Job 13:12
Job 13:12 in Multiple Translations
Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.
Your remembrances are like unto ashes, your bodies to bodies of clay.
Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes, Your defences are defences of clay.
Your wise sayings are only dust, and your strong places are only earth.
Your sayings are as helpful as ashes; your arguments as weak as clay.
Your memories may be compared vnto ashes, and your bodyes to bodyes of clay.
Your remembrances [are] similes of ashes, For high places of clay your heights.
Your memorable sayings are proverbs of ashes. Your defenses are defenses of clay.
Your remembrances are like to ashes, your bodies to bodies of clay.
Your remembrance shall be compared to ashes, and your necks shall be brought to clay.
The things that you say that you think are wise are as useless as [MET] as ashes; what you say to defend your opinions is no better than [MET] clay that quickly crumbles.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 13:12
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 13:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זִֽ֭כְרֹנֵי/כֶם
מִשְׁלֵי
אֵ֑פֶר
לְ/גַבֵּי
חֹ֝֗מֶר
גַּבֵּי/כֶֽם
זִֽ֭כְרֹנֵי/כֶם
zikrôwn
H2146
memorial
N-mp | Suff
מִשְׁלֵי
mâshâl
H4912
proverb
N-mp
אֵ֑פֶר
ʼêpher
H665
ashes
N-ms
לְ/גַבֵּי
gab
H1354
back/rim/brow
Prep | N-cp
חֹ֝֗מֶר
chômer
H2563
clay
N-ms
גַּבֵּי/כֶֽם
gab
H1354
back/rim/brow
N-cp | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 13:12
זִֽ֭כְרֹנֵי/כֶם
zikrôwn
H2146
"memorial"
N-mp | Suff
A memorial or reminder, this word refers to something that helps people remember important events or people. It can be a written record or a special day. The word is used in the Bible to describe memorials to God.
Definition: memorial, reminder, remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: memorial, record. See also: Exodus 12:14; Numbers 17:5; Isaiah 57:8.
מִשְׁלֵי
mâshâl
H4912
"proverb"
N-mp
A proverb is a short saying that teaches a lesson, often using comparisons or metaphors, like those found in the book of Proverbs. It's a way of sharing wisdom and insight. Proverbs are used by Solomon and other biblical writers.
Definition: 1) proverb, parable 1a) proverb, proverbial saying, aphorism 1b) byword 1c) similitude, parable 1d) poem 1e) sentences of ethical wisdom, ethical maxims
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: byword, like, parable, proverb. See also: Numbers 23:7; Psalms 78:2; Psalms 44:15.
אֵ֑פֶר
ʼêpher
H665
"ashes"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to ashes, often symbolizing worthlessness or something worthless. It is used to describe something that has been destroyed or reduced to nothing.
Definition: 1) ashes 2) (CLBL) worthlessness (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: ashes. See also: Genesis 18:27; Psalms 147:16; Psalms 102:10.
לְ/גַבֵּי
gab
H1354
"back/rim/brow"
Prep | N-cp
This Hebrew word describes the back or rounded part of something, like the back of a person or an object, as seen in Exodus 28:12 where it talks about the back of the ephod. It can also refer to the rim or top of something.
Definition: 1) convex surface, back 1a) back (of man) 1b) mound (for illicit worship) 1c) boss (convex projection of shield) 1d) bulwarks, breastworks (of arguments-fig.) 1e) brow, eyebrow 1f) rim (of wheel) Aramaic equivalent: gav (גַּב "back" H1355)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: back, body, boss, eminent (higher) place, (eye) brows, nave, ring. See also: Leviticus 14:9; Ezekiel 1:18; Psalms 129:3.
חֹ֝֗מֶר
chômer
H2563
"clay"
N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a dry measure, about 65 gallons, or a heap of material like clay or mire. It is used in the Bible to describe measurements and substances.
Definition: 1) cement, mortar, clay 1a) mortar, cement 1b) clay 1c) mire
Usage: Occurs in 26 OT verses. KJV: clay, heap, homer, mire, motion. See also: Genesis 11:3; Isaiah 10:6; Isaiah 5:10.
גַּבֵּי/כֶֽם
gab
H1354
"back/rim/brow"
N-cp | Suff
This Hebrew word describes the back or rounded part of something, like the back of a person or an object, as seen in Exodus 28:12 where it talks about the back of the ephod. It can also refer to the rim or top of something.
Definition: 1) convex surface, back 1a) back (of man) 1b) mound (for illicit worship) 1c) boss (convex projection of shield) 1d) bulwarks, breastworks (of arguments-fig.) 1e) brow, eyebrow 1f) rim (of wheel) Aramaic equivalent: gav (גַּב "back" H1355)
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: back, body, boss, eminent (higher) place, (eye) brows, nave, ring. See also: Leviticus 14:9; Ezekiel 1:18; Psalms 129:3.
