King James Version

What Does Job 11:6 Mean?

Job 11:6 in the King James Version says “And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacte...” — study this verse from Job chapter 11 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.”

Job 11:6 · KJV

Wisdom

Context

4

For thou hast said, My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in thine eyes.

5

But oh that God would speak, and open his lips against thee;

6

And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.

7

Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?

8

It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? as high: Heb. the heights of heaven

Read Job 11 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Zophar claims God 'exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth' - a brutal accusation that Job's suffering is merciful compared to deserved punishment. This theology of hyper-retribution (you deserve worse) adds theological cruelty to physical suffering.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient wisdom sometimes emphasized that all suffering is less than deserved, but this minimizes grace and magnifies works. Zophar's claim denies Job's actual innocence and God's later vindication.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does emphasizing deserved punishment distort the gospel of grace?
  2. When has someone suggested your suffering is less than you deserve?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
וְיַגֶּד1 of 13

“And that he would shew”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לְךָ֙׀2 of 13
H0
תַּֽעֲלֻמ֣וֹת3 of 13

“thee the secrets”

H8587

a secret

חָכְמָה֮4 of 13

“of wisdom”

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

כִּֽי5 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

כִפְלַ֪יִם6 of 13

“that they are double”

H3718

a duplicate

לְֽת֫וּשִׁיָּ֥ה7 of 13

“to that which is”

H8454

support or (by implication) ability, i.e., (direct) help, (in purpose) an undertaking, (intellectual) understanding

וְדַ֡ע8 of 13

“Know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי9 of 13
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

יַשֶּׁ֥ה10 of 13

“exacteth”

H5382

to forget; figuratively, to neglect; causatively, to remit, remove

לְךָ֥11 of 13
H0
אֱ֝ל֗וֹהַּ12 of 13

“therefore that God”

H433

a deity or the deity

מֵעֲוֺנֶֽךָ׃13 of 13

“of thee less than thine iniquity”

H5771

perversity, i.e., (moral) evil

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 11:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 11:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ezra 9:13Lamentations 3:22Daniel 2:28Ephesians 3:5Job 15:8Matthew 13:35

Test Your Knowledge

Job 11 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Job 11 with CommentaryAll Job ChaptersComplete Job QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes