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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 20:3 I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/20-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/11/18_Job_20_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 20:3 - Zophar: Destruction Awaits the Wicked" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply." /><script type="application/javascript" 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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/20-2.htm" title="Job 20:2">◄</a> Job 20:3 <a href="/job/20-4.htm" title="Job 20:4">►</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/20.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/20.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />I hear a rebuke that dishonors me, and my understanding inspires me to reply.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/20.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I’ve had to endure your insults, but now my spirit prompts me to reply.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/20.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />I hear censure that insults me, and out of my understanding a spirit answers me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/20.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/20.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/20.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />I have heard the rebuke that reproaches me, And the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/20.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“I listened to the reprimand which insults me, And the spirit of my understanding makes me answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/20.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220I listened to the reproof which insults me, And the spirit of my understanding makes me answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/20.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“I listened to the reproof which insults me, And the spirit of my understanding makes me answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/20.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />I listened to the discipline which dishonors me, And the spirit of my understanding makes me answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/20.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“I have heard the reproof which insults me, But the spirit of my understanding makes me answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/20.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding makes me reply.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/20.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding makes me reply. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/20.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />I have heard the reproof which putteth me to shame; And the spirit of my understanding answereth me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/20.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />You have accused and insulted me, and reason requires a reply. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/20.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />I have heard the reproof which putteth me to shame, and the spirit of my understanding answereth me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/20.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />I have heard criticism that makes me ashamed, but a spirit beyond my understanding gives me answers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/20.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />What you have said is an insult, but I know how to reply to you. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/20.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Whenever I hear an insulting rebuke, I respond from my spirit because I understand."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/20.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/20.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />When I hear a reproof that dishonors me, then my understanding prompts me to answer. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/20.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />I have heard the reproof which puts me to shame. The spirit of my understanding answers me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/20.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/20.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />I have heard the reproof which puts me to shame. The spirit of my understanding answers me. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/20.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />I hear the discipline of my shame, "" And the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/20.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The chastisement of my shame I hear, And the spirit of mine understanding Doth cause me to answer:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/20.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />I shall hear the instruction of my shame, and the spirit of my understanding will cause me to answer.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/20.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />The doctrine with which thou reprovest me, I will hear, and the spirit of my understanding shall answer for me. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/20.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />The teaching you use to admonish me, I will hear, and the spirit of my understanding will respond for me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/20.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />A rebuke that puts me to shame I hear, and from my understanding a spirit gives me a reply. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/20.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />I hear censure that insults me, and a spirit beyond my understanding answers me.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/20.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />I will make you hear the instruction of my discipline, and the spirit of my understanding will cause me to answer.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/20.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />The instruction of my reproof I shall hear, and the spirit of my understanding will answer me<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/20.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />I have heard the reproof which putteth me to shame, But out of my understanding my spirit answereth me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/20.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />I will hear my shameful reproach; and the spirit of my understanding answers me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/20-3.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=3008" 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/20.htm">Zophar: Destruction Awaits the Wicked</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>“So my anxious thoughts compel me to answer, because of the turmoil within me. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: ’eš·mā‘ (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">I have heard</a> <a href="/hebrew/7307.htm" title="7307: wə·rū·aḥ (Conj-w:: N-cs) -- Breath, wind, spirit. From ruwach; wind; by resemblance breath."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4148.htm" title="4148: mū·sar (N-msc) -- Discipline, chastening, correction. From yacar; properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint.">a rebuke</a> <a href="/hebrew/3639.htm" title="3639: kə·lim·mā·ṯî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- Insult, reproach, ignominy. From kalam; disgrace.">that insults me,</a> <a href="/hebrew/998.htm" title="998: mib·bî·nā·ṯî (Prep-m:: N-fsc:: 1cs) -- An understanding. From biyn; understanding.">and my understanding</a> <a href="/hebrew/6030.htm" title="6030: ya·‘ă·nê·nî (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms:: 1cs) -- To answer, respond.">prompts a reply.</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>Do you not know that from antiquity, since man was placed on the earth,…<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/15-2.htm">Job 15:2-6</a></span><br />“Does a wise man answer with empty counsel or fill his belly with the hot east wind? / Should he argue with useless words or speeches that serve no purpose? / But you even undermine the fear of God and hinder meditation before Him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/18-2.htm">Job 18:2-4</a></span><br />“How long until you end these speeches? Show some sense, and then we can talk. / Why are we regarded as cattle, as stupid in your sight? / You who tear yourself in anger—should the earth be forsaken on your account, or the rocks be moved from their place?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/21-3.htm">Job 21:3-4</a></span><br />Bear with me while I speak; then, after I have spoken, you may go on mocking. / Is my complaint against a man? Then why should I not be impatient?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/16-3.htm">Job 16:3</a></span><br />Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/19-2.htm">Job 19:2-3</a></span><br />“How long will you torment me and crush me with your words? / Ten times now you have reproached me; you shamelessly mistreat me.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/13-5.htm">Job 13:5</a></span><br />If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/12-3.htm">Job 12:3</a></span><br />But I also have a mind; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/11-2.htm">Job 11:2-3</a></span><br />“Should this stream of words go unanswered and such a speaker be vindicated? / Should your babbling put others to silence? Will you scoff without rebuke?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/6-25.htm">Job 6:25-26</a></span><br />How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove? / Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/job/8-2.htm">Job 8:2</a></span><br />“How long will you go on saying such things? The words of your mouth are a blustering wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1</a></span><br />A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Proverbs 18:13</a></span><br />He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-20.htm">Proverbs 29:20</a></span><br />Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/7-9.htm">Ecclesiastes 7:9</a></span><br />Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger settles in the lap of a fool.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-19.htm">James 1:19</a></span><br />My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer.</p><p class="hdg">the check</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/19-29.htm">Job 19:29</a></b></br> Be ye afraid of the sword: for wrath <i>bringeth</i> the punishments of the sword, that ye may know <i>there is</i> a judgment.</p><p class="hdg">the spirit</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/20-2.htm">Job 20:2</a></b></br> Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for <i>this</i> I make haste.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/27-11.htm">Job 27:11</a></b></br> I will teach you by the hand of God: <i>that</i> which <i>is</i> with the Almighty will I not conceal.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/33-3.htm">Job 33:3</a></b></br> My words <i>shall be of</i> the uprightness of my heart: and my lips shall utter knowledge clearly.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_chronicles/9-2.htm">Answers</a> <a href="/job/15-3.htm">Arguments</a> <a href="/job/20-2.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/job/18-14.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/titus/2-8.htm">Censure</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/11-2.htm">Chastisement</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/18-23.htm">Check</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/27-20.htm">Dishonors</a> <a href="/job/15-17.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/job/15-17.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/job/19-7.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/colossians/1-29.htm">Inspires</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-5.htm">Insults</a> <a href="/job/16-8.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/job/15-15.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/job/15-15.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/job/14-13.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/job/13-10.htm">Rebuke</a> <a href="/job/19-5.htm">Reproach</a> <a href="/job/6-26.htm">Reproof</a> <a href="/job/19-3.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/job/19-17.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/job/18-2.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/job/16-3.htm">Wind</a> <a href="/job/18-2.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/21-34.htm">Answers</a> <a href="/job/23-4.htm">Arguments</a> <a href="/job/20-16.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/job/36-7.htm">Causeth</a> <a href="/galatians/2-11.htm">Censure</a> <a href="/job/33-16.htm">Chastisement</a> <a href="/psalms/32-9.htm">Check</a> <a href="/micah/7-6.htm">Dishonors</a> <a href="/job/29-11.htm">Ear</a> <a href="/job/21-2.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/job/26-14.htm">Heard</a> <a href="/romans/15-30.htm">Inspires</a> <a href="/psalms/22-7.htm">Insults</a> <a href="/job/22-29.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/job/24-15.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/job/23-6.htm">Putteth</a> <a href="/job/31-30.htm">Putting</a> <a href="/job/26-11.htm">Rebuke</a> <a href="/job/27-6.htm">Reproach</a> <a href="/job/26-11.htm">Reproof</a> <a href="/job/30-8.htm">Shame</a> <a href="/job/21-4.htm">Spirit</a> <a href="/job/26-12.htm">Understanding</a> <a href="/job/21-18.htm">Wind</a> <a href="/job/22-2.htm">Wisdom</a><div class="vheading2">Job 20</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/20-1.htm">Zophar shows the state and portion of the wicked</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/20.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/20.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>I have heard a rebuke that insults me</b><br>In this passage, Zophar the Naamathite is responding to Job's previous discourse. The term "rebuke" indicates a strong criticism or correction, which Zophar perceives as offensive. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, honor and shame were significant social values, and a public rebuke could be seen as a serious affront to one's dignity. This reflects the intense emotional and rhetorical nature of the dialogues in the Book of Job, where friends engage in a cycle of speeches that often escalate in intensity. The concept of rebuke is also seen in <a href="/proverbs/27-5.htm">Proverbs 27:5</a>, which states, "Better is open rebuke than hidden love," highlighting the importance of correction in wisdom literature.