Job 15:10
With us are both the grayheaded and very aged men, much elder than thy father.
Original Language Analysis
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
שָׂ֣ב
With us are both the grayheaded
H7867
שָׂ֣ב
With us are both the grayheaded
Strong's:
H7867
Word #:
2 of 8
properly, to become aged, i.e., (by implication) to grow gray
גַּם
H1571
גַּם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
כַּבִּ֖יר
men much
H3524
כַּבִּ֖יר
men much
Strong's:
H3524
Word #:
6 of 8
vast, whether in extent (figuratively, of power, mighty; of time, aged), or in number, many
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures deeply respected elders as wisdom-bearers. Councils of elders held judicial and religious authority. Eliphaz leverages this cultural value, but God later rebukes him (42:7), showing age doesn't guarantee theological correctness.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we balance respect for tradition and elders with recognition that they can err?
- When has appeal to authority prevented you from examining whether teachings align with Scripture?
- What distinguishes legitimate respect for church tradition from enslaving submission to human tradition?
Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz appeals to age and experience: 'With us are both the grayheaded and very aged men, much elder than thy father.' He claims superior wisdom based on generational authority—elders wiser than even Job's father support his theology. This argument from tradition assumes age guarantees truth. Reformed theology respects tradition but recognizes it must be tested by Scripture. Eliphaz's error warns against elevating human authority above divine revelation.