Job 27:12
Job 27:12 in Multiple Translations
Surely all of you have seen it for yourselves. Why then do you keep up this empty talk?
Behold, all ye yourselves have seen it; why then are ye thus altogether vain?
Behold, all ye yourselves have seen it; Why then are ye become altogether vain?
Truly, you have all seen it yourselves; why then have you become completely foolish?
If all of you have recognized this, why do you talk such vain nonsense?
Beholde, all ye your selues haue seene it: why then doe you thus vanish in vanitie?
Lo, ye — all of you — have seen, And why [is] this — ye are altogether vain?
Behold, all of you have seen it yourselves; why then have you become altogether vain?
Behold, all ye yourselves have seen it ; why then are ye thus altogether vain?
Behold you all know it, and why do you speak vain things without cause?
But you three have seen for yourselves what God has done; so ◄why are you saying such nonsense?/you should not be saying such nonsense.► [RHQ]
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 27:12
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 27:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
הֵן
אַתֶּ֣ם
כֻּלְּ/כֶ֣ם
חֲזִיתֶ֑ם
וְ/לָ/מָּה
זֶּ֝֗ה
הֶ֣בֶל
תֶּהְבָּֽלוּ
הֵן
hên
H2005
look!
Part
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
you(m.s.)
Pron
כֻּלְּ/כֶ֣ם
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms | Suff
חֲזִיתֶ֑ם
châzâh
H2372
to see
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
וְ/לָ/מָּה
mâh
H4100
what?
Conj | Prep | Part
זֶּ֝֗ה
zeh
H2088
this
Pron
הֶ֣בֶל
hebel
H1892
vanity
N-ms
תֶּהְבָּֽלוּ
hâbal
H1891
to become vain
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 27:12
הֵן
hên
H2005
"look!"
Part
An expression meaning look or behold, used to get someone's attention, like in the prophet Isaiah's writings. It can also express surprise or introduce a hypothetical situation.
Definition: interj 1) behold, lo, though hypothetical part 2) if Aramaic equivalent: hen (הֵן "look!" H2006A)
Usage: Occurs in 311 OT verses. KJV: behold, if, lo, though. See also: Genesis 3:22; Job 2:6; Psalms 51:7.
אַתֶּ֣ם
ʼattâh
H859
"you(m.s.)"
Pron
You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.
Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)
Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.
כֻּלְּ/כֶ֣ם
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
חֲזִיתֶ֑ם
châzâh
H2372
"to see"
V-Qal-Perf-2mp
Chazah means to see or perceive, and can also mean to have a vision or prophesy. It is used to describe seeing something with your eyes or in your mind.
Definition: 1) to see, perceive, look, behold, prophesy, provide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to see, behold 1a2) to see as a seer in the ecstatic state 1a3) to see, perceive 1a3a) with the intelligence 1a3b) to see (by experience) 1a3c) to provide Aramaic equivalent: cha.zah (חֲזָה "to see" H2370)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: behold, look, prophesy, provide, see. See also: Exodus 18:21; Proverbs 24:32; Psalms 11:4.
וְ/לָ/מָּה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Conj | Prep | Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
זֶּ֝֗ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
הֶ֣בֶל
hebel
H1892
"vanity"
N-ms
Hebel means emptiness or vanity, describing something transitory and unsatisfactory, like a breath of air. It appears in the book of Ecclesiastes, where Solomon writes about life's fleeting nature. The KJV translates it as vanity or altogether.
Definition: 1) vapour, breath 1a) breath, vapour 1b) vanity (fig.) adv 2) vainly
Usage: Occurs in 64 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, vain, vanity. See also: Deuteronomy 32:21; Ecclesiastes 4:7; Psalms 31:7.
תֶּהְבָּֽלוּ
hâbal
H1891
"to become vain"
V-Qal-Imperf-2mp
This word means to become empty or meaningless, like a vain hope. It appears in the Bible as 'be vain' or 'become vain', warning against pointless actions, like in Isaiah 49:4. It's about futility
Definition: 1) to act emptily, become vain, be vain 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to become vain 1a2) to be utterly vain (with cognate acc) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to cause to become vain 1b2) to fill with vain hopes
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be (become, make) vain. See also: 2 Kings 17:15; Psalms 62:11; Jeremiah 2:5.
Study Notes — Job 27:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 27:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 27:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 27:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 27:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 27:12
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 27:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 27:12
- Cambridge Bible on Job 27:12
- Barnes' Notes on Job 27:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 27:12
- Sermons on Job 27:12
Context — The Wicked Man’s Portion
10Will he delight in the Almighty? Will he call upon God at all times?
11I will instruct you in the power of God. I will not conceal the ways of the Almighty.
12Surely all of you have seen it for yourselves. Why then do you keep up this empty talk?
13This is the wicked man’s portion from God— the heritage the ruthless receive from the Almighty. 14Though his sons are many, they are destined for the sword; and his offspring will never have enough food.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 21:3 | Bear with me while I speak; then, after I have spoken, you may go on mocking. |
| 2 | Job 16:3 | Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying? |
| 3 | Job 19:2–3 | “How long will you torment me and crush me with your words? Ten times now you have reproached me; you shamelessly mistreat me. |
| 4 | Ecclesiastes 8:14 | There is a futility that is done on the earth: There are righteous men who get what the actions of the wicked deserve, and there are wicked men who get what the actions of the righteous deserve. I say that this too is futile. |
| 5 | Job 21:28–30 | For you say, ‘Where now is the nobleman’s house, and where are the tents in which the wicked dwell?’ Have you never asked those who travel the roads? Do you not accept their reports? Indeed, the evil man is spared from the day of calamity, delivered from the day of wrath. |
| 6 | Job 17:2 | Surely mockers surround me, and my eyes must gaze at their rebellion. |
| 7 | Job 6:25–29 | How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove? Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair? You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend. But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face? Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake. |
| 8 | Ecclesiastes 9:1–3 | So I took all this to heart and concluded that the righteous and the wise, as well as their deeds, are in God’s hands. Man does not know what lies ahead, whether love or hate. It is the same for all: There is a common fate for the righteous and the wicked, for the good and the bad, for the clean and the unclean, for the one who sacrifices and the one who does not. As it is for the good, so it is for the sinner; as it is for the one who makes a vow, so it is for the one who refuses to take a vow. This is an evil in everything that is done under the sun: There is one fate for everyone. Furthermore, the hearts of men are full of evil and madness while they are alive, and afterward they join the dead. |
| 9 | Job 26:2–4 | “How you have helped the powerless and saved the arm that is feeble! How you have counseled the unwise and provided fully sound insight! To whom have you uttered these words? And whose spirit spoke through you? |
| 10 | Job 13:4–9 | You, however, smear with lies; you are all worthless physicians. If only you would remain silent; for that would be your wisdom! Hear now my argument, and listen to the plea of my lips. Will you speak wickedly on God’s behalf or speak deceitfully for Him? Would you show Him partiality or argue in His defense? Would it be well when He examined you? Could you deceive Him like a man? |
Job 27:12 Summary
[Job is saying that his friends have seen the truth about God's power and his situation, so they should stop speaking empty words and start speaking truth. This is similar to what the Bible says in Psalm 46:10, which encourages us to be still and know that God is God. Job wants his friends to be honest and authentic in their words, rather than just speaking to hear themselves talk, as warned against in James 1:26. By being mindful of the words we speak, we can build each other up and speak truth, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Job referring to when he says 'you have seen it for yourselves'?
Job is likely referring to the fact that his friends have witnessed his suffering and the events that have unfolded, as described in the Book of Job, and are now aware of the power of God, as mentioned in Job 26:14 and Job 27:11.
Why does Job call their talk 'empty'?
Job calls their talk 'empty' because his friends have not spoken words of comfort or truth, but rather have spoken falsely and without knowledge, as seen in Job 8:1-7 and Job 11:1-6, which is also warned against in Proverbs 10:32.
Is Job being confrontational or defensive in this verse?
Job is being direct and honest in this verse, as seen in his previous statements in Job 27:1-11, and is calling out his friends for their lack of understanding and empathy, which is similar to the way Jesus spoke truth to the Pharisees in Matthew 23:13-36.
How can we apply this verse to our own lives?
We can apply this verse by being mindful of the words we speak to others, especially in times of suffering or hardship, and striving to speak truth and comfort, as encouraged in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have witnessed God's power in my own life, and how can I share that with others?
- How can I be more mindful of the words I speak to others, especially in difficult situations, and strive to speak truth and comfort?
- What are some 'empty' words or phrases that I have spoken in the past, and how can I replace them with words of truth and encouragement?
- How can I balance being honest and direct with being kind and compassionate in my interactions with others, as seen in Ephesians 4:15 and Colossians 4:6?
