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◄ Job 4:16►

New International Version
It stopped, but I could not tell what it was. A form stood before my eyes, and I heard a hushed voice:

New Living Translation
The spirit stopped, but I couldn’t see its shape. There was a form before my eyes. In the silence I heard a voice say,

English Standard Version
It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes; there was silence, then I heard a voice:

Berean Standard Bible
It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; a form loomed before my eyes, and I heard a whispering voice:

King James Bible
It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an imagewas before mine eyes,there was silence, and I heard a voice,saying,

New King James Version
It stood still, But I could not discern its appearance. A formwas before my eyes;There was silence; Then I heard a voicesaying:

New American Standard Bible
“Something was standing still, but I could not recognize its appearance; A formwas before my eyes;There was silence, then I heard a voice:

NASB 1995
“It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; A form was before my eyes; There was silence, then I heard a voice:

NASB 1977
“It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; A formwas before my eyes;There was silence, then I heard a voice:

Legacy Standard Bible
It stood still, but I could not recognize its appearance; A formwas before my eyes;There was silence, then I heard a voice:

Amplified Bible
“The spirit stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; A form was before my eyes;There was silence, and then I heard a voice, saying:

Christian Standard Bible
A figure stood there, but I could not recognize its appearance; a form loomed before my eyes. I heard a whispering voice:

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A figure stood there, but I could not recognize its appearance; a form loomed before my eyes. I heard a quiet voice:

American Standard Version
It stood still, but I could not discern the appearance thereof; A form was before mine eyes: There was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,

Contemporary English Version
It stopped and stood still. Then a form appeared--a shapeless form. And from the silence, I heard a voice say,

English Revised Version
It stood still, but I could not discern the appearance thereof; a form was before mine eyes: there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Something stood there. I couldn't tell what it was. A vague image was in front of my eyes. I heard a soft voice:

Good News Translation
I could see something standing there; I stared, but couldn't tell what it was. Then I heard a voice out of the silence:

International Standard Version
It remained standing, but I couldn't recognize its appearance. A form appeared before my eyes; At first there was silence, and then this voice:

NET Bible
It stands still, but I cannot recognize its appearance; an image is before my eyes, and I hear a murmuring voice:

New Heart English Bible
It stood still, but I couldn't discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes. Silence, then I heard a voice, saying,

Webster's Bible Translation
It stood still, but I could not discern its form: an image was before my eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,

Majority Text Translations

Majority Standard Bible
It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; a form loomed before my eyes, and I heard a whispering voice:

World English Bible
It stood still, but I couldn’t discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes. Silence, then I heard a voice, saying,

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
It stands, and I do not discern its aspect, "" A likeness [is] before my eyes, "" Silence! And I hear a voice:

Young's Literal Translation
It standeth, and I discern not its aspect, A similitude is over-against mine eyes, Silence! and a voice I hear:

Smith's Literal Translation
It will stand, and I shall not recognize its appearance: a form before mine eyes; I shall hear stillness and a voice:

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
There stood one whose countenance I knew not, an image before my eyes, and I heard the voice as it were of a gentle wind:

Catholic Public Domain Version
There appeared an image before my eyes, someone whose face I did not recognize, and I heard a voice like a gentle breeze.

New American Bible
It paused, but its likeness I could not recognize; a figure was before my eyes, in silence I heard a voice:

New Revised Standard Version
It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance. A form was before my eyes; there was silence, then I heard a voice:

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Then I arose, but I could not discern its meaning; there was no form before my eyes, but I heard a gentle voice, saying,

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And I stood and I did not see, and there was no apparition before my eyes, and I heard a whisper and a voice that said:

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
It stood still, but I could not discern the appearance thereof; A form was before mine eyes; I heard a still voice:

Brenton Septuagint Translation
I arose and perceived it not: I looked, and there, was no form before my eyes: but I only heard a breath and a voice,saying,

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Eliphaz: The Innocent Prosper
…15Then a spirit glided past my face, and the hair on my body bristled.16It stood still,but I could not discern its appearance;a form loomed before my eyes,and I heard a whispering voice:17‘Can a mortal be more righteous than God, or a man more pure than his Maker?…

Berean Standard Bible ·Download

Cross References

1 Kings 19:12
After the earthquake there was a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a still, small voice.

Daniel 10:8-9
So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision. No strength remained in me; my face grew deathly pale, and I was powerless. / I heard the sound of his words, and as I listened, I fell into a deep sleep, with my face to the ground.

Isaiah 6:1-5
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a throne, high and exalted; and the train of His robe filled the temple. / Above Him stood seraphim, each having six wings: With two wings they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they were flying. / And they were calling out to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of Hosts; all the earth is full of His glory.” ...

Ezekiel 1:26-28
Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man. / From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him. / The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.

Genesis 15:12
As the sun was setting, Abram fell into a deep sleep, and suddenly great terror and darkness overwhelmed him.

