For thou hast hid their heart from understanding: therefore shalt thou not exalt them.

JOB 17:4KJV
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Job 17:4 (KJV)

What does Job 17:4 mean?

Job 17:4 says that God has prevented certain people from understanding, so they will not be honored or lifted up. Job is expressing that some people's hearts are closed off to wisdom, and as a result, they will not gain favor or success.

In this verse, Job is speaking directly to God about his situation and the people around him, likely referring to his friends who have misunderstood and accused him. Job feels that God has hidden true understanding from them ("hid their heart from understanding"), so they cannot see the truth of Job's innocence. Because they lack this insight, Job says God will not "exalt" or honor them, highlighting the connection between understanding and being lifted up in status or reputation.

The Hebrew behind Job 17:4

  • "hid" (צָפַן, tsaphan): This word means to hide or conceal. Here, it emphasizes that the lack of understanding is not accidental but something God has allowed or caused.
  • "heart" (לֵב, lev): In Hebrew thought, the "heart" is the center of thought and will, not just emotion. Job is saying their very ability to think and discern is blocked.
  • "understanding" (שֵׂכֶל, sekhel): This word points to insight or wisdom, not just basic knowledge. What is hidden from them is a deeper grasp of what is really happening.
  • "exalt" (רוּם, rum): To "exalt" means to raise up or honor. Job connects a lack of insight with not being raised in status or vindicated.

Why Job 17:4 matters

  • Job 17:4 clarifies that Job sees the misunderstanding of his friends as something beyond just personal failure—it is, in his view, a result of God's action.
  • The verse highlights a theme in Job: true understanding and wisdom are ultimately gifts from God, not guaranteed by human effort alone.
  • This verse helps explain the frustration and isolation Job feels, as he believes even those closest to him are unable to grasp his situation because God has not allowed them to see it.

Where else these words appear

“understanding” Hebrew H7922 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Samuel 25:3 Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.
  • Ezra 8:18 And by the good hand of our God upon us they brought us a man of understanding, of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brethren, eighteen;
  • Proverbs 13:15 Good understanding giveth favour: but the way of transgressors is hard.

“hid” Hebrew H6845 · used in 30 verses

  • Exodus 2:2 And the woman conceived, and bare a son: and when she saw him that he was a goodly child, she hid him three months.
  • Job 24:1 Why, seeing times are not hidden from the Almighty, do they that know him not see his days?
  • Proverbs 2:1 My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee;