Job 15:16

KJV

How much more abominable and filthy [is] man, which drinketh iniquity like water?

KJV (with Strong's)

How much more abominable {H8581} and filthy {H444} is man {H376}, which drinketh {H8354} iniquity {H5766}{H5766} like water {H4325}?

Complete Jewish Bible

How much less one loathesome and corrupt, a human being, who drinks iniquity like water.

Berean Standard Bible

how much less man, who is vile and corrupt, who drinks injustice like water?

American Standard Version

How much less one that is abominable and corrupt, A man that drinketh iniquity like water!

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 15:16 is a potent declaration from Eliphaz the Temanite, delivered during his second discourse to Job. In this verse, Eliphaz asserts the profound and inherent depravity of humanity in the sight of a holy God, contrasting human sinfulness with divine purity. He employs vivid imagery to suggest that humanity's embrace of wrongdoing is as natural and eager as a thirsty person drinking water, underscoring a deep-seated moral corruption that is utterly detestable to the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Eliphaz's second speech (Job 15), which follows Job's lament in Job 14. Eliphaz, one of Job's three "comforters," is attempting to justify Job's suffering by attributing it to hidden sin, operating under the assumption of strict retribution theology. He argues that no human, regardless of their perceived righteousness, can be pure before God. This particular verse builds upon the preceding verses, especially [Job 15:14-15](/job/15-14 "Job 15:14-15 - Human Impurity vs. Divine Purity"), where Eliphaz posits that even celestial beings are not pure in God's eyes, thus amplifying his point about the even greater impurity of mortal man. While Eliphaz's general theological premise about God's holiness and human sinfulness contains truth, his application of it to Job's specific situation is flawed and misinformed, as Job's suffering is not a direct consequence of personal wickedness.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is a masterpiece of wisdom literature, reflecting ancient Near Eastern (ANE) perspectives on suffering, righteousness, and divine justice. The "comforters" like Eliphaz represent a common ANE worldview, often termed "retribution theology," which held that prosperity was a sign of divine favor and righteousness, while suffering was a direct consequence of sin. This deterministic view struggled with the concept of innocent suffering. The societal norms of the time would have reinforced the idea that outward piety and adherence to moral codes were paramount, and any deviation would invite divine wrath. Eliphaz's argument, therefore, taps into a deeply ingrained cultural belief system, even if it fails to grasp the complexities of God's sovereign purposes.
* **Key Themes:** Job 15:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Job and biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **profound human depravity** that is a consistent theme throughout Scripture, from the fall in [Genesis 3](/genesis/3 "Genesis 3 - The Fall of Humanity") to the universal declaration of sinfulness in [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned"). Eliphaz's description of man as "abominable and filthy" underscores a deep-seated moral corruption. Secondly, the verse emphasizes the **pervasive nature of sin**, using the striking metaphor "drinketh iniquity like water" to portray sin not as an occasional failing but as a natural, even eagerly consumed, part of human existence for many. This suggests a readiness and appetite for wrongdoing, much like a thirsty person eagerly drinks water. Thirdly, it implicitly points to **God's transcendent holiness and purity**, against which all human impurity is measured and found wanting. This divine standard makes any impurity utterly repugnant to Him, setting the stage for the need for divine intervention and grace.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abominable (Hebrew, תָּעֵב _tāʿēḇ_):** This word signifies something detestable, loathsome, or abhorrent. It is frequently used in the Old Testament, particularly in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, to describe practices, behaviors, or objects that are ritually or morally repugnant to God (e.g., idolatry, sexual perversions, unjust weights). In Job 15:16, its application to humanity underscores a state of moral corruption that is not merely offensive but deeply disgusting in the divine estimation, implying a profound alienation from God's character.
* **Filthy (Hebrew, נֶאֱלָח _neʾĕlāḥ_):** This term conveys the sense of being foul, corrupted, or morally polluted. It suggests a state of decay or putrefaction, indicating a deep-seated spiritual and ethical defilement. When applied to man, it paints a picture of inherent uncleanness, a moral stench that rises before the pure and holy God. It goes beyond mere imperfection to denote a fundamental perversion of one's nature.
* **Drinketh iniquity like water (Hebrew, לֹקֵחַ עָוֶל כַּמַּיִם _lōqēaḥ ʿāwel kammayim_):** This vivid simile describes a person who eagerly and readily consumes wrongdoing. "Iniquity" (עָוֶל _ʿāwel_) refers to perversity, injustice, or moral crookedness. The comparison to drinking water highlights how easily, naturally, and continually some individuals commit sin, finding a perverse satisfaction in it, as if it were essential sustenance. It implies an insatiable appetite for evil, a habitual and unthinking indulgence in what is wrong, much like one instinctively quenches thirst.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"How much more abominable and filthy [is] man":** This rhetorical question, posed by Eliphaz, serves to emphasize the extreme degree of human depravity. Building on his previous assertion that even heavenly beings are not pure before God (Job 15:15), he argues that mortal man is infinitely more detestable and morally polluted. The terms "abominable" and "filthy" convey a profound state of moral corruption that is repugnant to a holy God, suggesting a deep-seated, inherent uncleanness that goes beyond mere outward actions.
* **"which drinketh iniquity like water?":** This powerful simile vividly illustrates the pervasive and eager nature of human sinfulness. It portrays sin not as an occasional lapse but as a fundamental appetite, something consumed readily, habitually, and with perverse pleasure, much like a thirsty person drinks water. This imagery suggests that for many, wrongdoing is not merely tolerated but actively embraced and internalized as a natural part of their existence, indicating a profound moral perversion and a lack of resistance to evil.

