Job 4:10
The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken.
Original Language Analysis
וְשִׁנֵּ֖י
and the teeth
H8127
וְשִׁנֵּ֖י
and the teeth
Strong's:
H8127
Word #:
5 of 7
a tooth (as sharp); specifically ivory; figuratively, a cliff
Cross References
Psalms 58:6Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth: break out the great teeth of the young lions, O LORD.Psalms 57:4My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.Psalms 3:7Arise, O LORD; save me, O my God: for thou hast smitten all mine enemies upon the cheek bone; thou hast broken the teeth of the ungodly.Proverbs 30:14There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.
Historical Context
Lion imagery for powerful oppressors appears throughout ancient Near Eastern literature and Scripture (Psalm 7:2, 10:9). Eliphaz's use of this common metaphor wrongly categorizes Job among the wicked.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you guard against misapplying true theological principles to judge others wrongly?
- What does Eliphaz's misuse of lion imagery teach us about the danger of proof-texting?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz uses animal imagery: 'The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, and the teeth of the young lions, are broken.' Lions represent powerful wicked people who oppress others. The Hebrew 'nathats' (broken) suggests God violently destroys the powerful wicked. Eliphaz implies Job must be such a one, since he's suffering God's destruction. This shows how even accurate theology (God does judge the wicked) can be misapplied to falsely accuse the innocent.