Job 20:2
New International Version
“My troubled thoughts prompt me to answer because I am greatly disturbed.

New Living Translation
“I must reply because I am greatly disturbed.

English Standard Version
“Therefore my thoughts answer me, because of my haste within me.

Berean Standard Bible
“So my anxious thoughts compel me to answer, because of the turmoil within me.

King James Bible
Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste.

New King James Version
“Therefore my anxious thoughts make me answer, Because of the turmoil within me.

New American Standard Bible
“Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, Even because of my inward agitation.

NASB 1995
“Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, Even because of my inward agitation.

NASB 1977
“Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, Even because of my inward agitation.

Legacy Standard Bible
“Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me respond, Even because of my haste within me.

Amplified Bible
“Therefore my disquieting thoughts make me answer, Because of the uneasiness that is within me.

Christian Standard Bible
This is why my unsettling thoughts compel me to answer, because I am upset!

Holman Christian Standard Bible
This is why my unsettling thoughts compel me to answer, because I am upset!

American Standard Version
Therefore do my thoughts give answer to me, Even by reason of my haste that is in me.

Contemporary English Version
Your words are disturbing; now I must speak.

English Revised Version
Therefore do my thoughts give answer to me, even by reason of my haste that is in me.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"My disturbing thoughts make me answer, and because of them I am upset.

International Standard Version
"Therefore my anxious thoughts cause me to answer because I'm agitated within me.

Majority Standard Bible
“So my anxious thoughts compel me to answer, because of the turmoil within me.

NET Bible
"This is why my troubled thoughts bring me back--because of my feelings within me.

New Heart English Bible
"Therefore do my thoughts give answer to me, even by reason of my haste that is in me.

Webster's Bible Translation
Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste.

World English Bible
“Therefore my thoughts answer me, even by reason of my haste that is in me.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“Therefore my thoughts cause me to answer, "" And because of my sensations in me.

Young's Literal Translation
Therefore my thoughts cause me to answer, And because of my sensations in me.

Smith's Literal Translation
For this my thoughts will turn back, and because of my haste in me.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Therefore various thoughts succeed one another in me, and my mind is hurried away to different things.

Catholic Public Domain Version
In response, various thoughts succeed one another in me, and my mind moves quickly through different ideas.

New American Bible
So now my thoughts provide an answer for me, because of the feelings within me.

New Revised Standard Version
“Pay attention! My thoughts urge me to answer, because of the agitation within me.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Therefore my discipline has caused me to discern, and for my help it has remained with me.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
“Because my goings were discerned, and for my sake they persisted for me
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Therefore do my thoughts give answer to me, Even by reason of mine agitation that is in me.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I did not suppose that thou wouldest answer thus: neither do ye understand more than I.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Zophar: Destruction Awaits the Wicked
1Then Zophar the Naamathite replied: 2“So my anxious thoughts compel me to answer, because of the turmoil within me. 3I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply.…

Cross References
Job 15:2-3
“Does a wise man answer with empty counsel or fill his belly with the hot east wind? / Should he argue with useless words or speeches that serve no purpose?

Job 18:1-2
Then Bildad the Shuhite replied: / “How long until you end these speeches? Show some sense, and then we can talk.

Job 11:2-3
“Should this stream of words go unanswered and such a speaker be vindicated? / Should your babbling put others to silence? Will you scoff without rebuke?

Job 32:17-20
I too will answer; yes, I will declare what I know. / For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me. / Behold, my belly is like unvented wine; it is about to burst like a new wineskin. ...

Job 4:1-2
Then Eliphaz the Temanite replied: / “If one ventures a word with you, will you be wearied? Yet who can keep from speaking?

Job 5:2
For resentment kills a fool, and envy slays the simple.

Job 8:2
“How long will you go on saying such things? The words of your mouth are a blustering wind.

Proverbs 18:13
He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.

Proverbs 29:20
Do you see a man who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for him.

Ecclesiastes 5:2
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.

James 1:19
My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,

James 3:5-6
In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. / The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

Matthew 12:34-37
You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ...

1 Corinthians 1:20
Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?

1 Corinthians 3:19-20
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” / And again, “The Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise are futile.”


Treasury of Scripture

Therefore do my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I make haste.

my thoughts

Job 20:3
I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.

Job 4:2
If we assay to commune with thee, wilt thou be grieved? but who can withhold himself from speaking?

Job 13:19
Who is he that will plead with me? for now, if I hold my tongue, I shall give up the ghost.

and for

Psalm 31:22
For I said in my haste, I am cut off from before thine eyes: nevertheless thou heardest the voice of my supplications when I cried unto thee.

Psalm 116:11
I said in my haste, All men are liars.

Proverbs 14:29
He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.

I make haste.

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Agitation Cause Disquieting Disturbed Driving Greatly Haste Inward Prompt Reason Respond Thoughts Troubled Troubling Within
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Agitation Cause Disquieting Disturbed Driving Greatly Haste Inward Prompt Reason Respond Thoughts Troubled Troubling Within
Job 20
1. Zophar shows the state and portion of the wicked














So Zophar the Naamathite replied
So
The word "So" serves as a conjunction, linking the previous discourse to the response that follows. In the context of the Book of Job, it indicates a continuation of the dialogue between Job and his friends. This word sets the stage for Zophar's speech, suggesting a reaction or a rebuttal to what has been previously stated by Job. It implies a sense of immediacy and urgency in Zophar's response, as he feels compelled to address Job's assertions.

Zophar
Zophar is one of Job's three friends, alongside Eliphaz and Bildad. His name, possibly derived from a Hebrew root meaning "to leap" or "to chirp," suggests a character who is quick to speak or respond. Zophar is often seen as the most dogmatic and impatient of Job's friends, eager to assert his understanding of divine justice. His role in the narrative is to challenge Job's claims of innocence and to insist on the traditional view of retributive justice.

the Naamathite
This designation identifies Zophar's place of origin, Naamah. While the exact location of Naamah is uncertain, it is believed to be a region in Arabia or Edom. The mention of his origin serves to provide a cultural and geographical context, indicating that Zophar, like Job's other friends, comes from a place of wisdom and understanding. It underscores the diversity of perspectives represented in the dialogue, as each friend brings his own background and beliefs to the discussion.

replied
The act of replying signifies a response to Job's previous speech. In the Hebrew text, the verb used here conveys a sense of answering or responding, often with the implication of a formal or considered reply. Zophar's reply is not merely a casual comment but a deliberate and structured argument. This reflects the nature of the dialogues in the Book of Job, which are characterized by their poetic and rhetorical style. Zophar's reply is intended to counter Job's assertions and to present his own understanding of the situation.

(2) Therefore.--That is, because of the eagerness that is in him. His spirit is stirred in him, and impels him to reply.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“For this reason
לָ֭כֵן (lā·ḵên)
Adverb
Strong's 3651: So -- thus

my anxious thoughts
שְׂעִפַּ֣י (śə·‘ip·pay)
Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5587: Divided, a sentiment

compel me to answer,
יְשִׁיב֑וּנִי (yə·šî·ḇū·nî)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person masculine plural | first person common singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

because
וּ֝בַעֲב֗וּר (ū·ḇa·‘ă·ḇūr)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5668: Crossed, transit, on account of, in order that

of the turmoil
ח֣וּשִׁי (ḥū·šî)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | first person common singular
Strong's 2363: To hurry, to be eager with excitement, enjoyment

within me.
בִֽי׃ (ḇî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrew


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OT Poetry: Job 20:2 Therefore do my thoughts give answer (Jb)
Job 20:1
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