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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 21:3 Bear with me while I speak; then, after I have spoken, you may go on mocking.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/21-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/18_Job_21_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 21:3 - Job: God will Punish the Wicked" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Bear with me while I speak; then, after I have spoken, you may go on mocking." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/21-3.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/21-3.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 3</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad3.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/21-2.htm" title="Job 21:2">◄</a> Job 21:3 <a href="/job/21-4.htm" title="Job 21:4">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Bear with me while I speak, and after I have spoken, mock on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Bear with me, and let me speak. After I have spoken, you may resume mocking me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Bear with me, and I will speak, and after I have spoken, mock on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Bear with me while I speak; then, after I have spoken, you may go on mocking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Bear with me that I may speak, And after I have spoken, keep mocking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Bear with me that I may speak; Then after I have spoken, you may mock <i>me.</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Bear with me that I may speak; Then after I have spoken, you may mock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Bear with me that I may speak; Then after I have spoken, you may mock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Bear with me that I may speak; Then after I have spoken, you may mock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Bear with me, and I also will speak; And after I have spoken, you may [continue to] mock [me].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Bear with me while I speak; then after I have spoken, you may continue mocking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Bear with me while I speak; then after I have spoken, you may continue mocking. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Suffer me, and I also will speak; And after that I have spoken, mock on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />And when I have finished, you can start your insults all over again. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Suffer me, and I also will speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Bear with me while I speak. Then after I've spoken, you may go on mocking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Give me a chance to speak and then, when I am through, sneer if you like. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Bear with me and let me speak! Then, after I've spoken, you'll be free to mock me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Bear with me while I speak; then, after I have spoken, you may go on mocking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Bear with me and I will speak, and after I have spoken you may mock. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Allow me, and I also will speak; After I have spoken, mock on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Suffer me that I may speak; and after I have spoken, mock on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Allow me, and I also will speak. After I have spoken, mock on. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Bear with me, and I speak, "" And after my speaking—you may deride.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Bear with me, and I speak, And after my speaking -- ye may deride.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Suffer me and I will speak; and after my word ye will mock.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Suffer me, and I will speak, and after, if you please, laugh at my words. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Permit me, and I will speak, and afterwards, if you see fit, you can laugh at my words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Bear with me while I speak; and after I have spoken, you can mock! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Bear with me, and I will speak; then after I have spoken, mock on.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Suffer me that I may speak; and after I have spoken, then mock on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Be patient with me and I shall speak, and after my words, mock on<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Suffer me, that I may speak; And after that I have spoken, mock on.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Raise me, and I will speak; then ye shall not laugh me to scorn.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/21-3.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=3184" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/21.htm">Job: God will Punish the Wicked</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>“Listen carefully to my words; let this be your consolation to me. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5375.htm" title="5375: ’ū·nî (V-Qal-Imp-mp:: 1cs) -- Or nacah ('abad); a primitive root; to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absol. And rel.">Bear with me</a> <a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: wə·’ā·nō·ḵî (Conj-w:: Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">while I</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: ’ă·ḏab·bêr (V-Piel-Imperf-1cs) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">speak;</a> <a href="/hebrew/310.htm" title="310: wə·’a·ḥar (Conj-w:: Adv) -- The hind or following part. From 'achar; properly, the hind part; generally used as an adverb or conjunction, after.">then, after</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: dab·bə·rî (V-Piel-Inf:: 1cs) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">I have spoken,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3932.htm" title="3932: ṯal·‘îḡ (V-Hifil-Imperf-2ms) -- To mock, deride, stammer. A primitive root; to deride; by implication to speak unintelligibly.">you may go on mocking.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>Is my complaint against a man? Then why should I not be impatient?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/13-13.htm">Job 13:13</a></span><br />Be silent, and I will speak. Then let come to me what may.