Job 26:3
Job 26:3 in Multiple Translations
How you have counseled the unwise and provided fully sound insight!
How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom? and how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?
How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom, And plentifully declared sound knowledge!
How have you given teaching to him who has no wisdom, and fully made clear true knowledge!
What good advice you have given to this ignorant man, demonstrating you have so much wisdom.
Whome counsellest thou? him that hath no wisedome? thou shewest right well as the thing is.
What — thou hast given counsel to the unwise, And wise plans in abundance made known.
How have you counseled him who has no wisdom, and plentifully declared sound knowledge!
How hast thou counseled him that hath no wisdom? and how hast thou abundantly declared the thing as it is?
To whom hast thou given counsel? perhaps to him that hath no wisdom, and thou hast shewn thy very great prudence.
◄You certainly have counseled me well—I, who am not wise at all./Do you think that you have counseled me well—I, who am not wise at all?► [RHQ] ◄I’m sure you think that you have given a lot of very good advice to me. [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 26:3
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 26:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מַה
יָּ֭עַצְתָּ
לְ/לֹ֣א
חָכְמָ֑ה
וְ֝/תוּשִׁיָּ֗ה
לָ/רֹ֥ב
הוֹדָֽעְתָּ
מַה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
יָּ֭עַצְתָּ
yâʻats
H3289
to advise
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
לְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Prep | Part
חָכְמָ֑ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
וְ֝/תוּשִׁיָּ֗ה
tûwshîyâh
H8454
wisdom
Conj | N-fs
לָ/רֹ֥ב
rôb
H7230
abundance
Prep | N-cs
הוֹדָֽעְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
to know
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
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 26:3
מַה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
יָּ֭עַצְתָּ
yâʻats
H3289
"to advise"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
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.
לְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Prep | Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
חָכְמָ֑ה
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.
וְ֝/תוּשִׁיָּ֗ה
tûwshîyâh
H8454
"wisdom"
Conj | N-fs
Wisdom, or tushiyah, means support, ability, or understanding, often implying sound knowledge or efficient wisdom. It can also signify success or an undertaking, as seen in KJV translations like enterprise or substance.
Definition: 1) wisdom, sound knowledge, success, sound or efficient wisdom, abiding success 1a) sound or efficient wisdom 1b) abiding success (of the effect of sound wisdom)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: enterprise, that which (thing as it) is, substance, (sound) wisdom, working. See also: Job 5:12; Proverbs 2:7; Proverbs 3:21.
לָ/רֹ֥ב
rôb
H7230
"abundance"
Prep | N-cs
Describes abundance or greatness in the Bible, used to talk about God's power and creation in Psalms and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) multitude, abundance, greatness 1a) multitude 1a1) abundance, abundantly 1a2) numerous 1b) greatness
Usage: Occurs in 145 OT verses. KJV: abundance(-antly), all, [idiom] common (sort), excellent, great(-ly, -ness, number), huge, be increased, long, many, more in number, most, much, multitude, plenty(-ifully), [idiom] very (age). See also: Genesis 16:10; Job 32:7; Psalms 5:8.
הוֹדָֽעְתָּ
yâdaʻ
H3045
"to know"
V-Hiphil-Perf-2ms
The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)
Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.
Study Notes — Job 26:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 26:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 26:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 26:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 26:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 26:3
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 26:3
- Cambridge Bible on Job 26:3
- Barnes' Notes on Job 26:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 26:3
- Sermons on Job 26:3
Context — Job: Who Can Understand God’s Majesty?
1Then Job answered:
2“How you have helped the powerless and saved the arm that is feeble!
3How you have counseled the unwise and provided fully sound insight!
