Job 12:17
Job 12:17 in Multiple Translations
He leads counselors away barefoot and makes fools of judges.
He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools.
He leadeth counsellors away stripped, And judges maketh he fools.
He takes away the wisdom of the wise guides, and makes judges foolish;
He leads counselors away stripped of their wisdom, he makes judges into fools.
He causeth the counsellers to goe as spoyled, and maketh the iudges fooles.
Causing counsellors to go away a spoil, And judges He maketh foolish.
He leads counselors away stripped. He makes judges fools.
He leadeth counselors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools.
He bringeth counsellors to a foolish end, and judges to insensibility.
He sometimes causes the king’s officials to no longer be wise, and he causes judges to become foolish.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 12:17
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 12:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מוֹלִ֣יךְ
יוֹעֲצִ֣ים
שׁוֹלָ֑ל
וְֽ/שֹׁפְטִ֥ים
יְהוֹלֵֽל
מוֹלִ֣יךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
V-Hiphil
יוֹעֲצִ֣ים
yâʻats
H3289
to advise
V-Qal
שׁוֹלָ֑ל
shôwlâl
H7758
barefoot
Adj
וְֽ/שֹׁפְטִ֥ים
shâphaṭ
H8199
to judge
Conj | V-Qal
יְהוֹלֵֽל
hâlal
H1984
to shine
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 12:17
מוֹלִ֣יךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
V-Hiphil
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
יוֹעֲצִ֣ים
yâʻats
H3289
"to advise"
V-Qal
This Hebrew word means to advise or counsel someone, like giving guidance or planning something. It is used in the Bible to describe people seeking advice or working together to make a plan. The KJV translates it as advise or counsel.
Definition: 1) to advise, consult, give counsel, counsel, purpose, devise, plan 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to advise, counsel, give counsel, consult 1a2) counsellor (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to consult together, exchange counsel, deliberate, counsel together 1c) (Hithpael) to conspire
Usage: Occurs in 73 OT verses. KJV: advertise, take advise, advise (well), consult, (give, take) counsel(-lor), determine, devise, guide, purpose. See also: Exodus 18:19; Job 26:3; Psalms 16:7.
שׁוֹלָ֑ל
shôwlâl
H7758
"barefoot"
Adj
Being barefoot meant being naked or stripped, often implying captivity. This term is used in the Bible to describe someone who has been spoiled or stripped of their belongings.
Definition: barefoot
Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: spoiled, stripped. See also: Job 12:17; Job 12:19; Micah 1:8.
וְֽ/שֹׁפְטִ֥ים
shâphaṭ
H8199
"to judge"
Conj | V-Qal
To shaphat means to judge or govern, and can also mean to vindicate or punish. In the Bible, this term is often used to describe God's role as a judge, as well as human judges and rulers.
Definition: 1) to judge, govern, vindicate, punish 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to act as law-giver or judge or governor (of God, man) 1a1a) to rule, govern, judge 1a2) to decide controversy (of God, man) 1a3) to execute judgment 1a3a) discriminating (of man) 1a3b) vindicating 1a3c) condemning and punishing 1a3d) at theophanic advent for final judgment 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to enter into controversy, plead, have controversy together 1b2) to be judged 1c) (Poel) judge, opponent-at-law (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] avenge, [idiom] that condemn, contend, defend, execute (judgment), (be a) judge(-ment), [idiom] needs, plead, reason, rule. See also: Genesis 16:5; Psalms 9:5; Psalms 2:10.
יְהוֹלֵֽל
hâlal
H1984
"to shine"
V-Piel-Imperf-3ms
To be foolish means to act wildly or make a show, like the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18:29. It can also mean to celebrate or boast, as in Psalm 38:5.
Definition: 1) to shine 1a) (Qal) to shine (fig. of God's favour) 1b) (Hiphil) to flash forth light
Usage: Occurs in 140 OT verses. KJV: (make) boast (self), celebrate, commend, (deal, make), fool(-ish, -ly), glory, give (light), be (make, feign self) mad (against), give in marriage, (sing, be worthy of) praise, rage, renowned, shine. See also: Genesis 12:15; Psalms 113:1; Psalms 5:6.
