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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 4:16 It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; a form loomed before my eyes, and I heard a whispering voice:</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/4-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/18_Job_04_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 4:16 - Eliphaz: The Innocent Prosper" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; a form loomed before my eyes, and I heard a whispering voice:" /><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/4-16.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/4-16.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/4.htm">Chapter 4</a> > Verse 16</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="/ad16.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/4-15.htm" title="Job 4:15">◄</a> Job 4:16 <a href="/job/4-17.htm" title="Job 4:17">►</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/4.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/4.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />It stopped, but I could not tell what it was. A form stood before my eyes, and I heard a hushed voice:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The spirit stopped, but I couldn’t see its shape. There was a form before my eyes. In the silence I heard a voice say,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes; there was silence, then I heard a voice:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; a form loomed before my eyes, and I heard a whispering voice:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image <i>was</i> before mine eyes, <i>there was</i> silence, and I heard a voice, <i>saying</i>,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />It stood still, But I could not discern its appearance. A form <i>was</i> before my eyes; <i>There was</i> silence; Then I heard a voice <i>saying:</i><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“<i>Something</i> was standing still, but I could not recognize its appearance; A form <i>was</i> before my eyes; <i>There was</i> silence, then I heard a voice:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; A form was before my eyes; There was silence, then I heard a voice:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; A form <i>was</i> before my eyes; <i>There was</i> silence, then I heard a voice:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />It stood still, but I could not recognize its appearance; A form <i>was</i> before my eyes; <i>There was</i> silence, then I heard a voice:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“The spirit stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; A form was before my eyes; <i>There was</i> silence, and then I heard a voice, saying:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A figure stood there, but I could not recognize its appearance; a form loomed before my eyes. I heard a whispering voice:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />A figure stood there, but I could not recognize its appearance; a form loomed before my eyes. I heard a quiet voice: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />It stood still, but I could not discern the appearance thereof; A form was before mine eyes: There was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />It stopped and stood still. Then a form appeared--a shapeless form. And from the silence, I heard a voice say, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />It stood still, but I could not discern the appearance thereof; a form was before mine eyes: there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Something stood there. I couldn't tell what it was. A vague image was in front of my eyes. I heard a soft voice:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/4.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />I could see something standing there; I stared, but couldn't tell what it was. Then I heard a voice out of the silence: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />It remained standing, but I couldn't recognize its appearance. A form appeared before my eyes; At first there was silence, and then this voice:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; a form loomed before my eyes, and I heard a whispering voice:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />It stands still, but I cannot recognize its appearance; an image is before my eyes, and I hear a murmuring voice: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />It stood still, but I couldn't discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes. Silence, then I heard a voice, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />It stood still, but I could not discern its form: an image was before my eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />It stood still, but I couldn’t discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes. Silence, then I heard a voice, saying, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />It stands, and I do not discern its aspect, "" A likeness [is] before my eyes, "" Silence! And I hear a voice:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> It standeth, and I discern not its aspect, A similitude is over-against mine eyes, Silence! and a voice I hear:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />It will stand, and I shall not recognize its appearance: a form before mine eyes; I shall hear stillness and a voice:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />There stood one whose countenance I knew not, an image before my eyes, and I heard the voice as it were of a gentle wind: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />There appeared an image before my eyes, someone whose face I did not recognize, and I heard a voice like a gentle breeze.