Job 16:6

6 Instead, I suffer if I defend myself, and I suffer no less if I refuse to speak.

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 could say the same things if you were in my place. I could spout off criticism and shake my head at you.
5 But if it were me, I would encourage you. I would try to take away your grief.
6 Instead, I suffer if I defend myself, and I suffer no less if I refuse to speak.
7 “O God, you have ground me down and devastated my family.
8 As if to prove I have sinned, you’ve reduced me to skin and bones. My gaunt flesh testifies against me.
Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright© 1996, 2004, 2007, 2013 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.