Job 35:16 - Therefore Job opens his mouth with empty talk, and he multiplies words without knowledge.”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Job 35:16" mean?
This verse, Job 35:16, is part of Elihu's speech, where he is criticizing Job for his words and arguments. Let's break down the meaning:
"Therefore Job opens his mouth with empty talk...": Elihu is saying that Job's words are meaningless and without substance. He believes Job is speaking without understanding the true nature of God's justice. The "empty talk" suggests that Job's complaints and assertions are hollow and unproductive.
"...and he multiplies words without knowledge.": This reinforces the first part of the verse. "Multiplies words" means Job is speaking excessively and at length, but without any genuine understanding or wisdom. The key phrase is "without knowledge." Elihu is accusing Job of speaking presumptuously about things he doesn't truly comprehend, specifically God's ways.
In essence, Elihu's criticism is that Job is rambling on and on, making pronouncements about God and suffering, but he lacks the necessary understanding to make such claims valid. Elihu believes Job is speaking out of ignorance and frustration rather than genuine insight.
Context within the Book of Job
It's important to remember the context of the book of Job. Job has suffered immensely and is questioning God's justice. His friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) have offered traditional theological explanations for his suffering (that he must have sinned). Job maintains his innocence and argues that God is treating him unfairly.
Elihu enters the scene later, after the other three friends have finished speaking. He positions himself as a wise and impartial observer, attempting to correct both Job and the other friends. He sees Job's words as disrespectful and lacking in true knowledge of God's character and purposes.
Elihu's overall argument is that God is just, even if his ways are beyond human comprehension. He believes that suffering can serve a purpose, even if that purpose isn't immediately clear.
Job 35:16 - Therefore Job opens his mouth with empty talk, and he multiplies words without knowledge.”
What does "Job 35:16" mean?
This verse, Job 35:16, is part of Elihu's speech, where he is criticizing Job for his words and arguments. Let's break down the meaning:
"Therefore Job opens his mouth with empty talk...": Elihu is saying that Job's words are meaningless and without substance. He believes Job is speaking without understanding the true nature of God's justice. The "empty talk" suggests that Job's complaints and assertions are hollow and unproductive.
"...and he multiplies words without knowledge.": This reinforces the first part of the verse. "Multiplies words" means Job is speaking excessively and at length, but without any genuine understanding or wisdom. The key phrase is "without knowledge." Elihu is accusing Job of speaking presumptuously about things he doesn't truly comprehend, specifically God's ways.
In essence, Elihu's criticism is that Job is rambling on and on, making pronouncements about God and suffering, but he lacks the necessary understanding to make such claims valid. Elihu believes Job is speaking out of ignorance and frustration rather than genuine insight.
Context within the Book of Job
It's important to remember the context of the book of Job. Job has suffered immensely and is questioning God's justice. His friends (Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar) have offered traditional theological explanations for his suffering (that he must have sinned). Job maintains his innocence and argues that God is treating him unfairly.
Elihu enters the scene later, after the other three friends have finished speaking. He positions himself as a wise and impartial observer, attempting to correct both Job and the other friends. He sees Job's words as disrespectful and lacking in true knowledge of God's character and purposes.
Elihu's overall argument is that God is just, even if his ways are beyond human comprehension. He believes that suffering can serve a purpose, even if that purpose isn't immediately clear.