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />It paused, but its likeness I could not recognize; a figure was before my eyes, in silence I heard a voice: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes; there was silence, then I heard a voice:<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then I arose, but I could not discern its meaning; there was no form before my eyes, but I heard a gentle voice, saying,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And I stood and I did not see, and there was no apparition before my eyes, and I heard a whisper and a voice that said:<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />It stood still, but I could not discern the appearance thereof; A form was before mine eyes; I heard a still voice:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I arose and perceived it not: I looked, and there, was no form before my eyes: but I only heard a breath and a voice, <i>saying</i>,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/4-16.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=626" 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/4.htm">Eliphaz: The Innocent Prosper</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>Then a spirit glided past my face, and the hair on my body bristled. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ya·‘ă·mōḏ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">It stood still,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō- (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">but I could not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5234.htm" title="5234: ’ak·kîr (V-Hifil-Imperf-1cs) -- To regard, recognize. ">discern</a> <a href="/hebrew/4758.htm" title="4758: mar·’ê·hū (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Sight, appearance, vision. From ra'ah; a view; also an appearance, whether a shape, or a vision.">its appearance;</a> <a href="/hebrew/8544.htm" title="8544: tə·mū·nāh (N-fs) -- Likeness, form. Or tmunah; from miyn; something portioned out, as a shape, i.e. phantom, or embodiment, or manifestation.">a form</a> <a href="/hebrew/5048.htm" title="5048: lə·ne·ḡeḏ (Prep-l) -- From nagad; a front, i.e. Part opposite; specifically a counterpart, or mate; usually over against or before.">loomed before</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: ‘ê·nāy (N-cdc:: 1cs) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">my eyes,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: ’eš·mā‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">and I heard</a> <a href="/hebrew/1827.htm" title="1827: də·mā·māh (N-fs) -- A whisper. Feminine from damam; quiet.">a whispering</a> <a href="/hebrew/6963.htm" title="6963: wā·qō·wl (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Sound, voice. Or qol; from an unused root meaning to call aloud; a voice or sound.">voice:</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>‘Can a mortal be more righteous than God, or a man more pure than his Maker?…<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="/1_kings/19-12.htm">1 Kings 19:12</a></span><br />After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/10-8.htm">Daniel 10:8-9</a></span><br />So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision. No strength remained in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless. / I heard the sound of his words, and as I listened, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-1.htm">Isaiah 6:1-5</a></span><br />In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/1-26.htm">Ezekiel 1:26-28</a></span><br />Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man. / From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him. / The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/15-12.htm">Genesis 15:12</a></span><br />As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and suddenly great terror and darkness overwhelmed him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/33-20.htm">Exodus 33:20-23</a></span><br />But He added, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.” / The LORD continued, “There is a place near Me where you are to stand upon a rock, / and when My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/3-10.htm">1 Samuel 3:10</a></span><br />Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/habakkuk/3-16.htm">Habakkuk 3:16</a></span><br />I heard and trembled within; my lips quivered at the sound. Decay entered my bones; I trembled where I stood. Yet I must wait patiently for the day of distress to come upon the people who invade us.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/revelation/1-17.htm">Revelation 1:17</a></span><br />When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/17-6.htm">Matthew 17:6-7</a></span><br />When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror. / Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” He said. “Do not be afraid.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/9-3.htm">Acts 9:3-4</a></span><br />As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. / He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/24-37.htm">Luke 24:37</a></span><br />But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/9-6.htm">Mark 9:6</a></span><br />For they were all so terrified that Peter did not know what else to say.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-29.htm">John 12:29</a></span><br />The crowd standing there heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/12-2.htm">2 Corinthians 12:2-4</a></span><br />I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows. / And I know that this man—whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows— / was caught up to Paradise. The things he heard were inexpressible, things that man is not permitted to tell.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before my eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,</p><p class="hdg">there, etc.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/19-12.htm">1 Kings 19:12</a></b></br> And after the earthquake a fire; <i>but</i> the LORD <i>was</i> not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/4-2.htm">Able</a> <a href="/esther/2-2.