God’s wisdom is inexhaustible, and no human can claim full comprehension of His ways.
In this passage, Eliphaz the Temanite—who likely lived in the region of Teman in Edom, southeast of the Dead Sea—confronts Job, asking him: “What do you know that we do not know? What do you understand that we do not know?” (Job 15:9). Eliphaz’s questioning hints at the tension between human wisdom and divine wisdom. He appears to criticize Job by suggesting there is no special or superior insight Job possesses that his friends lack. Historically, Eliphaz’s dialogue with Job likely occurred during the era of the patriarchs (roughly 2000-1700 BC), though the precise dates of the Book of Job remain debated.
By posing this question, Eliphaz essentially casts doubt on Job’s reflections about his suffering, hinting that Job’s reasoning cannot surpass the collective knowledge or understanding of his companions. The implication is that Job, in Eliphaz’s view, should humble himself and accept the same assumptions as they do—namely, that Job’s afflictions must be tied to hidden or unconfessed sin (Job 4:7-9). This posture conflicts with later biblical truths emphasizing God’s higher ways and thoughts, in which the Lord reminds us that human wisdom is always limited (Isaiah 55:8-9 not italicized here since it is a supporting reference). Eliphaz’s words also stand in contrast to the New Testament teaching that if we seek divine insight, we should ask God directly (James 1:5).
Yet the core meaning behind “What do you know that we do not know?” (v.9) is a challenge to anyone claiming a special revelation or insight beyond human reason. Life’s anguish often drives people to deep questions of faith, prompting them to realize the limitations of mere human knowledge. Job’s debate with his friends highlights the need to rely on the wisdom of God rather than human assumptions alone, foreshadowing the scriptural emphasis that true understanding comes from the Lord (Proverbs 2:6).
Set to dark mode
Job 15:9 meaning
In this passage, Eliphaz the Temanite—who likely lived in the region of Teman in Edom, southeast of the Dead Sea—confronts Job, asking him: “What do you know that we do not know? What do you understand that we do not know?” (Job 15:9). Eliphaz’s questioning hints at the tension between human wisdom and divine wisdom. He appears to criticize Job by suggesting there is no special or superior insight Job possesses that his friends lack. Historically, Eliphaz’s dialogue with Job likely occurred during the era of the patriarchs (roughly 2000-1700 BC), though the precise dates of the Book of Job remain debated.
By posing this question, Eliphaz essentially casts doubt on Job’s reflections about his suffering, hinting that Job’s reasoning cannot surpass the collective knowledge or understanding of his companions. The implication is that Job, in Eliphaz’s view, should humble himself and accept the same assumptions as they do—namely, that Job’s afflictions must be tied to hidden or unconfessed sin (Job 4:7-9). This posture conflicts with later biblical truths emphasizing God’s higher ways and thoughts, in which the Lord reminds us that human wisdom is always limited (Isaiah 55:8-9 not italicized here since it is a supporting reference). Eliphaz’s words also stand in contrast to the New Testament teaching that if we seek divine insight, we should ask God directly (James 1:5).
Yet the core meaning behind “What do you know that we do not know?” (v.9) is a challenge to anyone claiming a special revelation or insight beyond human reason. Life’s anguish often drives people to deep questions of faith, prompting them to realize the limitations of mere human knowledge. Job’s debate with his friends highlights the need to rely on the wisdom of God rather than human assumptions alone, foreshadowing the scriptural emphasis that true understanding comes from the Lord (Proverbs 2:6).