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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 16:4 I could also speak like you if you were in my place; I could heap up words against you and shake my head at you.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/16-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/18_Job_16_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 16:4 - Job Decries his Comforters" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="I could also speak like you if you were in my place; I could heap up words against you and shake my head at you." /><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/16-4.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/16-4.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/16.htm">Chapter 16</a> > Verse 4</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="/ad4.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/16-3.htm" title="Job 16:3">◄</a> Job 16:4 <a href="/job/16-5.htm" title="Job 16:5">►</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">Verse<a href="/bsb/job/16.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/job/16.htm">New International Version</a> I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could make fine speeches against you and shake my head at you. <a href="/nlt/job/16.htm">New Living Translation</a> I could say the same things if you were in my place. I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you. <a href="/esv/job/16.htm">English Standard Version</a> I also could speak as you do, if you were in my place; I could join words together against you and shake my head at you. <a href="/bsb/job/16.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> I could also speak like you if you were in my place; I could heap up words against you and shake my head at you. <a href="/kjv/job/16.htm">King James Bible</a> I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake mine head at you. <a href="/nkjv/job/16.htm">New King James Version</a> I also could speak as you do, If your soul were in my soul’s place. I could heap up words against you, And shake my head at you; <a href="/nasb_/job/16.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “I too could speak like you, If only I were in your place. I could compose words against you And shake my head at you. <a href="/nasb/job/16.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220I too could speak like you, If I were in your place. I could compose words against you And shake my head at you. <a href="/nasb77/job/16.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “I too could speak like you, If I were in your place. I could compose words against you, And shake my head at you. <a href="/lsb/job/16.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> I too could speak like you, If your soul was in the place of my soul. I could compose words against you And shake my head at you. <a href="/amp/job/16.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “I also could speak like you, If you were in my place; I could compose and join words together against you And shake my head at you. <a href="/csb/job/16.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> If you were in my place I could also talk like you. I could string words together against you and shake my head at you. <a href="/hcsb/job/16.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> If you were in my place I could also talk like you. I could string words together against you and shake my head at you. <a href="/asv/job/16.htm">American Standard Version</a> I also could speak as ye do; If your soul were in my soul's stead, I could join words together against you, And shake my head at you. <a href="/cev/job/16.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If I were in your place, it would be easy to criticize or to give advice. <a href="/erv/job/16.htm">English Revised Version</a> I also could speak as ye do; if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could join words together against you, and shake mine head at you. <a href="/gwt/job/16.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> I, too, could speak like you if we could trade places. I could string words together against you and shake my head at you. <a href="/gnt/job/16.htm">Good News Translation</a> If you were in my place and I in yours, I could say everything you are saying. I could shake my head wisely and drown you with a flood of words. <a href="/isv/job/16.htm">International Standard Version</a> "I could also talk like you if only you were in my place! Then I would put together an argument against you. I would shake my head at you <a href="/msb/job/16.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> I could also speak like you if you were in my place; I could heap up words against you and shake my head at you. <a href="/net/job/16.htm">NET Bible</a> I also could speak like you, if you were in my place; I could pile up words against you and I could shake my head at you. <a href="/nheb/job/16.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> I also could speak as you do. If your soul were in my soul's place, I could join words together against you, and shake my head at you, <a href="/wbt/job/16.