4To whom have you uttered these words? And whose spirit spoke through you? 5The dead tremble— those beneath the waters and those who dwell in them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 71:15–18 | My mouth will declare Your righteousness and Your salvation all day long, though I cannot know their full measure. I will enter in the strength of the Lord GOD; I will proclaim Your righteousness—Yours alone. O God, You have taught me from my youth, and to this day I proclaim Your marvelous deeds. Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, O God, until I proclaim Your power to the next generation, Your might to all who are to come. |
| 2 | Job 32:11–13 | Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words, I paid you full attention. But no one proved Job wrong; not one of you rebutted his arguments. So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not man, refute him.’ |
| 3 | Job 33:3 | My words are from an upright heart, and my lips speak sincerely what I know. |
| 4 | Job 12:3 | But I also have a mind; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these? |
| 5 | Job 17:10 | But come back and try again, all of you. For I will not find a wise man among you. |
| 6 | Psalms 49:1–4 | Hear this, all you peoples; listen, all inhabitants of the world, both low and high, rich and poor alike. My mouth will impart wisdom, and the meditation of my heart will bring understanding. I will incline my ear to a proverb; I will express my riddle with the harp: |
| 7 | Job 33:33 | But if not, then listen to me; be quiet, and I will teach you wisdom.” |
| 8 | Job 15:8–10 | Do you listen in on the council of God or limit wisdom to yourself? What do you know that we do not? What do you understand that is not clear to us? Both the gray-haired and the aged are on our side— men much older than your father. |
| 9 | Acts 20:27 | For I did not shrink back from declaring to you the whole will of God. |
| 10 | Job 38:2 | “Who is this who obscures My counsel by words without knowledge? |
Job 26:3 Summary
In this verse, Job is saying that his friend is claiming to have given wise advice to those who don't know what they're doing, but Job is being sarcastic because he doesn't think his friend has been very wise at all. It's like when someone tries to give you advice, but you can tell they don't really know what they're talking about, as seen in 1 Corinthians 1:20. Job is pointing out that true wisdom comes from God, not from human beings (Psalm 119:105, Job 28:28). We can learn from Job's example to be careful who we listen to and to seek wisdom from God's Word, as it is written in 2 Timothy 3:16-17.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the tone of Job's statement in this verse?
Job's statement in Job 26:3 is one of irony and sarcasm, as he is pointing out the inconsistency of his friend's words, similar to the way the prophet Isaiah spoke to the people of Israel in Isaiah 40:13-14, highlighting the foolishness of trusting in human wisdom rather than God's wisdom.
Who is Job addressing in this verse?
Job is addressing one of his friends, likely Bildad, who had been speaking to him, as seen in the context of Job 25, and Job is responding to the counsel he received, much like the apostle Paul responded to the Corinthians in 1 Corinthians 4:10, pointing out the flaws in their thinking.
What does 'counseled the unwise' mean in this context?
In this context, 'counseled the unwise' means to give advice to those who lack wisdom or understanding, as seen in Proverbs 10:21, where it is written that the wise give good counsel, and Job is highlighting the irony that his friend is claiming to give wise counsel when in fact they are not, much like the foolishness described in Proverbs 12:1.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Job?
This verse is part of Job's response to his friends' accusations and advice, and it reflects the larger theme of the book of Job, which is the question of why the righteous suffer, as seen in Job 1:1-3, and Job's statement here is a key part of his argument that his friends do not have all the answers, and that true wisdom comes from God, as stated in Job 28:28 and Psalm 111:10.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need wise counsel, and how can I seek it from God and His Word, as seen in Psalm 119:105?
- How do I respond when others offer me advice that seems unwise or foolish, and what can I learn from Job's example in this verse?
- What does it mean to 'provide fully sound insight' in my relationships with others, and how can I be a source of wisdom and guidance for those around me, as described in Proverbs 11:30?
- In what ways can I trust in God's wisdom and guidance, rather than relying on my own understanding or the advice of others, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6?
