Job 36:4

For truly my words [shall] not [be] false: he that is perfect in knowledge [is] with thee.

For truly {H551} my words {H4405} shall not be false {H8267}: he that is perfect {H8549} in knowledge {H1844} is with thee.

For the fact is that my words are true; you have with you a man whose views are pure.

For truly my words are free of falsehood; one perfect in knowledge is with you.

For truly my words are not false: One that is perfect in knowledge is with thee.

Job 36:4 presents a strong declaration from Elihu, the youngest of Job's interlocutors, as he continues his discourse on God's justice and wisdom. Elihu asserts the truthfulness and reliability of his statements and implies a unique understanding of divine knowledge.

Context

This verse is part of Elihu's lengthy address to Job (chapters 32-37). Elihu, younger than Job and his three friends, had patiently listened to their arguments, becoming indignant at both Job's self-justification and his friends' inability to provide a satisfactory answer. He positions himself as someone with fresh insight, claiming to speak with divine inspiration and a superior understanding of God's ways. His words here are a direct assertion of his authority and the reliability of his counsel to Job. For his initial declaration of intent, see Job 32:6-10.

Key Themes

  • Elihu's Assertions of Authority: Elihu boldly declares, "my words shall not be false," emphasizing his conviction that his insights are accurate and divinely inspired. This sets him apart from Job's friends, whose arguments he found lacking. He presents himself as a reliable conduit for understanding God's complex dealings with humanity.
  • The Nature of Knowledge: The phrase "he that is perfect in knowledge is with thee" is central. Elihu likely refers to himself as embodying or channeling this 'perfect knowledge' to Job, suggesting he possesses a comprehensive understanding of God's ways and Job's situation. This contrasts with the limited human understanding often highlighted in the book of Job. It also serves as a subtle foreshadowing of God's ultimate revelation of true, perfect knowledge in later chapters.
  • Divine Presence and Understanding: Underlying Elihu's words is the notion that God, who truly *is* perfect in knowledge, is intimately aware of Job's plight. Elihu's commentary aims to bridge the gap between Job's perception of abandonment and God's sovereign, all-knowing presence.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase 'perfect in knowledge' translates the Hebrew tamim de'ah (תָּמִים דֵּעָה). The word tamim means 'complete,' 'whole,' 'blameless,' or 'sound.' When applied to knowledge, it signifies a comprehensive or flawless understanding. The word de'ah simply means 'knowledge' or 'understanding.' Elihu is asserting that he possesses, or is a vessel for, a complete and sound understanding of God's ways, which he believes surpasses the partial insights of Job and his friends. This claim is significant, as true perfect knowledge is ultimately an attribute of God alone, as seen in Psalm 139:6.

Practical Application

Job 36:4, while spoken by Elihu, offers several practical insights for us today. Firstly, it reminds us to approach discussions about God's ways with humility. While Elihu claimed 'perfect knowledge,' only God truly possesses it. This calls us to always seek wisdom from God, recognizing the limitations of human understanding. Secondly, it highlights the importance of truthfulness in our words and counsel. Elihu's desire for his words to be 'not false' is a worthy aspiration for any who seek to speak into difficult situations. Finally, the verse implicitly points to the comfort that God, who is truly perfect in knowledge, is always with us, understanding our circumstances even when we feel misunderstood or abandoned.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Job 37:16

    Dost thou know the balancings of the clouds, the wondrous works of him which is perfect in knowledge?

  • 2 Timothy 3:16

    All scripture [is] given by inspiration of God, and [is] profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:

  • 2 Timothy 3:17

    That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

  • Proverbs 8:7

    For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness [is] an abomination to my lips.

  • Proverbs 8:8

    All the words of my mouth [are] in righteousness; [there is] nothing froward or perverse in them.

  • 1 Corinthians 14:20

    Brethren, be not children in understanding: howbeit in malice be ye children, but in understanding be men.

  • 2 Corinthians 2:17

    For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ.

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