Job 18:2

Authorized King James Version

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How long will it be ere ye make an end of words? mark, and afterwards we will speak.

Original Language Analysis

עַד How long H5704
עַד How long
Strong's: H5704
Word #: 1 of 8
as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)
אָ֤נָה׀ H575
אָ֤נָה׀
Strong's: H575
Word #: 2 of 8
where?; hence, whither?, when?; also hither and thither
תְּשִׂימ֣וּן will it be ere ye make H7760
תְּשִׂימ֣וּן will it be ere ye make
Strong's: H7760
Word #: 3 of 8
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
קִנְצֵ֣י an end H7078
קִנְצֵ֣י an end
Strong's: H7078
Word #: 4 of 8
perversion
לְמִלִּ֑ין of words H4405
לְמִלִּ֑ין of words
Strong's: H4405
Word #: 5 of 8
a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic
תָּ֝בִ֗ינוּ mark H995
תָּ֝בִ֗ינוּ mark
Strong's: H995
Word #: 6 of 8
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
וְאַחַ֥ר and afterwards H310
וְאַחַ֥ר and afterwards
Strong's: H310
Word #: 7 of 8
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
נְדַבֵּֽר׃ we will speak H1696
נְדַבֵּֽר׃ we will speak
Strong's: H1696
Word #: 8 of 8
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

Analysis & Commentary

Bildad's impatient question: 'How long will it be ere ye make an end of words?' dismisses Job's defense as endless verbosity. This reflects the friends' increasing frustration that Job won't accept their theology. True comfort requires patience; impatience reveals self-interest.

Historical Context

Ancient debate valued conciseness, but Bildad uses this principle to silence legitimate defense. His impatience reveals more concern for winning arguments than comforting friends.

Questions for Reflection