King James Version

What Does Job 15:12 Mean?

Job 15:12 in the King James Version says “Why doth thine heart carry thee away? and what do thy eyes wink at,” — study this verse from Job chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Why doth thine heart carry thee away? and what do thy eyes wink at,”

Job 15:12 · KJV

Context

10

With us are both the grayheaded and very aged men, much elder than thy father.

11

Are the consolations of God small with thee? is there any secret thing with thee?

12

Why doth thine heart carry thee away? and what do thy eyes wink at,

13

That thou turnest thy spirit against God, and lettest such words go out of thy mouth?

14

What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?

Read Job 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Eliphaz accuses Job's emotions of betraying him: 'Why doth thine heart carry thee away? and what do thy eyes wink at?' The 'heart carrying away' suggests uncontrolled passion clouding judgment. The 'winking eyes' may indicate scorn or arrogance. Eliphaz pathologizes Job's emotional expressions, assuming passionate speech proves guilt. This reflects common error—mistaking strong emotion for spiritual compromise. Scripture validates emotional honesty (Psalms, Lamentations) while warning against sin-driven passion.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient wisdom literature often counseled emotional restraint (Proverbs 29:11). Eliphaz applies this principle mechanically, failing to distinguish righteous passion from sinful outburst. Prophets like Jeremiah demonstrate that strong emotional expression can serve faithfulness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we distinguish passionate faith from sinful emotional indulgence?
  2. When is emotional restraint wisdom, and when is it suppression of legitimate feelings?
  3. How does the Bible's emotional honesty (Psalms, Lamentations) validate expressing strong feelings to God?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
מַה1 of 6
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יִּקָּחֲךָ֥2 of 6

“carry thee away”

H3947

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

לִבֶּ֑ךָ3 of 6

“Why doth thine heart”

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וּֽמַה4 of 6
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

יִּרְזְמ֥וּן5 of 6

“wink at”

H7335

to twinkle the eye (in mockery)

עֵינֶֽיךָ׃6 of 6

“and what do thy eyes”

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

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 15:12 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 15:12 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Mark 7:21-22Ecclesiastes 11:9Psalms 35:19Acts 8:22Job 11:13Proverbs 6:13

Test Your Knowledge

Job 15 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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