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Job 40:4

HumilityStillness and meditationShame

2 “Will the faultfinder contend with the Almighty? Let him who argues with God give an answer.”

3 Then Job answered the LORD:

“Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.

5 I have spoken once, but I have no answer— twice, but I have nothing to add.”

6 Then the LORD answered Job out of the whirlwind and said:

Read the whole chapter

Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.

Compare

BSB
“Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth.
KJV
Behold, I am vile; what shall I answer thee? I will lay mine hand upon my mouth.
WEB
“Behold, I am of small account. What will I answer you? I lay my hand on my mouth.
ASV
Behold, I am of small account; What shall I answer thee? I lay my hand upon my mouth.
DARBY
Behold, I am nought: what shall I answer thee? I will lay my hand upon my mouth.
BLB
“Behold, I am slight. How can I reply to You? My hand I place over my mouth.
ÅB
Nei, jeg er for ringe; hva skulle jeg svare deg? Jeg legger min hånd på min munn.
OTB
“Se, jeg er av liten betydning; hvordan kan jeg svare Deg?
Jeg vil legge min hånd over munnen.
B1930
Nei, jeg er for ringe; hvad skulde jeg svare dig? Jeg legger min hånd på min munn.

Study notes (Tyndale)

Original text and word study

Cross references

  • Proverbs 30:32

    If you have foolishly exalted yourself or if you have plotted evil, put your hand over your mouth.

    Read in context

  • Job 29:9

    The princes refrained from speaking and covered their mouths with their hands.

    Read in context

  • Job 21:5

    Look at me and be appalled; put your hand over your mouth.

    Read in context

  • Job 42:6

    Therefore I retract my words, and I repent in dust and ashes.”

    Read in context

  • Judges 18:19

    “Be quiet,” they told him. “Put your hand over your mouth and come with us and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest for the house of one person or a priest for a tribe and family in Israel?”

    Read in context

  • Genesis 18:27

    Then Abraham answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes—

    Read in context

  • Ezra 9:6

    and said: “O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, because our iniquities are higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached the heavens.

    Read in context

  • Psalms 39:9

    I have become mute; I do not open my mouth because of what You have done.

    Read in context