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake my head at you. <a href="/web/job/16.htm">World English Bible</a> I also could speak as you do. If your soul were in my soul’s place, I could join words together against you, and shake my head at you, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/job/16.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> I also, like you, might speak, "" If your soul were in my soul’s stead. I might join against you with words, "" And nod at you with my head. <a href="/ylt/job/16.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> I also, like you, might speak, If your soul were in my soul's stead. I might join against you with words, And nod at you with my head. <a href="/slt/job/16.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Also I will speak as you: if it is your soul instead of my soul, I will join together with words against you, and shake my head against you upon it.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/job/16.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> I also could speak like you: and would God your soul were for my soul. I would comfort you also with words, and would wag my head over you. <a href="/cpdv/job/16.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> I, too, can speak like you; and I also wish that your soul favored my soul. <V 16:5>I would also comfort you with speeches and would wag my head over you. <a href="/nabre/job/16.htm">New American Bible</a> I also could talk as you do, were you in my place. I could declaim over you, or wag my head at you; <a href="/nrsvce/job/16.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> I also could talk as you do, if you were in my place; I could join words together against you, and shake my head at you.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/job/16.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> I also could speak as you do; I wish you were in my place, then I could try you out with words, and shake my head at you. <a href="/hpbt/job/16.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> I also might speak like you, but, oh that your souls were treated in the place of my soul, and I had tested you with words and I would shake my head at you!<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/job/16.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> I also could speak as ye do; If your soul were in my soul's stead, I could join words together against you, And shake my head at you. <a href="/sep/job/16.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> I also will speak as ye do: if indeed your soul were in my soul's stead, then would I insult you with words, and I would shake my head at you. <a href="/parallel/job/16-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=2477" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/job/16.htm">Job Decries his Comforters</a> …3Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying? 4<a href="/hebrew/595.htm" title="595: ’ā·nō·ḵî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Sometimes; a primitive pro. I.">I</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. ">could also</a> <a href="/hebrew/1696.htm" title="1696: ’ă·ḏab·bê·rāh (V-Piel-Imperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To speak. A primitive root; perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively, to speak; rarely to subdue.">speak</a> <a href="/hebrew/kā·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- ">like you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3863.htm" title="3863: lū- (Prep) -- If, oh that. Or lu; or luw; a conditional particle; if; by implication would that!">if</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šə·ḵem (N-fsc:: 2mp) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">you</a> <a href="/hebrew/3426.htm" title="3426: yêš (Adv) -- Being, substance, existence, is. ">were</a> <a href="/hebrew/5315.htm" title="5315: nap̄·šî (N-fsc:: 1cs) -- From naphash; properly, a breathing creature, i.e. Animal of vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense.">in my</a> <a href="/hebrew/8478.htm" title="8478: ta·ḥaṯ (Prep) -- Underneath, below, instead of. From the same as Towach; the bottom; only adverbially, below, in lieu of, etc.">place;</a> <a href="/hebrew/2266.htm" title="2266: ’aḥ·bî·rāh (V-Hifil-Imperf.Cohort-1cs) -- To unite, be joined, to tie a magic knot or spell, to charm. A primitive root; to join; specifically to fascinate.">I could heap up</a> <a href="/hebrew/4405.htm" title="4405: bə·mil·lîm (Prep-b:: N-fp) -- A word, speech, utterance. From malal">words</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">against you</a> <a href="/hebrew/5128.htm" title="5128: wə·’ā·nî·‘āh (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConjImperf.Cohort-1cs) -- A primitive root; to waver, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively.">and shake</a> <a href="/hebrew/7218.htm" title="7218: rō·šî (N-msc:: 1cs) -- Head. From an unused root apparently meaning to shake; the head, whether literal or figurative.">my head</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·ḵem (Prep:: 2mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">at you.</a> <a href="/hebrew/1119.htm" title="1119: bə·mōw (Prep) -- In. Prolongation for prepositional prefix; in, with, by, etc."