Job 15:10

KJV

With us [are] both the grayheaded and very aged men, much elder than thy father.

KJV (with Strong's)

With us are both the grayheaded {H7867} and very aged {H3453} men, much {H3524} elder {H3117} than thy father {H1}.

Complete Jewish Bible

With us are gray-haired men, old men, men much older than your father.

Berean Standard Bible

Both the gray-haired and the aged are on our side— men much older than your father.

American Standard Version

With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men, Much elder than thy father.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Eliphaz the Temanite, speaking in Job 15:10, attempts to bolster the perceived authority and wisdom of his counsel by asserting the presence of "grayheaded and very aged men" among them, individuals "much elder than thy father." This statement serves as a rhetorical strategy to implicitly dismiss Job's arguments and unconventional suffering as inferior to the accumulated, traditional wisdom held by their elders, thereby reinforcing the friends' rigid theological framework.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the second cycle of dialogues between Job and his three friends. Eliphaz initiates this cycle with a speech in [Job 15](/job/15 "Job 15 - Eliphaz's Second Speech") that is markedly more accusatory and less sympathetic than his first, directly challenging Job's integrity and wisdom. He dismisses Job's impassioned defense (Job 13-14) as "windy knowledge" and a rejection of divine truth ([Job 15:2-3](/job/15-2-3 "Job 15:2-3 - Eliphaz Accuses Job")). Within this context, [Job 15:10](/job/15-10 "Job 15:10 - Eliphaz's Appeal to the Aged") functions as a direct appeal to the authority of age and tradition, a rhetorical tactic to silence Job's unconventional claims. Eliphaz attempts to establish a stark contrast between Job's perceived youthful arrogance and the venerable, time-honored understanding supposedly embodied by the elders present, implying that Job is rashly disregarding established truth.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, and particularly within Israelite society, advanced age was highly revered and intrinsically linked with wisdom, experience, and authority. The "grayheaded" were seen as repositories of communal knowledge, legal precedent, and spiritual insight, having lived long enough to accumulate a deep understanding of life's complexities and God's ways. Their presence in councils or discussions lent significant weight to any pronouncements made. The patriarchal structure of society further amplified this reverence, with the elder generation holding immense sway over family and community affairs. Eliphaz's declaration that men "much elder than thy father" are among them is a powerful cultural appeal, positioning his group as the legitimate custodians of truth and implying that Job, by challenging their views, is not merely disagreeing but disrespecting the very foundation of societal wisdom and tradition. This cultural value is echoed in various biblical injunctions, such as the command to "rise up before the gray head" in [Leviticus 19:32](/leviticus/19-32 "Leviticus 19:32 - Respect for the Aged").
* **Key Themes:** [Job 15:10](/job/15-10 "Job 15:10 - Eliphaz's Appeal to Authority") centrally addresses the themes of **Wisdom and Age**, positing that advanced years inherently confer greater understanding and authority. This is tightly interwoven with the concept of **Traditional Authority**, where the accumulated knowledge and established beliefs passed down through generations are considered unassailable. Eliphaz employs an **Argument from Authority**, leveraging the presence of these elders to validate his perspective and invalidate Job's. Crucially, this verse also contributes to the broader theme within the book of Job concerning the **Limits of Human Wisdom**. Despite their age and reliance on traditional dogma, Eliphaz and his friends ultimately fail to grasp the true nature of Job's suffering or the multifaceted character of God, highlighting that genuine wisdom transcends mere human experience or adherence to established dogma, as ultimately revealed in [Job 28:28](/job/28-28 "Job 28:28 - The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **grayheaded (Hebrew, _sîyb'_):** This term, derived from a primitive root meaning "to become aged," specifically refers to the physical manifestation of old age—hair that has turned gray or white. In ancient cultures, gray hair was a visible symbol of dignity, experience, and respect, signifying a long life and the wisdom gained through its many seasons. Eliphaz employs this physical marker to immediately establish the venerable status and implied sagacity of the men he is referencing.
* **aged (Hebrew, _yâshîysh'_):** This word denotes someone who is an "old man" or "very old," emphasizing not just the physical appearance of age but the extended duration of life and the profound experience that accompanies it. The use of both "grayheaded" and "aged" creates a strong rhetorical emphasis on the extreme seniority of these individuals, reinforcing their perceived wisdom and unassailable authority in Eliphaz's argument.
* **elder (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** While _yôwm_ primarily means "day," in this context, when combined with _kabbîyr_ (H3524, "much"), it takes on the figurative meaning of "age" or "elder." The phrase "much elder" (literally "many days") signifies a significant advancement in years. The comparison to "thy father" (Hebrew, _ʼâb'_ - H1) is a direct challenge to Job's standing and insight. By stating that these men are "much elder than thy father," Eliphaz aims to diminish Job's perspective by comparing him to individuals who possess an even greater generational accumulation of knowledge and experience than Job's own familial lineage, implying an insurmountable gap in wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"With us [are] both the grayheaded":** Eliphaz begins by drawing attention to the presence of venerable elders within their immediate circle. This opening immediately establishes a claim to authority and wisdom, suggesting that their collective counsel carries significant weight due to the extensive life experience embodied by these individuals.
* **"and very aged men":** This phrase intensifies the preceding statement, emphasizing that these are not merely older individuals but those who have reached a significant, perhaps even extreme, old age. The repetition and additional descriptor "very aged" underscore the depth of their life experience and, by implication, their superior understanding of life's complexities and God's ways.
* **"much elder than thy father":** This is the rhetorical climax of Eliphaz's assertion. By explicitly stating that these men surpass Job's own father in age, Eliphaz aims to humble Job and discredit his arguments. In a culture where respect for elders and parents was paramount, this statement is a powerful rhetorical move, implying that Job's wisdom is utterly inferior to theirs, as they possess an even greater generational accumulation of knowledge than his own familial lineage, thus demanding his submission.

