Job 12:13
With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.
Original Language Analysis
עִ֭מּוֹ
H5973
עִ֭מּוֹ
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
1 of 6
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
וּגְבוּרָ֑ה
and strength
H1369
וּגְבוּרָ֑ה
and strength
Strong's:
H1369
Word #:
3 of 6
force (literally or figuratively); by implication, valor, victory
Cross References
Job 9:4He is wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened himself against him, and hath prospered?Job 36:5Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom.James 1:5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.Proverbs 8:14Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength.Ephesians 1:11In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:Colossians 2:3In whom are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.Psalms 147:5Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite.Job 11:6And that he would shew thee the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to that which is! Know therefore that God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.Daniel 2:20Daniel answered and said, Blessed be the name of God for ever and ever: for wisdom and might are his:
Historical Context
Job's affirmation that wisdom belongs to God echoes themes throughout wisdom literature (Proverbs 2:6, 'the LORD giveth wisdom'). Unlike his friends who claim to possess and explain divine wisdom, Job acknowledges that ultimate understanding belongs to God alone. This humble epistemology allows Job both to protest his innocence and admit he doesn't comprehend God's purposes.
Questions for Reflection
- How does affirming that wisdom resides with God free us from needing to explain all His ways?
- What is the difference between Job's acknowledgment of divine wisdom and his friends' claim to possess it?
Analysis & Commentary
Job declares: 'With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding.' The phrase 'with him' (immo, עִמּוֹ) attributes wisdom exclusively to God. Chokmah (חָכְמָה, wisdom), gevurah (גְבוּרָה, strength), etsah (עֵצָה, counsel), and tevunah (תְּבוּנָה, understanding) comprehensively describe divine attributes. Job affirms God's perfect wisdom while implicitly critiquing his friends—true wisdom resides with God, not with those who presume to explain all His ways. The verse prepares for chapters 12-14 where Job describes God's sovereign power over creation and nations.