King James Version
What Does Job 8:10 Mean?
“Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart?”
Job 8:10 · KJV
Context
8
For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers:
9
(For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:) nothing: Heb. not
10
Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart?
11
Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water?
12
Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryBildad claims ancestors 'shall teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart.' Three verbs intensify: 'teach' (yarah, יָרָה), 'tell' (amar, אָמַר), and 'utter' (yatsa, יָצָא, bring forth). The phrase 'out of their heart' (mil-libbam, מִלִּבָּם) suggests authenticity—these aren't mere repetitions but wisdom from deep understanding. Bildad presents tradition as living voice of authoritative truth.
Ironically, Bildad's appeal to the fathers will prove inadequate—the very ancestors he cites didn't possess full revelation that later Scripture provides. Moreover, God Himself will later declare Bildad's words incorrect (42:7). Tradition's value depends on its fidelity to revelation, not its antiquity. This illustrates the danger of sola traditio (tradition alone) versus sola scriptura (Scripture alone)—tradition must be tested by the Word.
The New Testament pattern shows apostles honoring Old Testament Scripture while providing authoritative new revelation through Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2). The church's tradition matters (2 Thessalonians 2:15) but remains subordinate to Scripture. Bildad's error wasn't honoring the fathers but failing to test their teaching against God's self-revelation.
Ironically, Bildad's appeal to the fathers will prove inadequate—the very ancestors he cites didn't possess full revelation that later Scripture provides. Moreover, God Himself will later declare Bildad's words incorrect (42:7). Tradition's value depends on its fidelity to revelation, not its antiquity. This illustrates the danger of sola traditio (tradition alone) versus sola scriptura (Scripture alone)—tradition must be tested by the Word.
The New Testament pattern shows apostles honoring Old Testament Scripture while providing authoritative new revelation through Christ (Hebrews 1:1-2). The church's tradition matters (2 Thessalonians 2:15) but remains subordinate to Scripture. Bildad's error wasn't honoring the fathers but failing to test their teaching against God's self-revelation.
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Historical & Cultural Context
Oral tradition dominated ancient Near Eastern education. The 'fathers' refers to multiple generations of accumulated wisdom (Proverbs 1:8, 4:1). However, Job introduces new revelation that corrects inadequate traditional formulations—a pattern repeated when prophets challenged prevailing consensus and ultimately when Christ fulfilled and transcended Old Covenant understanding.
Reflection Questions
- How do Reformed confessions and catechisms rightly function as subordinate standards under Scripture's ultimate authority?
- What criteria should we use to evaluate which traditional teachings to maintain versus which to revise in light of Scripture?
- In what ways does Bildad's mistake warn against elevating systematic theology over exegetical theology?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsהֲלֹא1 of 8
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
י֭וֹרוּךָ3 of 8
“Shall not they teach”
H3384properly, 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
לָ֑ךְ5 of 8
H0וּ֝מִלִּבָּ֗ם6 of 8
“out of their heart”
H3820the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
יוֹצִ֥אוּ7 of 8
“thee and utter”
H3318to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
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 8:10 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 8:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge