Job 35:15
But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger; yet he knoweth it not in great extremity:
Original Language Analysis
וְעַתָּ֗ה
H6258
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
פָּקַ֣ד
But now because it is not so he hath visited
H6485
פָּקַ֣ד
But now because it is not so he hath visited
Strong's:
H6485
Word #:
4 of 9
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
אַפּ֑וֹ
in his anger
H639
אַפּ֑וֹ
in his anger
Strong's:
H639
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire
וְלֹֽא
H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
6 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָדַ֖ע
yet he knoweth
H3045
יָדַ֖ע
yet he knoweth
Strong's:
H3045
Word #:
7 of 9
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern texts attempted to explain suffering through divine anger, demonic activity, or cosmic disorder. Job's friends and Elihu assume divine anger causes Job's suffering. Yet God's speeches (chapters 38-41) neither confirm nor deny this—instead transcending the framework entirely. NT distinguishes God's wrath on sin (Romans 1:18, John 3:36) from His fatherly discipline of believers (Hebrews 12:6). Job stands between these testaments, experiencing the mystery of suffering without full gospel clarity.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we avoid simplistic explanations when interpreting suffering?
- What is the difference between divine wrath and divine discipline?
- How does Christ's bearing God's wrath (Romans 5:9) change how believers experience suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
But now, because it is not so, he hath visited in his anger (וְעַתָּה כִּי־אַיִן פָּקַד אַפּוֹ, ve'attah ki-ayin paqad appo)—The text is difficult (ancient versions vary). The verb paqad (פָּקַד) means "to visit, attend to, punish." The noun aph (אַף, anger, wrath) indicates divine judgment. Elihu seems to say God hasn't yet fully visited in wrath as Job deserves. The phrase yet he knoweth it not in great extremity (וְלֹא־יָדַע בַּפַּשׁ מְאֹד, velo-yada bapash me'od) uses pash (פַּשׁ, meaning uncertain, possibly "transgression" or "extremity"). This verse's obscurity reflects textual challenges in Job.
Despite textual difficulty, the sense seems to be that Job doesn't recognize his situation properly—either God's mercy in restraining full wrath or Job's actual guilt. Yet God's final verdict contradicts Elihu's assessment. This teaches humility in interpreting others' suffering. Romans 11:33-34 declares: "O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments!" We must resist simplistic explanations of complex suffering. The gospel reveals God's wrath fell fully on Christ (Romans 3:25, propitiation), ensuring believers experience discipline, not punitive wrath (Hebrews 12:6-8).