Old Testament
Job 21:3
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
Bear with me that I may speak, and after I have spoken, mock on.
Compare translations
Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on.
What Job 21:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 21:3, Job is asking his friends to listen to him patiently while he speaks his mind. He acknowledges that after he has shared his thoughts, they may continue to mock or criticize him if they wish. This verse highlights Job's desire for a fair hearing and his frustration with the judgments of his friends. He feels misunderstood and wants to express his perspective on suffering and the apparent prosperity of the wicked. Job's insistence on being heard reflects a deeper struggle with the nature of justice and the reasons for his suffering. He challenges the conventional wisdom that the righteous are always rewarded and the wicked punished, suggesting that life is more complex than his friends believe. This moment is crucial as it sets the stage for Job's exploration of his grievances against God and the nature of human suffering.
How to apply Job 21:3 to your life
This verse encourages us to listen to others without judgment, especially when they are expressing their pain or struggles. It reminds us that everyone deserves a chance to share their story, even if we may not agree with their perspective. Practicing patience and empathy can foster deeper understanding in our relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 21:3
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 21:3
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 21:3 mean?
In Job 21:3, Job is asking his friends to listen to him without interruption while he shares his thoughts. He expresses his frustration with their judgments and emphasizes the importance of being heard, even if they choose to mock him afterward.
What is the meaning of 'mock on' in Job 21:3?
The phrase 'mock on' in Job 21:3 indicates that Job acknowledges his friends may continue to ridicule him after he speaks. It reflects his awareness of their skepticism but underscores his need to express his perspective regardless of their reactions.
Why does Job want to speak in Job 21:3?
Job wants to speak in Job 21:3 to share his thoughts and feelings about his suffering and the seeming prosperity of the wicked. He feels misunderstood and seeks a fair opportunity to express his grievances.
How does Job 21:3 relate to the theme of suffering?
Job 21:3 relates to the theme of suffering by illustrating Job's desire to articulate his experience and challenge the simplistic views of his friends. It emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding in discussions about pain and injustice.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.