Job 12:3
Job 12:3 in Multiple Translations
But I also have a mind; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these?
But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?
But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: Yea, who knoweth not such things as these?
But I have a mind as well as you; I am equal to you: yes, who has not knowledge of such things as these?
But I too have insights, and you're no better than me. Doesn't everyone know the things you've said?
But I haue vnderstanding aswel as you, and am not inferior vnto you: yea, who knoweth not such things?
I also have a heart like you, I am not fallen more than you, And with whom is there not like these?
But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you. Yes, who doesn’t know such things as these?
But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yes, who knoweth not such things as these?
I also have a heart as well as you: for who is ignorant of these things, which you know?
But I have as much good sense as you do; I am ◄not less wise than/certainly as wise as [LIT]► you. Certainly everyone knows [RHQ] all that you have said.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 12:3
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 12:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
גַּם
לִ֤/י
לֵבָ֨ב
כְּֽמוֹ/כֶ֗ם
לֹא
נֹפֵ֣ל
אָנֹכִ֣י
מִ/כֶּ֑ם
וְ/אֶת
מִי
אֵ֥ין
כְּמוֹ
אֵֽלֶּה
גַּם
gam
H1571
also
DirObjM
לִ֤/י
Prep | Suff
לֵבָ֨ב
lêbâb
H3824
heart
N-ms
כְּֽמוֹ/כֶ֗ם
kᵉmôw
H3644
like
Prep | Suff
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
נֹפֵ֣ל
nâphal
H5307
to fall
V-Qal
אָנֹכִ֣י
ʼânôkîy
H595
I
Pron
מִ/כֶּ֑ם
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H854
with
Conj | Prep
מִי
mîy
H4310
who?
Part
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
כְּמוֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
like
Prep
אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
these
Pron
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 12:3
גַּם
gam
H1571
"also"
DirObjM
Also means 'even' or 'too', used for emphasis or to connect ideas, like 'both...and' or 'neither...nor'. It can introduce a climax or show contrast.
Definition: 1) also, even, indeed, moreover, yea 1a) also, moreover (giving emphasis) 1b) neither, neither...nor (with negative) 1c) even (for stress) 1d) indeed, yea (introducing climax) 1e) also (of correspondence or retribution) 1f) but, yet, though (adversative) 1g) even, yea, yea though (with 'when' in hypothetical case) 2) (TWOT) again, alike
Usage: Occurs in 661 OT verses. KJV: again, alike, also, (so much) as (soon), both (so)...and, but, either...or, even, for all, (in) likewise (manner), moreover, nay...neither, one, then(-refore), though, what, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 19:9; 1 Samuel 14:21.
לִ֤/י
""
Prep | Suff
לֵבָ֨ב
lêbâb
H3824
"heart"
N-ms
The heart is the innermost part of a person, including their mind, will, and emotions. In the book of Psalms, David talks about his heart being heavy with sorrow, while in the book of Proverbs, it discusses the importance of guarding one's heart.
Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, soul, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage Aramaic equivalent: le.vav (לְבַב "heart" H3825)
Usage: Occurs in 230 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] bethink themselves, breast, comfortably, courage, ((faint), (tender-) heart(-ed), midst, mind, [idiom] unawares, understanding. See also: Genesis 20:5; 1 Chronicles 17:2; Psalms 4:5.
כְּֽמוֹ/כֶ֗ם
kᵉmôw
H3644
"like"
Prep | Suff
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
נֹפֵ֣ל
nâphal
H5307
"to fall"
V-Qal
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to fall, and it's used in many ways, like falling down, failing, or being defeated. It appears in books like Genesis and Isaiah. God's people often fell away from Him, but He always offered a way back.
Definition: : fall/drop/fail 1) to fall, lie, be cast down, fail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to fall 1a2) to fall (of violent death) 1a3) to fall prostrate, prostrate oneself before 1a4) to fall upon, attack, desert, fall away to, go away to, fall into the hand of 1a5) to fall short, fail, fall out, turn out, result 1a6) to settle, waste away, be offered, be inferior to 1a7) to lie, lie prostrate 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to fall, fell, throw down, knock out, lay prostrate 1b2) to overthrow 1b3) to make the lot fall, assign by lot, apportion by lot 1b4) to let drop, cause to fail (fig.) 1b5) to cause to fall 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to throw or prostrate oneself, throw oneself upon 1c2) to lie prostrate, prostrate oneself 1d) (Pilel) to fall
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: be accepted, cast (down, self, (lots), out), cease, die, divide (by lot), (let) fail, (cause to, let, make, ready to) fall (away, down, -en, -ing), fell(-ing), fugitive, have (inheritance), inferior, be judged (by mistake for H6419 (פָּלַל)), lay (along), (cause to) lie down, light (down), be ([idiom] hast) lost, lying, overthrow, overwhelm, perish, present(-ed, -ing), (make to) rot, slay, smite out, [idiom] surely, throw down. See also: Genesis 2:21; 1 Samuel 17:52; Esther 9:3.
