Which wise men have told from their fathers, and have not hid it:

JOB 15:18KJV
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Job 15:18 (KJV)

What does Job 15:18 mean?

Job 15:18 describes how wise men have passed down their knowledge from previous generations and have not kept it secret. The verse highlights that what is being shared comes from a respected tradition, not just personal opinion.

In this verse, Eliphaz is speaking to Job. Eliphaz claims that the wisdom he is about to share is not new or invented by himself, but comes from the teachings of wise men handed down by their ancestors. This sets up his argument as something trustworthy and time-tested in the eyes of his audience.

The Hebrew behind Job 15:18

  • "wise" (חָכָם, ḥākām): This word refers to those considered skilled or experienced in understanding, often respected elders or sages. Eliphaz is appealing to the authority of such people.
  • "told" (נָגַד, nāgad): This word means to declare or make known. The emphasis is on openly sharing knowledge, not keeping it hidden.
  • "fathers" (אָב, ʾāv): This refers to ancestors or forefathers, highlighting a long tradition rather than something recent or untested.
  • "hid" (כָּסָה, kāsāh): This word means to cover or conceal. The verse stresses that this wisdom was not kept secret but was intentionally passed down.

Why Job 15:18 matters

  • Job 15:18 shows that Eliphaz is grounding his argument in tradition and collective wisdom, not just his own thoughts, which he hopes will give his words more weight with Job.
  • The verse clears up any idea that Eliphaz is presenting a new or personal teaching; instead, he is appealing to authority and continuity.
  • This emphasis on inherited wisdom sets the tone for the following verses, where Eliphaz will use these traditional teachings to challenge Job’s perspective.

Where else these words appear

“hid” Hebrew H3582 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 47:18 When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands:
  • 2 Chronicles 32:21 And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.
  • Psalms 83:4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

“wise” Hebrew H2450 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • Proverbs 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.