Job 17:4

Authorized King James Version

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For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not exalt them.

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לִ֭בָּם their heart H3820
לִ֭בָּם their heart
Strong's: H3820
Word #: 2 of 8
the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything
צָפַ֣נְתָּ For thou hast hid H6845
צָפַ֣נְתָּ For thou hast hid
Strong's: H6845
Word #: 3 of 8
to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk
מִּשָּׂ֑כֶל from understanding H7922
מִּשָּׂ֑כֶל from understanding
Strong's: H7922
Word #: 4 of 8
intelligence; by implication, success
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 5 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֝֗ן H3651
כֵּ֝֗ן
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תְרֹמֵֽם׃ therefore shalt thou not exalt H7311
תְרֹמֵֽם׃ therefore shalt thou not exalt
Strong's: H7311
Word #: 8 of 8
to be high actively, to rise or raise (in various applications, literally or figuratively)

Analysis & Commentary

For thou hast hid their heart from understanding (כִּי־לִבָּם צָפַנְתָּ מִשָּׂכֶל, ki-libbam tsafanta mi-sakel)—Job addresses God directly: tsafanta (you have hidden/concealed) indicates divine agency in his friends' blindness. Sakel (understanding/insight/wisdom) is the discernment they lack despite their verbose arguments. This echoes Isaiah 6:9-10 and anticipates Jesus's teaching on spiritual blindness (Matthew 13:13-15).

Therefore shalt thou not exalt them (עַל־כֵּן לֹא תְרוֹמֵם, al-ken lo teromem)—Teromem (exalt, lift up) means vindication or honor. Job prophesies that God will not honor his friends' false theology—a prophecy fulfilled in 42:7-9 when God rebukes them and requires Job's intercession for their forgiveness.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions valued elders and counselors as bearers of divine insight. Job's shocking claim—that God has hidden truth from these respected friends—overturns conventional authority. God's later vindication of Job (42:7) confirms that orthodoxy without compassion is spiritual blindness.

Questions for Reflection