Job 5:3
I have seen the foolish taking root: but suddenly I cursed his habitation.
Original Language Analysis
רָ֭אִיתִי
I have seen
H7200
רָ֭אִיתִי
I have seen
Strong's:
H7200
Word #:
2 of 7
to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
מַשְׁרִ֑ישׁ
taking root
H8327
מַשְׁרִ֑ישׁ
taking root
Strong's:
H8327
Word #:
4 of 7
to root, i.e., strike into the soil, or (by implication) to pluck from it
וָֽאֶקּ֖וֹב
I cursed
H5344
וָֽאֶקּ֖וֹב
I cursed
Strong's:
H5344
Word #:
5 of 7
to puncture, literally (to perforate, with more or less violence) or figuratively (to specify, designate, libel)
Historical Context
Wisdom teachers often appealed to personal observation to validate their theology. Eliphaz's claim to have seen this pattern repeatedly lends apparent authority to his misdiagnosis of Job's situation.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you guard against interpreting your observations through false theological frameworks?
- What role should personal experience play in shaping theology versus Scripture shaping how we interpret experience?
Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz claims personal observation: 'I have seen the foolish taking root: but suddenly I cursed his habitation.' The Hebrew 'root' suggests temporary stability, while 'suddenly' indicates swift judgment. Eliphaz implies he's watched people like Job—outwardly prosperous but inwardly wicked—receive sudden divine judgment. The phrase 'I cursed' could mean 'I pronounced judgment on' or 'I saw it become cursed.' Either way, Eliphaz categorizes Job among the foolish wicked receiving deserved judgment.