Job 12:2
No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֣י
H3588
כִּ֣י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עָ֑ם
but ye are the people
H5971
עָ֑ם
but ye are the people
Strong's:
H5971
Word #:
4 of 7
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
וְ֝עִמָּכֶ֗ם
H5973
וְ֝עִמָּכֶ֗ם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
5 of 7
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures highly valued elders and traditional wisdom. Job's friends assume their conventional theology represents absolute truth. Job's sarcasm challenges this assumption, asserting that wisdom requires humility to acknowledge what we don't know. The verse demonstrates that even true biblical principles can become idolatrous when we assume our understanding is comprehensive.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's sarcasm challenge our tendency toward theological certainty in complex situations?
- What is the difference between confidence in God's revealed truth and presuming we understand all His ways?
Analysis & Commentary
Job responds with biting sarcasm: 'No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.' The Hebrew literally reads 'Truly you are the people'—Job mocks his friends' assumption that they possess exclusive wisdom. The phrase 'wisdom shall die with you' suggests they think themselves the repository of all understanding. Job's sarcasm reveals his frustration with their self-righteous certainty. They offer conventional wisdom as though it were revelation, unable to acknowledge that their theology fails to explain his situation.