Job 21:27 — Word Study
WLCהֵ֣ן יָ֭דַעְתִּי מַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם וּ֝מְזִמּ֗וֹת עָלַ֥י תַּחְמֹֽסוּ׃
BSABeholdhên [look, see] I knowyâdaʻ■ [am aware of, perceive] your thoughts full wellmachăshâbâh [plans, intentions] the schemes by whichmᵉzimmâh [plots, devices, in order to, so that] you would wrongchâmaç▸ [injure, harm] meʻal [do me wrong, act unjustly against me]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| הֵ֣ן | here! | Particle |
| יָ֭דַעְתִּי | I know | Verb, Qal, perfect first person common singular |
| מַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם | thoughts your | Noun common feminine plural construct, suffix |
| וּ֝מְזִמּ֗וֹת | and [the] schemes | Conjunction, noun common feminine plural absolute |
| עָלַ֥י | on me | Preposition, suffix |
| תַּחְמֹֽסוּ׃ | you do violence | Verb, Qal, imperfect second person masculine plural |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Behold, I know your thoughts full well, the schemes by which you would wrong me. |
| KJV | Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me. |
| ASV | Behold, I know your thoughts, And the devices wherewith ye would wrong me. |
| YLT | Lo, I have known your thoughts, And the devices against me ye do wrongfully. |
| WEB | “Behold, I know your thoughts, the plans with which you would wrong me. |
| BBE | See, I am conscious of your thoughts, and of your violent purposes against me; |
All translations agree on the rendering of Job's awareness of his friends' thoughts and schemes.
The main clause presents Job's assertion, with a subordinate clause detailing the specific schemes he is aware of.







8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbיָדַע
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Job 21:27
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Job's Defense Against His Friendsgenerated
Job 21:27 is part of Job's response to his friends, where he emphasizes his awareness of their thoughts and intentions. He challenges their perceptions and accusations, asserting that he knows the schemes they have against him. This verse highlights the tension in their dialogue as Job seeks to defend his character amidst their judgments.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 4:8–11 | As I have observed, those who plow iniquity and those who sow trouble reap the same. |
| 2 | Job 5:3–5 | I have seen a fool taking root, but suddenly his house was cursed. |
| 3 | Job 8:3–6 | Does God pervert justice? Does the Almighty pervert what is right? |
| 4 | Job 15:20–35 | A wicked man writhes in pain all his days; only a few years are reserved for the ruthless. |
| 5 | Job 20:5–29 | the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary? |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — מַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם, mach.she.vo.tei.Khemgenerated
The word מַחְשָׁבָה (machashabah) refers to thoughts, plans, or devices, encompassing both positive and negative intentions. It is derived from a root meaning to contrive or devise, indicating a range of cognitive processes from creativity to scheming.
In this verse, it signifies the underlying intentions of Job's friends, suggesting that their thoughts are not merely innocent inquiries but are instead plotted schemes against him.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
All translations agree on the meaning of מַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם, rendering it as 'thoughts' or 'plans'.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse contains two finite verbs: יָ֭דַעְתִּי, I know, and תַּחְמֹֽסוּ, you do violence. The structure emphasizes Job's knowledge of his friends' intentions, followed by a direct accusation of their wrongdoing.
The Hebrew word order places emphasis on Job's knowledge first, setting the stage for his confrontation of their schemes.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates יָ֭דַעְתִּי as οἶδα, which conveys a strong sense of knowledge or awareness. This choice aligns with the Hebrew meaning but may suggest a more definitive understanding of their thoughts.
The translation of מַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם as ὑμᾶς indicates a direct address to the audience, reinforcing the confrontational nature of Job's statement.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 21:27 shows Job declaring that he knows exactly what his friends are thinking and the schemes they have against him. He is aware that they intend to harm him, which he confronts directly.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Job asserts that he is fully aware of the intentions and schemes that his friends have against him, indicating a deep understanding of their motives.
Job's awareness of their plots strengthens his defense, allowing him to confront their accusations with confidence.
The term 'schemes' indicates that Job believes his friends are not merely expressing concern but are actively plotting against him.
This verse highlights the tension between Job and his friends, illustrating the misunderstandings and accusations that contribute to his suffering.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What are some ways I can be more aware of the intentions of those around me?
- How do I respond when I feel others are plotting against me?
- In what situations have I misjudged someone's thoughts or intentions?
- How can I ensure that my own thoughts and plans align with integrity?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The verse is referenced by Gregory the Dialogist in his commentary on Job, where he discusses Job's awareness of the thoughts and devices of his friends.
Ver. 27, 28. Behold I know your thoughts, and the devices that ye wrongfully imagine against me. For ye say, Where is the house of the prince? and where are the dwellings of the wicked? 63.Early Church Fathers on Job 21 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 21:27 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleBehold, I know your thoughts,.... God only truly, really, and in fact, knows the thoughts of men; this is his peculiar prerogative, he only is the searcher of the hearts and the trier of the reins of the children of men.
