Job 20:3
I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.
Original Language Analysis
מוּסַ֣ר
the check
H4148
מוּסַ֣ר
the check
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
1 of 6
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
אֶשְׁמָ֑ע
I have heard
H8085
אֶשְׁמָ֑ע
I have heard
Strong's:
H8085
Word #:
3 of 6
to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)
וְ֝ר֗וּחַ
and the spirit
H7307
וְ֝ר֗וּחַ
and the spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
4 of 6
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
Historical Context
Ancient wisdom literature distinguished between knowledge (דַּעַת, da'at), understanding (בִּינָה, binah), and wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokmah). Zophar claims binah—discernment to perceive truth—but the book's narrative frame (chs. 1-2, 42) proves him wrong. God will eventually rebuke the friends (42:7): 'you have not spoken of me the thing that is right.'
Questions for Reflection
- When have you confused your passionate conviction for spiritual discernment?
- How does Zophar's claim to 'the spirit of my understanding' warn against presuming divine authorization for our opinions?
- What's the difference between confidence that comes from the Spirit versus confidence that comes from personality or rhetoric?
Analysis & Commentary
I have heard the check of my reproach (מוּסַר כְּלִמָּתִי אֶשְׁמָע, musar kelimati eshma')—The word מוּסַר (musar) means 'discipline, correction, reproof,' but here 'check' in the sense of 'rebuke.' Zophar claims to have heard כְּלִמָּה (kelimah, 'reproach, insult, shame'). He takes Job's critique of the friends' counsel (ch. 16-17) as personal affront.
And the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer (וְרוּחַ מִבִּינָתִי יַעֲנֵנִי, veruach mibinati ya'aneni)—Zophar appeals to רוּחַ (ruach, 'spirit/wind') and בִּינָה (binah, 'understanding, discernment'). Ironically, he claims spiritual insight while demonstrating spectacular misunderstanding. This represents religion's perpetual danger: confusing confidence with correctness, fervor with truth.