Job 21:27
Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.
Original Language Analysis
יָ֭דַעְתִּי
Behold I know
H3045
יָ֭דַעְתִּי
Behold I know
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
2 of 6
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
מַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם
your thoughts
H4284
מַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם
your thoughts
Strong's:
H4284
Word #:
3 of 6
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
וּ֝מְזִמּ֗וֹת
and the devices
H4209
וּ֝מְזִמּ֗וֹת
and the devices
Strong's:
H4209
Word #:
4 of 6
a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good (sagacity)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern dialogues involved strategic argumentation. Job recognizes his friends aren't merely misunderstanding him but actively constructing cases against him. Their theological certainty has made them adversaries rather than comforters.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we recognize when others have closed their minds to our actual situation?
- What damage occurs when theology becomes weapon rather than tool for understanding?
- How do we help those whose friends have become theological adversaries?
Analysis & Commentary
Job knows his friends' thoughts: 'Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.' Job reads his friends accurately—he understands their theological framework and its false application to him. The 'devices' suggest schemes or plans—they're actively constructing arguments against him. The adverb 'wrongfully' (Hebrew 'chamas'—violence/wrong) suggests their theological violence compounds his suffering.