Job 15:5 (KJV)

What does Job 15:5 mean?

Job 15:5 means that the speaker is accusing Job of speaking in a way that reveals wrongdoing and of deliberately choosing clever or deceitful words. The verse suggests that Job’s own words are evidence against him, showing a tendency toward iniquity and cunning speech.

In this verse, Eliphaz is speaking to Job during their debate about suffering and righteousness. Eliphaz claims that Job’s complaints and arguments are not just misguided, but actually sinful ("iniquity") and crafty. The verse is part of Eliphaz’s attempt to convince Job that his suffering must be the result of his own actions, reflecting the friends’ belief that suffering is always a punishment for sin.

The Hebrew behind Job 15:5

• "mouth" (פֶּה, peh): This word simply means "mouth," but in Hebrew thought, the mouth is often seen as the source of what is in the heart. Eliphaz is pointing to Job’s speech as a window into his character.
• "uttereth" (יָלַל, yalal): This word can mean "to speak" or "to bring forth." Here, it emphasizes that Job’s mouth is actively producing or exposing his iniquity, not just passively repeating words.
• "iniquity" (עָוֹן, avon): This word refers to guilt, wrongdoing, or moral fault. Eliphaz is not just accusing Job of being mistaken, but of real moral failure.
• "choosest" (בָּחַר, bachar): This verb means "to choose" or "to select." Eliphaz is claiming that Job is intentionally picking his words, suggesting deliberate craftiness.
• "tongue" (לָשׁוֹן, lashon): In Hebrew, "tongue" often represents speech or language in general, not just the physical organ.
• "crafty" (עָרוּם, arum): This word can mean "shrewd" or "cunning," often with a negative sense of being deceitful or tricky. Eliphaz is accusing Job of using clever arguments to hide or justify his guilt.

Why Job 15:5 matters

• This verse shows how Job’s friends interpret his honest questions and complaints as evidence of guilt, rather than as cries for understanding or justice.
• The accusation of deliberate craftiness ("choosest the tongue of the crafty") reveals the friends’ suspicion and lack of empathy, which becomes a major theme in the book.
• Understanding the original words helps clarify that Eliphaz is not just criticizing Job’s tone, but accusing him of intentional and serious wrongdoing through his speech.