Job 5 13

Job 5:13 kjv

He taketh the wise in their own craftiness: and the counsel of the froward is carried headlong.

Job 5:13 nkjv

He catches the wise in their own craftiness, And the counsel of the cunning comes quickly upon them.

Job 5:13 niv

He catches the wise in their craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are swept away.

Job 5:13 esv

He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end.

Job 5:13 nlt

He traps the wise in their own cleverness
so their cunning schemes are thwarted.

Job 5 verses

Job 5 13 Meaning

Job 5:13 proclaims God's sovereign power over human wisdom and deceptive schemes. It asserts that God actively frustrates the clever stratagems of the self-proclaimed wise, causing their own cunning plans to become their downfall. The designs of the crooked and deceitful are swiftly brought to nothing by divine intervention, demonstrating the futility of human shrewdness when pitted against the Almighty.

Job 5 13 Context

Job 5:13 is spoken by Eliphaz the Temanite, one of Job's three friends, during their first round of discussions. Eliphaz, a staunch traditionalist, believes that God punishes the wicked and blesses the righteous. His speech attempts to persuade Job that his suffering must be a consequence of his hidden sins, as God, in Eliphaz's view, would never afflict an innocent man. This particular verse forms part of Eliphaz's argument detailing how God deals with evildoers. He argues that God steps in to frustrate the cunning plans of the "wise" and "wily" who act deceitfully, protecting the vulnerable and bringing their own schemes to ruin (vv. 12-16). While Eliphaz's application of this general truth to Job is incorrect and lacks full understanding of God's ways (which the book of Job ultimately reveals), the principle itself—God's sovereignty over human cleverness and malevolence—is a foundational biblical truth. The historical-cultural context underscores a world where wisdom (חָכְמָה, chokmah) was highly valued, yet there was a clear distinction between worldly wisdom (often intertwined with cunning and manipulation) and divine wisdom (fear of the Lord). This verse directly challenges the belief that human intellectual prowess or clever planning, apart from divine favor, can ultimately succeed.

Job 5 13 Word analysis

• He: Refers implicitly to God, the divine agent and ultimate controller of events. Eliphaz attributes this action directly to the Almighty.
• catches: Hebrew: לָכַד (lakad). Meaning: to seize, capture, ensnare, take by surprise. This verb denotes a decisive, effective, and often sudden action. It paints a picture of God actively intervening, like a hunter skillfully snaring prey, leaving no escape for those caught in their own traps. It emphasizes God's superior strategic ability.
• the wise: Hebrew: חֲכָמִים (chakhamim). This refers not to truly righteous or God-fearing wise people, but rather those who are "wise in their own eyes," or cunning, worldly-wise, shrewd, and skilled in their own schemes, often to exploit or manipulate others. It carries a subtle polemic against intellectual pride and self-reliance without moral grounding or divine reverence.
• in their own craftiness: Hebrew: בְּעָרְמָתָם (b'ormatam).
  • בְּ (b') - in, by, with. Denotes the instrument or means.
  • עָרְמָה (ormah) - shrewdness, cunning, subtle craftiness. This word can be neutral (prudence), but in this context, coupled with "wise" and "wily," it carries the negative connotation of cleverness used for selfish, deceitful, or malicious ends. The "own" highlights the irony and poetic justice: their very strength becomes their weakness. Their intended tool of success becomes their undoing.
• and the schemes: Hebrew: וַעֲצַת (va'atzat).
  • וַ (va') - and. Connects this phrase to the preceding one, presenting a parallel truth.
  • עֵצָה (etsah) - counsel, plan, purpose, advice, scheme. Similar to "craftiness," these are the elaborate strategies or decisions devised by individuals.
• of the wily: Hebrew: נִפְתָּלִים (niftalim). Passive participle of the verb פָּתַל (patal), meaning "to twist, struggle, wrestle." Thus, "twisted ones," "perverse ones," or "deceitful ones." It describes those whose paths are crooked, whose motives are devious, and whose actions are perverse, intentionally bending what is right or straightforward for their own advantage. It vividly portrays their character.
• are quickly brought to an end: Hebrew: נִמְהָרָה (nimharah). Passive verb form implying external agency ("are brought to an end") combined with an adverbial element of haste.
  • נִמְהָרָה (nimharah) - from the root מָהַר (mahar), meaning to be quick, to hasten. Here, it denotes swiftness and suddenness. The passive voice implies that this is not through human effort but through divine intervention; God swiftly brings these schemes to naught. It underscores God's omnipotence and decisive action.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "He catches the wise in their own craftiness": This phrase emphasizes divine irony and retribution. The very instrument (craftiness/shrewdness) used by the worldly "wise" to achieve their selfish ends becomes the snare that captures them. It demonstrates God's ability to turn human devices back on their originators, often resulting in their spectacular failure precisely where they expected triumph. This is an act of sovereign judgment that highlights God's justice.
• "and the schemes of the wily are quickly brought to an end": This parallel phrase reinforces the previous idea, extending the divine intervention to all their malevolent plans. The swiftness ("quickly") denotes the ease and suddenness with which God can dismantle what humans consider robust and intricate strategies. The focus here is on the ultimate frustration and nullification of the "wily" ones' efforts, signaling that no human cleverness or deceit can ultimately stand against God's will.

Job 5 13 Bonus section

The principle articulated in Job 5:13 finds many practical illustrations in biblical narratives, showcasing God's consistent character throughout history. For example, Haman's plot against Mordecai and the Jews in the book of Esther led to Haman himself being hanged on the gallows he prepared for Mordecai. Similarly, Pharaoh's attempt to drown all Israelite male infants backfired when Moses, saved from the very decree, became the deliverer of Israel and led to Pharaoh's own army being drowned in the Red Sea. Another instance is Ahithophel's brilliant counsel, initially adopted by Absalom, which was deliberately frustrated by God through Hushai (2 Sam 15-17). These narratives demonstrate God's consistent method of using the very plans and strengths of the wicked as the instruments of their downfall, often with swift and ironic precision. This pattern of divine reversal underscores that true wisdom and enduring success stem not from human shrewdness, but from reverence for and alignment with God's perfect will.

Job 5 13 Commentary

Eliphaz, despite his theological missteps concerning Job's specific situation, articulates a profound truth about God's governance. Job 5:13 succinctly captures God's active role in counteracting human arrogance and wickedness. It teaches that while humans may devise intricate and cunning plans, particularly those that seek to exploit or circumvent righteousness, God possesses the ultimate power and wisdom to not only expose but also dismantle such endeavors. The verse assures that human cleverness, when devoid of divine fear or employed for malicious ends, is no match for God's sovereignty. It is a comforting truth for the oppressed and a warning to the schemer, highlighting God's commitment to justice by allowing the wicked to fall into the very traps they set for others. It reveals God as the divine strategist, effortlessly unraveling the twisted designs of humanity.