The snake is pretending to be surprised that God has made this rule. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I am surprised that God said, 'You ... garden.'"
Gen 3:11
Who told you
God knew the answer to this question. He asked it in order to force Adam to confess that he had disobeyed God.
Gen 3:11
Have you eaten ... from?
Again, God knew this had happened. Translate this question in a form that shows God was accusing Adam of disobedience. The sentence can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You must have eaten ... from."
Gen 3:13
What is this you have done?
God already knew what the woman had done. When he asked this question, he was giving her the opportunity to tell him about it, and he was expressing his disappointment with what she had done. Many languages use rhetorical questions for scolding or rebuking. If possible, use a form that expresses this disappointment. It can also be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have done a terrible thing."
Gen 4:6
Why are you angry and why are you scowling?
God used these rhetorical questions to tell Cain that he was wrong to be angry and scowl. They may also have been intended to give Cain an opportunity to confess that he was wrong.
Gen 4:7
If you ... will you not be accepted?
God used this rhetorical question to remind Cain of something Cain should have already known. Alternate Translation: "You know that if you do what is right, I will accept you"
Gen 4:9
Where is Abel your brother
God knew that Cain had killed Abel, but he asked Cain this question so that Cain would have to answer.
Gen 4:9
Am I my brother's keeper?
Cain used this rhetorical question so that he would not have to tell the truth. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I am not my brother's keeper!" or "You know that taking care of my brother is not my job!"
Gen 4:10
What have you done?
God uses a rhetorical question to rebuke Cain. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "What you have done is terrible!"
Gen 12:18
What is this that you have done to me?
Pharaoh used this rhetorical question to show how angry he was about what Abram had done to him. It can also be stated as an exclamation. Alternate Translation: "You have done a terrible thing to me!"
Gen 13:9
Is not the whole land before you?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a positive statement. Alternate Translation: "The whole land is available for you to use."
Gen 16:13
Do I really continue to see, ... me?
Hagar used this rhetorical question to express her amazement that she was still alive even after she met God. People expected that if they met God, they would die. Here seeing represents living. Alternate Translation: "I am surprised that I am still alive, ... me."
Gen 17:17
Can a child be born to a man who is a hundred years old?
Abraham used this rhetorical question because he did not believe that this could happen. Alternate Translation: "Surely a man who is a hundred years old cannot father a child!"
Gen 17:17
How can Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a son?
Again Abraham used a rhetorical question because he did not believe this could happen. The phrase "who is ninety years old" tells why Abraham did not believe that Sarah could bear a son. Alternate Translation: "Sarah is ninety years old. Could she bear a son?" or "Sarah is ninety years old. Surely she could not bear a son!"
Gen 18:12
After I am worn-out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?
You may want to add "of having a baby." Sarah used this rhetorical question because she did not believe that she could have a child. Alternate Translation: "I cannot believe that I will experience the joy of having a child. My master is also too old"
Gen 18:13
Why did Sarah laugh and say, 'Will I really bear a child, when I am old'?
God used this rhetorical question to show that he knew what Sarah was thinking and that he was not pleased with it. He repeats Sarah's rhetorical question ([Genesis 18:12](./12.md)) using different words. Alternate Translation: "Sarah was wrong to laugh and say, 'I will not bear a child because I am too old!'"(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
Gen 18:17
Should I hide from Abraham what I am about to do ... him?
God used this rhetorical question to say that he was going to talk to Abraham about something very important and that it was best for him to do so. Alternate Translation: "I should not and will not hide from Abraham what I am about to do ... him." or "I should and will tell Abraham what I am about to do ... him"
Gen 18:18
Should I hide from Abraham what I am about to do ... him?
God used this rhetorical question to say that he was going to talk to Abraham about something very important and that it was best for him to do so. Alternate Translation: "I should not and will not hide from Abraham what I am about to do ... him." or "I should and will tell Abraham what I am about to do ... him"
Gen 18:24
Will you sweep it away and not spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous that are there?
Abraham was hoping that Yahweh would say, "I will not sweep it away." Alternate Translation: "I think you would not sweep it away. Instead, you would spare the place for the sake of the fifty righteous that are there"
Gen 18:25
Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?
Abraham used this rhetorical question to say what he expected God to do. Alternate Translation: "The Judge of all the earth will certainly do what is just!" or "Since you are the Judge of all the earth, you will surely do what is right!"
Gen 19:20
let me escape there (is it not a little one?), and my life will be saved
Lot used this rhetorical question to get the angels to notice that the city really is a small one. Alternate Translation: "let me escape there. You can see how small it is. If you let us go there we will live"
Gen 20:5
Did he not himself say to me, 'She is my sister?'
Abimelech used this rhetorical question to remind God of something God already knew. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Abraham himself told me, 'She is my sister.'" or "Abraham said that she is his sister."
Gen 20:9
What have you done to us?
Abimelech used this rhetorical question to accuse Abraham. Alternate Translation: "You have done something bad to us!" or "Look what you have done to us!"
Gen 20:9
How have I sinned against you, that you have brought ... sin?
Abimelech used this rhetorical question to remind Abraham that he had not sinned against Abraham. Alternate Translation: "I have done nothing against you to cause you to bring ... sin."
Gen 21:7
Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one would have ever said to Abraham that Sarah will nurse children"
Gen 23:15
A piece of land worth four hundred shekels of silver, what is that between me and you?
Ephron meant that since he and Abraham were both so wealthy, 400 pieces of silver was a small amount. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The piece of land is worth only four hundred shekels of silver. For you and me, that is nothing."
Gen 24:31
Why are you standing outside?
Laban used this question to invite Abraham's servant into his house. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You do not need to stay outside."
Gen 25:32
What good is the birthright to me?
Esau used a question to emphasize that eating was more important than a birthright. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "My inheritance is no good to me if I die of hunger!"
Gen 26:10
What is this you have done to us?
Abimelech used this question to scold Isaac. Alternate Translation: "You should not have done this to us!"
Gen 27:36
Is he not rightly named Jacob?
Esau uses a question to emphasize his anger at Jacob. Alternate Translation: "Jacob is certainly the right name for my brother!"
Gen 27:37
What more can I do for you, my son?
Isaac uses a question to emphasize that there is nothing else he can do. Alternate Translation: "There is nothing else I can do for you!"
Gen 27:45
Why should I lose you both in one day?
Rebekah uses a question to emphasize her concern. Alternate Translation: "I do not want to lose both of you in one day!"
Gen 27:46
what good will my life be to me?
Rebekah uses a question to emphasize how upset she would be if Jacob marries a Hittite woman. Alternate Translation: "My life will be awful!"
Gen 29:15
Should you serve me for nothing ... my relative?
Laban uses a question to emphasize that he should pay Jacob for working for him. The question can be translated as a statement. This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate Translation: "It is certainly right that I should pay you for working for me even though you are my relative."
Gen 29:25
What is this you have done to me?
Jacob uses a question to express his anger and surprise. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I cannot believe you did this to me!"
Gen 29:25
Did I not serve you for Rachel?
Jacob uses these questions to express his hurt that Laban had tricked him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I served you for seven years to marry Rachel!"
Gen 30:2
Am I in the place of God, who has kept you from having children?
This is a rhetorical question that Jacob uses to scold Rachel. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I am not God! I am not the one who is preventing you from having children!"
Gen 30:15
Is it a small matter to you ... my husband?
Do you not care ... my husband? This is a rhetorical question used to scold Rachel. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It is bad enough ... my husband."
Gen 30:15
Do you now want ... too?
This is a rhetorical question, used to scold Rachel. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Now you want ... too!"
Gen 30:30
Now when will I provide for my own household also?
Now when will I take care of my own family? Jacob uses a question to emphasize that he wants to start providing for his own family. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Now I want to take care of my family!"
Gen 31:14
Is there any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house?
Rachel and Leah use a question to emphasize that there is nothing left for their father to give. Alternate Translation: "There is absolutely nothing left for us to inherit from our father!"
Gen 31:15
Are we not treated by him as foreigners?
They use a question to show their anger about how their father treats them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Our father treats us like a foreign women instead of daughters!"
Gen 31:43
But what can I do today to these my daughters, or to their children whom they have borne?
Laban uses a question to emphasize that there is nothing he can do. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "But, there is nothing I can do to bring my daughters and grandchildren back with me."
Gen 32:29
He said, "Why is it that you ask my name?"
He said, 'Why would you ask about my name?' This rhetorical question was meant to shock, rebuke and cause Jacob to ponder over what just happened between him and the other man he just wrestled with. Alternate Translation: "Do not ask me for my name!"
Gen 33:15
Why do that?
Jacob uses a question to emphasize that Esau does not need to leave men. Alternate Translation: "Do not do that!" or "You do not need to do that!"
Gen 34:23
Will not their livestock and their property—all their animals be ours?
Shechem uses a question to emphasize that Jacob's livestock and property will belong to the people of Shechem. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "All of their animals and property will be ours."
Gen 34:31
Should Shechem have dealt with our sister as with a prostitute?
Simeon and Levi use a question to emphasize that Shechem did what was wrong and deserved to die. Alternate Translation: "Shechem should not have treated our sister as if she were a prostitute!"
Gen 37:10
What is this dream that you have dreamed? Will your mother ... to the ground to you?
Israel uses questions to correct Joseph. This can be written as statements. Alternate Translation: "This dream you had is not real. Your mother, brothers, and I will not bow down before you!"
Gen 37:13
Are not your brothers tending the flock in Shechem?
Israel uses a question to begin a conversation. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You brothers are tending the flock in Shechem."
Gen 37:26
What profit is it if we kill our brother and cover up his blood?
This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We do not gain a profit by killing our brother and covering up his blood"
Gen 37:30
The boy is not there! And I, where can I go?
Reuben uses questions for emphasis the problem that Joseph was missing. These can be written as statements. Alternate Translation: "The boy is gone! I cannot go back home now!"
Gen 39:9
How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?
Joseph uses a question for emphasis. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I certainly cannot do such a wicked thing and sin against God."
Gen 40:8
Do not interpretations belong to God?
Joseph uses a question for emphasis. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Interpretations belong to God!" or "It is God who can tell the meaning of dreams!"
Gen 42:1
Why do you look at one another?
Jacob uses a question to scold his sons for not doing anything about the grain. Alternate Translation: "Do not just sit here!"
Gen 42:22
Did I not tell you, 'Do not sin against the boy,' but you would not listen?
Reuben uses a question to scold his brothers. Alternate Translation: "I told you not to hurt the boy, but you would not listen!"
Gen 43:7
How could we have known that he would say ... down?
The sons use a question emphasize that the did not know what the man would tell them to do. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We did not know he would say ... down!"
Gen 43:29
Is this your youngest brother ... me?
Possible meanings are 1) Joseph is truly asking a question to confirm that this man is Benjamin, or 2) it is a rhetorical question. Alternate Translation: "So this is your youngest brother ... me."
Gen 44:4
Why have you returned evil for good?
This question is used to scold the brothers. Alternate Translation: "You have treated us badly, after we were good to you!"
Gen 44:5
Is this not the cup from which my master drinks, and the cup that he uses for divination?
This question is used to scold the brothers. Alternate Translation: "You already know that this is the cup that my master uses for drinking and for fortune telling!"
Gen 44:8
How then could we steal out of your master's house silver or gold?
The brothers use a question to emphasize that they would not steal from the lord of Egypt. Alternate Translation: "So we would never take anything from your master's house!"
Gen 44:15
Do you not know that a man like me practices divination?
Joseph uses a question to scold his brothers. Alternate Translation: "Surely you know that a man like me can learn things by magic!"
Gen 44:34
For how can I go up to my father if the boy is not with me?
Judah uses a question to emphasize the grief he would have if Benjamin did not return home. Alternate Translation: "I cannot return to my father if the boy is not with me."
Gen 47:15
Why should we die in your presence because our money is gone?
The people used a question to emphasize how desperate they are to buy food. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Please, do not let us die because we have used up all of our money!"
Gen 49:9
Who would dare to awaken him?
Jacob uses a question to emphasize how terrifying Judah is to other people. Alternate Translation: "No one wants to wake him up."
Gen 50:19
Am I in the place of God?
Joseph uses a question to comfort his brothers. Alternate Translation: "I am not in the place of God." or "I am not God."
Exo 1:18
Why have you done this, and let the baby boys live?
Pharaoh asked this question to rebuke the midwives for allowing the male children to live. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have disobeyed my order by not killing the male babies!"
Exo 2:14
Who made you a leader and judge over us?
The man used this question to rebuke Moses for intervening in the fight. Alternate Translation: "You are not our leader and have no right to judge us!"
Exo 2:14
Are you planning to kill me as you killed that Egyptian?
The man used a question here to be sarcastic. Alternate Translation: "We know that you killed an Egyptian yesterday. You had better not kill me!"
Exo 2:20
Why did you leave the man?
This question is a mild rebuke to the daughters for not inviting Moses into their home according to the normal hospitality of that culture. Alternate Translation: "You should not have left this man at the well!"
Exo 3:11
Who am I, that I should go to Pharaoh ... Egypt?
Moses uses this question to tell God that Moses is a nobody and no one will listen to him. Alternate Translation: "I am not important enough to go to Pharaoh ... Egypt!"
Exo 4:11
Who is it who made man's mouth?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the Creator who makes if possible for people to speak. Alternate Translation: "I Yahweh am the one who created the human mouth and the ability to speak!"
Exo 4:11
Who makes a man mute or deaf or seeing or blind?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the one who decides if people can speak and hear, and if they can see. Alternate Translation: "I Yahweh make people able to speak, or hear, or to see, or to be blind!"
Exo 4:11
Is it not I, Yahweh?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he alone makes these decisions. Alternate Translation: "I, Yahweh, am the one who does this!"
Exo 5:2
Who is Yahweh?
Pharaoh uses this question to show that he does not recognize Yahweh as a legitimate god. Alternate Translation: "I do not know Yahweh"
Exo 5:2
Why should I ... let Israel go?
Pharaoh uses this question to state that he has no interest in obeying Yahweh or in letting the Israelites go to worship him. Alternate Translation: "He is nothing to me and I will not let Israel go!"
Exo 5:4
why are you taking the people from their work?
Pharaoh uses this question to express his anger towards Moses and Aaron for taking the Israelites away from their work. Alternate Translation: "stop distracting the people from doing their work!"
Exo 5:14
Why have you not produced all the bricks required of you ... in the past?
The taskmasters used this question to show they were angry with the lack of bricks. Alternate Translation: "You are not producing enough bricks, either yesterday or today, as you did in the past!"
Exo 5:22
Lord, why have you caused trouble for this people?
This question shows how disappointed he was that the Egyptians were treating the Israelites even more harshly now. Alternate Translation: "Lord, I am sorry that you have caused this trouble for this people."
Exo 5:22
Why did you send me in the first place?
This question shows how disappointed Moses was that God had sent him to Egypt. Alternate Translation: "I wish you had never sent me here!"
Exo 6:12
If the Israelites have not listened to me, why will Pharaoh listen to me, since I am not good at speaking?
Moses asked this question hoping God would change His mind about using Moses. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Since the Israelites did not listen to me, neither will Pharaoh, because I am not good at speaking!"
Exo 6:29
I am not good ... why will Pharaoh listen to me?
Moses asks this question hoping to change God's mind. This rhetorical question can be translated as as statement. Alternate Translation: "I am not good ... Pharaoh will certainly not listen to me!"
Exo 6:30
I am not good ... why will Pharaoh listen to me?
Moses asks this question hoping to change God's mind. This rhetorical question can be translated as as statement. Alternate Translation: "I am not good ... Pharaoh will certainly not listen to me!"
Exo 8:26
will they not stone us?
Moses asks this question to show Pharaoh the Egyptians would allow the Israelites to worship Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "they will certainly stone us!"
Exo 10:7
How long will this man be a menace to us?
Pharaoh's servants ask this question to show Pharaoh the extent of destruction in Egypt. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We cannot allow this man to continue to bring trouble to us!"
Exo 10:7
Do you not yet realize that Egypt is destroyed?
Pharaoh's servants ask this question to bring Pharaoh to recognize what he refuses to see. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should realize that Egypt is destroyed!"
Exo 14:5
What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us.
They asked this question to show they thought they had done a foolish thing. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We have done a stupid thing by letting Israel go free from working for us!"
Exo 14:11
Is it because there were no graves in Egypt, that you have taken us away to die in the wilderness?
The Israelites ask this question to express their frustration and fear of dying. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There were plenty of graveyards in Egypt for us to be buried in. You did not have to take us into the wilderness to die!"
Exo 14:11
Why have you treated us like this, bringing us out of Egypt?
The Israelites ask this question to rebuke Moses for bringing them to the desert to die. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not have treated us like this by bringing us out of Egypt!"
Exo 14:12
Is this not what we told you in Egypt?
The Israelites ask this question to emphasize that this is what they had told Moses. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "This is exactly what we told you while we were in Egypt."
Exo 14:15
Why are you, Moses, continuing to call out to me?
Moses apparently had been praying to God for help so God uses this question to compel Moses to act. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Do not call out to me any longer, Moses."
Exo 15:11
Who is like you, Yahweh, among the gods?
Moses uses this question to show how great God is. Alternate Translation: "O Yahweh, no one is like you among the gods!" or "Yahweh, none of the gods is like you!"
Exo 15:11
Who is like you, ... doing miracles?
Moses uses this question to show how great God is. Alternate Translation: No one is like you. No one is majestic in holiness as you are, no one is honored in praises as you are, and no one does miracles as you do!"
Exo 16:7
Who are we for you to complain against us?
Moses and Aaron used this question to show the people that it was foolish to complain against them. Alternate Translation: "We are not powerful enough for you to complain against us." or "It is foolish to complain against us, because we cannot do what you want."
Exo 16:8
Who are Aaron and I?
Moses used this question to show the people that he and Aaron did not have the power to give them what they wanted. Alternate Translation: "Aaron and I cannot give you what you want."
Exo 16:28
How long will you refuse to keep my commandments and my laws?
God used this question to scold the people because they did not obey his laws. Alternate Translation: "You people still do not keep my commandments and laws!"
Exo 17:2
Why do you quarrel with me? Why do you test Yahweh?
Moses uses these questions to scold the people. Alternate Translation: "You should not quarrel with me! You should not test Yahweh!"
Exo 17:3
To kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?
The people use this question to accuse Moses of wanting to kill them. Alternate Translation: "You only brought us out here to kill us and our children and cattle by not letting us have any water to drink!"
Exo 18:14
What is this that you are doing with the people?
Jethro uses this question to show Moses that what he was doing was not good. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not be doing all of this for the people!"
Exo 18:14
Why is it that you sit alone ... from morning until evening?
Jethro used this question to show Moses that he was doing too much. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not sit alone ... from morning till evening!"
Exo 22:27
What else can he sleep in?
This question adds emphasis. You can translate it as a strong statement. Alternate Translation: "He will have nothing to wear while he sleeps!"
Exo 32:12
Why should the Egyptians say, 'He led them out ... to destroy them from the face of the earth?'
Moses used this question to try to persuade God not to destroy his people. This rhetorical question can be translated with a statement. Alternate Translation: If you destroy your people, the Egyptians might say, 'He led them out ... to destroy them from the face of the earth.'
Exo 33:16
how will it be known ... people?
Moses used this question in order to emphasize that if God does not go with them, no one will know that Moses had found favor in God's sight. Alternate Translation: "no one will know ... people."
Lev 10:17
Why have you not eaten ... before him?
Moses uses a question to rebuke Eleazar and Ithamar. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should have eaten ... before him."
Lev 10:19
would it have been pleasing in the sight of Yahweh?
These sacrifices were to be eaten with joy and happiness. Aaron uses a question to emphasize that Yahweh would not be pleased for him to eat the sacrifices since he is sad because of his sons' deaths. This question may be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "certainly, Yahweh would not have been pleased."
Num 9:7
Why do you keep us from offering the sacrifice ... among the people of Israel?
The men ask this question in order to complain that they are not allowed to participate in celebrating the Passover. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It is not fair that you keep us away from offering the sacrifice ... among the people of Israel."
Num 11:4
Who will give us meat to eat?
The Israelites ask this question in order to complain and to express their desire for something other than manna to eat. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We wish that we had meat to eat."
Num 11:11
General Information:
Moses complains to Yahweh using several rhetorical questions.
Num 11:11
Why have you treated your servant so badly? Why are you not pleased with me?
Moses used these questions to complain about the way God was treating him. They can be expressed as statements. Moses speaks of himself in the third person. Alternate Translation: "You should not treat me, your servant, so badly. You should not be angry with me!" or "I, your servant, have done nothing wrong for you to treat me so badly!"
Num 11:12
Did I conceive all these people?
Moses used this question to remind God that Moses was not their father. Alternate Translation: "I am not the father of all these people."
Num 11:12
Have I given them birth so that you should say to me, 'Carry ... baby?'
Moses wants God to remember that God told him to take care of the Israelites even though Moses was not their father. Alternate Translation: "I have not given them birth, so you have no right to say to me, 'Carry ... baby'!"
Num 11:12
Should I carry them ... to give them?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not expect me to carry them ... to give them!" or "I am not able to carry them ... to give them!"
Num 11:13
Where can I find meat to give to all this people?
Moses used this question to complain that it was impossible for him to give meat to all the people. Alternate Translation: "I cannot possibly find enough meat to give to all these people."
Num 11:18
Who will give us meat to eat?
The Israelites had asked this question in order to complain and to express their desire for something other than manna to eat. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We wish that we had meat to eat."
Num 11:20
Why did we leave Egypt?
The people had used this question to express regret and to complain. Alternate Translation: "We never should have left Egypt."
Num 11:22
Should we kill flocks and herds to satisfy them? Should we catch all the fish in the sea to satisfy them?
Moses uses these questions to express his doubt that there could be enough meat to feed all of the people. Alternate Translation: "We would have to kill entire flocks and herds and catch all the fish in the sea to satisfy them!"
Num 11:29
Are you jealous for my sake?
Moses uses this question to rebuke Joshua. It can be translated as a statement, if necessary. Alternate Translation: "You should not be jealous for my sake."
Num 12:2
Has Yahweh spoken only with Moses? Has he not spoken also with us?
Miriam and Aaron use these questions to complain that Moses had so much authority and they did not. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh has not spoken only with Moses. He has also spoken with us."
Num 12:8
So why are you unafraid to speak against my servant, against Moses?
Yahweh asks this question to rebuke Miriam and Aaron. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should be afraid to speak against my servant, against Moses."
Num 13:19
Is it good or bad? What cities are there? Are they like camps, or are they fortified cities?
Moses asks these questions to explain the kind of information that the men were to report back to him. These can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "See if the land is good or bad, what kind of cities are there, and whether those cities are only camps, or whether they have defensive walls around them."
Num 14:3
Why did Yahweh bring us to this land to die by the sword?
The people use this question in order to complain and accuse Yahweh of treating them unfairly. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh should not have brought us to this land only to die by the sword."
Num 14:3
Is it not better for us to return to Egypt?
The people use this question to encourage people to agree with them that it would be better to return to Egypt. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It would be better for us to return to Egypt than to try to conquer Canaan."
Num 14:11
How long must this people despise me? How long must they fail to trust me, despite all the signs ... them?
Yahweh uses these questions to show that he was angry and had lost patience with the people. They can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "This people has despised me for too long. They have failed to trust me for too long, despite all the signs ... them."
Num 14:27
How long must I tolerate this evil community that criticizes me?
Yahweh asks this question because he has lost patience with the people. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I have tolerated this evil community who has criticized me long enough."
Num 14:41
Why are you now violating Yahweh's command?
Moses asks this question to rebuke the people of Israel. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not be violating Yahweh's command again."
Num 16:3
Why do you lift up yourselves above the rest of Yahweh's community?
The men ask this question to rebuke Moses and Aaron. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You are wrong to lift up yourselves above the rest of Yahweh's community."
Num 16:9
is it a small thing for you ... to serve them?
Moses uses this question to rebuke Korah and the men with him. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You behave as though it it is a small thing for you ... to serve them!" or "You should not consider it a small thing ... to serve them!"
Num 16:11
So why are you complaining about Aaron, who obeys Yahweh?
Moses uses this question to show them that when they complain about what Aaron does, they are really complaining against Yahweh, because Aaron was doing what Yahweh told him to do. Alternate Translation: "You are not really complaining about Aaron, but about Yahweh, whom Aaron obeys!"
Num 16:13
Is it a small thing that you have brought us ... to kill us in the wilderness?
Dathan and Abiram use this question to rebuke Moses. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You behave as though it was a small thing for you to bring us ... and kill us in the wilderness."
Num 16:14
Now do you want to blind us with empty promises?
The people used this question to accuse Moses. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Now you want to blind us with empty promises."
Num 16:22
if one man sins, must you be angry with all the community?
Moses and Aaron use this question to plead with God for the people. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "please do not be angry with all the community because one man sins"
Num 20:4
Why have you brought Yahweh's community into this wilderness to die here, we and our animals?
The people use this question in order to complain against Moses and Aaron. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not have brought Yahweh's community into this wilderness to die here, we and our animals."
Num 20:5
Why did you make us come up out of Egypt to bring us to this horrible place?
The people use this question in order to complain against Moses and Aaron. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not have made us leave Egypt to bring us to this horrible place."
Num 20:10
Must we bring water out of this rock for you?
Moses asks this question out of frustration to rebuke the people for complaining. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You complain that there is no water. Well, we will make water come out of this rock." or "You would not be happy even if we caused water to come out of this rock. But I will do it anyway."
Num 21:5
Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness?
The people used this question in order to rebuke Moses. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not made us leave Egypt to die in the wilderness!"
Num 22:9
Who are these men who came to you?
Yahweh uses a question to introduce a new topic of conversation. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Tell me about these men who came to you."
Num 22:30
Am not I your donkey on which you have ridden all your life long to this present day?
This rhetorical question was used to convict Balaam that his judgment of the donkey was unfair. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I am your donkey on which you have ridden all your life, right up to the present moment."
Num 22:30
Have I ever been in the habit of doing such things to you before?
This rhetorical question was used to further convict Balaam that his judgment of the donkey was unfair. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I have never been in the habit of doing such things to you!"
Num 22:32
Why have you struck your donkey these three times?
This rhetorical question is used to accuse Balaam of doing wrong. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not have struck your donkey these three times."
Num 22:37
Did I not send men to you to summon you?
This rhetorical question is used to rebuke Balaam for delaying to come. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Surely I sent men to summon you."
Num 22:37
Why did you not come to me?
This rhetorical question is used to rebuke Balaam for delaying to come. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should have come to me!"
Num 22:37
Am I not able to honor you?
This rhetorical question is used to rebuke Balaam for delaying to come. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Surely you know that I am able to pay you money for coming to me."
Num 22:38
Do I now have any power to say anything?
Balaam uses this rhetorical question to tell Balak that he will not be able to do everything that Balak asks him to do. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "But I have no power to say anything I want"
Num 23:8
How can I curse those whom God has not cursed? How can I oppose those whom Yahweh does not oppose?
These rhetorical questions emphasize Balaam's refusal to disobey God. They can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "But I cannot curse those whom God has not cursed. I cannot fight against those whom Yahweh does not fight!"
Num 23:10
Who can count the dust of Jacob or number even only one-fourth of Israel?
Here "dust of Jacob" is a metaphor that speaks of the number of Israelites as if they were as numerous as the specks of dust. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There are too many Israelites to count. No one could count even a fourth of them because there are so many."
Num 23:11
What have you done to me?
Balak uses this question to scold Balaam. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I cannot believe you did this to me!"
Num 23:12
Should I not be careful to say only what Yahweh puts in my mouth?
Balaam uses this rhetorical question to defend his actions. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I must be very careful to say only what Yahweh tells me to say."
Num 23:26
Did I not tell you that I must say all that Yahweh tells me to say?
Balaam uses this rhetorical question to remind Balak that Balaam refused to disobey God even before he came to Balak. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I told you before that I must say all that Yahweh tells me to say."
Num 24:9
Who dares disturb him?
Balaam uses a question to warn all the people to not provoke the Israelites. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one dares to disturb him!"
Num 24:13
Did I not say this to them?
Balaam uses a question to remind Balak about what he said earlier. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. "AT: I said this to them."
Num 24:23
Who will survive when God does this?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one will survive when God does this!"
Num 27:4
Why should our father's name be taken away from among his clan members because he had no son?
At that time, only sons received land as an inheritance. The daughters use this question to suggest that they should receive the inheritance and continue the family clan. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not remove our father's name from the clan members just because he did not have a son."
Num 31:15
Have you let all the women live?
The law was explicit on who would be permitted to live. The army violated the law by allowing all the women and children to live. This was a rebuke to the army leaders.
Num 32:6
Should your brothers go to war while you settle down here?
Moses asks this question to rebuke the people from the tribes of Gad and Reuben. Alternate Translation: "It is wrong for you to settle down in this land while your brothers go to war."
Num 32:7
Why discourage the hearts ... the land that Yahweh has given them?
Moses asks this question to correct the people from the tribes of Gad and Reuben. Alternate Translation: "Do not discourage the hearts ... the land that Yahweh has given them." or "Your actions would discourage the hearts ... the land that Yahweh has given them."
Deu 1:12
But how can I myself alone carry your loads, your burdens, and your disputes?
Moses uses a question to emphasize that he cannot solve all of their problems by himself. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I cannot carry your loads, your burdens, and your disputes by myself."
Deu 1:28
Where can we go now?
Here this question emphasizes how afraid they were. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We have nowhere to go."
Deu 3:11
Was it not in Rabbah, ... live?
The writer uses a question to remind the people of Israel that they could go to Rabbah and see how large Og must have been. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Possible meanings are 1) "It was in Rabbah, ... live." or 2) "It is in Rabbah ... live."
Deu 3:24
for what god is there ... acts?
Moses uses a question to emphasize that Yahweh is the only God with the power to do the works he has done. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "for there is no god ... acts."
Deu 4:7
For what other great nation is there ... him? What other great nation is there ... today?
These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "For there is no other great nation ... him. There is no other great nation ... today."
Deu 4:8
For what other great nation is there ... him? What other great nation is there ... today?
These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "For there is no other great nation ... him. There is no other great nation ... today."
Deu 4:33
Did ever a people hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and live?
Here the people of Israel are reminded of how Yahweh has spoken to them in an amazing way in the past. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No other people besides you has heard God speak from the middle of the fire and lived."
Deu 5:25
But why should we die?
They were afraid that they would die if Yahweh spoke to them. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We are afraid that we will die."
Deu 5:25
For who besides us is there ... have done?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There are no other people besides us ... have done."
Deu 5:26
For who besides us is there ... have done?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There are no other people besides us ... have done."
Deu 7:17
how can I dispossess them?
Moses uses a question to emphasize that the people may feel afraid of the other nations. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I cannot defeat them"
Deu 9:2
Who can stand before the sons of Anak?
This means that the sons of Anak were powerful and people were afraid of them. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There is no one who can defend himself against the sons of Anak."
Deu 10:12
what does Yahweh your God require of you, except to fear ... for your own good?
Moses uses a question to teach the people of Israel. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "this is what Yahweh your God requires you to do: to fear ... for your own good."
Deu 10:13
what does Yahweh your God require of you, except to fear ... for your own good?
Moses uses a question to teach the people of Israel. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "this is what Yahweh your God requires you to do: to fear ... for your own good."
Deu 11:30
Are they not beyond the Jordan ... Moreh?
The Israelites are on the eastern side of the Jordan River. Moses uses a question to remind the people where these mountains are located. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "As you know, they are beyond the Jordan ... Moreh."
Deu 20:19
For is the tree of the field a man whom you should besiege?
This rhetorical question is to remind the people of what they should already know. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "For fruit trees are not people, so they are not your enemy."
Deu 30:12
Who will go up for us to heaven and bring it down to us and make us able to hear it, so that we may do it?
Here Moses uses a rhetorical question to emphasize that the people of Israel think that Yahweh's commands are too difficult for them to know. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Someone must travel to heaven to learn God's commands and then return to tell us what they are so we can obey them."
Deu 30:13
Who will go over the sea for us and bring it to us and make us to hear it, so that we may do it?
This rhetorical question continues the idea that the people of Israel think Yahweh's commands are too difficult to know. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Someone must travel across the sea to learn God's commands and then return and tell us what they are."
Deu 31:27
how much more after my death?
This rhetorical question emphasizes how rebellious the people were. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "you will be even more rebellious after I die."
Deu 32:6
Do you reward Yahweh in this way ... people?
Moses uses a question to scold the people. Alternate Translation: "You should give Yahweh proper praise ... people."
Deu 32:6
Is he not your father, the one who has created you?
Moses uses a question to scold the people. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh is your father and the one who created you."
Deu 32:30
How could one chase a thousand ... Yahweh had given them up?
Moses uses a question to scold the people for not being wise enough to understand why their enemies are defeating them. This question can be translated as a statement as in the UDB.
Deu 32:34
Is not this plan secretly kept by me, sealed up among my treasures?
This question emphasizes that Yahweh's plans for the people of Israel are kept secret like a valuable treasure. The rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I know what I have planned to do to the Israelite people and to their enemies, and I have locked up those plans as someone would lock up his valuable possessions."
Deu 32:38
The gods who ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their drink offerings?
Here Yahweh mocks the people of Israel for offering sacrifices to other gods. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The gods to whom the Israelites offered meat and wine have not come to help them."
Deu 33:29
Who is like you, a people saved by Yahweh ... majesty?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "There is no other people group like you, a people whom Yahweh has saved ... majesty."
Jos 1:9
Have I not commanded you?
This refers to Yahweh commanding Joshua. Alternate Translation: "I have commanded you!"
Jos 7:8
what can I say, after Israel has turned their backs before their enemies?
Joshua said this to show how upset he was that he did not even know what to say. Alternate Translation: "I do not know what to say. Israel has turned their backs before their enemies!"
Jos 7:9
What will you do for your great name?
Joshua uses this question to warn God that if the Israelites are destroyed, then the other people will think that God is not great. Alternate Translation: "Then there will be nothing you can do for your great name." or "Then people will not know that you are great."
Jos 7:10
Why are you lying there on your face?
God used this question to rebuke Joshua for lying there on his face. Alternate Translation: "Stop lying there with your face in the dirt!"
Jos 7:25
Why have you troubled us?
Joshua uses this question to rebuke Achan. Alternate Translation: "You have troubled us"
Jos 9:7
Perhaps you live near us. How can we make a covenant with you?
Joshua is emphasizing that the people of Israel have to follow the command of Yahweh above all else. Alternate Translation: "If you do live near us, we cannot make a covenant with you."
Jos 10:13
Is this not written in the Book of Jashar?
The writer uses this question as background information to remind the reader that the incident is well-documented. Alternate Translation: "This is written in The Book of Jashar."
Jos 17:14
Why have you given us only one ... Yahweh has blessed us?
The people of the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh ask this question to emphasize that Joshua should have assigned to them more land. Alternate Translation: "You should have given us more than one ... Yahweh has blessed us."
Jos 18:3
How long will you put off ... has given you?
Joshua asks this question in order to encourage the Israelites to take possession of the land. Alternate Translation: "For long enough, you have put off ... has given you."
Jos 22:17
Was our sin at Peor not enough for us?
This question emphasizes how serious their previous sin was. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We had already sinned terribly at Peor!"
Jos 22:18
Must you also turn away from following Yahweh at this present day?
This question is used to rebuke the people for their sin. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You must not turn away from following Yahweh today!"
Jos 22:20
Did not Achan son of Zerah break faith in the matter of those things that had been reserved for God? Did not wrath fall on all the people of Israel?
These questions are used to remind the people of the punishment for past sins. These questions can be written as statements. Alternate Translation: "Achan son of Zerah sinned by taking things that had been reserved for God. And because of that God punished all the people of Israel!"
Jos 22:24
What have you to do with Yahweh, the God of Israel?
The three tribes use this rhetorical question to emphasize the situation they are trying to avoid. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have nothing to do with Yahweh, the God of Israel!"
Jdg 2:2
What is this that you have done?
This question is asked to cause the people of Israel to realize they have disobeyed Yahweh and will suffer because of it. Alternate Translation: "You have done a terrible thing."
Jdg 4:14
Is not Yahweh leading you?
Deborah asks this question to remind Barak that they fight on the side of Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "Remember, Yahweh is leading you."
Jdg 5:16
Why did you sit between the fireplaces, listening to the shepherds playing their pipes for their flocks?
