King James Version

What Does Job 12:11 Mean?

Job 12:11 in the King James Version says “Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat? mouth: Heb. palate” — study this verse from Job chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat? mouth: Heb. palate”

Job 12:11 · KJV

Context

9

Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?

10

In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind . soul: or, life all: Heb. all flesh of man

11

Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat? mouth: Heb. palate

12

With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.

13

With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding. With: that is, With God

Read Job 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat?' Job uses two physical analogies: ears discerning words as mouths taste food. The verb 'try' (בָּחַן, bachan—test, examine, prove) suggests careful evaluation. Just as the palate distinguishes flavors, rational minds should evaluate arguments. Job appeals to his friends' discernment—they should test his words rather than dismiss them. This assumes truth corresponds to reality and can be evaluated through reason illuminated by revelation. The Reformed tradition values the mind renewed by the Spirit (Romans 12:2), rejecting both anti-intellectualism and rationalism divorced from Scripture. Job calls for honest evaluation, not blind acceptance of traditional formulas.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient wisdom literature valued discernment and tested truth claims against experience and tradition. Job here appeals to this value, asking his friends to actually evaluate his arguments rather than merely assert orthodoxy.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we cultivate discernment that neither blindly accepts tradition nor arrogantly dismisses it?
  2. What role does reason play in evaluating theological claims, and what are its limits?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
הֲלֹא1 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

אֹ֭זֶן2 of 8

“Doth not the ear”

H241

broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)

מִלִּ֣ין3 of 8

“words”

H4405

a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic

תִּבְחָ֑ן4 of 8

“try”

H974

to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate

וְ֝חֵ֗ךְ5 of 8

“and the mouth”

H2441

properly, the palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself (as the organ of speech, taste and kissing)

אֹ֣כֶל6 of 8

“his meat”

H400

food

יִטְעַם7 of 8

“taste”

H2938

to taste; figuratively, to perceive

לֽוֹ׃8 of 8
H0

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 12:11 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 12:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 34:3Hebrews 5:14Job 6:30Philippians 1:101 Peter 2:31 Corinthians 10:15

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