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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 4:2 "If one ventures a word with you, will you be wearied? Yet who can keep from speaking?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/4-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/18_Job_04_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 4:2 - Eliphaz: The Innocent Prosper" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If one ventures a word with you, will you be wearied? 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But who can keep from speaking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/4.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />“Will you be patient and let me say a word? For who could keep from speaking out?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/4.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />“If one ventures a word with you, will you be impatient? Yet who can keep from speaking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“If one ventures a word with you, will you be wearied? Yet who can keep from speaking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/4.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br /><i>If</i> we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/4.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />“<i>If</i> one attempts a word with you, will you become weary? But who can withhold himself from speaking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“If one ventures a word with you, will you become impatient? But who can refrain from speaking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/4.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220If one ventures a word with you, will you become impatient? But who can refrain from speaking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“If one ventures a word with you, will you become impatient? But who can refrain from speaking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />“If one tries a word with you, will you become weary? But who can hold back from speaking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“If we dare to converse with you, will you be impatient [or offended]? But who can restrain himself from speaking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Should anyone try to speak with you when you are exhausted? Yet who can keep from speaking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Should anyone try to speak with you when you are exhausted? Yet who can keep from speaking? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/4.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If one assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? But who can withhold himself from speaking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Please be patient and listen to what I have to say. * <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/4.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If one assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />"If someone tries to talk to you, will you become impatient? But who can keep from talking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/4.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"Will you get offended if somebody tries to talk to you? Who can keep from speaking at a time like this? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?If one ventures a word with you, will you be wearied? Yet who can keep from speaking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/4.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />"If someone should attempt a word with you, will you be impatient? But who can refrain from speaking? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />"If someone ventures to talk with you, will you be grieved? But who can withhold himself from speaking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If we essay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can refrain from speaking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/4.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />“If someone ventures to talk with you, will you be grieved? But who can withhold himself from speaking? <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />“Has one tried a word with you? You are weary! And who is able to keep in words?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Hath one tried a word with thee? -- Thou art weary! And to keep in words who is able?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Trying the word to thee shalt thou be weary? who shall be able to with hold in speaking?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If we begin to speak to thee, perhaps thou wilt take it ill, but who can withhold the words he hath conceived? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />If we start to speak to you, perhaps you will take it badly, but who can hold back the words he has conceived?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/4.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If someone attempts a word with you, would you mind? How can anyone refrain from speaking? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />“If one ventures a word with you, will you be offended? But who can keep from speaking?<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If I venture to speak with you, will you be wearied? But who can restrain himself from speaking with you?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />“If I begin to speak with you, will you be worn out? And who can withhold words from you?<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If one venture a word unto thee, wilt thou be weary? But who can withhold himself from speaking?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Hast thou been often spoken to in distress? but who shall endure the force of thy words?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/4-2.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=540" 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">1</span>Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied: <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5254.htm" title="5254: hă·nis·sāh (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To test, try. A primitive root; to test; by implication, to attempt.">“If one ventures</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: ḏā·ḇār (N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">a word</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·le·ḵā (Prep:: 2ms) -- To, into, towards. ">with you,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3811.htm" title="3811: til·’eh (V-Qal-Imperf-2ms) -- To be weary or impatient. A primitive root; to tire; to be disgusted.">will you be wearied?</a> <a href="/hebrew/4310.htm" title="4310: mî (Interrog) -- An interrogative pronoun of persons, as mah is of things, who?; also whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix.">Yet who</a> <a href="/hebrew/3201.htm" title="3201: yū·ḵāl (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To be able, have power. Or yakowl; a primitive root; to be able, literally or morally.">can</a> <a href="/hebrew/6113.htm" title="6113: wa‘·ṣōr (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To restrain, retain. A primitive root; to inclose; by analogy, to hold back; also to maintain, rule, assemble.">keep</a> <a href="/hebrew/4405.htm" title="4405: bə·mil·lîn (Prep-b:: N-fp) -- A word, speech, utterance. From malal">from speaking?