Lectionary Calendar
Wednesday, September 10th, 2025
the Week of Proper 18 / Ordinary 23
the Week of Proper 18 / Ordinary 23
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Read the Bible
THE MESSAGE
Job 32:20
This verse is not available in the MSG!
Jump to:Bible Study Tools • Parallel Bible Verse • Bible Contextual Overview • Bible Cross-References • Gill's Bible Notes • Clarke's Bible Notes • Barnes' Bible Notes
Bible Study Resources
Dictionaries:
- AmericanEncyclopedias:
- InternationalParallel Translations
Christian Standard Bible®
I must speak so that I can find relief;I must open my lips and respond.
I must speak so that I can find relief;I must open my lips and respond.
Hebrew Names Version
I will speak, that I may be refreshed. I will open my lips and answer.
I will speak, that I may be refreshed. I will open my lips and answer.
King James Version
I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
English Standard Version
I must speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer.
I must speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer.
New Century Version
I must speak so I will feel relief; I must open my mouth and answer.
I must speak so I will feel relief; I must open my mouth and answer.
New English Translation
I will speak, so that I may find relief; I will open my lips, so that I may answer.
I will speak, so that I may find relief; I will open my lips, so that I may answer.
Amplified Bible
"I must speak so that I may get relief; I will open my lips and answer.
"I must speak so that I may get relief; I will open my lips and answer.
New American Standard Bible
"Let me speak so that I may get relief; Let me open my lips and answer.
"Let me speak so that I may get relief; Let me open my lips and answer.
World English Bible
I will speak, that I may be refreshed. I will open my lips and answer.
I will speak, that I may be refreshed. I will open my lips and answer.
Geneva Bible (1587)
Therefore will I speake, that I may take breath: I will open my lippes, and will answere.
Therefore will I speake, that I may take breath: I will open my lippes, and will answere.
Legacy Standard Bible
Let me speak that I may get relief;Let me open my lips and answer.
Let me speak that I may get relief;Let me open my lips and answer.
Berean Standard Bible
I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond.
I must speak and find relief; I must open my lips and respond.
Contemporary English Version
if I don't speak.
if I don't speak.
Complete Jewish Bible
I must speak, to find relief; I will open my lips and answer.
I must speak, to find relief; I will open my lips and answer.
Darby Translation
I will speak, that I may find relief; I will open my lips and answer.
I will speak, that I may find relief; I will open my lips and answer.
Easy-to-Read Version
I must speak so that I will feel better. I must answer your arguments.
I must speak so that I will feel better. I must answer your arguments.
George Lamsa Translation
I will speak so that I may find relief; I will open my lips and answer.
I will speak so that I may find relief; I will open my lips and answer.
Good News Translation
I can't stand it; I have to speak.
I can't stand it; I have to speak.
Lexham English Bible
Let me speak that I may find relief; let me open my lips, and let me answer.
Let me speak that I may find relief; let me open my lips, and let me answer.
Literal Translation
I will speak so that I may be relieved; I will open my lips and answer.
I will speak so that I may be relieved; I will open my lips and answer.
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Therfore wil I speake, that I maye haue vete: I wil open my lyppes, and make answere.
Therfore wil I speake, that I maye haue vete: I wil open my lyppes, and make answere.
American Standard Version
I will speak, that I may be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer.
I will speak, that I may be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer.
Bible in Basic English
Let me say what is in my mind, so that I may get comfort; let me give answer with open mouth.
Let me say what is in my mind, so that I may get comfort; let me give answer with open mouth.
JPS Old Testament (1917)
I will speak, that I may find relief; I will open my lips and answer.
I will speak, that I may find relief; I will open my lips and answer.
King James Version (1611)
I will speake, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lippes, and answere.
I will speake, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lippes, and answere.
Bishop's Bible (1568)
[Therfore] will I speake, that I may haue a bent: I will open my lippes, and make aunswere.
