Bible Strands
Job 18:2
“How long until you end these speeches? Show some sense, and then we can talk.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Bildad the Shuhite addresses Job during their ongoing dialogue, demanding that Job stop his lengthy speeches before any further conversation occurs.
The words — The Hebrew phrase עַד־אָנָה ('ad-'anah) literally asks "until when?" regarding the "ends of words" (קִנְצֵי מִלִּין), marking the prolonged nature of Job's discourse as a barrier to dialogue.
The thread — This demand for silence before speaking runs parallel to the rebuke in Job 13:5 and the principle against answering before hearing in Proverbs 18:13.
Why it lands — The verse plainly requires the reader to recognize that prolonged speech can obstruct clarity, and it asks the reader to practice restraint and attentive listening before responding.
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
How long will it be ere ye make an end of words? mark, and afterwards we will speak.
Cross-references
- Job 13:5 If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom!
- Proverbs 18:13 He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.
- Job 3:5 May darkness and gloom reclaim it, and a cloud settle over it; may the blackness of the day overwhelm it.
- Job 3:17 There the wicked cease from raging, and there the weary find rest.
- Job 8:2 “How long will you go on saying such things? The words of your mouth are a blustering wind.
- Job 11:2 “Should this stream of words go unanswered and such a speaker be vindicated?
- Job 16:2 “I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all.
- Job 21:2 “Listen carefully to my words; let this be your consolation to me.
- Job 33:1 “But now, O Job, hear my speech, and listen to all my words.
- James 1:19 My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,