This question is asked to criticize the people of Reuben because they did not decide to come fight in the battle. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should have helped us fight, instead of staying at home and listening to the shepherds playing their pipes for their flocks"
Jdg 5:17
Dan, why did he wander about on ships?
This question is asked to express anger because the people of the tribe of Dan would not fight for Israel. Alternate Translation: "the men of Dan should not have remained on their ships!" or "the people of the tribe of Dan did not help us in the battle. Instead they were wandering around on the sea in ships!"
Jdg 5:30
Have they not found and divided up the plunder?
The women use a question to emphasize that they believe this is what certainly happened. Alternate Translation: "They must have so much plunder that it is taking a long time to divide it."
Jdg 5:30
A womb, two wombs for every man ... of those who plunder?
The women use a question to emphasize that they believe this is what certainly happened. Alternate Translation: "There must be a womb, two wombs for every man ... of those who plunder."
Jdg 6:13
Where are all his wonderful deeds that our fathers told us about, when they said, 'Did not Yahweh bring us up from Egypt?'
Gideon uses a question to challenge the stranger's statement that Yahweh was with him. Also, the direct quotation can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate Translation: "We have not seen any wonderful deeds like the ones our fathers told us about when Yahweh brought them up from Egypt."
Jdg 6:14
Have I not sent you?
Yahweh uses a question to ensure Gideon that he is sending him. Here "sent" means Yahweh has appointed Gideon with a specific task. Alternate Translation: "I, Yahweh, am sending you!"
Jdg 6:15
how can I deliver Israel?
Gideon uses a question to emphasize that he does not think he can rescue the Israelites. Alternate Translation: "I cannot possibly rescue the Israelites!"
Jdg 6:31
Will you plead the case for Baal?
Joash uses a question to emphasize that a human should not have to defend a god. Alternate Translation: "You should not have to defend Baal."
Jdg 6:31
Will you save him?
Joash uses a question to emphasize that a human should not have to rescue a god. Alternate Translation: "You should not have to save Baal."
Jdg 8:1
What is this you have done to us?
The people of the tribe of Ephraim were rebuking Gideon with this rhetorical question for not including them in his army. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have not treated us fairly."
Jdg 8:2
What have I done now compared to you?
Gideon uses this question to honor the people of Ephraim. Alternate Translation: "I have done very little compared with what you have done!"
Jdg 8:2
Are not the gleanings of Ephraim's grapes better than the full grape harvest of Abiezer?
Gideon was calming the people of Ephraim with this rhetorical question. Alternate Translation: "Certainly the grapes you people of Ephraim gleaned are better than what we the descendants of Abiezer gathered from the whole harvest!"
Jdg 8:2
Are not the gleanings of Ephraim's grapes better than the full grape harvest of Abiezer?
Gideon and his army defeating the Medianites is spoken of as if it were a grape harvest. The people of Ephraim killing Oreb and Zeeb at the end of the battle is spoken of as if they were gleaning grapes at the end of the harvest. Alternate Translation: "What you people of Ephraim did at the end of the battle is more important than what we descendants of Abiezer did at the beginning."
Jdg 8:3
What have I accomplished compared to you?
Gideon uses this question to honor the people of Ephraim. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "What you have done is more important than what I have done."
Jdg 8:6
Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand?
The leaders use a question to emphasize that the Israelites have not yet captured Zebah and Zalumnna. Alternate Translation: "You have not captured Zebah and Zalmunna yet."
Jdg 8:6
Why should we give bread to your army?
The leaders use a question to emphasize that they have no reason to give bread to the Israelites. Alternate Translation: "We see no reason to give bread to your army."
Jdg 8:15
Have you already conquered Zebah and Zalmunna?
Gideon quotes the people of Succoth as using a question to mock him. Alternate Translation: "You have not yet conquered Zebah and Zalmunna."
Jdg 9:9
Should I give up my oil ... over the other trees?
The olive tree is asking this question to refuse to be king. This question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I will not give up my oil ... over the other trees."
Jdg 9:9
Should I give up my sweetness ... over the other trees?
The fig tree is asking this question to refuse to be king. This question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I will not give up my sweetness ... over the other trees."
Jdg 9:11
Should I give up my sweetness ... over the other trees?
The fig tree is asking this question to refuse to be king. This question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I will not give up my sweetness ... over the other trees."
Jdg 9:13
Should I give up my new wine ... over the other trees?
The vine is asking this question to refuse to be king. This question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I will not give up my new wine ... over the other trees."
Jdg 9:28
Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him?
Gaal uses a question to emphasize that the people of Shechem should not serve Abimelech. Alternate Translation: "We should not serve Abimelech!"
Jdg 9:28
Is he not the son of Jerub Baal? Is Zebul not his officer?
Gaal uses a question to emphasize that the people of Shechem should not serve Abimelech. Alternate Translation: "He is just the son of Jerub Baal, and Zebul is just his officer."
Jdg 9:28
Why should we serve Abimelech?
Gaal uses a question to emphasize that the people of Shechem should not serve Abimelech. Alternate Translation: "We should not serve Abimelech!"
Jdg 9:38
Where are your proud words now, you
Zebul is scolding Gaal with this rhetorical question. Alternate Translation: "You are not speaking proudly now, you" or "You are not proud now, you"
Jdg 9:38
you who said, 'Who is Abimelech that we should serve him?'
Zebul is quoting Gaal's boast back to Gaal. This can be translated as a statement and as an indirect quote. Alternate Translation: "you who said that we should not serve Abimelech."
Jdg 9:38
Are these not the men you despised?
Zebul is challenging Gaal with this rhetorical question. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Here are the men that you despised."
Jdg 10:11
Did I not deliver you ... Sidonians?
God is rebuking the people of Israel for their worship of other gods. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I am the one who delivered you ... Sidonians."
Jdg 10:12
Did I not deliver you ... Sidonians?
God is rebuking the people of Israel for their worship of other gods. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I am the one who delivered you ... Sidonians."
Jdg 11:23
should you now take possession of their land?
Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with this rhetorical question. The word "their" refers to the Israel. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "therefore, you should not take possession of their land."
Jdg 11:24
Will you not take over the land that Chemosh, your god, gives you?
Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should only take over the land that Chemosh, your god, gives you."
Jdg 11:25
Now are you really better than Balak son of Zippor, king of Moab?
Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You are not better than Balak son of Zippor, who was king of Moab."
Jdg 11:25
Did he dare to have an argument with Israel?
Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. This question can be translated with a statement. Alternate Translation: "Yet he did not dare to have an argument with Israel."
Jdg 11:25
Did he ever wage war against them?
Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. This question can be translated with a statement. Alternate Translation: "Nor did he ever wage war against them."
Jdg 11:26
why then did you not take them back during that time?
Jephthah is rebuking the king of the Ammonites with a rhetorical question. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "you should have taken them back during that time." or "now it is too late; you should have taken them back long ago."
Jdg 13:18
Why do you ask my name?
The angel asks this question as a rebuke. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not ask me what my name is."
Jdg 14:3
Is there not a woman among the daughters of your relatives, or among all our people?
They ask this question to suggest that they could find Samson a wife among their own people. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Surely there are women among your people whom you could marry."
Jdg 14:3
Are you going to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?
This question is asked to rebuke Samson. This question can be written as a statement. You can make explicit the reason his parents do not want him to marry a Philistine. Alternate Translation: "You really should not marry a Philistine woman because the Philistine people do not worship Yahweh."
Jdg 14:15
Did you invite us here in order to make us poor?
They ask her this question to accuse her of doing evil. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have brought us here to make us poor!"
Jdg 14:16
if I have not told my father or my mother, should I tell you?
Samson was rebuking her for demanding that he tell her the answer. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I have not even told my father or mother. I will not tell you." or "you should not demand that I tell you, since I have not even told my parents, and they are closer to me than you are."
Jdg 14:18
What is sweeter than honey? What is stronger than a lion?
This is the answer to the riddle. It may be written as a statement instead of as questions. If necessary it could be made clear how this relates to the riddle by adding more information. Alternate Translation: "Honey is sweet and a lion is strong." or "Honey is sweet and it came out of a lion."
Jdg 15:2
is she not?
He asks this question to imply that Samson should agree with him. This question may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I hope you agree."
Jdg 15:11
Do you not know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What is this you have done to us?
The men of Judah ask Samson these questions to rebuke him. This questions may be written as a statements. Alternate Translation: "You know that the Philistines are rulers over us but you act like they are not. What you have done has caused us great harm."
Jdg 16:15
How can you say, 'I love you,' when you do not share your secrets with me?
Delilah asks this question to say that if Samson really loved her he would tell her his secrets. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "When you say 'I love you,' you are lying because you do not share your secrets with me."
Jdg 18:9
Are you doing nothing?
This rhetorical question is asked sarcastically and means that they should be doing the opposite. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should be acting now!"
Jdg 18:14
in these houses there are an ephod, ... metal figure? Decide ... will do
The five men asked this question to suggest and encourage the men that they should steal the idols. This can be written as a statement, and the implied information may be given in a parenthetical phrase. Alternate Translation: "these houses contain an ephod, ... metal figure. (They were suggesting that the men steal these things.) Decide ... will do"
Jdg 18:19
Is it better for you to be priest for the house of one man ... a clan in Israel?
They ask this as a rhetorical question to imply that it is true. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It is better for you to be priest for a tribe and a clan in Israel than for just the house of one man."
Jdg 18:23
Why have you been called together?
This question is a rebuke. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not have called your men together to chase us."
Jdg 18:24
What else do I have left?
Micah asks this question to emphasize that he no longer has the things that are important to him. Alternate Translation: "I have nothing left." or "You have taken everything that is important to me."
Jdg 18:24
How can you ask me, 'What is bothering you?'
Micah asks this question to emphasize that the Danites definitely know what is bothering him. Alternate Translation: "You know that I am greatly distressed!'" or "You know how much I am bothered by what you have done to me!'"
Jdg 21:3
Why, Yahweh, God of Israel, has this happened to Israel, that one of our tribes should be missing today?
The people of Israel used this rhetorical question to express their deep sadness. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Oh Yahweh, we are so sad that one of the tribes of Israel has been completely destroyed."
Rut 1:11
Why will you go with me?
This is a rhetorical question. Alternate Translation: "It does not make sense for you to go with me." or "You should not go with me."
Rut 1:11
Do I still have sons in my womb for you, so that they may become your husbands?
Naomi uses this question to say she cannot have other sons for them to marry. Alternate Translation: "Obviously it is not possible for me to have any more sons who could become your husbands."
Rut 1:13
would you therefore wait until they were grown? Would you choose not to marry a husband?
These are rhetorical questions, which do not expect an answer. Alternate Translation: "you would not wait until they were grown up so that you could marry them. You would choose to marry a husband now."
Rut 2:8
Are you listening to me, my daughter
This can be reworded as a command. Alternate Translation: "Listen to me, my daughter" or "Note well what I am telling you, my daughter"
Rut 2:9
Have I not instructed the men ... you?
Boaz used this question to emphasize what he had already done to help Ruth. Alternate Translation: "I have given the men strict instructions ... you."
Rut 3:1
should I not seek a place for you to rest ... for you?
Naomi uses this question to tell Ruth what she planned to do. Alternate Translation: "I must look for a place for you to rest ... for you." or "I must find a husband to care for you ... for you."
Rut 3:2
is he not our kinsman?
Naomi probably used this question to remind Ruth of something she had already told her. Alternate Translation: "he is our relative."
1Sa 1:8
Hannah, why do you weep? Why do you not eat? Why is your heart sad? Am I not better to you than ten sons?
These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements, if necessary. Alternate Translation: "Hannah, you should not weep. You should eat, and your heart should be glad because I am better to you than ten sons!" or "You have little reason for sadness. I favor you and that should be enough."
1Sa 2:23
Why do you such things?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It is terrible that you do such things!"
1Sa 2:25
who will speak for him?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "there is certainly no one who can speak for him."
1Sa 2:27
Did I not reveal myself ... house?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should know that I revealed myself ... house."
1Sa 2:29
Why, then, do you scorn my sacrifices ... live?
This rhetorical question is a rebuke. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not scorn my sacrifices ... where I live."
1Sa 4:8
Who will protect us from the strength of these mighty gods?
This rhetorical question is an expression of deep fear. It can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There is no one who can protect us from these mighty gods."
1Sa 6:6
Why should you harden your hearts, as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts?
The priests and diviners use a rhetorical question to urge the Philistines to think very seriously about what will happen if they refuse to obey God. This can be translated as a warning. Alternate Translation: "Do not be stubborn like the Egyptians and Pharaoh were!"
1Sa 6:6
did not the Egyptians send away the people, and they left?
This is another rhetorical question used to remind the Philistines how the Egyptians finally sent the Israelites out of Egypt so that God would stop afflicting the Egyptians. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "remember that the Egyptians sent the Israelites out of Egypt."
1Sa 6:20
Who is able to stand before Yahweh, this holy God?
Possible meanings are 1) this is a rhetorical question that expresses the people's fear of Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "There is no one who can resist Yahweh because he is so holy!" or 2) this is a question asking for information. The phrase "stand before Yahweh" may refer to priests who serve Yahweh. It is implied that the people were looking for a priest whom Yahweh would permit to handle the ark. Alternate Translation: "Is there a priest among us who serves this holy God, Yahweh, and is able to handle this ark?"
1Sa 9:20
Then on whom are all the desires of Israel set? Is it not on you and all your father's house?
These questions are an expression of deep conviction that Saul is the one whom Yahweh wants to be the king that the Israelites are looking for. The questions can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "You should know that it is on you that all the desires of Israel are set. They are set on you and your father's family."
1Sa 9:21
Am not I a Benjamite ... of Israel? Is not my clan ... Benjamin? Why then have you spoken to me in this manner?
Saul is expressing surprise because Benjamin was the smallest tribe in Israel, and other Israelites considered the tribe unimportant. Also, Benjamites considered the clan of which Saul was a member as unimportant. These questions can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "I am from the tribe of Benjamin, the least important of all tribes. And my clan is the least important clan in our tribe. I do not understand why you are saying that the Israelite people want me and my family to do something important."
1Sa 10:1
Has not Yahweh anointed you to be a ruler over his inheritance?
Samuel knows the answer to his question. He is reminding Saul that Yahweh has chosen him to be king of Israel. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh has certainly anointed you to be a ruler over his inheritance."
1Sa 10:11
What has happened to the son of Kish?
Possible meanings are 1) the people are asking for information or 2) this is a rhetorical question that means Saul is not important. Alternate Translation: "Kish is not an important person, so it cannot be true that his son has become a prophet!"
1Sa 10:12
Then who is their father?
This man uses a rhetorical question to remind people that being a prophet has nothing to do with who one's parents are. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It does not matter who the parents of these other prophets are. What matters is that, amazingly, Saul is speaking messages from God."
1Sa 10:27
How can this man save us?
This is a rhetorical question that is used to express sarcasm. Alternate Translation: "This man has no power to save us!"
1Sa 12:3
Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken?
Samuel uses rhetorical questions to remind the people that he has never stolen their animals. Alternate Translation: "I have never stolen a prized animal from anyone."
1Sa 12:3
Whom have I defrauded?
Samuel uses another rhetorical question to say he has always been honest. Alternate Translation: "I have never cheated or bribed any man."
1Sa 12:17
Is it not the wheat harvest today?
Samuel knows it is harvest time. He is using a rhetorical question to emphasize that it does not usually rain at this time so the people will know that the rain that will ruin their harvest is a judgment from Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "It is harvest time and does not usually rain at this time"
1Sa 13:11
What have you done
Samuel was not really asking a question, but giving a rebuke to Saul. Saul sought to defend his actions even though they were wrong.
1Sa 14:30
How much better if the people ... that they found?
Jonathan uses this hypothetical question to state that the people should have been allowed to eat. This can be a statement. Alternate Translation: "Our victory would have been better if the people had eaten freely today of the plunder that they took from their enemies."
1Sa 14:45
Should Jonathan die, who has accomplished this great victory for Israel? Far from it!
The people scold Saul. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Jonathan has just accomplished this great victory for Israel. He should surely not die."
1Sa 15:17
were you not made the head of the tribes of Israel?
Samuel uses this question to remind Saul of now much God had given him. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh made you the ruler of the tribes of Israel!"
1Sa 15:19
Why did you not obey ... Yahweh?
Samuel asks this question to rebuke Saul for disobeying Yahweh. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should have obeyed ... Yahweh!"
1Sa 15:22
Has Yahweh as much delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of Yahweh?
Samuel asks this question to emphasize that obedience is much more important than sacrifice. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh does not delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying his voice!"
1Sa 16:1
How long will you mourn for Saul, since I have rejected him from being king over Israel?
This rhetorical question is a rebuke from God and can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Stop mourning that I rejected Saul from being king over Israel."
1Sa 16:2
How can I go?
Samuel uses a question to emphasize that he is worried about going to Bethlehem. Alternate Translation: "I cannot go!" or "I am afraid to go."
1Sa 17:8
Why have you come out to draw up for battle?
Why have you come to fight in battle against us? Goliath uses this question to mock the Israelites. Alternate Translation: "You are fools if you think you can fight in battle against us!"
1Sa 17:8
Am not I a Philistine, and are you not servants of Saul?
Goliath uses this question to mock the Israelites. When he says that he is a Philistine, he is implying that he is strong. Alternate Translation: "I am a great Philistine, and you are merely servants of Saul."
1Sa 17:25
Have you seen this man who has come up?
The soldiers were saying this to draw one another's attention to the man Goliath. Alternate Translation: "Look at this man who has come up!"
1Sa 17:26
Who is this uncircumcised Philistine that he should defy the armies of the living God?
David said this to show his anger that this Philistine was defying God's army. Alternate Translation: "This uncircumcised Philistine certainly has no power that he should defy the armies of the living God!"
1Sa 17:28
Why did you come down here?
Eliab uses this question to show that he is angry that David came down. He was probably implying that David did not have a good reason for coming. Alternate Translation: "You had no good reason to come here"
1Sa 17:28
With whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness?
Eliab uses this question to insult David by making his work seem unimportant and by accusing him of not taking care of his father's sheep. Alternate Translation: "You simply had the responsibility of watching over a few sheep in the wilderness. You could not even carry out that simple responsibility!"
1Sa 17:29
What have I done now? Was it not just a question?
David used these questions to express his frustration and to justify himself. Alternate Translation: "I have done nothing wrong. I was only asking a question!"
1Sa 18:8
What more can he have but the monarchy?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The only thing left for him to have is the kingship."
1Sa 18:18
Who am I, and who are my relatives, or my father's clan in Israel ... to the king?
David uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he is not worthy of being Saul's son-in-law. Alternate Translation: "I am nobody and neither my relatives nor my father's family are important enough in Israel ... to the king."
1Sa 18:23
Is it a small matter to you to be the king's son-in-law, since I am a poor man, and lightly esteemed?
David asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that he is not worthy to be the king's son-in-law. Alternate Translation: "It is a great matter to be the king's son-in-law, and I am too poor and unimportant for that."
1Sa 19:5
Why would you sin against innocent blood by killing David for no reason?
Jonathan asks this question to rebuke Saul. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not sin against innocent blood and kill David without cause."
1Sa 19:17
Why have you deceived me and let my enemy go, so that he has escaped?
Possible meanings are 1) Saul really wants to know why Michal did what she did or 2) Saul uses this question to rebuke Michal. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not have deceived me and let my enemy go, so that he has escaped."
1Sa 19:17
Let me go. Why should I kill you?
Although David did not actually say this, Michal tells Saul that David threatened her with this question. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I will kill you if you do not help me to escape."
1Sa 20:2
Why should my father hide this thing from me?
Jonathan uses this question to emphasize that Saul would have told him if he planned to kill David. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "My father has no reason to hide this thing from me!" or "If this thing were true, my father would certainly let me know!"
1Sa 20:8
for why then should you bring me to your father?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "then there would be no reason for you to bring me to your father"
1Sa 20:9
would I not tell you?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I would certainly tell you."
1Sa 20:12
will I not then send to you and make it known to you?
Jonathan uses this question to emphasize that he will tell David if Saul intends to harm him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "then I will certainly send to you and make it known to you"
1Sa 20:14
will you not show me the covenant faithfulness of Yahweh, that I may not die?
Jonathan asks this question to confirm that David will do this. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "please show me the covenant faithfulness of Yahweh, that I may not die"
1Sa 20:30
Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse ... mother's nakedness?
Saul uses this question to emphasize that he knows that Jonathan and David are friends. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I know that you have chosen the son of Jesse ... mother's nakedness."
1Sa 20:32
For what reason should he be put to death? What has he done?
Jonathan is trying to get Saul to think carefully about what he is doing. This can be translated as a statement, and the words "should he be put to death" can be translated in active form. Alternate Translation: "You have no good reason to put him to death. He has done nothing wrong." or "You have no good reason to kill him. He has done nothing wrong."
1Sa 20:37
Is not the arrow beyond you?
Jonathan uses this question to emphasize that the arrow is farther ahead of the young man. The uses of litotes also emphasizes this. The rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should know that the arrow is beyond you." or "The arrow is far beyond you."
1Sa 21:11
Did they not sing to one another about him in dances, 'Saul ... thousands?'
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that when the people of the land were dancing, they sang to each other about him, 'Saul ... thousands.'"
1Sa 21:14
Why have you brought him to me?
Possible meanings are 1) Achish demands that his servants explain why they have brought David to him or 2) Achish is scolding them with a rhetorical question. Alternate Translation: "You should have known not to bring him to me."
1Sa 21:15
Do I lack madmen, so that you have brought this fellow to behave like one in my presence?
This rhetorical question is a rebuke. Alternate Translation: "There are enough madmen here who waste my time. You should not have brought this fellow to behave like one in my presence."
1Sa 21:15
Will this fellow really come into my house?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Do not allow this fellow to enter my house."
1Sa 22:7
Will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields and vineyards?
Saul uses a question to emphasize that David, who is from the tribe of Judah, does not desire to do this for the people of the tribe of Benjamin. Alternate Translation: "The son of Jesse will not give you fields or vineyards."
1Sa 22:7
Will he make you all captains ... me?
Saul uses a question to emphasize that David, who is from the tribe of Judah, does not desire to do this for the people of the tribe of Benjamin. Alternate Translation: "He will not make you captains ... against me."
1Sa 22:8
Will he make you all captains ... me?
Saul uses a question to emphasize that David, who is from the tribe of Judah, does not desire to do this for the people of the tribe of Benjamin. Alternate Translation: "He will not make you captains ... against me."
1Sa 22:14
Who among all your servants is so faithful as David ... house?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "None of your servants is as faithful as David ... house."
1Sa 22:15
Is today the first time I have prayed to God to help him?
Ahimelech asks himself this question before Saul can ask it, then immediately answers it. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "This is not the first time I have prayed to God to help David."
1Sa 23:3
How much more then if we go to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We will be even more fearful if we go to Keilah to fight the armies of the Philistines."
1Sa 23:19
Is not David hiding among us in ... Jeshimon?
This rhetorical question can be translated as an exclamation. Alternate Translation: "David is hiding among us in ... Jeshimon!"
1Sa 24:9
Why do you listen to the men who say, 'See, David is seeking your harm?
This is a rhetorical question. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not listen to the men who say, 'See, David is seeking to harm you."
1Sa 24:14
After whom has the king of Israel come out? After whom do you pursue?
These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. When David asks the questions, he knows that he will answer the questions himself. Alternate Translation: "Let me tell you who the king of Israel has come out after. Let me tell you who it is that you are pursuing."
1Sa 24:19
For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go safely?
A rhetorical question with the answer included in the question. Alternate Translation: "For if a man finds his enemy, he will not let him go safely."
1Sa 25:10
Who is David, and who is the son of Jesse?
Nabal probably knew who David was, but he did not want to help David.
1Sa 26:1
Is not David hiding ... Jeshimon?
This rhetorical question can be translated as an exclamation. Alternate Translation: "David is hiding ... Jeshimon!"
1Sa 26:9
who can extend his hand against Yahweh's anointed one and be guiltless?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate Translation: "No one can strike Yahweh's anointed one and be without guilt." or "Anyone who strikes Yahweh's anointed one will be guilty of murder."
1Sa 26:14
Do you not answer, Abner?
David uses a question to shame Abner into answering. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Answer me, Abner!"
1Sa 26:15
Are not you a courageous man?
David uses a question to rebuke Abner for not guarding Saul. Alternate Translation: "You are a very brave man."
1Sa 26:15
Who is like you in Israel?
David uses a question to rebuke Abner for not guarding Saul. Alternate Translation: "You are the greatest soldier in Israel."
1Sa 26:15
Why then have you not kept watch over your master the king?
Possible meanings are 1) this is a real question and David wants Abner to answer him or 2) this is a rhetorical question and David is rebuking Abner. Alternate Translation: "Therefore you should have kept watch over your master the king!"
1Sa 26:18
Why does my master pursue his servant?
Possible meanings are 1) David really does want Saul to answer the question or 2) this rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "My master has no reason to pursue his servant."
1Sa 26:18
What have I done?
Possible meanings are 1) David really does want Saul to answer the question or 2) this rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that I have done nothing to harm you."
1Sa 27:5
Why should your servant live in the royal city with you?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I do not need to live in the city with you." or "I am not important enough to live here with you in the royal city."
1Sa 29:3
What are these Hebrews doing here?
Possible ways to translate this rhetorical question as a statement are Alternate Translation: 1) "You should not have allowed these Hebrews, our enemies, to be here with us." or 2) "Tell us who these Hebrews are."
1Sa 29:3
Is not this David ... these years, and I have found ... this day?
Another possible translation is "Is not this David, ... these years? I have found ... this day." The rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should know that this is David ... these years. I have found ... this day."
1Sa 29:4
For how else could he make himself acceptable to his master than by taking the heads of our own men?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Here "taking the heads" is a metonym for killing. Alternate Translation: "The best way for David to make peace with his master would be by killing our soldiers!"
1Sa 29:5
Is this not David of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, 'Saul ... ten thousands'?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not trust David—he is the one of whom they sang one to another in dances, saying, 'Saul ... ten thousands'!"
1Sa 30:24
Who will listen to you in this matter?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement: Alternate Translation: "No one will listen to you in this matter."
2Sa 1:14
Why were you not afraid to kill Yahweh's anointed ... hand?
This rhetorical question is used to rebuke the man. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should have feared Yahweh and not killed his anointed ... hand!"
2Sa 2:22
Why should I strike you to the ground?
This rhetorical question is used to warn Asahel of the danger he faced. "Strike to the ground" is a polite way of saying "to kill." Alternate Translation: "I do not wish to kill you"
2Sa 2:22
How then could I hold up my face to Joab, your brother?
This rhetorical question emphasizes that Abner does not want to fight and kill Asahel because it would destroy Abner's relationship with Joab. Here "hold up my face to Joab" is an idiom that means that he would be too ashamed to look at Joab. Alternate Translation: "I would be too ashamed to look at your brother, Joab"
2Sa 2:26
Must the sword devour forever?
This rhetorical question emphasizes that the battle had already continued too long. Here "sword" refers to the fighting. The killing in the battle is spoken of as if a wild animal was eating the soldiers. Alternate Translation: "We do not need to keep using our swords to fight and kill each other."
2Sa 2:26
Do you not know it will be bitter in the end?
This rhetorical question is used to force Joab to acknowledge that continued fighting could only result in more suffering. Here "bitter" is a euphemism for the terrible suffering that would occur. Alternate Translation: "You know very well that there will be a terrible result if this continues!"
2Sa 2:26
How long will it be before you tell your men to stop pursuing their brothers?
This rhetorical question is intended to convince Joab to stop fighting their fellow Israelites. Here "brother" is used to represent the members of the nation of Israel. Alternate Translation: "Stop this now so that Israelites will not have to kill each other!"
2Sa 3:7
Why have you slept with my father's concubine?
Ishbosheth asked this question to rebuke Abner who was acting like he was the king. Alternate Translation: "You did not have the right to sleep with my father's concubine!"
2Sa 3:8
Am I a dog's head that belongs to Judah?
This question is used by Abner as an angry denial of Ishbosheth's accusation. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I am not a traitor working for David!"
2Sa 3:8
But now you accuse me of an offense concerning this woman?
Abner asks this question to rebuke Ishbosheth. It is unclear if Abner actually slept with Rizpah, or if he was falsely accused. Possible meanings are 1) Abner was guilty. Alternate Translation: "You should not be upset that I slept with this woman!" or 2) Abner was not guilty. Alternate Translation: "You should not think that I have slept with this woman!"
2Sa 3:12
Whose land is this?
The original text of this question is not clear. Possible meanings are 1) Abner had the power to give the land to David. Alternate Translation: "This land is mine!" or 2) David is chosen by God to rule the land: Alternate Translation: "This land rightfully belongs to you!"
2Sa 3:24
What have you done?
Joab asks this question to rebuke David for letting Abner go in peace. Alternate Translation: "You should not have done this!"
2Sa 3:24
Why have you sent him away, and he is gone?
Joab asks this question to rebuke David for letting Abner escape. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Abner was here and you let him leave!"
2Sa 3:25
Do you not know ... everything you are doing?
Joab asks this question to convince David that Abner is plotting against David. Alternate Translation: "Surely you know ... everything you are doing."
2Sa 3:33
Should Abner die as a fool dies?
This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that his death was not fair. Alternate Translation: "Abner should not have died in disgrace!"
2Sa 3:38
Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel?
This rhetorical question is used to show how much David respected Abner. Here "fallen" is a euphemism that means "died." It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It is certainly true that a great prince has died today in Israel!"
2Sa 4:11
How much more ... should I not now require his blood from your hand, and remove you from the earth?
This question is used to show that the men had committed an especially serious crime. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You are even more guilty! It is my duty to require his blood from your hand and to remove you from the earth."
2Sa 6:9
How can the ark of Yahweh come to me?
David uses this question to emphasize that he is afraid to take the ark to Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "I am too afraid to bring the ark of Yahweh with me to Jerusalem."
2Sa 7:5
Will you build me a house in which to live?
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that David is not the one to build a house for Yahweh. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You will not build a house for me"
2Sa 7:7
did I ever say anything to any of Israel's leaders
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he never asked any of Israel's leaders to build him a house. Alternate Translation: "I never said anything to any of Israel's leaders"
2Sa 7:7
Why have you not built me a house of cedar?
If Yahweh had asked the leaders this question, he would have been using a question to scold them for not building him a house of cedar. But, Yahweh said previously that he did not ask them this question. Alternate Translation: "You should have built me a house of cedar."
2Sa 7:18
Who am I, Yahweh God, and what is my family that you have brought me to this point?
David asks this question to express the deep emotion he felt from hearing Yahweh's proclamation. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "My family and I are not worthy of this honor, Yahweh God."
2Sa 7:20
What more can I, David, say to you?
David uses this question to emphasize that he has nothing left to say to Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "There is nothing more I can say to you."
2Sa 7:23
What nation is like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom you, God, went and rescued for yourself?
David uses a question emphasize that there is no other nation like Israel. Alternate Translation: "There is no nation like your people Israel, the one nation on earth whom you, God, went and rescued for yourself."
2Sa 9:8
What is your servant, that you should look with favor on such a dead dog as I am?
This rhetorical question shows that Mephibosheth understands that he is not important enough for the king to take care of him. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I am like a dead dog. I do not deserve for you to be kind to me."
2Sa 10:3
Do you really think that ... you?
The leaders use a question to suggest to the king that he should not trust David. Alternate Translation: "You are wrong to think that ... you!"
2Sa 10:3
Has not David ... overthrow it?
The leaders use a question to suggest to the king that he should not trust David. Alternate Translation: "You need to know that David ... overthrow it."
2Sa 11:3
Is not this Bathsheba ... and is she not the wife of Uriah the Hittite?
This question gives information and can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "This is Bathsheba ... and she is the wife of Uriah the Hittite."
2Sa 11:10
Have you not come from a journey? Why did you not go down to your house?
This rhetorical question is used to show David's surprise that Uriah did not visit his wife. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "After coming from such a long journey, you should have gone down to your house."
2Sa 11:11
How then can I go into my house ... with my wife?
This rhetorical question is used to emphasize Uriah's refusal to visit his wife and can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It would be wrong for me to go into my house ... with my wife while the other soldiers in my army are in danger."
2Sa 11:20
Why did you go so near ... from the wall?
Joab says that David may rebuke him by asking these rhetorical questions. These questions may be written as statements. Alternate Translation: "You should not have gone so near to the city to fight. You should have known that they would shoot from the wall."
2Sa 11:21
Who killed Abimelech son of Jerub-Besheth?
Joab says that David may rebuke him by asking these rhetorical questions. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Remember how Abimelech son of Jerub-Besheth was killed!"
2Sa 11:21
Did not a woman cast an upper millstone on him from the wall, so that he died at Thebez?
Joab says that David may rebuke him by asking these rhetorical questions. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Remember he died at Thebez when a woman cast an upper millstone on him from the top of the wall."
2Sa 11:21
Why did you go so near the wall?
Joab says that David may rebuke him by asking these rhetorical questions. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not have gone so near the wall!"
2Sa 12:9
So why have you despised ... Yahweh, so as to do what is evil in his sight?
This rhetorical question is used to rebuke David. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not have despised ... Yahweh and should not have done what is evil in his sight!"
2Sa 12:18
What might he do to himself if we tell him that the boy is dead?!
The servants ask this rhetorical question to express their fear. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We are afraid that he may harm himself if we tell him that the boy is dead!"
2Sa 12:22
Who knows whether or not Yahweh will be gracious to me, that the child may live?
David asked this rhetorical question to empathize that no one knew if Yahweh would let the child live. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one knows whether or not Yahweh will be gracious to me so that the child may live."
2Sa 12:23
But now he is dead, so why should I fast?
David asks this rhetorical question to empathize that he no longer has a reason to fast. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Now that he is dead it would be of no use to fast any longer."
2Sa 12:23
Can I bring him back again?
David asks this rhetorical question to empathize that the boy cannot come back to life. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I cannot bring him back to life."
2Sa 13:13
How could I be rid of my shame?
Tamar asks this rhetorical question to emphasize how much shame she would have if she slept with him. Tamar speaks of getting rid of her shame as if it were an enemy or a tormentor that she needed to escape from. Alternate Translation: "If you do this, I would have to endure shame everywhere I go"
2Sa 13:28
Have I not commanded you?
Absalom asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that he will be blamed for killing Amnon because he is commanding them. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I have commanded you to do this." or "I will be the one guilty for killing him because I have commanded you to do this."
2Sa 14:13
Why then have you devised such a thing against the people of God?
The woman asks this rhetorical question to rebuke David for how he has treated Absalom. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "What you have just said proved that you did wrong."
2Sa 15:19
Why will you come with us?
This rhetorical question indicates that the king does not think they should go along with him. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You do not need to go with us."
2Sa 15:20
why should I make you wander all over with us?
This rhetorical question emphasizes David did not want Ittai to come. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I do not want to cause you to wander around with us."
2Sa 15:27
Are you not a seer?
This rhetorical question is used to rebuke Zadok and can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You will be able to find out what is happening."
2Sa 15:35
Will you not have the priests Zadok and Abiathar with you?
David asks this rhetorical question to tell Hushai that he will not be alone. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Zadok and Abiathar the priests will be there to help you."
2Sa 16:9
Why should this dead dog curse my master the king?
Abishai asked this question to express his anger at the man. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "This dead dog must not speak to the king this way."
2Sa 16:10
What have I to do with you, sons of Zeruiah?
This rhetorical question is asked to correct the sons of Zeruiah. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I do not want to know what you think!"
2Sa 16:10
Who then could say to him, 'Why are you cursing the king?
This is said as a rhetorical question to emphasize that the answer is "no one." This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one then can ask him, 'Why are you cursing the king?'"
2Sa 16:11
How much more may this Benjamite now desire my ruin?
David uses this rhetorical question to express that he is not surprised that the man wants to kill him. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Of course this Benjamite desires my ruin!" or "I am not surprised this Benjamite desires my ruin as well!"
2Sa 16:17
Is this your loyalty to your friend? Why did you not go with him?
These rhetorical questions are asked to criticize Hushai. They can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have been a loyal friend to David; you should have gone with him."
2Sa 16:19
what man should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son?
Hushai asks these rhetorical questions to emphasize that he wants to serve Absalom. They can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I should serve only David's son, so I will serve in his presence." or "I should serve you, for you are David's son."
2Sa 18:11
Why did you not strike him down to the ground?