</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>Surely you have instructed many, and have strengthened their feeble hands.…<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="/proverbs/15-23.htm">Proverbs 15:23</a></span><br />A man takes joy in a fitting reply—and how good is a timely word!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Proverbs 25:11</a></span><br />A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/3-7.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:7</a></span><br />a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-28.htm">Proverbs 15:28</a></span><br />The heart of the righteous ponders how to answer, but the mouth of the wicked blurts out evil.<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="/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,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></span><br />When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27</a></span><br />A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/5-2.htm">Ecclesiastes 5:2</a></span><br />Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/3-2.htm">James 3:2</a></span><br />We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a></span><br />Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a></span><br />But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a></span><br />Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If we assay to commune with you, will you be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking?</p><p class="hdg">to commune.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/2-4.htm">2 Corinthians 2:4-6</a></b></br> For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote unto you with many tears; not that ye should be grieved, but that ye might know the love which I have more abundantly unto you… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_corinthians/7-8.htm">2 Corinthians 7:8-10</a></b></br> For though I made you sorry with a letter, I do not repent, though I did repent: for I perceive that the same epistle hath made you sorry, though <i>it were</i> but for a season… </p><p class="hdg">withhold himself from speaking.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/32-18.htm">Job 32:18-20</a></b></br> For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/6-11.htm">Jeremiah 6:11</a></b></br> Therefore I am full of the fury of the LORD; I am weary with holding in: I will pour it out upon the children abroad, and upon the assembly of young men together: for even the husband with the wife shall be taken, the aged with <i>him that is</i> full of days.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/20-9.htm">Jeremiah 20:9</a></b></br> Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But <i>his word</i> was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not <i>stay</i>.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/13-24.htm">Able</a> <a href="/jeremiah/9-7.htm">Assay</a> <a href="/1_samuel/19-3.htm">Commune</a> <a href="/1_samuel/17-39.htm">Essayed</a> <a href="/esther/4-4.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/numbers/21-4.htm">Impatient</a> <a href="/esther/6-6.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/28-13.htm">Offended</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/18-14.htm">Refrain</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-10.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/job/2-13.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-9.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/esther/6-2.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/18-33.htm">Venture</a> <a href="/1_samuel/30-10.htm">Weariness</a> <a href="/job/3-17.htm">Weary</a> <a href="/esther/5-3.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-20.htm">Withhold</a> <a href="/job/2-13.htm">Word</a> <a href="/esther/9-30.htm">Words</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-6.htm">Wouldest</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/4-16.htm">Able</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-27.htm">Assay</a> <a href="/psalms/4-4.htm">Commune</a> <a href="/acts/9-26.htm">Essayed</a> <a href="/job/30-25.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/job/4-5.htm">Impatient</a> <a href="/job/4-5.htm">Mind</a> <a href="/proverbs/18-19.htm">Offended</a> <a href="/job/7-11.htm">Refrain</a> <a href="/job/9-33.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/job/9-7.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/job/7-11.htm">Talk</a> <a href="/job/23-10.htm">Tried</a> <a href="/ecclesiastes/5-14.htm">Venture</a> <a href="/job/4-5.htm">Weariness</a> <a href="/job/4-5.htm">Weary</a> <a href="/job/5-1.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/job/7-11.htm">Withhold</a> <a href="/job/4-12.htm">Word</a> <a href="/job/4-4.htm">Words</a> <a href="/job/8-5.htm">Wouldest</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>If one ventures a word with you,</b><br>This phrase introduces the speech of Eliphaz, one of Job's friends. Eliphaz is attempting to approach Job with caution, acknowledging the sensitivity of the situation. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, it was customary to offer counsel or wisdom in times of distress. Eliphaz's approach reflects the wisdom literature tradition, where dialogue and discourse are used to explore deep truths. This phrase sets the tone for a respectful yet probing conversation.<p><b>will you be wearied?</b><br>Eliphaz is concerned about Job's ability to handle further discussion or advice. This reflects the human tendency to become overwhelmed by grief and suffering. In the context of Job's immense loss and physical suffering, Eliphaz's question is both considerate and probing. It also highlights the tension between the need for comfort and the risk of exacerbating Job's distress. This phrase can be connected to <a href="/proverbs/25-11.htm">Proverbs 25:11</a>, which speaks of the value of a word spoken at the right time.<p><b>Yet who can keep from speaking?</b><br>Eliphaz feels compelled to speak, suggesting that the situation demands a response. This reflects the cultural expectation of offering wisdom and guidance, especially in times of crisis. The phrase underscores the human desire to make sense of suffering and to provide answers, even when they may not be welcome. This can be seen as a foreshadowing of the lengthy dialogues that follow in the Book of Job, where friends attempt to rationalize Job's suffering. It also echoes the prophetic tradition, where speaking out is seen as a moral obligation, as seen in <a href="/jeremiah/20-9.htm">Jeremiah 20:9</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. Eliphaz is the first to speak and is known for his wisdom and experience. He is from Teman, a place known for its wise men.<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 righteousness and suffering. Job is enduring immense trials and is seeking understanding and comfort.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/teman.htm">Teman</a></b><br>A region in Edom, known for its wise men. It is often associated with wisdom and counsel in the Old Testament.