#### Literary Devices
Eliphaz's statement in [Job 15:10](/job/15-10 "Job 15:10 - Eliphaz's Appeal to Authority") masterfully employs several literary devices to advance his argument. Primarily, it functions as an **Argument from Authority** (also known as *argumentum ad verecundiam*), where Eliphaz attempts to validate his and his friends' position not through logical reasoning or direct divine revelation, but by appealing to the presumed superior wisdom and experience of the aged men among them. This is subtly intertwined with a form of **Ad Hominem** attack, as Eliphaz shifts the focus from the validity of Job's arguments to his perceived lack of wisdom due to his comparative youth and his challenge to established tradition. The phrase "much elder than thy father" also contains an element of **Hyperbole**, as Eliphaz likely intends to exaggerate the disparity in age and wisdom to make his point more forcefully and rhetorically crush Job's defiance. Finally, the verse is steeped in **Irony**, as the very "wisdom" of these aged men, based on a rigid, retributive theology, is ultimately proven flawed and inadequate by God Himself later in the book ([Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Job's Friends")), highlighting the profound limitations of human wisdom, regardless of age or experience, when it presumes to fully comprehend divine mysteries.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 15:10 starkly highlights a central tension within biblical thought regarding the source and nature of wisdom. While the Scriptures frequently commend respect for elders and acknowledge the value of wisdom gained through experience and a long life lived righteously, as abundantly seen in the wisdom literature, the book of Job profoundly challenges the notion that age or adherence to tradition alone guarantees true understanding of God's ways or the complexities of suffering. Eliphaz and his friends, despite their advanced years and reliance on established theological frameworks, ultimately misinterpret Job's situation and God's character. Their "wisdom" is rooted in a rigid, retributive theology that cannot account for innocent suffering. This verse therefore serves as a crucial point of contrast, underscoring that ultimate wisdom comes not from human age or accumulated tradition, but from divine revelation and the fear of the Lord, which often transcends human categories and expectations.

* [Job 32:9](/job/32-9 "Wisdom Not Exclusive to the Aged")
* [Proverbs 16:31](/proverbs/16-31 "Gray Hair as a Crown of Glory")
* [Proverbs 20:29](/proverbs/20-29 "The Glory of Young Men and the Beauty of Old Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 15:10 serves as a powerful reminder of the deep cultural and biblical value placed on age and experience. It is undoubtedly wise to seek counsel from those who have lived longer, accumulated more experience, and walked with God through many seasons of life. Their insights can offer invaluable perspective, warn against potential pitfalls, and provide a sense of continuity with the wisdom of the past. However, the broader narrative of Job cautions us profoundly against equating age or tradition with infallible wisdom. Eliphaz and his friends, despite their seniority and reliance on established theological dogma, were ultimately corrected by God because their understanding of divine justice was incomplete, rigid, and ultimately misapplied to Job's unique suffering. This prompts us to cultivate a discerning spirit, one that values the counsel of the aged and respects tradition, but always weighs it against the timeless, living, and often surprising truth of God's Word. True wisdom, as Job himself comes to understand, is found not merely in accumulated years but in the fear of the Lord and a humble submission to His sovereign, often mysterious, ways. We are called to honor our elders, but our ultimate allegiance and the supreme source of truth must be God Himself, whose wisdom transcends all human experience and tradition.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we balance our respect for the wisdom of elders and tradition with the crucial need for fresh revelation and discernment from God's Spirit in our own lives?**
* **In what specific ways might we, like Eliphaz, mistakenly equate age or established views with absolute truth, rather than continually seeking God's perspective and new insights?**
* **When is it appropriate to challenge traditional understandings or established norms within our faith, and what is the proper, humble posture for doing so?**

