Job 20:3

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 20:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “I have heard the reproof which putteth me to shame; And the spirit of my understanding answereth me.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

I have heard the reproof which putteth me to shame; And the spirit of my understanding answereth me.
Job 20:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 20

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3I have heard the reproof which putteth me to shame; And the spirit of my understanding answereth me.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“I have heard the check of my reproach, etc.] He took it that Job had reproached him and his friends, by representing them as hardhearted men, and persecuting him wrongly in a violent manner; and he had observed the “check” or reproof given for it, by bidding them beware of the sword, and lest the punishment of it should be inflicted on them; and if that should not be the case, yet there was a righteous judgment they could not escape. Now Zophar heard this, but could not hear it with patience; be could not bear that he and his friends should be insulted, as he thought, in this manner; and therefore it was he was in such baste to return an answer; though some f769 think he here pretends to a…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“check of my reproach--that is, the castigation intended as a reproach (literally, "shame") to me. spirit of . . . understanding--my rational spirit; answering to "calm thoughts" (Job 20:2). In spite of thy reproach urging me to "hastiness." I will answer in calm reason.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I have heard the check of my reproach - I have heard your violent and severe language reproaching us. Probably he refers to what Job had said in the close of his speech Job 19:29, that they had occasion to dread the wrath of God, and that they might anticipate heavy judgments as the result of their opinions. Or it may be, as Schultens supposes, that he refers to what Job said in Job 19:2, and the rebuke that he had administered there. Or possibly, and still more probably, I think, he may refer to what Job had said in reply to the former speech of Zophar Job 12:2, where he tauntingly says that “they were the people, and that wisdom would die with them.” The Hebrew literally is, “the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“The check - Thy opprobrious reproofs of us. Understanding - I speak, not from passion, but certain knowledge. Job 20:4”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the check: Job 19:29 the spirit: Job 20:2, Job 27:11, Job 33:3; Psa 49:3, Psa 78:2-5 Job 20:4”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification