Job 15:7
Job 15:7 in Multiple Translations
Were you the first man ever born? Were you brought forth before the hills?
Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills?
Art thou the first man that was born? Or wast thou brought forth before the hills?
Were you the first man to come into the world? or did you come into being before the hills?
Were you the very first person to be born? Were you born before the hills were created?
Art thou the first man, that was borne? and wast thou made before the hils?
The first man art thou born? And before the heights wast thou formed?
“Are you the first man who was born? Or were you brought out before the hills?
Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills?
Art thou the first man that was born, or wast thou made before the hills?
“Tell me do you know more than everyone else because you think that you are the first person who was ever born? [SAR, RHQ] Were you born before the hills were created?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 15:7
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 15:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֲ/רִאישׁ֣וֹן
אָ֭דָם
תִּוָּלֵ֑ד
וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֖י
גְבָע֣וֹת
חוֹלָֽלְתָּ
הֲ/רִאישׁ֣וֹן
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Part | Adj
אָ֭דָם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
תִּוָּלֵ֑ד
yâlad
H3205
to beget
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms
וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | Prep | N-cp
גְבָע֣וֹת
gibʻâh
H1389
Gibeat
N-fp
חוֹלָֽלְתָּ
chûwl
H2342
to twist
V-O-Perf-2ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 15:7
הֲ/רִאישׁ֣וֹן
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Part | Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
אָ֭דָם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
תִּוָּלֵ֑ד
yâlad
H3205
"to beget"
V-Niphal-Imperf-2ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to give birth or beget a child, like when Eve gave birth to Cain in Genesis 4:1. It can also mean to help someone give birth, like a midwife. This word is used in many KJV translations, including Genesis and Isaiah.
Definition: 1) to bear, bringforth, beget, gender, travail 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to bear, bring forth 1a1a) of child birth 1a1b) of distress (simile) 1a1c) of wicked (behaviour) 1a2) to beget 1b) (Niphal) to be born 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cause or help to bring forth 1c2) to assist or tend as a midwife 1c3) midwife (participle) 1d) (Pual) to be born 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to beget (a child) 1e2) to bear (fig. -of wicked bringing forth iniquity) 1f) (Hophal) day of birth, birthday (infinitive) 1g) (Hithpael) to declare one's birth (pedigree)
Usage: Occurs in 403 OT verses. KJV: bear, beget, birth(-day), born, (make to) bring forth (children, young), bring up, calve, child, come, be delivered (of a child), time of delivery, gender, hatch, labour, (do the office of a) midwife, declare pedigrees, be the son of, (woman in, woman that) travail(-eth, -ing woman). See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 30:19; 2 Samuel 21:22.
וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
גְבָע֣וֹת
gibʻâh
H1389
"Gibeat"
N-fp
Gibeat refers to a small hill, with the name meaning hill, and is another spelling of Gibeah. It appears in various KJV translations as hill or little hill.
Definition: This name means hill Another spelling of giv.ah (גִּבְעָה "Gibeah" H1390H)
Usage: Occurs in 71 OT verses. KJV: hill, little hill. See also: Genesis 49:26; Isaiah 30:17; Psalms 65:13.
חוֹלָֽלְתָּ
chûwl
H2342
"to twist"
V-O-Perf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to twist or whirl, and can describe dancing, pain, or fear. It is used to convey strong emotions or physical struggles, such as childbirth or great fear.
Definition: : tremble/fear 1) to twist, whirl, dance, writhe, fear, tremble, travail, be in anguish, be pained 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to dance 1a2) to twist, writhe 1a3) to whirl, whirl about 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to dance 1b2) to writhe (in travail with), bear, bring forth 1b3) to wait anxiously 1c) (Pulal) 1c1) to be made to writhe, be made to bear 1c2) to be brought forth 1d) (Hophal) to be born 1e) (Hithpolel) 1e1) whirling (participle) 1e2) writhing, suffering torture (participle) 1e3) to wait longingly 1f) (Hithpalpel) to be distressed
Usage: Occurs in 56 OT verses. KJV: bear, (make to) bring forth, (make to) calve, dance, drive away, fall grievously (with pain), fear, form, great, grieve, (be) grievous, hope, look, make, be in pain, be much (sore) pained, rest, shake, shapen, (be) sorrow(-ful), stay, tarry, travail (with pain), tremble, trust, wait carefully (patiently), be wounded. See also: Genesis 8:10; Proverbs 8:24; Psalms 10:5.
Study Notes — Job 15:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 15:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 15:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 15:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 15:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 15:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 15:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 15:7
- Cambridge Bible on Job 15:7
- Barnes' Notes on Job 15:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 15:7
- Sermons on Job 15:7
Context — Eliphaz: Job Does Not Fear God
5For your iniquity instructs your mouth, and you choose the language of the crafty.
6Your own mouth, not mine, condemns you; your own lips testify against you.
7Were you the first man ever born? Were you brought forth before the hills?
8Do you listen in on the council of God or limit wisdom to yourself? 9What do you know that we do not? What do you understand that is not clear to us?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 90:2 | Before the mountains were born or You brought forth the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting You are God. |
| 2 | Job 12:12 | Wisdom is found with the elderly, and understanding comes with long life. |
| 3 | Job 38:4–41 | Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding. Who fixed its measurements? Surely you know! Or who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its foundations set, or who laid its cornerstone, while the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst forth from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket, when I fixed its boundaries and set in place its bars and doors, and I declared: ‘You may come this far, but no farther; here your proud waves must stop’? In your days, have you commanded the morning or assigned the dawn its place, that it might spread to the ends of the earth and shake the wicked out of it? The earth takes shape like clay under a seal; its hills stand out like the folds of a garment. Light is withheld from the wicked, and their upraised arm is broken. Have you journeyed to the vents of the sea or walked in the trenches of the deep? Have the gates of death been revealed to you? Have you seen the gates of the shadow of death? Have you surveyed the extent of the earth? Tell Me, if you know all this. Where is the way to the home of light? Do you know where darkness resides, so you can lead it back to its border? Do you know the paths to its home? Surely you know, for you were already born! And the number of your days is great! Have you entered the storehouses of snow or observed the storehouses of hail, which I hold in reserve for times of trouble, for the day of war and battle? In which direction is the lightning dispersed, or the east wind scattered over the earth? Who cuts a channel for the flood or clears a path for the thunderbolt, to bring rain on a barren land, on a desert where no man lives, to satisfy the parched wasteland and make it sprout with tender grass? Does the rain have a father? Who has begotten the drops of dew? From whose womb does the ice emerge? Who gives birth to the frost from heaven, when the waters become hard as stone and the surface of the deep is frozen? Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades or loosen the belt of Orion? Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear and her cubs? Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set their dominion over the earth? Can you command the clouds so that a flood of water covers you? Can you send the lightning bolts on their way? Do they report to you, ‘Here we are’? Who has put wisdom in the heart or given understanding to the mind? Who has the wisdom to count the clouds? Or who can tilt the water jars of the heavens when the dust hardens into a mass and the clods of earth stick together? Can you hunt the prey for a lioness or satisfy the hunger of young lions when they crouch in their dens and lie in wait in the thicket? Who provides food for the raven when its young cry out to God as they wander about for lack of food? |
| 4 | Proverbs 8:22–25 | The LORD created me as His first course, before His works of old. From everlasting I was established, from the beginning, before the earth began. When there were no watery depths, I was brought forth, when no springs were overflowing with water. Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth, |
| 5 | Job 15:10 | Both the gray-haired and the aged are on our side— men much older than your father. |
| 6 | Genesis 4:1 | And Adam had relations with his wife Eve, and she conceived and gave birth to Cain. “With the help of the LORD I have brought forth a man,” she said. |
Job 15:7 Summary
This verse is asking Job if he thinks he is the oldest and wisest person in the world, and if he was around before the hills were even created. Eliphaz is pointing out that Job's words and attitude are prideful and arrogant, and that he needs to humble himself before God. This is similar to what we see in Psalm 90:12, where Moses prays for God to teach us to number our days and gain a heart of wisdom. As we reflect on this verse, we can remember that God's ways are higher than our ways, and that we should approach Him with humility and reverence, as seen in Isaiah 66:2.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Job 15:7 and why is Eliphaz asking Job these questions?
Eliphaz is responding to Job's words and accusations, and he is asking these questions to point out Job's pride and lack of humility, as seen in Job 15:5-6, which says that Job's iniquity instructs his mouth and his own lips testify against him, similar to the way that Psalm 36:1-4 describes the wicked man's words and actions.
Is Eliphaz implying that Job thinks he is older or wiser than God?
Yes, Eliphaz is suggesting that Job's words and attitude imply that he thinks he has more knowledge or understanding than God, which is a prideful and arrogant stance, as seen in Isaiah 55:8-9, where God says that His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts.
How does this verse relate to the overall theme of the book of Job?
This verse is part of the larger discussion between Job and his friends about the nature of suffering and the character of God, and it highlights the tension between Job's desire to understand and justify himself, and God's sovereignty and wisdom, as seen in Job 38:1-7, where God responds to Job's questions and assertions with a series of questions that emphasize His power and wisdom.
What does this verse teach us about the importance of humility?
This verse teaches us that humility is essential in our relationship with God, and that we must recognize our limitations and finiteness, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, which says that we should trust in the Lord with all our heart and not lean on our own understanding, and in Proverbs 9:10, which says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I try to justify or assert myself, and how can I cultivate humility in those areas?
- How do I respond when faced with questions or challenges to my understanding or perspective, and what can I learn from Job's example in this verse?
- In what ways do I try to 'limit wisdom to myself' or think that I have all the answers, and how can I surrender those tendencies to God?
- What are some areas where I struggle with pride or arrogance, and how can I apply the lessons of this verse to those areas of my life?
Gill's Exposition on Job 15:7
[Art] thou the first man [that] was born?.... The first Adam, who was created in wisdom and knowledge, and had a large share of understanding in things natural, civil, and moral; knew much of God and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 15:7
Art thou the first man that was born? or wast thou made before the hills? i.e., Art thou wisdom personified? Wisdom existed before the hills - i:e., the eternal of God (Proverbs 8:25; Pa. 90:2).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 15:7
Hast thou lived ever since the creation of the world, and treasured up the experiences of all ages in thy own breast, that thou speakest so arrogantly and magisterially, and with such contempt of other men? Art thou the most ancient and the wisest of all mortal men? Whom dost thou make thyself? Before the hills; before the earth was made and distinguished into mountains and valleys.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 15:7
Job 15:7 [Art] thou the first man [that] was born? or wast thou made before the hills?Ver. 7. Art thou the first man that was born?] Or, Wast thou made before Adam? Ut vox Rishon non significet primus, sed prius (Lavat., Bucholc.). Out of the mouth of Adam, as from a fountain, flowed whatsoever profitable learning, skill, or wisdom, is found in the world, saith the divine chronologer. Job had taxed Zophar for a young puny and a novice. Job 12:9-12 This Eliphaz kindleth at, and taketh upon him to answer in Zophar’ s behalf. As indeed these three speakers, Eliphaz, Zophar, and Bildad, stood to one another, as much as any one of them did for himself, as if they had all entered bond, and given security for reciprocal assistance. Here then Eliphaz asketh, Art thou the first man born? that is, Art thou the wisest man alive? and must we all be taught by thee, as Adam’ s nephews were by him, in things divine and human. Or wast thou made before the hills?] i.e. Before the angels, as some sense it.
