Job 4:15
Job 4:15 in Multiple Translations
Then a spirit glided past my face, and the hair on my body bristled.
Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up:
Then a spirit passed before my face; The hair of my flesh stood up.
And a breath was moving over my face; the hair of my flesh became stiff:
Then a breath brushed my face and gave me goose-pimples.
And the wind passed before me, and made the heares of my flesh to stande vp.
And a spirit before my face doth pass, Stand up doth the hair of my flesh;
Then a spirit passed before my face. The hair of my flesh stood up.
Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up:
And when a spirit passed before me, the hair of my flesh stood up.
A ghost glided past my face and caused the hair on on the back of my neck to stand straight up.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 4:15
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 4:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ֭/רוּחַ
עַל
פָּנַ֣/י
יַחֲלֹ֑ף
תְּ֝סַמֵּ֗ר
שַֽׂעֲרַ֥ת
בְּשָׂרִֽ/י
וְ֭/רוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
Conj | N-cs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
פָּנַ֣/י
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
יַחֲלֹ֑ף
châlaph
H2498
to pass
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
תְּ֝סַמֵּ֗ר
çâmar
H5568
to bristle up
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
שַֽׂעֲרַ֥ת
saʻărâh
H8185
hair
N-fs
בְּשָׂרִֽ/י
bâsâr
H1320
flesh
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 4:15
וְ֭/רוּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
Conj | N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
פָּנַ֣/י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
יַחֲלֹ֑ף
châlaph
H2498
"to pass"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew verb means to pass or change, like something sliding by quickly. It is used in the Bible to describe things like grass growing, time passing, or people moving on. It can also mean to overstep or transgress.
Definition: 1) to pass on or away, pass through, pass by, go through, grow up, change, to go on from 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass on quickly 1a2) to pass away (vanish) 1a3) to come on anew, sprout again (of grass) 1a4) to pass through 1a5) to overstep, transgress 1b) (Piel) to cause to pass, change 1c) (Hiph) 1c1) to change, substitute, alter, change for better, renew 1c2) to show newness (of tree) Aramaic equivalent: cha.laph (חֲלַף "to pass" H2499)
Usage: Occurs in 27 OT verses. KJV: abolish, alter, change, cut off, go on forward, grow up, be over, pass (away, on, through), renew, sprout, strike through. See also: Genesis 31:7; Job 20:24; Psalms 90:5.
תְּ֝סַמֵּ֗ר
çâmar
H5568
"to bristle up"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
To stand up or bristle, like hair on the back of the neck, often in response to fear or excitement. It can also mean to tremble or shiver. This concept is used in the Bible to describe strong emotions or reactions.
Definition: 1) to bristle up, shiver, stand up 1a) (Qal) to bristle up, shiver 1b) (Piel) to bristle up, stand up
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: stand up, tremble. See also: Job 4:15; Psalms 119:120.
שַֽׂעֲרַ֥ת
saʻărâh
H8185
"hair"
N-fs
This word means hair or hairiness, describing something covered in hair. In the Bible, hair was a symbol of strength and beauty. It's mentioned in the story of Samson.
Definition: a single hair
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: hair. See also: Judges 20:16; 1 Kings 1:52; Psalms 40:13.
בְּשָׂרִֽ/י
bâsâr
H1320
"flesh"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for flesh refers to the body or a person, and can also describe living things or animals. In the Bible, it is used to describe humans and animals, as in Genesis and Leviticus.
Definition: 1) flesh 1a) of the body 1a1) of humans 1a2) of animals 1b) the body itself 1c) male organ of generation (euphemism) 1d) kindred, blood-relations 1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God) 1f) all living things 1g) animals 1h) mankind Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
Usage: Occurs in 241 OT verses. KJV: body, (fat, lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-) kind, [phrase] nakedness, self, skin. See also: Genesis 2:21; Numbers 11:21; Psalms 16:9.
Study Notes — Job 4:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 4:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 4:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 4:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 4:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 4:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 4:15
- Cambridge Bible on Job 4:15
- Barnes' Notes on Job 4:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 4:15
- Sermons on Job 4:15
Context — Eliphaz: The Innocent Prosper
13In disquieting visions in the night, when deep sleep falls on men,
14fear and trembling came over me and made all my bones shudder.
15Then a spirit glided past my face, and the hair on my body bristled.
16It stood still, but I could not discern its appearance; a form loomed before my eyes, and I heard a whispering voice: 17‘Can a mortal be more righteous than God, or a man more pure than his Maker?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 1:7 | Now about the angels He says: “He makes His angels winds, His servants flames of fire.” |
| 2 | Daniel 5:6 | his face grew pale and his thoughts so alarmed him that his hips gave way and his knees knocked together. |
| 3 | Psalms 104:4 | He makes the winds His messengers, flames of fire His servants. |
| 4 | Luke 24:37–39 | But they were startled and frightened, thinking they had seen a spirit. “Why are you troubled,” Jesus asked, “and why do doubts arise in your hearts? Look at My hands and My feet. It is I Myself. Touch Me and see—for a spirit does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” |
| 5 | Isaiah 13:8 | Terror, pain, and anguish will seize them; they will writhe like a woman in labor. They will look at one another, their faces flushed with fear. |
| 6 | Isaiah 21:3–4 | Therefore my body is filled with anguish. Pain grips me, like the pains of a woman in labor. I am bewildered to hear, I am dismayed to see. My heart falters; fear makes me tremble. The twilight of my desire has turned to horror. |
| 7 | Hebrews 1:14 | Are not the angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? |
| 8 | Matthew 14:26 | When the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It’s a ghost!” they said, and cried out in fear. |
Job 4:15 Summary
In Job 4:15, a spirit glides past Job's face, causing his hair to bristle with fear. This experience is a reminder that God is a mysterious and awe-inspiring God, who can communicate with us in unexpected ways (as seen in Psalm 19:1-6). Just like Job, we can learn to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we don't understand what is happening (Romans 8:28). By being open to God's presence and voice, we can deepen our relationship with Him and learn to reverence His majesty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of spirit is being referred to in Job 4:15?
The spirit in Job 4:15 is likely an angelic or divine presence, as seen in other parts of the Bible, such as in the Book of Job itself or in Genesis 1:2 where the Spirit of God is moving over the face of the waters.
Why did the hair on Job's body bristle when the spirit glided past his face?
The hair on Job's body bristled due to fear, as the presence of the spirit was awe-inspiring and perhaps even terrifying, similar to the fear experienced by the disciples in Matthew 17:6 when they saw the transfigured Jesus.
Is this spirit a malevolent being?
The Bible does not explicitly state the nature of the spirit, but given the context of the book of Job, it is more likely that the spirit is a messenger of God, as seen in Job 1:6, where the sons of God, including Satan, present themselves before the Lord.
What can we learn from Job's experience with the spirit?
We can learn that God often communicates with us in unexpected and mysterious ways, as seen in Job 4:15, and that we should be open to hearing His voice, as encouraged in Isaiah 55:3, where we are called to incline our ear and come to Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times in my life when I have felt the presence of God, and how did I respond?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for God, as seen in Job's reaction to the spirit?
- What are some ways that God might be speaking to me today, and how can I tune in to His voice?
- How can I, like Job, trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when faced with mysterious and frightening experiences?
Gill's Exposition on Job 4:15
Then a spirit passed before my face,.... Which some interpret of a wind (q), a blustering wind, that blew strong in his face; and so the Targum renders it, a stormy wind, such an one as Elijah
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 4:15
Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 4:15
Then, Heb. and, or for, as this particle is oft used. So this was the reason of the foregoing thoughts and fear. A spirit; an angel in some visible shape, otherwise he could not have discerned it, nor would have been affrighted at it. The hair of my flesh, i.e. of my body, as flesh is taken, 119:120. Stood up, through that excessive horror caused by so glorious, unusual, and terrible a presence; which God used to excite in men upon such occasions, to convince them that it was not a vain imagination or illusion, but a real vision and revelation, and that from God.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 4:15
Job 4:15 Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up:Ver. 15. Then a spirit passed before my face] Some render it a wind, as a messenger or forerunner of God near at hand, as 1 Kings 19:11. But better, a good angel in some bodily shape, Psalms 104:4 Luke 24:37; for else how could he be seen of Eliphaz, gliding rather than going, as a ship upon the face of the waters? The hair of my flesh stood up] Horripilatus sum. In a fright the heart falleth down, the hair standeth up; the blood hastening to the heart to relieve it, as soldiers do to the castle when all is likely to be lost. Dirigui, steteruntque comae -
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 4:15
(15) A spirit passed before my face.—It is vain to argue from this passage that spiritual essences are capable of being seen by the bodily eye, because, first of all, the language is highly figurative and poetical, and because, secondly, every one understands that a spiritual manifestation can be made only to the spirit. The notion, therefore, of seeing a spirit is absurd in itself, because it involves the idea of seeing the invisible; but it is conceivable that the perceptions of the inner spirit may be so vivid as to assume the character of outward manifestations.
Cambridge Bible on Job 4:15
15. then a spirit] Rather, a breath. It was something which he felt; that which he saw follows in Job 4:16. The word spirit does not seem used in the Old Testament in the sense of an apparition.
Barnes' Notes on Job 4:15
Then a spirit passed before my face - He does not intimate whether it was the spirit of a man, or an angel who thus appeared. The belief in such apparitions was common in the early ages, and indeed has prevailed at all times.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 4:15
15. A spirit — ψεη, rouahh, as a verb, signifies to breathe or to blow, and as a noun, bears the meaning of breath or spirit, according as the associated thought shall determine.
Sermons on Job 4:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Called to Discipleship (P3) by K.P. Yohannan | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of responding to the needs of the world with compassion and action. He highlights the plight of millions of child laborers and |
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Aflame for God by Smith Wigglesworth | Smith Wigglesworth emphasizes the necessity of being empowered by the Holy Spirit to be effective witnesses for Christ, just as the early disciples were on the day of Pentecost. He |
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Zeal by William MacDonald | William MacDonald emphasizes the critical importance of zeal in the life of a disciple, arguing that without a passionate commitment to Christ, one stands condemned. He illustrates |
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The Splendor of the Saints' Rest by Richard Baxter | Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'leitourgos', emphasizing its significance as a worker of the people, often associated with public duties and works of public use. Thi |
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(Through the Bible) Hebrews 1-2 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that in the past, God spoke to our ancestors in various ways, but in the present time, He has spoken to us through His Son, Jesus Christ. The |
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When God Comes by Mose Stoltzfus | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith in God and the power of His presence. He uses the example of Abraham, who didn't have a religious background or trai |
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Of Good Angels by John Wesley | John Wesley explores the role of good angels as ministering spirits sent by God to assist the heirs of salvation. He emphasizes that while ancient cultures had fragmented ideas abo |