Job 11:5
But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;
Original Language Analysis
מִֽי
H4310
מִֽי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
2 of 8
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יִתֵּ֣ן
oh that
H5414
יִתֵּ֣ן
oh that
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
3 of 8
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
דַּבֵּ֑ר
would speak
H1696
דַּבֵּ֑ר
would speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
5 of 8
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וְיִפְתַּ֖ח
and open
H6605
וְיִפְתַּ֖ח
and open
Strong's:
H6605
Word #:
6 of 8
to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve
Historical Context
Ancient legal disputes appealed to higher authorities for resolution. Zophar's certainty that God would condemn Job makes his eventual rebuke (42:7) particularly striking.
Questions for Reflection
- When has God's actual answer differed from your theological expectations?
- How does this passage warn against presuming to know God's verdict?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Zophar wishes God 'would speak, and open his lips against thee' - ironically, God will speak (chapters 38-41) but to rebuke Zophar and his friends, not Job. This dramatic irony shows how confident theological systems can blind us to spiritual reality.