Job 20:4
Knowest thou not this of old, since man was placed upon earth,
Original Language Analysis
יָ֭דַעְתָּ
Knowest
H3045
יָ֭דַעְתָּ
Knowest
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 9
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
מִנִּי
H4480
מִנִּי
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
עַ֑ד
thou not this of old
H5703
עַ֑ד
thou not this of old
Strong's:
H5703
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, a (peremptory) terminus, i.e., (by implication) duration, in the sense of advance or perpetuity (substantially as a noun, either with or wit
מִנִּ֤י
H4480
מִנִּ֤י
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
שִׂ֖ים
was placed
H7760
שִׂ֖ים
was placed
Strong's:
H7760
Word #:
6 of 9
to put (used in a great variety of applications, literal, figurative, inferentially, and elliptically)
אָדָ֣ם
since man
H120
אָדָ֣ם
since man
Strong's:
H120
Word #:
7 of 9
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom valued tradition as authoritative. Zophar's appeal to 'old' knowledge reveals how tradition can blind us to present reality.
Questions for Reflection
- When does appealing to traditional wisdom become avoidance of hard questions?
- How do you balance respect for tradition with honest engagement with reality?
Analysis & Commentary
Zophar appeals to tradition: 'Knowest thou not this of old, that the triumphing of the wicked is short?' This invocation of ancient wisdom attempts to silence Job through conventional theology. Yet Job's experience challenges this comfortable certainty.