Job 12:2
Job 12:2 in Multiple Translations
“Truly then you are the people with whom wisdom itself will die!
No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.
No doubt but ye are the people, And wisdom shall die with you.
No doubt you have knowledge, and wisdom will come to an end with you.
“You really think you're special people, don't you? Obviously when you die, wisdom will die with you!
In deede because that ye are the people onely, wisedome must dye with you.
Truly — ye [are] the people, And with you doth wisdom die.
“No doubt, but you are the people, and wisdom will die with you.
No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you.
Are you then men alone, and shall wisdom die with you?
“You ◄talk as though/You think► [SAR] that you are the people whom everyone should listen to, and that when you die, there will be no more wise people.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 12:2
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 12:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אָ֭מְנָם
כִּ֣י
אַתֶּם
עָ֑ם
וְ֝/עִמָּ/כֶ֗ם
תָּמ֥וּת
חָכְמָֽה
אָ֭מְנָם
ʼomnâm
H551
truly
Adv
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אַתֶּם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms
וְ֝/עִמָּ/כֶ֗ם
ʻim
H5973
with
Conj | Prep | Suff
תָּמ֥וּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
חָכְמָֽה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 12:2
אָ֭מְנָם
ʼomnâm
H551
"truly"
Adv
This Hebrew word means truly or surely, used to emphasize the truth of something. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, such as in Genesis and Deuteronomy. It confirms the authenticity of a statement.
Definition: verily, truly, surely
Usage: Occurs in 9 OT verses. KJV: indeed, no doubt, surely, (it is, of a) true(-ly, -th). See also: Ruth 3:12; Job 19:4; Isaiah 37:18.
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אַתֶּם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
עָ֑ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וְ֝/עִמָּ/כֶ֗ם
ʻim
H5973
"with"
Conj | Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.
Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as
Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.
תָּמ֥וּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
חָכְמָֽה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
Study Notes — Job 12:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 12:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 12:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 12:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 12:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 12:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 12:2
- Cambridge Bible on Job 12:2
- Barnes' Notes on Job 12:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 12:2
- Sermons on Job 12:2
Context — Job Presents His Case
1Then Job answered:
2“Truly then you are the people with whom wisdom itself will die!
3But I also have a mind; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these? 4I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God, and He answered. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 5:21 | Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. |
| 2 | Job 8:8–10 | Please inquire of past generations and consider the discoveries of their fathers. For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow. Will they not teach you and tell you, and speak from their understanding? |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 6:5 | I say this to your shame. Is there really no one among you wise enough to arbitrate between his brothers? |
| 4 | Proverbs 28:11 | A rich man is wise in his own eyes, but a poor man with discernment sees through him. |
| 5 | Job 17:10 | But come back and try again, all of you. For I will not find a wise man among you. |
| 6 | Job 11:12 | But a witless man can no more become wise than the colt of a wild donkey can be born a man! |
| 7 | Job 17:4 | You have closed their minds to understanding; therefore You will not exalt them. |
| 8 | Job 20:3 | I have heard a rebuke that insults me, and my understanding prompts a reply. |
| 9 | Job 11:6 | and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves. |
| 10 | Job 6:24–25 | Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred. How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove? |
Job 12:2 Summary
[Job is saying that if his friends are the wisest people around, then wisdom is not very wise at all, because they have not shown him kindness or understanding. This is like what Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, where He teaches that we should show love and compassion to those in need. Job is feeling frustrated and hurt by his friends' words, and he wishes they could see things from his perspective, as he says in Job 13:3. He wants them to know that he is not inferior to them, and that he also has thoughts and feelings, just like they do, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:26-31.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Job implying when he says 'wisdom itself will die'?
Job is suggesting that if his friends are the epitome of wisdom, then wisdom itself has come to an end, as their words and actions have not demonstrated true understanding or compassion, much like the foolishness described in Proverbs 12:1.
Is Job being sarcastic in this verse?
Yes, Job's statement is laced with sarcasm, as he is pointing out the hypocrisy and lack of wisdom in his friends' words and actions, similar to the way Jesus addressed the Pharisees in Matthew 23:27.
What is the tone of Job's response in this verse?
Job's tone is one of frustration, sadness, and possibly even anger, as he feels his friends have misunderstood him and are not offering the comfort and support he needs, as described in Job 16:2.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Job?
This verse highlights the theme of true wisdom versus false wisdom, and how Job's friends are exemplifying the latter, which is a central issue throughout the book of Job, as seen in Job 28:28 and Proverbs 9:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be seeking wisdom from the wrong sources, and how can I redirect my search to God's Word?
- How can I, like Job, discern between true and false wisdom, and what role does the Bible play in this discernment?
- In what ways can I offer comfort and support to those who are suffering, rather than offering empty words or judgment, as seen in Job 2:11-13?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper understanding of God's wisdom, as described in Psalm 119:66 and Proverbs 2:6?
Gill's Exposition on Job 12:2
No doubt but ye [are] the people,.... Which is said not seriously, meaning that they were but of the common people, that are generally ignorant, and have but little knowledge, at least of things
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 12:2
No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you. Wisdom shall die with you! - Ironical. As if all the wisdom in the world was concentrated in them, and would expire when they expired.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 12:2
Ye are the people; you three, and you only, are the people, i.e. people of all people for eminency of wisdom, the only company of reasonable creatures; all others are but fools or beasts: you have engrossed all the reason of mankind; and each of you have as much wisdom as a whole people put together. It is an ironical expression, as the next verse showeth. Wisdom shall die with you; all the wisdom and knowledge of Divine things which is in the world lives in you, and will die and be utterly lost when you die. This you think of yourselves; and this makes you so confidently and peremptorily deliver your opinions, and give laws to me and all mankind, and even to God himself.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 12:2
Job 12:2 No doubt but ye [are] the people, and wisdom shall die with you.Ver. 2. No doubt but ye are the people] The select peculiar people, the only ones, as a man is put for a good man, Jeremiah 5:1, a wife for a good wife, Proverbs 18:22, a name for a good name, Ecclesiastes 7:1. As Athens was said to be the Greece of Greece, and as one promising to show his friend all Athens at once, showed him Solon; or as the Latin poet, saying of Fabius Maximus, Hic patria est, murique urbis stant pectore in uno (Silius). So saith Job by a holy jeer (not to disgrace his friends, but to bring them to more modesty and moderation, if it might be), Certes, ye are not one or two men, but specimen totius orbis, an epitome of the world, or at least the representative of some whole people (Vatablus); ye have got away all the wit from myself and others, whom ye look upon as so many wild ass’ s colts in comparison of yourselves. Thus the pope (Simon Magus like) pretends to be some great thing, Acts 8:9, even the Church virtual; and that in his breast, as in Noah’ s ark, is comprehended all wisdom and worth. Ye know nothing at all, saith he (Caiaphas-like), to all others, John 11:49. So do his janizaries, the Jesuits, who will needs be taken for the only scholars, politicians, and orators of the world. The Church, say they, is the soul of the world; the clergy, of the Church; and we, of the clergy; the empire of learning is ours, &c. And wisdom shall die with you] As being locked up in your bosoms. Suetonius telleth us of Palaemon, the grammarian, that he was heard to say that learning was born with him, and would die with him.
The Gnostics would needs be held the only knowing men; Illuminates, in Spain, the only spiritual men; Swenkfeldians, in Germany, styled themselves the confessors of the glory of Christ; our Antinomians, the hearers of the gospel, and of free grace. But what saith Solomon? "Let another man praise thee, and not thine own mouth," Proverbs 27:2. And that which had been much to a man’ s commendation if from another, soundeth very slenderly from himself, saith Pliny. Aben Ezra and Rabbi Levi set another sense upon this verse, as if it were no irony, but a plain assertion to this effect: Questionless you are to be counted among the common sort of people. See John 7:49. Neither is there in you anything excellent or extraordinary, that ye should be looked upon as drained from the dregs or sifted from the brans of the very vulgar; your wisdom, if ever you had any, is even dead and decayed with you, and you have outlived your prime, &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 12:2
Verse 2. No doubt but ye are the people] Doubtless ye are the wisest men in the world; all wisdom is concentrated in you; and when ye die, there will no more be found on the face of the earth! This is a strong irony.
Cambridge Bible on Job 12:2
2. ye are the people] Sarcastic admiration of the wisdom of his three friends, cf. ch. Job 11:6. “The people” does not seem to mean the right people, persons worthy of the name of “people;” rather “the people” is used as three other persons, well known to history, employed it, when they said, “We, the people of England.” It means the whole people; hence Job adds, “Wisdom will die with you.”
Barnes' Notes on Job 12:2
No doubt but ye are the people - That is, the only wise people. You have engrossed all the wisdom of the world, and all else are to be regarded as fools.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 12:2
Section 1: OF THAT WISDOM WHICH FAILS TO THE OF THE WICKED, Job 12:2-12.a. Piety in straits is an object of derision; while robbers (such as the Sabeans and Chaldaeans) are at peace, Job 12:2-6.2.
Sermons on Job 12:2
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Humanism-the Fifth Woe by Martyn-Lloyd Jones | Martyn-Lloyd Jones addresses the concept of humanism as the fifth woe pronounced by Isaiah, emphasizing that the Bible remains relevant and contemporary, revealing the timeless nat |
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A Life of Victory in the Midst of Troubles by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's faith and not compromising with the world. He warns against trying to win people over by conforming |
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Orthodoxy (How to Discern 3) by Anton Bosch | Anton Bosch addresses the issue of individual interpretation of the Bible, emphasizing the importance of aligning our understanding with orthodox doctrine that has been established |
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(Come Up Higher) the Place of Wisdom by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the idea that as believers, we have a choice to make each day. We are not capable of making someone spiritual or taking them to heaven, but w |
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A Form of Godliness by Welcome Detweiler | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incredible accomplishments of Jesus Christ in just three and a half years of ministry. He highlights that Jesus is coming to Jerusalem t |
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Subjection Under God's Chastisement by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes the necessity of being in subjection to God's chastisement, acknowledging our inherent rebellious nature inherited from our first parents. He explains that tru |
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The Lord's Measured Correction by Octavius Winslow | Octavius Winslow emphasizes the necessity of divine correction in our spiritual journey, illustrating that trials and afflictions are essential for our sanctification and moral fit |