[Therfore] will I speake, that I may haue a bent: I will open my lippes, and make aunswere.
Brenton's Septuagint (LXX)
I will speak, that I may open my lips and relieve myself.
I will speak, that I may open my lips and relieve myself.
English Revised Version
I will speak, that I may be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer.
I will speak, that I may be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer.
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
Y schal speke, and brethe ayen a litil; Y schal opene my lippis, and Y schal answere.
Y schal speke, and brethe ayen a litil; Y schal opene my lippis, and Y schal answere.
Update Bible Version
I will speak, that I may be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer.
I will speak, that I may be refreshed; I will open my lips and answer.
Webster's Bible Translation
I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
I will speak, that I may be refreshed: I will open my lips and answer.
New King James Version
I will speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer.
I will speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer.
New Living Translation
I must speak to find relief, so let me give my answers.
I must speak to find relief, so let me give my answers.
New Life Bible
Let me speak, that I may find comfort. Let me open my lips and answer.
Let me speak, that I may find comfort. Let me open my lips and answer.
New Revised Standard
I must speak, so that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer.
I must speak, so that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer.
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
I will speak, that I may freely breathe, I will open my lips and respond.
I will speak, that I may freely breathe, I will open my lips and respond.
Douay-Rheims Bible
I will speak and take breath a little: I will open my lips, and will answer.
I will speak and take breath a little: I will open my lips, and will answer.
Revised Standard Version
I must speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer.
I must speak, that I may find relief; I must open my lips and answer.
Young's Literal Translation
I speak, and there is refreshment to me, I open my lips and answer.
I speak, and there is refreshment to me, I open my lips and answer.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
"Let me speak that I may get relief; Let me open my lips and answer.
"Let me speak that I may get relief; Let me open my lips and answer.
Contextual Overview
15"Do you three have nothing else to say? Of course you don't! You're total frauds! Why should I wait any longer, now that you're stopped dead in your tracks? I'm ready to speak my piece. That's right! It's my turn—and it's about time! I've got a lot to say, and I'm bursting to say it. The pressure has built up, like lava beneath the earth. I'm a volcano ready to blow. I have to speak—I have no choice. I have to say what's on my heart, And I'm going to say it straight— the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. I was never any good at bootlicking; my Maker would make short work of me if I started in now!"
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
I will speak: Job 13:13, Job 13:19, Job 20:2, Job 21:3
be refreshed: Heb. breathe
I will open: Proverbs 8:6, Proverbs 8:7
Reciprocal: Psalms 39:2 - my sorrow Isaiah 42:14 - long time 2 Corinthians 6:11 - our mouth
Cross-References
Genesis 32:9
And then Jacob prayed, "God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, God who told me, ‘Go back to your parents' homeland and I'll treat you well.' I don't deserve all the love and loyalty you've shown me. When I left here and crossed the Jordan I only had the clothes on my back, and now look at me—two camps! Save me, please, from the violence of my brother, my angry brother! I'm afraid he'll come and attack us all, me, the mothers and the children. You yourself said, ‘I will treat you well; I'll make your descendants like the sands of the sea, far too many to count.'"
And then Jacob prayed, "God of my father Abraham, God of my father Isaac, God who told me, ‘Go back to your parents' homeland and I'll treat you well.' I don't deserve all the love and loyalty you've shown me. When I left here and crossed the Jordan I only had the clothes on my back, and now look at me—two camps! Save me, please, from the violence of my brother, my angry brother! I'm afraid he'll come and attack us all, me, the mothers and the children. You yourself said, ‘I will treat you well; I'll make your descendants like the sands of the sea, far too many to count.'"
Genesis 32:17
Then he instructed the first one out: "When my brother Esau comes close and asks, ‘Who is your master? Where are you going? Who owns these?'—answer him like this, ‘Your servant Jacob. They are a gift to my master Esau. He's on his way.'"
