Job 15:8
Job 15:8 in Multiple Translations
Do you listen in on the council of God or limit wisdom to yourself?
Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?
Hast thou heard the secret counsel of God? And dost thou limit wisdom to thyself?
Were you present at the secret meeting of God? and have you taken all wisdom for yourself?
Were you there listening in God's council? Does wisdom only belong to you?
Hast thou heard the secret counsell of God, and doest thou restraine wisedome to thee?
Of the secret counsel of God dost thou hear? And withdrawest thou unto thee wisdom?
Have you heard the secret counsel of God? Do you limit wisdom to yourself?
Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?
Hast thou heard God’s counsel, and shall his wisdom be inferior to thee?
Were you listening when God made all his plans? [SAR, RHQ] Or do you think that you are the only person who is wise?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 15:8
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 15:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הַ/בְ/ס֣וֹד
אֱל֣וֹהַ
תִּשְׁמָ֑ע
וְ/תִגְרַ֖ע
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
חָכְמָֽה
הַ/בְ/ס֣וֹד
çôwd
H5475
counsel
Part | Prep | N-ms
אֱל֣וֹהַ
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
god
N-ms
תִּשְׁמָ֑ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
to hear
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
וְ/תִגְרַ֖ע
gâraʻ
H1639
to dimish
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
חָכְמָֽה
chokmâh
H2451
wisdom
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 15:8
הַ/בְ/ס֣וֹד
çôwd
H5475
"counsel"
Part | Prep | N-ms
This word refers to a council or gathering of people for discussion, and can also mean a secret or intimate conversation with God.
Definition: 1) council, counsel, assembly 1a) council (of familiar conversation) 1a1) divan, circle (of familiar friends) 1a2) assembly, company 1b) counsel 1b1) counsel (itself) 1b2) secret counsel 1b3) familiar converse, intimacy (with God)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: assembly, consel, inward, secret (counsel). See also: Genesis 49:6; Proverbs 3:32; Psalms 25:14.
אֱל֣וֹהַ
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
"god"
N-ms
Eloah refers to God or a deity, and is used to describe the one true God or false gods. It is often translated as God in the KJV, and is related to the word Elohim, which also refers to God.
Definition: 1) God 2) false god Aramaic equivalent: e.lah (אֱלָהּ "god" H0426)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See H430 (אֱלֹהִים). See also: Deuteronomy 32:15; Job 22:26; Psalms 18:32.
תִּשְׁמָ֑ע
shâmaʻ
H8085
"to hear"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To hear and listen is what this Hebrew word means, often implying attention and obedience. In Exodus and Deuteronomy, it is used when God speaks to the people, and they must listen and obey.
Definition: : hear v 1) to hear, listen to, obey 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to hear (perceive by ear) 1a2) to hear of or concerning 1a3) to hear (have power to hear) 1a4) to hear with attention or interest, listen to 1a5) to understand (language) 1a6) to hear (of judicial cases) 1a7) to listen, give heed 1a7a) to consent, agree 1a7b) to grant request 1a8) to listen to, yield to 1a9) to obey, be obedient 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be heard (of voice or sound) 1b2) to be heard of 1b3) to be regarded, be obeyed 1c) (Piel) to cause to hear, call to hear, summon 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to hear, tell, proclaim, utter a sound 1d2) to sound aloud (musical term) 1d3) to make proclamation, summon 1d4) to cause to be heard n m 2) sound
Usage: Occurs in 1072 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] attentively, call (gather) together, [idiom] carefully, [idiom] certainly, consent, consider, be content, declare, [idiom] diligently, discern, give ear, (cause to, let, make to) hear(-ken, tell), [idiom] indeed, listen, make (a) noise, (be) obedient, obey, perceive, (make a) proclaim(-ation), publish, regard, report, shew (forth), (make a) sound, [idiom] surely, tell, understand, whosoever (heareth), witness. See also: Genesis 3:8; Exodus 32:18; Deuteronomy 27:9.
וְ/תִגְרַ֖ע
gâraʻ
H1639
"to dimish"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
To diminish or reduce something means to make it smaller, like in the book of Genesis. This word can also mean to shave, remove, or withhold something. The KJV Bible translates it as diminish or restrain.
