Job 15:2
Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind?
Original Language Analysis
הֶֽחָכָ֗ם
Should a wise man
H2450
הֶֽחָכָ֗ם
Should a wise man
Strong's:
H2450
Word #:
1 of 7
wise, (i.e., intelligent, skilful or artful)
יַעֲנֶ֥ה
utter
H6030
יַעֲנֶ֥ה
utter
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
ר֑וּחַ
vain
H7307
ר֑וּחַ
vain
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
4 of 7
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
וִֽימַלֵּ֖א
and fill
H4390
וִֽימַלֵּ֖א
and fill
Strong's:
H4390
Word #:
5 of 7
to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Job 6:26Do ye imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?Job 8:2How long wilt thou speak these things? and how long shall the words of thy mouth be like a strong wind?Hosea 12:1Ephraim feedeth on wind, and followeth after the east wind: he daily increaseth lies and desolation; and they do make a covenant with the Assyrians, and oil is carried into Egypt.
Historical Context
The east wind (sirocco) in ancient Palestine was hot, dry, and damaging to crops. Using it as metaphor for speech emphasizes destructiveness and futility.
Questions for Reflection
- When does defending yourself against false accusations become 'east wind'?
- How do you respond when escalating rhetoric replaces compassionate dialogue?
Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz's rebuke intensifies: 'Should a wise man utter vain knowledge, and fill his belly with the east wind?' The 'east wind' metaphor suggests destructive, worthless speech. Eliphaz's rhetoric becomes more aggressive as Job refuses to accept simplistic explanations.