Job 17:10
But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I cannot find one wise man among you.
Original Language Analysis
כֻּלָּ֣ם
H3605
כֻּלָּ֣ם
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
תָּ֭שֻׁבוּ
as for you all do ye return
H7725
תָּ֭שֻׁבוּ
as for you all do ye return
Strong's:
H7725
Word #:
3 of 9
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
וּבֹ֣אוּ
and come now
H935
וּבֹ֣אוּ
and come now
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
4 of 9
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
נָ֑א
H4994
נָ֑א
Strong's:
H4994
Word #:
5 of 9
'i pray', 'now', or 'then'; added mostly to verbs (in the imperative or future), or to interjections, occasionally to an adverb or conjunction
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Job 6:29Return, I pray you, let it not be iniquity; yea, return again, my righteousness is in it.Job 42:7And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.
Historical Context
Wisdom was highly valued in ancient Near Eastern culture, with wise counselors holding honored positions. Job's declaration that none of his friends qualifies as wise devastates their social standing and theological authority. His assessment proves prophetically accurate.
Questions for Reflection
- What distinguishes true wisdom from confident but incorrect counsel?
- How do we respond when our theological frameworks fail to account for reality?
- What role does humility play in genuine wisdom versus the friends' false certainty?
Analysis & Commentary
Job challenges his friends to respond with wisdom: 'But as for you all, do ye return, and come now: for I cannot find one wise man among you.' This devastating assessment of his counselors declares their collective failure. The call to 'return' suggests they need to rethink their positions. Job's inability to 'find one wise man' among them indicts their theology. True wisdom requires humility to admit mystery; the friends' certainty reveals foolishness. God later vindicates this assessment (42:7).