God's Understanding of Our Pain Despite Job's rash words, God understands the depth of his pain. This reassures us that God is compassionate and patient with us, even when we struggle to articulate our suffering appropriately. The Role of Friends in Suffering Job's friends initially come to comfort him, but their approach becomes accusatory. This highlights the importance of offering genuine support and empathy to those who are suffering, rather than judgment. Faith Amidst Trials Job's lament is part of his journey of faith. It encourages us to bring our honest emotions before God, trusting that He can handle our doubts and questions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Job 6:3?2. How does Job 6:3 illustrate the weight of Job's suffering and despair? 3. In what ways can we empathize with others experiencing "heavier than the sand" burdens? 4. How does Job's lament in 6:3 connect to Jesus' suffering in Gethsemane? 5. What practical steps can we take to support those feeling overwhelmed like Job? 6. How can Job 6:3 inspire us to trust God amidst overwhelming trials? 7. How does Job 6:3 reflect the depth of human suffering and despair? 8. What does Job 6:3 reveal about the nature of divine justice? 9. How does Job 6:3 challenge the belief in a benevolent God? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 6? 11. If suffering purifies people, why do some suffer terribly and never grow from it? 12. In Job 6:2–3, does the claim that Job’s grief outweighs the sand of the seas present a literal impossibility or exaggerated metaphor? 13. Psalm 73:3 says the wicked prosper, yet other passages (e.g., Psalm 1:3) promise prosperity for the righteous--how do we reconcile this contradiction? 14. Who are the sons of God in the Bible? What Does Job 6:3 Mean For then it would outweighJob begins with a comparison meant to ground his friends—and us—in the sheer magnitude of his grief. Earlier he had said, “For the thing I fear has overtaken me” (Job 3:25). Now he explains why: • The “then” looks back to 6:2, where he longs for someone to “weigh” his anguish—underscoring that his pain is measurable, not imaginary. • David uses similar language: “My iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too heavy for me” (Psalm 38:4). • Paul echoes the idea when he says, “We were under great pressure, far beyond our ability to endure” (2 Corinthians 1:8). These links show that Scripture consistently treats overwhelming sorrow as a real, tangible weight—affirming believers who feel crushed that their experience is neither uncommon nor unnoticed by God. the sand of the seas Job picks the heaviest, most innumerable thing he can imagine. He is not exaggerating; he is acknowledging reality: • God had promised Abraham descendants “as countless as the sand on the seashore” (Genesis 22:17), a picture of staggering quantity. • Jeremiah uses the same image to describe God’s innumerable heavenly host (Jeremiah 33:22). • When the psalmist says, “How vast is the sum of them! Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand” (Psalm 139:17-18), he affirms that only the infinite mind of God can keep track. By likening his misery to this limitless sand, Job is saying, “My pain is truly beyond human calculation.” Accepting his words at face value pushes us to compassion rather than criticism. no wonder my words have been rash Job admits that his speech has been sharp, even reckless, but he explains the cause: crushing sorrow spills out in unguarded language. • Later he pleads, “Do you intend to correct my words when the speech of a desperate man is wind?” (Job 6:26). • Asaph confesses a similar lapse: “When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant” (Psalm 73:21-22). • James reminds us that “we all stumble in many ways” (James 3:2), especially with our tongues. Job is not justifying sin; he is acknowledging weakness. The text calls readers to extend grace, recognizing that suffering saints may speak hastily without forfeiting their integrity (Job 2:10). summary Job 6:3 portrays grief that is literally heavier than anything earth can offer for comparison. By framing his agony against the immeasurable sand of the seas, Job asserts that his pain is both real and overwhelming. His candid admission of rash words invites us to patience toward sufferers, remembering that extraordinary pressure can trigger unguarded speech. Scripture affirms both the depth of Job’s distress and the mercy of God toward every wounded heart that blurts out in pain. (3) Swallowed up.--That is. words are useless and powerless to express it. (See the margin.)Verse 3. - For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea (comp. Proverbs 27:3, "A stone is heavy, and the sand weighty; but a fool's wrath is heavier than them both;" see also Ecclus. 22:15). Therefore my words are swallowed up; rather, as in the Revised Version, therefore have my words been rash. Job here excuses without justifying himself. The excessive character of his sufferings has, he declares, forced him to utter rash and violent words, as these wherein he cursed his day and wished that he had never been born (Job 3:1, 3-11). Some allowance ought to be made for rash speech uttered under such circumstances.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Forכִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction then עַתָּ֗ה (‘at·tāh) Adverb Strong's 6258: At this time it would outweigh יִכְבָּ֑ד (yiḵ·bāḏ) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3513: To be heavy, weighty, or burdensome the sand מֵח֣וֹל (mê·ḥō·wl) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2344: Sand of the seas— יַמִּ֣ים (yam·mîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3220: A sea, the Mediterranean Sea, large river, an artifical basin no wonder עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against my words דְּבָרַ֥י (də·ḇā·ray) Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause have been rash. לָֽעוּ׃ (lā·‘ū) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural Strong's 3886: To swallow, swallow down Links Job 6:3 NIVJob 6:3 NLT Job 6:3 ESV Job 6:3 NASB Job 6:3 KJV Job 6:3 BibleApps.com Job 6:3 Biblia Paralela Job 6:3 Chinese Bible Job 6:3 French Bible Job 6:3 Catholic Bible OT Poetry: Job 6:3 For now it would be heavier than (Jb) |