<p><b>and my understanding prompts a reply</b><br>Zophar feels compelled to respond based on his understanding, which he believes is rooted in wisdom and tradition. This reflects the broader theme in Job of human wisdom versus divine wisdom. Zophar, like Job's other friends, believes in a retributive justice system where suffering is a direct result of sin. His "understanding" is based on this theological framework, which is challenged throughout the book. The idea of understanding prompting a reply is echoed in <a href="/proverbs/18-2.htm">Proverbs 18:2</a>, "A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion," suggesting that true understanding should lead to thoughtful and wise responses. This phrase also foreshadows the ultimate divine response in <a href="/job/38.htm">Job 38-41</a>, where God's wisdom surpasses human understanding.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/z/zophar_the_naamathite.htm">Zophar the Naamathite</a></b><br>One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. Zophar is known for his harsh and direct approach, often emphasizing God's justice and the need for repentance.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>The central figure of the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering. Job's responses to his friends' accusations are central to the account.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_dialogue.htm">The Dialogue</a></b><br>This verse is part of the ongoing dialogue between Job and his friends, where they attempt to explain Job's suffering through their understanding of God's justice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_impact_of_words.htm">The Impact of Words</a></b><br>Words have the power to wound or heal. Zophar's rebuke is an example of how words can insult and provoke rather than comfort and support.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_and_wisdom.htm">Understanding and Wisdom</a></b><br>True understanding should lead to wise and compassionate responses. Zophar's understanding inspires a reply, but it lacks empathy and insight into Job's situation.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_friends_in_suffering.htm">The Role of Friends in Suffering</a></b><br>Friends should offer support and encouragement, not judgment. Zophar's approach serves as a cautionary tale for how not to support someone in distress.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_listening.htm">The Importance of Listening</a></b><br>Before responding, it is crucial to listen fully and understand the other person's perspective. Zophar's failure to do so leads to further conflict.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/responding_to_criticism.htm">Responding to Criticism</a></b><br>Job's experience teaches us to consider criticism carefully, discerning what is true and what is not, and responding with integrity.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_20.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 20</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_does_god_permit_suffering.htm">Why does God permit suffering?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_happened_with_michael,_satan,_and_moses.htm">What occurred between Michael, Satan, and Moses' body?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_job_reason_with_god_if_exodus_33_20.htm">In Job 13:3, how can Job claim he wants to reason directly with God if Exodus 33:20 states no one can see God and live?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_rev_3_20_conflict_with_divine_aid.htm">If Jesus 'knocks' at the door in Revelation 3:20, does that conflict with the idea of humanity needing divine intervention rather than personal initiative?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/20.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">I have heard the check of my reproach.</span>--Rather, <span class= "ital">I have heard, </span>or, <span class= "ital">I hear the reproof of my shame: </span>that is, a reproof that puts me to shame, or is intended to do so.<p><span class= "bld">The spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.</span>--Or, more literally, <span class= "ital">Out of my understanding my spirit answereth me, </span>or <span class= "ital">causeth me to answer. </span>He professes to be moved by an impulse within, which he cannot but obey.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/20.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">I have heard the check of my reproach</span>; or, <span class="accented">the reproof which putteth me to shame</span> (Revised Version). Some suppose an allusion to <a href="/job/19-2.htm">Job 19:2, 3</a>; but it is better to regard Zophar as enraged by vers. 28, 29 of <a href="/job/19.htm">Job 19</a>. <span class="cmt_word">And the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer</span>. This claim is not quite consistent with the acknowledgment of hastiness in ver. 2. But it is no unusual thing for an impetuous and hasty man to declare that he speaks from the dictates of pure dispassionate reason. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/20-3.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">I have heard</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶשְׁמָ֑ע</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 rebuke</span><br /><span class="heb">מוּסַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(mū·sar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4148.htm">Strong's 4148: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint</span><br /><br /><span class="word">that insults me,</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּלִמָּתִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(kə·lim·mā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3639.htm">Strong's 3639: </a> </span><span class="str2">Insult, reproach, ignominy</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and my understanding</span><br /><span class="heb">מִֽבִּינָתִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(mib·bî·nā·ṯî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_998.htm">Strong's 998: </a> </span><span class="str2">An understanding</span><br /><br /><span class="word">makes me reply.</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲנֵֽנִי׃</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·nê·nî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular | first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6030.htm">Strong's 6030: </a> </span><span class="str2">To answer, respond</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/20-3.htm">Job 20:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/20-3.htm">Job 20:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/20-3.htm">Job 20:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/20-3.htm">Job 20:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/20-3.htm">Job 20:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/20-3.htm">Job 20:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/20-3.htm">Job 20:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/20-3.htm">Job 20:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/20-3.htm">Job 20:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/20-3.htm">Job 20:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/20-3.htm">OT Poetry: Job 20:3 I have heard the reproof which puts (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/20-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 20:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 20:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/20-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 20:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 20:4" /></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>