Job 15:16 - how much less one who is abominable and corrupt, a man who drinks iniquity like water!
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 15:16" mean?
Job 15:16, "how much less one who is abominable and corrupt, a man who drinks iniquity like water!" is part of Eliphaz's second speech to Job. To understand the verse, we need to consider the context of the book of Job and Eliphaz's argument.
Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:
Context: Eliphaz, one of Job's friends, is trying to explain Job's suffering based on the traditional wisdom of the time: that God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked. He is essentially telling Job that his suffering must be due to some sin or hidden wickedness. Eliphaz believes that no one is truly pure and righteous in God's eyes.
"How much less...": This phrase introduces a comparative argument. Eliphaz starts by asserting that even the heavens and angels are not pure enough for God, (Job 15:15) implying that humans are even more flawed. He is diminishing humanity's ability to be righteous.
"Abominable and corrupt": These are strong adjectives describing human nature as inherently wicked and offensive to God. "Abominable" suggests something detestable, disgusting, and morally repugnant. "Corrupt" implies moral decay, depravity, and being prone to wickedness.
"A man who drinks iniquity like water!": This is a powerful metaphor. Water is essential for life and easily consumed. To "drink iniquity like water" means to eagerly and effortlessly embrace wickedness. It suggests that sin comes naturally and is readily indulged in. The imagery implies that a person not only sins but enjoys it and constantly seeks it out.
Meaning: The overall meaning of the verse is that humanity is inherently flawed and prone to wickedness. Because of this inherent wickedness, humanity is abominable and corrupt in God's eyes. Sin is as easy and natural for humanity as drinking water. The verse emphasizes the depth of human depravity and the perceived impossibility of perfect righteousness, reinforcing Eliphaz's argument that Job's suffering is a consequence of his sin.
In summary, Eliphaz's statement is a harsh assessment of human nature, emphasizing its inherent sinfulness. He uses this assertion to reinforce his belief that Job's suffering is a just punishment from God.
It's important to remember that this is Eliphaz's opinion and perspective. The book of Job ultimately challenges this traditional wisdom, suggesting that suffering is not always a direct consequence of sin. However, understanding Eliphaz's viewpoint is key to grasping the full depth of the debate within the book of Job.
Job 15:16 - how much less one who is abominable and corrupt, a man who drinks iniquity like water!
What does "Job 15:16" mean?
Job 15:16, "how much less one who is abominable and corrupt, a man who drinks iniquity like water!" is part of Eliphaz's second speech to Job. To understand the verse, we need to consider the context of the book of Job and Eliphaz's argument.
Here's a breakdown of the verse and its meaning:
Context: Eliphaz, one of Job's friends, is trying to explain Job's suffering based on the traditional wisdom of the time: that God rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked. He is essentially telling Job that his suffering must be due to some sin or hidden wickedness. Eliphaz believes that no one is truly pure and righteous in God's eyes.
"How much less...": This phrase introduces a comparative argument. Eliphaz starts by asserting that even the heavens and angels are not pure enough for God, (Job 15:15) implying that humans are even more flawed. He is diminishing humanity's ability to be righteous.
"Abominable and corrupt": These are strong adjectives describing human nature as inherently wicked and offensive to God. "Abominable" suggests something detestable, disgusting, and morally repugnant. "Corrupt" implies moral decay, depravity, and being prone to wickedness.
"A man who drinks iniquity like water!": This is a powerful metaphor. Water is essential for life and easily consumed. To "drink iniquity like water" means to eagerly and effortlessly embrace wickedness. It suggests that sin comes naturally and is readily indulged in. The imagery implies that a person not only sins but enjoys it and constantly seeks it out.
Meaning: The overall meaning of the verse is that humanity is inherently flawed and prone to wickedness. Because of this inherent wickedness, humanity is abominable and corrupt in God's eyes. Sin is as easy and natural for humanity as drinking water. The verse emphasizes the depth of human depravity and the perceived impossibility of perfect righteousness, reinforcing Eliphaz's argument that Job's suffering is a consequence of his sin.
In summary, Eliphaz's statement is a harsh assessment of human nature, emphasizing its inherent sinfulness. He uses this assertion to reinforce his belief that Job's suffering is a just punishment from God.
It's important to remember that this is Eliphaz's opinion and perspective. The book of Job ultimately challenges this traditional wisdom, suggesting that suffering is not always a direct consequence of sin. However, understanding Eliphaz's viewpoint is key to grasping the full depth of the debate within the book of Job.