></a> 5But I would encourage you with my mouth, and the consolation of my lips would bring relief.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/job/12-4.htm">Job 12:4</a> I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God, and He answered. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock. <a href="/job/13-4.htm">Job 13:4-5</a> You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians. / If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom! <a href="/job/19-2.htm">Job 19:2-3</a> “How long will you torment me and crush me with your words? / Ten times now you have reproached me; you shamelessly mistreat me. <a href="/job/21-34.htm">Job 21:34</a> So how can you comfort me with empty words? For your answers remain full of falsehood.” <a href="/job/6-14.htm">Job 6:14-15</a> A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. / But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow, <a href="/job/17-2.htm">Job 17:2</a> Surely mockers surround me, and my eyes must gaze at their rebellion. <a href="/job/19-21.htm">Job 19:21</a> Have pity on me, my friends, have pity, for the hand of God has struck me. <a href="/job/30-9.htm">Job 30:9-10</a> And now they mock me in song; I have become a byword among them. / They abhor me and keep far from me; they do not hesitate to spit in my face. <a href="/job/42-7.htm">Job 42:7</a> After the LORD had spoken these words to Job, He said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you and your two friends. For you have not spoken about Me accurately, as My servant Job has. <a href="/psalms/35-11.htm">Psalm 35:11-16</a> Hostile witnesses come forward; they make charges I know nothing about. / They repay me evil for good, to the bereavement of my soul. / Yet when they were ill, I put on sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, but my prayers returned unanswered. ... <a href="/psalms/69-12.htm">Psalm 69:12</a> Those who sit at the gate mock me, and I am the song of drunkards. <a href="/psalms/109-25.htm">Psalm 109:25</a> I am an object of scorn to my accusers; when they see me, they shake their heads. <a href="/proverbs/18-13.htm">Proverbs 18:13</a> He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him. <a href="/isaiah/50-6.htm">Isaiah 50:6</a> I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle. <a href="/matthew/7-1.htm">Matthew 7:1-5</a> “Do not judge, or you will be judged. / For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. / Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye but fail to notice the beam in your own eye? ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>I also could speak as you do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you, and shake my head at you.if your soul<a href="/job/6-2.htm">Job 6:2-5,14</a> Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! … <a href="/matthew/7-12.htm">Matthew 7:12</a> Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets.<a href="/romans/12-15.htm">Romans 12:15</a> Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.up words<a href="/job/11-2.htm">Job 11:2</a> Should not the multitude of words be answered? and should a man full of talk be justified?<a href="/job/35-16.htm">Job 35:16</a> Therefore doth Job open his mouth in vain; he multiplieth words without knowledge.<a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a> In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.shake mine<a href="/2_kings/19-21.htm">2 Kings 19:21</a> This is the word that the LORD hath spoken concerning him; The virgin the daughter of Zion hath despised thee, and laughed thee to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee.<a href="/psalms/22-7.htm">Psalm 22:7</a> All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,<a href="/psalms/44-14.htm">Psalm 44:14</a> Thou makest us a byword among the heathen, a shaking of the head among the people.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/8-15.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/job/14-14.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/job/10-16.htm">Head</a> <a href="/job/8-17.htm">Heap</a> <a href="/nehemiah/4-20.htm">Join</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-29.htm">Joining</a> <a href="/genesis/4-16.htm">Nod</a> <a href="/job/15-33.htm">Shake</a> <a href="/job/9-6.htm">Shaking</a> <a href="/job/14-22.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/1_samuel/23-20.htm">Soul's</a> <a href="/job/13-22.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/job/16-3.htm">Speeches</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-8.htm">Stead</a> <a href="/job/12-16.htm">Together</a> <a href="/job/16-3.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/28-1.htm">Fine</a> <a href="/job/23-2.htm">Hard</a> <a href="/job/19-9.htm">Head</a> <a href="/job/21-32.htm">Heap</a> <a href="/job/37-18.htm">Join</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-8.htm">Joining</a> <a href="/genesis/4-16.htm">Nod</a> <a href="/job/34-20.htm">Shake</a> <a href="/job/16-12.htm">Shaking</a> <a href="/job/19-2.htm">Soul</a> <a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Soul's</a> <a href="/job/16-6.htm">Speak</a> <a href="/job/18-2.htm">Speeches</a> <a href="/job/33-6.htm">Stead</a> <a href="/job/16-10.htm">Together</a> <a href="/job/16-10.