King James Version
What Does Job 15:9 Mean?
“What knowest thou, that we know not? what understandest thou, which is not in us?”
Job 15:9 · KJV
Context
7
Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills?
8
Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?
9
What knowest thou, that we know not? what understandest thou, which is not in us?
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?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryWhat knowest thou, that we know not? what understandest thou, which is not in us?—Eliphaz's rhetorical questions assert epistemological equality: Job knows nothing the friends don't know. The parallel structure—yada'ta (יָדַעְתָּ, 'you know') and tavin (תָּבִין, 'you understand')—emphasizes comprehensive knowledge. This dismisses Job's lived experience of undeserved suffering as epistemically worthless.
The devastating irony: Job knows something they don't—what it's like to suffer innocently while maintaining integrity. His experiential knowledge challenges their theoretical system. Eliphaz represents the arrogance of systematic theology that believes it has exhausted all relevant knowledge. The book demolishes this claim: Job's experience gives him knowledge the friends' tradition cannot supply.
The devastating irony: Job knows something they don't—what it's like to suffer innocently while maintaining integrity. His experiential knowledge challenges their theoretical system. Eliphaz represents the arrogance of systematic theology that believes it has exhausted all relevant knowledge. The book demolishes this claim: Job's experience gives him knowledge the friends' tradition cannot supply.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Wisdom tradition emphasized accumulated generational knowledge (see v. 18). Eliphaz appeals to collective wisdom against individual experience. The book of Job revolutionizes epistemology by validating experiential knowledge alongside traditional wisdom—even when they conflict.
Reflection Questions
- When has theological training tempted you to dismiss the knowledge that comes from lived suffering?
- How do you hold systematic theology and experiential knowledge in proper tension?
- What unique knowledge do suffering people possess that the comfortable cannot access?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsמַה1 of 8
H4100properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
נֵדָ֑ע2 of 8
“What knowest”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
וְלֹ֣א3 of 8
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
נֵדָ֑ע4 of 8
“What knowest”
H3045to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
תָּ֝בִ֗ין5 of 8
“not what understandest”
H995to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
וְֽלֹא6 of 8
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
עִמָּ֥נוּ7 of 8
H5973adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
הֽוּא׃8 of 8
H1931he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
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 15:9 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 15:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge