Job 15:18
Which wise men have told from their fathers, and have not hid it:
Original Language Analysis
אֲשֶׁר
H834
אֲשֶׁר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
1 of 6
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
יַגִּ֑ידוּ
men have told
H5046
יַגִּ֑ידוּ
men have told
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
וְלֹ֥א
H3808
וְלֹ֥א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 6
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern cultures highly valued ancestral wisdom (Deuteronomy 32:7, Proverbs 4:1-4). Oral tradition carefully preserved teachings across generations. Eliphaz leverages this cultural value to give his theology unquestionable authority—a strategy the book systematically demolishes.
Questions for Reflection
- When has 'this is what we've always believed' functioned to shut down necessary theological revision?
- How do you honor tradition while remaining open to correction from scripture and experience?
- What long-transmitted Christian doctrines might need re-examination in light of Job's challenge?
Analysis & Commentary
Which wise men have told from their fathers, and have not hid it—Eliphaz grounds his authority in generational transmission: chachamim (חֲכָמִים, 'wise men') received from avotam (אֲבוֹתָם, 'their fathers') and faithfully transmitted it (lo' kichadu, 'have not hidden it'). This appeals to unbroken tradition—what Christians call apostolic succession or tradita.
The problem: ancient, widely-transmitted teaching can still be fundamentally wrong. The book of Job represents a direct assault on traditional retribution theology precisely because it had been faithfully transmitted for generations. Longevity of belief doesn't validate it. Jesus made the same point challenging Pharisaic tradition (Mark 7:8-13). Truth claims must be evaluated on merit, not pedigree.