Exodus 33:20-23
But He added, “You cannot see My face, for no one can see Me and live.” / The LORD continued, “There is a place near Me where you are to stand upon a rock, / and when My glory passes by, I will put you in a cleft of the rock and cover you with My hand until I have passed by. ...

1 Samuel 3:10
Then the LORD came and stood there, calling as before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant is listening.”

Habakkuk 3:16
I heard and trembled within; my lips quivered at the sound. Decay entered my bones; I trembled where I stood. Yet I must wait patiently for the day of distress to come upon the people who invade us.

Revelation 1:17
When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. But He placed His right hand on me and said, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last,

Matthew 17:6-7
When the disciples heard this, they fell facedown in terror. / Then Jesus came over and touched them. “Get up,” He said. “Do not be afraid.”

Acts 9:3-4
As Saul drew near to Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. / He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, “Saul, Saul, why do you persecute Me?”

Luke 24:37
But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit.

Mark 9:6
For they were all so terrified that Peter did not know what else to say.

John 12:29
The crowd standing there heard it and said that it had thundered. Others said that an angel had spoken to Him.

2 Corinthians 12:2-4
I know a man in Christ who fourteen years ago was caught up to the third heaven. Whether it was in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows. / And I know that this man—whether in the body or out of it I do not know, but God knows— / was caught up to Paradise. The things he heard were inexpressible, things that man is not permitted to tell.

Treasury of Scripture

It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before my eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying,

there, etc.

1 Kings 19:12
And after the earthquake a fire;but the LORDwas not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

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Able Appearance Aspect Clearly Couldn't Discern Ears Eyes Form Hear Heard Hushed Image Murmur Present Quiet Silence Similitude Slight Something Standeth Stood Stopped Thereof Voice

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Able Appearance Aspect Clearly Couldn't Discern Ears Eyes Form Hear Heard Hushed Image Murmur Present Quiet Silence Similitude Slight Something Standeth Stood Stopped Thereof Voice

Job 4

1.Eliphaz reproves Job that the innocent do not suffer
7.He teaches God's judgments to be not for the righteous, but for the wicked.
12.His fearful vision to humble the excellency of creatures before God.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance;
This phrase describes a mysterious encounter, often interpreted as a spiritual or supernatural experience. In the context of Job, this could be seen as a vision or a divine message. The inability to discern the appearance suggests the transcendence and otherness of spiritual beings, aligning with biblical themes where God's ways and messengers are beyond human comprehension (Isaiah 55:8-9). This echoes other biblical encounters with divine beings, such as the angelic visitations inGenesis 18 andDaniel 10, where the presence is overwhelming and not fully understood by human senses.

a form loomed before my eyes,
The "form" indicates a presence that is both real and yet not fully tangible, suggesting the ethereal nature of spiritual entities. This aligns with the biblical understanding of angels and divine messengers who often appear in forms that are not entirely human (Ezekiel 1:5-14). The looming presence can be seen as a representation of the awe and fear often associated with divine encounters, as seen in the reactions of figures like Isaiah (Isaiah 6:5) and John in Revelation (Revelation 1:17).

and I heard a whispering voice:
The whispering voice signifies a communication that is intimate yet authoritative. In biblical narratives, God often speaks in a still, small voice, as seen in Elijah's encounter on Mount Horeb (1 Kings 19:12). This mode of communication emphasizes the personal and direct nature of divine revelation. The whisper can also symbolize the need for attentiveness and discernment in understanding God's messages, reflecting the broader biblical theme of seeking wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 2:2-5).

Persons / Places / Events

1.Eliphaz the Temanite
One of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this passage, Eliphaz is recounting a mystical experience or vision he had.

2.Job
The central figure of the Book of Job, known for his suffering and faithfulness. This passage is part of the dialogue between Job and his friends.

3.Vision
Eliphaz describes a supernatural encounter, which he believes carries a divine message. This vision is characterized by a mysterious form and a whispering voice.

Teaching Points

The Mystery of Divine Revelation
God's ways and messages can be mysterious and not always immediately clear to us. We must approach divine revelations with humility and seek understanding through prayer and study.

Discernment in Spiritual Experiences
Not every spiritual experience is from God. We must test the spirits and seek confirmation through Scripture and godly counsel to discern the truth.

The Role of Friends in Times of Suffering
Like Eliphaz, friends may try to offer comfort and wisdom during our trials. We should be discerning in receiving advice, ensuring it aligns with God's truth.

The Importance of Listening for God's Voice
God often speaks in subtle ways. We should cultivate a quiet and attentive spirit to hear His whisper amidst the noise of life.

Bible Study Questions and Answers

1.What is the meaning of Job 4:16?

2.How does Job 4:16 challenge our understanding of God's communication with us?

3.What can we learn about spiritual discernment from Job 4:16's "form stood before"?

