Job 20 3

Job 20:3 kjv

I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.

Job 20:3 nkjv

I have heard the rebuke that reproaches me, And the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer.

Job 20:3 niv

I hear a rebuke that dishonors me, and my understanding inspires me to reply.

Job 20:3 esv

I hear censure that insults me, and out of my understanding a spirit answers me.

Job 20:3 nlt

I've had to endure your insults,
but now my spirit prompts me to reply.

Job 20 verses

Job 20 3 Meaning

Job 20:3 conveys Zophar's intense reaction to Job's words, which he perceives as deeply offensive and dishonoring. He claims his internal disposition, described as "spirit," compels him to respond with what he believes is divinely granted understanding or clear discernment, directly addressing Job's perceived insolence and false claims. This sets the stage for Zophar's subsequent pronouncements regarding the swift downfall of the wicked.

Job 20 3 Context

Job chapter 20 marks Zophar's second and final speech in the book of Job. He responds to Job's prior speech in chapter 19, where Job laments his suffering, affirms his Redeemer, and maintains his integrity while expressing hope for vindication. Zophar, a strong advocate of the conventional wisdom that links righteousness with prosperity and wickedness with suffering, feels personally offended and provoked by Job's words. He interprets Job's defiant declarations of innocence and challenges to God as arrogant and deserving of further punishment. This verse, Job 20:3, serves as Zophar's opening statement, explaining his motivation for delivering such a harsh discourse against Job. He is not merely speaking but is compelled to speak from his deep-seated sense of discernment, a claim of wisdom to counter Job's "reproach."

Job 20 3 Word analysis

• I hear (שָׁמַעְתִּי, shāmaʿtî): From the Hebrew verb שָׁמַע (shamaʿ), "to hear, listen, obey." Here, it signifies more than just audibly perceiving sound; it implies an act of receiving, grasping, and being impacted by Job's words, particularly in a way that generates an immediate and strong reaction.
• the reproach (חֶרְפָּה, ḥerpâ): A crucial term meaning "reproach, scorn, disgrace, insult, shame." In an ancient Near Eastern shame-honor culture, such a public insult was deeply cutting and could warrant a forceful response. Zophar views Job's protests of innocence and apparent critiques of divine justice as a personal and theological affront, akin to dishonoring him and perhaps God by association.
• that dishonors me (מִכְּלִמָּתִי, mikkĕlimmātî): This phrase clarifies the nature of the "reproach." It comes from the root כָּלַם (kālam), "to shame, put to shame, disgrace, insult." The prefixed min (מִ) denotes "from, because of, out of." So, Zophar attributes his feeling of personal humiliation directly to the content and manner of Job's previous speech.
• and my spirit (וְרוּחַ, wĕrûaḥ): The Hebrew word רוּחַ (rûaḥ) has a wide semantic range including "breath, wind, spirit." In this context, it refers to Zophar's inner self, his animating principle, or perhaps his very disposition or indignation, which is stirring him to action. It suggests an internal, almost uncontrollable urge to respond.
• makes me answer (יְבִינֵנִי, yevînênî): This is a key and debated verb. It is a Hiphil form of the root בִּין (bîn), meaning "to discern, understand." In the Hiphil causative stem, it translates to "cause to understand," or "cause to perceive." Many translations render it "makes me answer," implying that the discernment compels a vocal response. The verb fundamentally points to an action rooted in an internal process of insight or perception, rather than a mere reactive retort. Zophar asserts his response stems from a deep, internal understanding.
• in my understanding (no distinct separate word for 'in my understanding'): This concept is implicitly contained within the verb יְבִינֵנִי (yevînênî). If translated "causes me to understand," then it implies his understanding is awakened. If "makes me answer," it means his answer is delivered from or with his understanding, emphasizing its considered and perceptive nature. Zophar portrays his reaction not as emotional outburst but as a deliberate and wise reply.

Job 20 3 Bonus section

• Zophar’s assertion of his "spirit" and "understanding" highlights a common ancient Near Eastern literary motif where speakers attempt to legitimize their pronouncements by appealing to an internal source of wisdom or divine inspiration, contrasting it with the perceived foolishness of their opponent. This can be seen as an indirect polemic against Job's self-vindication, which Zophar interprets as lack of true understanding.
• The personal offense felt by Zophar points to a deeper societal expectation within honor-shame cultures: publicly defending one's integrity and perceived truth was paramount. Silence in the face of "reproach" could imply agreement or weakness.
• The term "reproach" is often used in the Old Testament in contexts of shame associated with idolatry (Hos 11:2), national disaster (Ezek 5:15), or a violation of covenant (Josh 5:9). By using it, Zophar elevates Job's "crime" beyond mere argument to a profound moral and theological failing.

Job 20 3 Commentary

Job 20:3 encapsulates Zophar's highly reactive and self-assured stance. He characterizes Job's expressions of distress and questioning as "reproach" and a source of his personal "dishonor," indicating that the debate has become highly personalized and defensive. This underscores the ancient cultural significance of honor and the profound insult felt when one's wisdom or moral uprightness is challenged. Zophar frames his subsequent, harsh pronouncements as not merely an option but a compulsion arising from his inner "spirit," driven by a profound sense of "understanding." This is not just a hot-headed retort, but an assertion that his upcoming words are born out of discernment and true insight, thereby granting them authority and truth. This claim positions Zophar as one speaking from a superior wisdom, perhaps even implying divine inspiration for his impending condemnations, in direct opposition to Job's perceived blasphemy or error. However, from the divine perspective revealed later in the book of Job, the friends’ human understanding of God’s ways proves deeply flawed.