But take it literally for the mountains, called, for their antiquity, the everlasting hills, Genesis 49:26 Habakkuk 3:6, because they were from the beginning, and shall continue to the end. These appeared first at the separation of the waters, Genesis 1:9-10. And Christ, to set forth his eternity, saith, Proverbs 8:25, "Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, was I brought forth." So Psalms 90:2.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 15:7
(7) Art thou the first man that was born?—This is a retort upon Job 12:2; Job 12:7; Job 12:9, where Job had claimed equal knowledge for the inanimate creation.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 15:7
Verse 7. Art thou the first man that was born?] Literally, "Wert thou born before Adam?" Art thou in the pristine state of purity and innocence? Or art thou like Adam in his first state? It does not become the fallen descendant of a fallen parent to talk as thou dost. Made before the hills?] Did God create thee the beginning of his ways? or wert thou the first intelligent creature which his hands have formed?
Cambridge Bible on Job 15:7
2–16. Eliphaz rebukes Job’s contemptuous treatment of the opinions of his friends, and his irreverence towards God First, starting with Job’s claim to a wisdom beyond that of his friends (ch. Job 12:3; Job 12:7 seq., Job 13:2), Eliphaz asks if it be in the manner of a wise man to use loud and empty words as arguments (Job 15:2-3). But in truth Job was more than unwise, he was impious. His demeanour and sentiments did away with all devoutness and religion. Such language as he uttered could be inspired only by deep evil in his heart; and was proof enough without anything more of his wickedness (Job 15:4-6). Second, then coming back upon these two points, Job’s claim to wisdom and his irreverence, Eliphaz developes each of them separately. (1) This claim to wisdom, which he puts forth, whence has he it? Was he the first man born? Did he come straight from God’s hand?
Did he sit in the council of heaven and appropriate wisdom to himself? And how came he, a man not yet old, to have such preeminence in wisdom over them, some of whom were old enough to be his father, that he thought himself entitled to put away from him admonitions which were consoling truths of God’s revelation and spoken to him in gentleness and temperance? (Job 15:7-11). (2) And why did he allow his passion to carry him away into making charges of unrighteousness against God? For how can a man be pure in God’s sight? In His eyes the heavens are not clean, much less man, whose avidity for evil is like that of a thirsty man for water (Job 15:12-16).
Barnes' Notes on Job 15:7
Art thou the first man that was born? - Hast thou lived ever since the creation, and treasured up all the wisdom of past times, that thou dost now speak so arrogantly and confidently?
Whedon's Commentary on Job 15:7
Second strophe — Ironical questioning as to the possible modes by which Job had attained to such superior wisdom and self-sufficiency that he could discard divine consolations imparted through his friends, Job 15:7-11.7.
Sermons on Job 15:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(John - Part 2): In the Beginning Was the Word by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher begins by acknowledging the difficulty of preaching on the phrase "in the beginning." He compares it to the impossible task of lifting oneself up on a |
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His Name -- the Mighty God by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, preached by Charles Haddon Spurgeon in 1859, he emphasizes the divinity of Jesus Christ. Spurgeon highlights the significance of Jesus' death and resurrection, stat |
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Numbering Our Days by Dean Stump | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the brevity of life and the importance of seeking wisdom from God. He emphasizes the need to number our days and apply our hearts to wisdom. |
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Encounter With a Holy God by Richard Owen Roberts | This sermon delves into the reasons behind Israel's continual wandering from God despite witnessing His incredible works, emphasizing the importance of humility, contrition, and br |
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Origin of Man in Relation to the Theory of Evolution by John Murray | In this sermon, the preacher discusses three fundamental principles of Christian faith. The first principle is the belief in the word of God as the foundation of understanding. The |
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Passionate for God's Holiness - Part 3 by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the incomparable nature of God's holiness, highlighting His unique, divine, and morally perfect attributes. It delves into the rarity, permanence, and access |
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The Greatness of God by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the concept of being "less than nothing" in the eyes of God. He emphasizes that humans are temporary beings who cannot take anything with t |