King James Version

What Does Job 4:10 Mean?

Job 4:10 in the King James Version says “The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken. — study this verse from Job chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken.

Job 4:10 · KJV


Context

8

Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.

9

By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of his nostrils are they consumed. by the breath: that is, by his anger

10

The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken.

11

The old lion perisheth for lack of prey, and the stout lion's whelps are scattered abroad.

12

Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a little thereof. secretly: Heb. by stealth


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Eliphaz uses animal imagery: 'The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken.' Lions represent powerful wicked people who oppress others. The Hebrew 'nathats' (broken) suggests God violently destroys the powerful wicked. Eliphaz implies Job must be such a one, since he's suffering God's destruction. This shows how even accurate theology (God does judge the wicked) can be misapplied to falsely accuse the innocent.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Lion imagery for powerful oppressors appears throughout ancient Near Eastern literature and Scripture (Psalm 7:2, 10:9). Eliphaz's use of this common metaphor wrongly categorizes Job among the wicked.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you guard against misapplying true theological principles to judge others wrongly?
  2. What does Eliphaz's misuse of lion imagery teach us about the danger of proof-texting?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
שַֽׁאֲגַ֣ת1 of 7

The roaring

H7581

a rumbling or moan

אַ֭רְיֵה2 of 7

of the lion

H738

a lion

וְק֣וֹל3 of 7

and the voice

H6963

a voice or sound

שָׁ֑חַל4 of 7

of the fierce lion

H7826

a lion (from his characteristic roar)

וְשִׁנֵּ֖י5 of 7

and the teeth

H8127

a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff

כְפִירִ֣ים6 of 7

of the young lions

H3715

a village (as covered in by walls); also a young lion (perhaps as covered with a mane)

נִתָּֽעוּ׃7 of 7

are broken

H5421

to tear out


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 4:10 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 4:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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