This rhetorical question means that he should have killed him. This question can be written as a statement. The phrase "strike down" means to kill. Alternate Translation: "You should have struck him down to the ground!" or "You should have killed him immediately!"
2Sa 19:10
why do you say nothing about bringing the king back?
This means they should consider bringing David back now that Absalom was dead. The question may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "we should be talking about bringing the king back."
2Sa 19:11
Why are you the last to bring the king back ... to bring him back to his palace?
This rhetorical question is asked to rebuke the elders in Judah. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should have been the first to favor the king and bring him back to the palace, not the people of the nation of Israel."
2Sa 19:12
Why then are you the last to bring back the king?
This is the second rhetorical question here and it is also a rebuke for the elders of Judah. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should have been the first, not the last, to bring back the king."
2Sa 19:13
Are you not my flesh and my bone?
David uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that they are related. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You are my flesh and my bones."
2Sa 19:21
Should not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed Yahweh's anointed?
Abishai was angry at Shimei for cursing David and is suggesting that he should be killed. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Shimei should be put to death because he cursed Yahweh's anointed."
2Sa 19:22
What have I to do with you ... that you should today be adversaries to me?
David uses this rhetorical question to rebuke Abishai. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We have nothing in common with you, you sons of Zeruiah! You have no good reason to become my adversaries today."
2Sa 19:22
Will any man be put to death today in Israel? For do I not know that today I am king over Israel?
David uses these rhetorical questions to continue rebuking Abishai. These questions can be written as statements. Alternate Translation: "No person will be executed today in the nation of Israel, because today I am the one who is king over all of Israel."
2Sa 19:22
For do I not know that today I am king over Israel?
Possible meanings of this rhetorical question are 1) "I know that I am still king of Israel." or 2) "Today I am the one who is king over Israel!"
2Sa 19:28
What right therefore have I that I should still cry any more to the king?
Mephibosheth uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he has no right to request anything from the king. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Therefore, I have no right to ask the king to do anything else for me."
2Sa 19:29
Why explain anything further?
David uses this rhetorical question to tell him that he does not need to continue talking about his conflict with Ziba. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You do not need to explain this any further." or "You certainly do not need to say any more."
2Sa 19:34
How many days are left in the years of my life, that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem?
Here Barzillai means that he is old and that there is no reason for him to accompany David. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I am certainly not going to live many more years. There is no good reason for me to go up with the king to Jerusalem."
2Sa 19:35
Can I distinguish between good and bad?
Barzillai uses rhetorical questions to emphasize why he does not want to go to Jerusalem. Here "good" and "bad" refer to what is desirable and what is not. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I cannot distinguish between what is desirable and what is not."
2Sa 19:35
Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink?
Barzillai uses rhetorical questions to emphasize why he does not want to go to Jerusalem. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I cannot enjoy the taste of what I eat and drink."
2Sa 19:35
Can I hear any more the voice of singing men and singing women?
Barzillai uses rhetorical questions to emphasize why he does not want to go to Jerusalem. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I cannot hear well the voices of singing men and singing women."
2Sa 19:35
Why then should your servant be a burden to my master the king?
Barzillai uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he does not want to be a burden to the king. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Your servant should not go with you and be a burden to you."
2Sa 19:36
Why should the king repay me with such a reward?
Barzillai uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he does not know why the king would reward him this way. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I do not know why the king would repay me with such a great reward"
2Sa 19:41
Why have our brothers, the men of Judah ... and all David's men with him?
The men of Israel use this question to express that they feel betrayed by the people of Judah. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It is not right that our brothers, the men of Judah, who did not support you as king, had the privilege of bringing you and your family back across the Jordan River."
2Sa 19:42
Why then are you angry about this?
The men of Judah ask this rhetorical question to rebuke the men of Israel. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "But you have no reason to be upset about this."
2Sa 19:42
Have we eaten anything that the king had to pay for? Has he given us any gifts?
The men of Judah ask the question to express that they have not taken anything from the king. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The king has never paid for our food, and he has never given us any gifts."
2Sa 19:43
Why then did you despise us?
The men of Israel ask this rhetorical question to express their anger. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not have despised us!"
2Sa 19:43
Was not our proposal to bring back our king the first to be heard?
The men of Israel ask this question to remind and rebuke the people of Judah. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We were the first to suggest that we bring back the king!"
2Sa 20:19
Why do you want to swallow up the inheritance of Yahweh?
Here the woman uses a rhetorical question to suggest to Joab what they should not do. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not destroy the city that is Yahweh's inheritance!"
2Sa 22:32
For who is God except Yahweh, and who is a rock except our God?
David uses this question to emphasize that there is no God apart from Yahweh. These may be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh alone is God. Our God alone is a rock."
2Sa 23:5
Indeed, is my family not like this before God?
Here David is saying that he agrees with God. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "My family is indeed like this before God!"
2Sa 23:5
Has he not made ... way?
David acknowledges that God has made a covenant with him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "He has indeed made ... way."
2Sa 23:5
Does he not increase my salvation ... desire?
David believes that God will always help him and cause him to prosper. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "He increases my salvation and gives me my every desire."
2Sa 23:17
Should I drink the blood of men who have risked their lives?
David compares the water to blood because the men risked their lives to bring the water to him. He uses a question to emphasize this. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Drinking this water would be like drinking the blood of those men who have risked their lives to bring it to me."
2Sa 23:19
Was he not even more famous than the three?
This question is used to emphasize how famous he was. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "He was even more famous than the three."
2Sa 24:17
But these sheep, what have they done?
David uses a question and compares the people to sheep to emphasize that they have done nothing wrong. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "These ordinary people have done nothing wrong."
1Ki 1:6
Why have you done this or that?
This is a rhetorical question that a father would ask to discipline his son. Alternate Translation: "You should know that what you have done is wrong."
1Ki 1:11
Have you not heard ... it?
The purpose of this question is to introduce the information that Nathan wants to tell Bathsheba. Alternate Translation: "You do not seem to have heard ... it." or "Have you heard ... it?"
1Ki 1:13
did you not swear to your servant ... throne?
The purpose of this question was to remind David of what he had promised Bathsheba. Alternate Translation: "you swore to your servant ... throne."
1Ki 1:13
Why then is Adonijah reigning?
Bathsheba was to use a question so David would pay attention. Alternate Translation: "So then, Adonijah should not be reigning."
1Ki 2:22
Why do you ask ... Adonijah? Why do you not ask the kingdom for him also ... Zeruiah?
King Solomon was angered by his mother's request. Alternate Translation: "You are wrong to ask ... Adonijah! This is the same as asking the kingdom for him also ... Zeruiah!"
1Ki 2:42
Did I not make you swear ... saying, 'Know ... die'?
Solomon is reminding Shimei of what Shimei had promised. Alternate Translation: "You know very well that I made you swear ... saying, 'Know ... die'!"
1Ki 2:43
Why then have you not kept your oath ... you?
Possible meanings are 1) Solomon is asking for an answer or 2) Alternate Translation: "You have done wrong by breaking your oath ... you."
1Ki 3:9
For who is able to judge this great people of yours?
Solomon asks a question to emphasize that he knows that no one can judge. Alternate Translation: "No one is able to judge this great people of yours."
1Ki 8:27
But will God actually live on the earth?
Possible meanings of this question are 1) Solomon is asking a real question and expecting an answer or 2) the question is rhetorical and Solomon is emphasizing that God is too big and mighty to live on earth. Alternate Translation: "But it surely cannot be that God will actually live on the earth!"
1Ki 9:13
What cities are these which you have given me, my brother?
Hiram is rebuking Solomon. This questions can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "These cities that you have given me are good for nothing."
1Ki 12:16
What share do we have in David?
Share here is a metonym meaning a part, involvement, or interest. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate Translation: "We will have no part in the family of David."
1Ki 14:6
Why do you pretend to be someone you are not?
This question shows that Ahijah knew she was disguised. Alternate Translation: "Stop pretending to be someone else; I know who you are."
1Ki 15:7
are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah?
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Abijah is in this other book. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 14:29](../14/29.md). This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah."
1Ki 15:23
are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah?
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Abijah is in this other book. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 14:29](../14/29.md). This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah"
1Ki 15:31
are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Nadab is in this other book. See how you translated a similar phrase concerning Judah in [1 Kings 14:29](../14/29.md). This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel."
1Ki 16:5
are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Baasha is in this other book. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 15:31](../15/31.md). Alternate Translation: "they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel."
1Ki 16:14
are they not written ... kings of Israel?
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Elah is in this other book. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 15:31](../15/31.md). Alternate Translation: "they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel."
1Ki 16:20
are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Zimri is in this other book. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. See how you translated a similar phrase concerning Judah in [1 Kings 14:29](../14/29.md). Alternate Translation: "they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel."
1Ki 16:27
are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Omri is in this other book. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. See how you translated this in [1 Kings 15:31](../15/31.md). Alternate Translation: "they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel."
1Ki 17:20
have you also brought disaster on the widow with whom I am staying, by killing her son?
Possible meanings are 1) Elijah is truly asking a question. Alternate Translation: "why would you cause the widow with whom I am staying to suffer even more by killing her son" or 2) Elijah uses a question to express how sad he is. Alternate Translation: "surely, you would not cause the widow with whom I am staying to suffer even more by killing her son"
1Ki 18:9
How have I sinned ... for him to kill me?
Obadiah asks this question to emphasize the danger to himself because of King Ahab's anger at Elijah. Alternate Translation: "I have not wronged you ... for him to kill me."
1Ki 18:17
Is it you? You are the one who brings trouble to Israel!
Ahab asks the question for emphasis to be certain about Elijah's identity. Alternate Translation: "So here you are. You are the troublemaker of Israel!"
1Ki 18:21
How long will you keep changing your mind?
Elijah asks this question to urge the people to make a decision. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have been indecisive for long enough."
1Ki 19:9
What are you doing here, Elijah?
Yahweh asks this question to rebuke Elijah and to remind him of his duty. Alternate Translation: "This is not where you should be, Elijah."
1Ki 20:13
Have you seen this great army?
Yahweh asks this question to emphasize the size and strength of Ben Hadad's army. Alternate Translation: "Look at this great army."
1Ki 20:32
Is he still alive?
Ahab asks this question to express surprise. Alternate Translation: "I am surprised that he is still alive!"
1Ki 21:7
Do you not still rule the kingdom of Israel?
Jezebel uses this negative rhetorical question to rebuke Ahab. It can be translated as a positive statement. Alternate Translation: "You still rule the kingdom of Israel!"
1Ki 21:19
Have you killed and also taken possession?
Yahweh asks this question to scold Ahab. Alternate Translation: "You have killed Naboth and stolen his vineyard!"
1Ki 21:20
Have you found me, my enemy?
Ahab uses this question to express anger toward Elijah. That Elijah "found" Ahab likely refers to Elijah discovering Ahab's actions, not to finding his physical location. Alternate Translation: "You have found me, my enemy!" or "You have discovered what I have done, my enemy!"
1Ki 21:29
Do you see how Ahab humbles himself before me?
God uses this question to show Elijah that Ahab's sorrow is genuine. Alternate Translation: "I have seen how Ahab humbles himself before me." or "Look at how Ahab humbles himself before me."
1Ki 22:3
Do you know that Ramoth Gilead is ours, but that we are doing nothing to take it from the hand of the king of Aram?
Ahab asks this question to emphasize that they should have already recaptured Ramoth Gilead. Alternate Translation: "Ramoth Gilead is ours, but we have done nothing yet to take it from the hand of the king of Aram."
1Ki 22:16
How many times must I require ... in the name of Yahweh?
Ahab asks this question out of frustration to rebuke Micaiah. Alternate Translation: "Many times I have required ... in the name of Yahweh."
1Ki 22:18
Did I not tell you ... but only disaster?
Ahab asks this question to emphasize that he had spoken the truth about Micaiah. Alternate Translation: "I told you ... but only disaster!"
1Ki 22:24
Which way did the Spirit of Yahweh take to go from me to speak to you?
Zedekiah asks this sarcastic question to insult and rebuke Micaiah. Alternate Translation: "Do not think that Yahweh's Spirit left me to speak to you!"
2Ki 1:3
Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to consult with Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?
This rhetorical question is asked as a rebuke for consulting Baal-Zebub. This may be written as a statement. This is irony because they are definitely aware of the God of Israel. Alternate Translation: "You fools! You know there is a God in Israel, but you were acting as though you did not know when you sent men to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron!"
2Ki 1:6
Is it because there is no God in Israel that you sent men to consult with Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron?
This rhetorical question is asked as a rebuke for consulting Baal-Zebub. This may be written as a statement. This is irony because they are definitely aware of the God of Israel. See how you translated a similar question in [2 Kings 3:3](./03.md). Alternate Translation: "You fools! You know there is a God in Israel, but you were acting as though you did not know when you sent men to consult Baal-Zebub, the god of Ekron!"
2Ki 1:16
Is it because there is no God in Israel from whom you can ask for information?
This rhetorical question is asked as a rebuke for consulting Baal-Zebub. This may be written as a statement. This is irony because the king is definitely aware of the God of Israel. Alternate Translation: "You must think there is no God in Israel whom you may ask for information!" or "You fool! You know there is a God in Israel to consult, but you acted as if you did not know."
2Ki 1:18
are they not written ... Israel?
This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "they are written ... Israel." or "someone has written about them in ... Israel."
2Ki 2:18
Did I not say to you, 'Do not go'?
Elisha uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he had told them previously what would happen. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I told you that you should not go, because you would not find him!"
2Ki 3:10
What is this? Has Yahweh called three kings to give them into the hand of Moab?
The king uses a rhetorical question to emphasize how ridiculous and terrible their situation is. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It looks like Yahweh will allow all three of us to be captured by Moab!"
2Ki 3:11
Is there not here a prophet of Yahweh, that we may consult Yahweh by him?
Jehoshaphat uses a rhetorical question here to state that he is certain that there is a prophet there and to find out where he is. This may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I am sure there is a prophet of Yahweh here! Tell me where one is, so we may consult Yahweh by him."
2Ki 3:13
What have I to do with you?
Elisha uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he and the king have nothing in common. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I have nothing to do with you." or "I have nothing in common with you."
2Ki 4:28
Did I ask you for a son, my master? Did I not say, 'Do not deceive me'?
The woman uses these rhetorical questions to show that she is upset about what has happened. She is speaking about her conversation with Elisha when he told her that she was going to have a son. These questions may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I did not ask you to give me a son, but I did ask you not to lie to me!"
2Ki 4:43
What, should I set this before a hundred men?
The man uses this rhetorical question to imply that this is not enough bread to feed 100 men. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "That is not enough to feed a hundred men!"
2Ki 5:7
Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man wants me to cure a man of his leprosy?
The king uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that the request of the king of Aram is outrageous and something he cannot do. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The king of Aram must think I am some sort of God, with the power over death and life! He wants me to cure this man of his leprosy, but I cannot do that."
2Ki 5:8
Why have you torn your clothes?
Elisha uses this rhetorical question to emphasize to the king that he does not need to be distressed and tear his clothes. Alternate Translation: "There is no need to be distressed and tear your clothes."
2Ki 5:12
Are not Abanah and Pharpar, the rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel?
Naaman uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that the Abanah and the Pharpar are better rivers than the Jordan. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The Abanah and the Pharpar Rivers, in my home country of Aram, are much better than any of the rivers of Israel!
2Ki 5:12
Can I not bathe in them and be clean?
Naaman uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he could have bathed in the other rivers easily. He believes that bathing in them could heal him just as bathing in the Jordan could. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I should have just bathed in them and been healed!" or "I could just as easily have bathed in them and been healed!"
2Ki 5:13
would you not have done it?
The servant uses this question to carefully rebuke Naaman. Alternate Translation: "you surely would have done it!"
2Ki 5:13
How much rather then, when he says to you to simply, 'Dip yourself and be clean?
The servant uses this rhetorical question to emphasize to Naaman that he should obey Elisha's command. This question can be written as statement. Alternate Translation: "You should be even more willing to obey when he says to you simply, 'Dip yourself and be clean.'"
2Ki 5:26
Was not my spirit with you when the man turned his chariot to meet you?
Elisha uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that Yahweh allowed him to see what Gehazi had done. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should have realized that my spirit could see you when Naaman stopped his chariot and talked to you."
2Ki 5:26
Is this a time to accept money ... female servants?
Elisha uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that this is not the time take gifts. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "This is not the time to accept money ... female servants."
2Ki 6:11
Will you not tell me who among us is for the king of Israel?
The king of Aram assumes there is a traitor among his soldiers who is giving information to the Israelite king. He uses this rhetorical question to try to find out who that traitor is. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Tell me which of you is for the king of Israel!" or "Tell me which of you is revealing our plans to the king of Israel!"
2Ki 6:22
Would you kill those whom you had taken captive with your sword and bow?
Elisha uses this rhetorical question to rebuke the king and tell him not to kill these men. The words "sword and bow" are a metonym for war in which soldiers use swords and bows and arrows. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You would not kill men whom you had captured in war, so you should not kill these men."
2Ki 6:27
If Yahweh does not help you, how can I help you?
The king uses this rhetorical question to tell the woman that he cannot help her. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "If Yahweh is not helping you, then I cannot help you."
2Ki 6:27
Is there anything coming from the threshing floor or winepress?
The king uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no food available. Here the threshing floor refers to grain and the winepress refers to wine. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There is nothing coming from the threshing floor or the winepress." or "There is no food to harvest or any grapes to make wine to drink."
2Ki 6:32
See how this son of a murderer has sent to take away my head?
Elisha uses this rhetorical question to draw attention to the kings messenger and to insult the king. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "See, this son of a murderer has sent someone to remove my head!"
2Ki 6:32
Is not the sound of his master's feet behind him?
Elisha uses this question to assure the elders that the king is coming not far behind him. This rhetorical question may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The sound of his master's feet is right behind him." or "The king will be coming along soon after he arrives."
2Ki 7:2
can this thing happen?
The captain asks this question to express his unbelief. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "this could never happen!"
2Ki 7:3
Why should we sit here until we die?
Although there were four men, probably only one of them asks this question. The question is rhetorical and emphasizes that they should not do this. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Certainly we should not sit here until we die"
2Ki 7:19
can this thing happen?
The captain asks this question to express his unbelief. This question can be translated as a statement. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 7:2](./01.md). Alternate Translation: "this could never happen!"
2Ki 8:13
Who is your servant, that he should do this great thing?
Hazel refers to himself here as Elisha's servant. Hazel uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he does not think he could do the terrible things that Elisha has said. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I could never do such great things!" or "Who am I, that I would have the power to do such things?"
2Ki 8:23
are they not written ... Judah?
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Jehoram is in this other book. Alternate Translation: "these things are written ... Judah." or "someone has written about them ... Judah."
2Ki 9:18
What have you to do with peace?
Jehu uses this rhetorical question to tell the messenger that it is none of his concern if he comes in peace or not. This may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It is not your concern if I have come in peace!" or "It is not for you to know if I have come in peace!"
2Ki 9:19
What have you to do with peace?
Jehu uses this rhetorical question to tell the messenger that it is none of his concern if he comes in peace or not. This may be written as a statement. See how you translated this question in [2 Kings 9:18](./17.md). Alternate Translation: "It is not your concern if I have come in peace!" or "It is not for you to know if I have come in peace!"
2Ki 9:22
What peace is there, when the idolatrous acts of prostitution and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel are so many?
Jehu uses this rhetorical question to state why he is not coming in peace. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "There can be no peace as long as your mother Jezebel practices and promotes so much idolatry in the form of prostitution and witchcraft."
2Ki 9:31
Are you coming in peace, you Zimri, your master's murderer?
Jezebel uses this rhetorical question to accuse Jehu of not coming peacefully. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You are certainly not coming in peace, you Zimri, your master's murderer!"
2Ki 10:4
So how can we stand?
The descendants use the rhetorical question to imply that they cannot stand against Jehu. Alternate Translation: "We cannot stand against him either!" or "We cannot resist him either!"
2Ki 10:9
but who killed all these?
Jehu uses a rhetorical question to cause the people to think deeply about the situation. This can be written as a statement. Possible meanings are 1) Alternate Translation: "but the men of Samaria are responsible for killing Ahab's 70 descendants" or 2) Alternate Translation: "but it was Yahweh's will for these men to die"
2Ki 10:34
are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?
This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 1:18](../01/17.md). Alternate Translation: "they are written in the book of the history of the kings of Israel."
2Ki 12:7
Why have you not repaired anything in the temple?
Joash asks this question to rebuke the priests. Alternate Translation: "You should have been repairing the temple!"
2Ki 12:19
are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah?
This question is used to remind the reader that these things are recorded. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 8:23](../08/22.md). Alternate Translation: "they are written in the book of the history of the kings of Judah."
2Ki 13:8
are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?
This question is used to remind the reader that the acts of Jehoahaz are recorded in another book. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 1:18](../01/17.md). Alternate Translation: "they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel."
2Ki 13:12
are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?
This question is used to remind the reader that the acts of Jehoahaz are recorded in another book. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 1:18](../01/17.md). Alternate Translation: "they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel."
2Ki 14:10
for why should you cause yourself trouble and fall
Jehoash uses this question to warn Amaziah not to attack him. Alternate Translation: "for you should not cause trouble for yourself and suffer defeat"
2Ki 14:15
are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?
This question is used to remind the reader that the acts of Jehoahaz are recorded in another book. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 1:18](../01/17.md). Alternate Translation: "they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel."
2Ki 14:18
are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah?
This question is used to remind the reader that these things are recorded. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 8:23](../08/22.md). Alternate Translation: "they are written in the book of the history of the kings of Judah."
2Ki 14:28
are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel?
This question is used to remind the reader that the acts of Jehoahaz are recorded in another book. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 1:18](../01/17.md). Alternate Translation: "they are written in the book of the events of the kings of Israel."
2Ki 15:6
are they not written ... Judah?
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Azariah is in this other book. This can also be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 8:23](../08/22.md). Alternate Translation: "they are written ... Judah." or "you can read about them ... Judah."
2Ki 15:21
are they not written ... Israel?
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Menahem is in this other book. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 1:18](../01/17.md). Alternate Translation: "they are written in The Book of the Events of the Kings of Israel."
2Ki 15:36
are they not written ... Judah?
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Jotham is in this other book. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 8:23](../08/22.md). Alternate Translation: "they are written in The Book of the Events of the Kings of Judah."
2Ki 16:19
are they not written ... Judah?
This question is used to either inform or remind the readers that the information about Ahaz is in this other book. This can also be stated in active form. See how you translated this in [2 Kings 8:23](../08/22.md). Alternate Translation: "they are written in The Book of the Events of the Kings of Judah." or "someone has written about them in The Book ... Judah."
2Ki 18:19
What is the source of your confidence? ... In whom are you trusting, that you should rebel against me?
The King of Assyria (through his messenger Rabshakeh) does not ask these questions looking for an answer, but wants to make King Hezekiah doubt himself and Egypt's support. Alternate Translation: "Do not trust in anybody. You were foolish to rebel against me."
2Ki 18:20
What is the source of your confidence? ... In whom are you trusting, that you should rebel against me?
The King of Assyria (through his messenger Rabshakeh) does not ask these questions looking for an answer, but wants to make King Hezekiah doubt himself and Egypt's support. Alternate Translation: "Do not trust in anybody. You were foolish to rebel against me."
2Ki 18:22
is not he the one whose high places ... Jerusalem'?
This question assumes the listeners know the answer and is used for emphasis. Alternate Translation: "You need to remember that he is the one whose high places ... Jerusalem'!"
2Ki 18:24
How could you resist even one captain of the least of my master's servants?
He asks this question to emphasize that the army of Hezekiah does not have the resources to fight. He also uses exaggeration to mock Hezekiah's army. Alternate Translation: Possible meanings are 1) "You could not defeat even one of the least of the king's soldiers." or 2) "You could not defeat a group of the king's soldiers commanded by his least important officer."
2Ki 18:25
Have I traveled up here without Yahweh to fight against this place and destroy it?
He asks this question to emphasize that Yahweh is behind his success to obey the command to destroy Israel. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh himself told us to come here and destroy this land!"
2Ki 18:27
Has my master sent me to your master and to you to speak these words? Has he not sent me to the men who sit on the wall, who will have to eat their own dung and drink their own urine with you?
He asks these questions assuming the listeners know the answers to emphasize their intention to destroy and humiliate the leaders and people of Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "My master sent me not only to you and your master, but also to speak to the people in this city, who will suffer with you when they have to eat their own dung and drink their own urine to survive."
2Ki 18:33
Has any of the gods ... Assyria?
He asks this question for emphasis because they know the answer. Alternate Translation: "None the gods of the peoples have rescued them ... Assyria."
2Ki 18:34
Where are the gods of ... Arpad?
He asks this question for emphasis because they know the answer. Alternate Translation: "I have destroyed the gods of ... Arpad!"
2Ki 18:35
is there any god who has rescued his land from my power?
He asks this question for emphasis because they know the answer. Alternate Translation: "No god has rescued his land from my power."
2Ki 18:35
How could Yahweh save Jerusalem from my might?
He asks this question for emphasis because they know the answer. Alternate Translation: "There is no way Yahweh can save Jerusalem from my might!"
2Ki 19:11
So will you be rescued?
Sennacharib used this question to emphasize that God will not be able to rescue them. Alternate Translation: "Your God will not rescue you!" or "You will not be able to escape either!"
2Ki 19:12
Have the gods of the nations rescued them, the nations ... Assar?
This question assumes Hezekiah knows the answer and provides emphasis. Alternate Translation: "The gods of the nations certainly did not rescue them, the nations ... Assar!"
2Ki 19:22
Whom have you defied and insulted? Against whom have you exalted your voice and lifted up your eyes in pride? Against the Holy One of Israel!
Yahweh uses rhetorical questions to rebuke Sennacherib. Alternate Translation: "You have defied and insulted me! You have exalted your voice and lifted up your eyes in pride against me, the Holy One of Israel!"
2Ki 19:25
Have you not heard how ... times?
To make the point strongly this question assumes the listener knows the answer. Alternate Translation: "Surely you know how ... times."
2Ki 20:19
Will there not be peace and stability in my days?
Hezekiah asks this question for emphasis knowing the answer already. Alternate Translation: "I can be sure that there will be peace and stability in my days."
2Ki 20:20
are they not written in the book of the events of the kings of Judah?
This question is used to remind the reader that these things are recorded. See how this phrase is translated in [2 Kings 8:23](../08/22.md). Alternate Translation: "they are written in the book of the history of the kings of Judah."
1Ch 13:12
How can I bring the ark of God home to me?
David uses this question to emphasize that he is afraid to take the ark to Jerusalem. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I am too afraid to bring the ark of Yahweh with me to Jerusalem."
1Ch 17:6
did I ever say anything to any of Israel's leaders
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he never asked any of Israel's leaders to build him a house. Alternate Translation: "I never said anything to any of Israel's leaders"
1Ch 17:6
Why have you not built me a house of cedar?
If Yahweh had asked the leaders this question, he would have been using a question to scold them for not building him a house of cedar. But, Yahweh said previously that he did not ask them this question. Alternate Translation: "You should have built me a house of cedar."
1Ch 17:16
Who am I, Yahweh God, and what is my family, that you have brought me to this point?
- David asks this question to express the deep emotion he felt from hearing Yahweh's proclamation. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "My family and I are not worthy of this honor, Yahweh God." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/
1Ch 17:18
What more can I, David, say to you?
David uses this question to emphasize that he has nothing left to say to Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "There is nothing more I can say to you."
1Ch 17:21
what nation on earth ... by great and awesome deeds?
This question expects a negative answer to make the point that there was no other nation like Israel. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "there is no nation on earth ... by great and awesome deeds."
1Ch 19:3
Do you think that David is honoring your father because he has sent men to comfort you?
The princes asked this question to turn the king against David. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not think that David is honoring your father because he has sent men to comfort you."
1Ch 19:3
Do not his servants come to you to explore and examine the land in order to overthrow it?
The princes asked this question to turn the king against David. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Surely his servants come to you to explore the land in order to overthrow it."
1Ch 21:3
But my master the king, do they not all serve my master? Why does my master want this? Why bring guilt on Israel?
Job uses these three rhetorical questions to tell David that the census was a bad idea. It appears that David was trusting the size of his army instead of trusting Yahweh, and thus making Israel guilty of sin. These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: But my master the king, they all serve you already. My master should not request this. You will only bring guilt on the people of Israel by trusting your military power."
1Ch 21:17
Is it not I that commanded that the army be numbered?
David uses this question to emphasize that his is the one who sinned by counting the people. Alternate Translation: "I am the one who commanded that the army be numbered."
1Ch 21:17
what have they done?
David uses this question to asks God not to punish the people. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "they certainly have done nothing that deserves punishment."
1Ch 29:14
But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer so willingly these things?
David uses this rhetorical question to express that he and his people deserve no praise for giving anything to God. Alternate Translation: "My people and I should definitely offer these things to you willingly!"
2Ch 1:10
who can judge your people, who are so many in number?
Here "judge" means to govern or rule. Solomon uses a question to state that it is impossible to rule over so many people without God's help. Alternate Translation: "no one can judge all of your countless people without your help."
2Ch 2:6
who is able to build God a house, since the entire universe and even heaven itself cannot contain him? Who am I to build him a house, except to burn sacrifices before him?
Solomon uses a question to emphasize that no one is able or worthy to build a house for God. Alternate Translation: "no one is able to build a house for God because not even the universe or heaven is big enough to contain him. I am not worthy to build a house for him, except as a place to offer sacrifices to him.
2Ch 6:18
But will God actually live with mankind on the earth?
Possible meanings of this question are 1) Solomon is asking a real question and expecting an answer or 2) the question is rhetorical and Solomon is emphasizing that God is too big and mighty to live on earth. Alternate Translation: "But it surely cannot be that God will actually live on the earth!"
2Ch 9:29
are they not written ... (which also had information about Jeroboam son of Nebat)?
The author uses the question to remind the readers that other people had written about Solomon. It can be expressed in active form Alternate Translation: "they are written ... (which also had information about Jeroboam son of Nebat.)" or "people have written about them ... (which also had information about Jeroboam son of Nebat)."
2Ch 10:16
What share do we have in David? We have no inheritance in the son of Jesse
The people use this question and statement to imply that since they do not belong to David's family, they are not obligated to support David's grandson, King Rehoboam. Alternate Translation: "We have no share in David. We will not have anything to do with the descendants of the son of Jesse"
2Ch 13:5
Do you not know ... by a formal covenant?
Abijah asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the positive answer that it anticipates. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know very well ... by a formal covenant."
2Ch 13:9
But did you not drive out ... as the people of other lands do?
Abijah asks this rhetorical question to rebuke the people and to emphasize the positive answer that it anticipates. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "But you drive out ... as the people of other lands do."
2Ch 16:8
Were not the Cushites and the Libyans a huge army, with very many chariots and horsemen?
Hanani uses this rhetorical question to remind Asa of a previous victory. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The Cushites and the Libyans were a huge army, with very many chariots and horsemen."
2Ch 18:15
How many times must I require ... in the name of Yahweh?
Ahab asks this question out of frustration to rebuke Micaiah. Alternate Translation: "Many times I have required ... in the name of Yahweh."
2Ch 18:17
Did I not tell you ... but only disaster?
Ahab asks this question to emphasize that he had spoken the truth about Micaiah. Alternate Translation: "I told you ... but only disaster!"
2Ch 18:23
Which way did the Spirit of Yahweh take to go from me to speak to you?
Zedekiah asks this sarcastic question to insult and rebuke Micaiah. Alternate Translation: "Do not think that Yahweh's Spirit left me to speak to you!"
2Ch 19:2
Should you be helping the wicked? Should you be loving those who hate Yahweh?
These questions expect negative answers to make the point that Jehoshaphat should not have helped Ahab. Alternate Translation: "You should not help the wicked! You should not love those who hate Yahweh!"
2Ch 20:6
are you not God in heaven? Are you not the ruler over all the kingdoms of the nations?
Jehoshaphat uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that God is in heaven and his authority over all things. This question can be written as statement. Alternate Translation: "you are indeed God in heaven and the ruler over all the kings of the earth."
2Ch 20:7
Our God, did you not drive out the inhabitants of this land ... to the descendants of Abraham?
Jehoshaphat uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that God drove their enemies from their land and gave it to the Israelites. This question can be written as statement. Alternate Translation: "It was you who drove out those who lived in this land for the sake of your people Israel and who gave it permanently to the descendants of Abraham."
2Ch 20:12
will you not judge them?
This rhetorical question is used as a request. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "please judge them."
2Ch 24:6
Why have you not required the Levites ... covenant decrees?
King Joash asks this rhetorical question to accuse Jehoiada of not doing his duty. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have neglected your duty. I told you to require the Levites ... covenant decrees, but you have not done it."
2Ch 24:20
Why do you transgress the commandments of Yahweh, so that you cannot prosper?
Zechariah asked this rhetorical question to rebuke the people. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You are transgressing the commandments of Yahweh, so that is why you cannot prosper."
2Ch 25:15
Why have you sought after the gods of a people who did not even save their own people from your hand?
The prophet uses this rhetorical question to rebuke Amaziah for worshiping the powerless gods of the people he had defeated. Here the word "hand" is a metonym for power. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have worshiped the gods of a people that did not even save their own people from your power, King Amaziah."
2Ch 25:16
Have we made you an advisor to the king? Stop! Why should you be killed?
The king used these rhetorical questions to rebuke the prophet for speaking against him. The questions can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "We certainly did not appoint you to be one of my advisors. So stop talking! If you say anything more, I will tell my soldiers to kill you!"
2Ch 25:19
why should you cause yourself trouble and fall, both you and Judah with you?
Jehoash used this rhetorical question to warn Amaziah not to fight with him. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "you should not cause yourself trouble and fall, both you and Judah with you."
2Ch 25:26
As for the other matters ... are they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel?
This rhetorical question is used to remind the reader that what happened to Amaziah is well-known. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "All of the matters concerning Amaziah, behold, are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel."
2Ch 28:10
But are you not guilty of sins of your own against Yahweh your God?
Oded asks this rhetorical question to rebuke the army of Israel and to emphasize the positive answer that the question anticipates. Alternate Translation: "But you yourselves are guilty of sins of your own against Yahweh your God."
2Ch 32:4
Why should the kings of Assyria come and find a lot of water?
The people use a rhetorical question to emphasize that they do not want the kings of Assyria to find their water. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We do not want the kings of Assyria to come here and find a lot of water."
2Ch 32:10
What are you relying on in order to endure a siege in Jerusalem?
Sennacherib uses a rhetorical question to cause the people to think about their situation. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You are not able to endure a siege in Jerusalem."
2Ch 32:11
Is not Hezekiah misleading you ... king of Assyria'?
Sennacherib uses a rhetorical question to cause the people of Jerusalem to think about their situation. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Hezekiah is misleading you ... king of Assyria.'"
2Ch 32:13
Do you not know what ... lands?
Sennacherib uses a rhetorical question to cause the people of Jerusalem to think about their situation. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know very well what ... lands!"
2Ch 32:13
Were the gods ... power?
Sennacherib uses a rhetorical question to cause the people of Jerusalem to think about their situation. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There was no god ... power!"
2Ch 32:14
Among all the gods ... was there any god who ... hand?
Sennacherib uses a rhetorical question to cause the people of Jerusalem to think about their situation. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There was no god among all the gods ... who ... hand!"
2Ch 32:14
Why should your God be able ... power?
Sennacherib uses a rhetorical question to cause the people of Jerusalem to think about their situation. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There is no reason your God should be able ... power!"
2Ch 32:15
How much less will your God rescue you from my hand?
Sennacherib uses a rhetorical question to cause the people of Jerusalem to think about their situation. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Your God will certainly not be able to rescue you from my hand!"
2Ch 35:21
What have I to do with you, king of Judah?
Necho uses this rhetorical question to tell Josiah that he is not in conflict with him and that Josiah should not attack him. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have no reason to attack me, king of Judah."
Ezr 4:22
Why allow this threat to grow and cause more loss for the royal interests?
Artaxerxes uses a question to tell them that he understands that he will lose taxes and honor if the city is built. Alternate Translation: "You must make sure that this threat does not grow and cause more loss for the royal interests."
Ezr 7:23
For why should his wrath come upon the kingdom of me and my sons?