Then he instructed the first one out: "When my brother Esau comes close and asks, ‘Who is your master? Where are you going? Who owns these?'—answer him like this, ‘Your servant Jacob. They are a gift to my master Esau. He's on his way.'"
Genesis 43:11
Their father Israel gave in. "If it has to be, it has to be. But do this: stuff your packs with the finest products from the land you can find and take them to the man as gifts—some balm and honey, some spices and perfumes, some pistachios and almonds. And take plenty of money—pay back double what was returned to your sacks; that might have been a mistake. Take your brother and get going. Go back to the man. And may The Strong God give you grace in that man's eyes so that he'll send back your other brother along with Benjamin. For me, nothing's left; I've lost everything."
Their father Israel gave in. "If it has to be, it has to be. But do this: stuff your packs with the finest products from the land you can find and take them to the man as gifts—some balm and honey, some spices and perfumes, some pistachios and almonds. And take plenty of money—pay back double what was returned to your sacks; that might have been a mistake. Take your brother and get going. Go back to the man. And may The Strong God give you grace in that man's eyes so that he'll send back your other brother along with Benjamin. For me, nothing's left; I've lost everything."
1 Kings 20:31
At about this same time Ben-Hadad king of Aram mustered his troops. He recruited in addition thirty-two local sheiks, all outfitted with horses and chariots. He set out in force and surrounded Samaria, ready to make war. He sent an envoy into the city to set his terms before Ahab king of Israel: "Ben-Hadad lays claim to your silver and gold, and to the pick of your wives and sons." The king of Israel accepted the terms: "As you say, distinguished lord; I and everything I have is yours." But then the envoy returned a second time, saying, "On second thought, I want it all—your silver and gold and all your wives and sons. Hand them over—the whole works. I'll give you twenty-four hours; then my servants will arrive to search your palace and the houses of your officials and loot them; anything that strikes their fancy, they'll take." The king of Israel called a meeting of all his tribal elders. He said, "Look at this—outrageous! He's just looking for trouble. He means to clean me out, demanding all my women and children. And after I already agreed to pay him off handsomely!" The elders, backed by the people, said, "Don't cave in to him. Don't give an inch." So he sent an envoy to Ben-Hadad, "Tell my distinguished lord, ‘I agreed to the terms you delivered the first time, but this I can't do—this I won't do!'" The envoy went back and delivered the answer. Ben-Hadad shot back his response: "May the gods do their worst to me, and then worse again, if there'll be anything left of Samaria but rubble." The king of Israel countered, "Think about it—it's easier to start a fight than end one." It happened that when Ben-Hadad heard this retort he was into some heavy drinking, boozing it up with the sheiks in their field shelters. Drunkenly, he ordered his henchmen, "Go after them!" And they attacked the city. Just then a lone prophet approached Ahab king of Israel and said, " God 's word: Have you taken a good look at this mob? Well, look again—I'm turning it over to you this very day. And you'll know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that I am God ." Ahab said, "Really? And who is going to make this happen?" God said, "The young commandos of the regional chiefs." "And who," said Ahab, "will strike the first blow?" God said, "You." Ahab looked over the commandos of the regional chiefs; he counted 232. Then he assessed the available troops—7,000. At noon they set out after Ben-Hadad who, with his allies, the thirty-two sheiks, was busy at serious drinking in the field shelters. The commandos of the regional chiefs made up the vanguard. A report was brought to Ben-Hadad: "Men are on their way from Samaria." He said, "If they've come in peace, take them alive as hostages; if they've come to fight, the same—take them alive as hostages." The commandos poured out of the city with the full army behind them. They hit hard in hand-to-hand combat. The Arameans scattered from the field, with Israel hard on their heels. But Ben-Hadad king of Aram got away on horseback, along with his cavalry. The king of Israel cut down both horses and chariots—an enormous defeat for Aram. Sometime later the prophet came to the king of Israel and said, "On