King James Version

What Does Job 12:13 Mean?

Job 12:13 in the King James Version says “With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding. With: that is, With God” — study this verse from Job chapter 12 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 12:13 · KJV

WisdomStrength

Context

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

14

Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening. up: Heb. upon

15

Behold, he withholdeth the waters, and they dry up: also he sendeth them out, and they overturn the earth.

Read Job 12 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job declares: 'With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.' The phrase 'with him' (immo, עִמּוֹ) attributes wisdom exclusively to God. Chokmah (חָכְמָה, wisdom), gevurah (גְבוּרָה, strength), etsah (עֵצָה, counsel), and tevunah (תְּבוּנָה, understanding) comprehensively describe divine attributes. Job affirms God's perfect wisdom while implicitly critiquing his friends—true wisdom resides with God, not with those who presume to explain all His ways. The verse prepares for chapters 12-14 where Job describes God's sovereign power over creation and nations.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Job's affirmation that wisdom belongs to God echoes themes throughout wisdom literature (Proverbs 2:6, 'the LORD giveth wisdom'). Unlike his friends who claim to possess and explain divine wisdom, Job acknowledges that ultimate understanding belongs to God alone. This humble epistemology allows Job both to protest his innocence and admit he doesn't comprehend God's purposes.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does affirming that wisdom resides with God free us from needing to explain all His ways?
  2. What is the difference between Job's acknowledgment of divine wisdom and his friends' claim to possess it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
עִ֭מּוֹ1 of 6
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

חָכְמָ֣ה2 of 6

“With him is wisdom”

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

וּגְבוּרָ֑ה3 of 6

“and strength”

H1369

force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory

ל֝֗וֹ4 of 6
H0
עֵצָ֥ה5 of 6

“he hath counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

וּתְבוּנָֽה׃6 of 6

“and understanding”

H8394

intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice

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 12:13 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 12:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 9:4Job 36:5Proverbs 2:6-7Job 28:20-28James 1:5Proverbs 8:14

Test Your Knowledge

Job 12 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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