Job 4:12
Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a little thereof.
Original Language Analysis
דָּבָ֣ר
Now a thing
H1697
דָּבָ֣ר
Now a thing
Strong's:
H1697
Word #:
2 of 7
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
יְגֻנָּ֑ב
was secretly brought
H1589
יְגֻנָּ֑ב
was secretly brought
Strong's:
H1589
Word #:
3 of 7
to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive
Cross References
Job 26:14Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?Psalms 62:11God hath spoken once; twice have I heard this; that power belongeth unto God.1 Corinthians 13:12For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
Historical Context
Wisdom teachers often claimed revelatory knowledge, but Scripture tests all private revelation against God's character. Eliphaz's vision contains truth but leads to false conclusions about Job's suffering.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you test spiritual experiences against Scripture's truth?
- When has a spiritual experience led you to wrong conclusions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz claims a supernatural revelation ('a thing was secretly brought to me') to validate his theology. The mysterious nighttime vision adds authority to his argument but reveals pride - assuming his experience represents ultimate truth. God's later rebuke (42:7) shows that spiritual experiences must align with divine revelation.