Job 11:12 - An empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey’s colt.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Job 11:12" mean?
Job 11:12 is a particularly difficult verse in the book of Job, and its meaning is debated among biblical scholars. It's part of a speech by Zophar, one of Job's friends, who is trying to explain Job's suffering. Here's a breakdown of the verse and its possible interpretations:
Literal Translation and Key Phrases:
"An empty-headed man" (KJV: "vain man," NIV: "dense person") - This refers to a foolish, unintelligent, or stubborn individual. The Hebrew term suggests someone lacking understanding and prone to error.
"becomes wise" - This implies the potential for gaining wisdom or insight.
"when a man is born as a wild donkey's colt" (KJV: "though man be born like a wild ass's colt;" NIV: "for the wild donkey’s foal is born a human being") - This is the most puzzling part. It's a comparison, stating that it is as likely for a foolish man to become wise as it is for a wild donkey's foal to be born a human. This is obviously impossible.
Possible Interpretations and Meaning:
1. Impossibility and Condemnation:
This is the most common interpretation. Zophar is essentially saying that it is impossible for a foolish or sinful person (like Job, in his opinion) to become truly wise. He is implying that Job's claims of innocence and wisdom are absurd.
The image of the wild donkey's colt is crucial. Wild donkeys are often depicted as stubborn, untamed, and independent creatures. Zophar is suggesting that Job, like a wild donkey, is resistant to correction and unwilling to submit to God's wisdom.
It's a harsh and judgmental statement, reinforcing Zophar's belief that Job is suffering because of his own sin.
2. Irony and Satire (Less Common):
Some scholars suggest that Job 11, or even the book of Job as a whole, contains elements of irony or satire. In this case, Zophar's statement could be interpreted sarcastically.
He might be exaggerating to highlight the difficulty of attaining true wisdom. However, this interpretation is less likely given the overall tone of Zophar's speech.
3. Emphasis on Transformation (Less Likely):
A very few scholars see a glimmer of hope, suggesting that even the most foolish person could potentially change. However, this reading requires a significant stretch of the text. It goes against the context of Zophar's accusatory argument.
Context is Crucial:
It's important to remember that Zophar and the other "friends" of Job are presented as flawed characters in the book. They are not necessarily speaking the truth, and their arguments are ultimately challenged by God.
Zophar's speech is an attempt to apply traditional wisdom (that suffering is a direct result of sin) to Job's situation. However, Job's story questions this simplistic view of cause and effect.
In Summary:
Job 11:12 is primarily understood as a harsh statement by Zophar, asserting the impossibility of a foolish or sinful person (like Job) attaining true wisdom. He uses the analogy of a wild donkey's colt being born a human to emphasize the unlikelihood of such a transformation. It's a condemning verse that contributes to the tension and debate within the book of Job. The other interpretations are possible but much less probable, especially given the rest of the context.
Job 11:12 - An empty-headed man becomes wise when a man is born as a wild donkey’s colt.
What does "Job 11:12" mean?
Job 11:12 is a particularly difficult verse in the book of Job, and its meaning is debated among biblical scholars. It's part of a speech by Zophar, one of Job's friends, who is trying to explain Job's suffering. Here's a breakdown of the verse and its possible interpretations:
Literal Translation and Key Phrases:
"An empty-headed man" (KJV: "vain man," NIV: "dense person") - This refers to a foolish, unintelligent, or stubborn individual. The Hebrew term suggests someone lacking understanding and prone to error.
"becomes wise" - This implies the potential for gaining wisdom or insight.
"when a man is born as a wild donkey's colt" (KJV: "though man be born like a wild ass's colt;" NIV: "for the wild donkey’s foal is born a human being") - This is the most puzzling part. It's a comparison, stating that it is as likely for a foolish man to become wise as it is for a wild donkey's foal to be born a human. This is obviously impossible.
Possible Interpretations and Meaning:
1. Impossibility and Condemnation:
This is the most common interpretation. Zophar is essentially saying that it is impossible for a foolish or sinful person (like Job, in his opinion) to become truly wise. He is implying that Job's claims of innocence and wisdom are absurd.
The image of the wild donkey's colt is crucial. Wild donkeys are often depicted as stubborn, untamed, and independent creatures. Zophar is suggesting that Job, like a wild donkey, is resistant to correction and unwilling to submit to God's wisdom.
It's a harsh and judgmental statement, reinforcing Zophar's belief that Job is suffering because of his own sin.
2. Irony and Satire (Less Common):
Some scholars suggest that Job 11, or even the book of Job as a whole, contains elements of irony or satire. In this case, Zophar's statement could be interpreted sarcastically.
He might be exaggerating to highlight the difficulty of attaining true wisdom. However, this interpretation is less likely given the overall tone of Zophar's speech.
3. Emphasis on Transformation (Less Likely):
A very few scholars see a glimmer of hope, suggesting that even the most foolish person could potentially change. However, this reading requires a significant stretch of the text. It goes against the context of Zophar's accusatory argument.
Context is Crucial:
It's important to remember that Zophar and the other "friends" of Job are presented as flawed characters in the book. They are not necessarily speaking the truth, and their arguments are ultimately challenged by God.
Zophar's speech is an attempt to apply traditional wisdom (that suffering is a direct result of sin) to Job's situation. However, Job's story questions this simplistic view of cause and effect.
In Summary:
Job 11:12 is primarily understood as a harsh statement by Zophar, asserting the impossibility of a foolish or sinful person (like Job) attaining true wisdom. He uses the analogy of a wild donkey's colt being born a human to emphasize the unlikelihood of such a transformation. It's a condemning verse that contributes to the tension and debate within the book of Job. The other interpretations are possible but much less probable, especially given the rest of the context.