Job 16:6

6 If I speak, my pain is not relieved; and [if] I cease, how much will leave me?

Job 16:6 Meaning and Commentary

Job 16:6

Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged
Though he spoke to God in prayer, and entreated for some abatement of his sorrows, he got no relief; and though he spoke to himself in soliloquies, his sorrow was not repressed nor lessened; he could not administer comfort to himself in the present case, though he might to others in like circumstances, if his own were changed;

and [though] I forbear
speaking, hold my peace, and say nothing,

what am I eased?
or "what goes from me" F20? not anything of my trouble or grief; sometimes a man speaking of his troubles to his friends gives vent to his grief, and he is somewhat eased; and on the other hand being silent about it, he forgets it, and it goes off; but in neither of those ways could Job be released: or it may be his sense is, that when he spake of his affliction, and attempted to vindicate his character, he was represented as an impatient and passionate man, if not as blasphemous, so that his grief was rather increased than assuaged; and if he was silent, that was interpreted a consciousness of his guilt; so that, let him take what course he would, it was much the same, he could get no ease nor comfort.


FOOTNOTES:

F20 (Klxy ynm hm) "quid a me abit", Junius & Tremellius, Schultens.

Job 16:6 In-Context

4 I myself also could talk as you, if {you were in my place}; I could join against you with words, and I could shake at you with my head.
5 I could encourage you with my mouth, and the solace of my lips would ease the pain.
6 If I speak, my pain is not relieved; and [if] I cease, how much will leave me?
7 "Surely now he has worn me out; you have devastated all my company.
8 Thus you shriveled me up; it became a witness. And my leanness has risen up against me; it testifies to my face.
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