Gill's Exposition on Job 26:3
How hast thou counselled [him that hath] no wisdom?.... A man deprived of wisdom has need of counsel, and it should be given him; and he does well both to ask and take it; and be it so, as if Job
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 26:3
How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength? Without power ... no strength ... no wisdom.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 26:3
Him that hath no wisdom; either, 1. God: thou hast in effect undertaken to teach God how to govern the world. Or rather, 2. Me, whom you take to be a man void of understanding, ,3, whom therefore you should have instructed with wholesome counsels, instead of these impertinent discourses; and who indeed do want wisdom, being perfectly at a loss, and not knowing what to say or do. The thing as it is, Heb. essence, the truth and substance of the thing in question between us; thou hast spoken the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, and all t can be said in the matter. Or, wisdom, as this word is used, . A most wise and profound discourse thou hast made, and much to the purpose: an ironical expression, as before.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 26:3
Job 26:3 How hast thou counselled [him that hath] no wisdom? and [how] hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?Ver. 3. How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom?] q.d. Thou lookest upon me as a fool and an atheist; but this thou dost with far greater folly; for I am not the man thou takest me for, but can say as much for God as thyself, and more too; and if I were such as thou wouldest make of me, I might so continue, for any help I should have by thy counsel. The like hereunto we may say to the Papists and other seducers, who pretend to tender our good, to counsel us for the best, and to wish our salvation. And how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?] Heb. The essence, or the reason, or the naked truth: q.d. What ado hast thou kept to tell me no more than I knew before? wherein thou hast fairly lost thy labour and missed of thy design, if ever thou intendedst to counsel and comfort me. Very wisely hast thou done it, I must needs say for thee.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 26:3
(3) The thing as it is?—Rather, How hast thou plentifully declared sound knowledge?
Cambridge Bible on Job 26:3
3. plentifully declared the thing as it is] Rather, plentifully, or, abundantly, declared knowledge, or, wisdom. The word is that which occurs in ch. Job 5:12; see notes. “Him that is without power,” “that hath no wisdom” &c., is of course Job himself; and he expresses his admiration of the contribution made by Bildad to the clearing up of his perplexities and the solution of the riddle of his life. It is not quite clear whether Job means to say: “I am weak and unnerved, perplexed and ignorant, and how mightily in all this thou hast helped me!” or, whether he is not thinking with Bildad’s mind and giving bitter expression to the thoughts which that speaker doubtless entertained of his own performance, and of the effect it should have on the person whom he addressed: “Doubtless thou hast abundantly instructed and strengthened the weak and ignorant man before thee!” The former sense is the more natural, the other fits better into connexion with Job 26:4.
Barnes' Notes on Job 26:3
How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom? - As he had undertaken to give counsel to another, and to suggest views that might be adapted to elevate his mind in his depression, and to console
Whedon's Commentary on Job 26:3
Strophe — Job compliments Bildad on his inapposite discourse, which has served not only to exhaust the subject but Bildad himself , Job 26:2-4.3. Plentifully — Job ridicules the brevity of Bildad’s speech.
Sermons on Job 26:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Give to Jesus Glory by Earle Maxwell | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having a song of testimony in our lives. He shares a personal experience of traveling in the Philippines and witnessing the |
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Trust in God - True Wisdom by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of handling matters wisely in a land full of enemies. He warns that if one does not choose their way carefully, they will fac |
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The Care of the Soul Urged as the One Thing Needful. (Luke 10:42 by George Whitefield | George Whitefield preaches about the importance of the soul's care, emphasizing the need to prioritize spiritual matters over worldly concerns. He uses the story of Mary and Martha |
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Exposition on Psalm 50 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the importance of offering the sacrifice of praise to God, emphasizing the need for genuine repentance and acknowledgment of one's sins. He warns again |
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(1 Corinthians) ch.3:1-3:17 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of building our lives and work on the foundation of Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that in the final day of judgment, God will t |
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Evangelism and Making Disciples by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker compares the process of making a table to the process of making disciples in Christianity. He emphasizes that many Christians today focus on evangelism |
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(The Missing Messages in Today's Christianity) Understanding God's Full Purpose by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of following the example of true servants of God. He encourages the audience to value and listen to those who demonstrate a g |