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/16-6.htm">Job 16:6</a></span><br />Even if I speak, my pain is not relieved, and if I hold back, how will it go away?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/19-2.htm">Job 19:2</a></span><br />“How long will you torment me and crush me with your words?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/6-24.htm">Job 6:24</a></span><br />Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/7-11.htm">Job 7:11</a></span><br />Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/9-27.htm">Job 9:27</a></span><br />If I were to say, ‘I will forget my complaint and change my expression and smile,’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/10-1.htm">Job 10:1</a></span><br />“I loathe my own life; I will express my complaint and speak in the bitterness of my soul.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/23-2.htm">Job 23:2</a></span><br />“Even today my complaint is bitter. His hand is heavy despite my groaning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/27-2.htm">Job 27:2</a></span><br />“As surely as God lives, who has deprived me of justice—the Almighty, who has embittered my soul—<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/30-25.htm">Job 30:25</a></span><br />Have I not wept for those in trouble? Has my soul not grieved for the needy?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/31-35.htm">Job 31:35</a></span><br />(Oh, that I had one to hear me! Here is my signature. Let the Almighty answer me; let my accuser compose an indictment.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/32-20.htm">Job 32:20</a></span><br />I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/33-1.htm">Job 33:1</a></span><br />“But now, O Job, hear my speech, and listen to all my words.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/34-5.htm">Job 34:5</a></span><br />For Job has declared, ‘I am righteous, yet God has deprived me of justice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/35-14.htm">Job 35:14</a></span><br />How much less, then, when you say that you do not see Him, that your case is before Him and you must wait for Him,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on.</p><p class="hdg">that I may</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/13-13.htm">Job 13:13</a></b></br> Hold your peace, let me alone, that I may speak, and let come on me what <i>will</i>.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/33-31.htm">Job 33:31-33</a></b></br> Mark well, O Job, hearken unto me: hold thy peace, and I will speak… </p><p class="hdg">mock on</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/12-4.htm">Job 12:4,5</a></b></br> I am <i>as</i> one mocked of his neighbour, who calleth upon God, and he answereth him: the just upright <i>man is</i> laughed to scorn… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/13-9.htm">Job 13:9</a></b></br> Is it good that he should search you out? or as one man mocketh another, do ye <i>so</i> mock him?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/16-10.htm">Job 16:10,20</a></b></br> They have gaped upon me with their mouth; they have smitten me upon the cheek reproachfully; they have gathered themselves together against me… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/15-13.htm">Allow</a> <a href="/job/20-13.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/habakkuk/1-10.htm">Deride</a> <a href="/job/20-23.htm">Making</a> <a href="/job/16-6.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/job/13-9.htm">Mock</a> <a href="/job/19-18.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/job/9-7.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/job/19-3.htm">Sport</a> <a href="/job/9-18.htm">Suffer</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/16-10.htm">Allow</a> <a href="/job/24-10.htm">Bear</a> <a href="/job/22-19.htm">Deride</a> <a href="/job/22-23.htm">Making</a> <a href="/job/23-13.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/job/22-19.htm">Mock</a> <a href="/job/22-29.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/job/29-9.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/job/22-19.htm">Sport</a> <a href="/job/24-11.htm">Suffer</a><div class="vheading2">Job 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/21-1.htm">Job shows that even in the judgment of man he has reason to be grieved</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/21-7.htm">Sometimes the wicked prosper, though they despise God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/21-16.htm">Sometimes their destruction is manifest</a></span><br><span class="reftext">21. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/21-21.htm">The happy and unhappy are alike in death</a></span><br><span class="reftext">27. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/21-27.htm">The judgment of the wicked is in another world</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Bear with me while I speak;</b><br>Job is addressing his friends, who have been accusing him of wrongdoing as the cause of his suffering. This plea for patience reflects Job's desire to be heard and understood. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, dialogue and discourse were essential for resolving disputes and understanding divine justice. Job's request for his friends to bear with him highlights the importance of listening before passing judgment, a principle echoed in <a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a>, which advises believers to be "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry."<p><b>then, after I have spoken,</b><br>Job emphasizes the need for a fair hearing. This reflects the biblical principle of justice, where both sides of a matter should be heard before a conclusion is drawn, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/1-16.htm">Deuteronomy 1:16</a>. Job's insistence on speaking before being judged underscores the human need for expression and the pursuit of truth, which is a recurring theme throughout the wisdom literature of the Bible.<p><b>you may go on mocking.</b><br>Job acknowledges the mockery he has faced from his friends, who have misunderstood his plight. This phrase captures the tension between Job and his friends, who represent the traditional view that suffering is a direct result of sin. Job's statement is both a resignation to their scorn and a challenge to their simplistic understanding of divine justice. The theme of mockery and misunderstanding is also present in the life of Jesus Christ, who was mocked and misunderstood by many, as seen in <a href="/matthew/27-29.htm">Matthew 27:29-31</a>. This connection highlights the suffering of the righteous and the ultimate vindication that comes from God alone.