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_dialogue.htm">The Dialogue</a></b><br>This verse marks the beginning of the dialogue between Job and his friends, where they attempt to explain his suffering and offer counsel.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_suffering_of_job.htm">The Suffering of Job</a></b><br>The backdrop of this conversation is Job's intense suffering, which prompts his friends to speak and offer their perspectives.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_timing_in_speech.htm">The Importance of Timing in Speech</a></b><br>Eliphaz's question highlights the need for discernment in when to speak. In our interactions, we should consider whether our words are timely and appropriate.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_challenge_of_comforting_others.htm">The Challenge of Comforting Others</a></b><br>Eliphaz's attempt to comfort Job reminds us of the difficulty in offering support to those who are suffering. We must approach such situations with humility and empathy.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_human_need_to_speak.htm">The Human Need to Speak</a></b><br>Eliphaz's compulsion to speak reflects a common human tendency to offer solutions or explanations. We should be mindful of when silence might be more beneficial than words.<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>The presence of Job's friends, despite their flawed counsel, underscores the importance of community and support during trials.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_limits_of_human_wisdom.htm">The Limits of Human Wisdom</a></b><br>Eliphaz's speech, while well-intentioned, reveals the limitations of human understanding in the face of divine mysteries and suffering.<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/how_do_bible_and_physics_views_clash.htm">How do biblical descriptions of Earth's foundation contradict planetary physics?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_'valley_of_death'.htm">What is the 'valley of the shadow of death'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/did_disciples_instantly_speak_real_languages.htm">Is there historical or linguistic evidence that the disciples could instantly speak real foreign languages (Acts 2:4, 6-8)?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_proof_of_god's_speech_today.htm">In Job 33:14, if God truly speaks in multiple ways, why is there no verifiable evidence of such divine communication today?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div><span class= "bld">IV.</span><p>(2) <span class= "bld">If we assay.</span>--Rather, perhaps, <span class= "ital">Has one ever assayed? </span>or, <span class= "ital">Has a word ever been tried? </span>It appears from <a href="/context/job/29-9.htm" title="The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth.">Job 29:9-10</a>, that Job was held in great honour and reverence by all, and Eliphaz regarded him with awe such as would have constrained him to be silent, but he is so convinced that Job is wrong and deserves reproof, that he cannot refrain from speaking. He strikes a note, however, which the friends all sound, namely, that it is the wicked who suffer, and that all who suffer must be wicked. This, in a variety of forms, is the sum and substance of what they have to say.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved?</span> rather, <span class="accented">If one</span> <span class="accented">assay a word against thee</span> <span class="accented">wilt thou be angry?</span> Eliphaz feels that what he is about to say will be unwelcome, and, as it were, apologizes beforehand. Surely Job will not be angry if a friend just ventures a word. <span class="cmt_word">But who can withhold himself from speaking?</span> Let Job be angry or not, Eliphaz must speak. It is impossible to hear such words as Job has uttered, and yet keep silence. God's wisdom and justice have been impugned, and must be vindicated. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/4-2.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">“If one ventures</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲנִסָּ֬ה</span> <span class="translit">(hă·nis·sāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5254.htm">Strong's 5254: </a> </span><span class="str2">To test, to attempt</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a word</span><br /><span class="heb">דָבָ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(ḏā·ḇār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with you,</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלֶ֣יךָ</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·le·ḵā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">will you be wearied?</span><br /><span class="heb">תִּלְאֶ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(til·’eh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3811.htm">Strong's 3811: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tire, to be, disgusted</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Yet who</span><br /><span class="heb">מִ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(mî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4310.htm">Strong's 4310: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can</span><br /><span class="heb">יוּכָֽל׃</span> <span class="translit">(yū·ḵāl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3201.htm">Strong's 3201: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be able, have power</span><br /><br /><span class="word">keep</span><br /><span class="heb">וַעְצֹ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(wa‘·ṣōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6113.htm">Strong's 6113: </a> </span><span class="str2">To inclose, to hold back, to maintain, rule, assemble</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from speaking?</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּ֝מִלִּ֗ין</span> <span class="translit">(bə·mil·lîn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4405.htm">Strong's 4405: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a discourse, a topic</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/4-2.htm">Job 4:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/4-2.htm">Job 4:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/4-2.htm">Job 4:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/4-2.htm">Job 4:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/4-2.htm">Job 4:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/4-2.htm">Job 4:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/4-2.htm">Job 4:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/4-2.htm">Job 4:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/4-2.htm">Job 4:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/4-2.htm">Job 4:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/4-2.htm">OT Poetry: Job 4:2 If someone ventures to talk with you (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/4-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 4:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 4:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/4-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 4:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 4:3" /></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>