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/numbers/11-7.htm">Aspect</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-8.htm">Clearly</a> <a href="/esther/6-1.htm">Couldn't</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-12.htm">Discern</a> <a href="/job/4-12.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/job/3-10.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/esther/2-7.htm">Form</a> <a href="/job/3-18.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/job/3-18.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/isaiah/16-10.htm">Hushed</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-18.htm">Image</a> <a href="/joshua/9-18.htm">Murmur</a> <a href="/job/2-1.htm">Present</a> <a href="/job/3-26.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/esther/4-14.htm">Silence</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/4-3.htm">Similitude</a> <a href="/2_kings/3-18.htm">Slight</a> <a href="/2_kings/9-5.htm">Something</a> <a href="/esther/8-4.htm">Standeth</a> <a href="/job/4-15.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-39.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/job/4-12.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/job/4-10.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/9-3.htm">Able</a> <a href="/job/14-20.htm">Appearance</a> <a href="/songs/5-15.htm">Aspect</a> <a href="/job/19-28.htm">Clearly</a> <a href="/psalms/78-64.htm">Couldn't</a> <a href="/job/6-30.htm">Discern</a> <a href="/job/5-27.htm">Ears</a> <a href="/job/6-28.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/job/28-27.htm">Form</a> <a href="/job/5-27.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/job/13-1.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/job/29-10.htm">Hushed</a> <a href="/psalms/39-6.htm">Image</a> <a href="/job/37-2.htm">Murmur</a> <a href="/job/6-4.htm">Present</a> <a href="/job/6-24.htm">Quiet</a> <a href="/job/11-3.htm">Silence</a> <a href="/psalms/106-20.htm">Similitude</a> <a href="/proverbs/1-25.htm">Slight</a> <a href="/job/6-6.htm">Something</a> <a href="/job/8-15.htm">Standeth</a> <a href="/job/29-8.htm">Stood</a> <a href="/job/5-16.htm">Stopped</a> <a href="/job/9-6.htm">Thereof</a> <a href="/job/6-5.htm">Voice</a><div class="vheading2">Job 4</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/4-1.htm">Eliphaz reproves Job that the innocent do not suffer</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/4-7.htm">He teaches God's judgments to be not for the righteous, but for the wicked.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/4-12.htm">His fearful vision to humble the excellency of creatures before God.</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/4.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/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance;</b><br>This phrase describes a mysterious encounter, often interpreted as a spiritual or supernatural experience. In the context of Job, this could be seen as a vision or a divine message. The inability to discern the appearance suggests the transcendence and otherness of spiritual beings, aligning with biblical themes where God's ways and messengers are beyond human comprehension (<a href="/isaiah/55-8.htm">Isaiah 55:8-9</a>). This echoes other biblical encounters with divine beings, such as the angelic visitations in <a href="/genesis/18.htm">Genesis 18</a> and <a href="/daniel/10.htm">Daniel 10</a>, where the presence is overwhelming and not fully understood by human senses.<p><b>a form loomed before my eyes,</b><br>The "form" indicates a presence that is both real and yet not fully tangible, suggesting the ethereal nature of spiritual entities. This aligns with the biblical understanding of angels and divine messengers who often appear in forms that are not entirely human (<a href="/ezekiel/1-5.htm">Ezekiel 1:5-14</a>). The looming presence can be seen as a representation of the awe and fear often associated with divine encounters, as seen in the reactions of figures like Isaiah (<a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm">Isaiah 6:5</a>) and John in Revelation (<a href="/revelation/1-17.htm">Revelation 1:17</a>).<p><b>and I heard a whispering voice:</b><br>The whispering voice signifies a communication that is intimate yet authoritative. In biblical narratives, God often speaks in a still, small voice, as seen in Elijah's encounter on Mount Horeb (<a href="/1_kings/19-12.htm">1 Kings 19:12</a>). This mode of communication emphasizes the personal and direct nature of divine revelation. The whisper can also symbolize the need for attentiveness and discernment in understanding God's messages, reflecting the broader biblical theme of seeking wisdom and understanding (<a href="/proverbs/2-2.htm">Proverbs 2:2-5</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/eliphaz_the_temanite.htm">Eliphaz the Temanite</a></b><br>One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this passage, Eliphaz is recounting a mystical experience or vision he had.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>The central figure of the Book of Job, known for his suffering and faithfulness. This passage is part of the dialogue between Job and his friends.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/v/vision.htm">Vision</a></b><br>Eliphaz describes a supernatural encounter, which he believes carries a divine message. This vision is characterized by a mysterious form and a whispering voice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_mystery_of_divine_revelation.htm">The Mystery of Divine Revelation</a></b><br>God's ways and messages can be mysterious and not always immediately clear to us. We must approach divine revelations with humility and seek understanding through prayer and study.