5:16 Thus the poor have hope,
and iniquity 1 shuts its mouth. 2
21:2 “Listen carefully 3 to my words;
let this be 4 the consolation you offer me. 5
1 tn Other translations render this “injustice” (NIV, NRSV, CEV) or “unrighteousness” (NASB).
2 tn The verse summarizes the result of God’s intervention in human affairs, according to Eliphaz’ idea that even-handed justice prevails. Ps 107:42 parallels v. 16b.
3 tn The intensity of the appeal is again expressed by the imperative followed by the infinitive absolute for emphasis. See note on “listen carefully” in 13:17.
4 tc The LXX negates the sentence, “that I may not have this consolation from you.”
5 tn The word תַּנְחוּמֹתֵיכֶם (tankhumotekhem) is literally “your consolations,” the suffix being a subjective genitive. The friends had thought they were offering Job consolation (Job 14:11), but the consolation he wants from them is that they listen to him and respond accordingly.