Job 32:13
Job 32:13 in Multiple Translations
So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not man, refute him.’
Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
Beware lest ye say, We have found wisdom; God may vanquish him, not man:
Take care that you do not say, Wisdom is here; God may overcome him, but not man.
Don't say to yourselves, ‘We are so wise,’ for God will prove him wrong, not a human being.
Lest ye should say, We haue found wisedome: for God hath cast him downe, and no man.
Lest ye say, We have found wisdom, God doth thrust him away, not man.
Beware lest you say, ‘We have found wisdom. God may refute him, not man;’
Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
Lest you should say: We have found wisdom, God hath cast him down, not man.
So, do not say to yourselves, ‘We have discovered what is wise!’ It is God who must ◄refute Job/show that what Job said was wrong►, because you three have not been able to do that.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 32:13
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 32:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
פֶּן
תֹּ֣֭אמְרוּ
מָצָ֣אנוּ
חָכְמָ֑ה
אֵ֖ל
יִדְּפֶ֣/נּוּ
לֹא
אִֽישׁ
פֶּן
pên
H6435
lest
Conj
תֹּ֣֭אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
to say
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
מָצָ֣אנוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
חָכְמָ֑ה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
אֵ֖ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
יִדְּפֶ֣/נּוּ
nâdaph
H5086
to drive
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
man
N-ms
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 32:13
פֶּן
pên
H6435
"lest"
Conj
This word is used to express caution or warning, similar to saying 'lest' or 'beware that'. It is often used in the Bible to advise against certain actions or to warn of potential consequences.
Definition: conj 1) lest, not, beware lest adv 2) lest
Usage: Occurs in 125 OT verses. KJV: (lest) (peradventure), that...not. See also: Genesis 3:3; Judges 14:15; Psalms 2:12.
תֹּ֣֭אמְרוּ
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
מָצָ֣אנוּ
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Perf-1cp
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
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.
אֵ֖ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
יִדְּפֶ֣/נּוּ
nâdaph
H5086
"to drive"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
To drive or disperse is the meaning of this Hebrew word, often used to describe people or animals being forced to move. It's like being pushed or shoved, as seen in some biblical events.
Definition: 1) to drive, drive away, drive asunder 1a) (Qal) to drive about 1b)(Niphal) to be driven, be driven about
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: drive (away, to and fro), thrust down, shaken, tossed to and fro. See also: Leviticus 26:36; Psalms 68:3; Psalms 1:4.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
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.
אִֽישׁ
ʼîysh
H376
"man"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.
Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)
Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.
Study Notes — Job 32:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 32:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 32:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 32:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 32:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 32:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 32:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 32:13
- Cambridge Bible on Job 32:13
- Barnes' Notes on Job 32:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 32:13
- Sermons on Job 32:13
Context — Elihu Rebukes Job’s Friends
11Indeed, I waited while you spoke; I listened to your reasoning; as you searched for words,
12I paid you full attention. But no one proved Job wrong; not one of you rebutted his arguments.
13So do not claim, ‘We have found wisdom; let God, not man, refute him.’
14But Job has not directed his words against me, and I will not answer him with your arguments. 15Job’s friends are dismayed, with no more to say; words have escaped them.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 9:23 | This is what the LORD says: “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, nor the strong man in his strength, nor the wealthy man in his riches. |
| 2 | 1 Corinthians 1:27–29 | But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast in His presence. |
| 3 | 1 Corinthians 3:18 | Let no one deceive himself. If any of you thinks he is wise in this age, he should become a fool, so that he may become wise. |
| 4 | Isaiah 5:21 | Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and clever in their own sight. |
| 5 | Ezekiel 28:3 | Behold, you are wiser than Daniel; no secret is hidden from you! |
| 6 | 1 Corinthians 1:19–21 | 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? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know Him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. |
| 7 | 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. |
| 8 | Job 1:21 | saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.” |
| 9 | Job 19:6 | then understand that it is God who has wronged me and drawn His net around me. |
| 10 | Job 4:9 | By the breath of God they perish, and by the blast of His anger they are consumed. |
Job 32:13 Summary
[This verse is telling us not to think we have all the answers and to rely on God to fix everything, but instead to use our own minds and engage with others. It's like what it says in Proverbs 27:17, where iron sharpens iron, and we can learn from each other. By doing so, we can grow in our understanding and faith, and become more like what God wants us to be, as seen in Ephesians 4:13-16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main point of Job 32:13?
The main point of Job 32:13 is to warn against claiming to have all the answers and relying on God to refute someone, rather than engaging with their arguments and using human reasoning, as seen in Proverbs 27:17 where iron sharpens iron.
Why do Job's friends say 'let God, not man, refute him'?
Job's friends say this because they have been unable to prove Job wrong, as noted in Job 32:12, and are now passing the responsibility to God, rather than acknowledging their own limitations and lack of understanding, as cautioned against in 1 Corinthians 8:2.
Is it wrong to acknowledge God's wisdom and role in refuting someone?
No, it is not wrong to acknowledge God's wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 1:7, but in this context, Job's friends are using it as an excuse to avoid engaging with Job's arguments, rather than taking an active role in discussing and understanding the issue, as encouraged in Acts 17:11.
What can we learn from Job 32:13 about humility in discussions?
We can learn the importance of humility in discussions, recognizing our own limitations and lack of understanding, and being willing to engage with others and learn from them, as taught in Proverbs 12:1 and Ephesians 4:29.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I claim to have all the answers, and how can I humbly acknowledge my limitations?
- How can I balance my trust in God's wisdom with my responsibility to engage with others and use my own reasoning?
- In what ways can I sharpen my own understanding and faith through discussions and interactions with others, as iron sharpens iron?
- What are some excuses I use to avoid engaging with difficult questions or topics, and how can I overcome them?
Gill's Exposition on Job 32:13
Lest ye should say, we have found out wisdom,.... They were left to themselves, and not directed to take the proper methods of convincing Job, and answering his arguments; lest they should be wise in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 32:13
Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 32:13
Lest ye should say; it is a defective speech, and may be thus supplied: Thus it was, or God thus left you to your own weakness, and mistakes, and impertinent discourses, lest ye should say, &c., i.e. lest you should ascribe the conquering or silencing of Job to your own wisdom, age, and experience; or lest you should boastingly say, We have discovered and said all that can or need be said in the cause, the sum and substance of the thing, that which may fully and finally end the controversy, which is contained in the following words. God thrusteth him down, not man: these are alleged by Elihu, in the person of Job’ s three friends, or as their words. The sense is, The stupendous judgments which are upon Job have not been brought upon him by man solely and originally, for then there might have been some ground for Job’ s complaints, there might have been injustice or cruelty in them; but immediately by the hand of God, of that God, who being omniscient, and just, and true, and merciful, would never have dealt thus hardly with Job if he were not a hypocrite, and guilty of some very gross, though secret, sins; which is the ground-work of our discourses. But, saith Elihu, this argument doth not satisfy me, and therefore bear with me if I seek for better.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 32:13
Job 32:13 Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom: God thrusteth him down, not man.Ver. 13. Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom] Or, See that ye say not, We need not search out words, as Job 32:11. For, we have found out wisdom, rem acu pertigimus, we have hit the nail on the head, and said sufficient to convince him, if any reason would do it, while we affirm that God thrusteth him down (as it were, with a thump on the back), and not man] Who might do amiss, but so cannot God; who, forasmuch as he fighteth against Job, tossing him as a tennis ball, or as the wind doth a withered leaf, from one affliction to another, who can doubt but that he holdeth him a wicked man? This, saith Elihu, is a very weak way of reasoning; therefore never please yourselves in it as convincing, Hoc argumentum tam facile diluitur quam vulpes comest pyrum, as one merrily phrased it. There is no judgment to be made of a person or cause by the good or evil success of things, since none out of hell ever suffered more than God’ s dearest children: witness that little book of martyrs, Hebrews 11:1-40 Neither have any sped better here than those worst of men, Turks, Papists, persecutors, &c.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 32:13
(13) Lest ye should say.—That is, “I resolved to speak, lest ye should think yourselves wise, and that God was afflicting him on account of his sins.” God is declaring his guilt in such a way that man’s opinion matters little.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 32:13
Verse 13. We have found out wisdom] We by dint of our own wisdom and understanding, have found out the true system of God's providence; and have been able to account for all the sufferings and tribulations of Job. Had they been able to confute Job, they would have triumphed over him in their own self-sufficiency. God thrusteth him down, not man.] This is no accidental thing that has happened to him: he is suffering under the just judgments of God, and therefore he must be the wicked man which we supposed him to be.
Cambridge Bible on Job 32:13
11–14. Elihu, directly addressing the three friends, states more clearly his reasons for taking upon him to speak: he had hoped to hear them confute Job, and was disappointed in their arguments; Job may be shewn to be in the wrong, though with different arguments from those they had employed. In Elihu’s opinion the cause of the three friends was much better than their advocacy of it.
Barnes' Notes on Job 32:13
Lest ye should say, We have found out wisdom - That is, this has been permitted and ordered in such a manner that it might be manifest that the truths which are to convince him come from God and not from man.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 32:13
Second section. — Directly and exclusively addressing the three friends, for the first and last time, (save in the incidental allusion of Job 35:4,) Elihu declares his surprise and indignation at
Sermons on Job 32:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Guide Posts and Warning Signs by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal life verses that have guided him throughout the years. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on God and seeking a personal |
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"We Don't Know God!" by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the importance of truly knowing God, highlighting how many people may know about God but not truly know Him intimately. It shares stories of past revivals an |
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The Knowledge of God by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by emphasizing the importance of knowing and understanding God. He quotes Jeremiah 9:23-24, where God declares that true boasting should come fr |
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"We Are in Grave Danger, when..." by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon emphasizes the danger of placing our confidence in our own accomplishments rather than in Jesus. It warns against the folly of relying on personal achievements, highlig |
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Gods Order in Christ - Part 1 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of heavenly order and how it has been disrupted by Satan. However, Christ is the one who restores this divine order through hi |
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Guidelines to Freedom Part 1 - Who Takes First Place? by Alistair Begg | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the transformative power of the Ten Commandments for believers. He explains that the law of God reveals our sinfulness and leads us to salva |
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Desiring God - Lesson 1 by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the practical aspects of living a Christian life. They acknowledge that many people desire practical guidance on how to fight the spiritual ba |