Job 15:12

KJV

Why doth thine heart carry thee away? and what do thy eyes wink at,

KJV (with Strong's)

Why doth thine heart {H3820} carry thee away {H3947}? and what do thy eyes {H5869} wink at {H7335},

Complete Jewish Bible

Why does your heart carry you away, and why do your eyes flash angrily,

Berean Standard Bible

Why has your heart carried you away, and why do your eyes flash,

American Standard Version

Why doth thy heart carry thee away? And why do thine eyes flash,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 15:12 captures Eliphaz the Temanite's escalating frustration and direct accusation against Job during his second speech, presented as a pair of rhetorical questions. This verse challenges Job's inner disposition, suggesting his "heart" has been led astray by pride or defiance, and that his "eyes" express scorn or contempt. This accusation underscores the deepening chasm between Job and his friends, who, operating under a rigid framework of retributive justice, increasingly interpret Job's lamentations and assertions of innocence as signs of unconfessed sin and rebellion against God.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 15 marks Eliphaz's second speech in the dialogue cycles, following Job's passionate lament and self-defense in [Job 13](/job/13 "Job 13 - Job's Plea to God") and [Job 14](/job/14 "Job 14 - Job's Reflection on Mortality"). The friends, particularly Eliphaz, are growing impatient with Job's refusal to confess sin, which they believe is the sole cause of his suffering. Eliphaz's tone in this chapter is notably harsher and less sympathetic than in his first speech in [Job 4](/job/4 "Job 4 - Eliphaz's First Speech"). He expands on the fate of the wicked, implicitly painting Job as one who fits this description, thereby justifying his suffering. Job 15:12 is a direct personal attack, moving beyond general theological principles to question Job's very character and inner state, implying a deliberate moral failing.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set within the broader context of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, which often grappled with the problem of suffering and divine justice. A prevalent belief, particularly in Israelite wisdom (often termed Deuteronomic theology), was the principle of retributive justice: the righteous prosper, and the wicked suffer. Job's friends are staunch adherents to this conventional wisdom, applying it rigidly to Job's situation. In Hebrew thought, the "heart" (לֵב, _lev_) is not merely the seat of emotions but the core of one's being—the center of intellect, will, and moral decision-making. The "eyes" are often seen as windows to the soul, expressing inner thoughts and intentions. Eliphaz's accusation thus targets Job's entire inner and outer disposition, implying a deliberate choice to defy God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse is pivotal in highlighting several key themes within the book of Job. Firstly, it exemplifies the **Misinterpretation of Suffering**, as Eliphaz and the friends rigidly apply their flawed theological framework, unable to conceive of righteous suffering not directly tied to specific sin. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Accusation of Pride and Defiance**, as Job's heartfelt laments and desire for vindication are misconstrued as arrogance and rebellion against God's sovereignty. This theme is central to the friends' argument throughout the book, particularly as seen in Eliphaz's earlier assertion that "man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward" ([Job 5:7](/job/5-7 "Job 5:7 - Man is Born to Trouble")). Lastly, the verse touches upon the **Relationship Between Inner State and Outward Expression**, suggesting that Job's "heart" and "eyes" betray an inner contempt, reflecting the biblical understanding that outward actions often reveal the true condition of one's inner being, as powerfully articulated in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Proverbs 4:23 - Guard Your Heart, For From It Flow the Springs of Life").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heart (Hebrew, _lêb'_):** This term (H3820) signifies the innermost part of a person, encompassing not only emotions but also the intellect, will, and moral center. In this context, Eliphaz accuses Job's entire inner being—his thoughts, intentions, and moral choices—of being led astray. It suggests a fundamental deviation from what Eliphaz considers to be sound judgment and righteous disposition.
* **carry thee away (Hebrew, _lâqach'_):** The verb (H3947) means "to take," "to seize," or "to carry away." When applied to the heart, as here, it implies being swept away or overcome by an internal force, often in a negative sense. Eliphaz suggests Job's heart is not under proper control, but is being "taken" or "carried off" by erroneous thoughts, pride, or bitterness, leading him to presumptuous speech and defiance.
* **wink at (Hebrew, _râzam'_):** This verb (H7335) specifically means "to twinkle the eye (in mockery)" or "to wink." In biblical wisdom literature, such a gesture often denotes scorn, contempt, secret plotting, or a dismissive attitude. Eliphaz interprets Job's non-verbal communication as revealing an inner disdain for the counsel of his friends or even a disrespectful challenge to divine justice, thereby betraying a spirit of rebellion.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Why doth thine heart carry thee away?":** This rhetorical question is a direct challenge to Job's inner disposition and moral compass. Eliphaz accuses Job's "heart"—the very core of his intellect, will, and emotions—of being out of control, allowing itself to be led astray by pride, bitterness, or a spirit of rebellion. The implication is that Job's internal state is the root cause of his perceived defiant speech and attitude towards God and his friends, suggesting a willful departure from righteousness.
* **"and what do thy eyes wink at,":** This second rhetorical question extends the accusation from Job's internal state to his outward expression. The "winking" suggests a non-verbal communication of scorn, mockery, or defiance. Eliphaz believes Job's gaze betrays an inner contempt for the conventional wisdom being offered, or perhaps even a disrespectful challenge to divine justice, further cementing the friends' conviction that Job is guilty of unconfessed sin and an arrogant spirit.

