Job 15:13

Authorized King James Version

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That thou turnest thy spirit against God, and lettest such words go out of thy mouth?

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
תָשִׁ֣יב That thou turnest H7725
תָשִׁ֣יב That thou turnest
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 2 of 8
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
אֶל H413
אֶל
Strong's: H413
Word #: 3 of 8
near, with or among; often in general, to
אֵ֣ל against God H410
אֵ֣ל against God
Strong's: H410
Word #: 4 of 8
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
רוּחֶ֑ךָ thy spirit H7307
רוּחֶ֑ךָ thy spirit
Strong's: H7307
Word #: 5 of 8
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
וְהֹצֵ֖אתָ go out H3318
וְהֹצֵ֖אתָ go out
Strong's: H3318
Word #: 6 of 8
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מִפִּ֣יךָ of thy mouth H6310
מִפִּ֣יךָ of thy mouth
Strong's: H6310
Word #: 7 of 8
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
מִלִּֽין׃ and lettest such words H4405
מִלִּֽין׃ and lettest such words
Strong's: H4405
Word #: 8 of 8
a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic

Analysis & Commentary

Eliphaz accuses Job of speaking against God: 'That thou turnest thy spirit against God, and lettest such words go out of thy mouth?' He interprets Job's questions and complaints as opposition to God. The accusation of 'turning spirit against' God suggests apostasy or rebellion. Eliphaz can't conceive that honest questions arise from deep faith seeking understanding. This error—conflating doubt with unbelief—continues to damage pastoral care.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern religion typically required unquestioning submission to divine will. Israel's prophetic tradition allowed for challenging questions (Abraham, Moses, Jeremiah), but conventional wisdom like Eliphaz's resisted such boldness.

Questions for Reflection