The king uses this question to say that he does not want God's wrath to come upon them. The implied information is that if they do not do give Ezra what he needs, then God will punish the kingdom. Alternate Translation: "For we do not want God's wrath to come upon the kingdom of me and my sons." or "For if you do not do these things, God's wrath will come upon the kingdom of me and my sons."
Ezr 9:14
should we again break your commandments and make ... people?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "it is very wrong that some of us have broken your commandments and made ... people."
Ezr 9:14
Will you not be angry ... escape?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I am afraid that you will be angry ... escape."
Neh 2:3
Why should not my face be sad?
Here Nehemiah uses this rhetorical question to tell the king that he has a reason to be sad. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I have very good reasons to be sad."
Neh 2:19
What are you doing? Are you rebelling against the king?
These rhetorical questions are used to mock Nehemiah. These can be written as statements. Alternate Translation: "You are acting foolishly! You should not be rebelling against the king!"
Neh 4:2
What are these feeble ... Will they restore ... Will they offer ... Will they finish the work in a day?
Sanballat poses these questions to mock the Jews. These can be written as statements. Alternate Translation: "These feeble Jews can accomplish nothing. They will never restore the city for themselves. They will not offer sacrifices. They will not finish the work in a day."
Neh 4:2
Will they bring to life the stones from the piles of rubble after they were burned?
Sanballat also poses this question to mock the Jews. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "They will not bring to life again the stones from piles of rubble that were burned."
Neh 5:9
Should you not walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations that are our enemies?
This is a rhetorical question that Nehemiah is using to scold the nobles. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should walk in the fear of our God to prevent the taunts of the nations that are our enemies."
Neh 6:3
Why should the work stop while I leave it and come down to you?
This rhetorical question is used to challenge Sanballat's request. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I cannot let the work stop and come down to you"
Neh 6:11
Would a man like me run away? Would a man like me go into the temple just so he could save his own life?
Nehemiah uses these rhetorical questions to emphasize that he will not do what Shemaiah has suggested. These questions may be written as statements. Alternate Translation: "A man like me would not run away. A man like me would not go into the temple just to hide to stay alive."
Neh 13:11
Why is the house of God neglected?
Nehemiah uses a rhetorical question to challenge or even ridicule the officials who had not done their work. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have neglected the house of God!"
Neh 13:17
What is this evil thing you are doing, profaning the Sabbath day?
Nehemiah is using a rhetorical question to scold the leaders of Judah. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You are doing an evil thing by profaning the Sabbath day." or "God will punish you for doing this evil thing, for profaning the Sabbath day."
Neh 13:18
Did not your fathers do this? Did not our God bring all this evil on us and on this city?
Nehemiah is using these rhetorical questions to scold the leaders of Judah. These questions can be combined and translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that your fathers did this, and that is why God brought all this evil on us and on this city."
Neh 13:21
Why do you camp outside the wall?
Nehemiah uses a rhetorical question to rebuke merchants and to emphasize his command. This question can be translated as a statement. The full meaning of this statement can also be made explicit. Alternate Translation: "You are camping outside the wall against what I commanded."
Neh 13:26
Did not Solomon king of Israel sin on account of these women?
Nehemiah uses a rhetorical question to scold the men. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that Solomon king of Israel sinned on account of these women."
Neh 13:27
Should we then listen to you and do all this great evil, and act treacherously against our God by marrying foreign women?
Nehemiah uses a rhetorical question to scold the men. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We will not listen to you or do this great evil or act treacherously against our God by marrying foreign women."
Est 4:14
Who knows whether you have come to this royal position for such a time as this?
The purpose of this question is to have Esther think deeply about her role in this situation. Alternate Translation: "Who knows, perhaps it was for just for a time like this that you were made queen."
Est 6:6
Whom would the king take pleasure in honoring more than me?
This can be expressed as a statement. "Surely there is no one whom the king would take pleasure in honoring more than me!"
Est 7:8
Will he assault the queen in my presence in my own house?
The king uses this question to show his shock and anger at what Haman was doing. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "He even dares to attack the queen in my presence and in my own house!"
Est 8:6
For how could I bear to see disaster fall on my people? How could I endure watching the destruction of my relatives?
Esther used these questions to show that that she would be extremely sad if her people were to be destroyed. Alternate Translation: "I cannot bear to see disaster fall on the Jews. I cannot endure watching my relatives be killed."
Est 9:12
What then have they done in the rest of the king's provinces?
The king uses this question to show that he believes that the Jews must have also killed many people in the other provinces. Alternate Translation: "What they must have done in the rest of the king's provinces!" or "They must have killed many more in the rest of the king's provinces!"
Job 1:8
Have you considered my servant Job?
Have you thought about my servant Job? Here God is beginning to talk with Satan about Job. Alternate Translation: "Consider my servant Job"
Job 1:9
Does Job fear God without reason?
Does Job respect God for no reason? Satan responds to God by presenting and answering his own question. He says that Job obeys God only because God blesses him. Alternate Translation: "Job has a reason for obeying God."
Job 1:10
Have you not put a barrier around him, around his house, and around all that is his from every side
Satan states the facts to support his argument. Alternate Translation: "You have protected him, his family and everything he owns"
Job 2:3
Have you considered my servant Job?
This rhetorical question actually makes a statement.See how you translated this in [Job 1:8](../01/08.md). Alternate Translation: "Consider my servant Job."
Job 2:9
Do you still hold fast to your integrity?
This rhetorical question represents a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not still be holding fast to your integrity."
Job 2:10
Should we receive the good from God and not receive the bad?
This rhetorical question represents a statement. Alternate Translation: "We should certainly receive the bad from God as well as the good."
Job 3:11
Why did I not die when I came out from the womb?
Why did I not die at birth? Job poses this question in order to curse the day of his birth and to express his anguish. Alternate Translation: "I wish I had died the day I was born"
Job 3:11
Why did I not give up my spirit when my mother bore me?
Job means to say that he should not have been born alive. Alternate Translation: "I wish I had died when I came out of the womb."
Job 3:12
Why did her knees welcome me?
This perhaps refers to the lap of Job's mother. His mother's knees are spoken of as if they were people who could welcome a newborn baby. Alternate Translation: "I wish there had been no lap to receive me."
Job 3:12
Why did her breasts receive me so that I should suck?
Job's mother's breasts are spoken of as if they also were people who could welcome a newborn baby. Alternate Translation: "I wish there had been no breasts for me to nurse."
Job 3:20
Why is light given to him who is in misery?
Here Job is wondering why people must stay alive and suffer. Alternate Translation: "I do not understand why God gives life to a person who is suffering"
Job 3:20
Why is life given to the one who is bitter in soul ... hidden treasure?
why does God give life to a miserable person? Alternate Translation: "I do not understand why God gives life to a person who is very unhappy ... hidden treasure"
Job 3:21
Why is life given to the one who is bitter in soul ... hidden treasure?
why does God give life to a miserable person? Alternate Translation: "I do not understand why God gives life to a person who is very unhappy ... hidden treasure"
Job 3:22
Why is light given to one who rejoices very much and is glad when he finds the grave
Here Job uses a question to make a statement. Alternate Translation: "I do not understand why God allows a person to keep living when the person would be very happy to be buried in the ground"
Job 3:23
Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden, a man whom God has hedged in?
Job asks this question in order to make a statement. Alternate Translation: "God should not give life to a man and then take away his future and confine him."
Job 4:2
will you be impatient?
Eliphaz asks this question in order to make a statement. Alternate Translation: "you will surely be impatient."
Job 4:2
But who can stop himself from speaking?
Eliphaz asks this question to say that no one who sees a friend suffering can remain silent. Alternate Translation: "No one can restrain himself from speaking (to a friend in such a state as you find yourself)" or "I must speak to you, (seeing that you are in a state of grief)."
Job 4:6
Is not your fear your confidence, and the integrity of your ways your hope?
Eliphaz asks these questions in order to tell Job that it is because of his sin that he is suffering. Alternate Translation: "Everyone thinks that you honor God; everyone thinks that you are an honest man. But these things must not be true, because you do not trust God any longer."
Job 4:7
Who has ever perished when innocent?
Eliphaz uses this question to prompt Job to search his life for sin (and God's righteous judgment) as the cause of his loss. Alternate Translation: "No one has ever perished when innocent."
Job 4:7
when were the upright people ever cut off
This question also means to make a statement, and may be put into active form. Alternate Translation: "No one has ever cut off an upright person"
Job 4:17
Can a mortal man be more righteous than God?
Eliphaz poses this question so that Job will consider, "Do I regard myself as more righteous than God?" or "Am I justified before God?" Alternate Translation: "A mortal man cannot be more righteous than God." or "A mortal man cannot be righteous before God."
Job 4:17
Can a man be more pure than his Maker?
This question has the same purpose as the previous question. Alternate Translation: "A man cannot be more pure than his Maker." or "A man cannot be pure before his Maker."
Job 4:21
Are not their tent cords plucked up among them?
This may be put into active form. Alternate Translation: "Have not their enemies plucked up their tent cords from among them?"
Job 5:1
To which of the holy ones will you turn?
Eliphaz poses this question to make the point that there is no one Job can turn to for help. Alternate Translation: "Is there a holy one to whom you may turn?" or "There is no holy one to whom you can turn for help."
Job 6:5
Does the wild donkey bray in despair when he has grass? Or does the ox low in hunger when it has fodder?
Job poses these rhetorical questions to emphasize that he has a reason to complain. These question can be written as statements. Alternate Translation: "Just as the wild donkey does not bray in despair when he has grass and as the ox does not low in hunger when he has fodder, I would not complain if I did not have a reason"
Job 6:6
Can that which has no taste be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
Job uses these rhetorical questions to emphasize his own displeasure. These questions can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Tasteless food cannot be eaten without salt, just as there is no taste in the white of an egg."
Job 6:11
What is my strength, that I should try to wait? What is my end, that I should prolong my life?
Job poses these questions to emphasize that he has no reason to continue living. These questions have the same meaning. They may be written as statements. Alternate Translation: "I do not have enough strength to go on living; I have no reason to prolong my life"
Job 6:12
Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh made of bronze?
Job describes the weakness of his body by saying that he is not as strong as rocks and bronze to emphasize his lack of strength. These rhetorical questions may be written as statements. Alternate Translation: "I am not as strong as the rocks. My flesh is not as strong as metal."
Job 6:13
Is it not true that I have no help in myself ... me?
Job uses this rhetorical question to emphasize his lack of wisdom and his weakness. This question can be written as a statement. Also, the phrase "no help in myself" is an idiom. Alternate Translation: "It is true that I have no strength left ... me."
Job 6:21
General Information:
In these verses, Job poses four questions to rebuke his friends and to emphasize that he did not ask for help from any of them.
Job 6:22
Did I say to you, 'Give something to me?' Or, 'Offer me a gift from your wealth?' Or, 'Save me from my adversary's hand?' Or, 'Ransom me from the hand of my oppressors?'
Job uses rhetorical questions to emphasize that he did not ask his friends to give him anything or to help him. Alternate Translation: "I did ask you to give me money or a gift. Nor did I ask you to save me from my adversary or oppressors."
Job 6:23
Did I say to you, 'Give something to me?' Or, 'Offer me a gift from your wealth?' Or, 'Save me from my adversary's hand?' Or, 'Ransom me from the hand of my oppressors?'
Job uses rhetorical questions to emphasize that he did not ask his friends to give him anything or to help him. Alternate Translation: "I did ask you to give me money or a gift. Nor did I ask you to save me from my adversary or oppressors."
Job 6:25
But your arguments, how do they actually rebuke me?
Job is using this question to rebuke his friends and to emphasize that what they are saying does not apply to him. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Your reasons for rebuking me do not apply to me even though you sternly correct me." or "But your arguments against me are not true, so they do not actually rebuke me!"
Job 6:26
Do you plan to ignore my words, treating the words of a desperate man like the wind?
Job uses this rhetorical question to scold his friends. He compares his words to the wind to explain that his friends act like his words are empty and useless. Alternate Translation: "You ignore my words! I am a desperate man, and you treat my words as if they are as useless as the wind."
Job 6:30
Is there evil on my tongue?
Do I say wicked things? Job uses this question to rebuke his friends and to emphasize that he is not wicked. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I do not say wicked things."
Job 6:30
Cannot my mouth detect malicious things?
Job uses this question to rebuke his friends and to emphasize that he can tell the difference between right and wrong. Here Job refers to himself by his "mouth" to emphasize his speech. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I know what is right to say and what is wrong to say."
Job 7:1
Does not man have hard labor on earth?
Job poses this negative question to emphasize his awareness that all people experience hard work. It can be translated as a positive statement. Alternate Translation: "There is hard labor for every person on earth."
Job 7:1
Are not his days like the days of a hired man?
Job poses this negative question to emphasize his awareness that all people struggle in life. Alternate Translation: "And their days are like the days of a hired man."
Job 7:4
When will I get up and when will the night be gone?
Job poses this question to emphasize his intense suffering during the hours he should be sleeping. Alternate Translation: "I wish I could get up, but night continues."
Job 7:12
Am I the sea or a sea monster that you place a guard over me?
Job poses this question to express his anger at God. In comparing himself to the sea or a sea monster, Job suggests that God regards him as a hideous creature. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I am not the sea or a sea monster that needs a guard to watch it."
Job 7:17
What is man that ... every moment?
Job asks this question to emphasize that he wonders why God pays attention to people. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Tell me what man is that ... every moment."
Job 7:18
What is man that ... every moment?
Job asks this question to emphasize that he wonders why God pays attention to people. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Tell me what man is that ... every moment."
Job 7:20
Even if I have sinned ... burden for you?
Job poses these questions to argue against God treating him unfairly. Alternate Translation: "Even if I have sinned, that would do nothing to you, as you watch over people. Tell me why you have made me your target, so that I am a burden for you."
Job 8:1
General Information:
Verses 2 and 3 each consist of two different questions that have the same meaning. Bildad uses these questions to rebuke Job.
Job 8:3
Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert righteousness?
Here "God" and "the Almighty" both refer to Yahweh. These questions can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "God does not pervert justice; the Almighty does not pervert righteousness."
Job 8:10
Will they not teach you and tell you? Will they not speak words from their hearts?
Bildad uses these rhetorical questions to rebuke Job for not agreeing with Bildad and the ancestors. They can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "They will teach you and tell you and speak what they sincerely believe."
Job 8:11
Can papyrus grow without a marsh? Can reeds grow without water?
Bildad uses these two parallel questions to emphasize the single point that people cannot live without God. Here the plants represent people and the water represents God. The questions can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "Papyrus plants cannot grow away from the marshes. Reeds cannot grow without water."
Job 9:12
If he takes something away, who can stop him? Who can say to him, 'What are you doing?
These are rhetorical questions that expect an answer of "No one." They can be reworded as statements. Alternate Translation: "If he takes something away, no one can stop him. No one can ask him, 'What are you doing?'"
Job 9:19
who can summon him?
This question expects an answer of "No one" to make the point that no one is able to bring God to court. This can be reworded as a statement. Alternate Translation: "no one can summon him."
Job 9:29
why, then, should I try in vain?
Job uses this question to emphasize that he does not think it is of any use trying to get God's attention. The implied information about what Job is trying can be made explicit. Alternate Translation: "It is of no use to try to get God's attention."
Job 10:3
Is it good to you that you should oppress me, to despise the work of your hands while you smile on the plans of the wicked?
This question expects a "no" answer and can be changed into a statement. Alternate Translation: "It is not good that you should oppress me, that you should despise the work of your hands, while you smile on the plans of the wicked."
Job 10:5
Are your days like the days of mankind or your years like the years of people ... and there is no one who can rescue me from your hand?
This question expects a negative answer to emphasize that God is eternal and man's days are limited. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Your days are not like the days of mankind and your years are not like the years of people ... and there is no one who can rescue me from your hand."
Job 10:6
Are your days like the days of mankind or your years like the years of people ... and there is no one who can rescue me from your hand?
This question expects a negative answer to emphasize that God is eternal and man's days are limited. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Your days are not like the days of mankind and your years are not like the years of people ... and there is no one who can rescue me from your hand."
Job 10:7
Are your days like the days of mankind or your years like the years of people ... and there is no one who can rescue me from your hand?
This question expects a negative answer to emphasize that God is eternal and man's days are limited. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Your days are not like the days of mankind and your years are not like the years of people ... and there is no one who can rescue me from your hand."
Job 10:10
Have you not poured me out like milk and curdled me like cheese?
This is a question that expects a positive answer. Alternate Translation: "You poured me out like milk and curdled me like cheese." or "You formed me in the womb like poured milk becomes cheese."
Job 10:20
Are not my days only a few?
Here "my days" represent the length of Job's life. This question expects a positive answer, to emphasize that Job only expects to live a few more days. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I only have a few days left to live." or "My life will soon end."
Job 11:2
Should not such a multitude of words be answered?
Zophar is asking a question in the negative to emphasize that Job's words must be challenged. Alternate Translation: "We must answer all of these words!" or "Someone should respond to all these words!"
Job 11:2
Should this man, so full of talk, be believed?
Zophar uses this question to emphasize that they should not believe what Job was saying. Alternate Translation: "This man is so full of talk, but the people should not believe him!" or "Your many words alone do not mean you are innocent!"
Job 11:3
Should your boasting make others remain silent?
Zophar uses this question to rebuke Job. Alternate Translation: "Just because you have spoken many words, this does not mean that others must keep silent."
Job 11:3
When you mock, will no one make you feel ashamed?
Zophar uses this question to rebuke Job. You may need to make explicit what it is that Job is mocking. Alternate Translation: "You have mocked us for what we have said. Now we will make you feel ashamed!"
Job 11:8
what can you do?
Zophar uses this question to show that a person cannot do anything to understand God fully. Alternate Translation: "you cannot do anything." or "you cannot understand him fully."
Job 11:8
what can you know?
Zophar uses this question to show that a person cannot do anything to know God fully. Alternate Translation: "you cannot know God fully." or "you cannot know all there is to know."
Job 11:10
who can stop him?
This question emphasizes that no one can stop God. Alternate Translation: "no one can stop him!"
Job 11:11
does he not notice it?
This emphasizes that God does notice sin. Alternate Translation: "he surely notices it!"
Job 12:3
Indeed, who does not know such things as these?
Job used this question to express a truth that should be obvious to his listeners. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Certainly there is no one who does not know such things as these." or "Certainly everyone knows these things."
Job 12:9
Which animal among all these does not know ... this?
This question emphasizes the point that all the animals know that Yahweh has done this. This question can be worded as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Every animal among all these knows ... this."
Job 12:11
Does not the ear test words just as the palate tastes its food?
Job uses this question to emphasize that people listen to what others say and judge whether it is good or not. The ear and palate are metonyms for hearing and tasting. Alternate Translation: "We hear what people say and test it just as we taste food and test it."
Job 13:7
Will you speak unrighteously ... deceitfully for him?
Job uses these two questions to rebuke his friends for speaking unrighteously. Alternate Translation: "You think that you are speaking for God, but you are speaking unrighteously. You are speaking deceitfully."
Job 13:8
Will you show him partiality? Will you argue the case for God?
Showing kindness to God represents helping God or defending God against Job's complaints. Job uses these questions to rebuke his friends for thinking that they can defend God. Alternate Translation: "You think that God need you to defend him? You think that you can argue for God like attorneys in court."
Job 13:9
Will it be good for you when he searches you out?
Here "searches you out" is a metaphor meaning "examines you." Job uses this question to warn his friends that if God were to examine them, he would say that what they are doing is wrong. Alternate Translation: "When God examines you, it will not be good for you."
Job 13:9
Could you deceive him as you might deceive men?
Job uses this question to warn his friends that God knows the truth about them. Alternate Translation: "You might be able to deceive men, but you cannot deceive God."
Job 13:11
Will not his majesty terrify you, and the dread of him fall upon you?
Job uses these questions to rebuke his friends. Possible meanings are 1) Job is saying that they should fear God. Alternate Translation: "His majesty should make you afraid, and his dread should fall on you." or 2) Job is saying that they will fear God. Alternate Translation: "His majesty will make you afraid, and his dread will fall on you!"
Job 13:19
Who is the one who would argue against me in court?
Job uses this question to express his belief that since he is right, no one would argue against him. Alternate Translation: "I do not believe that anyone would argue against me in court."
Job 13:24
Why do you hide ... like your enemy?
Job asks this question to complain about how God is treating him. He probably hopes for an answer.
Job 13:25
Will you persecute ... pursue dry stubble?
Job uses these questions to tell God that since Job is so insignificant and weak, it is useless to persecute him. "Leaf" and "stubble" are metaphors describing Job's weakness, insignificance and frailty. Alternate Translation: "You persecute me, but I am weak like a leaf blown by the wind and insignificant like dry stubble."
Job 14:3
Do you look at any of these?
Job implies that he does not want God to pay so much attention to him. Alternate Translation: "You do not look at any of these." or "You do not pay so much attention to these. Please do not pay so much attention to me."
Job 14:3
Do you bring me into judgment with you?
Job uses this question to show his surprise that God judges him even though Job is so insignificant like the flowers. Alternate Translation: "But you judge me."
Job 14:4
Who can bring something clean out of something unclean? No one
Job uses this question to persuade God to apply what he knows about unclean things to Job. Alternate Translation: "No one can bring something clean out of something unclean"
Job 14:10
then where is he?
Job uses this question to emphasize that when a person dies, he is not present. Alternate Translation: "no one knows where he is." or "he is gone."
Job 14:14
If a man dies, will he live again?
The implicit answer is "no." Alternate Translation: "If a man dies, he will not live again."
Job 15:2
Should a wise man answer with useless knowledge and fill himself with the east wind?
Eliphaz uses this rhetorical question to rebuke Job. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "A wise man should not answer with useless knowledge nor fill himself with the east wind."
Job 15:3
Should he reason with unprofitable talk or with speeches with which he can do no good?
Eliphaz uses this rhetorical question to rebuke Job. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "He should not reason with unprofitable talk nor with speeches with which he can do no good." or "He should not argue using unprofitable talk or make speeches that accomplish nothing good."
Job 15:7
Are you the first man that was born?
The implicit answer here is "no." This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You are not the first man that was born."
Job 15:7
Were you brought into existence before the hills?
The implicit answer here is "no." This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You were not brought into existence before the hills." or "God did not bring you into existence before he brought the hills into existence."
Job 15:8
Have you heard the secret knowledge of God?
The implicit answer here is "no." This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have not heard the secret knowledge of God."
Job 15:8
Do you limit wisdom to yourself?
This rhetorical question emphasizes that he cannot limit wisdom to himself. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You cannot limit wisdom to yourself." or "You are not the only wise person."
Job 15:9
What do you know that we do not know?
The implicit answer here is "nothing." This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There is nothing that you know that we do not know." or "Everything you know, we also know."
Job 15:9
What do you understand that is not also in us?
This speaks of the men having understanding as if it were something "inside" them. Alternate Translation: "Everything you understand, we also understand." or "We understand everything that you understand."
Job 15:14
What is man that he should be clean?
This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that a man cannot be completely "clean." This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "A man, he cannot be completely clean."
Job 15:14
What is he who is born of a woman that he should be righteous?
This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that a man cannot be completely "righteous." This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "A man who is born from a woman cannot be completely righteous."
Job 16:3
Will useless words ever have an end?
Job uses this rhetorical question to express that he wishes that they would stop speaking useless words. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "How I wish your useless words would end!"
Job 16:3
What is wrong with you that you answer like this?
Job uses this rhetorical question to rebuke Eliphaz. Here the word "you" is singular and refers to Eliphaz, who just finished speaking to Job. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Eliphaz, you should stop answering me like this!"
Job 16:6
how am I helped?
Job uses this rhetorical question to express that keeping quiet does not lessen his grief. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "it does not help me at all."
Job 17:3
who else is there who will help me?
Job uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no one else to help him. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "there is no one else who will help me."
Job 17:15
where then is my hope?
The implicit answer is "nowhere," because he has no hope. This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I have no hope."
Job 17:15
As for my hope, who can see any?
This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that that no one expects him to have any hope. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one can see any hope for me." or "No one expects me to have any more hope."
Job 17:16
Will hope go down with me ... dust?
The implicit answer is "no." This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Hope will not go down with me ... dust." or "I will no longer hope when I go down ... dust."
Job 18:2
When will you stop your talk?
This rhetorical question means that Job has been talking for too long. This may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Stop talking!"
Job 18:3
Why are we regarded as beasts, stupid in your sight?
Bildad uses this rhetorical questions to emphasize to Job that he should not consider his friends as animals who cannot think or speak. It can be written as a statement in active form. Alternate Translation: "We should not be regarded as beasts, as stupid in your sight." or "You should not regard us as beasts or think of us as stupid."
Job 18:4
should the earth be forsaken for you or should the rocks be removed out of their places?
This rhetorical question suggests that letting Job, whom they consider a guilty man, go free would be like changing the whole world. Bildad uses these huge exaggerations here to emphasize how outrageous he thinks this is. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "asking God to let you, a guilty man, go free is as silly as asking for God to forsake the earth for your sake or for God to move the rocks out of their places to please you!"
Job 19:2
How long will you make me suffer and break me into pieces with words?
Job uses this question to complain about how his friends are treating him. Alternate Translation: "Stop making me suffer and breaking me into pieces with words."
Job 19:22
Why do you pursue me ... God does?
Job uses this question to complain about how his friends are treating him. Alternate Translation: "Do not persecute me ... God does!"
Job 19:22
Will you ever be satisfied with my flesh?
Job uses this question to complain about how his friends are treating him. Alternate Translation: "You have consumed my flesh enough!" or "Stop consuming my flesh!"
Job 20:4
Do you not know this fact from ancient times ... for a moment?
Zophar uses a rhetorical question to cause Job to think deeply about what he will now say. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Surely you know what has been true since the ancient times ... for a moment."
Job 20:5
Do you not know this fact from ancient times ... for a moment?
Zophar uses a rhetorical question to cause Job to think deeply about what he will now say. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Surely you know what has been true since the ancient times ... for a moment."
Job 21:4
As for me, is my complaint to a person? Why should I not be impatient?
Job uses questions to emphasize that he thinks it is fair for him to complain to God. Alternate Translation: "I am not complaining to a person. I have the right to be impatient"
Job 21:7
Why do wicked people continue to live, become old, and grow mighty in power?
Job uses this question to show that his friends are wrong to think evil men always suffer. Alternate Translation: "Wicked people indeed continue to live, become old, and become wealthier."
Job 21:15
What is the Almighty, that we should worship him? What advantage would we get if we prayed to him?
The wicked people use these questions to mock God. Alternate Translation: "We do not believe that this Almighty God is worthy of our worship. He can do nothing for us."
Job 21:17
How often is it ... their calamity comes upon them?
Job uses this question to emphasize that it seems to him that God does not punish the wicked very often. Alternate Translation: "It is not often ... their calamity comes upon them."
Job 21:17
How often does it happen ... in his anger?
Job uses this second question to emphasize that it seems to him that God does not punish the wicked very often. Alternate Translation: "It is not often ... in his anger."
Job 21:17
How often is it ... the storm carries away?
Job uses this third question to emphasize that it seems to him that God does not punish the wicked very often. Alternate Translation: "It is not often ... the storm carries away."
Job 21:18
How often is it ... the storm carries away?
Job uses this third question to emphasize that it seems to him that God does not punish the wicked very often. Alternate Translation: "It is not often ... the storm carries away."
Job 21:21
For what does he care about his family after him when the number of his months is cut off?
Job uses this question to show that punishing the evil man's children is not effective. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "For the wicked man does not care what happens to his family after he has died!"
Job 21:22
Can anyone teach God knowledge since he judges even those who are high?
Job asks this question to emphasize that God knows everything. Alternate Translation: "Obviously, no one can teach anything to God since he even judges those in heaven."
Job 21:28
Where now is the house of the prince? Where is the tent in which the wicked man once lived?
Job believes his friends will ask these question to scold him. Both questions mean the same thing. Alternate Translation: "See, the house of the evil ruler is gone. The tent of the wicked man has disappeared."
Job 21:29
Have you never asked traveling people? Do you not know the evidence they can tell ... from the day of wrath?
Job uses these questions to rebuke his friends for not learning from people who travel. Alternate Translation: "You should listen to those who have traveled to distant places. Even they will tell you ... from the day of wrath."
Job 21:30
Have you never asked traveling people? Do you not know the evidence they can tell ... from the day of wrath?
Job uses these questions to rebuke his friends for not learning from people who travel. Alternate Translation: "You should listen to those who have traveled to distant places. Even they will tell you ... from the day of wrath."
Job 21:31
Who will condemn the wicked man's way to his face?
Job uses this question to contradict his friends' belief that the wicked are always judged. Alternate Translation: "No one condemns the wicked man to his face."
Job 21:31
Who will repay him for what he has done?
Job uses this question to contradict his friends' belief that the wicked are always judged. Alternate Translation: "No one repays him for the bad things that he has done."
Job 21:34
How then do you comfort me with nonsense, since in your answers there is nothing but falsehood?
Job uses a question to scold his friends. Alternate Translation: "You cannot comfort me with nonsense. All of your answers are false."
Job 22:4
Is it because of your reverence for him that he rebukes you and takes you to judgment? Is not your wickedness great? Is there no end to your iniquities?
Eliphaz uses questions to scold Job and accuse him of committing terrible sins. Alternate Translation: "It is certainly not because you have been devoted to him that God rebukes you and takes you to judgment! No, as you know, he judges you because your wickedness is great and you keep on sinning!"
Job 22:5
Is it because of your reverence for him that he rebukes you and takes you to judgment? Is not your wickedness great? Is there no end to your iniquities?
Eliphaz uses questions to scold Job and accuse him of committing terrible sins. Alternate Translation: "It is certainly not because you have been devoted to him that God rebukes you and takes you to judgment! No, as you know, he judges you because your wickedness is great and you keep on sinning!"
Job 22:12
Is not God in the heights of heaven?
Eliphaz uses this question to say that God sees Job's sin and will judge him. Alternate Translation: "God is in the heights of heaven and sees everything that happens on earth."
Job 22:13
What does God know? Can he judge through the thick darkness?
Eliphaz uses these questions to imply that Job has said these things against God. Alternate Translation: "God does not know what happens on earth. He sits in dark clouds and cannot see to judge us."
Job 22:17
What can the Almighty do to us?
Eliphaz quotes a question wicked people use to mock God. Alternate Translation: "The Almighty cannot do anything to us!"
Job 23:13
But he is one of a kind, who can turn him back?
Job uses this question to emphasize that there is no one like God and no one can force him to change. Alternate Translation: "But there is no one like him, and nobody can make him change his mind." or "But he alone is God, and no one can influence him."
Job 24:1
Why are times for judging wicked people not set by the Almighty?
Job uses this question to express his frustration that God has not judged evil. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "I do not understand why God does not set a time when he will judge wicked people." or "The Almighty should set a time when he will judge wicked people."
Job 24:1
Why do not those who are faithful to God see his days of judgment come?
Job uses this question to express his frustration that the righteous have not seen God judge evil. Alternate Translation: "It seems that those who obey him never get to see him judge the wicked." or "God should show the day he will judge the wicked to those who know him."
Job 24:25
If it is not so, who can prove me to be a liar; who can make my speech worth nothing?
Job uses this question to express the certainty of his argument. The implicit answer is: "no one." Alternate Translation: "This is true, and no one can prove that I am a liar; no one can prove me wrong."
Job 25:3
Is there any end to the number of his armies?
Bildad uses this question to emphasize how great God is. The implicit answer is "no." This refers to the armies of God's angels. Alternate Translation: "There is no end to the number of angels in his army." or "His armies are so big that no one can count them."
Job 25:3
Upon whom does his light not shine?
Bildad uses this question to emphasize that God gives light to every person. Alternate Translation: "There is no one upon whom his light does not shine." or "God makes his light shine over everyone."
Job 25:4
How then can man be righteous with God?
The implicit reaction is that he cannot. Alternate Translation: "A man can never be righteous before God."
Job 25:4
How can he who is born ... acceptable to him?
The implicit reaction is that he cannot. Alternate Translation: "He who is born of a woman cannot be clean or acceptable to him."
Job 26:4
With whose help have you spoken these words? Whose spirit was it ... you?
In these questions Job continues to mock Bildad. They are both rhetorical questions and have basically the same meaning. They are used together to strengthen each other. Alternate Translation: "You must have had help speaking these words. Perhaps some spirit helped you speak them!"
Job 26:14
Who can understand the thunder of his power?
The "thunder of his power" represents God's greatness. Job uses this question to emphasize that God's power is so great that no one can understand it. Alternate Translation: "The thunder displays the greatness of his power which no one can understand!"
Job 27:8
For what is the hope of a godless man when ... when God takes away his life?
Job uses this question to say that such a man has no hope. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate Translation: "There is no hope for the godless when God ... takes away his soul."
Job 27:9
Will God hear his cry when trouble comes upon him?
Job uses this question to say that God will not help that person. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate Translation: "God will not hear his cry when trouble comes upon him." or "When trouble comes upon him and he cries out for help, God will not hear him."
Job 27:10
Will he delight himself in the Almighty and call upon God at all times?
Job uses this question to say that the godless man will not do these things. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate Translation: "He will not delight himself in the Almighty and call upon God at all times." or "He will not be happy about what the Almighty does and he will not pray to God often."
Job 27:12
why then have you spoken all this nonsense?
Job uses this question to rebuke his friends for saying such foolish things. This question can be translated as a simple statement. Alternate Translation: "you should not have spoken so foolishly!"
Job 28:20
From where, then, comes wisdom? Where is the place of understanding?
Job uses these questions to introduce how people get wisdom and understanding. Alternate Translation: "I will tell you where wisdom comes from and where understanding is." or "I will tell you how to become wise and how to learn to understand things."
Job 30:2
Indeed, the strength of their fathers' hands, how could it have helped me ... perished?
Job uses this question to mock the weakness of those men. Alternate Translation: "The strength of their fathers' hands could not have helped me ... perished."
Job 30:24
does no one reach out with his hand to beg for help when he falls? Does no one in trouble call out for help?
Job uses these questions to justify himself for crying out to God for help. Alternate Translation: "Everyone reaches out with his hand to beg for help when he falls. Everyone who is in trouble calls out for help." or "I have fallen, and so God should not think I am doing wrong when I beg for his help. I am in trouble, so of course I call out for help!"
Job 30:24
does no one reach out with his hand to beg for help when he falls? Does no one in trouble call out for help?
Some versions interpret these questions as Job complaining that God has reached out with his hand to harm Job when Job was in trouble and crying out for help. Alternate Translation: "Surely no one would reach out with his hand against someone who falls and calls out for help."
Job 30:25
Did not I weep ... trouble? Did I not grieve ... man?
Job uses these questions to remind God of how Job had done good to others. A: "You know that I wept ... trouble, and I grieved ... man!"
Job 31:1
how then should I look with desire on a virgin?
Job uses this question to emphasize that he would never break his promise. Alternate Translation: "So I certainly will not look with lust at a virgin."
Job 31:2
For what is the portion from God above, the inheritance from the Almighty on high?
Possible meanings are Job uses this question to emphasize 1) that God will not bless bad behavior. Alternate Translation: "For if I look lustfully on a woman, God Almighty on high will not bless me." or 2) that God will punish bad behavior. Alternate Translation: "For if I look lustfully on a woman, God Almighty on high will certainly punish me."
Job 31:14
what then would I do when God rises up to accuse me? When he comes to judge me, how would I answer him?
Job uses these questions to emphasize that if God were to judge him, Job would not be able to make himself appear to be good. Alternate Translation: "then there would be absolutely nothing I could say to defend myself when God comes to judge me."
Job 31:15
Did the one who made me in the womb not make them also? Did not the same one mold us all in the womb?
Job uses these questions to emphasize that he is no different from his servants. He implies that God would be angry if Job were to treat his servants as less valuable than himself. Alternate Translation: "The one who made me in the womb also made them. He formed us all in the womb."
Job 31:31
Who can find one who has not been filled with Job's food?
Job's men would have used this question to emphasize that Job was generous to everyone. Alternate Translation: "Everyone has been filled with Job's food!" or "Everyone we know of has eaten as much of Job's food as he wanted!"(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
Job 32:16
Should I wait because they are not speaking, because they stand there silent and answer no more?
Elihu uses a question to emphasize that he will not wait any longer to speak. Elihu answers this question himself in the next verse. Alternate Translation: But because you do not speak, I certainly will not wait any longer; you merely stand there and do not reply anymore.
Job 33:13
Why do you struggle against him?
