Then
The word "Then" serves as a transitional marker, indicating a continuation of the dialogue between Job and his friends. In the context of the Book of Job, this word signifies a shift in the conversation, highlighting the ongoing nature of the discourse. It suggests a sequence of events, where Bildad is responding to Job's previous speech. This transition is crucial in understanding the flow of the narrative and the structure of the dialogues, which are central to the book's exploration of suffering and divine justice.

Bildad
Bildad is one of Job's three friends who come to comfort him in his time of suffering. His name, possibly derived from a Semitic root meaning "Bel has loved," suggests a cultural and religious background that is distinct from Job's. Bildad's role in the narrative is to present a traditional perspective on suffering and divine retribution. His speeches often emphasize the justice of God and the idea that suffering is a result of sin. Understanding Bildad's character and his theological stance is essential for interpreting his arguments and the broader themes of the book.

the Shuhite
The designation "the Shuhite" identifies Bildad's ethnic or tribal affiliation. The Shuhites are believed to be descendants of Shuah, a son of Abraham and Keturah, as mentioned in Genesis 25:2. This connection places Bildad within the broader context of the ancient Near Eastern world, suggesting a shared cultural and religious heritage with other characters in the narrative. The mention of his origin provides insight into the diverse backgrounds of Job's friends and the various perspectives they bring to the discussion of Job's suffering.

replied
The word "replied" indicates that Bildad is responding to Job's previous statements. This response is part of the cyclical pattern of speeches in the Book of Job, where each friend takes turns addressing Job's lamentations and assertions. The act of replying underscores the dialogical nature of the text, which is structured as a series of debates or arguments. Bildad's reply is an attempt to counter Job's claims and to offer his own understanding of the situation, rooted in the belief that suffering is a consequence of wrongdoing. This exchange of ideas is central to the book's exploration of theodicy and the human experience of suffering.

XVIII.

(1) How long?--Bildad begins very much as Job himself had done (Job 16).

Verses 1-21. - Bildad's second speech is no improvement upon his first (ch. 8.). He has evidently been exceedingly nettled by Job's contemptuous words concerning his "comforters" (Job 16:2, 11; Job 17:10); and aims at nothing but venting his anger, and terrifying Job by a series of denunciations and threats. Job has become to him "the wicked man" (vers. 5, 21), an embodiment of all that is evil, and one "that knoweth not God." No punishment is too severe for him. Verses 1, 2. - Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said, How long will it be ere ye make an end of words? (So Rosenmuller, Gesenius, Welte, Merx, Lee, and Canon Cook.) Others render, "How long will ye lay snares for words?" which is a possible translation, but does not give a very good sense. Bildad, a tolerably concise speaker himself (see Job 8:2-22; Job 25:2-6), is impatient at the length of Job's replies. He had already, in his former speech (Job 8:2), reproached Job with his prolixity; now he repeats the charge. The employment of the second person plural in this and the following verses is not very easily accounted for. Bildad can scarcely mean to blame his friend Eliphaz. Perhaps he regards Job as having supporters among the lookers-on, of whom there may have been several besides Elihu (Job 32:2). Mark; rather, consider; i.e. think a little, instead of talking. And afterwards we will speak. Then, calmly and without hurry, we will proceed to reply to what you have said.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Then Bildad
בִּלְדַּ֥ד (bil·daḏ)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1085: Bildad -- perhaps 'Bel has loved', one of Job's friends

the Shuhite
הַשֻּׁחִ֗י (haš·šu·ḥî)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7747: Shuhite -- a Shuchite

replied:
וַ֭יַּעַן (way·ya·‘an)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6030: To answer, respond


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OT Poetry: Job 18:1 Then Bildad the Shuhite answered (Jb)