Gill's Exposition on Job 27:12
Behold, all ye yourselves have seen [it],.... As they were men of observation, at least made great pretensions to it, as well as of age and experience, they must have seen and observed somewhat at
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 27:12
I will teach you by the hand of God: that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal. These words are contrary to Job's previous sentiments (notes, Job 21:22-33; Job 24:22-25).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 27:12
I speak no false or strange things, but what is known and confirmed by your own as well as others’ experiences. Why then are ye thus altogether vain, in maintaining such a foolish and false opinion against your own knowledge and experience? Why do you obstinately defend your opinion, and not comply with mine, for the truth of which I appeal to your own consciences?
Trapp's Commentary on Job 27:12
Job 27:12 Behold, all ye yourselves have seen [it]; why then are ye thus altogether vain?Ver. 12. Behold, all ye yourselves have seen it] And can say as much to it as I can in these sc. that God afflicteth good men as well as bad, &c. Ecce autem cum vos omnes speculationibus (theologicis) operam dederitis, quare tam vanas opiniones habetis? So the Tigurine translation hath it; that is, But behold, whereas all ye have spent your time in theological speculations, how is it that ye have taken up such vain opinions? The Hebrew runs thus, Behold, you all have seen, or are seers (and he that is now called a prophet was before time called a seer, 1 Samuel 9:9), ye are knowing men, and of great experience, why then do ye go against your own knowledge, by speaking vainly and vilely notwithstanding? Why then are ye thus altogether vain?] Heb. And why is this that ye are vain in vanity? sc while ye assert that God’ s love may be known by prosperity, and his hatred by adversity; and while ye conclude me a hypocrite because afflicted? for so they had all done with one consent. Bildad, Job 8:13; Eliphaz, Job 15:34; and Zophar, Job 20:5. When as yet Job had given sufficient proof to the contrary; the matter was clear enough; but they did, data opera, for the nonce, obscure it: this was a vanity of vanities, and Job tells them as much.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 27:12
(12) Behold, all ye yourselves have seen it.—That is, “You have seen me so proclaim the great power of God.”
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 27:12
Verse 12. Ye yourselves have seen it] Your own experience and observation have shown you that the righteous are frequently in affliction, and the wicked in affluence. Why then are ye thus altogether vain?] The original is very emphatical: הבל תהבלו hebel tehbalu, and well expressed by Mr. Good: "Why then should ye thus babble babblings!" It our language would allow it, we might say vanitize vanity.
Cambridge Bible on Job 27:12
12. are ye thus altogether vain?] i. e. wherefore do ye cherish and express opinions regarding me so foolish? “Two things are surprising here,” says Dillmann, “first, that Job should undertake to teach the three friends what they had always affirmed; and second, that he should say the opposite of what he had maintained in ch. 21, and 24 of the prosperity of the wicked even to their death.” A third thing might also seem surprising, namely that Job, while now coinciding with his friends in opinion, should reproach them with folly. To appropriate their sentiments and cover the operation by calling them foolish persons was not generous. The connexion, however, of the two clauses in this verse implies that what the three friends had seen of the fate of the wicked (as now to be described by Job , vv13-23) ought to have prevented them from coming to such conclusions regarding Job’s character as they had expressed or insinuated. Obviously to make such a reproach appropriate there must have been a difference clear to the eye between Job’s case and the fate of the wicked. But wherein lay the difference, in Job’s present condition? The three friends might be excused if they did not perceive it. The words do not seem to fit the condition in which Job still remains at the stage of development which the Poem has up to the present reached.
Barnes' Notes on Job 27:12
Behold, all ye yourselves have seen it - You have had an opportunity of tracing the proofs of the wisdom of God in his works.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 27:12
12. Ye yourselves have seen it — The facts he is about to adduce are in keeping with their views. Job has, indeed, several times intimated, what he now expresses, that the prosperity of the wicked is not uninterrupted.
Sermons on Job 27:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Prudence and the Conclusion. 8:1-15 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by the Preacher, he reflects on the futility of human life and the inevitability of death, noting that neither foresight nor wickedness can save anyone from the grav |
|
How Could God Allow This? by David Guzik | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Ecclesiastes and how the writer argues from a perspective that is ultimately wrong. The writer develops his ideas and themes as i |
|
Job, 1975 Part 1 by Norman Grubb | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the book of Job and the conversations that take place within it. The speaker acknowledges that the book contains 41 chapters filled with vario |
|
Confidence in God, Not Man by Theodore Epp | Theodore Epp emphasizes Job's unwavering confidence in God amidst his suffering, as Job refuses to let his friends dictate his faith or understanding of his situation. He asserts h |