Job 11:2
Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified?
Original Language Analysis
דְּ֭בָרִים
of words
H1697
דְּ֭בָרִים
of words
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵעָנֶ֑ה
be answered
H6030
יֵעָנֶ֑ה
be answered
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
4 of 8
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
5 of 8
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אִ֖ישׁ
and should a man
H376
אִ֖ישׁ
and should a man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom valued brevity, but Zophar uses this principle to silence legitimate complaint. His implication that 'multitude of words' equals guilt reveals prejudice against honest lament.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you dismissed someone's pain because they spoke too much?
- How do you discern between authentic lament and empty complaint?
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Analysis & Commentary
Zophar attacks Job's defense: 'Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified?' This rhetorical question dismisses Job's lament as mere verbosity. Zophar represents those who mistake words for wisdom and confuse suffering with sin.