the alert now—build up your army, assess your capabilities, and see what has to be done. Before the year is out, the king of Aram will be back in force." Meanwhile the advisors to the king of Aram said, "Their god is a god of the mountains—we don't stand a chance against them there. So let's engage them on the plain where we'll have the advantage. Here's the strategy: Remove each sheik from his place of leadership and replace him with a seasoned officer. Then recruit a fighting force equivalent in size to the army that deserted earlier—horse for horse, chariot for chariot. And we'll fight them on the plain—we're sure to prove stronger than they are." It sounded good to the king; he did what they advised. As the new year approached, Ben-Hadad rallied Aram and they went up to Aphek to make war on Israel. The Israelite army prepared to fight and took the field to meet Aram. They moved into battle formation before Aram in two camps, like two flocks of goats. The plain was seething with Arameans. Just then a holy man approached the king of Israel saying, "This is God 's word: Because Aram said, ‘ God is a god of the mountains and not a god of the valleys,' I'll hand over this huge mob of an army to you. Then you'll know that I am God ." The two armies were poised in a standoff for seven days. On the seventh day fighting broke out. The Israelites killed 100,000 of the Aramean infantry in one day. The rest of the army ran for their lives back to the city, Aphek, only to have the city wall fall on 27,000 of the survivors. Ben-Hadad escaped into the city and hid in a closet. Then his advisors told him, "Look, we've heard that the kings of Israel play by the rules; let's dress in old gunnysacks, carry a white flag of truce, and present ourselves to the king of Israel on the chance that he'll let you live."
At about this same time Ben-Hadad king of Aram mustered his troops. He recruited in addition thirty-two local sheiks, all outfitted with horses and chariots. He set out in force and surrounded Samaria, ready to make war. He sent an envoy into the city to set his terms before Ahab king of Israel: "Ben-Hadad lays claim to your silver and gold, and to the pick of your wives and sons." The king of Israel accepted the terms: "As you say, distinguished lord; I and everything I have is yours." But then the envoy returned a second time, saying, "On second thought, I want it all—your silver and gold and all your wives and sons. Hand them over—the whole works. I'll give you twenty-four hours; then my servants will arrive to search your palace and the houses of your officials and loot them; anything that strikes their fancy, they'll take." The king of Israel called a meeting of all his tribal elders. He said, "Look at this—outrageous! He's just looking for trouble. He means to clean me out, demanding all my women and children. And after I already agreed to pay him off handsomely!" The elders, backed by the people, said, "Don't cave in to him. Don't give an inch." So he sent an envoy to Ben-Hadad, "Tell my distinguished lord, ‘I agreed to the terms you delivered the first time, but this I can't do—this I won't do!'" The envoy went back and delivered the answer. Ben-Hadad shot back his response: "May the gods do their worst to me, and then worse again, if there'll be anything left of Samaria but rubble." The king of Israel countered, "Think about it—it's easier to start a fight than end one." It happened that when Ben-Hadad heard this retort he was into some heavy drinking, boozing it up with the sheiks in their field shelters. Drunkenly, he ordered his henchmen, "Go after them!" And they attacked the city. Just then a lone prophet approached Ahab king of Israel and said, " God 's word: Have you taken a good look at this mob? Well, look again—I'm turning it over to you this very day. And you'll know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, that I am God ." Ahab said, "Really? And who is going to make this happen?" God said, "The young commandos of the regional chiefs." "And who," said Ahab, "will strike the first blow?" God said, "You." Ahab looked over the commandos of the regional chiefs; he counted 232. Then he assessed the available troops—7,000. At noon they set out after Ben-Hadad who, with his allies, the thirty-two sheiks, was busy at serious drinking in the field shelters. The commandos of the regional chiefs made up the vanguard. A report was brought to Ben-Hadad: "Men are on their way from Samaria." He said, "If they've come in peace, take them alive as hostages; if they've come to fight, the same—take them alive as hostages." The