Job 4:17
Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?
Original Language Analysis
הַֽ֭אֱנוֹשׁ
H376
הַֽ֭אֱנוֹשׁ
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
1 of 7
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
יִצְדָּ֑ק
be more just
H6663
יִצְדָּ֑ק
be more just
Strong's:
H6663
Word #:
3 of 7
to be (causatively, make) right (in a moral or forensic sense)
אִ֥ם
H518
אִ֥ם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
4 of 7
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
מֵֽ֝עֹשֵׂ֗הוּ
than his maker
H6213
מֵֽ֝עֹשֵׂ֗הוּ
than his maker
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 7
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Job 9:2I know it is so of a truth: but how should man be just with God?Job 25:4How then can man be justified with God? or how can he be clean that is born of a woman?Ecclesiastes 7:20For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.Psalms 143:2And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.Romans 11:33O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out!Revelation 4:8And the four beasts had each of them six wings about him; and they were full of eyes within: and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come.Psalms 145:17The LORD is righteous in all his ways, and holy in all his works.Job 35:10But none saith, Where is God my maker, who giveth songs in the night;Job 35:2Thinkest thou this to be right, that thou saidst, My righteousness is more than God's?Job 15:14What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?
Historical Context
The question reflects ancient debates about divine justice. Mesopotamian wisdom texts similarly grapple with whether humans can be righteous before the gods. Eliphaz's logic is impeccable in the abstract but fails to address Job's specific situation. The verse highlights the danger of applying true theology inappropriately—using correct doctrine to make false accusations.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we distinguish between defending God's justice and falsely accusing fellow believers?
- What does this verse teach about the misuse of sound theology to draw unsound conclusions?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz's question 'Shall mortal man be more just than God? shall a man be more pure than his maker?' uses comparative language challenging Job's implied accusations against divine justice. The Hebrew enosh (אֱנוֹשׁ) emphasizes human frailty and mortality, while gever (גֶּבֶר) denotes a strong man. The rhetorical structure assumes the answer 'No'—creatures cannot exceed their Creator in justice or purity. This argument is theologically sound but misapplied: Job hasn't claimed to be more just than God, only that he hasn't committed sins worthy of his suffering.