Bible Strands
Job 16:20
My friends are my scoffers as my eyes pour out tears to God.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Job speaks to his companions during his ongoing suffering dialogue, immediately after stating that his witness and advocate remain positioned in heaven.
The words — רֵעָ֑/י (re.'A/i) identifies his companions, while מְלִיצַ֥/י (me.li.Tza/i) labels them as those who mock. עֵינִֽ/י ('ei.N/i) specifies "my eye," which דָּלְפָ֥ה (dal.Fah) describes as having poured out tears.
The thread — The act of pouring out complaints directly to God runs through Psalms 142:2 and Hebrews 5:7, while the theme of friends becoming mockers appears in Job 12:4.
Why it lands — The text instructs the reader to cease expecting comfort from human companions and instead direct grief directly to God, aligning with the desire in Job 16:21 to plead with Him as one would with a neighbor.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
My friends scorn me: but mine eye poureth out tears unto God.
Cross-references
- Hebrews 5:7 During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.
- Psalms 142:2 I pour out my complaint before Him; I reveal my trouble to Him.
- Job 12:4 I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God, and He answered. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock.
- Job 16:4 I could also speak like you if you were in my place; I could heap up words against you and shake my head at you.
- Job 17:2 Surely mockers surround me, and my eyes must gaze at their rebellion.
- Psalms 109:4 In return for my love they accuse me, but I am a man of prayer.
- Luke 6:11 But the scribes and Pharisees were filled with rage and began to discuss with one another what they might do to Jesus.
- Hosea 12:4 Yes, he struggled with the angel and prevailed; he wept and sought His favor; he found Him at Bethel and spoke with Him there—