Job 15:8

Authorized King James Version

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Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?

Original Language Analysis

הַבְס֣וֹד the secret H5475
הַבְס֣וֹד the secret
Strong's: H5475
Word #: 1 of 6
a session, i.e., company of persons (in close deliberation); by implication, intimacy, consultation, a secret
אֱל֣וֹהַ of God H433
אֱל֣וֹהַ of God
Strong's: H433
Word #: 2 of 6
a deity or the deity
תִּשְׁמָ֑ע Hast thou heard H8085
תִּשְׁמָ֑ע Hast thou heard
Strong's: H8085
Word #: 3 of 6
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וְתִגְרַ֖ע and dost thou restrain H1639
וְתִגְרַ֖ע and dost thou restrain
Strong's: H1639
Word #: 4 of 6
to scrape off; by implication, to shave, remove, lessen, withhold
אֵלֶ֣יךָ H413
אֵלֶ֣יךָ
Strong's: H413
Word #: 5 of 6
near, with or among; often in general, to
חָכְמָֽה׃ wisdom H2451
חָכְמָֽה׃ wisdom
Strong's: H2451
Word #: 6 of 6
wisdom (in a good sense)

Analysis & Commentary

Eliphaz challenges Job: 'Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?' This accuses Job of claiming exclusive divine knowledge. The irony is that Job seeks answers while the friends claim certainty - yet God will later vindicate Job's humility.

Historical Context

Ancient wisdom traditions claimed access to divine secrets through tradition and experience. Eliphaz's challenge reveals his own certainty that his theology represents God's mind.

Questions for Reflection