King James Version

What Does Job 32:13 Mean?

Job 32:13 in the King James Version says “Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man. — study this verse from Job chapter 32 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

Job 32:13 · KJV


Context

11

Behold, I waited for your words; I gave ear to your reasons, whilst ye searched out what to say. reasons: Heb. understandings what: Heb. words

12

Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:

13

Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.

14

Now he hath not directed his words against me: neither will I answer him with your speeches. directed: or, ordered

15

They were amazed, they answered no more: they left off speaking. left: Heb. removed speeches from themselves


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Elihu warns: 'Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.' The phrase matsanu chokmah (מָצָאנוּ חָכְמָה, we have found wisdom) suggests the friends thought they comprehended Job's situation. Elihu cautions against claiming to possess wisdom that belongs to God alone. The phrase 'God thrusteth him down' (El yiddefennu, אֵל יִדְּפֶנּוּ) means God defeats or repels him. Elihu argues that Job's case requires divine, not human, resolution. Only God can adequately answer Job; human wisdom fails.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Elihu's warning addresses the friends' presumption throughout the dialogues—they claimed to understand God's purposes in Job's suffering. Elihu recognizes their failure and prepares for God's direct intervention. The verse teaches epistemological humility: some questions exceed human wisdom and require divine revelation. This prepares readers for God's speeches where divine wisdom will supersede all human attempts at explanation.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Elihu's warning challenge our tendency to claim we understand what only God knows?
  2. What is the proper balance between seeking wisdom and acknowledging that some matters require divine revelation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
פֶּן1 of 8
H6435

properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest

תֹּ֣֭אמְרוּ2 of 8

Lest ye should say

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

מָצָ֣אנוּ3 of 8

We have found out

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

חָכְמָ֑ה4 of 8

wisdom

H2451

wisdom (in a good sense)

אֵ֖ל5 of 8

God

H410

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

יִדְּפֶ֣נּוּ6 of 8

thrusteth him down

H5086

to shove asunder, i.e., disperse

לֹא7 of 8
H3808

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

אִֽישׁ׃8 of 8

not man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)


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 32:13 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 32:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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