New King James Version
Job 37:20
20Should He be told that I wish to speak? If a man were to speak, surely he would be swallowed up.
Job 37:20 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Shall it be told him that I speak? if a man speak, surely he shall be swallowed up.
- New International Version (NIV)Should he be told that I want to speak? Would anyone ask to be swallowed up?
- English Standard Version (ESV)Shall it be told him that I would speak? Did a man ever wish that he would be swallowed up?
- New Living Translation (NLT)Should God be notified that I want to speak? Can people even speak when they are confused?
Context of Job 37:20
18With Him, have you spread out the skies, Strong as a cast metal mirror? 19“Teach us what we should say to Him, For we can prepare nothing because of the darkness. Should He be told that I wish to speak? If a man were to speak, surely he would be swallowed up. 21Even now men cannot look at the light when it is bright in the skies, When the wind has passed and cleared them. 22He comes from the north as golden splendor; With God is awesome majesty.
Read all of Job 37Job 37:20 word by word
הַֽיְסֻפַּר־ל֭וֹ כִּ֣י אֲדַבֵּ֑ר אִֽם־אָ֥מַר אִ֝֗ישׁ כִּ֣י יְבֻלָּֽע׃Read the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for Job 37:20
- Psalms 139:4For there is not a word on my tongue, But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.
- Matthew 12:36But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment.
- Job 6:3For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea— Therefore my words have been rash.
- Job 11:7“Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty?
Commentaries on Job 37:20
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 20Shall it be told him that I speak? - Shall I dare to whisper even before God? And suppose any one were to accuse me before him for what I have spoken of him, though that has been well intended, how should I be able to stand in his presence? I should be swallowed up in consternation, and consumed with the splendor of his majesty. But in what state art thou? What hast thou been doing? Thou hast arraigned God for his government of the world; thou hast found…Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 20Shall it be told him that I speak? - Still the language of profound awe and reverence, as if he would not have it even intimated to God that he had presumed to say anything in regard to him, or with a view to explain the reason of his doings. If a man speak - That is, if he attempt to speak with God; to argue a case with him; to contend with him in debate; to oppose him. Elihu had designed to reprove Job for the bold and presumptuous manner in which he…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 14-20Verses 14-20 Due thoughts of the works of God will help to reconcile us to all his providences. As God has a powerful, freezing north wind, so he has a thawing, composing south wind: the Spirit is compared to both, because he both convinces and comforts, So 4:16. The best of men are much in the dark concerning the glorious perfections of the Divine nature and the Divine government. Those who, through grace, know much of God, know nothing, in comparison…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 20Should He be told that I want to speak? Would a man ask to be swallowed up?: Contesting God's judgment might lead to severe punishment, even death (see 13:14).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 2020. What I a mortal say against God's dealings is not worthy of being told Him. In opposition to Job's wish to "speak" before God (Job 13:3, 18-22). if ... surely he shall be swallowed up--The parallelism more favors Umbreit, "Durst a man speak (before Him, complaining) that he is (without cause) being destroyed?"Read the comment
Topics related to Job 37:20
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on Job 37
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Rashi on Tanakh
- Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
New King James Version — © 1982 Thomas Nelson, Inc
Commentaries