Job 15:11 (KJV)

What does Job 15:11 mean?

Job 15:11 is Eliphaz’s challenge to Job, asking if Job considers God’s comforts and words to be insignificant or if Job thinks he possesses some hidden wisdom. Eliphaz is questioning whether Job is dismissing the help and counsel that come from God as being too small or unimportant.

Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends, is speaking to Job during their debate about Job’s suffering. Eliphaz is frustrated that Job is not accepting the explanations and comfort being offered, suggesting that Job might think he knows something others do not. The verse shows Eliphaz’s disbelief that Job would reject what Eliphaz sees as God’s consolation through their words.

The Hebrew behind Job 15:11

• "consolations" (תַּנְחוּמוֹת, tankhumot): This word refers to comforts or encouragements, often understood as reassurances meant to ease suffering. Eliphaz is implying that what he and the others offer is not just their own advice but comfort that comes from God.
• "small" (מְעַט, me‘at): This word means little, insignificant, or not enough. Eliphaz is accusing Job of treating God’s comfort as if it were trivial or insufficient.
• "secret" (סֵתֶר, seter): This word means something hidden or concealed. Eliphaz is suggesting that Job might believe he has some secret knowledge or insight that others lack.
• "thing" (דָּבָר, davar): This word means word, matter, or thing. Here, it refers to any hidden matter or idea that Job might be holding onto, which Eliphaz thinks could explain Job’s resistance.

Why Job 15:11 matters

• Job 15:11 highlights the tension between Job and his friends, showing that their attempts at comfort are not being received as intended, and that Job’s suffering is deeper than their explanations allow.
• The verse reveals how Eliphaz views his own words—as extensions of God’s comfort—while also exposing his frustration that Job does not accept them.
• This verse helps clarify that the friends see Job’s resistance as pride or stubbornness, not as a legitimate struggle, which sets up the ongoing misunderstanding throughout the book.