Definition: 1) to diminish, restrain, withdraw, abate, keep back, do away, take from, clip 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to diminish 1a2) to restrain 1a3) to withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be withdrawn 1b2) to be restrained 1c) (Piel) to withdraw, draw up
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: abate, clip, (di-) minish, do (take) away, keep back, restrain, make small, withdraw. See also: Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 13:1; Isaiah 15:2.
אֵלֶ֣י/ךָ
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
חָכְמָֽה
chokmâh
H2451
"wisdom"
N-fs
Wisdom refers to skill, prudence, or good judgment in areas like war, administration, or religion, as seen in the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) wisdom 1a) skill (in war) 1b) wisdom (in administration) 1c) shrewdness, wisdom 1d) wisdom, prudence (in religious affairs) 1e) wisdom (ethical and religious)
Usage: Occurs in 141 OT verses. KJV: skilful, wisdom, wisely, wit. See also: Exodus 28:3; Proverbs 5:1; Psalms 37:30.
Study Notes — Job 15:8
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 15:8 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 15:8
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 15:8
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 15:8
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 15:8
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 15:8
- Cambridge Bible on Job 15:8
- Barnes' Notes on Job 15:8
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 15:8
- Sermons on Job 15:8
Context — Eliphaz: Job Does Not Fear God
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? 10Both the gray-haired and the aged are on our side— men much older than your father.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Romans 11:34 | “Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor?” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 23:18 | But which of them has stood in the council of the LORD to see and hear His word? Who has given heed to His word and obeyed it? |
| 3 | Job 13:5–6 | If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom! Hear now my argument, and listen to the plea of my lips. |
| 4 | Amos 3:7 | Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets. |
| 5 | Job 11:6 | and disclose to you the secrets of wisdom, for true wisdom has two sides. Know then that God exacts from you less than your iniquity deserves. |
| 6 | Matthew 13:35 | So was fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet: “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things hidden since the foundation of the world.” |
| 7 | Psalms 25:14 | The LORD confides in those who fear Him, and reveals His covenant to them. |
| 8 | Romans 16:25–26 | Now to Him who is able to strengthen you by my gospel and by the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery concealed for ages past but now revealed and made known through the writings of the prophets by the command of the eternal God, in order to lead all nations to the obedience that comes from faith — |
| 9 | 1 Corinthians 2:16 | “For who has known the mind of the Lord, so as to instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. |
| 10 | John 15:15 | No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not understand what his master is doing. But I have called you friends, because everything I have learned from My Father I have made known to you. |
Job 15:8 Summary
This verse is asking if we think we are part of God's inner circle, where He shares His plans and secrets, or if we think we have all the wisdom we need on our own. The Bible says that God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, as seen in Isaiah 55:8-9. We need to humble ourselves and seek God's wisdom, rather than relying solely on our own understanding, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can gain a deeper understanding of God's plans and purposes for our lives, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 11:33-34.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the council of God that Job 15:8 refers to?
The council of God refers to the heavenly gathering of angels and other divine beings where God's plans and decisions are discussed, as seen in Job 1:6 and 2:1, as well as in Psalm 89:7, where God is said to be in the council of the holy ones.
Is it possible for humans to listen in on God's council?
According to the Bible, it is not possible for humans to directly listen in on God's council, as stated in Job 15:8, but God can reveal His plans and will to those who seek Him, as seen in Proverbs 3:32 and John 15:15.
What does it mean to limit wisdom to oneself?
To limit wisdom to oneself means to rely solely on one's own understanding and intelligence, rather than seeking God's wisdom and guidance, which is a theme explored in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 55:8-9.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Job?
This verse is part of Eliphaz's second speech to Job, where he questions Job's claims to wisdom and understanding, and is a key part of the larger discussion about the nature of suffering and God's sovereignty in the book of Job, as seen in Job 42:3 and Romans 11:33-34.
Reflection Questions
- What are the dangers of relying solely on my own understanding and limiting wisdom to myself?
- How can I seek God's wisdom and guidance in my life, rather than relying on my own intelligence and experiences?
- What does it mean to humble myself before God and acknowledge the limitations of my own understanding, as seen in Job 42:3 and 1 Corinthians 3:18-20?
- How can I balance my own thoughts and feelings with the wisdom and guidance of God, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Philippians 4:8-9?