4.How does Job 4:16 relate to other biblical encounters with divine presence?

5.How should Job 4:16 influence our response to mysterious or unclear spiritual experiences?

6.What practical steps can we take to seek clarity in God's revelations today?

7.What does Job 4:16 reveal about the nature of divine encounters?

8.How does Job 4:16 challenge our understanding of spiritual visions?

9.What is the significance of the figure standing still in Job 4:16?

10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 4?

11.What does the Bible say about interpreting dreams?

12.In Job 4:15-16, is the description of a spirit encounter credible or scientifically verifiable, or could it be a hallucination or vision?

13.In Psalm 94:9, it says God hears and sees all; why then do injustices appear to persist unchecked in our world?

14.How do we reconcile Proverbs 4:18, claiming the righteous path grows ever brighter, with real-world moral ambiguity and suffering?

What Does Job 4:16 Mean

It stood still

• Eliphaz describes a sudden halt in the movement of the mysterious presence: “It stood still” (Job 4:16a).

• Stillness in Scripture often signals divine engagement or holy awe—“Stand still and see the salvation of the LORD” (Exodus 14:13), and “The LORD came and stood” before Samuel (1 Samuel 3:10).

• The pause heightens anticipation: a moment charged with spiritual significance similar to Elijah’s encounter with God after the wind, earthquake, and fire (1 Kings 19:11-13).

but I could not discern its appearance

• Although the presence is real, Eliphaz confesses human limitation: “I could not discern its appearance” (Job 4:16b).

• Scripture repeatedly affirms that finite eyes cannot fully perceive the divine—“No one has ever seen God” (John 1:18); “He alone has immortality…whom no one has seen or can see” (1 Timothy 6:16).

• This humility underscores the gap between earthly understanding and heavenly reality (Isaiah 55:8-9), cautioning readers not to trust sight alone.

a form loomed before my eyes

• The “form” suggests a shadowy silhouette: tangible yet undefined, like Daniel’s vision of a man whose appearance overwhelmed him (Daniel 10:5-9).

• The language echoes moments when people sensed something otherworldly—disciples thought they saw a spirit when Jesus walked on water (Luke 24:37-39).

• For Eliphaz, the looming presence commands attention, preparing him—and us—to weigh the forthcoming message carefully (Proverbs 1:5).

and I heard a whispering voice

• The climax: “I heard a whispering voice” (Job 4:16c). Revelation shifts from sight to sound, mirroring Elijah’s “gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12) and God’s guidance described as “a voice behind you” (Isaiah 30:21).

• Whispering implies intimacy yet mystery; God often speaks softly so that only receptive hearts perceive Him (John 10:27).

• However, later chapters show Eliphaz’s conclusions were incomplete, reminding us to “test the spirits” (1 John 4:1) and weigh every message against the whole counsel of Scripture (Acts 17:11).

summary

Job 4:16 captures the suspenseful moment in Eliphaz’s night vision: a supernatural presence halts, remains indistinct, materializes as a vague silhouette, and communicates in a hushed voice. The verse highlights human inability to fully grasp spiritual realities, the necessity of humility before God’s mysteries, and the importance of discerning any spiritual communication by the standard of God’s revealed Word.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 16. - It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof. Canon Cook quotes, very appositely, Milton's representation of Death as a fearful shape,

"If shape it could be called that shape had none
Distinguishable in member, joint, or limb,
Or substance might be called that shadow seemed."An image was before mine eyes; or,on appearance (LXX.,μορφή). There was silence; or,a hush - "status aeris nullo motu turbati, et tranquillissimus" (Schulteus).And I heard a voice, saying. After a while the silence was broken by a voice, which whispered in Eliphaz's ear (setup. ver. 12).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

It stood still,
יַעֲמֹ֤ד ׀(ya·‘ă·mōḏ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relations

but I could not
וְֽלֹא־(wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, no

discern
אַכִּ֬יר(’ak·kîr)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5234:To regard, recognize

its appearance;
מַרְאֵ֗הוּ(mar·’ê·hū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4758:Sight, appearance, vision

a form
תְּ֭מוּנָה(tə·mū·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8544:Something portioned, out, as a, shape, phantom, embodiment, manifestation

loomed before
לְנֶ֣גֶד(lə·ne·ḡeḏ)
Preposition-l
Strong's 5048:A front, part opposite, a counterpart, mate, over against, before

my eyes,
עֵינָ֑י(‘ê·nāy)
Noun - cdc | first person common singular
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountain

and I heard
אֶשְׁמָֽע׃(’eš·mā‘)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligently

a whispering
דְּמָמָ֖ה(də·mā·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1827:A whisper

voice:
וָק֣וֹל(wā·qō·wl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6963:A voice, sound

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OT Poetry: Job 4:16 It stood still but I couldn't discern (Jb)