Elihu uses this question to emphasize that Job should not struggle against God. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not struggle against God." or "You should not try to argue with God."
Job 34:7
What man is like Job
Elihu uses this rhetorical question to scold Job. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There is no one else like Job"
Job 34:17
Can one who hates justice govern? Will you condemn God, who is righteous and mighty?
Elihu uses this question to rebuke Job for implying that God hates justice. Alternate Translation: "One who hates justice cannot be expected to rule over people. So you really cannot criticize God, who is righteous and powerful, and you cannot say that what he has done is wrong."
Job 34:17
Can one who hates justice govern?
The implicit answer to this rhetorical question is "no." This question implies that God could not rule the world if he hated justice. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "One who hates justice cannot govern the world." or "God could certainly never hate what is right and still rule the world."
Job 34:17
Will you condemn God, who is righteous and mighty?
This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that Job does not have the authority or a reason to condemn God. Alternate Translation: "You cannot condemn God, who is righteous and mighty!"
Job 34:18
God, who says to a king, 'You are vile,' or says to nobles, 'You are wicked'?
This continues the rhetorical question from the previous verse, emphasizing to Job that he cannot condemn God. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "He says to some kings, 'You are vile,' and he says to some nobles, 'You are wicked.'"
Job 34:29
When he stays silent, who can condemn him?
Elihu uses this rhetorical question to teach Job. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one can criticize God if he decides to remain silent"
Job 34:29
If he hides his face, who can perceive him?
Elihu uses this rhetorical question to teach Job. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one can go and see him if he decides to hide his face"
Job 34:33
Do you think that God will punish that person's sin, since you dislike what God does?
Since you dislike what God does, do you think that God should punish this person's sin? Elihu uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he should not think that God will not punish this man. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Even though you do not like what God does, surely even you do not think that God will punish this person"
Job 35:2
Do you think this is just ... 'My right before God'?
Elihu uses questions to challenge Job. Alternate Translation: "You must think you are right ... 'My right before God.'" or "It is not just ... 'My right before God.'"
Job 35:3
For you ask, 'What use is it to me?' and, 'Would I be better off if I had sinned?'
Elihu quotes Job as saying the these two rhetorical questions. Alternate Translation: "For you say, 'It does not benefit me' and, 'I am no better off than if I had sinned.'"
Job 35:6
If you have sinned, what harm do you do to God?
Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job's sins cannot actually do anything to God. Alternate Translation: "If you have sinned, you have not done any harm to God."
Job 35:7
If you are righteous, what can you give to him? What will he receive from your hand?
The two rhetorical questions mean basically the same thing, that Job's righteousness adds nothing to God. Alternate Translation: "If you are righteous, that does not enable you to give anything to him, and there is nothing that he will receive from your hand."
Job 36:19
Can your wealth benefit you, so that you will not be in distress, or can all the force of your strength help you?
Elihu asks these questions to state that money and power will not be able to help Job if he acts unjustly. Alternate Translation: "Your wealth cannot cause you to no longer be in distress, and all the force of your strength cannot help you."
Job 36:22
who is a teacher like him?
Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one is a teacher like God. Alternate Translation: "no one is a teacher like him." or "no one teaches like he does."
Job 36:23
Who has ever instructed him about his way?
Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one has ever taught God what to do. Alternate Translation: "No one has ever instructed him about what he should do."
Job 36:23
Who can ever say to him, 'You have committed unrighteousness?'
Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can accuse God of having committed unrighteousness. Alternate Translation: "No one can ever say to him, 'You have committed unrighteousness.'"
Job 36:29
can anyone understand the extensive spread of the clouds and the thunder from his hut?
Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can do these things. Alternate Translation: "no one can understand the extensive spread of the clouds and the thunder from his hut."
Job 37:15
Do you know how God establishes the clouds and makes the lightning bolts to flash in them?
Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job cannot know this. Alternate Translation: "You cannot understand how God establishes the clouds and makes the lightning bolts to flash in them."
Job 37:16
Do you understand the floating of the clouds, the marvelous deeds of God, who is perfect in knowledge?
Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job does not know these things. Alternate Translation: "You do not understand the floating of the clouds, the marvelous deeds of God, who is perfect in knowledge."
Job 37:16
Do you understand how your garments become hot ... from the south?
Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job does not know these things. Alternate Translation: "You do not understand how your garments become hot ... from the south."
Job 37:17
Do you understand how your garments become hot ... from the south?
Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job does not know these things. Alternate Translation: "You do not understand how your garments become hot ... from the south."
Job 37:18
Can you spread out the sky ... a mirror of cast metal?
Elihu asks this question to emphasize that Job cannot do this. Alternate Translation: "You cannot spread out the sky ... a mirror of cast metal."
Job 37:20
Should he be told that I wish to speak with him?
Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can do this. Alternate Translation: "I cannot have someone tell him that I wish to speak with him."
Job 37:20
Would a person wish to be swallowed up?
Elihu asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one would want this to happen. Alternate Translation: "No person would want to be swallowed up."
Job 38:2
Who is this who brings darkness to plans by means of words without knowledge?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that Job spoke of things he did not know about. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You bring darkness to my plans by means of words without knowledge."
Job 38:4
General Information:
Yahweh begins to challenge Job with a series of questions that emphasize he created the earth and Job did not.
Job 38:4
Where were you when I laid the earth's foundations? Tell me, if you have so much understanding
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Tell me where you were when I laid the foundations of the earth, if you have so much understanding"
Job 38:5
Who determined its dimensions? Tell me, if you know
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Tell me who determined its dimensions, if you know"
Job 38:5
Who stretched the measuring line over it?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Tell me who stretched the measuring line over it."
Job 38:6
General Information:
Yahweh uses more questions to emphasize that his greatness.
Job 38:6
On what were its foundations laid?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Tell me on what its foundations were laid."
Job 38:6
Who laid its cornerstone when ... the sons of God shouted for joy?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Tell me who laid its cornerstone when ... the sons of God shouted for joy."
Job 38:7
Who laid its cornerstone when ... the sons of God shouted for joy?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Tell me who laid its cornerstone when ... the sons of God shouted for joy."
Job 38:8
General Information:
Yahweh uses another question to emphasize that he created the earth and Job did not.
Job 38:8
Who shut up the sea with doors ... and thick darkness its swaddling bands?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Tell me who shut up the sea with doors ... and thick darkness its swaddling bands."
Job 38:9
Who shut up the sea with doors ... and thick darkness its swaddling bands?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Tell me who shut up the sea with doors ... and thick darkness its swaddling bands."
Job 38:12
General Information:
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he created the light of day and Job did not.
Job 38:12
Have you ... shake the wicked out of it?
This question expects a negative answer. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have never ... shaken the wicked out of it."
Job 38:13
Have you ... shake the wicked out of it?
This question expects a negative answer. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have never ... shaken the wicked out of it."
Job 38:16
General Information:
Yahweh uses five questions to emphasize that he understands the earth and seas and Job does not.
Job 38:16
Have you gone ... in its expanse?
These questions expect negative answers. They can be expressed as statements. Alternate Translation: "You have not gone to the sources of the waters of the sea, or walked in the lowest parts of the deep. The gates of death have not been revealed to you, and you have not seen the gates of the shadow of death. You do not understand the earth in its expanse."
Job 38:18
Have you gone ... in its expanse?
These questions expect negative answers. They can be expressed as statements. Alternate Translation: "You have not gone to the sources of the waters of the sea, or walked in the lowest parts of the deep. The gates of death have not been revealed to you, and you have not seen the gates of the shadow of death. You do not understand the earth in its expanse."
Job 38:19
General Information:
Yahweh uses three questions to emphasize that he understands light and darkness and Job does not.
Job 38:19
Where is the way to the resting place of light—as for darkness, where is its place?
This question can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You do not know the way to the resting place of light or the place of darkness."
Job 38:20
Can you lead light and darkness to their places of work? Can you find the way back to their houses for them?
These questions expect a negative answer. They can be expressed as statements. Alternate Translation: "You cannot lead light and darkness to their places of work, or find the way back to their houses for them."
Job 38:22
General Information:
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he rules over the natural world and Job does not.
Job 38:22
Have you entered the storehouses for the snow, or have you seen the storehouses for the hail ... and war?
These questions expect a negative answer. They can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have never entered the storehouses for the snow, or seen the storehouses for the hail ... and war."
Job 38:23
Have you entered the storehouses for the snow, or have you seen the storehouses for the hail ... and war?
These questions expect a negative answer. They can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have never entered the storehouses for the snow, or seen the storehouses for the hail ... and war."
Job 38:25
General Information:
Yahweh questions Job to emphasize that he causes it to rain and thunder and Job does not.
Job 38:25
Who has created the channels for the floods of rain, or who has made ... sprout with grass?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Only I have created the channels for the floods of rain, and only I have made ... grass sprout up."
Job 38:27
Who has created the channels for the floods of rain, or who has made ... sprout with grass?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Only I have created the channels for the floods of rain, and only I have made ... grass sprout up."
Job 38:28
General Information:
Yahweh uses four questions to emphasize to Job that he makes rain, dew, ice, and frost and Job does not.
Job 38:28
Does the rain have a father, or, who fathers the drops of dew? Out of whose womb did the ice come? Who bore the white frost out of the sky?
These can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "Tell me whether the rain has a father, and who has engendered the raindrops. Tell me out of whose womb the ice came, and who bore the white frost out of the sky."
Job 38:29
Does the rain have a father, or, who fathers the drops of dew? Out of whose womb did the ice come? Who bore the white frost out of the sky?
These can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "Tell me whether the rain has a father, and who has engendered the raindrops. Tell me out of whose womb the ice came, and who bore the white frost out of the sky."
Job 38:31
General Information:
Yahweh uses five questions to emphasize to Job that he rules the heavens and Job does not.
Job 38:31
Can you fasten chains ... over the earth?
These can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "Tell me if you can fasten chains on the Pleiades, or undo the cords of Orion. Tell me if you can lead the constellations to appear at their proper times, or guide the Bear with its children. Tell me if you know the regulations of the sky, or whether you could set in place the sky's rule over the earth."
Job 38:33
Can you fasten chains ... over the earth?
These can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "Tell me if you can fasten chains on the Pleiades, or undo the cords of Orion. Tell me if you can lead the constellations to appear at their proper times, or guide the Bear with its children. Tell me if you know the regulations of the sky, or whether you could set in place the sky's rule over the earth."
Job 38:34
General Information:
Yahweh uses two questions to emphasize to Job that he rules the rain clouds and lightning and Job does not.
Job 38:34
Can you raise ... 'Here we are'?
These can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "Tell me if you can raise your voice up to the clouds, so that an abundance of rainwater may cover you. Tell me if you can send out bolts of lightning that they may go out, that they say to you, 'Here we are!'"
Job 38:35
Can you raise ... 'Here we are'?
These can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "Tell me if you can raise your voice up to the clouds, so that an abundance of rainwater may cover you. Tell me if you can send out bolts of lightning that they may go out, that they say to you, 'Here we are!'"
Job 38:36
General Information:
Yahweh uses three questions to emphasize to Job that he rules the clouds and rain and Job does not.
Job 38:36
Who has put wisdom ... tightly together?
These questions can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "Tell me who has put wisdom in the clouds and given understanding to the mists. Tell me who can number the clouds by his skill. Tell me who can pour out the water skins of the sky when the dust runs into a hard mass and the clods of earth clump tightly together."
Job 38:38
Who has put wisdom ... tightly together?
These questions can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "Tell me who has put wisdom in the clouds and given understanding to the mists. Tell me who can number the clouds by his skill. Tell me who can pour out the water skins of the sky when the dust runs into a hard mass and the clods of earth clump tightly together."
Job 38:39
General Information:
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he knows how to feed the lions and Job does not.
Job 38:39
Can you hunt down ... to lie in wait?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Tell me if you can hunt down ... to lie in wait."
Job 38:40
Can you hunt down ... to lie in wait?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Tell me if you can hunt down ... to lie in wait."
Job 38:41
General Information:
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he provides food for the ravens and Job does not.
Job 38:41
Who provides victims ... for lack of food?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Tell me who provides victims ... for lack of food."
Job 39:1
General Information:
Yahweh uses four questions to emphasize that he is greater than Job because Yahweh takes care of the wild mountain goats and deer and Job does not.
Job 39:1
Do you know at what time ... bear their young?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Surely you do not know when ... bear their young!"
Job 39:1
Can you watch when the deer are having their fawns?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You are not able to watch to make sure everything goes well when the deer give birth to their fawns!"
Job 39:2
Can you count the months that they gestate?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You cannot count the months that they are pregnant."
Job 39:2
Do you know the time when they bear their young?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Of course you do not know when they give birth to their young."
Job 39:5
Who let ... the salt land?
Yahweh uses two questions to emphasize that he is greater than Job because Yahweh takes care of the wild donkeys and Job does not.
Job 39:5
Who let the wild donkey go free?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I am the one who let the wild donkey go free."
Job 39:5
Who has untied the bonds ... in the salt land?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I untied the bonds ... in the salt land."
Job 39:6
Who let ... the salt land?
Yahweh uses two questions to emphasize that he is greater than Job because Yahweh takes care of the wild donkeys and Job does not.
Job 39:6
Who has untied the bonds ... in the salt land?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I untied the bonds ... in the salt land."
Job 39:9
General Information:
Here Yahweh uses four questions to emphasize that Job is not like Yahweh because Job cannot control the wild ox.
Job 39:9
Will the wild ox be happy to serve you?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The wild ox will not be happy to serve you."
Job 39:9
Will he consent to stay by your manger?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "He will not consent to stay by your manger."
Job 39:10
Can you use ropes to hold the wild ox in the furrows?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You cannot control the wild ox with a rope in order to plow furrows in your fields."
Job 39:10
Will he harrow the valleys as he follows after you?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "He will never harrow the valleys as he follows after you."
Job 39:11
General Information:
Here Yahweh uses three questions to continue his argument that Job is not like Yahweh because Job cannot control the wild ox.
Job 39:11
Will you trust him because his strength is great?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You cannot trust him because his strength is great."
Job 39:11
Will you leave your work to him to do?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You will not be able to make him do your work for you."
Job 39:11
Will you depend on him ... grain for your threshing floor?
These two clauses basically mean the same thing. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You will not be able to depend on him ... grain for your threshing floor."
Job 39:12
Will you depend on him ... grain for your threshing floor?
These two clauses basically mean the same thing. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You will not be able to depend on him ... grain for your threshing floor."
Job 39:13
The wings of the ostrich ... pinions and plumage of love?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that Job cannot explain why ostriches behave the way they do. Alternate Translation: "You do not know whether the pinions and plumage of the ostrich represent love when they wave their wings proudly."
Job 39:19
General Information:
Yahweh uses three questions to emphasize that Job is not like Yahweh because Job cannot control the wild horse.
Job 39:19
Have you given the horse his strength?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have never given the horse his strength."
Job 39:19
Did you clothe his neck with his flowing mane?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You cannot clothe his neck with his flowing mane."
Job 39:20
Have you ever made him jump like a locust?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You are not able to make him jump like a locust."
Job 39:26
Is it by your wisdom ... for the south?
Yahweh uses this question to prove that Job is not as great as Yahweh. The implicit answer to this question is "no." Alternate Translation: "It is not by your wisdom ... for the south."
Job 39:27
Is it at your orders ... nest in high places?
Yahweh uses this question to prove that Job is not powerful enough to command the eagles. The implicit answer to this question is "no." Alternate Translation: "You are not able to command the eagle to mount up and build his nest in high places."
Job 40:2
Should anyone who wishes to criticize try to correct the Almighty?
Yahweh is rebuking Job. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one who wants to criticize me should try to argue with me, for I am Almighty God." or "You, a person, want to criticize me, Almighty God, but you should not try to correct me."
Job 40:4
how can I answer you?
Job uses this question to apologize for questioning God. Alternate Translation: "I cannot answer you."
Job 40:8
Will you actually say that I am unjust?
The word "actually" indicates that Yahweh is surprised that Job would say that Yahweh is unjust and that Job should make sure that he really wants to say that. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I am surprised that you are saying I am unjust." or "You should be sure that you want to say that I am unjust, because that is what you are saying."
Job 40:8
Will you condemn me so you may claim you are right?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You are condemning me so you can claim that you are innocent."
Job 40:9
Can you thunder with a voice like him?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You certainly cannot cause thunder with your voice the way God does with his."
Job 40:24
Can anyone capture him with a hook ... snare?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one can capture him with a hook or pierce his nose through with a snare."
Job 41:1
Can you draw out Leviathan with a fishhook?
God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that you cannot draw out Leviathan with a fishhook."
Job 41:1
Can you put a rope into his nose ... with a hook?
God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that you cannot put a rope into Leviathan's nose ... with a hook."
Job 41:2
Can you put a rope into his nose ... with a hook?
God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that you cannot put a rope into Leviathan's nose ... with a hook."
Job 41:3
Will he make many pleas to you?
God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that he will not make pleas to you."
Job 41:3
Will he speak soft words to you?
God uses this question to remind Job that Job is not powerful like Leviathan. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that he will not speak soft words to you."
Job 41:4
Will he make a covenant with you, that you should take him for a servant forever?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that he will not make a covenant with you, that you should take him for a servant forever."
Job 41:5
Will you play with him as you would with a bird?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that you cannot play with him as you would play with a bird."
Job 41:5
Will you tie him up for your servant girls?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that you cannot tie him up for your servant girls."
Job 41:6
Will the groups of fishermen bargain for him?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that the groups of fishermen will not bargain for him."
Job 41:6
Will they divide him up to trade among the merchants?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that they will not divide him up to trade among the merchants."
Job 41:7
Can you fill his hide with harpoons or his head with fishing spears?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You cannot pierce his skin with your hunting weapons, nor can you pierce his head with fishing spears."
Job 41:10
None is so fierce that he dare stir Leviathan up; who, then, is he who can stand before me?
It would be easier to stir up Leviathan than to stand before Yahweh. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Since you know that no person is so fierce that he dare stir Leviathan up, you should certainly know that no one can stand before me."
Job 41:11
Who has first given anything to me in order that I should repay him?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that no one has first given anything to me, so there is no one whom I need to repay."
Job 41:13
Who can strip off his outer covering?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one can strip off his outer clothing."
Job 41:13
Who can open the doors of his face ... terror?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one can pry his jaws apart ... terror."
Job 41:14
Who can open the doors of his face ... terror?
This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one can pry his jaws apart ... terror."
Job 42:3
Who is this
The ULB and most modern versions agree that Job is loosely quoting God's own words from [Job 38:2](../38/02.md). You may decide, as does the UDB, to make it clear that God asked this question of Job and that Job is now remembering it. Alternate Translation: "You said to me, 'Who is this"
Psa 2:1
Why are the nations in turmoil, and why do the peoples make plots that will fail?
These questions are used to show surprise that the people are doing things that are so wrong and foolish. Alternate Translation: "The nations are in turmoil and the peoples are making plots that will fail."
Psa 4:2
You people, how long will you turn my honor into shame?
David uses this question to rebuke his enemies. Alternate Translation: "You people continually turn my honor into shame!"
Psa 4:2
How long will you love that which is worthless and seek after lies?
David uses this question to rebuke his enemies. Alternate Translation: "You continue to love things that are worthless and seek after lies."
Psa 4:6
Who will show us anything good?
This question is used either to ask for something or to express a wish about something that has not happened. Alternate Translation: "Please show us something good!" or "We wish someone would show us something good!"
Psa 6:3
how long will this continue?
David uses this question to show that he does not want to continue feeling weak and troubled. Alternate Translation: please, do not let this continue!"
Psa 6:5
In Sheol who will give you thanks?
David uses this question to emphasize that no one in Sheol thanks God. Alternate Translation: "No one in Sheol will give you thanks!" or "The dead cannot praise you!"
Psa 8:4
Of what importance is the human race that you notice them, or mankind that you pay attention to them?
These remarks have been expressed in the form of a question to add emphasis. Alternate Translation: "It is amazing that you think about people and are concerned about them!"
Psa 10:1
Why, Yahweh, do you stand far off? Why do you hide yourself in times of trouble?
The speaker uses these questions to express his distress that God has not helped him. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh, it seems as though you are far away from me and you hide from me whenever I am in trouble"
Psa 10:13
Why does the wicked man reject God and say ... "You will not hold me accountable"?
The speaker uses this question to show that he is very sad that wicked people do these things. Alternate Translation: "Wicked people are always rejecting God and saying ... 'You will not hold me accountable.'"
Psa 11:1
how will you say to me, "Flee like a bird to the mountain"?
This question is asked to provide emphasis. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "So do not ask me to run away!"
Psa 11:3
For if the foundations are ruined, what can the righteous do?
Here "the foundations" may refer to law and order. This rhetorical question is asked to add emphasis. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Righteous people cannot do anything when evil people are not punished when they disobey the laws!"
Psa 12:4
who can be master over us?
This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that they believed no one could rule over them. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "no one can rule over us!"
Psa 13:1
How long, Yahweh, will you keep forgetting about me?
This question is asked to get the reader's attention and to add emphasis. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh, it seems that you have forgotten about me!"
Psa 13:2
How long will my enemy triumph over me?
This rhetorical question is asked to add emphasis. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Surely my enemies will not always defeat me!"
Psa 14:4
Do they not know anything ... who do not call on Yahweh?
This rhetorical question is asked to add emphasis. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "They act as if they do not know anything ... who do not call on Yahweh. But they know what they are doing!"
Psa 18:31
For who is God except Yahweh? Who is a rock except our God?
The implied answer is no one. Alternate Translation: "Only Yahweh is God! Only our God is a rock!"
Psa 19:12
Who can discern all his own errors?
This appears in the form of a question to add emphasis and can be translated as a strong statement. Alternate Translation: No one can be aware of his own errors!"
Psa 22:1
my God, why have you abandoned me?
The writer uses a question to emphasize that he feels like God has abandoned him. It may be best to leave this as a question. It can also be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "my God, I feel like you have abandoned me!"
Psa 22:1
Why are you so far from saving me and far from the words of my anguish?
Again the writer uses a question to emphasize that he feels like God is far away from him. It may be best to leave this as a question. It can also be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You are far from saving me and far from the words of my anguish!"
Psa 25:12
Who is the man who fears Yahweh?
This question introduces "the man who fears Yahweh" as a new topic. Alternate Translation: "I will tell you about the man who fears Yahweh."
Psa 27:1
whom should I fear?
This question emphasizes that there is no one that David should fear. Alternate Translation: "I will not be afraid of anyone"
Psa 27:1
whom should I dread?
This question emphasizes that there is no one that David should be afraid of. Alternate Translation: "I will not dread anyone"
Psa 27:13
What would have happened to me
This rhetorical question can be stated positively. Alternate Translation: "Something bad would have happened to me"
Psa 30:9
What advantage is there in my death, if I go down to the grave?
The writer uses this question to emphasize that he would be of no value to God if he were dead. Alternate Translation: "There is no advantage if I die and go down to the grave."
Psa 30:9
Will the dust praise you? Will it declare your trustworthiness?
The writer uses these questions to emphasize that his dead and decayed body cannot praise God. Alternate Translation: "The dust will certainly not praise you or tell others about how trustworthy you are."
Psa 34:12
What man is there who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good?
The implicit answer to this question is "every man." This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Every man desires life and desires to live many days and have a good life"
Psa 35:9
Yahweh, who is like you ... those who try to rob them?
The implicit answer to this question is that no one is like Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh, there is no one like you ... those who try to rob them."
Psa 35:10
Yahweh, who is like you ... those who try to rob them?
The implicit answer to this question is that no one is like Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh, there is no one like you ... those who try to rob them."
Psa 35:17
how long will you look on?
This rhetorical question indicates that the writer wants God to stop simply looking on and to start to help him. Alternate Translation: "how long will you only watch them doing this?" or "when will you help me?"
Psa 39:7
Now, Lord, for what am I waiting?
The writer asks this question to emphasize that people cannot help him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "So now, Yahweh, I can expect to receive nothing from anyone else."
Psa 42:2
when will I come and appear before God?
The author does not ask this question to get an answer but to show his strong desire to be before God.
Psa 42:3
Where is your God?
The author's enemies use this question to mock him and to express that they do not see his God helping him. Alternate Translation: "Your God is not here to help you"
Psa 42:5
Why are you bowed down, my soul? Why are you upset within me?
The author refers to his inner self as his "soul," which represents himself. He asks these questions to rebuke himself. Alternate Translation: "I should not be bowed down. I should not be worried"
Psa 42:10
Where is your God?
The writer's enemies use this question to mock him and to express that they do not see God helping him. Alternate Translation: "Your God is not here to help you"
Psa 42:11
Why are you bowed down, my soul? Why are you upset within me?
The author refers to his inner self as his "soul," which represents himself. He asks these questions to rebuke himself. See how you translated this in [Psalms 42:5](./005.md). Alternate Translation: "I should not be bowed down, I should not be worried"
Psa 43:2
Why have you rejected me? Why do I go about in mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?
The writer asks these questions in order to complain to God and express his emotions, not to receive an answer.
Psa 43:5
Why are you bowed down, my soul? Why are you upset within me?
The author refers to his inner self as his "soul," which represents himself. He asks these questions to rebuke himself. See how you translated this in [Psalms 42:5](../042/005.md). Alternate Translation: "I should not be bowed down. I should not be worried"
Psa 44:21
would not God search this out?
The writer uses this question to express that God would know if they worshiped another god. Alternate Translation: "God would certainly find out"
Psa 44:23
Awake, why do you sleep, Lord?
This does not mean that God is actually asleep. The writer speaks of God's seeming inactivity as if God is sleeping. He asks the question to rebuke God for appearing not to be concerned about their troubles. Alternate Translation: "Wake up! I feel like you are sleeping, Lord!"
Psa 44:24
Why do you hide your face ... our oppression?
The writer uses this question to complain that God appears to be ignoring them. Alternate Translation: "Do not hide your face ... our oppression."
Psa 49:5
Why should I fear ... heels?
The writer asks this question to emphasize that he has no reason to fear when bad things happen. Alternate Translation: "I have no reason to fear ... heels."
Psa 50:13
Will I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats?
God asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that he does not do these things and so has no need for their sacrifices. Alternate Translation: "I do not eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats."
Psa 50:16
What have you to do with declaring my statutes ... and throw my words away?
God uses this question to rebuke wicked people. This question can be turned into a statement. Alternate Translation: "It does not make sense that you declare my statutes and my covenant, since you hate my instructions and throw away my words." or "It is not right for you to declare my statutes ... away."
Psa 50:17
What have you to do with declaring my statutes ... and throw my words away?
God uses this question to rebuke wicked people. This question can be turned into a statement. Alternate Translation: "It does not make sense that you declare my statutes and my covenant, since you hate my instructions and throw away my words." or "It is not right for you to declare my statutes ... away."
Psa 52:1
Why are you proud of making trouble, you mighty man?
This question shows how angry David was at the one who made trouble. Alternate Translation: "You should not be so proud of making trouble, you mighty man."
Psa 53:4
Do those who commit iniquity have no understanding—those ... God?
This question is used to show the shock that the writer feels because the people are so sinful. It can be written as two statements. "Those who commit iniquity act as though they do not know anything. They devour my people as if they were eating bread, and they do not call on God!"
Psa 56:4
what can mere man do to me?
Here a question is used to show that the psalmist is not afraid of people, because they cannot seriously harm him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "mere man can do nothing to me!" or "mere man cannot harm me badly!"
Psa 56:11
What can anyone do to me?
Here a question is used to show that the psalmist is not afraid of people, because they cannot seriously harm him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "People can do nothing to me!" or "People cannot harm me badly!"
Psa 58:1
Do you rulers speak righteousness?
The author uses this question to rebuke the rulers because they do not speak righteously. Alternate Translation: "You rulers do not say what is right!"
Psa 58:1
Do you judge uprightly, you people?
The author uses this question to rebuke the judges who do not judge uprightly. Alternate Translation: "You people never judge people uprightly!"
Psa 59:7
Who hears us?
This question is used to show that they believed that God would not hear and punish them. Alternate Translation: "No one can hear us!" or "Your God does not hear us!"
Psa 60:10
But you, God, have you not rejected us?
The psalmist uses this question to express his sadness that it seems that God has rejected them. Alternate Translation: "But God, it seems like you have rejected us." or "God, you seem to have abandoned us."
Psa 62:3
How long ... will you attack a man ... or a shaky fence?
David uses a rhetorical question to express his frustration. No answer is expected. Alternate Translation: "It seems like my enemies will never stop attacking me. I feel that I am as weak against you as a leaning wall or a broken-down fence."
Psa 64:5
Who will see us?
The evildoers do not expect an answer to their question because they think no one will see them. Alternate Translation: "No one will see what we are doing"
Psa 68:12
When some of you people stayed among the sheepfolds, why did you do this?
This question is used to rebuke the people who did not participate in the battle. Alternate Translation: "Those who stayed among the sheepfolds should not have stayed; they should have gone to the battle."
Psa 68:16
Why do you look in envy ... for the place he will live?
This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The high hill country of Bashan should not look in envy at the mountain which God desires for the place he will live."
Psa 71:19
who is like you?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "there is no one like you!"
Psa 73:11
How does God know? Is there knowledge with the Most High?
These rhetorical questions are to show contempt for God. These questions can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "Surely God does not know what we are doing. The Most High has no knowledge of it."
Psa 73:25
Whom have I in heaven but you?
You can translate this as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There is no one for me in heaven but you!" or "You are the only one I have in heaven!"
Psa 74:1
God, why have you rejected us forever?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "God, we have done nothing wrong, but you have rejected us forever!"
Psa 74:1
Why does your anger burn against the sheep of your pasture?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We are the ones you have promised to care for, and we have done nothing wrong, but now you are angry with us!"
Psa 74:10
How long, God, will the enemy throw insults at you?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "God, the enemy has been throwing insults at you for too long!"
Psa 74:10
Will the enemy blaspheme your name forever?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It seems as if you will never stop the enemy from blaspheming your name!"
Psa 74:11
Why do you hold back your hand, your right hand?
The psalmist speaks of God as if he had a physical body. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Stop holding back your hand, your right hand!"
Psa 76:7
who can stand in your sight when you are angry?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one can stand in your sight when you are angry." or "You can destroy anyone at whom you are angry."
Psa 77:13
what god compares to our great God?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "no god compares to our great God."
Psa 78:19
Can God really lay out a table for us in the wilderness?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We do not believe that God can really lay out a table for us in the wilderness!" or "God, prove to us that you can really lay out a table for us in the wilderness!"
Psa 78:20
But can he give bread also? Will he provide meat for his people?
The people are laughing at God to insult him with these questions. Alternate Translation: "But we will not believe that he can give us bread also or provide meat for his people until we see him do it."
Psa 78:20
bread ... meat
food from plants or food from animals. Though this is a merism for all kinds of food, it is best to translate it literally if possible.
Psa 79:5
How long will your jealous anger burn like fire?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It seems as though your jealous anger will never stop burning like fire."
Psa 79:10
Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?"
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The nations should not be able to say, 'Where is their God?'"
Psa 79:10
Where is their God?
This taunt can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Their God cannot do anything!"
Psa 82:2
How long will you judge unjustly and show favoritism to the wicked?
Yahweh uses a question to rebuke the gods for not judging people fairly.
Psa 85:5
Will you be angry with us forever? Will you remain angry throughout future generations?
The writer uses these questions to emphasize that he is requesting God to stop being angry with them. These rhetorical questions can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Please do not stay angry at us forever."
Psa 85:6
Will you not revive us again?
The writer uses a question to emphasize his request to God to make the people of Israel prosper and happy again. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Please make us prosper again."
Psa 88:10
Will you do wonders for the dead?
The writer uses a question to emphasize that if God lets him die then God will no longer be able to do wonderful things for him. Alternate Translation: "You do not do wonders for dead people."
Psa 88:10
Will those who have died rise and praise you?
The writer uses a question to emphasize that if God lets him die then he will not be able to praise God any longer. Alternate Translation: "You know that those who have died will not stand up and praise you."
Psa 89:8
who is strong like you, Yahweh?
The writer asks the question to emphasize there is no one as strong as Yahweh.
Psa 89:46
How long, Yahweh? Will you hide yourself, forever?
The writer uses these questions to emphasize that he does not want God to continue to refuse the king. Alternate Translation: "Please, Yahweh, do not refuse to help the king forever."
Psa 89:46
How long will your anger burn like fire?
The writer uses a question to emphasize that he does not want God to remain angry. Alternate Translation: "Please do not continue being angry"
Psa 89:48
Who can live and not die, or rescue his own life from the hand of Sheol?
The writer uses these questions to emphasize that all people will die. Alternate Translation: "No one can live forever or bring himself back to life after dying"
Psa 89:49
Lord, where are your former acts of covenant faithfulness that you swore to David in your truthfulness?
The writer uses a question to request the Lord to be faithful to his covenant with David. Alternate Translation: "Lord, be faithful to your covenant with David as you have been in the past"
Psa 90:11
Who knows the intensity of your anger, and your wrath that is equal to the fear of you?
The writer uses a question to emphasize that no one has fully experienced God anger. Therefore no one truly reveres God and fears his anger when people sin. Alternate Translation: "No one knows the intensity of your anger. Therefore no one fears your wrath when they sin."
Psa 90:13
How long will it be?
The writer uses a question to state that he wants God to stop being angry.
Psa 94:3
How long will the wicked, Yahweh, how long will the wicked rejoice?
The psalmist repeats the question to show that he is unhappy with how long Yahweh has allowed the wicked to rejoice. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have waited too long Yahweh; you have waited too long to stop the wicked from rejoicing."
Psa 94:8
when will you ever learn?
This rhetorical question emphasizes the anger of the writer with the wicked people he is speaking to. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "stop your foolish ways!" or "learn from your mistakes!"
Psa 94:9
He who made the ear, does he not hear? He who formed the eye, does he not see?
These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements or commands. Alternate Translation: "God made ears, so he can hear. God made eyes, so he can see." or "God made ears, so stop acting as if he does not hear. God made eyes, so stop acting as if he does not see."
Psa 94:10
He who disciplines the nations, does he not correct?
This question can be translated as a statement. It is implied that Yahweh corrects his people. Alternate Translation: "You know that Yahweh corrects the nations, so you can be sure that he will correct his people!" or "he will punish his people!"
Psa 94:16
Who will rise up to defend me against the evildoers? Who will stand up for me against the wicked?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one will defend me against the evildoers. No one will help me fight against the wicked."
Psa 94:20
Can a throne of destruction be allied with you, one who creates injustice by statute?
This rhetorical question is used to make a point. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "A wicked ruler who makes unjust laws is not your friend"
Psa 106:2
Who can recount the mighty acts of Yahweh ... deeds?
The author asks this question to praise God and does not expect an answer. Alternate Translation: "No one can recount the mighty acts of Yahweh ... deeds."
Psa 108:11
God, have you not rejected us?
The psalmist uses this question to express his sadness that it seems that God has rejected them. Alternate Translation: "It seems like you have rejected us!" or "God, you seem to have abandoned us!"
Psa 113:5
Who is like Yahweh our God ... at the earth?
The writer asks this question to emphasize that there is no one like Yahweh. This rhetorical question may be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There is no one like Yahweh our God ... at the earth."
Psa 113:6
Who is like Yahweh our God ... at the earth?
The writer asks this question to emphasize that there is no one like Yahweh. This rhetorical question may be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There is no one like Yahweh our God ... at the earth."
Psa 114:5
General Information:
Verses 5-6 contain four rhetorical questions. The expected answer to each question is found in verse 7, "because of the presence of the Lord."
Psa 115:2
Why should the nations say, "Where is their God?"
This rhetorical question emphasizes that there should be no reason for the nations to say what they say. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The people of the nations should not be able to say, 'Where is their God?'"
Psa 115:2
Where is their God?
The people of other nations use this question to mock the people of Israel and to express that they do not see Yahweh helping them. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Your God is not here to help you."
Psa 116:12
How can I repay Yahweh ... to me?
The writer asks this leading question to introduce how he will respond to what Yahweh has done for him. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "This is how I will repay Yahweh ... to me."
Psa 118:6
what can man do to me?
The writer asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is nothing that man can do to hurt him since Yahweh is with him. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "people cannot do anything to harm me."
Psa 119:9
How can a young person keep his path pure?
This question is used to introduce a new value to the word of God. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "This is how a young person can keep his path pure"
Psa 119:84
How long must your servant endure this; when will you judge those who persecute me?
