King James Version

What Does Job 15:1 Mean?

Job 15:1 in the King James Version says “Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite, and said,” — study this verse from Job chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite, and said,”

Job 15:1 · KJV

Context

1

Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite, and said,

2

Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind? vain: Heb. knowledge of wind

3

Should he reason with unprofitable talk? or with speeches wherewith he can do no good?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then answered Eliphaz the Temanite, and said—This marks the beginning of Eliphaz's second speech (chapters 15-21 contain the second cycle of dialogues). The Hebrew vaya'an (וַיַּעַן) implies a formal response, showing this is structured debate, not casual conversation. Eliphaz from Teman (a region in Edom famed for wisdom, Jeremiah 49:7) now abandons his earlier gentleness (4:2). His tone shifts dramatically from sympathetic counselor to harsh prosecutor.

The narrative structure—'Then answered...and said'—appears repeatedly in Job, creating a courtroom atmosphere where Job stands accused before his 'friends' who function as prosecution witnesses. This formulaic introduction signals escalating conflict: Eliphaz will move from questioning Job's wisdom to attacking his character directly.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Eliphaz of Teman represented the wisdom tradition of Edom, a region southeast of the Dead Sea renowned for sages (Obadiah 1:8). The second dialogue cycle (chapters 15-21) occurs after Job's initial defenses have failed to satisfy his friends, intensifying the theological conflict between traditional retribution theology and lived experience.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you seen theological debate shift from gentle inquiry to harsh accusation?
  2. How does formal religious rhetoric sometimes mask a failure to truly listen?
  3. What does Eliphaz's hardening stance reveal about the dangers of systematic theology divorced from compassion?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 4 words
וַ֭יַּעַן1 of 4

“Then answered”

H6030

properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,

אֱלִיפַ֥ז2 of 4

“Eliphaz”

H464

eliphaz, the name of one of job's friends, and of a son of esau

הַֽתֵּימָנִ֗י3 of 4

“the Temanite”

H8489

a temanite or descendant of teman

וַיֹּאמַֽר׃4 of 4

“and said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

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 15:1 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 15:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 42:7Job 2:11Job 4:1Job 22:1Job 42:9

Test Your Knowledge

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