commandos poured out of the city with the full army behind them. They hit hard in hand-to-hand combat. The Arameans scattered from the field, with Israel hard on their heels. But Ben-Hadad king of Aram got away on horseback, along with his cavalry. The king of Israel cut down both horses and chariots—an enormous defeat for Aram. Sometime later the prophet came to the king of Israel and said, "On the alert now—build up your army, assess your capabilities, and see what has to be done. Before the year is out, the king of Aram will be back in force." Meanwhile the advisors to the king of Aram said, "Their god is a god of the mountains—we don't stand a chance against them there. So let's engage them on the plain where we'll have the advantage. Here's the strategy: Remove each sheik from his place of leadership and replace him with a seasoned officer. Then recruit a fighting force equivalent in size to the army that deserted earlier—horse for horse, chariot for chariot. And we'll fight them on the plain—we're sure to prove stronger than they are." It sounded good to the king; he did what they advised. As the new year approached, Ben-Hadad rallied Aram and they went up to Aphek to make war on Israel. The Israelite army prepared to fight and took the field to meet Aram. They moved into battle formation before Aram in two camps, like two flocks of goats. The plain was seething with Arameans. Just then a holy man approached the king of Israel saying, "This is God 's word: Because Aram said, ‘ God is a god of the mountains and not a god of the valleys,' I'll hand over this huge mob of an army to you. Then you'll know that I am God ." The two armies were poised in a standoff for seven days. On the seventh day fighting broke out. The Israelites killed 100,000 of the Aramean infantry in one day. The rest of the army ran for their lives back to the city, Aphek, only to have the city wall fall on 27,000 of the survivors. Ben-Hadad escaped into the city and hid in a closet. Then his advisors told him, "Look, we've heard that the kings of Israel play by the rules; let's dress in old gunnysacks, carry a white flag of truce, and present ourselves to the king of Israel on the chance that he'll let you live."
Proverbs 15:18
Hot tempers start fights; a calm, cool spirit keeps the peace.
Hot tempers start fights; a calm, cool spirit keeps the peace.
Proverbs 16:14
An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; you're smart to stay clear of someone like that.
An intemperate leader wreaks havoc in lives; you're smart to stay clear of someone like that.
Proverbs 21:14
A quietly given gift soothes an irritable person; a heartfelt present cools a hot temper.
A quietly given gift soothes an irritable person; a heartfelt present cools a hot temper.
Gill's Notes on the Bible
I will speak, that I may be refreshed,.... That his mind might be made easy; the matter it was full of lay with much weight upon it, pressed him hard, and gave him pain; and therefore he determines to speak his mind, and disburden himself: so a minister of the word speaks sometimes to the refreshment of others, the Gospel being a word in season to weary souls, bread to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, even wine to them that are of an heavy heart; and especially it is refreshing when the love of God is shed abroad in the heart through it, and the presence of God is enjoyed under it; and sometimes he speaks to the refreshment of himself with others, Romans 15:32; and whether it be so, one or the other, yet a faithful minister eases his mind, discharges his conscience, and is clear from the blood of all, when he truly and fully declares the whole counsel of God, so far as he is acquainted with it:
I will open my lips and answer; speak freely and boldly what was upon his mind, and he had to say, and which he judged would be a sufficient answer to Job; the opening of his lips is a phrase used by him in allusion to the opening of a bottle, full of new wine, the metaphor before expressed by him.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
I will speak, that I may be refreshed - Margin, “breathe.” The meaning is, that he would then have room to breathe again; he would feel relieved.
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse Job 32:20. I will open my lips and answer. — In the preceding verse Elihu compares himself to a skin-bottle, in which the wine was in a state of fermentation, and the bottle ready to burst for want of vent. He carries on the metaphor in this verse: the bottle must be opened to save it from bursting; I will OPEN my mouth.
