Job 4:15
Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up:
Original Language Analysis
וְ֭רוּחַ
Then a spirit
H7307
וְ֭רוּחַ
Then a spirit
Strong's:
H7307
Word #:
1 of 7
wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פָּנַ֣י
before my face
H6440
פָּנַ֣י
before my face
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 7
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
יַֽחֲלֹ֑ף
passed
H2498
יַֽחֲלֹ֑ף
passed
Strong's:
H2498
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, to slide by, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce or change
Historical Context
Spirit encounters in ancient Near Eastern literature often included physical terror responses. The ambiguity of whether this spirit was from God or demonic forces reflects ancient theological uncertainty about the source of such experiences.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern between divine and demonic spiritual experiences?
- What characteristics mark genuine revelation from God versus counterfeit spiritual encounters?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz continues: 'Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up.' The Hebrew 'ruach' (spirit) could be divine or demonic. The physical response—hair standing up—indicates terror rather than peace. Notably, God's revelations to prophets often begin with 'fear not' (Daniel 10:12, Luke 1:13), while demonic encounters produce unqualified terror. Eliphaz's vision lacks the divine comfort and clarity that marks genuine revelation from God.