Read John Gill on Job 21 →
Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryBehold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me. Their wrongful thoughts against Job are stated by him in Job 21:28. They do not honestly name Job, but insinuate
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 21 →
Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleI know your thoughts; I perceive what you think, and will object, and say for your own defence. The devices, or, evil thoughts; for so this word is oft used, as 14:17 . Wrongfully imagine, or wrest, or violently force. For they strained both Job’ s words, and their own thoughts, which were biassed by their prejudice and passion against Job. Against me; for I know very well that your discourses, though they be of wicked men in the general, yet are particularly levelled at me.
Read Matthew Poole on Job 21 →
John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 21:27 Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices [which] ye wrongfully imagine against me.Ver. 27. Behold, I know your thoughts] sc. By your words; as it is no hard matter for a wise man to do, Proverbs 20:5; for otherwise, God only knoweth the heart, 1 Peter 1:24 Psalms 139:3, it is his royalty. But when men discover their thoughts by their discourses, looks, gestures, &c., we may say, as Job doth here, "I know your thoughts"; and that by the wicked wretch described by you myself is intended; this I am well aware of, though you hover in generals, and speak in a third person. Bartolus writeth of Dr Gabriel Nele, that by the only motion of the lips, without any utterance, he…
Read John Trapp on Job 21 →
AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 27. I know your thoughts] Ye still think that, because I am grievously afflicted, I must therefore be a felonious transgressor.
Read AdamClarke on Job 21 →
CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges27–34. Finally, still pursuing his argument, Job turns to the insinuations of his friends against himself, which lie under their descriptions of the fate of the wicked. He knows what they mean when they say, Where is the house of the prince? But their conclusions were against the testimony of those who had travelled far and seen much. These testified that the wicked man was preserved in the day of destruction; that he came to an honoured grave, and the clods of the valley lay softly on him; and that his example, so far from being shunned, was followed by the mass of men, as there were multitudes that preceded him in the way he walked.
Read Cambridge on Job 21 →
Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleBehold, I know your thoughts - That is, “I see that you are not satisfied, and that you are disposed still to maintain your former position. You will be ready to ask, Where “are” the proofs of the prosperity of the wicked?
Read Albert Barnes on Job 21 →
Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the BibleSecond division — THE REPORT OF IS, THAT THE OF THE WICKED IS HELD IN , Job 21:27-34.Strophe a — If, instead of judging by appearances in this present life the friends had made more extensive
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Job 21 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
Behold, I know your thoughts full well, the schemes by which you would wrong me.
“Behold, I know your thoughts, the plans with which you would wrong me.
Behold, I know your thoughts full well, the schemes by which you would wrong me.
“Yes, I know what you are thinking, the schemes by which you would wrong me.
Tyndale line
Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.
Behold, I know your thoughts, And the devices wherewith ye would wrong me.
Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.
Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.
Behold, I know your thoughts, and the enterprises, wherewith ye do me wrong.
Strictly literal
Lo, I know your thoughts, and the devices ye wrongfully imagine against me.
Lo, I have known your thoughts, And the devices against me ye do wrongfully.
Behold, I have known your thoughts, || And the schemes against me you do wrongfully.
Behold, I know your thoughts, and the opinions which ye wrongfully devise against me.
See, I know your thoughts, and the ways in which you wish to wrong me.
From the Latin
Surely I know your thoughts, and your unjust judgments against me.
Simplified
Look, I know what you're thinking, and your schemes to do me wrong.
See, I am conscious of your thoughts, and of your violent purposes against me;
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording, with five of the six words matched. This consistency highlights the shared understanding of Job's assertion about his friends' thoughts and their intentions.
הֵ֣ן יָ֭דַעְתִּי מַחְשְׁבֽוֹתֵיכֶ֑ם וּ֝מְזִמּ֗וֹת עָלַ֥י תַּחְמֹֽסוּ׃
5 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Job 21:27
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
הֵן (hen) is a demonstrative adverb or interjection meaning 'lo!' or 'behold!'. It is primarily used to draw attention to a fact that prompts action or leads to a conclusion. The word can also express surprise and is less common than its counterpart הִנֵּה (hinneh). Additionally, it can function hypothetically as 'if'.
הֵן 100 demonstr.adv. or interj. lo!, behold (on etym. v. הִנֵּה), less widely used than הִנֵּה, and in prose mostly confined to calling attention to some fact upon which action is to be taken, or a conclusion based
base
H2005 הֵן demonstr. adv. or interj. lo!, behold (on etym. v. הִנֵּה), less widely used than הִנֵּה, and in prose mostly confined to calling attention to some fact upon which action is to be taken, or a conclusion based
2005 hen hane
a primitive particle; lo!; also (as expressing surprise)
if:--behold, if, lo, though.
