Job 15:16
How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?
Original Language Analysis
אַ֭ף
H637
אַ֭ף
Strong's:
H637
Word #:
1 of 8
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
וְֽנֶאֱלָ֑ח
and filthy
H444
וְֽנֶאֱלָ֑ח
and filthy
Strong's:
H444
Word #:
4 of 8
to muddle, i.e., (figuratively and intransitive) to turn (morally) corrupt
אִישׁ
is man
H376
אִישׁ
is man
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
5 of 8
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Cross References
Job 34:7What man is like Job, who drinketh up scorning like water?Proverbs 19:28An ungodly witness scorneth judgment: and the mouth of the wicked devoureth iniquity.Titus 3:3For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern texts often used drink metaphors for moral consumption (Proverbs 4:17). Eliphaz's extreme language—'abominable,' 'filthy'—reflects disgust, suggesting he views Job not just as wrong but as morally repulsive.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Reformed understanding of total depravity differ from viewing humans as worthless or disgusting?
- What prevents doctrine of sin from becoming dehumanizing rather than humbling?
- How does God's love for sinners balance the truth of our moral corruption?
Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz concludes his rhetorical question: 'How much more abominable and filthy is man, which drinketh iniquity like water?' The escalation from 'not clean' (v.15) to 'abominable and filthy' intensifies the accusation. The vivid image of drinking iniquity like water suggests sin is so natural to humans that we consume it as readily as water. While Pauline theology affirms human depravity, Eliphaz weaponizes this truth to assume Job's guilt without evidence.