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.