King James Version

What Does Job 27:11 Mean?

Job 27:11 in the King James Version says “I will teach you by the hand of God: that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal. by: or, being in the hand, etc — study this verse from Job chapter 27 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

I will teach you by the hand of God: that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal. by: or, being in the hand, etc

Job 27:11 · KJV


Context

9

Will God hear his cry when trouble cometh upon him?

10

Will he delight himself in the Almighty? will he always call upon God?

11

I will teach you by the hand of God: that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal. by: or, being in the hand, etc

12

Behold, all ye yourselves have seen it; why then are ye thus altogether vain?

13

This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive of the Almighty.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
I will teach you by the hand of God (אוֹרֶה אֶתְכֶם בְּיַד־אֵל)—the phrase beyad-El (בְּיַד־אֵל, by God's hand) indicates authority and instrumentality. Job claims to teach divine truth, positioning himself as God's spokesman against his friends' faulty theology. The verb yarah (יָרָה) means to instruct or direct, the root of Torah.

That which is with the Almighty will I not conceal (אֲשֶׁר עִם־שַׁדַּי לֹא אֲכַחֵד)—Job vows full disclosure of truth about God. The verb kachad (כָּחַד) means to hide or conceal. This combines prophetic authority (teaching by God's hand) with prophetic responsibility (not withholding revealed truth). Job assumes the role his friends claimed—true interpreter of divine ways—but with opposite conclusions. Where they declared that suffering proves sin, Job will declare that the Almighty's ways transcend simplistic retribution. This prefigures Jesus's claim: 'I have not spoken in secret' (Isaiah 48:16; John 18:20) and the apostolic mandate to declare 'the whole counsel of God' (Acts 20:27).

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern wisdom teachers claimed divine authorization for their instruction, but Job uniquely inverts the dialogue's power dynamic—the sufferer becomes the teacher, correcting the comfortable. This anticipates the gospel pattern where the crucified one proves wiser than human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Job's commitment to teaching divine truth despite personal suffering challenge comfortable theology?
  2. What does it mean to teach 'by the hand of God' in a way that doesn't conceal difficult truths about divine sovereignty?
  3. In what ways should suffering qualify (rather than disqualify) someone for teaching about God's character?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
אוֹרֶ֣ה1 of 9

I will teach

H3384

properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by

אֶתְכֶ֣ם2 of 9
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְּיַד3 of 9

you by the hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

אֵ֑ל4 of 9

of God

H410

strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר5 of 9
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

עִם6 of 9
H5973

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

שַׁ֝דַּ֗י7 of 9

that which is with the Almighty

H7706

the almighty

לֹ֣א8 of 9
H3808

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

אֲכַחֵֽד׃9 of 9

will I not conceal

H3582

to secrete, by act or word; hence (intensively) to destroy


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 27:11 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 27:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study