Study Notes — Job 13:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 13:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 13:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 13:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 13:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 13:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 13:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 13:12
- Cambridge Bible on Job 13:12
- Barnes' Notes on Job 13:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 13:12
- Sermons on Job 13:12
Context — Job Prepares His Case
10Surely He would rebuke you if you secretly showed partiality.
11Would His majesty not terrify you? Would the dread of Him not fall upon you?
12Your maxims are proverbs of ashes; your defenses are defenses of clay.
13Be silent, and I will speak. Then let come to me what may. 14Why do I put myself at risk and take my life in my own hands?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 18:17 | The memory of him perishes from the earth, and he has no name in the land. |
| 2 | 2 Corinthians 5:1 | Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is dismantled, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. |
| 3 | Isaiah 26:14 | The dead will not live; the departed spirits will not rise. Therefore You have punished and destroyed them; You have wiped out all memory of them. |
| 4 | Psalms 109:15 | May their sins always remain before the LORD, that He may cut off their memory from the earth. |
| 5 | Genesis 2:7 | Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being. |
| 6 | Proverbs 10:7 | The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked will rot. |
| 7 | Psalms 102:12 | But You, O LORD, sit enthroned forever; Your renown endures to all generations. |
| 8 | Exodus 17:14 | Then the LORD said to Moses, “Write this on a scroll as a reminder and recite it to Joshua, because I will utterly blot out the memory of Amalek from under heaven.” |
| 9 | Genesis 18:27 | Then Abraham answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes— |
| 10 | Job 4:19 | how much more those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundations are in the dust, who can be crushed like a moth! |
Job 13:12 Summary
In this verse, Job is saying that his friends' words are empty and don't have any real value, like ashes that are cold and useless. He's also saying that their arguments are weak and will fall apart, like clay that breaks easily. This teaches us to be careful about what we listen to and to make sure we're building our lives on strong, spiritual foundations (like in Matthew 7:24-27). We should seek wise and truthful words, and trust in God's strength rather than our own fragile defenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Job mean by 'maxims are proverbs of ashes'?
Job is saying that the advice and words of his friends are empty and lack spiritual value, much like ashes that are devoid of warmth or substance, as seen in Isaiah 44:20 where it talks about a person being deceived by ashes.
Why does Job compare their defenses to 'defenses of clay'?
Job is highlighting the weakness and fragility of his friends' arguments, implying that they will not withstand the tests of time or God's judgment, similar to how the potter's clay is fragile in Jeremiah 18:4.
Is Job being disrespectful to his friends by saying this?
Job is not being disrespectful, but rather, he is expressing his frustration and disappointment with the unhelpful and inaccurate counsel he has received, as seen in Job 6:25 where he asks for honest and straightforward words.
What can we learn from Job's response in this verse?
We can learn the importance of seeking and speaking truthful and edifying words, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29, and being cautious of offering or receiving counsel that lacks spiritual depth or substance.
Reflection Questions
- What are some 'ashes' or empty words that I may be holding onto, and how can I replace them with spiritual truth?
- In what ways can I build my defenses on the solid foundation of God's Word, rather than on fragile or temporary things?
- How can I discern whether the counsel I receive from others is wise and Spirit-led, or if it is empty and lacking in substance?
- What are some 'clay' defenses in my own life that I need to surrender to God, and how can I trust in His strength instead?
Gill's Exposition on Job 13:12
Your remembrances [are] like unto ashes,.... Either of things they put Job in remembrance of, the mementos which they had suggested to him; see Job 4:7; or the things which they had brought forth out
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 13:12
Your remembrances are like unto ashes, your bodies to bodies of clay. Remembrances - `proverbial maxims,' so called because well-remembered: 'memorial sentences,' are - rather, shall become.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 13:12
Your remembrances; either, 1. Actively, i.e. your memorials, or your discourses and arguments, by which you design to bring things to my remembrance. So he might possibly allude to that passage, . Remember, I pray thee, &c. That and all your other mementos are like unto ashes, i.e. contemptible and unprofitable, Heb. are parables, or speeches, of dust, or ashes. Or, 2. Passively; all that which is most excellent and memorable in you, your wealth, and dignity, and wit, and reputation, or whatsoever it is for which you expect or desire to be remembered, it is all but poor despicable dust and ashes. And therefore you have just reason to abhor yourselves, and to dread the Divine Majesty, as I now advised you. Your bodies; though they be not full of sores and boils as mine is, yet they are but dust, and to dust they shall return as well as mine. Heb. your backs, which, being the strongest part of the body, is put for the whole body.