The writer uses a question to request God to punish those who persecute him. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Please do not make wait any longer. Punish those who persecute me."
Psa 120:3
How will he punish you, and what more will he do to you, you who have a lying tongue?
The writer asks this as a leading question to explain what God will do to liars. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "This is how God will punish you, and this is what he will do to you, you who have a lying tongue."
Psa 121:1
From where will my help come?
The writer uses this question to focus attention on the source of his help. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I will tell you from where my help comes."
Psa 130:3
who could stand?
The speaker uses this question to express the futility of thinking that anyone could stand in this situation. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "no one could stand."
Psa 139:7
Where can I go from your Spirit? ... Where can I flee from your presence?
These two questions are in parallel. The psalmist says that he cannot go away from God's presence. Alternate Translation: "I cannot escape from your Spirit."
Psa 144:3
Yahweh, what is man that you take notice of him or the son of man that you think about him?
These questions can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "Man is so small compared to everything else you have made that I am surprised that you take notice of man and that you think about the son of man"
Psa 147:17
who can withstand the cold he sends?
The writer uses this question to emphasize that it is difficult to endure the cold weather that Yahweh causes. Alternate Translation: "no one can live in the cold he sends."
Pro 1:22
How long, you naive people, will you love being naive?
Wisdom uses this question to rebuke those who are not wise. Alternate Translation: "You who are naive must stop loving being naive."
Pro 1:22
How long, you mockers, will you delight in mockery, and how long, you fools, will you hate knowledge?
Wisdom uses this question to rebuke the mockers and the fools. Alternate Translation: "You who mock must stop delighting in mockery, and you fools must stop hating knowledge."
Pro 5:16
Should your springs ... your streams of water flow in the public squares?
The writer asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that his son should not do these things. Alternate Translation: "Your springs should not ... your streams of water should not flow in the public squares."
Pro 5:20
For why should you, my son, be captivated by an adulteress; why should you embrace the breasts of an immoral woman?
The writer asks these rhetorical questions to emphasize that his son must not do these things. Alternate Translation: "My son, do not be captivated by an adulteress! Do not embrace the breasts of an immoral woman!"
Pro 6:27
Can a man carry a fire against his chest without burning his clothes?
This action would be very dangerous and would cause harm. The implied answer to the question is "no." Alternate Translation: "Every man who carries a fire in his chest will burn his clothes."
Pro 6:28
Can a man walk on hot coals without scorching his feet?
Walking on hot coals will scorch a person's feet, so the implied answer is "no." Alternate Translation: "Every man who walks on hot coals will have scorched feet."
Pro 8:1
Does not Wisdom call out?
This question is used to remind the readers of something they should already know. Alternate Translation: "Wisdom calls out"
Pro 8:1
Does not Understanding raise her voice?
Here "Understanding" means the same as "Wisdom."
Pro 14:22
Do not those who plot evil go astray?
The assumed answer to this question is "yes." Alternate Translation: "Those who plot evil will go astray."
Pro 15:11
how much more the hearts of the sons of mankind?
This rhetorical question emphasizes that since Yahweh knows everything about the place of the dead, it is more obvious that he knows everything about the hearts of men. Alternate Translation: "so he certainly knows the hearts of the sons of mankind!"
Pro 17:16
Why should a fool pay money to learn about wisdom, when he has no ability to learn it?
This rhetorical question emphasizes that the fool should not do this. This question may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "A fool should not pay money to learn about wisdom because he does not have the ability to learn it."
Pro 18:14
but a broken spirit who can bear it?
This is a rhetorical question, expecting the answer that few can bear it. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "but it is very hard to bear a broken spirit."
Pro 20:6
but who can find one who is faithful?
The implicit answer is "few can find someone like that." This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "but few men can find a person who is faithful!" or "but it is hard to find a person who really is faithful!"
Pro 20:9
Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean from my sin"?
The implicit answer to this question is, "No one can say that." This rhetorical question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one can say that his heart is clean and that he is free from sin"
Pro 20:24
how then can he understand his way?
The implicit answer is that he cannot understand it. This rhetorical question may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "therefore, a person cannot understand his way"
Pro 22:20
Have I not written for you ... you?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You need to know that I have written for you ... you."
Pro 22:21
Have I not written for you ... you?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You need to know that I have written for you ... you."
Pro 22:29
Do you see a man skilled at his work?
This rhetorical question is actually a command. Alternate Translation: "Think of someone you know who is skilled at his work"
Pro 23:29
Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has fights? Who has complaining? Who has wounds for no reason? Who has bloodshot eyes?
The writer uses these questions to prepare the reader for the point he is about to make about a particular type of person. He does not expect an answer to each question. Your language may have a different way of introducing a lesson. Alternate Translation: "Listen to me while I tell you what kind of person has woe, sorrow, fights, complaining, wounds for no reason, and bloodshot eyes."
Pro 24:12
does not the one who weighs the heart understand what you are saying?
The writer assumes the readers know the answer and asks this for emphasis. Alternate Translation: "the one who weighs the heart understands what you are saying."
Pro 24:12
The one who guards your life, does he not know it?
The writer assumes the readers know the answer and asks this for emphasis. Alternate Translation: "The one who guards your life knows it."
Pro 24:12
Will God not give to each one what he deserves?
The writer assumes the readers know the answer and asks this for emphasis. Alternate Translation: "God will give to each one what he deserves."
Pro 24:22
who knows the extent of the destruction that will come from both of them?
The writer asks this question to emphasize the disaster. Alternate Translation: "no one knows the extent of the destruction that will come from both of them."
Pro 25:8
For what will you do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame?
This question is asked to make the reader consider the possibility that he may have misunderstood the situation. The way in which the neighbor might put the reader to shame can be stated plainly. Alternate Translation: "For you will not know what to do in the end when your neighbor puts you to shame." or "For if your neighbor has an explanation, he will put you to shame, and you will have nothing to say to defend yourself."
Pro 26:12
Do you see someone who is wise in his own eyes?
This question is used to lead the reader to think about someone who is wise in his own eyes. The phrase "is wise in his own eyes" means "thinks he is wise," and here it implies that the person is not truly wise. Alternate Translation: "Consider the person who thinks he is wise but is not."
Pro 26:19
Was I not telling a joke?
The deceiver uses this question to imply that since he his joke was only for fun, he should not be blamed for any harm he has caused. Alternate Translation: "I was only telling a joke." or "Do not blame me. I was only telling a joke."
Pro 27:4
but who is able to stand before jealousy?
This question implies that no one can stand before jealousy. It can be reworded as a statement. Alternate Translation: "but no one is able to stand before jealousy"
Pro 27:24
Does a crown endure for all generations?
This question expects a negative answer to make the point that the reign of earthly rulers does not last forever. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "A crown does not endure for all generations"
Pro 29:20
See a man who is hasty in his words?
The writer is using a question to get the reader's attention. Alternate Translation: "You should notice what happens to a man who is hasty in his words."
Pro 30:4
Who has ... down? Who has ... hands? Who has ... cloak? Who has ... earth?
The writer asks these questions to get the reader thinking about how much greater Yahweh is than people. Alternate Translation: "No person has ever ... down. No person has ever ... hands. No person has ever ... cloak. No person has ever ... earth." or "Who has ... down? Who has ... hands? Who has ... cloak? Who has ... earth? No one has ever done any of these things."
Pro 30:4
What is his name, and what is the name of his son?
The writer uses these questions to command the reader to give an answer. Alternate Translation: "Tell me his name and the name of his son, if you know them."
Pro 31:2
What, my son? What is it, son of my womb? What do you want, son of my vows?
Possible meanings of the rhetorical question "What" are 1) "What are you doing?" or "You should not be doing what you are doing" or 2) "What shall I tell you?" or "Listen to what I am telling you" or 3) "Do not do the things I am about to warn you against."
Pro 31:10
Who can find a capable wife?
The writer asks a question to show that he is beginning a new section. Alternate Translation: "Not many men can find a capable wife." or "Not many men can find a wife who is able to do many things well."
Ecc 1:3
What profit does mankind gain ... under the sun?
The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that man's work is pointless and has no lasting benefit. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Mankind gains no profit ... under the sun."
Ecc 1:10
Is there anything about which it may be said, 'Look, this is new'?
This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that man cannot say there is anything new. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There is nothing about which it may be said, 'Look, this is new.'"
Ecc 2:2
What use is it?
The author uses a rhetorical question to emphasize that pleasure is useless. Alternate Translation: "It is useless."
Ecc 2:12
For what can the next king do who comes after the king, which has not already been done?
The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize his point that the next king will not be able to do anything more valuable that what he had already done. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "For the next king who comes after the king can do nothing that a king before him has not already done."
Ecc 2:15
So what difference does it make if I am very wise?
The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no benefit to being wise. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "So it makes no difference if I am very wise."
Ecc 2:19
For who knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool?
The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one knows the character the man who will inherit his wealth. Alternate Translation: "For no one knows whether he will be a wise man or a fool."
Ecc 2:22
For what profit does the person gain who works so hard and tries in his heart to complete his labors under the sun?
The author uses a rhetorical question to emphasize that the man who works hard gains nothing. Translate "what profit does ... gain" as you did in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate Translation: "For the person who works so hard and tries in his heart to complete his labors under the sun gains nothing."
Ecc 2:25
For who can eat or who can have any kind of pleasure apart from God?
The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no pleasure can be had without God's provision. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "For no one can eat or have any kind of pleasure apart from God."
Ecc 3:9
What profit does the worker gain in his labor?
This is a thought provoking question to focus the reader on the next discussion topic. Translate "what profit does ... gain" as you did in [Ecclesiastes 1:3](../01/03.md). Alternate Translation: "The worker gains no profit for his labor."
Ecc 3:21
Who knows whether the spirit ... into the earth?
The author asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one truly knows what happens after people and animals die. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one knows whether the spirit ... into the earth."
Ecc 3:22
Who can bring him back to see what happens after him?
The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one will see what happens after he dies. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one of us knows what happens to us after we die."
Ecc 4:11
how can one be warm alone?
This refers to a person lying down. The author use this rhetorical question to emphasize that two people can keep each other warm but one person cannot. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "a person cannot be warm when he is alone." or "a person who lies down alone cannot be warm."
Ecc 5:6
Why make God angry by vowing falsely, provoking God to destroy the work of your hands?
The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that it is foolish to make a vow that you will not keep. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It would be foolish to make God angry by vowing falsely, provoking God to destroy the work of your hands."
Ecc 5:11
What advantage in wealth is there to the owner except to watch it with his eyes?
The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that the wealthy do not benefit from their wealth. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The only benefit that the owner has from wealth is that he can look at it"
Ecc 5:16
So what profit is there for him who works for the wind?
The writer uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no benefit in working for the wind. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one gets any profit in working for the wind."
Ecc 6:8
what advantage has the wise person over the fool?
The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that a wise person does not have any more lasting benefits than a fool. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "it seems the wise person has no advantage over the fool."
Ecc 6:8
What advantage does the poor man have even if he knows how to act in front of other people?
The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that a poor man does not have any more lasting benefits than someone else. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The poor man has no advantage even if he knows how to act in front of other people."
Ecc 6:11
what advantage is that to a man?
The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no advantage for a man to talk a lot. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "that is no advantage to a man."
Ecc 6:12
For who knows what is good for man ... he passes like a shadow?
The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no person truly knows what is good for man. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one knows what is good for man ... he passes like a shadow."
Ecc 6:12
Who can tell a man ... after he passes?
The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one knows what will happen after a person dies. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one can tell a man ... after he passes."
Ecc 7:10
Why were the days of old better than these?
The person asks this rhetorical question in order to complain about the present time. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Things were better in the past than they are now."
Ecc 7:13
Who can straighten out anything he has made crooked?
The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can change something that God has done. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one can straighten out anything he has made crooked."
Ecc 7:16
Why should you destroy yourself?
The writer uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that being self-righteous destroys a person. Alternate Translation: "There is no reason to destroy yourself." or "If you think this way you will destroy yourself."
Ecc 7:17
Why should you die before your time?
The author uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no reason for people to do things that will cause them to die early. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There is no reason for you to die sooner than you should."
Ecc 7:24
Who can find it?
The writer uses this rhetorical question to emphasize the difficulty in understanding wisdom. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one can understand it."
Ecc 8:4
who will say to him
This rhetorical question emphasizes that no one will ask the king the following question. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "no one can say to him"
Ecc 8:4
What are you doing?
This rhetorical question is a rebuke. This question can be written as as statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not be doing what you are doing."
Ecc 8:7
Who can tell him what is coming?
This rhetorical question emphasizes that no one knows what will happen in the future. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one can tell him what is coming."
Ecc 10:14
Who knows what is coming after him?
The writer asks this question to emphasize that no one knows what will happen in the future after one's death. This question can be written as as statement. Alternate Translation: "No one knows what is coming after him." or "No one knows what will happen after he dies."
Sng 1:7
Why should I be like someone who wanders beside the flocks of your companions?
The woman asks this question to emphasize that she has a closer relationship to the man than other women do. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Tell me so that I will not need to wander around among the flocks of your companions when I am looking for you."
Sng 5:3
must I put it on again?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I do not want to put it on again."
Sng 5:8
my beloved—What will you make known to him?—that I am
The woman uses a question to introduce what she wants the daughters of Jerusalem to tell her beloved. Alternate Translation: "my beloved, this is what I want you to say to him: tell him that"
Sng 6:10
Who is this who appears like the dawn ... banners?
They are using this question to say that they think the young woman is amazing. Alternate Translation: "This is an amazing woman! She comes into view like the dawn ... banners!"
Sng 8:5
Who is this who is coming up
They are using this question to say that they think the young woman is amazing. A similar phrase was translated in in [Song of Songs 6:10](../06/10.md). Alternate Translation: "Look at this amazing woman as she comes up"
Sng 8:8
What can we do ... in marriage?
The speaker uses this question to introduce what he wants to say. Alternate Translation: "This is what we will do ... in marriage."
Isa 1:5
Why are you still being beaten? Why do you rebel more and more?
Isaiah uses these questions to scold the people of Judah. The questions can be translated as statements. This can also be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "You keep doing things that Yahweh has to punish you for. You continue to rebel against him."
Isa 1:11
What is the multitude of your sacrifices to me?
God is using a question to scold the people. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Your many sacrifices mean nothing to me!"
Isa 1:12
who has required this of you, to trample my courts?
The word "trample" means to step on and crush with one's feet. God is using a question to scold the people who live in Judah. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "no one told you to stomp around in my courtyards!"
Isa 2:22
for what does he amount to?
Isaiah uses a question to remind the people of something they should already know. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "for man amounts to nothing!" or "for man is not worth anything!"
Isa 3:15
Why do you crush my people and grind the faces of the poor?
Yahweh asks this question in order to accuse the leaders of the people. This accusation can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I am angry with you evil men because you are crushing my people and grinding the faces of the poor!"
Isa 5:4
What more could have been done for my vineyard, that I have not done for it?
The owner uses this question to make a statement about his vineyard. This rhetorical questions can be translated as a stataement. Alternate Translation: "I have done all that I could do for my vineyard!"
Isa 5:4
When I looked for it to produce grapes, why did it produce wild grapes?
The owner uses a question to say that his vineyard should have produced good grapes. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I wanted it to make good grapes, but it only produced worthless grapes"
Isa 7:13
Is it not enough for you people to test the patience of people? Must you also test the patience of my God?
These questions emphasize that the king has sinned greatly. Alternate Translation: "You test the patience of people! Now you even test the patience of my God!"
Isa 8:19
But should a people not consult their God? Should they consult the dead on behalf of the living?
These questions are to show that people should consult God instead of foolishly trying to talk to dead people. Alternate Translation: "But people should ask Yahweh to guide them. They should not seek answers from those who have died."
Isa 10:3
What will you do on judgment day ... away?
Isaiah uses a question to scold those in Judah who harm the poor and weak people. Alternate Translation: "You will be able to do nothing on judgment day ... away!"
Isa 10:3
To whom will you flee for help, and where will you leave your wealth?
Isaiah uses a question to scold those in Judah who harm the poor and weak people. Alternate Translation: "You have nowhere to run for help, and you will have nowhere to hide your riches!"
Isa 10:8
Are not all my princes kings?
The king of Assyria uses a question to emphasize what he believes everyone should already know. Alternate Translation: "I have made captains of my army kings over lands I have conquered!"
Isa 10:9
Is not Kalno like Carchemish? Is not Hamath like Arpad? Is not Samaria like Damascus?
The king of Assyria uses these questions for emphasis. Alternate Translation: "Kalno is no different from Carchemish. Hamath is no different from Arpad. Samaria is no different from Damascus. I have conquered them all!"
Isa 10:11
will I not also do the same to Jerusalem and to her idols?
The king of Assyria used this question to emphasize the certainty that he will conquer the people of Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "I will certainly do the same to Jerusalem and her idols!"
Isa 10:15
Will the ax boast about itself against the one who wields it? Will the saw praise itself more than the one who cuts with it?
The speaker uses these questions to mock the king of Assyria. Alternate Translation: "An ax cannot boast that it is better than the one who holds it. And a saw does not get more glory than the one who cuts with it."
Isa 14:16
Is this the man
The people will use this question either to mock the king of Babylon, or to express their shock at what has happened to him. Alternate Translation: "Surely, this is not the man"
Isa 14:27
who will stop him?
This question emphasizes that no one can stop Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "there is no one who can stop him."
Isa 14:27
who will turn it back?
This question is used to say that no one can turn back God's hand. Turning back his hand represents stopping him from punishing the nations. Alternate Translation: "no one can turn it back." or "no one can stop him from punishing them."
Isa 14:32
How will they respond to the messengers of that nation?
The author uses this question to introduce his instruction about how the Israelites should speak to the messengers. Alternate Translation: "This is how we will answer the messengers of Philistia."
Isa 19:11
How can you say to Pharaoh ... kings?
Isaiah uses a question to mock those in Egypt who claim to be wise. Alternate Translation: "You foolishly say to Pharaoh ... kings."
Isa 19:12
Where then are your wise men?
Isaiah uses a question to mock the wise men. The word "your" refers to Pharaoh. Alternate Translation: "You do not have any wise men." or "Your wise men are fools."
Isa 20:6
now, how can we escape?
The author uses this question to emphasize how hopeless their situation was. Alternate Translation: "now there is no way for us to escape!"
Isa 22:1
What is the reason that you have all gone up to the housetops?
Isaiah uses a question to scold the people of Judah. Alternate Translation: "You should not go and stand on the tops of your houses."
Isa 22:16
What are you doing here and who gave you permission ... in the rock?
Yahweh uses this question to scold Shebna. Alternate Translation: "You have no right ... in the rock!"
Isa 23:7
Has this happened to you, the joyful city, whose origin is from ancient times ... to settle?
Yahweh uses a question to mock Tyre. This rhetorical questions can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "This has indeed happened to you who were full of joy in the ancient city of Tyre ... to settle."
Isa 23:8
Who has planned this against Tyre ... of the earth?
Isaiah uses a question to mock Tyre. The word "this" refers to God's plans to destroy Tyre which Isaiah described in 23:1-7. Also, "Tyre" refers to the people who live in Tyre. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It was Yahweh who has planned to destroy the people of Tyre ... of the earth."
Isa 27:7
Has Yahweh attacked Jacob and Israel as he attacked those nations who attacked them?
The question is used to contrast the severity of God's punishment. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh has certainly punished the enemy nations more severely than he punished the people of Israel."
Isa 28:9
To whom will he teach knowledge, and to whom will he explain the message?
The drunk prophets and priests use a question to criticize Isaiah, who is trying to correct them. Alternate Translation: "The drunk prophets and priests say, 'Isaiah should not be trying to teach us about Yahweh's message!'"
Isa 28:9
To those who are weaned from milk or to those just taken from the breasts?
The drunk prophets and priests use a question to criticize Isaiah, because they feel that he is treating them like babies. Alternate Translation: "He should not treat us like babies!"
Isa 28:24
Does a farmer who plows all day to sow, only plow the ground? Does he continually break up and harrow the field?
Isaiah uses rhetorical questions to make the people think deeply. Alternate Translation: "A farmer does not plow the ground over and over and continually work the soil without ever sowing seed."
Isa 28:25
does he not scatter caraway seed, sow the cumin, put in the wheat in rows and the barley in the right place, and the spelt at its edges?
Isaiah uses a question to make the people of Jerusalem think deeply. If your language does not have a word for each of these seeds, they can be stated more generally. Alternate Translation: "he will certainly plant each kind of seed in the correct way and in the proper places."
Isa 29:15
Who sees us, and who knows us?
They use a question to emphasize that they believe no one knows what they are doing. Alternate Translation: "No one, not even Yahweh, sees us or knows what we are doing!"
Isa 29:16
Should the potter be considered like clay ... "He does not understand"?
This question is used to scold the people of Jerusalem. Alternate Translation: "Obviously, the potter should not be considered like clay ... 'He does not understand.'"
Isa 33:14
Who among us can sojourn with a raging fire? Who among us can sojourn with everlasting burnings?
These rhetorial questions have basically the same meaning and emphasize that no one can live with fire. Here fire represents Yahweh's judgment. Alternate Translation: "No one can live with raging fire! No one can live with everylasting burns!" or "No one can live bearing Yahweh's judgment, it is like an everlasting fire!"
Isa 33:18
where is the scribe, where is he who weighed the money? Where is he who counted the towers?
These rhetorical question are asked to emphasize that the Assyrian officials are gone. These questions may be written as statements. Alternate Translation: "The officers of Assyria who counted the tax money that we were forced to pay to them have disappeared! Those men who counted our towers are gone!"
Isa 36:4
What is the source of your confidence?
The king of Assyria uses this question to challenge Hezekiah and to say that he does not have a good source for confidence. This question may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have no reliable source for your confidence."
Isa 36:5
Now in whom are you trusting? Who has given you courage to rebel against me?
The king of Assyria uses questions to ridicule Hezekiah for believing he has the strength to rebel. This question may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No matter in whom you trust, you will not have the courage to rebel against me."
Isa 36:6
is not he the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah has taken away ... Jerusalem"?
The king of Assyria uses this question to ridicule the people and to imply that Yahweh was angry about what Hezekiah did and would not protect them. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "he is the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah has taken away ... Jerusalem." or "he is the one whom Hezekiah insulted by tearing down his high places and altars ... Jerusalem."
Isa 36:7
is not he the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah has taken away ... Jerusalem"?
The king of Assyria uses this question to ridicule the people and to imply that Yahweh was angry about what Hezekiah did and would not protect them. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "he is the one whose high places and altars Hezekiah has taken away ... Jerusalem." or "he is the one whom Hezekiah insulted by tearing down his high places and altars ... Jerusalem."
Isa 36:9
How could you resist even one captain ... servants?
The chief commander continues to ridicule Hezekiah and his army. When he says "you," referring to Hezekiah, he is actually referring to Hezekiah's army. This question may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Your army could not even defeat one captain ... servants."
Isa 36:10
Now then, have I traveled up here without Yahweh to fight against this land and destroy it?
The chief commander uses another question to ridicule Hezekiah and the people of Judah. This question may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I came here with Yahweh's command to destroy Jerusalem."
Isa 36:12
Has my master sent me to your master and to you to speak these words?
The chief commander uses this question to emphasize that his message is for all the people of Judah. This question may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Certainly, my master has sent me to speak this message to you and to all who can hear."
Isa 36:12
Has he not sent me to the men who sit on the wall, who will have to ... you?
The chief commander uses this question to emphasize his insult. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "My master has sent me to everyone who hears this, who will have to ... you."
Isa 36:18
Has any of the gods of the peoples rescued them from ... Assyria?
The chief commander uses this question to ridicule the people of Judah. This question may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "None of the gods of the peoples rescued them from ... Assyria."
Isa 36:19
Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? Have they rescued Samaria from my power?
The chief commander uses these questions to ridicule the people of Judah. These questions may be combined and written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The gods of Hamath, Arpad, Sepharvaim, and Samaria did not rescue their people from my power."
Isa 36:20
is there any god who has rescued ... as if Yahweh could save Jerusalem from my power?
The chief commander uses this question to ridicule the people of Judah. This question may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "there is no god who has rescued ... and Yahweh will not save you in Jerusalem from my power."
Isa 37:11
So will you be rescued?
The king of Assyria uses this question to ridicule Hezekiah and his army. This may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "So you too will not be saved." or "So of course no one will rescue you either!"
Isa 37:12
Have the gods of the nations rescued them ... Tel Assar?
The king of Assyria uses this question to ridicule Hezekiah and his army. This may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The nations' god did not rescue the nations that my fathers destroyed ... Tel Assar!"
Isa 37:13
Where is the king ... Ivvah?
The king of Assyria uses this question to ridicule Hezekiah and his army. This may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We also conquered the king ... Ivvah!"
Isa 37:23
Whom have you defied and insulted? ... Against the Holy One of Israel.
Yahweh uses these rhetorical questions to ridicule the king of Assyria. These can be written as statements. Alternate Translation: "You have defied and insulted Yahweh, you have shouted at and acted pridefully against the Holy One of Israel!"
Isa 37:26
Have you not heard how ... times?
Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to remind Sennacherib of information that he should already be aware of. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Certainly you have heard how ... times."
Isa 38:15
What shall I say?
Hezekiah uses a question to emphasize he has nothing left to say. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I have nothing left to say."
Isa 40:12
Who has measured ... or the hills in a balance?
These rhetorical questions anticipate a negative answer and emphasize that only Yahweh is able to do these things. Alternate Translation: "No one but Yahweh has measured ... and the hills in a balance."
Isa 40:13
General Information:
Isaiah continues using questions to emphasize Yahweh's uniqueness.
Isa 40:13
Who has comprehended the mind of Yahweh, or instructed him as his counselor?
This rhetorical question anticipates a negative answer and emphasizes that no one is able to do these things. Alternate Translation: "No one has comprehended the mind of Yahweh, and no one has instructed him as his counselor."
Isa 40:14
From whom did he ever receive instruction?
This rhetorical question anticipates a negative answer and emphasizes that no one has ever done this. Alternate Translation: "He has never received instruction from anyone."
Isa 40:14
Who taught him the correct way to do things, and taught him knowledge, or showed to him the way of understanding?
This rhetorical question anticipates a negative answer and emphasizes that no one has ever done these things. Alternate Translation: "No one taught him the correct way to do things. No one taught him knowledge. No one showed to him the way of understanding."
Isa 40:18
To whom then will you compare God? To what idol will you liken him?
Isaiah uses two similar questions to emphasize that there is no idol that can compare with God. Alternate Translation: "There is no one to whom you can compare God. There is no idol to which you can liken him."
Isa 40:21
Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth?
Isaiah uses these questions to emphasize that the people should know Yahweh's greatness as the creator. Alternate Translation: "You certainly know and have heard! It has been told to you from the beginning; you have understood from the foundations of the earth!"
Isa 40:25
To whom then will you compare me, whom do I resemble?
Yahweh uses two similar rhetorical questions to emphasize that there is no one like him. Alternate Translation: "There is no one to whom you can compare me. There is no one whom I resemble."
Isa 40:26
Who has created all these stars?
This is a leading question that anticipates the answer, Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh has created all these stars!"
Isa 40:27
Why do you say, Jacob, and declare, Israel ... vindication"?
The question emphasizes that they should not say what they say. Alternate Translation: "'You should not say, O people of Israel ... vindication'."
Isa 40:28
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
Isaiah uses these questions to emphasize that the people should know Yahweh's greatness. See how you translated these in [Isaiah 40:21](./21.md). Alternate Translation: "You certainly know and have heard!"
Isa 41:2
Who has stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his service?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the one who caused this ruler from the east to be victorious. Alternate Translation: "I am the one who called this powerful ruler from the east and put him in my good service."
Isa 41:4
Who has performed and accomplished these deeds?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the one who has done these things. Alternate Translation: "I have performed and accomplished these deeds."
Isa 41:4
Who has summoned the generations from the beginning?
Here the word "generations" represents all of human history, which Yahweh created and directed throughout history. The rhetorical question anticipates the answer, Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "I have summoned the generations of humanity from the beginning."
Isa 41:26
Who announced this from the beginning, that we might know? Before this time, that we may say, "He is right"?
Yahweh uses these rhetorical questions to mock the idols that the people worship. The implied answers are 1) that the idols have not done these things and 2) that Yahweh is the one who has done these things. Alternate Translation: "None of the idols announced this from the beginning, that we might know. And none of them announced this before time, that we may say, 'He is right.'"
Isa 42:19
Who is blind but my servant? Or deaf like my messenger I send?
Yahweh asks these rhetorical questions to scold his people and to emphasize that no one is as blind or deaf as they are. Alternate Translation: "No one is as blind as my servant. No one is as deaf as my messenger whom I send."
Isa 42:19
Who is as blind as my covenant partner, or blind as Yahweh's servant?
Yahweh asks these rhetorical questions to scold his people and to emphasize that no one is as blind or deaf as they are. Alternate Translation: "No one is as blind as my covenant partner. No one is as blind as Yahweh's servant."
Isa 42:24
Who gave Jacob over to the robber, and Israel to the looters?
These two phrases mean the same thing. Isaiah uses this as a leading question in order to emphasize the answer that he will give in the next phrase. Alternate Translation: "I will tell you who gave the people of Israel over to robbers and looters."
Isa 42:24
Was it not Yahweh ... refused to obey?
Isaiah uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that Yahweh alone was responsible for Israel's situation, and to explain the reason that Yahweh did it. Alternate Translation: "It was certainly Yahweh ... refused to obey."
Isa 43:13
who can turn it back?
Yahweh uses this question to say that no one can turn back his hand. It can be translated as a statement. Turning back his hand represents stopping him from doing something. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Isaiah 14:27](../14/27.md). Alternate Translation: "no one can turn it back." or "no one can stop me."
Isa 43:19
do you not perceive it?
Yahweh uses a question to teach the people of Israel. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "surely you have noticed it."
Isa 44:7
Who is like me? Let him announce
Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there is no one like him. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "If anyone thinks he is like me, let him announce"
Isa 44:8
Have I not declared to you long ago, and announced it?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is the one who predicted the events that have now happened. This can be translated as a statement. The word "announced" means basically the same thing as "declared." Alternate Translation: "I declared these things to you long ago."
Isa 44:8
Is there any God besides me?
Yahweh uses a question again to emphasize that there is no other God. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There is no God besides me."
Isa 44:10
Who would form a god or cast an idol that is worthless?
Yahweh is using this question to rebuke those who make idols. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Only fools would form a god or cast an idol that is worthless."
Isa 44:19
Now should I make ... something disgusting to worship? Should I bow down to a block of wood?
Yahweh says that these people should be asking themselves these rhetorical questions. The questions anticipate negative answers and emphasize how foolish it would be for a person to do these things. These questions can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "I should not now make ... something disgusting to worship. I should not bow down to a block of wood."
Isa 45:9
Does the clay say to the potter ... on it'?
Yahweh asks this question to rebuke those who argue with him about what he does. Alternate Translation: "The clay should not say to the potter ... on it!'"
Isa 45:10
What are you fathering? ... What are you giving birth to?
The unborn child asks these rhetorical questions to scold his parents for giving birth to him. These can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "You should not be my father ... You should give birth to me." or "You are not fathering me correctly ... You are not giving birth to me correctly."
Isa 45:11
Why do you ask questions about what I will do for my children? Do you tell me what to do concerning the work of my hands?
Yahweh uses questions to scold those who argue with him about what he does. Alternate Translation: "Do not question me about what I do for my children. Do not tell me ... my hands."
Isa 45:21
Who has shown this from long ago? Who announced it? Was it not I, Yahweh?
Yahweh uses questions to emphasize that he was the one who told them these things would happen. Alternate Translation: "I will tell you who has shown this from long ago. I will tell you who announced it. It was I, Yahweh."
Isa 46:5
To whom will you compare me? Who do you think I resemble, so that we may be compared?
Yahweh uses questions to emphasize that there is no one like him. Alternate Translation: "There is no one to whom you can compare me. I resemble no one, so that we might be compared."
Isa 48:6
will you not admit what I said is true?
Yahweh uses a question to scold the people of Israel for not admitting what they should know is true. Alternate Translation: "you are stubborn and will not admit what I said is true."
Isa 48:11
for how can I allow my name to be profaned?
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he can never allow his own name to be dishonored. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "for I cannot allow anyone to profane my name."
Isa 48:14
Who among you has announced these things?
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that the idols have not told them these things. Alternate Translation: "None of your idols has told this to you."
Isa 49:15
Can a woman forget her baby, nursing at her breast, so she does not have compassion on the son she has borne?
Yahweh uses a question to help his people understand that he will never forget about them or stop caring for them. Alternate Translation: "A woman would not forget her nursing baby or stop caring for the son she bore."
Isa 49:21
Who has raised these children? Look, I was left all alone; where did these come from?
Again, Zion uses questions to expresses her surprise. Alternate Translation: "Look, I was left all alone; now all of these children that I did not raise have come to me."
Isa 49:24
Can the spoils be taken from the warrior, or captives be rescued from the fierce?
Isaiah uses a question to express the difficulty of taking anything from a mighty soldier or a very strong warrior. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "A person cannot take the spoils from a warrior or rescue captives from fierce soldiers."
Isa 50:1
Where is the certificate of divorce with which I divorced your mother?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question so that the people would produce "the certificate of divorce," which would provide the reason Yahweh sent them into exile. Alternate Translation: "Show me the certificate of divorce with which I divorced your mother."
Isa 50:1
To which of my creditors did I sell you?
Yahweh asks this question to emphasize that he did not sell them because he owed a debt to a creditor. It is implied that this is what the people had thought. Alternate Translation: "I did not sell you because I owed a debt to someone."
Isa 50:8
Who will oppose me? Let us stand ... Who is my accuser? Let him come
The servant uses these questions to emphasize that there is no one who can legitimately accuse him of wrong. Alternate Translation: "If anyone would oppose me, let us stand ... If anyone would accuse me, let him come"
Isa 50:9
Who will declare me guilty?
The servant uses this question to assert that no one can declare him guilty. Alternate Translation: "There is no one who can declare me guilty."
Isa 50:10
Who among you fears Yahweh? Who obeys the voice of his servant? Who walks in deep darkness without light? He should ... his God.
The servant uses these questions to identify those to whom he is speaking. Alternate Translation: "If someone among you fears Yahweh and obeys the voice of his servant, but he walks in deep darkness without light, then he should ... his God."
Isa 51:9
Is it not you who crushed Rahab, you who pierced the monster?
The speaker uses a question to emphasize Yahweh's power to do mighty things. Alternate Translation: "It is you who crushed Rahab, you who pierced the monster."
Isa 51:10
Did you not dry up the sea ... for the redeemed to pass through?
Again, the speaker uses questions to emphasize Yahweh's power to do mighty things. This refers to Yahweh opening the Red Sea for the Israelites to cross and escape the army of Egypt. Alternate Translation: "You dried up the sea ... for the redeemed to pass through."
Isa 51:12
Why are you afraid of men ... like grass?
This rhetorical question emphasizes that people who have the Lord's protection should not be afraid of human beings. This can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Do not be afraid of men ... like grass."
Isa 51:13
Why have you forgotten Yahweh ... earth?
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that they should not forget Yahweh. This may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not have forgotten Yahweh ... earth."
Isa 51:13
Where is the fury of the oppressor?
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that the people should not fear those who want to oppress them. Their oppressors are no longer a threat to them. This may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The fury of the oppressor is not a threat!"
Isa 51:19
who will grieve with you? ... Who will comfort you?
Isaiah uses questions to emphasize that now there is no one to weep with them or comfort them. These questions may be written as statements. Alternate Translation: "but there is no one to grieve with you ... There is no one to comfort you."
Isa 52:5
Now what do I have here ... seeing that my people are taken away for nothing?
Yahweh uses a question to make the people pay attention to what he is about to say. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Now look at what is happening ... my people are again taken away for nothing."
Isa 53:8
who from that generation thought anymore about him?
This question emphasizes that no one thinks about him. Alternate Translation: "no one from his generation cared what happened to him." or "no one among his contemporaries cared what happened to him."
Isa 55:2
Why do you weigh out ... bread, and why do you labor ... satisfy?
Yahweh asks these questions to rebuke the people. He speaks of the people seeking happiness apart from Yahweh as if they were purchasing things to eat that were not food and working for things that could not satisfy them. Alternate Translation: "You should not weigh out silver ... bread, and you should not labor ... satisfy"
Isa 57:4
Whom are you merrily mocking? Against whom are you opening the mouth and sticking out the tongue?
