Job 21:3
Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on.
Original Language Analysis
שָׂ֭אוּנִי
Suffer
H5375
שָׂ֭אוּנִי
Suffer
Strong's:
H5375
Word #:
1 of 6
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
דַּבְּרִ֣י
me that I may speak
H1696
דַּבְּרִ֣י
me that I may speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
3 of 6
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
וְאַחַ֖ר
and after
H310
וְאַחַ֖ר
and after
Strong's:
H310
Word #:
4 of 6
properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after (in various senses)
Cross References
Job 17:2Are there not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?Job 16:10They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me.Job 16:20My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.
Historical Context
Job 21 marks the conclusion of the second dialogue cycle. Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar have repeatedly insisted that suffering always results from sin and prosperity always follows righteousness. Job's friends represent conventional ancient Near Eastern wisdom—divine justice operates according to strict moral causation. Job's upcoming argument (verses 7-34) will systematically dismantle this theology by observing that the wicked often prosper without divine punishment, a scandalous claim in his cultural context.
Questions for Reflection
- When have you found yourself presenting truth to people who refuse to hear it? How did Job's approach of speaking truth despite knowing it would be rejected apply?
- How does Job's willingness to speak uncomfortable truths challenge our tendency to avoid confrontation even when truth is at stake?
- What does Job's sarcasm reveal about honest communication with God and others during suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
Suffer me that I may speak (שְׂאוּנִי וְאָנֹכִי אֲדַבֵּר, se'uni ve-anokhi adabber)—Job demands a hearing from his accusers. The verb nasa (שָׂא) means to bear, carry, or endure, suggesting Job is asking his friends to bear with him patiently. This introduces his devastating counterargument to their retribution theology.
After that I have spoken, mock on—Job's bitter irony shows his awareness that no amount of evidence will convince his friends. The imperative "mock" (לָעַג, la'ag) will recur when Job describes how the wicked mock God without consequences (21:14-15). Job invites continued mockery because he knows the facts of wicked prosperity will speak louder than theological platitudes. This verse frames chapters 21-22: Job will present evidence that contradicts his friends' theology, knowing they'll reject it anyway.