Job 27:11
I will teach you by the hand of God: that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal.
Original Language Analysis
אוֹרֶ֣ה
I will teach
H3384
אוֹרֶ֣ה
I will teach
Strong's:
H3384
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to flow as water (i.e., to rain); transitively, to lay or throw (especially an arrow, i.e., to shoot); figuratively, to point out (as if by
אֶתְכֶ֣ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֣ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
בְּיַד
you by the hand
H3027
בְּיַד
you by the hand
Strong's:
H3027
Word #:
3 of 9
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
אֵ֑ל
of God
H410
אֵ֑ל
of God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
4 of 9
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 9
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
עִם
H5973
עִם
Strong's:
H5973
Word #:
6 of 9
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then
Cross References
Isaiah 8:11For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying,Psalms 71:17O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.Job 6:10Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.Acts 20:20And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,Deuteronomy 4:5Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, even as the LORD my God commanded me, that ye should do so in the land whither ye go to possess it.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom teachers claimed divine authorization for their instruction, but Job uniquely inverts the dialogue's power dynamic—the sufferer becomes the teacher, correcting the comfortable. This anticipates the gospel pattern where the crucified one proves wiser than human wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:25).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's commitment to teaching divine truth despite personal suffering challenge comfortable theology?
- What does it mean to teach 'by the hand of God' in a way that doesn't conceal difficult truths about divine sovereignty?
- In what ways should suffering qualify (rather than disqualify) someone for teaching about God's character?
Analysis & Commentary
I will teach you by the hand of God (אוֹרֶה אֶתְכֶם בְּיַד־אֵל)—the phrase beyad-El (בְּיַד־אֵל, by God's hand) indicates authority and instrumentality. Job claims to teach divine truth, positioning himself as God's spokesman against his friends' faulty theology. The verb yarah (יָרָה) means to instruct or direct, the root of Torah.
That which is with the Almighty will I not conceal (אֲשֶׁר עִם־שַׁדַּי לֹא אֲכַחֵד)—Job vows full disclosure of truth about God. The verb kachad (כָּחַד) means to hide or conceal. This combines prophetic authority (teaching by God's hand) with prophetic responsibility (not withholding revealed truth). Job assumes the role his friends claimed—true interpreter of divine ways—but with opposite conclusions. Where they declared that suffering proves sin, Job will declare that the Almighty's ways transcend simplistic retribution. This prefigures Jesus's claim: 'I have not spoken in secret' (Isaiah 48:16; John 18:20) and the apostolic mandate to declare 'the whole counsel of God' (Acts 20:27).