Job 11:12
For vain man would be wise, though man be born like a wild ass's colt.
Original Language Analysis
וְאִ֣ישׁ
man
H376
וְאִ֣ישׁ
man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 7
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)
וְעַ֥יִר
colt
H5895
וְעַ֥יִר
colt
Strong's:
H5895
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, a young ass (as just broken to a load); hence an ass-colt
Cross References
James 2:20But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?Psalms 73:22So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee.Ecclesiastes 3:18I said in mine heart concerning the estate of the sons of men, that God might manifest them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts.
Historical Context
Wild donkeys roamed the desert, symbolizing untamed chaos and resistance to domestication. The imagery would immediately communicate stubbornness and folly to Zophar's audience.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we acknowledge human foolishness (including our own) without using it to silence others' questions?
- In what ways do we exempt ourselves from the theological truths we apply to others?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Hebrew נָבוּב (nabub, 'vain, empty') describes hollow, worthless man who 'would be wise' (יִתְלַבָּב, yitlabeb). The comparison to a 'wild ass's colt' (עַיִר פֶּרֶא, ayir pere) emphasizes untamed, unteachable nature. Wild donkeys were proverbially stubborn and foolish. Zophar's point: humans are born ignorant and remain unteachable, yet presume wisdom. The doctrine of total depravity affirms this—sin affects every faculty including reason (Romans 1:21-22, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25). However, Zophar applies this to Job specifically while exempting himself. The verse is true in general but weaponized against Job in particular. Self-awareness of our own foolishness should produce humility, not judgmentalism.