הֵן (hen) — look!.
interj
1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part
2) if
Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Part — ParticleHTj
her, in composition:
יָדַע (yada`) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to know,' encompassing a wide range of senses including perception, recognition, and experience. It can refer to knowing someone intimately or being skilled in a task. The word has various forms, indicating actions such as making known or being made known. Lexicons note its use in both literal and figurative contexts, but there is no significant disagreement among them.
יָדַע 943 vb. know
Qal
know, learn to know
perceive
perceive and see; find out and discern
discriminate, distinguish
know by experience
recognize, admit, acknowledge, confess
consider
not know = not expect
know a person, be acquainted with
know a person carnally, of sexual intercourse
know how, to do a thing, be able to do it
be skilful in
abs. have knowledge, be wise
Niph.
be made known, be or become known, of things
make oneself known of pers.
be perceived
be instructed
Pi. cause to know
Pu. known
Hiph. make known, declare
Hoph. made known
Hithp. make oneself known
base
H3045 יָדַע know .. . know, learn to know
. perceive
. perceive and see; find out and discern
. discriminate, distinguish
. know by experience
. recognize, admit, acknowledge, confess
. consider
. not know = not expect
. know a person, be acquainted with
. know a person carnally, of sexual intercourse
. . know how, to do a thing, be able to do it
. be skilful in
. abs. have knowledge, be wise
. . be made known, be or become known, of things
. make oneself known of pers.
. be perceived
. be instructed
. cause to know
. known
. make known, declare
. made known
. make oneself known
3045 yada` yaw-dah'
a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing);
used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally,
euphemistically and inferentially (including observation,
care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation,
punishment, etc.) (as follow):--acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted
with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware,
(un-)awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, X
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, + be
learned, + lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, X
prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man
of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell,
יָדַע (ya.da) — to know.
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)
V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singularHVqp1cs
מַחֲשָׁבָה (machashabah) refers to thoughts, devices, plans, or inventions, encompassing both good and bad intentions. It is derived from a root meaning to contrive or devise. The entries consistently highlight its use in contexts relating to intention and creativity.
מַחֲשָׁבָה n.f. thought, device
thought
device, plan, purpose
invention
base
H4284 מַחֲשָׁבָה thought, device . thought
. device, plan, purpose
. invention
4284 machashabah makh-ash-aw-baw'
or machashebeth {makh-ash-eh'-beth}; from 2803; a
contrivance, i.e. (concretely) a texture, machine, or
(abstractly) intention, plan (whether bad, a plot; or good,
advice):--cunning (work), curious work, device(-sed),
imagination, invented, means, purpose, thought.
see HEBREW for 02803
מַחֲשָׁבָה (ma.cha.sha.vah) — plot.
1) thought, device
1a) thought
1b) device, plan, purpose
1c) invention
N-fp | Suff — Noun common feminine plural construct · suffixHNcfpc/Sp2mp
מְזִמָּה (mzimmah) refers to a plan or device, often with a connotation of evil intent. It can denote purpose, discretion, or plot, and may describe both wicked and wise schemes. The term is derived from a root meaning to plan and is used in contexts that highlight both malicious and clever intentions.
מְזִמָּה n.f. purpose, discretion, device
base
H4209 מְזִמָּה purpose, discretion, device
4209 mzimmah mez-im-maw'
from 2161; a plan, usually evil (machination), sometimes good
(sagacity):--(wicked) device, discretion, intent, witty
invention, lewdness, mischievous (device), thought, wickedly.
see HEBREW for 02161
מְזִמָּה (me.zim.mah) — plot.
1) purpose, discretion, device, plot
1a) purpose
1b) discretion
1c) devices (evil)
Conj | N-fp — Conjunction · noun common feminine plural absoluteHC/Ncfpa
The Hebrew word עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence 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
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence 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 . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
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)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
Prep | Suff — Preposition · suffixHRd/Sp1bs
חָמַס (chamac) is a primitive root meaning to treat violently or wrongfully, encompassing both physical and ethical dimensions of wrongdoing. The entries indicate it can refer to acts of violence or maltreatment, as well as the experience of being wronged. Notably, the term appears in contexts discussing both physical and ethical violations.
[חָמַס] vb. treat violently, wrong
Qal treat violently, wrong
of physical wrong
of ethical wrong
both physical and ethical
Niph. thy heels suffer violence
base
H2554 [חָמַס] treat violently, wrong .treat violently, wrong . of physical wrong
. of ethical wrong
. both physical and ethical
. thy heels suffer violence
2554 chamac khaw-mas'
a primitive root; to be violent; by implication, to
maltreat:--make bare, shake off, violate, do violence, take
away violently, wrong, imagine wrongfully.
חָמַס (cha.mas) — to injure.
1) to wrong, do violence to, treat violently, do wrongly
1a) (Qal) to treat violently, do wrong
1a1) of physical wrong
1a2) of ethical wrong
1a3) of physical and ethical wrong
1b) (Niphal) to be treated violently
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect second person masculine pluralHVqi2mp