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Job 16</div>1. <a href="/job/16-1.htm">Job reproves his friends for unmercifulness</a> 17. <a href="/job/16-17.htm">He maintains his innocence</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/16.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/16.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>I could also speak like you if you were in my place; In this phrase, Job is responding to his friends, who have been accusing him of wrongdoing as the cause of his suffering. Job suggests that if the roles were reversed, he could easily speak as they do. This highlights the theme of empathy and understanding, which is a recurring theme in the Bible. The idea of putting oneself in another's place is echoed in the New Testament, where believers are encouraged to bear one another's burdens (<a href="/galatians/6-2.htm">Galatians 6:2</a>). Job's statement underscores the importance of compassion and the danger of making judgments without understanding another's situation.I could heap up words against you Here, Job acknowledges that he could easily criticize and accuse his friends if they were suffering as he is. This reflects the human tendency to judge others harshly without full knowledge of their circumstances. The phrase "heap up words" suggests a barrage of accusations, similar to what Job's friends have done to him. This can be connected to the warnings against careless speech found in Proverbs (<a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a>) and James (<a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a>), which caution against the destructive power of words.and shake my head at you. Shaking one's head is a gesture of scorn or disbelief, often used in the Bible to signify derision or mockery (<a href="/psalms/22-7.htm">Psalm 22:7</a>, <a href="/matthew/27-39.htm">Matthew 27:39</a>). Job implies that he could easily mock his friends in their distress, just as they have done to him. This gesture is culturally significant, as it was a common expression of contempt in ancient Near Eastern societies. The act of shaking one's head in derision is also seen in the context of Jesus' crucifixion, where onlookers mocked Him (<a href="/matthew/27-39.htm">Matthew 27:39</a>), drawing a parallel to the suffering of the innocent. This connection to Christ's experience highlights the theme of unjust suffering and the call to respond with grace rather than judgment.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a> 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 loss. 2. <a href="/topical/j/job's_friends.htm">Job's Friends</a> Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who come to comfort Job but end up accusing him of wrongdoing, suggesting his suffering is due to his sins. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_land_of_uz.htm">The Land of Uz</a> The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia. 4. <a href="/topical/j/job's_suffering.htm">Job's Suffering</a> The series of calamities that befall Job, including the loss of his children, wealth, and health, which set the stage for the dialogues in the book. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_dialogue.htm">The Dialogue</a> The ongoing conversation between Job and his friends, where they debate the reasons for Job's suffering and the nature of God's justice.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/e/empathy_in_suffering.htm">Empathy in Suffering</a> Job's response to his friends highlights the importance of empathy. We should strive to understand others' pain rather than offering empty platitudes or judgments. <a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_assumptions.htm">The Danger of Assumptions</a> Job's friends assumed his suffering was due to sin. This teaches us to avoid making assumptions about others' circumstances without knowing the full account. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a> Words can either comfort or wound. We should be mindful of how we speak to those who are suffering, choosing words that heal rather than harm. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_true_friendship.htm">The Role of True Friendship</a> True friends support and listen rather than condemn. We are called to be present and compassionate, offering support without judgment. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_christ's_compassion.htm">Reflecting Christ's Compassion</a> As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect His compassion and mercy, especially towards those who are suffering, just as God ultimately showed mercy to Job.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_16.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 16</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_identity_of_the_kenizzites.htm">Do goosebumps have any significant meaning?</a> <a href="/q/does_job_14_14_doubt_resurrection.htm">Does Job 14:14's question 'If someone dies, will they live again?' indicate uncertainty about resurrection, challenging other parts of the Bible that teach it?