Job 5:16

5:16 Thus the poor have hope,

and iniquity ¹  shuts its mouth. ² 

Job 21:2

21:2 “Listen carefully ³  to my words;

let this be ⁴  the consolation you offer me. ⁵ 

[5:16]  ¹ tn Other translations render this “injustice” (NIV, NRSV, CEV) or “unrighteousness” (NASB).

[5:16]  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.

[21:2]  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.

[21:2]  ⁴ tc The LXX negates the sentence, “that I may not have this consolation from you.”

[21:2]  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.