Yahweh uses questions to scold the people who are mocking him through false worship. Alternate Translation: "You are mocking me and making fun of me by opening your mouth wide and sticking out the tongue!"
Isa 57:4
Are you not children of rebellion, children of deceit?
Yahweh uses another question to scold the people. This does not refer to their birth but to their spiritual state. Alternate Translation: "You are children of rebellion, children of deceit!"
Isa 57:6
In these things should I take pleasure?
Yahweh uses a question to scold the people. Alternate Translation: "Certainly, these things do not please me."
Isa 57:11
Whom are you worried about? Whom do you fear so much that has caused you to act so deceitfully ... about me?
Yahweh uses these questions to scold the people. Alternate Translation: "You must really fear these idols for you to act so deceitfully ... about me!"
Isa 58:3
'Why have we fasted,' they say, 'but you do not see it? Why have we humbled ourselves, but you do not notice?'
The people of Israel use questions to complain to God because they feel he is ignoring them.
Isa 58:5
Is this really the kind of fast that I would want ... under himself?
Yahweh uses a question to scold the people. They act like they are humble before God, but they are hurting other people. Alternate Translation: "This is not the kind of fast I want ... under himself."
Isa 58:5
Do you really call this a fast, a day that pleases Yahweh?
Yahweh uses a question to scold the people. Alternate Translation: "Surely you do not think this kind of fast pleases me!"
Isa 58:6
Is not this the fast that I choose ... break every yoke?
Yahweh uses a question to teach the people about the kind of fast that pleases him. Alternate Translation: "This is the fast that I choose ... break every yoke."
Isa 58:7
Is it not to ... your house?
Yahweh uses another question to teach the people. Alternate Translation: "It is to ... your house."
Isa 60:8
Who are these who fly along like a cloud, and like the doves to their shelters?
Yahweh uses questions and poetic images to draw attention here. He compares the sails of the ships to clouds and doves. This is also a picture of the Israelites returning to the country where they belong. Alternate Translation: "Look, I see something like clouds moving quickly and like doves returning to their shelters."
Isa 63:1
Who is this who comes from Edom ... Bozrah
Isaiah speaks as a watchman using the question and answer format to present this information about Yahweh's judgment on Edom, an enemy of Israel. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I, Yahweh, am coming from Edom, clothed in red from Bozrah"
Isa 63:2
Why are your clothes red, and why ... winepress?
This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The red on your clothing looks makes you look like you have been treading on grapes in a winepress."
Isa 63:15
Where are your zeal and your mighty acts?
The writer uses a question to express deep emotion and concern because it seems God is not helping them. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We do not see your zeal and your mighty acts!"
Isa 63:17
Yahweh, why do you make us wander from your ways and harden our hearts, so we do not obey you?
Here the writer uses a question to express a complaint of the people to God. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh, you have made us wander from your ways and become stubborn so that we do not obey you."
Isa 64:12
How can you still hold back, Yahweh? How can you remain silent and continue to humiliate us?
They use questions to express their frustration because God has not yet come to help them. Alternate Translation: "Please do not hold back, Yahweh! Please do not remain silent and continue to humiliate us!"
Isa 66:1
Where then is the house you will build for me? Where is the place where I may rest?
Yahweh uses questions to emphasize that humans cannot build a place for him to dwell.
Isa 66:8
Who has heard of such a thing? Who has seen such things? Will a land be born in one day? Can a nation be established in one moment?
Yahweh uses questions to emphasize how unique this event will be. The series of questions builds tension until Zion is finally mentioned.
Isa 66:9
Do I bring a baby to the birth opening ... born?
Yahweh uses questions to emphasize that he will not fail to fulfill his promises to the people of Jerusalem.
Jer 2:5
What did your fathers find wrong with me, that they went far from following me? That they went after useless idols and became useless themselves?
Yahweh uses these questions to say that since he has done no wrong, his people should not have rejected him and worshiped idols. Alternate Translation: "I did nothing wrong to your forefathers, so they should not have gone far from following me, and they should not have gone after useless idols. By doing that they themselves have become useless!"
Jer 2:6
Where is Yahweh, who brought us ... Egypt?
This rhetorical question would have been used to show the people's need of Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "We need Yahweh. He is the one who brought us ... Egypt."
Jer 2:6
Where is Yahweh, who led us ... lives?
This rhetorical question would have been used to show the people's need of Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "We need Yahweh. He is the one who led us ... lives."
Jer 2:8
Where is Yahweh?
This question would have shown that they wanted to obey Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "We need to obey Yahweh!"
Jer 2:11
Has a nation exchanged gods ... gods?
God uses this question to tell the people of Israel that other nations continue to worship their own gods. They do not change and worship other gods. Alternate Translation: "You will see that no nation has ever exchanged gods ... gods."
Jer 2:14
Is Israel a slave? Was he born in his master's home?
Yahweh uses these questions to tell why Israel should not have become plunder. Alternate Translation: "Israel is not a slave. Israel was not born at home."
Jer 2:14
So why has he become plunder?
Yahweh uses this question to indicate that Israel should not have become plunder. Alternate Translation: "So he should not have become plunder."
Jer 2:17
Did you not do this to yourselves when you abandoned Yahweh your God, while he was leading you along the way?
Yahweh uses this question to remind Israel that it is their own fault that their enemies attacked them. Alternate Translation: "You caused this yourselves by abandoning Yahweh your God while he was leading you along the way."
Jer 2:18
So now, why take the road to Egypt and drink the waters of Shihor? Why take the road to Assyria and drink the waters of the Euphrates River?
Yahweh uses these questions to remind his people that it does not do any good to ask Egypt and Assyria to help them. Alternate Translation: "It does not help you to go to Egypt and drink from the waters of the Shihor River, or to go to Assyria and drink from the waters of the Euphrates River."
Jer 2:21
How then have you have changed yourself into a corrupt, worthless vine?
God uses this question to rebuke his people for changing and becoming like a corrupt worthless vine. Alternate Translation: "But you have changed yourself into a corrupt, worthless vine!"
Jer 2:23
How can you say, 'I ... have not walked after the Baals'?
God uses this question to rebuke his people for saying that they have not worshiped the Baals. Alternate Translation: "You lie when you say, 'I ... have not walked after the Baals.'
Jer 2:24
Who can restrain her lust?
This question is used to emphasize that no one can control a female donkey when she is wants to mate with a male donkey. Alternate Translation: "No one can turn her around when she wants to mate."
Jer 2:28
Yet where are the gods that you made for yourselves?
With this question God implies that people should ask the gods they worship to help them. He uses this irony to show that he is angry that they worship other gods. Alternate Translation: "You should ask the gods you made to help you." or "You do not ask the gods you made to help you."
Jer 2:31
Why would my people say, 'Let us wander around, we will not go to you anymore'?
God uses this question to rebuke his people for saying this. Alternate Translation: "You my people say 'We can go where we want to go and not worship Yahweh anymore.'"
Jer 2:32
Will a virgin forget her jewelry, a bride her veils?
God uses this question to introduce the idea of remembering things that are important to someone. Alternate Translation: "You know that a virgin would never forget to put on her jewelry, and a bride would never forget to put on her veils."
Jer 2:36
Why do you treat so very lightly this change in your ways?
Yahweh is scolding the Israelites because they changed from one kingdom to another for help but did not rely on God for help.
Jer 3:1
will he return to her again?
God uses this question to remind the people that a man would never return to his wife if another man marries her. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "he would not return to her again."
Jer 3:1
Would that land not be greatly polluted?
God uses this question to remind the people that a married man would not return to his wife if she married another man, because he knows that the land would become ceremonially unclean. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "He knows that if he did, the land would be greatly polluted."
Jer 3:4
Have you not just now called to me: 'My father ... end?'
God uses this question to rebuke his people for calling out to him and saying these things. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You call out to me: 'My father ... end?'"
Jer 3:5
Have you not just now called to me: 'My father ... end?'
God uses this question to rebuke his people for calling out to him and saying these things. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You call out to me: 'My father ... end?'"
Jer 3:5
Will he always be angry? Will he always keep his wrath to the end?
These questions express the people's hope that God will not be angry with them forever. They can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "Surely he will not always be angry with me to the end." or "Surely you will not be angry with us forever."
Jer 3:6
Do you see what faithless Israel has done?
God uses this question to draw Jeremiah's attention to Israel's faithlessness. It can be translated as a command or a statement. Alternate Translation: "See how faithless Israel is to me." or "You see how faithless Israel is to me."
Jer 4:14
How long will your deepest thoughts be about how to sin?
This question is used to rebuke the people for always planning how to sin. Alternate Translation: "Your deepest thoughts are about how to sin!" or "You are always thinking about how to sin!"
Jer 4:21
How long will I see the standard? Will I hear the sound of the horn?
Jeremiah uses these questions to show his distress about seeing the battle flag and hearing the sound of the horn for such a long time. He wishes that the battle would end soon. It can be stated as an exclamation. Alternate Translation: "Oh, how I wish that the battle would end, and the flag would be lowered, and the sound of the army's horn would stop"
Jer 4:30
Now that you have been devastated, what will you do?
This question is used to tell the people of Judah that there is nothing they can do to help themselves. Alternate Translation: "Now that your enemies have devastated you, there is nothing you can do to find help.
Jer 5:3
do your eyes not look for faithfulness?
Jeremiah uses this question to emphasize that what Yahweh really wants is faithfulness. Wanting people to be faithful is spoken of as looking for faithfulness. Alternate Translation: "you look for faithfulness." or "you want people to be faithful."
Jer 5:7
Why should I pardon these people?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he has no reason to pardon these people. Alternate Translation: "Because of the things that they do, I cannot pardon these people."
Jer 5:9
So should I not punish them ... and should I not avenge myself on a nation that is like this?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that the things that they are doing are so bad that he will no have mercy but will punish them. Alternate Translation: "Because they do these things, I will punish them ... I will certainly get revenge for myself against them."
Jer 5:22
Do you not fear me ... face?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that the people are extremely foolish because they do not fear Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "It is foolish that you do not fear me ... face!"
Jer 5:29
Should I not punish ... a nation like this?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that the things that they are doing are so bad that he will no have mercy but will punish them. See how you translated a similar sentence in [Jeremiah 5:9](./09.md). Alternate Translation: "So I will punish them, this is Yahweh's declaration. I will certainly get revenge for myself against them."(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
Jer 5:31
but what will happen in the end?
but what will you do at the end of all of this? Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that the people will regret being wicked when he punishes them for it. Alternate Translation: "but in the end I will punish you and you will be regret your wicked behavior"
Jer 6:10
To whom should I declare and warn so they will listen
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that none of the people of Israel would listen to him even after they survived the attack of their enemies. Alternate Translation: "There is no one left for me to speak to and warn who might listen"
Jer 6:15
Were they ashamed when they practiced abominations?
God uses this question to show his anger that the people were not ashamed of their sins. Alternate Translation: "They committed terrible sins, and they were not ashamed"
Jer 6:20
What does this frankincense going up from Sheba mean to me? Or these sweet smells from a distant land?
God uses these questions to rebuke the people. Alternate Translation: "Frankincense from Sheba and sweet smelling cane from a distant land mean nothing to me." or "I do not want your burnt offerings of frankincense from Sheba or sweet smelling cane from a distant land."
Jer 7:9
Do you steal, kill, and commit adultery? Do you swear ... and walk after other gods whom you have not known?
These questions expect a positive answer to make the point that God knows the sins they are committing. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You steal, kill, and commit adultery. You swear ... and walk after other gods whom you have not known."
Jer 7:10
Then do you come and stand ... so you can do all of these abominations?
This question expects a positive answer to make the point that God knows the hypocrisy of their words and actions. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Then you come and stand ... so you can do all of these abominations."
Jer 7:11
Is this house, which carries my name, a den of bandits in your eyes?
This question expects a positive answer to make the point that God knows what they think about Yahweh's temple. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "This house, which carries my name, is a den of bandits in your eyes!" or "You act as though you think this house, which is called by my name, should be a place where bandits can go to hide!"
Jer 7:17
Do you not see what they are doing in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem?
This question expects a positive answer and is asked to bring these things to Jeremiah's attention. They can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Look at what they are doing in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem!"
Jer 7:19
is it not themselves whom they are provoking, so that shame is on them?
This question expects a positive answer. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "they are provoking themselves, so that shame is on them!" or "they are troubling and bringing shame on themselves!"
Jer 8:4
Does anyone fall and not get up? Does anyone get lost and not try to return? Why has this people, Jerusalem, turned away in permanent faithlessness?
These questions make the point that the way that the people of Judah were acting did not make sense. They can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that when someone falls, he gets back up, and when someone gets lost, they try to find their way back. It does not make sense that this people, Jerusalem, has turned away in permanent faithlessness."
Jer 8:5
Does anyone fall and not get up? Does anyone get lost and not try to return? Why has this people, Jerusalem, turned away in permanent faithlessness?
These questions make the point that the way that the people of Judah were acting did not make sense. They can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that when someone falls, he gets back up, and when someone gets lost, they try to find their way back. It does not make sense that this people, Jerusalem, has turned away in permanent faithlessness."
Jer 8:8
How can you say, "We are wise, for the law of Yahweh is with us"?
Yahweh asks this question to make the people of Judah think about what they were saying. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You think that you are wise because you have the law of Yahweh with you."
Jer 8:9
so what use is their wisdom?
This question expects a negative answer and is intended to make the hearers think about how little what they consider wisdom is really worth when they reject Yahweh's word. Alternate Translation: "so what they think is wise does not do them any good."
Jer 8:12
Were they ashamed when they practiced abominations?
God uses this question to show his anger that the people were not ashamed of their sins. Alternate Translation: "They committed terrible sins, and they were not ashamed."
Jer 8:14
Why are we sitting here?
This question is asked to motivate action. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We should not stay here."
Jer 8:19
Why then do they provoke me to anger with their carved figures and their worthless foreign idols?
The word "me" refers to Yahweh. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "If they want me to save them, then they must not offend me with their carved figures."
Jer 8:22
Is there no medicine in Gilead? Is there no healer there? Why will the healing of the daughter of my people not happen?
These questions are asked to make the point that the people of Judah have not been saved. Alternate Translation: "There is medicine in Gilead, and there are healers there, so tell me why the healing of my dear people will not happen."
Jer 9:7
for what else can I do, because of what my people have done?
Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to state that this is how he needs to deal with his people because of what they have done. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "for this is how I must deal with my people because of what they have done."
Jer 9:9
Should I not punish them because of these things ... should I not avenge myself on a nation that is like this?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that the things that they are doing are so bad that he will not have mercy and stop himself from punishing them. See how you translated similar words in [Jeremiah 5:9](../05/09.md). Alternate Translation: "Because they do these things, I will punish them ... I will certainly get revenge for myself against them."
Jer 9:12
What man is wise enough to understand this?
Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that only a very wise person will understand the things he has said. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Only people who are very wise can understand these things."
Jer 9:12
To whom has the mouth of Yahweh spoken, and he will declare it?
Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that only the people he has spoken to can declare these things. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Only those who have been taught by Yahweh can explain these things to others."
Jer 9:12
Why has the land perished and been destroyed ... pass through?
Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that only a wise person could explain why the land has been destroyed. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Only a wise person could explain why the land has perished and been destroyed ... pass through."
Jer 10:7
Who does not fear you, king of the nations?
Jeremiah asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that everyone should fear Yahweh. Here he refers to Yahweh as "king of the nations." This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Everyone should fear you, king of the nations."
Jer 11:15
Why is my beloved one, the one who has had so many wicked intentions, in my house?
Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that the people Judah no longer have a right to be in his temple. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "My beloved one, the one who has had so many wicked intentions, should not be in my house."
Jer 12:5
how can you compete against horses?
This rhetorical question implies that he would not be able to run with horses. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "you will never compete well against horses."
Jer 12:5
how will you do in the thickets along the Jordan?
This rhetorical question implies that he would not be able to run through the thickets along the Jordan. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "you will surely not be able to run in the thickets along the Jordan."
Jer 12:9
Has not my prized possession become a speckled bird, that other birds of prey go against her all around?
Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that his people are surrounded by their enemies. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "My prized possession has become a speckled bird and other birds of prey go against her all around."
Jer 13:20
Where is the flock he gave to you, the flock that was so beautiful to you?
This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that the people of Judah will be captured by the enemy armies. This question is asked as if the people of Judah had already been captured even though this has not yet happened. The question can be written as a statement and in future tense. Alternate Translation: "I gave you the people of Judah to care for, like a beautiful flock of sheep, but the enemy army will capture them."
Jer 13:21
What will you say when God sets over you those you had trained to be your special allies?
This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that the people who Judah's leaders thought they were at peace with will conquer them. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The people you thought were your friends will conquer you and rule over you."
Jer 13:21
Are these not the beginnings of the labor pains that will seize you just like a woman in childbirth?
Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to tell the people that their capture is just the beginning of the suffering they will go through. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "These things that you will suffer are like the beginning of the labor pains of a woman in childbirth."
Jer 13:23
Can the people of Cush change their skin color, or a leopard change its spots?
This rhetorical question is used to state an example of something that is impossible. This question can be written as a statement. Also, the understood verb "can" maybe be supplied in the second phrase. Alternate Translation: "The people of Cush cannot change their skin color and a leopard cannot change its spots."
Jer 15:5
For who will have compassion for you, Jerusalem? Who will grieve for you?
Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one should mourn for Jerusalem. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one should have compassion on you, Jerusalem. No one should mourn for your destruction."
Jer 15:11
Will I not rescue you for good?
The implicit answer to this rhetorical question is "yes." This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I will certainly rescue you for good!"
Jer 15:12
Can one smash iron? Especially iron from the north that is mixed with bronze?
In these questions Yahweh speaks of the strength of Judah's enemies as if they were iron mixed with bronze. These rhetorical questions can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one can smash iron, especially if it is as strong as the iron from the north that is mixed with bronze." or "But Judah's enemies, who are as strong as iron or bronze, will attack Judah from the north, no one will be able to stop them"
Jer 15:18
Why is my pain ongoing and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed?
Jeremiah uses this rhetorical question to emphasize his pain. He speaks of his pain as if it were a physical wound. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "My pain is ongoing, it is like a wound that will not heal."
Jer 15:18
Will you be like deceitful waters to me, waters that dry up?
Jeremiah uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that he feels like he cannot depend on Yahweh. He speaks of this as if Yahweh were a stream that dries up. Alternate Translation: "It feels like you are undependable to me, like a stream I go to for a drink only to find it dried up."
Jer 16:20
Do people make gods for themselves? But they are not gods
The people ask this rhetorical question to emphasize that people cannot make gods for themselves. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "People cannot make gods for themselves. The things that they make are not gods"
Jer 17:9
who can understand it?
The speaker uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that no one can understand the human heart. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "no one can understand it."
Jer 17:15
Where is the word of Yahweh?
The people use this question to ridicule Jeremiah because the things that he said had not yet happened. It can also be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Where are the things that Yahweh told you would happen?" or "The things that Yahweh told you would happen have not happened."
Jer 18:6
Should I not be able to act like this potter with you, house of Israel?
With this question, Yahweh emphasizes his authority to do as he pleases with Israel. Alternate Translation: "I am allowed to act toward you, house of Israel, like the potter acts toward the clay."
Jer 18:13
Ask the nations, who has ever heard of such a thing as this?
Here the word "nations" represents the people in the nations. Yahweh asks this question to scold the people of Judah. Alternate Translation: "Ask the nations if any of them have ever heard of such a thing as this." or "Nowhere on earth has anyone ever heard of such a thing like this."
Jer 18:14
Does the snow in Lebanon ever leave the rocky hills on its sides?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that the snow on the mountains never melts. Alternate Translation: "The snow in Lebanon never leaves the rocky hills on its sides."
Jer 18:14
Are the mountain streams coming from far away ever destroyed, those cold streams?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that the mountain streams never cease to flow. He speaks of the streams drying up as if they were destroyed. Alternate Translation: "Those cold mountain streams that come from far away never cease to flow."
Jer 18:20
Will disaster from them really be my reward for being good to them?
Jeremiah asks this question to emphasize that good actions should not be repaid with bad things. Alternate Translation: "Disaster from them should not be my reward for being good to them."
Jer 20:18
Why is it that I came out from the womb to see troubles and agony ... shame?
Jeremiah uses this rhetorical question to complain that there was no good reason for him to be born. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There was no reason for me to be born only to see troubles and agony ... shame."
Jer 21:13
Who will come down to attack us? ... Who will enter our houses?
These questions are used to state their confidence that they can resist attack. Alternate Translation: "No one will attack us! ... No one will enter our houses!"
Jer 22:15
Is this what makes you a good king, that you wanted to have boards of cedar?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to rebuke Jehoiakim for his expensive palace. Alternate Translation: "Having a cedar palace does not make you a good king."
Jer 22:15
Did not your father also eat and drink, yet do ... righteousness?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Jehoiakim about the example of his father, King Josiah. Alternate Translation: "Your father King Josiah enjoyed his life, yet did ... righteousness."
Jer 22:16
Is this not what it means to know me?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to rebuke Jehoiakim for not following the example of his father, King Josiah. Alternate Translation: "This is what it means to know me."
Jer 22:28
Why have they thrown him and his descendants out, and have poured them out into a land that they did not know?
This rhetorical question explains what will happen to the worthless Jehoiachin. Alternate Translation: "Therefore the enemy will remove Jehoiachin and his family from the land and take them to a foreign land."
Jer 23:18
Yet who has stood in Yahweh's council meeting? Who sees and hears his word? Who pays attention to his word and listens?
These questions are used to rebuke the priests and false prophets for not obeying Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "No one advises Yahweh. No one understands what Yahweh says. No one obeys Yahweh's commands."
Jer 23:23
Am I only a God nearby ... and not also a God far away?
Yahweh uses this question to rebuke the priests and false prophets for thinking that he did not rule everywhere. Alternate Translation: "I am not only a God who is here in Jerusalem ... but I am everywhere!"
Jer 23:24
Can anyone hide in a secret place so I cannot see him?
Yahweh uses this question to rebuke the priests and false prophets for thinking that he did not see the evil that they were doing. Alternate Translation: "No one can hide in a secret place so I cannot see him."
Jer 23:24
do I not fill the heavens and the earth?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he is everywhere in heaven and on earth. Alternate Translation: "I am everywhere, both in the heavens and on the earth."
Jer 23:26
How long will this go on, prophets who prophesy lies from their minds, and who prophesy from the deceit in their hearts?
Yahweh asks this question to emphasize that this is something that should not continue. Alternate Translation: "This should not continue, prophets declaring lies which they themselves have made up."
Jer 23:29
Is not my word like fire? ... and like a hammer that shatters a rock into pieces?
Yahweh uses these questions to emphasize that his word is much more powerful than the words of mere men. In that way, his word is like fire or a hammer. Alternate Translation: "My word is powerful like fire ... and powerful like a hammer that shatters a rock into pieces."
Jer 25:29
and should you yourselves be free from punishment?
Yahweh asks this question to rebuke the people and to emphasize that he will certainly punish them. Alternate Translation: "so do not think that you yourselves will be free from punishment."
Jer 26:9
Why have you prophesied ... inhabitant?
This rebuke can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not have prophesied ... inhabitant."
Jer 26:19
Did Hezekiah ... put him to death?
The speakers are trying to get the hearers to agree with what they are saying. Alternate Translation: "You know very well that Hezekiah ... did not put him to death."
Jer 26:19
So will we do greater evil against our own lives?
The speakers are trying to get the hearers to agree with what they are saying. The word "lives" is a metonym for the people. Alternate Translation: "If we kill Jeremiah, we will do greater evil against our own lives." or "We do not want to do worse things to ourselves."
Jer 27:13
Why will you die ... king of Babylon?
Jeremiah uses this question to warn the king that his actions will lead to his death. Alternate Translation: "For if you do not do this, you will surely die ... king."
Jer 27:17
Why should this city become a ruin?
Yahweh uses a question to warn the people. Alternate Translation: "You can keep this city from becoming a ruin if you do what Yahweh wants you to do."
Jer 29:27
why have you not rebuked Jeremiah of Anathoth ... against you?
Shemaiah uses a rhetorical question to scold the people of Jerusalem for not rebuking Jeremiah. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I want you to rebuke Jeremiah of Anathoth ... against you."
Jer 30:15
Why do you call for help for your injury?
Yahweh asks a question here to make the people think about why they are asking him for help now. Alternate Translation: "You are calling for help for your injury because you have disobeyed me." or "Do not call for help for your injury."
Jer 31:20
Is not Ephraim my precious child? Is he not my dear, delightful son?
Yahweh is speaking tenderly, trying to comfort the people. These questions can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "Ephraim is my precious child. He is my dear, delightful son.
Jer 31:22
How long will you waver, faithless daughter?
Yahweh is telling his people that he is becoming impatient with them because they are not obeying him. Alternate Translation: "Do not hesitate to start obeying me."
Jer 32:3
Why do you prophesy and say
Zekekiah uses a question to rebuke Jeremiah. Alternate Translation: "It is wrong for you to continue prophesying and saying"
Jer 32:27
Is anything too difficult for me to do?
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that he can do anything. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Nothing is too difficult for me to do."
Jer 33:24
Have you not considered what this people has declared when they said, 'The ... them'?
Yahweh wants Jeremiah to think deeply about what the people have said. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should have noticed what this people are really saying when they said, 'The ... them.'"
Jer 35:13
Will you not receive correction and listen to my words?
Yahweh is telling Israel to listen carefully to his rebuke. Alternate Translation: "You must certainly receive this correction and listen to my words."
Jer 36:29
Why have you written on it ... beast in it'?
Jehoiakim uses this question to emphasize that Jeremiah should not have written that the king of Babylon would come and attack. Alternate Translation: "You should not have written ... beast in it!" or "You were wrong to write ... beast in it'!"
Jer 37:18
How have I sinned against you ... prison?
Jeremiah uses this question to emphasize that he has not done anything wrong. Alternate Translation: "I have not done anything wrong to you ... prison."
Jer 37:19
Where are your prophets, the ones who prophesied ... against this land?
Jeremiah uses this question to emphasize that the other prophets were lying but that he had done nothing wrong because he had told the truth. Alternate Translation: "Your prophets who prophesied ... against this land were obviously wrong, but now it is clear that I was telling you the truth."
Jer 38:15
If I answer you, will you not certainly kill me?
Jeremiah uses this question to express his belief that the king will kill him if he answers truthfully. Alternate Translation: "If I tell you the truth, you will certainly kill me"
Jer 40:14
Do you realize that Baalis king of the people of Ammon sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to murder you?
Johanan and the commanders use a rhetorical question to warn Gedaliah. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You need to understand that Baalis king of the people of Ammon sent Ishmael son of Nethaniah to murder you!"
Jer 40:15
Why should he kill you?
Johanan uses a rhetorical question to try to change Gedaliah's thinking. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You should not allow him to kill you."
Jer 40:15
Why allow all of Judah that has been gathered to you to be scattered and the remnant of Judah destroyed?
Johanan uses a rhetorical question to try to get Gedaliah to think about what will happen if Gedaliah does what Gedaliah is planning to do. Alternate Translation: "If you do this, all of Judah that has been gathered to you will be scattered and the remnant of Judah will be destroyed."
Jer 44:7
Why are you doing ... yourselves? Why are you causing ... and babies?
Yahweh uses these questions to rebuke the people for doing things that cause him to punish them. Alternate Translation: "You are doing ... yourselves. You are causing ... and babies."
Jer 44:9
Have you forgotten the wickedness committed by your ancestors and the wickedness committed by the kings of Judah and their wives?
Yahweh rebukes the people for not thinking about the wicked behavior of their ancestors and how Yahweh punished them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Think about what happened to your ancestors and the kings of Judah and their wives when they did wicked things."
Jer 44:9
Have you forgotten the evil committed by yourselves and your wives in the land of Judah and the streets of Jerusalem?
Yahweh rebukes the people for not thinking about their own wicked behavior and how Yahweh punished them. This can be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Think about what happened to you and your wives when you did evil things in the land Judah and the streets of Jerusalem."
Jer 44:19
was it against our husbands that we did these things ... to her?
The women were claiming to be innocent because their husband approved of what they were doing. Alternate Translation: "our husbands knew what we were doing ... to her."
Jer 44:21
Did not Yahweh remember ... of the land?
Jeremiah uses a question to scold the people. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh certainly knew about ... of the land."
Jer 45:5
But are you hoping for great things for yourself?
Yahweh uses a question to state that he knows Baruch is hoping for others to treat him in a special way. Alternate Translation: "I know you hope for great things for yourself." or "I know you hope others will honor you."
Jer 46:5
What am I seeing here?
The word "I" here refer to Yahweh. Yahweh uses a question to introduce the vision and to draw attention to what he says next. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Look at what is happening here"
Jer 46:7
Who is this who rises like the Nile ... the rivers?
Yahweh uses a question to draw attention to what he is about to say concerning Egypt. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Look at who rises like the Nile ... the rivers."
Jer 46:15
Why are your mighty ones face-down on the ground? They will not stand
Yahweh uses a question to mock the strength of the Egyptian soldiers. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Your soldiers are face-down on the ground and will not stand"
Jer 47:5
How long will you cut yourself in mourning?
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that the people of Ashkelon will never stop mourning. Yahweh speaks to the people as if he were speaking to one woman, who is a metaphor for the city itself. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You will forever cut yourselves in mourning."
Jer 47:6
How long will it be until you become silent?
The people of the Philistines use this question to express their deep frustration about the devastation caused by their enemies. This may be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Please be silent!" or "Please, Yahweh, stop striking us with your sword!"
Jer 47:7
How can it rest when Yahweh has commanded it
Jeremiah uses a question to mean that the sword cannot stop since Yahweh has commanded it to continue killing. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It cannot stop, for Yahweh has commanded it"
Jer 48:14
How can you say, 'We are soldiers, powerful fighting men'?
Here Yahweh is speaking to the soldiers of Moab. Yahweh uses a question to rebuke the soldiers. Alternate Translation: "No longer can you say, 'We are soldiers, powerful fighting men.'"
Jer 48:27
For did not Israel become an object for laughter to you?
Yahweh uses a question to remind the people of Moab how they treated the people of Israel. Alternate Translation: "For you used to mock and laugh at the people of Israel."
Jer 48:27
Was he found among thieves, so that you shook your head ... about him?
Here Yahweh uses a question to rebuke the people of Moab for treating the people of Israel with shame though they did nothing wrong. Alternate Translation: "Although they were not thieves, you still shook your head ... about him."
Jer 49:1
Does Israel have no children? Is there no one to inherit anything in Israel? Why does Molech occupy Gad, and his people live in its cities?
Yahweh uses a question to express that the people of Israel should be living in Gad rather than those who worship Molech. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There are plenty of Israelites to inherit the land of Israel. The people who worship the false idol, Molech, should not live in Gad."
Jer 49:4
Why do you brag about your valleys ... daughter?
Yahweh uses a question to scold the people for bragging about the large amount of fruit that grows in their valleys. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Do not be proud of your valleys ... daughter."
Jer 49:4
say, 'Who will come against me?'
The Ammonites use this question to state that they do not believe anyone can defeat them. It can be reworded as an indirect statement. Alternate Translation: "falsely think that no one can defeat you."
Jer 49:7
Is there no longer any wisdom to be found in Teman?
Yahweh uses a question to scold the people of Teman for not acting wisely. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It seems that there are no longer any wise people in Teman!"
Jer 49:7
Has good advice disappeared from those who have understanding?
Yahweh uses this question to scold the people. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It seems that there are no longer any wise people in Teman district in Edom!"
Jer 49:7
Has their wisdom become corrupted?
Yahweh uses this question to scold the people. This question may be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Their advice is no longer wise."
Jer 49:9
If grape harvesters ... would they not leave a little bit behind?
Yahweh uses a question to cause the people to think about how grape harvesters leave some grapes behind. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "If grape harvesters ... they would certainly leave some grapes behind."
Jer 49:9
If thieves ... would they not steal only as much as they wanted?
Yahweh uses a question to cause the people to think about how thieves only take what they want. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "If thieves ... they would only take as much as they wanted."
Jer 49:12
Do you yourself think you will go without punishment?
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize the people of Edom have sinned and will certainly be punished. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Certainly, you must be aware that you will personally experience my punishment for your sins."
Jer 49:19
For who is like me, and who will summon me?
Yahweh uses the question to emphasize that no one is like him. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "For no one is like me, no one can summon me."
Jer 49:19
What shepherd is able to resist me?
Yahweh uses the question to show no one can defeat him. Here "shepherd" is a metaphor for "king" or "ruler." This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No king is able to resist me!"
Jer 49:25
How has the city of praise not been forsaken, the town of my joy?
Yahweh uses a question to express that the people should have left the city. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "This famous city once caused me to rejoice, but now the people should leave it."
Jer 50:44
For who is like me, and who will summon me?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that no one is like him. Alternate Translation: "For no one is like me, no one can summon me."
Jer 50:44
What shepherd is able to resist me?
Yahweh uses this question to show no one can defeat him. Here "shepherd" is a metaphor for "king" or "ruler." Alternate Translation: "No king is able to resist me."
Lam 1:12
Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by?
This rhetorical question is an accusation aganist the people who walk past Jerusalem and do not care about its well-being. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "All you who pass by should care more for my affliction!"
Lam 2:13
What can I say ... Jerusalem?
The author uses this rhetorical question to express that he does not know what to say to help Jerusalem. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There is nothing that I can say ... Jerusalem."
Lam 2:13
To what can I compare to you ... Zion?
The author uses this rhetorical question to express that he does not know how to give comfort to Jerusalem. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "There is nothing to which I can compare you ... Zion."
Lam 2:13
Who can heal you?
Who can restore you? The author uses this rhetorical question to express that there is no one who can restore Jerusalem to the way it was before. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one can heal you." or "No one can restore you."
Lam 2:15
Is this the city that they called 'The Perfection of Beauty,' 'The Joy for All of Earth'?
This rhetorical question is used to express sarcasm. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "This city that they called 'The Perfection of Beauty,' 'The Joy for All of Earth,' is not so beautiful or joyful anymore!"
Lam 2:20
Should women eat the fruit of their wombs ... for?
This rhetorical question is asked to emphasize that it is not right for women to eat their children. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Woman should not eat their own children ... for!"
Lam 2:20
Should priest and prophet be slaughtered in the sanctuary of the Lord?
This rhetorical question is used to emphasize that the prophets and priests should not be killed. This question can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The prophets and priests should not be slaughtered in the sanctuary of the Lord!"
Lam 3:37
Who has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord decreed it?
The author uses this rhetorical question to teach that when someone commands something to happen, it will happen only if God has already decreed that it should happen. Alternate Translation: "No one has spoken and it came to pass, unless the Lord decreed it." or "What someone has commanded to happen has never happened unless the Lord decreed it."
Lam 3:39
How can any person alive complain? How can a person complain about the punishment for his sins?
The author uses these rhetorical questions to teach that people should not complain when God punishes them. Alternate Translation: "A person should not complain when God punishes him for his sins."
Lam 5:20
Why do you forget us forever? Why do you forsake us for so many days?
The author uses these rhetorical questions to express his feelings that Yahweh has forgotten them. These questions can be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It is as though you will forget us forever or not come back to us for a very long time!"
Ezk 8:6
do you see what they are doing?
God uses this question to bring Ezekiel's attention to what the people were doing. Alternate Translation: "I want you to understand why I hate what the people here are doing."
Ezk 8:12
do you see what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark?
God is commanding Ezekiel to look at what the elders are doing. Alternate Translation: "look at what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark."
Ezk 8:15
Do you see this ... man?
Yahweh is commanding Ezekiel to think about what he has just seen. Alternate Translation: "Think about this ... man."
Ezk 8:17
Do you see this ... man?
Yahweh is commanding Ezekiel to think about what he has just seen. Alternate Translation: "Think about this ... man."
Ezk 8:17
Is it a little thing for the house of Judah to do these abominations that they are doing here?
God uses this question to show that he is right to be angry at the people of Judah. Alternate Translation: "I am right to be angry at the house of Judah because of these abominations that they are doing here."
Ezk 12:9
Son of man, is the house of Israel, that rebellious house, not asking, 'What are you doing?'
God asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel of something he already knew—that the people had asked him this question. Alternate Translation: "Son of man, the house of Israel, that rebellious house, is asking, 'What are you doing?'"
