Job 12:11
Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat?
Original Language Analysis
הֲלֹא
H3808
הֲלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
אֹ֭זֶן
Doth not the ear
H241
אֹ֭זֶן
Doth not the ear
Strong's:
H241
Word #:
2 of 8
broadness. i.e., (concrete) the ear (from its form in man)
מִלִּ֣ין
words
H4405
מִלִּ֣ין
words
Strong's:
H4405
Word #:
3 of 8
a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic
תִּבְחָ֑ן
try
H974
תִּבְחָ֑ן
try
Strong's:
H974
Word #:
4 of 8
to test (especially metals); generally and figuratively, to investigate
וְ֝חֵ֗ךְ
and the mouth
H2441
וְ֝חֵ֗ךְ
and the mouth
Strong's:
H2441
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, the palate or inside of the mouth; hence, the mouth itself (as the organ of speech, taste and kissing)
Cross References
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom literature valued discernment and tested truth claims against experience and tradition. Job here appeals to this value, asking his friends to actually evaluate his arguments rather than merely assert orthodoxy.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we cultivate discernment that neither blindly accepts tradition nor arrogantly dismisses it?
- What role does reason play in evaluating theological claims, and what are its limits?
Analysis & Commentary
'Doth not the ear try words? and the mouth taste his meat?' Job uses two physical analogies: ears discerning words as mouths taste food. The verb 'try' (בָּחַן, bachan—test, examine, prove) suggests careful evaluation. Just as the palate distinguishes flavors, rational minds should evaluate arguments. Job appeals to his friends' discernment—they should test his words rather than dismiss them. This assumes truth corresponds to reality and can be evaluated through reason illuminated by revelation. The Reformed tradition values the mind renewed by the Spirit (Romans 12:2), rejecting both anti-intellectualism and rationalism divorced from Scripture. Job calls for honest evaluation, not blind acceptance of traditional formulas.