Job 27:11

KJV

¶ I will teach you by the hand of God: [that] which [is] with the Almighty will I not conceal.

KJV (with Strong's)

I will teach {H3384} you by the hand {H3027} of God {H410}: that which is with the Almighty {H7706} will I not conceal {H3582}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"I am teaching you how God uses his power, not hiding what Shaddai is doing.

Berean Standard Bible

I will instruct you in the power of God. I will not conceal the ways of the Almighty.

American Standard Version

I will teach you concerning the hand of God; That which is with the Almighty will I not conceal.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Job 27:11, Job, amidst his final, impassioned discourse, declares his unwavering commitment to impart divine wisdom and truth to his friends and to a broader audience. He asserts that his instruction comes directly "by the hand of God," signifying a divinely sourced authority, and pledges never to "conceal" the profound truths he has learned concerning the "Almighty." This declaration underscores Job's steadfast integrity, his profound understanding of God's character, and his resolve to speak openly about divine justice, even as he grapples with his own inexplicable suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 27:11 is situated within Job's final, extended monologue (chapters 27-31), which serves as his culminating defense against the accusations of his three friends. After a period of intense debate where Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar have exhausted their arguments, Job takes the floor decisively. He reasserts his blamelessness and challenges their erroneous theological framework, which rigidly links suffering to sin. This particular verse comes after Job has sworn an oath of integrity (Job 27:2-6) and before he describes the inevitable fate of the wicked (Job 27:7-23), thereby contrasting his own righteous stance with the ultimate downfall of those who oppose God. Job's declaration to "teach" and "not conceal" positions him as a reliable interpreter of divine truth, a stark contrast to his friends whom he frequently accuses of misrepresenting God. This speech prepares the ground for God's eventual appearance in [Job 38](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech") and Job's ultimate vindication.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a location likely situated in the Edomite or Arabian regions, suggesting a non-Israelite, patriarchal setting. The cultural context reflects an ancient Near Eastern wisdom tradition, where debates about divine justice, human suffering, and the nature of God were common. Wisdom literature often explored the complexities of life, moving beyond simplistic cause-and-effect relationships. In this culture, teaching and the transmission of knowledge were highly valued, often stemming from elders or those perceived to have divine insight. The concept of "the hand of God" was a familiar idiom, widely understood to denote divine power, intervention, or guidance. Job, as a wealthy and respected patriarch, would have been seen as a figure of authority and wisdom in his community, making his declaration to teach with divine insight particularly potent and challenging to his friends' conventional wisdom.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Job. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Wisdom and Revelation**. Job claims a direct pipeline to God's understanding, asserting that his insights are not merely human speculation but are "by the hand of God," implying a divinely sanctioned perspective. This contrasts sharply with the limited and often flawed human wisdom presented by his friends. Secondly, the verse underscores **Integrity and Truth-Telling**. Job's refusal to "conceal" what is "with the Almighty" speaks to his profound commitment to honesty and transparency concerning God's character and dealings, even when those truths are difficult or challenge prevailing theological assumptions. This aligns with his consistent plea for vindication and his steadfastness in maintaining his righteousness, as seen in his declaration in [Job 13:15](/job/13-15 "Job 13:15 - Though He Slay Me, Yet Will I Trust Him"). Lastly, it touches upon the theme of **Suffering and Justice**. While Job suffers unjustly, he does not abandon his belief in God's ultimate justice or His sovereign control, even if he cannot comprehend its immediate manifestation. His teaching aims to reconcile these apparent contradictions, offering a deeper, divinely informed perspective on God's ways.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hand (Hebrew, _yad_):** The Hebrew word יַד (_yad_) literally means "hand," but in this context, "by the hand of God" (יַד־אֵל, _yad-'el_) is a common biblical idiom signifying divine power, guidance, agency, or authority. It suggests that Job's instruction is not merely human opinion or deduction, but carries a measure of divine authority or insight, as if God Himself is guiding his words or revealing truth through him. This elevates his teaching beyond mere human wisdom.
* **Almighty (Hebrew, _Shaddai_):** The Hebrew term שַׁדַּי (_Shaddai_) is one of the most ancient and profound names for God in the Old Testament, often translated as "Almighty" or "All-Sufficient One." It conveys God's omnipotence, self-sufficiency, and sovereign power over all creation and human affairs. Job's refusal to conceal what is "with the Almighty" means he is committed to speaking openly about the deep, perhaps mysterious, truths concerning God's nature, His attributes, and His actions in the world, even when they are challenging to human understanding.
* **Conceal (Hebrew, _kachad_):** The Hebrew verb כָּחַד (_kachad_) means "to hide," "to withhold," "to deny," or "to keep secret." Job's emphatic declaration "will I not conceal" highlights his resolve to be completely transparent and forthright in his teaching about God. This is a direct challenge to his friends, whom he often accuses of misrepresenting God's nature or of holding back from acknowledging the full complexity of divine justice in their simplistic arguments. It signifies a commitment to unvarnished truth.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"I will teach you by the hand of God:"** Job asserts his intention to instruct his audience, likely his friends, but also potentially a broader circle, with knowledge and understanding derived directly from God. The phrase "by the hand of God" indicates that his teaching is not based on his own limited human reasoning or conventional wisdom, but on a divinely imparted insight or authority. He claims to be a conduit for divine truth, setting his words apart from the flawed counsel of his companions.
* **"[that] which [is] with the Almighty will I not conceal."** This clause reinforces and expands upon the first, emphasizing Job's commitment to transparency and truthfulness regarding divine matters. "That which is with the Almighty" refers to the deep truths, characteristics, and ways of God—His nature, His justice, His dealings with humanity. Job pledges that he will not hide, distort, or withhold any of these truths, even if they are complex, challenging, or contradict the prevailing, simplistic theological views of his friends. It is a declaration of intellectual and spiritual integrity.

