Job 5:12
He disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.
Original Language Analysis
מֵ֭פֵר
He disappointeth
H6565
מֵ֭פֵר
He disappointeth
Strong's:
H6565
Word #:
1 of 7
to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
the devices
H4284
מַחְשְׁב֣וֹת
the devices
Strong's:
H4284
Word #:
2 of 7
a contrivance, i.e., (concretely) a texture, machine, or (abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good, advice)
וְֽלֹא
H3808
וְֽלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 7
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תַעֲשֶׂ֥ינָה
cannot perform
H6213
תַעֲשֶׂ֥ינָה
cannot perform
Strong's:
H6213
Word #:
5 of 7
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
Cross References
Psalms 21:11For they intended evil against thee: they imagined a mischievous device, which they are not able to perform.Isaiah 8:10Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us.Proverbs 21:30There is no wisdom nor understanding nor counsel against the LORD.Psalms 37:17For the arms of the wicked shall be broken: but the LORD upholdeth the righteous.Isaiah 37:36Then the angel of the LORD went forth, and smote in the camp of the Assyrians a hundred and fourscore and five thousand: and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses.Acts 12:11And when Peter was come to himself, he said, Now I know of a surety, that the Lord hath sent his angel, and hath delivered me out of the hand of Herod, and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.Nehemiah 4:15And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known unto us, and God had brought their counsel to nought, that we returned all of us to the wall, every one unto his work.Isaiah 19:3And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in the midst thereof; and I will destroy the counsel thereof: and they shall seek to the idols, and to the charmers, and to them that have familiar spirits, and to the wizards.
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature frequently celebrated divine disruption of evil plots. Eliphaz uses this true theological principle to make false accusations about Job's character.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you maintain faith that God will ultimately frustrate evil when it seems to temporarily prosper?
- What does God's disruption of wicked plans teach us about His sovereignty over history?
Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz praises God who 'disappointeth the devices of the crafty, so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise.' The Hebrew 'parar' (break/frustrate) and 'tushiyah' (enterprise/wisdom) describe God's sovereign disruption of wicked plans. This is true theology (Psalm 33:10), but Eliphaz subtly implies Job must be among the 'crafty' whose plans God frustrated. True application would recognize that God sometimes allows the righteous to suffer while ultimately ensuring the wicked's plans fail.