Job 32:13
Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
Original Language Analysis
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
מָצָ֣אנוּ
We have found out
H4672
מָצָ֣אנוּ
We have found out
Strong's:
H4672
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present
אֵ֖ל
God
H410
אֵ֖ל
God
Strong's:
H410
Word #:
5 of 8
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
Historical Context
Elihu's warning addresses the friends' presumption throughout the dialogues—they claimed to understand God's purposes in Job's suffering. Elihu recognizes their failure and prepares for God's direct intervention. The verse teaches epistemological humility: some questions exceed human wisdom and require divine revelation. This prepares readers for God's speeches where divine wisdom will supersede all human attempts at explanation.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Elihu's warning challenge our tendency to claim we understand what only God knows?
- What is the proper balance between seeking wisdom and acknowledging that some matters require divine revelation?
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Analysis & Commentary
Elihu warns: 'Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.' The phrase matsanu chokmah (מָצָאנוּ חָכְמָה, we have found wisdom) suggests the friends thought they comprehended Job's situation. Elihu cautions against claiming to possess wisdom that belongs to God alone. The phrase 'God thrusteth him down' (El yiddefennu, אֵל יִדְּפֶנּוּ) means God defeats or repels him. Elihu argues that Job's case requires divine, not human, resolution. Only God can adequately answer Job; human wisdom fails.