### FAQ
**What was Eliphaz's main point in referencing the aged men in Job 15:10?**

Answer: Eliphaz's primary purpose was to assert the superior wisdom and authority of his and his friends' counsel over Job's. By highlighting the presence of men "much elder than thy father," he aimed to underscore their vast experience and accumulated knowledge, thereby implying that Job, being comparatively younger and less experienced, lacked the necessary insight to understand his situation or challenge their traditional theological framework. It was an appeal to authority designed to silence Job's arguments and compel him to confess a hidden sin, based on the prevailing cultural belief that age equated to wisdom and that Job was defying this established order.

**Does the Bible always equate age with wisdom, or are there nuances to this concept?**

Answer: While the Bible generally promotes profound respect for elders and acknowledges the potential for wisdom gained through a long life ([Proverbs 16:31](/proverbs/16-31 "Proverbs 16:31 - Gray Hair as a Crown of Glory")), it does not present age as an infallible guarantee of wisdom. The book of Job itself serves as a prime example of this nuance, as the aged friends of Job ultimately prove to have a flawed and incomplete understanding of God's justice and Job's suffering. Elihu, a younger man, later points out that "it is not the old who are wise, nor the aged who understand justice" ([Job 32:9](/job/32-9 "Wisdom Not Exclusive to the Aged")). True wisdom, according to Scripture, ultimately comes from God alone and is rooted in the fear of the Lord ([Job 28:28](/job/28-28 "The Fear of the Lord is Wisdom"), [Proverbs 9:10](/proverbs/9-10 "The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Wisdom")), which can be found in individuals of any age.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The exchange in [Job 15:10](/job/15-10 "Job 15:10 - Eliphaz's Appeal to Authority"), where human wisdom derived from age and tradition is championed as the ultimate authority, finds its profound fulfillment and corrective in Jesus Christ. The "grayheaded and very aged men" represented the accumulated human wisdom and established theological frameworks of their era, yet their understanding of God's ways was ultimately incomplete and flawed, unable to comprehend suffering outside of a retributive paradigm. In the New Testament, we observe a striking parallel: the "wise" and "aged" religious leaders of Israel, steeped in tradition and the Law, failed to recognize the true wisdom and authority of God incarnate in Jesus. Jesus, though seemingly young and lacking the formal credentials of the elders, spoke with unparalleled authority ([Matthew 7:29](/matthew/7-29 "Matthew 7:29 - Jesus Taught with Authority")) and embodied the very wisdom of God ([1 Corinthians 1:24](/1_corinthians/1-24 "1 Corinthians 1:24 - Christ the Power and Wisdom of God")). He consistently challenged rigid traditions that obscured God's heart and revealed a deeper truth about suffering, grace, and divine justice. Christ demonstrates that true wisdom is not found in human age, accumulated experience, or adherence to external rules, but in a living relationship with God and humble obedience to His will. He is the ultimate source of wisdom, freely giving it to all who ask in faith ([James 1:5](/james/1-5 "James 1:5 - Asking for Wisdom")), transcending all human limitations, including those of age and established tradition. In Him, all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden ([Colossians 2:3](/colossians/2-3 "Colossians 2:3 - In Christ are Hidden all Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge")), perfectly reconciling the tension between honoring the past and embracing the new.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 32:6

¶ And Elihu the son of Barachel the Buzite answered and said, I [am] young, and ye [are] very old; wherefore I was afraid, and durst not shew you mine opinion.

Job 32:7

I said, Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.

Deuteronomy 32:7

¶ Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.

Job 8:8

¶ For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers:

Job 8:10

Shall not they teach thee, [and] tell thee, and utter words out of their heart?

Job 12:12

¶ With the ancient [is] wisdom; and in length of days understanding.

Proverbs 16:31

¶ The hoary head [is] a crown of glory, [if] it be found in the way of righteousness.