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/discernment_in_spiritual_experiences.htm">Discernment in Spiritual Experiences</a></b><br>Not every spiritual experience is from God. We must test the spirits and seek confirmation through Scripture and godly counsel to discern the truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_friends_in_times_of_suffering.htm">The Role of Friends in Times of Suffering</a></b><br>Like Eliphaz, friends may try to offer comfort and wisdom during our trials. We should be discerning in receiving advice, ensuring it aligns with God's truth.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_listening_for_god's_voice.htm">The Importance of Listening for God's Voice</a></b><br>God often speaks in subtle ways. We should cultivate a quiet and attentive spirit to hear His whisper amidst the noise of life.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 4</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_dreams.htm">What does the Bible say about interpreting dreams?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_job_4_15-16_a_vision_or_hallucination.htm">In Job 4:15-16, is the description of a spirit encounter credible or scientifically verifiable, or could it be a hallucination or vision?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_allow_injustice_to_persist.htm">In Psalm 94:9, it says God hears and sees all; why then do injustices appear to persist unchecked in our world?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_reconcile_proverbs_4_18_with_reality.htm">How do we reconcile Proverbs 4:18, claiming the righteous path grows ever brighter, with real-world moral ambiguity and suffering?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof. Canon Cook quotes, very appositely, Milton's representation of Death as a fearful shape, <p><span class="accented">"If shape it could be called that shape had none<br />Distinguishable in member, joint, or limb,<br />Or substance might be called that shadow seemed."</span> <span class="cmt_word">An image was before mine eyes</span>; or, <span class="accented">on ap</span>pearance (LXX., <span class="greek">μορφή</span>). There was silence; or, <span class="accented">a hush -</span> "status aeris nullo motu turbati, et tranquillissimus" (Schulteus). <span class="cmt_word">And I heard a voice, saying</span>. After a while the silence was broken by a voice, which whispered in Eliphaz's ear (setup. ver. 12). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/4-16.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">It stood still,</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲמֹ֤ד ׀</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·mōḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but I could not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְֽלֹא־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">discern</span><br /><span class="heb">אַכִּ֬יר</span> <span class="translit">(’ak·kîr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5234.htm">Strong's 5234: </a> </span><span class="str2">To regard, recognize</span><br /><br /><span class="word">its appearance;</span><br /><span class="heb">מַרְאֵ֗הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(mar·’ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4758.htm">Strong's 4758: </a> </span><span class="str2">Sight, appearance, vision</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a form</span><br /><span class="heb">תְּ֭מוּנָה</span> <span class="translit">(tə·mū·nāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8544.htm">Strong's 8544: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something portioned, out, as a, shape, phantom, embodiment, manifestation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">loomed before</span><br /><span class="heb">לְנֶ֣גֶד</span> <span class="translit">(lə·ne·ḡeḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5048.htm">Strong's 5048: </a> </span><span class="str2">A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before</span><br /><br /><span class="word">my eyes,</span><br /><span class="heb">עֵינָ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ê·nāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - cdc | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> </span><span class="str2">An eye, a fountain</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and I heard</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶשְׁמָֽע׃</span> <span class="translit">(’eš·mā‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a whispering</span><br /><span class="heb">דְּמָמָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(də·mā·māh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1827.htm">Strong's 1827: </a> </span><span class="str2">A whisper</span><br /><br /><span class="word">voice:</span><br /><span class="heb">וָק֣וֹל</span> <span class="translit">(wā·qō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6963.htm">Strong's 6963: </a> </span><span class="str2">A voice, sound</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/4-16.htm">Job 4:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/4-16.htm">Job 4:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/4-16.htm">Job 4:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/4-16.htm">Job 4:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/4-16.htm">Job 4:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/4-16.htm">Job 4:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/4-16.htm">Job 4:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/4-16.htm">Job 4:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/4-16.htm">Job 4:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/4-16.htm">Job 4:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/4-16.htm">OT Poetry: Job 4:16 It stood still but I couldn't discern (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/4-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 4:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 4:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/4-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 4:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 4:17" /></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>