Study Notes — Job 12:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 12:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 12:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 12:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 12:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 12:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 12:17
- Cambridge Bible on Job 12:17
- Barnes' Notes on Job 12:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 12:17
- Sermons on Job 12:17
Context — Job Presents His Case
15If He holds back the waters, they dry up, and if He releases them, they overwhelm the land.
16True wisdom and power belong to Him. The deceived and the deceiver are His.
17He leads counselors away barefoot and makes fools of judges.
18He loosens the bonds placed by kings and fastens a belt around their waists. 19He leads priests away barefoot and overthrows the established.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 29:14 | Therefore I will again confound these people with wonder upon wonder. The wisdom of the wise will vanish, and the intelligence of the intelligent will be hidden. ” |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 1:19–20 | For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.” Where is the wise man? Where is the scribe? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 17:23 | When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb. |
| 4 | Isaiah 19:12–14 | Where are your wise men now? Let them tell you and reveal what the LORD of Hosts has planned against Egypt. The princes of Zoan have become fools; the princes of Memphis are deceived. The cornerstones of her tribes have led Egypt astray. The LORD has poured into her a spirit of confusion. Egypt has been led astray in all she does, as a drunkard staggers through his own vomit. |
| 5 | Job 3:14 | with kings and counselors of the earth, who built for themselves cities now in ruins, |
| 6 | Job 9:24 | The earth is given into the hand of the wicked; He blindfolds its judges. If it is not He, then who is it? |
| 7 | 2 Samuel 17:14 | Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. |
| 8 | 2 Samuel 15:31 | Now someone told David: “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” So David pleaded, “O LORD, please turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness!” |
Job 12:17 Summary
[This verse means that God is all-powerful and wise, and He can make even the smartest and most powerful people look foolish if He wants to, as we see in Isaiah 40:23 where God says He brings princes to nothing and makes the rulers of the earth as nothing. It's like when a parent takes away a child's crutches - the child has to rely on the parent to get around, and that's what God does to counselors and judges, He takes away their ability to rely on themselves and makes them rely on Him, similar to what we see in Psalms 119:71 where it says it was good for the writer to be afflicted so that he could learn God's decrees. This shows us that God is in control of everything, even the people who seem the most powerful and wise, and we should trust in His wisdom and power rather than our own, just as it says in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with all our heart and lean not on our own understanding.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for God to lead counselors away barefoot?
This phrase suggests that God can render even the wisest and most powerful advisors helpless and humbled, much like the Israelites were led barefoot out of Egypt in Exodus 12:33, a symbol of their dependence on God.
How does God make fools of judges?
According to Job 12:17, God's power and wisdom are so great that He can make even the most esteemed judges appear foolish, as seen in Isaiah 44:25 where God says He will frustrate the signs of the false prophets and make fools of diviners.
Is this verse saying that God is against wisdom and good counsel?
No, this verse is not saying that God is against wisdom and good counsel, but rather that He is the ultimate source of true wisdom, as stated in Proverbs 9:10, and that human wisdom and power are nothing compared to His.
What is the significance of God leading away counselors and priests barefoot?
This emphasizes God's sovereign control over all aspects of human life, including the powerful and the religious leaders, as seen in Job 12:18 where God loosens the bonds placed by kings and fastens a belt around their waists, demonstrating His absolute authority over human institutions.
Reflection Questions
- How does the image of God leading counselors away barefoot challenge my own sense of self-sufficiency and wisdom?
- In what ways have I seen God's power and wisdom at work in my own life, making the wise look foolish?
- What are some areas where I need to surrender my own wisdom and control to God, acknowledging His sovereignty over all things?
- How can I apply the truth of God's sovereignty and wisdom to my daily decisions and relationships?