</a> <a href="/q/why_are_devout_believers_still_poor.htm">Job 22:25-26 implies material blessings for faithfulness--how do we address situations where devout believers remain in poverty?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_mocking_god.htm">What is the meaning of mocking God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/16.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) If your soul.--i.e., person=" If you were in my place, I could heap up words," &c. It is doubtful whether this is in contrast to what comes afterwards in the fifth verse, as in the Authorised Version, or whether it may not be in parallelism with it; thus: "I would make myself a companion to you--condole and sympathise with you. in words, and shake my head at you as a mark of sympathy." The phrase differs somewhat from that in <a href="/psalms/22-7.htm" title="All they that see me laugh me to scorn: they shoot out the lip, they shake the head, saying,">Psalm 22:7</a>; <a href="/isaiah/37-22.htm" title="This is the word which the LORD has spoken concerning him; The virgin, the daughter of Zion, has despised you, and laughed you to scorn; the daughter of Jerusalem has shaken her head at you.">Isaiah 37:22</a>, where to shake the head expresses contempt and derision.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/16.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - I also could speak as ye do: if your soul were in my soul's stead, I could heap up words against you. It is only too easy to heap up rhetorical declamation against an unfortunate sufferer, whose physical and mental agonies absorb almost his whole attention. If you were in my place and condition, and I in yours, I could moralize in your tone and spirit for hours. And shake my head at you. A Hebrew mode of expressing condemnation of a man's conduct (see <a href="/psalms/22-7.htm">Psalm 22:7</a>; <a href="/isaiah/37-22.htm">Isaiah 37:22</a>; <a href="/jeremiah/18-16.htm">Jeremiah 18:16</a>; <a href="/matthew/27-39.htm">Matthew 27:39</a>, etc.). <a href="/commentaries/job/16-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>I אָנֹכִי֮ (’ā·nō·ḵî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_595.htm">Strong's 595: </a> I could also גַּ֤ם ׀ (gam) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1571.htm">Strong's 1571: </a> Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and speak אֲדַ֫בֵּ֥רָה (’ă·ḏab·bê·rāh) Verb - Piel - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1696.htm">Strong's 1696: </a> To arrange, to speak, to subdue like you כָּכֶ֪ם (kā·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> if ל֤וּ־ (lū-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3863.htm">Strong's 3863: </a> If, would that! you נַפְשְׁכֶ֡ם (nap̄·šə·ḵem) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion were יֵ֪שׁ (yêš) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3426.htm">Strong's 3426: </a> Being, substance, existence, is in my נַפְשִׁ֗י (nap̄·šî) Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5315.htm">Strong's 5315: </a> A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotion place; תַּ֤חַת (ta·ḥaṯ) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8478.htm">Strong's 8478: </a> The bottom, below, in lieu of I could heap up אַחְבִּ֣ירָה (’aḥ·bî·rāh) Verb - Hifil - Imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2266.htm">Strong's 2266: </a> To unite, be joined, to tie a magic knot or spell, to charm words בְּמִלִּ֑ים (bə·mil·lîm) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4405.htm">Strong's 4405: </a> A word, a discourse, a topic against you עֲלֵיכֶ֣ם (‘ă·lê·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against and shake וְאָנִ֥יעָה (wə·’ā·nî·‘āh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive imperfect Cohortative - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5128.htm">Strong's 5128: </a> To quiver, wave, waver, tremble, totter my head רֹאשִֽׁי׃ (rō·šî) Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7218.htm">Strong's 7218: </a> The head at you. עֲ֝לֵיכֶ֗ם (‘ă·lê·ḵem) Preposition | second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/16-4.htm">Job 16:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/job/16-4.htm">Job 16:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/job/16-4.htm">Job 16:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/job/16-4.htm">Job 16:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/job/16-4.htm">Job 16:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/job/16-4.htm">Job 16:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/16-4.htm">Job 16:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/16-4.htm">Job 16:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/job/16-4.htm">Job 16:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/job/16-4.htm">Job 16:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/job/16-4.htm">OT Poetry: Job 16:4 I also could speak as you do (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/16-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 16:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 16:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/16-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 16:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 16:5" /></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>