Gill's Exposition on Job 15:8
Hast thou heard the secret of God?.... Or, "in the secret of God" (a), in his cabinet council, what was said and done there? hast thou stood in the council of God?
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 15:8
Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 15:8
Hath God acquainted thee with all his secret counsels, whereby he governs the world, that thou dost pass so bold a censure upon all his designs and actions? Art thou the only wise man in the world, and we and all others but fools?
Trapp's Commentary on Job 15:8
Job 15:8 Hast thou heard the secret of God? and dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?Ver. 8. Hast thou heard the secret of God?] Thus he goes on to jeer Job, and to accuse him of insolent arrogance, as if he had taken himself to be of God’ s cabinet council, and so to have known more of his mind than any other. Now this never came into Job’ s heart; but these hot spirited people, Biliosi et bellicosi, when their choler is once up, will not stick to say anything against another whom they desire to gall, and to make the worst of his words, when as themselves cannot take a reproof, though never so just. And dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?] Hast thou engrossed all the wisdom in the world? and must it needs live and die with thee? Is every man a fool presently, who is not of thy mind and make? An solus sapis, ita ut te pereunte sit ipsa sapientia peritura? (Vatabl.) Epicurus indeed had such a conceit; and Pulaemen, in Suetonius, and Laurentius Valla, with some others of late: but Job was far from it, as appeareth by his many self-abasing expressions; and it had been well for him if his three friends had taken out that lesson in Wisdom’ s school; viz. to judge those certain good things found in another better than they are; and certain evils, less; doubtful good things, certain; and doubtful evil things, none.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 15:8
Verse 8. Hast thou heard the secret of God?] "Hast thou hearkened in God's council?" Wert thou one of the celestial cabinet, when God said, Let US make man in OUR image, and in OUR likeness? Dost thou restrain wisdom to thyself?] Dost thou wish us to understand that God's counsels were revealed to none but thyself? And dost thou desire that we should give implicit credence to whatsoever thou art pleased to speak? These are all strong sarcastic questions, and apparently uttered with great contempt.
Cambridge Bible on Job 15:8
8. Hast thou heard the secret] Rather, didst thou listen in the council of God? Cf. Jeremiah 23:22, Psalms 89:7 (assembly = council). dost thou restrain the wisdom] Rather, didst thou draw wisdom to thyself? i. e. appropriate or absorb wisdom. The “wisdom” here is the highest, divine wisdom. The question put is, whether Job was a a member of the Divine council, so as to have full knowledge of the mysteries of God? The Mohammedan conception of evil spirits (satans) listening and overhearing the Divine secrets is quite different from the idea here. Such spirits have no access to heaven, and seek only to filch fragments of God’s counsels. The shooting stars are bolts which God hurls at these intruding eavesdroppers; Kor. 37:6-10.
Barnes' Notes on Job 15:8
Hast thou heard the secret of God? - literally, “in the secret of God hast thou heard” - הסוד hasôd.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 15:8
8. Hast thou heard — Literally, Hast thou heartened in the council of God.
Sermons on Job 15:8
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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4) Ministry From Spring Harvest - Chapter 6 by George Verwer | In this video, the speaker reviews the main themes of the previous chapters in the book of Daniel, focusing on sovereignty, discipline, holiness, perseverance, pressure, courage, d |
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Pastor Calls Out Liberal Politicans - You're Not God! by Shane Idleman | Shane Idleman passionately calls out liberal politicians for attempting to play God by changing laws and societal norms that contradict divine order. He emphasizes the futility of |
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Broken Down Altars by Billy Sunday | The preacher delves into the concept of 'Unfathomable', describing it as that which cannot be traced out or comprehended by human minds, using the Greek word 'anexichniastos'. This |
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The Origin of True Preaching by Art Katz | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of the community of believers and their role in guiding and correcting one another. He encourages open communication and feed |
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(Church Leadership) 10. Freedom From Mammon's Power by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of being careful with our words and the power they hold. He also highlights the significance of faithfulness in handling mater |
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Into the All Sufficiency of Christ #4 - Ministry by Ed Miller | In this sermon, the Apostle Paul emphasizes the principle that ministry must flow out of poverty. He uses the example of the Macedonians, who gave generously despite their own pove |
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Epistle 34 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of staying true to the light of Christ within each individual, warning against speaking presumptuously about God out of fear or pride. He urges |