Bible Commentaries
Job 21

Verse 1

answered = replied. See note on Job 4:1 .

Verse 2

Hear diligently. See note on Job 13:17 .

Verse 3

mock on = mock [thou] on, as if pointing to him.

Verse 4

man. Hebrew. 'adam. App-14 .

why . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

my spirit = myself. Hebrew. ruach ( App-9 ). Put by Figure of speech Synecdoche (of the Part), App-6 , for the whole person, for emphasis.

Verse 5

lay your hand, &c. A token of having no answer.

Verse 9

are safe = are in peace.

GOD. Hebrew Eloah. App-4 .

Verse 10

their = each.

Verse 11

children = lads.

Verse 12

organ. Hebrew. 'ugab = a wind instrument. Compare Genesis 4:21 .Genesis 30:31 .Psalms 150:4 .

Verse 13

go down = get dashed.

the grave. Hebrew. Sheol. App-35 .

Verse 14

GOD. Hebrew EI. App-4 .

Verse 15

What. ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

THE ALMIGHTY. Hebrew Shaddai. App-4 .

Verse 17

How oft. ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 . These words must be repeated to supply the Ellipsis at the beginning of Job 21:18 and Job 21:19 , as in middle of Job 21:17 .

candle = lamp.

wicked = lawless. Hebrew. rasha. App-44 .

God. Supply "How oft He", &c, instead of "God".

Verse 18

They: i.e. [How oft] they.

stubble = crushed straw. Hebrew. teben (not kash = straw.

wind. Hebrew. ruach. App-9 .

Verse 19

GOD = [How oft] Eloah.

his: i.e. the lawless man's children.

iniquity. Hebrew. 'avert, App-44 . Put by Figure of speech Metonymy (of Cause), for punishment brought on by it.

children = sons.

Verse 24

breasts = skin bottles.

Verse 25

soul. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13 .

Verse 28

Where . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

prince = noble.

Verse 29

Have ye not. ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

Verse 30

That. Supply Ellipsis ( App-6 ) before "That" = "[They say] that". See translation below.

Verse 31

Who . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6 .

Verse 32

the grave = sepulchre. Hebrew. keber. App-35 .

tomb = tumulus, or sepulchral mound.

Verse 33

clods. Hebrew. degeb = soft, or moist clods. Occurs only here and Job 38:38 .

Verse 34

falsehood = perverseness. Hebrew. ma'al. App-44 .