Job 4:2
If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking?
Original Language Analysis
דָבָ֣ר
to commune
H1697
דָבָ֣ר
to commune
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 8
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
תִּלְאֶ֑ה
with thee wilt thou be grieved
H3811
תִּלְאֶ֑ה
with thee wilt thou be grieved
Strong's:
H3811
Word #:
4 of 8
to tire; (figuratively) to be (or make) disgusted
וַעְצֹ֥ר
withhold
H6113
וַעְצֹ֥ר
withhold
Strong's:
H6113
Word #:
5 of 8
to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble
בְּ֝מִלִּ֗ין
himself from speaking
H4405
בְּ֝מִלִּ֗ין
himself from speaking
Strong's:
H4405
Word #:
6 of 8
a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic
Cross References
Acts 4:20For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard.Jeremiah 6:11Therefore I am full of the fury of the LORD; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with him that is full of days.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom teachers valued rhetorical courtesy, especially when addressing someone of high social status. Eliphaz's diplomatic opening reflects this convention but also his uncertainty about Job's fragile state.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance honesty with sensitivity when counseling those who are suffering?
- In what ways might polite speech mask faulty theology or accusation?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz begins tentatively: 'If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved?' The Hebrew 'nasa' (assay/venture) and 'la'ah' (be weary/grieved) suggest he fears Job might find speech burdensome. Yet this apparent courtesy masks the coming accusation. Eliphaz's politeness cannot conceal that he will ultimately blame Job for his suffering, demonstrating how even well-intentioned counsel can wound when it lacks divine wisdom (Proverbs 18:2).