Or, your eminencies, or excellencies, as this word most properly signifies, as Hebricians observe; so it answers to their memorables. All those things wherein you do, or think that you do, excel others, are but like eminencies, or lumps, or heaps of clay, vain and useless things, if compared with the excellencies of God. Or, your heights, i.e. your lofty discourses, are like clay, i.e. without solidity and strength.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 13:12
Job 13:12 Your remembrances [are] like unto ashes, your bodies to bodies of clay.Ver. 12. Your remembrances are like unto ashes, &c.] Mr Beza readeth the whole verse thus: Your speeches are the words of ashes, and your stately bulwarks are but bulwarks of clay. And thus he paraphraseth: For these things which you allege as matters gathered by long observations, and which you thunder out against me as if they were most certain and grounded axioms, are indeed no more sound and substantial than ashes; and those your high forts, as it were, and turrets, out of which you assail me, are made but of dirt and mire. Others, by "your remembrances," understand with Mercer, quicquid in vobis memorabile est, whatsoever it is for the which you are so often remembered and mentioned by others, as your wealth, dignity, power, splendour, name, and fame, yea, your very life, is nothing else but ashes, and all shall return to ashes, and come to nought, according to that of Abraham, I am but dust and ashes, Genesis 18:27; such an infinite distance there is between God’ s unconceiveable highness and your extreme meanness, or rather, utter nothingness. Your bodies to bodies of clay] i.e. To images made of clay or earth; or, that which is highest in you, even your best enjoyments, your chiefest eminences, or greatest elevations, are like to a lump of clay, terrae quam terimus, terrae quam gerimus. See Job 4:19.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 13:12
(12) Remembrances—i.e. “Wise and memorable saws of garnered wisdom are proverbs of ashes, worthless as the dust, and fit for bodies of clay like your bodies.” Or, as some understand it, “Your high fabrics, or defences, are fabrics of clay,” as an independent parallelism.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 13:12
Verse 12. Your remembrances are like unto ashes] Your memorable sayings are proverbs of dust. This is properly the meaning of the original: זכרניכם משלי אפר zichroneycem mishley epher. This he speaks in reference to the ancient and reputedly wise sayings which they had so copiously quoted against him. Your bodies to bodies of clay.] This clause is variously translated: Your swelling heaps are swelling heaps of mire. That is, Your high-flown speeches are dark, involved, and incoherent; they are all sound, no sense; great swelling words, either of difficult or no meaning, or of no point as applicable to my case.
Cambridge Bible on Job 13:12
12. This verse reads, Your remembrances shall be proverbs of ashes, Your defences defences of dust. The term “remembrances” means their traditional sayings, remembered from antiquity, their maxims, such as Bildad adduced, ch. 8, and Eliphaz with his Remember now! ch. Job 4:7; these shall be found to be but ashes, easily dissipated, and not able to resist. The word “defences” is used of the boss of the buckler, ch. Job 15:26, and may refer to some sort of breastwork or cover from which men assailed the enemy. These shall turn out defences of dust, lit clay, i. e. dried clay, which crumbles into dust. “Defences” here are not works for defence strictly but for offence, they are the arguments of the friends; cf. Isaiah 41:21, “strong reasons.” These great arguments which the friends used in defence of God against Job shall be found by them, when God searches them out, to be mere ashes and crumbling clay. So it turned out, cf. ch. Job 42:7 seq.
Barnes' Notes on Job 13:12
Your remembrances are like unto ashes - There has been a considerable variety in the interpretation of this verse. The meaning in our common version is certainly not very clear.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 13:12
12. Remembrances — Memorable sayings. Like unto ashes — Are maxims of ashes. In the East, ashes are regarded as of no value, fit only to be trodden under foot, (Malachi 4:3,) hence an image of worthlessness, Genesis 18:27.
Sermons on Job 13:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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To Live Is Christ, to Die Is Gain by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher talks about the unpredictability of the Holy Ghost and the power of the word of God. He mentions a church that typed out a notice for the Holy Ghost to |
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The Perils of Paul by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the dedication and discipline of a young Chinese girl who practices diving for hours every day for five years. He uses this example to chall |
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Where the Spirit Is by Norman Meeten | In this sermon, the preacher begins by highlighting the harsh realities of life for children in China and Cameroon, emphasizing the bondage and darkness that exists even in sophist |
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Memento Mori by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon delivers a powerful sermon titled 'Memento Mori,' urging listeners to reflect on the inevitability of death and the importance of considering their eternal destiny. H |
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The Body: Old and New by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of our physical bodies as temporary dwellings, comparing them to tents that wear out. He emphasizes the importance of believing i |
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(John) the Gracious Gaze by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the story of Jesus healing a blind man. Despite being surrounded by a hostile crowd, Jesus takes the time to notice and have sympathy for th |
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The Resurrection Credible by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the incomprehensible nature of the word of God and the difficulty in fully understanding it. He argues that there are no perfect analogies i |