וַ֭יַּעַן בִּלְדַּ֥ד הַשֻּׁחִ֗י וַיֹּאמַֽר׃
(Job 18:1)
Then Bildad the Shuchite answered and said:
Word-by-Word Explanation
- וַיַּעַן – “Then he answered”Verb, 3rd person masculine singular in the vav-consecutive form from עָנָה, “to answer.”
This form is used often in narrative to introduce someone’s reply in a conversation. It sets up direct speech. - בִּלְדַּד – “Bildad”Proper noun. One of Job’s three companions. This marks the beginning of his second speech in the book of Job.
- הַשֻּׁחִי – “the Shuchite”Gentilic adjective. Indicates descent or geographic origin—likely from a place or clan called Shuach.
The definite article הַ makes it “the Shuchite.” - וַיֹּאמַר – “and he said”Verb, again 3rd person masculine singular in vav-consecutive form, from אָמַר, “to say.”
This introduces what Bildad is about to say next in the poetic speech that follows.
Word Order and Sentence Flow
This is a classic example of Biblical Hebrew dialogue formula, especially in the book of Job:
→ Verb 1 (response): וַיַּעַן — “Then he answered”
→ Speaker named: בִּלְדַּד הַשֻּׁחִי — “Bildad the Shuchite”
→ Verb 2 (speech begins): וַיֹּאמַר — “and he said”
This two-verb structure (answered + said) is a poetic and formal introduction in the Hebrew Bible, especially in wisdom literature.
Dialogue Pattern Breakdown
| Phrase | Meaning | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| וַיַּעַן | Then he answered | Signals a response or reply |
| בִּלְדַּד הַשֻּׁחִי | Bildad the Shuchite | Identifies the speaker |
| וַיֹּאמַר | And he said | Introduces direct speech |
What This Verse Just Taught You
“You’ve just unlocked a classic Biblical Hebrew formula—used every time a new speaker enters the conversation.”
You learned:
- How Hebrew uses vav-consecutive verbs to tell stories in sequence
- The pairing of עָנָה… וַיֹאמַר to frame a formal reply
- How gentilic forms like הַשֻּׁחִי identify background and status
It’s a short verse—but it’s the doorway to Hebrew dialogue, poetry, and persuasion.
And now, you’re ready for what Bildad says next.
