Job 7:11
Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 11
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
לֹ֤א
H3808
לֹ֤א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֶחֱשָׂ֫ךְ
Therefore I will not refrain
H2820
אֶחֱשָׂ֫ךְ
Therefore I will not refrain
Strong's:
H2820
Word #:
4 of 11
to restrain or (reflexive) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve; to observe
פִּ֥י
my mouth
H6310
פִּ֥י
my mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
5 of 11
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
אֲֽ֭דַבְּרָה
I will speak
H1696
אֲֽ֭דַבְּרָה
I will speak
Strong's:
H1696
Word #:
6 of 11
perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue
רוּחִ֑י
of my spirit
H7307
רוּחִ֑י
of my spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
8 of 11
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
אָ֝שִׂ֗יחָה
I will complain
H7878
אָ֝שִׂ֗יחָה
I will complain
Strong's:
H7878
Word #:
9 of 11
to ponder, i.e., (by implication) converse (with oneself, and hence, aloud) or (transitively) utter
Cross References
Psalms 40:9I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O LORD, thou knowest.Job 10:1My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.1 Samuel 1:10And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore.Isaiah 38:17Behold, for peace I had great bitterness: but thou hast in love to my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption: for thou hast cast all my sins behind thy back.Isaiah 38:15What shall I say? he hath both spoken unto me, and himself hath done it: I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul.Job 21:25And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure.Job 16:6Though I speak, my grief is not asswaged: and though I forbear, what am I eased?Job 10:15If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction;Job 13:13Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak, and let come on me what will.Job 6:26Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern piety often emphasized stoic acceptance, but biblical lament makes room for emotional honesty. Job's complaint becomes the basis for relationship rather than its breakdown.
Questions for Reflection
- What complaints have you been afraid to voice to God?
- How does honest lament deepen rather than damage relationship with God?
Analysis & Commentary
Job refuses to restrain his speech: 'I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.' This commitment to honest prayer models authentic relationship with God. Lament is not rebellion but faith that God can handle our hardest questions.