Job 36:4
For truly my words shall not be false: he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
שֶׁ֣קֶר
shall not be false
H8267
שֶׁ֣קֶר
shall not be false
Strong's:
H8267
Word #:
4 of 8
an untruth; by implication, a sham (often adverbial)
מִלָּ֑י
my words
H4405
מִלָּ֑י
my words
Strong's:
H4405
Word #:
5 of 8
a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic
Historical Context
Wisdom literature prized perfect knowledge (דֵּעָה, da'ah) as the highest intellectual achievement. Egyptian and Mesopotamian sages similarly claimed divine inspiration for their teachings. Elihu's claim to perfect knowledge seems audacious until God's speeches prove him partially correct—suffering does have pedagogical purposes beyond retribution. Unlike the three friends whose theology God explicitly rejects (42:7), Elihu's speeches stand uncorrected, suggesting his insights, though incomplete, align more closely with divine truth.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we test whether our theological convictions are 'false words' or truth aligned with God's revelation?
- What distinguishes confident proclamation of truth from presumptuous claims to 'perfect knowledge'?
- How does recognizing God's presence in our discussions change how we speak about theology?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For truly my words shall not be false—Elihu guarantees truthfulness using בַל־שֶׁ֣קֶר (bal-sheker), a strong negation meaning "not lies/deception." This oath-like formula claims divine inspiration for his discourse. The phrase he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee uses תְּמִ֖ים דֵּעִ֣ים (temim de'im), literally "complete/perfect of knowledge."
Critical question: who is this "perfect in knowledge"? Three interpretations exist:
Context favors interpretation 2—Elihu claims God Himself validates this theological discourse, standing present though unseen. This foreshadows God's whirlwind speech (38:1). The phrase anticipates Colossians 2:3 where Christ embodies all wisdom's treasures, and James 1:5 where God gives wisdom generously to those who ask.