Gill's Exposition on Job 12:17
He leadeth counsellors away spoiled,.... Such who have the greatest share of knowledge and wisdom in civil things, and are capable of giving advice to others, and are very useful in commonwealths, in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 12:17
He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools. Spoiled - [ showlaal (H7758)] stripped of the upper garment and barefoot, as captives (Isaiah 20:4). (Maurer.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 12:17
The wise counsellors or statesmen, by whom the affairs of kings and kingdoms are ordered, he leadeth away as captives in triumph, being spoiled either of that wisdom which they had, or seemed or pretended to have; or of that power and dignity which they had enjoyed. Maketh the judges fools; partly by discovering their folly, and partly by infatuating their minds, and turning their own counsels to their ruin; of which see 17:14,23 Isa 19:11 .
Trapp's Commentary on Job 12:17
Job 12:17 He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools.Ver. 17. He leadeth counsellors away spoiled] viz. Of wit, wealth, and honour. This should be a warning to them, not to take ill causes in hand, not to call evil good and good evil, not to justify the wicked for a reward, and to take away the righteousness of the righteous from him; not to bolster out a bad cause, and to outface a good, lest if they improve their wits and parts to so evil an end, God make them as despicable as before they were honourable. They may see what the Lord did to Ahithophel, that oracle of his time; to Pharaoh’ s counsellors, Isaiah 9:11-12; to Pharaoh himself, Exodus 1:10 with Proverbs 28:15. And he maketh the judges fools] Broughton rendereth the verse thus, He brings counsellors to badness, and judges to stark madness. He infatuateth them, not by infusing folly into them, anymore than the sun, when he shineth not in our horizon, causeth darkness in the air, which of itself and of its own nature is dark. But when God withholdeth that light of wisdom which he had imparted to a man, his inbred darkness must needs show itself. More than this, it sometimes cometh to pass, that when God delivereth a man up for his sins to a reprobate and injudicious mind, he is thenceforth deprived sometimes of natural wisdom and common sense, that the divine revenge may be the more apparent.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 12:17
Verse 17. He leadeth counsellors away spoiled] The events of war are also in his hand. It is he who gives victory; through him even the counsellors - the great men and chief men, are often led into captivity, and found among the spoils. And maketh the judges fools.] He infatuates the judges. Does this refer to the foolish conduct of some of the Israelitish judges, such as Samson?
Cambridge Bible on Job 12:17
17. away spoiled] The word is rendered “stripped” Micah 1:8, the meaning being, deprived of their outer garments, and clothed as slaves and captives. The word might perhaps mean “barefooted” (so Sept. Micah 1:8), also a condition of those in destitution and mourning, 2 Samuel 15:30. On second clause “maketh judges fools,” turns them into fools, and shews them as fools, cf. Isaiah 44:25; Isaiah 19:11 seq.
Barnes' Notes on Job 12:17
He leadeth counsellors away spoiled - Plundered or captive. That is, the counsels of wise and great men do not avail against God.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 12:17
17. Spoiled — Barefoot. Captives were often stripped of their covering.Isaiah 20:4.
Sermons on Job 12:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Discipline and Blessing Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the desperate times we are living in and the need for people to turn to God. He highlights the serious social and moral problems we are faci |
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Adam's Irretrievable Loss by G.W. North | G.W. North discusses the profound consequences of Adam's choice to disobey God by eating the forbidden fruit, which led to the loss of wisdom and the introduction of folly into hum |
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1 Corinthians 1 by John Nelson Darby | John Nelson Darby explores the first epistle to the Corinthians, emphasizing the distinction between being 'sanctified in Christ Jesus' and merely calling on the name of the Lord. |
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Getting Back to Basics: Survival of the Revival by Robert Wurtz II | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of revival and how many people experience temporary awakenings but eventually fall back into their old spiritual condition. He emp |
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Spiritual Times and Seasons by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the vanity of all creature enjoyments and the importance of experiencing the killing and healing work of grace in the soul. Through the examples of King So |
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The Course of This Age by Lewis Sperry Chafer | Lewis Sperry Chafer emphasizes the importance of rightly dividing the word of truth, warning against a critical attitude that may lead to unbelief and reliance on worldly wisdom. U |
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So You Want a "Sign" From God? by Ray Comfort | Ray Comfort preaches about a man named Tony who grapples with the truth of the Bible and the need for a Savior as he faces a life-threatening situation. Through Tony's journey of d |