#### Literary Devices
Job 15:16 is rich in literary devices that amplify Eliphaz's stark message. The verse opens with a **Rhetorical Question**, "How much more abominable and filthy [is] man," which is designed not to elicit an answer but to make a forceful assertion about humanity's profound depravity, building on the preceding verses. The most striking device is the **Simile**, "drinketh iniquity like water," which creates a vivid and disturbing image. This comparison highlights the ease, naturalness, and eagerness with which some individuals embrace sin, suggesting an insatiable appetite for wrongdoing. Furthermore, the statement contains an element of **Hyperbole**, as Eliphaz, in his zeal to condemn Job, exaggerates the universal human condition to make his point. While humanity is indeed fallen, the idea of *all* people drinking iniquity with the same eagerness as water is an overstatement used for dramatic effect. Underlying this is also a subtle **Metaphor** where "iniquity" is implicitly treated as a substance that can be consumed, reinforcing its pervasive and internalizable nature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 15:16, despite being spoken by a flawed human character in a context of misapplied theology, articulates a profound truth about the human condition: the pervasive reality of sin and humanity's inherent fallenness before a perfectly holy God. This verse resonates with the biblical doctrine of original sin and universal depravity, affirming that sin is not merely a collection of wrong actions but a deep-seated corruption of the human heart and nature. It underscores the vast chasm between God's absolute purity and humanity's moral pollution, making clear the impossibility of self-justification or achieving righteousness through human effort. This stark portrayal of human sinfulness serves to highlight the indispensable need for divine grace and intervention for salvation and transformation.

* [Psalm 14:3](/psalms/14-3 "Psalm 14:3 - Universal Corruption")
* [Romans 3:10-12](/romans/3-10 "Romans 3:10-12 - No One Is Righteous")
* [Jeremiah 17:9](/jeremiah/17-9 "Jeremiah 17:9 - The Deceitful Heart")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Eliphaz's words, though harsh and misdirected towards Job, serve as a powerful mirror for self-examination, challenging us to confront the reality of our own sinfulness. The imagery of "drinking iniquity like water" forces us to consider our appetite for sin: do we readily indulge in sinful desires, finding a perverse satisfaction in them, or do we genuinely hunger and thirst for righteousness? This verse reminds us that sin is not merely an external act but a deep-seated inclination of the heart, a natural bent towards self-interest and rebellion against God. True spiritual health begins with an honest acknowledgment of this profound depravity and the recognition that we cannot cleanse ourselves. It compels us to turn away from any self-righteousness and to embrace the transformative power of God's grace, which alone can change our desires and empower us to live in a manner pleasing to Him. This passage underscores our utter dependence on God's mercy and the Holy Spirit's work to reorient our hearts from consuming that which defiles to seeking that which sanctifies.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might I, perhaps unknowingly, "drink iniquity like water" in my daily life, finding comfort or satisfaction in sinful patterns or attitudes?**
* **How does Eliphaz's strong language about human depravity challenge my own understanding of sin and my need for God's grace?**
* **If my heart has a natural appetite for sin, how can I cultivate a greater hunger and thirst for righteousness and God's presence?**
* **What specific steps can I take to allow God's transformative power to change my desires and lead me away from moral "filth"?**

### FAQ

**Was Eliphaz entirely wrong in his assessment of humanity in Job 15:16?**

Answer: No, Eliphaz was not entirely wrong in his general theological assessment of humanity's sinfulness. The Bible consistently teaches that all humanity is fallen and inherently sinful (e.g., [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")). His error lay not in the truth of human depravity itself, but in his rigid application of retribution theology to Job's specific situation. He wrongly assumed that Job's suffering was a direct consequence of his hidden sin, failing to grasp the complexity of God's purposes or the possibility of righteous suffering. So, while the statement about human depravity is biblically sound as a general principle, its specific use to condemn Job was flawed and ungracious.

**What does "drinketh iniquity like water" mean for practical daily living?**

Answer: The phrase "drinketh iniquity like water" is a powerful simile that suggests a natural, eager, and habitual embrace of sin, almost as if it were essential for survival or pleasure. For practical daily living, it challenges us to examine our own inclinations and appetites. It means asking: Do I readily give in to temptations? Do I find satisfaction in gossip, anger, lust, or greed? Do I consume media or engage in activities that are morally compromising without a second thought? It calls us to recognize that sin can become a deeply ingrained habit, something we pursue without resistance, much like quenching thirst. The implication is a warning against allowing sin to become a natural part of our lives, urging us instead to cultivate a spiritual thirst for righteousness and God's will ([Matthew 5:6](/matthew/5-6 "Matthew 5:6 - Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 15:16, with its stark portrayal of humanity as "abominable and filthy," eagerly "drinking iniquity like water," sets the stage for the profound necessity of Christ's redemptive work. This verse powerfully underscores the universal human condition of deep-seated depravity, a moral pollution that renders us utterly incapable of standing righteous before a holy God. It highlights the chasm between divine purity and human sinfulness, a gap that no human effort or self-cleansing could ever bridge. Into this desperate reality steps Jesus Christ, the only one who was truly pure and undefiled, who never "drank iniquity" but rather perfectly embodied righteousness. He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God"), bearing the full weight of our abominable filth and iniquity on the cross ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He offers not only forgiveness for our past sins but also a transformative power that changes our very appetite. Instead of craving the "water" of iniquity, those who believe in Him are given the [living water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus Offers Living Water") of the Holy Spirit, which cleanses, satisfies, and enables us to hunger and thirst for righteousness ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37 "John 7:37-38 - Rivers of Living Water")). Thus, Job 15:16, while a declaration of human fallenness, ultimately points to the glorious and indispensable grace found in Christ, who alone can cleanse us from all filthiness and transform our hearts from lovers of sin to lovers of God.

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.