#### Literary Devices
Eliphaz employs a powerful **Rhetorical Question** to confront Job directly, framing his accusations not as open inquiries but as self-evident truths designed to elicit a confession. This technique forces Job onto the defensive and implies a clear, negative answer to the implied charges. The verse also utilizes **Synecdoche**, where "heart" represents Job's entire inner being (his thoughts, will, and emotions) and "eyes" stand for his outward expressions and attitude. This highlights the intimate connection between one's internal disposition and external manifestation. Furthermore, the two clauses, though distinct, function as a form of **Parallelism of Accusation**, linking Job's internal state to his external demeanor, thereby reinforcing the friends' belief that his suffering is a direct consequence of his inner rebellion and pride.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 15:12 encapsulates the profound theological conflict at the heart of the book of Job. The friends, including Eliphaz, operate under a rigid, mechanistic view of divine justice, where suffering is always a direct consequence of sin. They accuse Job of allowing his "heart" to be carried away by pride and his "eyes" to express defiance, thereby misinterpreting his genuine anguish and desire for vindication as rebellion. This highlights the danger of presuming to fully comprehend God's complex ways or to accurately discern the spiritual state of another based solely on their external circumstances. The verse underscores the biblical emphasis on the condition of the heart as the wellspring of life, and how a heart not aligned with God can lead to outward expressions of sin, even as it simultaneously warns against the human tendency to misjudge and accuse.
* [Proverbs 6:12-13](/proverbs/6-12-13 "Proverbs 6:12-13 - The Worthless Person's Deceitful Gestures")
* [Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "Matthew 15:18-19 - What Comes Out of the Mouth Defiles a Person")
* [Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Job's Friends for Their False Counsel")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Eliphaz's pointed questions in Job 15:12 serve as a timeless mirror for self-reflection and a profound caution against judgmentalism. When we face trials, particularly those that challenge our understanding of God's justice or our own righteousness, it is vital to humbly examine our hearts. Are we allowing pride, bitterness, or a spirit of defiance to subtly lead us astray from trusting God's sovereign plan? Do our outward expressions, whether through our words or our demeanor, betray an inner attitude that is not fully surrendered to God's will? Conversely, this verse also serves as a powerful warning against the temptation to assume the role of accuser, as Job's friends did. We must approach the suffering of others with profound empathy and humility, recognizing that God's ways are often beyond our full comprehension and that not all suffering is a direct consequence of specific, unconfessed sin. True spiritual wisdom involves a deep humility before God and a generous grace towards others, acknowledging that only God truly knows the depths of the human heart and its complex struggles.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what situations do I find my own "heart carried away" by emotions or thoughts that hinder my trust in God?**
* **How do my outward expressions—my words, my body language, my "eyes"—reflect my true inner disposition when I am under pressure or feel misunderstood?**
* **Am I quick to attribute the suffering of others to their sin, or do I seek to understand their pain with compassion and a recognition of God's mysterious purposes?**

### FAQ
**Was Eliphaz's accusation against Job entirely unfounded?**

Answer: While Eliphaz's theological framework was ultimately deemed flawed by God ([Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Job's Friends")), his specific accusation in [Job 15:12](/job/15-12 "Job 15:12 - Eliphaz Accuses Job") captures a genuine aspect of Job's human struggle. Job, though righteous, was indeed wrestling with profound questions, expressing intense frustration, and at times bordering on presumptuous speech against God (e.g., [Job 13:3](/job/13-3 "Job 13:3 - Job Desires to Argue with God")). However, Eliphaz fundamentally misattributed Job's anguish and desire for vindication to outright pride and defiance, failing to understand the depth of Job's integrity and the unique, divinely orchestrated nature of his trial. His judgment was harsh, lacked empathy, and was based on an incomplete understanding of God's ways and the true nature of Job's suffering.

**What does the "heart" signify in biblical Hebrew thought?**

Answer: In biblical Hebrew, the "heart" (לֵב, _lev_) is far more comprehensive than merely the seat of emotions. It encompasses the entire inner person, serving as the center of intellect, will, conscience, and moral character. It is where decisions are made, thoughts are formed, intentions are harbored, and one's true character resides. Therefore, when Eliphaz accuses Job's "heart" of being "carried away," he is not just speaking of Job's feelings but of his entire inner being—his reasoning, choices, and disposition—being led astray from what Eliphaz considers to be righteous submission to God. This holistic understanding is crucial for grasping the depth and severity of the accusation, as it targets Job's core identity and moral integrity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The accusations leveled against Job by his friends, particularly Eliphaz's charge that his "heart" was leading him astray and his "eyes" were winking in defiance, find their ultimate counterpoint and fulfillment in the person of Jesus Christ. Unlike Job, who, though righteous, wrestled with human frailty and frustration, Jesus possessed a perfectly pure and undefiled heart, never carried away by sin, pride, or rebellion. His inner being was always in perfect alignment with the will of His Father, as He declared, "[I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but to do the will of him who sent me](/john/6-38 "John 6:38 - Jesus Does the Will of the Father")". His eyes, far from winking in scorn or defiance, were filled with divine compassion for the lost and suffering, as seen when "[He saw the crowds, he had compassion for them](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus Has Compassion on the Crowds")", and righteous zeal for God's holiness, evident in His cleansing of the temple ([John 2:15-16](/john/2-15-16 "John 2:15-16 - Jesus Cleanses the Temple")). The world, much like Job's friends, profoundly misjudged and falsely accused Christ, attributing His suffering to His supposed sin or blasphemy ([Isaiah 53:4](/isaiah/53-4 "Isaiah 53:4 - He Was Stricken by God"); [Matthew 26:65-66](/matthew/26-65-66 "Matthew 26:65-66 - Jesus Accused of Blasphemy")). Yet, He endured perfectly, demonstrating true righteousness and humility even unto death on the cross, ultimately vindicating Himself through His glorious resurrection. Through Him, our own hearts, which are prone to be "carried away" by sin, can be cleansed, and our eyes, which often "wink" at unrighteousness, can be opened to God's truth, not by our own merit, but by His atoning sacrifice and transforming grace, for "[He committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in his mouth](/1_peter/2-22 "1 Peter 2:22 - Christ's Sinlessness")" and "[He became sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")".

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

Proverbs 6:13

He winketh with his eyes, he speaketh with his feet, he teacheth with his fingers;

Job 17:2

[Are there] not mockers with me? and doth not mine eye continue in their provocation?

James 1:14

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

James 1:15

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Mark 7:21

For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders,

Mark 7:22

Thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness:

Job 11:13

¶ If thou prepare thine heart, and stretch out thine hands toward him;