Job 4:12

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a little thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible:

"For a word was stealthily brought to me, my ear caught only a whisper of it.

Berean Standard Bible:

Now a word came to me secretly; my ears caught a whisper of it.

American Standard Version:

Now a thing was secretly brought to me, And mine ear received a whisper thereof.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Now a thing^{H1697} was secretly brought^{H1589} to me, and mine ear^{H241} received^{H3947} a little^{H8102} thereof.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Job 4:12

Job 4:12 is a part of the dialogue between Eliphaz, one of Job's friends, and Job himself, in the midst of Job's intense suffering. The Book of Job deals with the question of why righteous people suffer and is set in a narrative framework of a dialogue between Job and his friends, who attempt to explain his misfortunes.

In Job 4:12, Eliphaz is recounting a mysterious experience he had, which he believes provides insight into Job's situation. The verse suggests that Eliphaz received a revelation or a message, perhaps in a dream or vision, as the idea of something being "secretly brought" and only partially heard implies a veiled or cryptic communication. This aligns with the ancient Near Eastern context where dreams and visions were considered legitimate means of receiving divine messages.

Eliphaz seems to be suggesting that this revelation he received has bearing on Job's plight, and he likely believes it contains wisdom from God about the nature of suffering and divine justice. However, the fact that he only heard a part of the message hints at the limitations of human understanding when it comes to fully grasping the divine council's decisions or the reasons behind human suffering.

The historical context of this verse reflects the ancient belief in divine communication through dreams or visions, a motif found throughout the ancient Near East and the Bible. Eliphaz's experience would have been understood within this cultural framework, where such revelations were taken seriously as potential messages from the divine realm.

In summary, Job 4:12 captures the theme of divine revelation and human interpretation of suffering within the context of ancient Near Eastern beliefs about dreams and visions. Eliphaz's account of his revelation serves as a prelude to his argument that suffering is a divine warning and that Job should seek God's favor. This verse contributes to the broader dialogue in the Book of Job, which grapples with theodicy—the justice of God in the face of human suffering.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H1697
   There are 1290 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: דָּבָר
   Transliteration: dâbâr
   Pronunciation: daw-baw'
   Description: from דָבַר; a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause; act, advice, affair, answer, [idiom] any such (thing), because of, book, business, care, case, cause, certain rate, [phrase] chronicles, commandment, [idiom] commune(-ication), [phrase] concern(-ing), [phrase] confer, counsel, [phrase] dearth, decree, deed, [idiom] disease, due, duty, effect, [phrase] eloquent, errand, (evil favoured-) ness, [phrase] glory, [phrase] harm, hurt, [phrase] iniquity, [phrase] judgment, language, [phrase] lying, manner, matter, message, (no) thing, oracle, [idiom] ought, [idiom] parts, [phrase] pertaining, [phrase] please, portion, [phrase] power, promise, provision, purpose, question, rate, reason, report, request, [idiom] (as hast) said, sake, saying, sentence, [phrase] sign, [phrase] so, some (uncleanness), somewhat to say, [phrase] song, speech, [idiom] spoken, talk, task, [phrase] that, [idiom] there done, thing (concerning), thought, [phrase] thus, tidings, what(-soever), [phrase] wherewith, which, word, work.
   
2. Strong's Number: H1589
   There are 36 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גָּנַב
   Transliteration: gânab
   Pronunciation: gaw-nab'
   Description: a primitive root; to thieve (literally or figuratively); by implication, to deceive; carry away, [idiom] indeed, secretly bring, steal (away), get by stealth.
   
3. Strong's Number: H241
   There are 652 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֹזֶן
   Transliteration: ʼôzen
   Pronunciation: o'-zen
   Description: from אָזַן; broadness. i.e. (concrete) the ear (from its form in man); [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show.
   
4. Strong's Number: H3947
   There are 909 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: לָקַח
   Transliteration: lâqach
   Pronunciation: law-kakh'
   Description: a primitive root; to take (in the widest variety of applications); accept, bring, buy, carry away, drawn, fetch, get, infold, [idiom] many, mingle, place, receive(-ing), reserve, seize, send for, take (away, -ing, up), use, win.
   
5. Strong's Number: H8102
   There are 2 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שֶׁמֶץ
   Transliteration: shemets
   Pronunciation: sheh'-mets
   Description: from an unused root meaning to emit a sound; an inkling; a little.