אָנֹכִ֣י
ʼânôkîy
H595
"I"
Pron
This simple Hebrew word just means 'I', referring to the speaker, like in Genesis 27 where Esau says 'I' when talking to his father Isaac.
Definition: I (first pers. sing.) Another spelling of a.ni (אֲנִי, אָֽנֹכִ֫י "I" H0589)
Usage: Occurs in 335 OT verses. KJV: I, me, [idiom] which. See also: Genesis 3:10; Deuteronomy 11:26; 2 Samuel 3:39.
מִ/כֶּ֑ם
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
וְ/אֶת
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Conj | Prep
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
מִי
mîy
H4310
"who?"
Part
This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.
Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever
Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
כְּמוֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
"like"
Prep
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
אֵֽלֶּה
ʼêl-leh
H428
"these"
Pron
This Hebrew word is used to point out specific people or things, like saying 'these' or 'those'. It appears in the book of Genesis, where God says 'let there be light' and separates the light from the darkness.
Definition: 1) these 1a) used before antecedent 1b) used following antecedent Aramaic equivalent: el.leh (אֵלֶּה "these" H0429)
Usage: Occurs in 697 OT verses. KJV: an-(the) other; one sort, so, some, such, them, these (same), they, this, those, thus, which, who(-m). See also: Genesis 2:4; Exodus 35:1; Deuteronomy 1:35.
Study Notes — Job 12:3
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 12:3 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 12:3
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 12:3
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 12:3
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 12:3
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 12:3
- Cambridge Bible on Job 12:3
- Barnes' Notes on Job 12:3
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 12:3
- Sermons on Job 12:3
Context — Job Presents His Case
1Then Job answered:
2“Truly then you are the people with whom wisdom itself will die!
3But I also have a mind; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these?
4I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God, and He answered. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock. 5The one at ease scorns misfortune as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 13:2–5 | What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you. Yet I desire to speak to the Almighty and argue my case before God. You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians. If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom! |
| 2 | Proverbs 26:4 | Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you yourself will be like him. |
| 3 | 2 Corinthians 11:21–23 | To my shame I concede that we were too weak for that! Speaking as a fool, however, I can match what anyone else dares to boast about. Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I. Are they servants of Christ? I am speaking like I am out of my mind, but I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. |
| 4 | 2 Corinthians 11:5 | I consider myself in no way inferior to those “super-apostles.” |
| 5 | Job 26:2–3 | “How you have helped the powerless and saved the arm that is feeble! How you have counseled the unwise and provided fully sound insight! |
| 6 | Job 6:6–7 | Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egg ? My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me. |
Job 12:3 Summary
In Job 12:3, Job is saying that he is just as smart and capable as his friends, and that the things they are saying are not unique or special. He's standing up for himself and asserting his dignity as a person created by God, similar to how we are all created in God's image as seen in Genesis 1:27. This verse reminds us that we all have worth and value, regardless of what others may say or think, and we can trust in God's love and care for us as stated in Jeremiah 29:11. By recognizing our own worth and the worth of others, we can treat each other with kindness and respect, as Jesus taught in Matthew 7:12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Job's tone in this verse?
Job's tone in Job 12:3 is one of confidence and assertion, as he stands up for himself against the accusations of his friends, similar to the boldness seen in Acts 4:13 where the disciples spoke with confidence before the Sanhedrin.
Is Job being prideful in this verse?
While Job is asserting his equality with his friends, his statement is more a declaration of his own dignity and worth as a person created in the image of God, as seen in Genesis 1:27, rather than a prideful boast.
What does Job mean by 'who does not know such things as these'?
Job is saying that the things his friends are saying are not unique or profound, but rather common knowledge, similar to the way the Psalmist says in Psalms 19:1-6 that the glory of God is evident in creation, and thus, not a special insight limited to his friends.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Job?
This verse is part of Job's response to his friends' accusations and advice, and it sets the stage for the rest of the book, which explores the nature of suffering, the character of God, and the importance of faith and perseverance, as seen in James 1:2-4 where believers are called to endure trials with joy.
Reflection Questions
- What are some times when you have felt like Job, needing to assert your dignity and worth in the face of criticism or accusation?
- How can you, like Job, stand confidently on the truth of your identity as a child of God, as stated in 1 John 3:1-2?
- In what ways can you apply Job's statement 'who does not know such things as these' to your own life, recognizing that some truths are universal and not limited to a select few?
- What does this verse teach you about the importance of humility and recognizing the worth and dignity of all people, as commanded in Matthew 7:12 to treat others as you would like to be treated?
