Job 15:7
Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills?
Original Language Analysis
הֲרִאישׁ֣וֹן
Art thou the first
H7223
הֲרִאישׁ֣וֹן
Art thou the first
Strong's:
H7223
Word #:
1 of 6
first, in place, time or rank (as adjective or noun)
אָ֭דָם
man
H120
אָ֭דָם
man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
2 of 6
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
תִּוָּלֵ֑ד
that was born
H3205
תִּוָּלֵ֑ד
that was born
Strong's:
H3205
Word #:
3 of 6
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom traditions valued primordial knowledge—the belief that oldest wisdom was truest. Eliphaz here appeals to this, suggesting Job arrogantly claims knowledge reserved for the ancient ones.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish between valuing church tradition and making tradition equal to Scripture?
- What are the dangers of assuming traditional interpretations are beyond questioning?
Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz sarcastically asks: 'Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills?' The Hebrew הָרִאשׁוֹן אָדָם (harishon adam—the first man) echoes Genesis 2-3. 'Before the hills' (לִפְנֵי־גְבָעוֹת, lifney-geva'ot) suggests primordial existence. Eliphaz mocks Job's presumption to question traditional wisdom. Yet the irony: Job doesn't claim special knowledge; he claims normal observation contradicts the friends' theories. The accusation backfires—Eliphaz assumes his tradition contains all wisdom, the actual presumption. The Reformed principle of sola Scriptura warns against elevating tradition to Scripture's level while acknowledging wisdom in Christian tradition tested by Scripture.