Job 6 1

Job 6:1 kjv

But Job answered and said,

Job 6:1 nkjv

Then Job answered and said:

Job 6:1 niv

Then Job replied:

Job 6:1 esv

Then Job answered and said:

Job 6:1 nlt

Then Job spoke again:

Job 6 verses

Job 6 1 Meaning

Job 6:1 acts as a pivotal transitional verse, formally marking Job's first direct response following Eliphaz's speech (Job chapters 4-5). It introduces a new section where Job articulates his deep grief and bitter complaint, expressing his perception that his friends have not understood his suffering but have rather added to his pain through their well-intentioned yet misguided theological explanations. This verse sets the stage for Job's extended lament and defense, emphasizing his active engagement in the ensuing dialogue.

Job 6 1 Context

Job chapter 6 verse 1 follows directly from the end of Job chapter 5, which concludes Eliphaz's first speech. Eliphaz, seeking to comfort Job within the conventional wisdom of his time, had argued that suffering is a consequence of sin (Job 4:7-9) and that Job should seek God and find restoration (Job 5:17-27). He even offered hope that if Job repented, prosperity would return. This verse marks Job's immediate, anguished reaction to Eliphaz's words, which Job perceives as a shallow and hurtful judgment rather than genuine comfort. The historical and cultural context of the Book of Job suggests an ancient Near Eastern setting, possibly the patriarchal age, where suffering was almost universally linked to personal transgression, and a strong emphasis was placed on traditional wisdom. Job's subsequent speeches directly challenge this prevailing understanding, as he insists on his innocence and laments the injustice of his situation.

Job 6 1 Word analysis

• Then (וַיַּעַן - vayya'an): This is a waw-consecutive imperfect verb. It functions to introduce a sequence of events, emphasizing that Job's response is a direct follow-up and reaction to Eliphaz's preceding speech. It signals an immediate, pointed, and formal retort, rather than a casual continuation. It denotes the inception of a significant new development in the dialogue.

• Job (אִיּוֹב - ʾIyyōwḇ): The central figure of the book, a righteous and blameless man who endures incomprehensible suffering. His name's exact etymology is debated but possibly related to the root meaning "persecuted one" or "object of hostility." In the context of this verse, the name simply identifies the speaker, emphasizing that it is he, the one deeply afflicted and misunderstood, who is now speaking.

• answered (וַיַּעַן - vayya'an): From the Hebrew verb עָנָה (anah), which means "to answer," "to respond," "to testify," or even "to begin to speak." In legal or judicial contexts, anah can imply giving testimony or defending oneself against accusation. Here, it signifies Job's formal, defensive, and perhaps even confrontational reply to what he considers Eliphaz's unfounded assertions and judgmental "comfort." It's more than just speaking; it's a retort.

• and said (וַיֹּאמֶר - vayyōʾmer): From the Hebrew verb אָמַר (amar), meaning "to say," "to speak," or "to utter." This is a common Hebrew narrative formula, the waw-consecutive imperfect verb often used to introduce direct speech. Its inclusion after "answered" reinforces that Job's response is not merely internal but is now explicitly voiced, bringing his inner turmoil into the external conversation. It formally presents the forthcoming words as spoken rather than merely thought or implied.

• "Then Job answered and said": This phrase functions as a significant literary device. It signals a shift in speaker, re-establishing Job's voice and perspective after his friends' initial address. It emphasizes that what follows is Job's formal, deliberative reply to the accusations or the perceived lack of understanding from his companions. The combination of "answered" and "said" (וַיַּעַן אִיּוֹב וַיֹּאמֶר - vayya'an 'Iyyōḇ vayyō'mer) is a typical Hebraism in biblical narrative, commonly used to introduce important speeches or dialogues, giving the following discourse a sense of weight, formality, and direct response to a preceding statement or situation. It's not a casual utterance but the beginning of a profound articulation of his suffering and defense.

Job 6 1 Bonus section

The repetitive use of "answered and said" throughout the book (e.g., Job 9:1, 12:1, 16:1, etc.) underlines the structured, almost debate-like nature of the dialogue between Job and his friends. This formal literary pattern is characteristic of ancient wisdom literature, often indicating a point-by-point rebuttal or development of argument. Furthermore, the very act of Job answering and speaking against the perceived wisdom of his comforters reveals his steadfast commitment to defending his integrity before God and man, demonstrating his active faith even in his agony. His refusal to remain silent under unjust accusation is a powerful theme, showcasing resilience and the importance of vocalizing one's pain and questions to the Lord.

Job 6 1 Commentary

Job 6:1 serves primarily as an introductory verse, yet it is crucial for understanding the flow and intensity of the dialogues in the Book of Job. It signals Job's shift from being the recipient of advice to actively defending himself and voicing his uncontainable anguish. Far from being a quiet acquiescence to Eliphaz's words, Job's "answer" reveals his profound frustration with conventional wisdom that sought to neatly categorize his suffering as a result of hidden sin. This opening emphasizes the deeply personal and emotional nature of Job's subsequent words, as he expresses the full measure of his overwhelming pain and despair, directly addressing his friends' inability to grasp the unique horror of his plight. This verse, then, prepares the reader for a lament that pushes against typical theological boundaries, highlighting the mystery of suffering and the challenge of offering genuine comfort.