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, enduring immense suffering and questioning the justice of God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_friends.htm">Job's Friends</a></b><br>Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who come to comfort Job but end up accusing him of wrongdoing, suggesting his suffering is due to sin.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_land_of_uz.htm">The Land of Uz</a></b><br>The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate authority and sovereign being, whose justice and ways are questioned and explored throughout the Book of Job.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/suffering_and_mocking.htm">Suffering and Mocking</a></b><br>The events surrounding Job's discourse, where he addresses the mockery and misunderstanding of his friends regarding his suffering.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/p/patience_in_dialogue.htm">Patience in Dialogue</a></b><br>Job asks for patience from his friends, highlighting the importance of listening before responding. In our interactions, we should strive to listen fully before forming judgments or responses.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/endurance_in_suffering.htm">Endurance in Suffering</a></b><br>Job's endurance amidst suffering is a testament to faith under trial. Believers are encouraged to remain steadfast, trusting in God's ultimate justice and mercy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_mockery.htm">Responding to Mockery</a></b><br>Job's experience with mockery teaches us to maintain integrity and composure when faced with misunderstanding or ridicule. Our response should reflect Christ-like patience and humility.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_empathy.htm">The Importance of Empathy</a></b><br>Job's plea for understanding underscores the need for empathy in our relationships. We should seek to understand others' perspectives, especially in times of distress.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_friends_in_suffering.htm">The Role of Friends in Suffering</a></b><br>Job's friends initially come to comfort but end up causing more pain. This reminds us of the power of words and the importance of offering true support and encouragement.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_crown_of_thorns'_meaning.htm">What is the significance of the Crown of Thorns?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_21_19-21_clash_with_individual_sin.htm">In Job 21:19-21, does the idea of children suffering for a parent's wrongdoing clash with other biblical teachings on individual responsibility?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_did_god_allow_bears_to_kill_youths.htm">2 Kings 2:23-24 - Why would God allow bears to kill 42 youths simply for mocking Elisha?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_proof_of_god's_speech_today.htm">In Job 33:14, if God truly speaks in multiple ways, why is there no verifiable evidence of such divine communication today?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> <span class="cmt_word">- Suffer me that I may speak</span>; or, <span class="accented">suffer me</span>, <span class="accented">and I also will speak</span>. There is an emphasis on the "I" (<span class="hebrew">אנכי</span>). Job implies that his opponents are not allowing him his fair share of the argument, which is an accusation that can scarcely be justified. Since the dialogue opened, Job's speeches have occupied eleven chapters, those of his "comforters" seven only. But a controversialist who has much to say is apt to think that sufficient time is not allowed him. And after that I have spoken, mock on. Job does not hope to convince, or silence, or shame the other interlocutors. When he has said his say, all that he expects is mockery and derision. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/21-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Bear with</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׂ֭אוּנִי</span> <span class="translit">(’ū·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5375.htm">Strong's 5375: </a> </span><span class="str2">To lift, carry, take</span><br /><br /><span class="word">me while I</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאָנֹכִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’ā·nō·ḵî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> </span><span class="str2">I</span><br /><br /><span class="word">speak;</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲדַבֵּ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḏab·bêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">then after</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאַחַ֖ר</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’a·ḥar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_310.htm">Strong's 310: </a> </span><span class="str2">The hind or following part</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I have spoken,</span><br /><span class="heb">דַּבְּרִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(dab·bə·rî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arrange, to speak, to subdue</span><br /><br /><span class="word">you may keep mocking.</span><br /><span class="heb">תַלְעִֽיג׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṯal·‘îḡ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3932.htm">Strong's 3932: </a> </span><span class="str2">To deride, to speak unintelligibly</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/21-3.htm">Job 21:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/21-3.htm">Job 21:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/21-3.htm">Job 21:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/21-3.htm">Job 21:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/21-3.htm">Job 21:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/21-3.htm">Job 21:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/21-3.htm">Job 21:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/21-3.htm">Job 21:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/21-3.htm">Job 21:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/21-3.htm">Job 21:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/21-3.htm">OT Poetry: Job 21:3 Allow me and I also will speak (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/21-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 21:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 21:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/21-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 21:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 21:4" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>