Gill's Exposition on Job 12:3
But I have understanding as well as you,.... A natural understanding, or an understanding of natural things, which distinguishes a man from a brute; and a spiritual understanding, an understanding
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 12:3
But I have understanding as well as you; I am not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these? Not inferior - not vanquished in argument and "wisdom" (Job 13:2).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 12:3
An understanding, Heb. a heart; which is oft put for the understanding, as ; i.e. God hath given me also the knowledge and ability to judge of these matters. I am not inferior to you in these things; which he speaketh, not in a way of vain-glorious boasting, but for the just and necessary vindication both of himself; and of that cause of God, which for the matter and substance of it he maintained rightly, as God himself attests, . Who knoweth not such things as these? the truth is, neither you nor I have any reason to be puffed up with our knowledge of these things; for the most foolish and barbarous nations know that God is infinite in wisdom, and power, and justice. But this is not the question between you and me.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 12:3
Job 12:3 But I have understanding as well as you; I [am] not inferior to you: yea, who knoweth not such things as these?Ver. 3. But I have understanding as well as you] Think not that you have engrossed all the knowledge, and that you have the monopoly of wisdom in your breasts; for surely I may come into the balance with you, and claim as great a share in understanding as yourselves. Zophar was pleased to call me hollow and heartless, Job 11:12; but I have a heart (so the Hebrew here hath it), that seat of understanding; and that shall appear in the ensuing discourse: where Job proveth that by solid arguments concerning which Zophar had but barely propounded. And whereas this patient man was not without his impatience, yet he discovereth more grace, even in his distempers, than his friends did in their seeming wise carnages. Breaking out in the body shows strength of nature. Some infirmities discover more good than some seeming beautiful actions. I am not inferior to you] Heb. I fall not lower than you. See Nehemiah 6:16 Esther 6:13 Job 13:2. He meaneth that he was much their superior, and did better understand the doctrine of God’ s providence than they.
This he speaketh not out of any vain glory, or ambitious boasting, but as David, and Paul, and others after them did, commending themselves, either in defence of their own wronged innocence, or when it appeared unto them that the concealing of their good parts and practices might turn to the hindrance of the truth, or to the harm of the Church, or to the impairing and impeaching of God’ s glory. In these cases self-commendation is not unseemly; but a Job may lawfully stand upon, not his comparisons only, but his disparisons also. Yea, who knoweth not eueh things as these?] viz. That God rewardeth the righteous, and punisheth the ungodly. The heathen saw this by the rush candle of nature’ s dim light. "Doth not nature itself teach you?" saith Paul, 1 Corinthians 11:14. And again, "This ye know, that no whoremonger, &c., hath any inheritance in the kingdom of God and of Christ," Ephesians 5:5.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 12:3
Verse 3. I am not inferior to you] I do not fall short of any of you in understanding, wisdom, learning, and experience. Who knoweth not such things as these?] All your boasted wisdom consists only in strings of proverbs which are in every person's mouth, and are no proof of wisdom and experience in them that use them.
Cambridge Bible on Job 12:3
3. But I have understanding] Rather, I also have understanding, lit. heart; cf. on ch. Job 11:12, to the depreciating words of which Job refers. who knoweth not such things as these] lit. with whom are not such things as these? i. e. such knowledge as this. The reference is to Zophar’s exhibition of the Divine wisdom and might, ch. Job 11:7-12.
Barnes' Notes on Job 12:3
But I have understanding as well as you - Margin, as in the Hebrew “an heart.” The word “heart” in the Scriptures is often used to denote the understanding or mind.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 12:3
3. Understanding — Or, a heart. With the ancient Hebrews the heart was the seat of the understanding, and the bowels the seat of the emotions. “He also has a heart like them; he is, therefore, not ‘empty.’” — Delitzsch.
Sermons on Job 12:3
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Life of the Mind and the Love of God by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of loving God with all our minds. He lists seven or eight things that we should avoid in order to cultivate a love for God. Th |
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(Proverbs) ch.10:12 - 11:12 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that riches will not help anyone on judgment day, only righteousness will matter. It is not about Bible knowledge or religious activities, bu |
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The Discipline of Disdain - 23 by Jack Hibbs | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of listening and being slow to speak and anger. He highlights the need to trust in God during times of shaking and suffering. |
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Costless Christianity by Derek Melton | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of not letting the affairs of this life distract or disqualify believers from serving God. He encourages the audience to prio |
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Prayer Requests by George Verwer | In this sermon, Billy Graham emphasizes the importance of being filled with the Spirit and living wisely according to Ephesians 4 and 5. He encourages believers to make the most of |
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Through the Bible - Job - Part 2 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, Eliphaz begins by sharing a secret truth that was whispered to him in a vision. He emphasizes the fear and awe he experienced in the presence of God. Eliphaz critic |