#### Literary Devices
Job 27:11 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. **Metonymy** is evident in the phrase "by the hand of God," where "hand" stands in for God's power, agency, or direct influence. This elevates Job's teaching from mere human opinion to divinely inspired insight. There is also a strong sense of **Declarative Statement**, as Job's words are a firm, assertive proclamation of his intent and integrity, leaving no room for doubt about his commitment to truth. Furthermore, an implicit **Parallelism** exists between the two clauses: "I will teach you by the hand of God" and "that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal." Both clauses emphasize the divine source of Job's knowledge and his resolve to openly share it, reinforcing the central theme of transparent, divinely-informed instruction. This contributes to the overall **Rhetorical Force** of Job's final discourse, as he positions himself as the true interpreter of God's ways, in contrast to his friends.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 27:11 stands as a profound statement on the nature of divine revelation and the human responsibility to speak truth. It underscores the biblical principle that genuine wisdom originates from God, not from human ingenuity or conventional thought. Job's assertion to teach "by the hand of God" and to "not conceal" what is with the Almighty highlights the importance of seeking and proclaiming unvarnished truth about God's character and His ways, even when those truths are complex or difficult to reconcile with immediate circumstances. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that integrity in theological discourse requires both divine illumination and courageous transparency, reflecting a deep trust in God's ultimate justice and wisdom, even amidst profound suffering.

* [Proverbs 2:6](/proverbs/2-6 "Proverbs 2:6 - For the Lord Gives Wisdom")
* [Psalm 25:4-5](/psalms/25-4-5 "Psalm 25:4-5 - Show Me Your Ways, Lord")
* [John 8:32](/john/8-32 "John 8:32 - The Truth Will Set You Free")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's declaration in Job 27:11 offers profound lessons for believers today, challenging us to embody a similar commitment to divine truth and integrity. In a world often characterized by superficiality, misinformation, and a reluctance to confront difficult truths, Job's resolve to teach "by the hand of God" and to "not conceal" what is with the Almighty stands as a powerful model. It calls us to cultivate a deep relationship with God through His Word and prayer, seeking His wisdom above all human reasoning. It also compels us to be courageous communicators of God's truth, speaking with conviction and transparency about His character, His justice, and His redemptive plan, even when it is unpopular or challenges prevailing cultural narratives. Like Job, we are called to maintain our spiritual integrity, trusting in God's ultimate sovereignty and goodness even when life's circumstances are perplexing or painful. Our witness to the world should be one of unwavering truth, rooted in divine revelation and expressed with unwavering conviction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you feel called to seek God's wisdom more deeply, rather than relying solely on human understanding?**
* **What "truths about the Almighty" might you be tempted to "conceal" or soften in your conversations with others, and how can you cultivate greater courage to speak them?**
* **How does Job's commitment to integrity amidst suffering challenge your own approach to difficult circumstances or accusations?**
* **How can you better ensure that your understanding and communication of God's character are truly "by the hand of God" and not merely reflections of personal bias or cultural trends?**

### FAQ
**What does "by the hand of God" mean in this context?**

Answer: In Job 27:11, "by the hand of God" (Hebrew: _yad 'el_) is an idiomatic expression that signifies divine agency, guidance, or authority. It means that Job's teaching is not based on his own human wisdom or speculation, but is divinely inspired, sanctioned, or revealed. He is claiming that his understanding and the truths he is about to impart come directly from God, giving his words a profound weight and authority that contrasts with the flawed arguments of his friends. This phrase underscores the divine source of true wisdom and knowledge.

**Why does Job emphasize that he "will not conceal" what is with the Almighty?**

Answer: Job's emphatic statement that he "will not conceal" what is with the Almighty highlights his unwavering commitment to transparency and truthfulness regarding God's character and ways. Throughout the book, Job's friends have offered simplistic and often distorted views of God's justice, implying that Job's suffering must be a direct result of his sin. Job, however, knows his innocence and grapples with the mystery of God's actions. By declaring he will not conceal anything, Job asserts his intention to speak the full, unvarnished truth about God, even if it challenges conventional wisdom or the neat theological boxes his friends try to put God in. It is a pledge of intellectual and spiritual honesty, asserting that he will not hide or deny the complex realities of divine sovereignty and human experience.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's declaration in Job 27:11, where he pledges to teach "by the hand of God" and not to "conceal" what is with the Almighty, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the quintessential teacher, the very embodiment of divine wisdom and truth, who perfectly revealed the Father. He did not merely speak "by the hand of God," but as [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - In the Beginning Was the Word") declares, He *is* the Word, God Himself. As the Son, Jesus perfectly knows the Father and fully reveals Him, as stated in [Matthew 11:27](/matthew/11-27 "Matthew 11:27 - All Things Have Been Delivered to Me by My Father"). He came not to conceal any truth about God but to make Him known, proclaiming the kingdom of God and the way of salvation with unparalleled authority, as seen in His Sermon on the Mount ([Matthew 5-7](/matthew/5 "Matthew 5 - The Sermon on the Mount")). Jesus is the truth ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")), and through His life, death, and resurrection, He fully unveiled the Father's love, justice, and redemptive plan, which had been partially revealed in the Old Testament. He is the ultimate "hand of God" reaching out to humanity, perfectly revealing the "Almighty" in a way that Job, in his limited understanding, could only aspire to teach.

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

Psalms 71:17

O God, thou hast taught me from my youth: and hitherto have I declared thy wondrous works.

Job 4:3

Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.

Job 4:4

Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.

Isaiah 8:11

For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying,

Job 32:8

But [there is] a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding.

Job 32:10

Therefore I said, Hearken to me; I also will shew mine opinion.

Job 6:10

Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.