Ezk 12:22
what is this proverb that you have in the land of Israel that says, 'The days are prolonged, and every vision fails'?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel something he already knows. The question is a mild rebuke for the people who use the proverb. Alternate Translation: "the people in the land of Israel have this proverb that says, 'The days are prolonged, and every vision fails.'
Ezk 13:7
Have you not had false visions ... when I myself have not spoken?
Yahweh uses a question to rebuke the false prophets. Alternate Translation: "You have had false visions ... because I myself have not spoken."
Ezk 13:12
Have others not said to you, "Where is the whitewash that you put on it?"
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that others will ask the prophets what happened to their whitewash. Alternate Translation: "Others will certainly say to you, 'Where is the whitewash that you put on it?'"
Ezk 13:12
Where is the whitewash that you put on it?
Possible meanings are 1) that this is an honest question for which the people expect and answer or 2) this is a rhetorical question that the people ask out of sarcasm. Alternate Translation: "The whitewash that you put on it did no good."
Ezk 13:18
Will you hunt down my people but save your own lives?
Yahweh asks this as a leading question to rebuke the women who do these things. The implicit answer is, "no." Alternate Translation: "Do not think that you will be able to save your own lives after you have hunted down my people!"
Ezk 14:3
Should I be inquired of at all by them?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that the elders should not be inquiring of him. This question can be translated as a statement. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Should I permit them to inquire of me at all?" or "They should not be inquiring of me at all."
Ezk 15:2
how is a vine better than any tree with branches that is among the trees in a forest?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel of something he already knows. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "a vine is not better than any tree with branches that is among the trees in a forest."
Ezk 15:3
Do people take wood from a vine to make anything?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel of something he already knows. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "People do not take wood from a vine to make anything."
Ezk 15:3
do they make a peg from it to hang anything on it?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel of something he already knows. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "they do not make a peg from it to hang things on it."
Ezk 15:4
If it is thrown into a fire as fuel ... is it good for anything?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel of something he already knows. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "If it is thrown into a fire as fuel ... it is not good for anything."
Ezk 16:20
Are your acts of prostitution a small matter? You slaughtered
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that the woman is acting as if her prostitution was not bad enough and so she decided to sacrifice her children, as well. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You must think that your acts of prostitution are a small matter, and so you slaughtered"
Ezk 16:21
Are your acts of prostitution a small matter? You slaughtered
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that the woman is acting as if her prostitution was not bad enough and so she decided to sacrifice her children, as well. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You must think that your acts of prostitution are a small matter, and so you slaughtered"
Ezk 16:30
How sick is your heart ... that you would do all these things, deeds of a shameless prostitute?
Yahweh asks the rhetorical question in order to rebuke Jerusalem. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Your heart must be very sick ... that you would do all these things, deeds of a shameless prostitute!"
Ezk 17:9
Will it prosper?
Yahweh asks this as a leading question to emphasize the negative answer. This can be translated as as statement. Alternate Translation: "It will not prosper."
Ezk 17:9
Will it not be uprooted and stripped of its fruit so that it withers, and all its fresh growth will wither?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that the vine will certainly be judged. The question can be translated as a statement. It can also be stated in active form. Alternate Translation: "Someone will pull up its roots and pluck out its fruit so all of its growth of leaves will wither away."
Ezk 17:10
will it grow?
Yahweh asks this as a leading question to emphasize the negative answer. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It will not grow."
Ezk 17:10
Will it not wither when the eastern wind touches it?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that this will certainly happen. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It will wither when the eastern wind touches it."
Ezk 17:12
Do you not know what these things mean?
Yahweh asks this as a leading question in order to provide the answer. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "This is what these things mean."
Ezk 17:15
Will he succeed?
Yahweh asks this leading question to emphasize the negative answer. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "He will certainly not succeed."
Ezk 17:15
Will the one doing these things escape?
Yahweh asks this leading question to emphasize the negative answer. This may be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The one doing these things will not escape."
Ezk 17:15
If he breaks the covenant, will he escape?
Yahweh asks this leading question to emphasize the negative answer. This question can be translated as as statement. Alternate Translation: "If he breaks the covenant, he will certainly not escape."
Ezk 17:19
was it not my oath that he despised and my covenant that he broke?
Yahweh asks this leading question to emphasize the affirmative answer. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "it was my oath that the king of Jerusalem despised and my covenant that he broke."
Ezk 18:2
What do you mean, you who use this proverb ... 'Fathers eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are made blunt'?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to remind Ezekiel something he already knows. The question is a rebuke for the people who use the proverb. Alternate Translation: "The people in the land of Israel have this proverb ... 'Fathers eat sour grapes, and the children's teeth are made blunt'."
Ezk 18:13
should that man live? Surely he will not!
Yahweh asks this as a leading question in order to emphasize the negative answer. Alternate Translation: "he will certainly not live!"
Ezk 18:23
Do I greatly rejoice over the death of the wicked ... and not in his turning away from his way so that he may live?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question in order to emphasize the opposite. Alternate Translation: "I do not greatly rejoice over the death of the wicked ... but I do greatly rejoice if he turns away from his way so that he may live."
Ezk 18:24
then will he live?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the negative answer. Alternate Translation: "then he will surely not live."
Ezk 18:25
Are my ways unfair?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the negative answer. Alternate Translation: "My ways are not unfair."
Ezk 18:25
Is it not your ways that are unfair?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the positive answer. Alternate Translation: "It is your ways that are unfair."
Ezk 18:31
Why should you die, house of Israel?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to comfort the people of Israel. Alternate Translation: "There is no reason for you to die, house of Israel."
Ezk 19:2
Who was your mother?
Yahweh asks this ask a leading question in order to introduce the answer. Alternate Translation: "This is who your mother is."
Ezk 20:3
Have you come to inquire of me?
Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that the elders should not be inquiring of him. Alternate Translation: "You should not come to inquire of me."
Ezk 20:29
What is this high place where you bring offerings there?
Yahweh asks this question in order to rebuke the people. Alternate Translation: "This is not a high place where you are to bring offerings!"
Ezk 20:30
Why do you make yourselves unclean with the ways of your fathers?
Yahweh asks this question to rebuke the people. Alternate Translation: "You should not make yourselves unclean by doing the things that your fathers did."
Ezk 20:30
So why do you act like prostitutes, searching for disgusting things?
Yahweh asks this question to rebuke the people. Alternate Translation: "You should not act like prostitutes, searching for disgusting things."
Ezk 20:31
So why should I let you seek me, house of Israel?
Yahweh asks this question to rebuke the people. Alternate Translation: "I will not let you come close to me, house of Israel."
Ezk 20:49
Is he not a mere teller of parables?
The people use this question to insult Ezekiel and dismiss what he is telling them. Alternate Translation: "He is merely telling parables"
Ezk 21:10
Should we rejoice in my son's scepter?
This rhetorical question emphasizes that the people of Israel will not celebrate their king's power, because it cannot resist the "sword." Alternate Translation: "The people of Judah will not celebrate about their king's scepter." or "we should not celebrate the power of our king's scepter."
Ezk 22:2
Now you, son of man, will you judge? Will you judge the city of blood?
This rhetorical question functions as a command. AT. "Son of man, go and judge. Go and judge the city of blood."
Ezk 22:14
Will your heart stand, will your hands be strong on the days when I myself will deal with you?
Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize how hurt they will be when he punishes them. This question may be written as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Your heart will not stand and your hands will not be strong on the days when I myself will deal with you."
Ezk 23:36
Son of man, will you judge Oholah and Oholibah?
Yahweh uses this rhetorical question as a command for Ezekiel. This question can be written as a statement. The cities of Jerusalem and Samaria are represented by Oholah and Oholibah. Alternate Translation: "Son of man, you will judge Oholah and Oholibah!" or "Son of man, judge the people of those two cities represented by Oholah and Oholibah."
Ezk 26:15
Will not the islands quake ... in your midst?
This question expects a positive answer and emphasizes the results of Tyre's destruction. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The islands will quake ... in your midst."
Ezk 27:32
Who is like Tyre, who has now been brought to silence in the middle of the sea?
This question expects a negative answer and emphasizes Tyre being different from all other cities. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No other city is like Tyre, who has now been brought to silence in the middle of the sea."
Ezk 28:9
Will you truly say, "I am a god" to the face of one who kills you?
This question expects a negative answer to emphasize the irony when one who claims to be a god is destroyed by men. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You will not say 'I am a god' to the face of one who kills you!"
Ezk 31:2
In your greatness, who are you like?
Who is as great as you are? Yahweh uses this question to introduce a new topic. Pharaoh thought that his nation was the greatest, but God is about to talk about another great nation. Alternate Translation: "You think that there is no country whose power is as great as the power of your country."
Ezk 31:18
Which of the trees in Eden was your equal in glory and greatness?
Which of these trees in Eden had as much glory as you and was as great as you? God asks Pharaoh this question to show him that the parable applies to him and his country. It can start with "So Pharaoh" or "So Egypt." Alternate Translation: "None of the trees in Eden was your equal in glory and greatness!"
Ezk 32:19
Are you really more beautiful than anyone else?
This question really makes a statement. Alternate Translation: "You are not more beautiful than anyone else."
Ezk 33:10
How can we live?
The people ask this question to emphasize that they have no hope of living. Alternate Translation: "We have no hope of living." or "We will certainly die."
Ezk 33:11
For why should you die, house of Israel?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he does not want the people of Israel to die. Alternate Translation: "Do not choose to die, house of Israel!"
Ezk 33:25
Should you really possess the land?
Yahweh used this question to rebuke the people. Alternate Translation: "You should not possess this land!" or "You do not deserve this land!"
Ezk 34:2
Should not shepherds guard the flock?
Yahweh uses this question to scold the leaders for not taking care of the people. Alternate Translation: "Shepherds should feed the flock and take care of it."
Ezk 34:18
Is it not enough ... feet
God uses these questions to scold Israel's leaders, who are spoken of as if they were the stronger animals in the flock that were unkind to the weaker ones. You can translate this as a statement as in the UDB.
Ezk 36:20
Are these really the people of Yahweh?
The people use a question to express their surprise at what they saw. Alternate Translation: "I cannot believe these are really the people of Yahweh!"
Ezk 38:13
Have you come to plunder? Have you assembled your armies ... to haul away much plunder?
These two questions are used to accuse Gog of attacking Israel without cause. These can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "It is not right for you to assemble your army to plunder, to carry off silver and gold, to take their livestock and property, and to haul away much plunder!"
Ezk 38:14
On that day ... learn about them?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that Gog will indeed hear about the people living in Israel. Alternate Translation: "On that day, when my people Israel are living securely, you will hear about them."
Ezk 38:17
Are you not the one ... bring you against them?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize that he was the one who brought Gog to the land of Israel. Alternate Translation: "You are the one ... bring you against them."
Ezk 47:6
do you see this?
Yahweh is commanding Ezekiel to think about what he has just seen. See how you translated this in [Ezekiel 8:15](../08/15.md). Alternate Translation: "think about this."
Dan 1:10
Why should he see you looking worse than the other young men of your own age?
The official uses this question to explain what he thought would happen. It can be a statement. Alternate Translation: "He does not want to see you looking worse than the other young men of your own age."
Dan 3:15
Who is the god ... my hands?
The king does not expect an answer. He is threatening the three men. Alternate Translation: "No god is able to rescue you from my power!"
Dan 4:30
Is this not the great Babylon ... for the glory of my majesty?
Nebuchadnezzar asks this question to emphasize his own glory. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "This is the great Babylon ... for the glory of my majesty!"
Dan 10:17
I am your servant. How can I talk with my master?
Daniel asks this question meaning that he cannot speak to the angel because he is not the angel's equal. These sentences can be combined. Alternate Translation: "I am not able to answer you because I am only your servant"
Hos 6:4
what will I do with you?
God is expressing that his patience is coming to an end and what remains is judgment. Alternate Translation: "it is hard to know what to do with you!"
Hos 8:5
For how long will they stay guilty?
Yahweh asks this question to express his anger about his people being impure. "I am angry with these people because they have no desire to be innocent."
Hos 9:5
What will you do on the day of an appointed festival, on the day of a festival for Yahweh?
Hosea uses this question to emphasize that the people will no longer be able to observe their festivals when their enemies defeat them and take them captive. Alternate Translation: "You will not be able to celebrate the festivals that Yahweh appointed for you."
Hos 9:14
Give them, Yahweh—what will you give them? Give them
Hosea uses a question to emphasize that he wants Yahweh to give the people of Israel what they deserve. Alternate Translation: "This is what I ask you, Yahweh, to give them: give them"
Hos 10:3
and a king—what could he do for us?
The people wills say that their kings could not have helped them. Alternate Translation: "Even if we had a king now, he could not help us."
Hos 10:9
Will not war overtake the sons of wrong in Gibeah?
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that those in Gibeah who do wrong will certainly have to endure war. And this speaks of the people having to endure war when their enemies come as if war were a person that would catch up with them. Alternate Translation: "War will certainly come on those who do wrong in Gibeah." or "Enemies will certainly attack those who do wrong in Gibeah."
Hos 11:5
Will they not return to the land of Egypt?
This question means that the nation of Israel will once again be slaves as they were in Egypt.
Hos 11:5
Will Assyria not rule over them because they refuse to return to me?
The nation of Israel will be captives of Assyria as a result of their refusal to remain faithful to Yahweh.
Hos 11:8
How can I give you up, Ephraim? How can I hand you over, Israel?
Yahweh loves his people so much that he will not totally destroy them. These questions may be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "I will not give you up, Ephraim. I will not hand you over, Israel."
Hos 11:8
How can I make you like Admah? How can I make you like Zeboyim?
Yahweh loves his people so much that he will not totally destroy them. These questions may be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "I do not want to act toward you as I acted toward Admah or make you like Zeboyim—cities that I destroyed along with Sodom"
Hos 13:9
who will be able to help you?
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that no one will be able to help the people of Israel. Alternate Translation: "there will be no on able to help you."
Hos 13:10
Where now is your king, that he may save you in all your cities? Where are your rulers, about whom you said to me, 'Give me a king and princes'?
Yahweh asks these questions to tell Israel that when they rebel against him, no king or ruler can help them. Only Yahweh can save them from destruction.
Hos 13:14
Will I rescue them from the hand of Sheol? Will I rescue them from death?
Yahweh uses these questions to tell the people of Israel that he is not going to save them from dying. He will certainly punish them. Alternate Translation: "I will certainly not rescue them from death and from going down to Sheol."
Hos 14:8
what more have I to do with idols?
This passage signifies that God will stop the people of Israel from worshiping idols any longer.
Hos 14:9
Who is wise that he may understand these things? Who understands these things so that he may know them?
The prophet uses these questions to say that wise people will understand and listen to what has been said to them.
Jol 1:2
Has anything like this happened in your days or in the days of your ancestors?
Joel is preparing the elders to listen to what he has to say. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Nothing like this has ever happened before either to you or to your ancestors"
Jol 2:11
Who can survive it?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "No one will be strong enough to survive Yahweh's judgment."
Jol 2:14
Will he perhaps turn ... God?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Perhaps Yahweh will turn from his anger ... God."
Jol 2:17
Why should they say among the nations, 'Where is their God?'
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Other nations should not be able to say, 'Their God does not help them.'" or "Other nations should not be able to say that the God of Israel has abandoned his people."
Jol 3:4
why are you angry at me ... Philistia?
Yahweh is encouraging the people of Judah, who can hear him, by scolding the people of Tyre, Sidon, and Philistia, who cannot hear him, as if they can. The names of the towns are metonyms for the people who live in the towns. These words can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "you have no right to be angry at me ... Philistia."
Jol 3:4
Will you repay me?
Will you get revenge on me? God uses this question to make the people think about what they are doing. Alternate Translation: "You think you can get revenge on me, but you cannot."
Amo 3:3
General Information:
Amos uses the questions in verses 3-6 to present examples of things that people already know about what causes things to happen and what are the results of things that happen.
Amo 3:3
Will two walk together unless they have agreed?
Amos uses this question to remind people of what they already know about what must happen in order for two people to walk together. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Two people will walk together only if they have first agreed to walk together." or "You know that two people will walk together only if they have agreed to do that."
Amo 3:4
Will a lion roar in the forest when he has no victim?
Amos uses this question to remind people of what they already know about what causes a lion to roar. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "A lion will roar in the forest only when he has a victim."
Amo 3:4
Will a young lion growl from his den if he has caught nothing?
Amos uses this question to remind people of what they already know about what causes a lion to growl. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "A young lion will growl from his den only if he has caught something."
Amo 3:5
General Information:
Amos uses the questions in verses 3-6 to present examples of things that people already know about what causes things to happen and what are the results of things that happen.
Amo 3:5
Can a bird fall in a trap on the ground when no bait is set for him?
Amos uses this question to remind people of what they already know about what causes a bird to fall into a trap. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "A bird can fall into a trap on the ground only when bait has been set for him."
Amo 3:5
Will a trap spring up from the ground when it has not caught anything?
Amos uses this question to remind people of what they already know about what causes a trap to spring up. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "A trap will spring up from the ground only when it has caught something."
Amo 3:6
If a trumpet sounds in a city, will the people not tremble?
Amos uses this question to remind people of what they already know about what happens when a trumpet sounds. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "When the trumpet sounds in the city, the people will tremble." or "When the trumpet sounds in the city, we expect that people will tremble."
Amo 3:6
If disaster overtakes a city, has Yahweh not sent it?
Amos uses this question to remind the people of what they should already know about what causes a disaster. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "If disaster overtakes a city, Yahweh has sent it." or "If disaster overtakes a city, we know that Yahweh has sent it."
Amo 3:8
The lion has roared; who will not fear?
Amos uses this question to remind people of what people do when a lion roars. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The lion has roared; so we know that everyone will be afraid." or "The lion has roared; so of course everyone will be afraid."
Amo 3:8
The Lord Yahweh has spoken; who will not prophesy?
Amos uses this question to emphasize what people should already know about what prophets do when God speaks. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The Lord Yahweh has spoken; so we know that the prophets will prophesy." or "The Lord Yahweh has spoken; so of course the prophets will prophesy."
Amo 5:18
Why do you long for the day of Yahweh?
God uses this question to rebuke the people for saying that they want the day of Yahweh to be soon. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You long for the day of Yahweh." or "You should not long for the day of Yahweh!"
Amo 5:20
Will not the day of Yahweh be darkness and not light?
This question emphasizes that bad things will happen then. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The day of Yahweh will certainly be darkness and not light!" or "Bad things, not good things, will certainly happen on the day of Yahweh!"
Amo 5:20
Gloom and no brightness?
The words "Will not the day of Yahweh be" is understood from the previous sentence. Like the previous question, it emphasizes that terrible things, not good things, will happen on the day of Yahweh. It can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "It will be a time of when terrible things, not good things, will happen.
Amo 5:25
Did you bring me sacrifices ... Israel?
Possible meanings are 1) God uses this question to rebuke them because they did not offer sacrifices. Alternate Translation: "You did not bring me sacrifices ... Israel." or 2) God uses this question to remind them that the sacrifices were not the most important part about their relationship. Alternate Translation: "You did not have to bring me sacrifices ... Israel."
Amo 6:2
Are they better than your two kingdoms?
The notable men use this question to emphasize that the kingdoms of Israel and Judah are better than those other kingdoms. Alternate Translation: "Your two kingdoms are better than they are."
Amo 6:2
Is their border larger than your border?
The notable men use this question to emphasize that their kingdoms are larger than those other kingdoms. Alternate Translation: "Their border is smaller than yours." or "Those countries are smaller than Judah and Samaria."
Amo 6:12
Do horses run on the rocky cliffs?
It is impossible for a horse to run on rocky cliffs without getting hurt. Amos uses this rhetorical question to rebuke them for their actions. Alternate Translation: "Horses do not run on rocky cliffs."
Amo 6:12
Does one plow there with oxen?
One does not plow on rocky ground. Amos uses this rhetorical question to rebuke them for their actions. Alternate Translation: "A person does not plow with oxen on rocky ground."
Amo 6:13
Have we not taken Karnaim by our own strength?
The people use a question to emphasize that they believe they captured a city because of their own power. Alternate Translation: "We captured Karnaim by our own power!"
Amo 7:8
what do you see?
Yahweh uses a question to teach Amos. Alternate Translation: "tell me what you see."
Amo 8:2
What do you see, Amos?
Yahweh uses a question to teach Amos. Alternate Translation: "Tell me what you see, Amos."
Amo 8:5
They say, "When will the new moon be over, so we can sell grain again? When will the Sabbath day be over, so that we can sell wheat?
The merchants use theses question to emphasize that want to start selling their items again. This can be stated as an indirect quotation. Alternate Translation: "They are always asking when the new moon will be over or when the Sabbath will be over so that can sell their grain and wheat again."
Amo 8:8
Will not the land quake for this, and every one who lives in it mourn?
Amos uses a question to emphasize that these things will certainly happen. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh will cause the land to shake, and every one who lives in it will mourn."
Amo 9:7
Are you not like the people of Cush to me, people of Israel?
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that the people of Israel are no more special to him than the people of Cush. Alternate Translation: "You people of Israel, you are certainly now no more important to me than the people of Cush."
Amo 9:7
Did I not bring up Israel out of the land of Egypt, the Philistines from Crete, and the Arameans from Kir?
Yahweh uses a question to emphasize that the people of Israel are no more special than the Philistines or the Arameans. Alternate Translation: "Yes, I brought the people of Israel from the land of Egypt, but I also brought the Philistines from Crete and the Arameans from Kir."
Oba 1:3
Who will bring me down to the ground?
This question expresses that the Edomites were proud and felt safe. Alternate Translation: "No one can bring me down to the ground." or "I am safe from all attackers."
Oba 1:5
If thieves came to you ... would they not steal only as much as they needed?
This question is used to imply that Yahweh's punishment of Edom would be worse than what thieves would do when they steal. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate Translation: "If thieves came to you ... they would only steal as much as they needed, but I will take everything from you!"
Oba 1:5
If grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave the gleanings?
This question is used to imply that Yahweh's punishment of Edom would be more thorough than what grape gatherers would do when they harvest grapes. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate Translation: "If grape gatherers came to you, they would leave some grapes, but I will take everything from you!"
Oba 1:8
Will I not on that day," says Yahweh, "destroy ... mountain of Esau?
Yahweh uses this question to emphasize the certainty of the destruction of Edom. Alternate Translation: "'On that day,' says Yahweh, 'I surely will destroy ... mountain of Esau."
Jon 1:6
What are you doing sleeping?
Why are you sleeping? He used this rhetorical question to scold Jonah. Alternate Translation: "Stop sleeping!"
Jon 1:10
What is this that you have done?
The men on the ship used this rhetorical question to show how angry they were at Jonah. Alternate Translation: "You have done a terrible thing."
Jon 2:4
yet I will again look toward your holy temple
Jonah has hope that, in spite of all he is going through, he will see the temple.
Jon 3:9
Who knows?
The king used this rhetorical question to get the people to think about something that they might not have thought possible, that if they would stop sinning, God might not kill them. It could be translated as a statement: "We do not know." Or it could be stated as a word and be part of the next sentence: "Perhaps."
Jon 4:2
is this not just what I said when I was back in my own country?
Jonah used this rhetorical question to show God how angry he was. Also, what Jonah said when he was back in his own country can be stated explicitly. Alternate Translation: "When I was still in my own country I knew that if I warned the people of Nineveh, they would repent, and you would not destroy them"
Jon 4:4
Is it good that you are so angry?
God used this rhetorical question to scold Jonah for being angry about something he should not have been angry about. Alternate Translation: "Your anger is not good."
Jon 4:9
Is it good that you are so angry about the plant?
God challenges Jonah for being angry that the plant died and yet wanted God to kill the people of Nineveh. Alternate Translation: "Your anger about the plant dying is not good."
Jon 4:11
should I not have compassion for Nineveh, that great city ... cattle?
God used this question to emphasize his claim that he should have compassion on Nineveh. Alternate Translation: "I certainly should have compassion for Nineveh, that important city ... cattle."
Mic 2:4
How can he remove it from me?
The enemy mocks the surprise the rich leaders of Israel feel because God has taken their land and given it to someone else just as they had taken the land from the poor. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "How wrong he is to take it from me!"
Mic 2:7
Should it really be said ... "Is the Spirit ... his deeds?"
Micah is scolding the Israelites by using this question. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that you do not need to ask ... 'Is the Spirit ... his deeds?'"
Mic 2:7
said ... "Is the Spirit of Yahweh angry? Are these really his deeds?"
Possible meanings are 1) the people really do not know if they are seeing Yahweh act. Alternate Translation: "asked ... 'Is the Spirit of Yahweh angry? Are these really his deeds?'" or 2) the people do not believe that Yahweh is really punishing them. These rhetorical questions can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "said ... 'The Spirit of Yahweh is not really angry. These are not really his deeds.'"
Mic 2:7
Do not my words do good to anyone who walks uprightly?
Micah uses a question to teach the people. It can bee translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "My message does good to those who walk uprightly."
Mic 3:1
Is it not right for you to understand justice?
Micah is scolding the leaders. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You act as though you think it is wrong for you to understand justice."
Mic 3:11
Is not Yahweh with us?
The leaders strongly believe that Yahweh is with them. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We know that Yahweh is with us!" or "We know that Yahweh will help us do what we want to do!"
Mic 4:9
Now, why do you shout so loudly?
Micah is mocking the people, trying to make them think about why God is dealing with them in this way. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Look at how you are shouting loudly." or "Think carefully about why you are shouting loudly."
Mic 4:9
Is there no king among you? Has your counselor died? Is this why pain grips you like that of a woman in labor?
Micah continues to mock the people. These questions can be translated as statements. Alternate Translation: "You have a king, but he is useless to you. All your wise people are still alive, but they have nothing wise to say to you. This is why you are weeping loudly like a woman who is giving birth to a baby."
Mic 6:3
My people, what have I done to you? How have I wearied you? Testify against me!
God uses questions to emphasize that he is a good God, and he has done nothing to cause the people to stop worshiping him. Alternate Translation: "My people, I have been good to you. I have done nothing to make you tired of me. If you think I have, testify against me, now."
Mic 6:6
What should I bring to Yahweh ... God? Should I come ... old? Will Yahweh be pleased ... oil? Should I give ... sin?
Micah speaks as if he were a person who truly wanted to know what God expects him to do. Possible meanings are 1) he asks questions and then in verse 8 answers the questions he has asked or 2) he is using questions to teach the people. Alternate Translation: "I know that I do no need to bring to Yahweh ... God, or come ... old, and that Yahweh will not be pleased ... oil or if I give ... sin."
Mic 6:7
What should I bring to Yahweh ... God? Should I come ... old? Will Yahweh be pleased ... oil? Should I give ... sin?
Micah speaks as if he were a person who truly wanted to know what God expects him to do. Possible meanings are 1) he asks questions and then in verse 8 answers the questions he has asked or 2) he is using questions to teach the people. Alternate Translation: "I know that I do no need to bring to Yahweh ... God, or come ... old, and that Yahweh will not be pleased ... oil or if I give ... sin."
Mic 6:7
thousands of rams ... ten thousand rivers of oil
rams in groups of 1,000 ... 10,000 rivers of oil
Mic 6:11
Should I consider a person to be innocent ... weights?
This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I certainly will not consider a person innocent ... weights."
Mic 7:10
Where is Yahweh your God?
The enemy uses a question to mock the people of Israel. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh your God cannot help you"
Mic 7:18
Who is a God like you—who takes ... inheritance?
Micah is emphasizing that there is no God like Yahweh. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I know that there is no God like you, who takes ... inheritance."
Nam 1:9
What are you people plotting against Yahweh?
This rhetorical question emphasizes the futility of making evil plans against Yahweh. Alternate Translation: "It is futile for you people to plot against Yahweh"
Nam 2:11
Where now is the lions' den ... afraid of nothing?
Nahum uses this rhetorical question to mock Nineveh, which has been destroyed. Alternate Translation: "The lions' den is nowhere to be found ... afraid of nothing." or "Look at what has become of the lions' den ... afraid of nothing!"
Nam 3:7
who will weep for her?
The people ask this rhetorical question to emphasize the negative answer. Alternate Translation: "no one will weep for her."
Nam 3:7
Where can I find anyone to comfort you?
Yahweh uses this rhetorical question to emphasize that there will be no one who will be able to comfort Nineveh. Alternate Translation: "There will be no one to comfort you."
Nam 3:8
are you better than Thebes ... itself?
Nahum asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the negative answer that it anticipates. Alternate Translation: "you are not better than Thebes ... itself."
Nam 3:19
Who has escaped your constant wickedness?
This rhetorical question emphasizes the negative answer that it anticipates. All of the nations that were near Assyria had suffered because of Assyria's constant wickedness. Alternate Translation: "No one has escaped your constant wickedness."
Hab 1:12
Are you not from ancient times, Yahweh my God, my Holy One?
Habakkuk asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the positive answer. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You surely are from ancient times, Yahweh my God, my Holy One."
Hab 2:6
Will not all these create
The words "all these" refer to the nations and peoples from [Habakkuk 2:5](./05.md). This negative rhetorical question emphasizes the positive answer. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "All of these nations and peoples will certainly create"
Hab 2:7
Will the ones biting at you not rise up suddenly, and the ones terrifying you awaken?
This negative rhetorical question emphasizes the positive answer. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The ones biting at you will certainly rise up suddenly, and the ones terrifying you will awaken."
Hab 2:13
Is it not from Yahweh of hosts that peoples labor for fire and all the other nations weary themselves for nothing?
This negative rhetorical question emphasizes the positive answer that it anticipates. The two clauses share similar meanings that the work that people do will not last. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Yahweh is the one who has determined that the things that people work hard to build will be destroyed by fire and result in nothing."
Hab 2:18
What does the carved figure profit you?
This rhetorical question emphasizes the negative answer that it anticipates. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "The carved figure profits you nothing!"
Hab 2:19
Do these things teach?
This rhetorical question emphasizes the negative answer that it anticipates. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "These things cannot teach." or "Wood and stone cannot teach."
Hag 1:4
Is it a time for you ... ruined?
Yahweh is rebuking the people. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Now is not the time for you ... ruined."
Hag 2:3
Who is left among you who saw this house in its former glory?
Yahweh speaks of the new temple as if it were the same building as the old temple. He is telling those who had seen the former temple to pay attention. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I want those among you who saw this house in its former glory to pay attention."
Hag 2:3
How do you see it now?
Yahweh is telling them that he knows what they are thinking about the new temple. He speaks of the new temple as if it were the same building as the old temple. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I know what you think of this new temple."
Hag 2:3
Is it not like nothing in your eyes?
Yahweh is telling the people that he understands that they are disappointed because the new temple is so small. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "I know that you think it is not important at all."
Hag 2:19
Is there still seed in the storehouse?
Yahweh is preparing the people for the promise he is about to give them. This rhetorical question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You can see that there is no seed in the storehouse."
Zec 1:5
Your fathers, where are they? Where are the prophets, are they here forever?
These two rhetorical questions emphasize that both their ancestors and the prophets who proclaimed Yahweh's message to their ancestors have died. The questions can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Neither your fathers nor the prophets are here because they have all died."
Zec 1:6
But my words and my decrees that I commanded my servants the prophets, have they not overtaken your fathers?
This rhetorical question emphasizes the positive answer that it anticipates. Yahweh speaks of the people's ancestors experiencing the consequences of not obeying Yahweh's commands as if his words and decrees were a person who had chased after and overtaken them. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "But my words and my decrees that I commanded my servants the prophets have overtaken your fathers." or "But your fathers have suffered the consequences for disobeying my words and my decrees that I commanded my servants the prophets to tell them."
Zec 3:2
Is this not a brand pulled from the fire?
The angel of Yahweh asks this rhetorical question to emphasize the positive answer that it anticipates. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Joshua is a brand pulled from the fire."
Zec 4:5
Do you not know what these things mean?
The angel asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that Zechariah should have known what these things mean. The question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Surely you know what these things mean."
Zec 4:10
Who has despised the day of small things? These people will rejoice
Zechariah uses this rhetorical question to speak specifically about those who have "despised the day of small things." It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Those who have despised the day of small things will rejoice"
Zec 4:13
Do you not know what these are?
The angel asks this rhetorical question to emphasize that Zechariah should have known what these things mean. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "Surely you know what these are."
Zec 7:5
were you truly fasting for me?
This question is asked to make the people think about what their real reason for fasting had been. It can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "you were not really fasting for me."
Zec 7:6
did you not eat and drink for yourselves?
This question is used to make the people think about whether they were honoring Yahweh when they ate and drank. This can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "it was for yourselves that you ate and drank."
Zec 7:7
Were these not the same words ... to the west?
Yahweh uses a question to scold the people. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate Translation: "These are the same words ... to the west."
Mal 1:2
How have you loved us?
This question indicates that the people doubt the truth of what God says. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You have not shown that you love us."
Mal 1:2
Was not Esau Jacob's brother?
This question, a reply of Yahweh reminding the people of their nation's history, may also be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "You know that Esau was Jacob's brother."
Mal 1:6
How have we despised your name?
Here the priests are asking a question in order to state that they have not really despised Yahweh. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We have not really despised your name." or "Tell us how we have despised your name, because we do not think that we have done so."
Mal 1:7
How have we polluted you?
Here the priests are asking a question in order to state that they have not really polluted Yahweh. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We have not polluted you." or "Tell us how we have polluted you, because we do not think that we have done so."
Mal 1:8
When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not evil?
Here Yahweh uses a question to rebuke the people. Alternate Translation: "You know very well that it is evil for you to offer blind animals for sacrifice!"
Mal 1:8
When you offer the lame and sick, is that not evil?
Here Yahweh uses a question to rebuke the people. Alternate Translation: "And you know very well that it is evil for you to offer lame and sick animals!"
Mal 1:8
Will he accept you or will he lift up your face?
Here Yahweh asks this question in order to remind the people that their governor would never accept defective animals from them. Alternate Translation: "If you do those things, you know that the governor will not accept you. He will not lift up your face."
Mal 1:9
with such an offering in your hand, would he lift up any of your faces?
Here Yahweh is asking a question in order to make a statement of rebuke. Alternate Translation: "if you offer unacceptable offerings, he will certainly not lift up your faces."
Mal 1:13
Should I accept this from your hand?
Here Yahweh is asking a question in order to make a statement of rebuke. Alternate Translation: "I should certainly not accept this from you!"
Mal 2:10
Has not one God created us?
This question is meant to express a statement. Alternate Translation: "Certainly it is the same God who has created us."
Mal 2:10
Why are we faithless each man against his brother, profaning the covenant of our fathers?
Malachi asks this question in order to rebuke his fellow Israelites. This question may be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We should certainly not mistreat our brothers and disrespect God's covenant by disobeying his commands, as you have been doing."
Mal 2:15
Did he not make them one, with a portion of his spirit?
This question may be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "He certainly made husband and wife one, with a portion of his spirit."
Mal 2:17
How have we wearied him?
This question is meant to deny that the people have done any wrong. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We have certainly not wearied him."
Mal 2:17
Where is the God of justice?
The priests ask this question in order to claim either that Yahweh does not care whether people do evil or not, or that he never punishes evildoers. Alternate Translation: "God certainly does not punish evil people!"
Mal 3:2
But who will be able to endure the day of his coming? Who will be able to stand when he appears?
These rhetorical questions imply that no one will be able to resist Yahweh when he comes. They can be combined into one statement. Alternate Translation: "However, no one will be able to resist Yahweh when he comes to judge them."
Mal 3:7
How will we return?
The people ask this question in order to claim that they have never stopped obeying God. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We have never gone away from you, so we cannot return to you." or "We have never gone away from you, so it makes no sense to speak of us as returning to you."
Mal 3:8
Would a person rob God?
This question implies that the idea of robbing God is very wicked. This can be expressed as a statement. God speaks of himself in the third person Alternate Translation: "A man should certainly not rob God." or "No one should ever rob me."
Mal 3:8
How have we robbed you?
This question implies that the people do not think they have robbed God. Alternate Translation: "We have certainly not robbed you."
Mal 3:13
What have we said among ourselves against you?
The people ask this question in order to claim that they have said nothing against God. This can be expressed as a statement. Alternate Translation: "We have not said anything among ourselves against you."
Mal 3:14
What profit is it that we have kept his requirements or walked mournfully before Yahweh of hosts?
The people ask this question among themselves in order to make a statement. Alternate Translation: "It is useless that we have kept his requirements and walked mournfully before Yahweh of hosts."