ScriptureDepth's study of Job 15
“What is man, that he should be clean? What is he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?”
Job 15:14
Eliphaz speaks to Job, questioning human righteousness by stating that no one born of a woman can be clean, which challenges Job's claims of innocence.
What Job 15 is about
In Job chapter 15, Eliphaz the Temanite addresses Job for the second time, responding to Job’s previous speeches with rebuke and criticism. Eliphaz asserts that Job’s words are empty and disrespectful, accusing him of undermining religion and piety. He argues that wisdom and understanding are being neglected by Job, who refuses to learn from the wise and ancient knowledge passed down through generations.
Eliphaz paints a stark image of the fate of the wicked, describing their constant turmoil and inevitable ruin. He contends that God’s wrath is reserved for those who turn away from Him, indirectly suggesting that Job’s suffering is a result of his own hidden sins. Eliphaz insists that God does not trust even His angels fully, implying that humans like Job have no reason to claim innocence before God.
This chapter highlights the tension between human wisdom and divine justice, as well as the tendency to blame suffering on personal sinfulness. Eliphaz’s speech further emphasizes the belief in retributive justice, where actions directly lead to corresponding rewards or punishments.
Job 15 at a glance
- Job 15:1–6Eliphaz Responds to Job
- Job 15:7–11Questioning Job's Knowledge
- Job 15:12–16Describing Human Iniquity
- Job 15:17–24The Fate of the Wicked
- Job 15:25–30Reckoning with God's Judgment
- Job 15:31–35The End of the Godless
Key verse: Job 15:14
One thing to notice
In verses 20 to 24, Eliphaz speaks of the wicked man who 'writhes in pain all his days.' He describes a life characterized by suffering and despair, detailing the consequences faced by the wicked in their lives.
Summary and study helps: AI-drafted (September 2026), checked by automated Scripture gates. Spotted an error? Report it. Fixes are listed on the corrections page.
Chapter text
Read Job 15 (WEB)
Eliphaz Responds to Job Job 15:1–6
1Verse 1. Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,2Verse 2. “Should a wise man answer with vain knowledge,and fill himself with the east wind?3Verse 3. Should he reason with unprofitable talk,or with speeches with which he can do no good?4Verse 4. Yes, you do away with fear,and hinder devotion before God.5Verse 5. For your iniquity teaches your mouth,and you choose the language of the crafty.6Verse 6. Your own mouth condemns you, and not I.Yes, your own lips testify against you.
Questioning Job's Knowledge Job 15:7–11
7Verse 7. “Are you the first man who was born?Or were you brought out before the hills?8Verse 8. Have you heard the secret counsel of God?Do you limit wisdom to yourself?9Verse 9. What do you know, that we don’t know?What do you understand, which is not in us?10Verse 10. With us are both the gray-headed and the very aged men,much elder than your father.11Verse 11. Are the consolations of God too small for you,even the word that is gentle toward you?
Describing Human Iniquity Job 15:12–16
12Verse 12. Why does your heart carry you away?Why do your eyes flash,13Verse 13. That you turn your spirit against God,and let such words go out of your mouth?14Verse 14. What is man, that he should be clean?What is he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?15Verse 15. Behold, he puts no trust in his holy ones.Yes, the heavens are not clean in his sight;16Verse 16. how much less one who is abominable and corrupt,a man who drinks iniquity like water!
The Fate of the Wicked Job 15:17–24
17Verse 17. “I will show you, listen to me;that which I have seen I will declare18Verse 18. (which wise men have told by their fathers,and have not hidden it;19Verse 19. to whom alone the land was given,and no stranger passed among them):20Verse 20. the wicked man writhes in pain all his days,even the number of years that are laid up for the oppressor.21Verse 21. A sound of terrors is in his ears.In prosperity the destroyer shall come on him.22Verse 22. He doesn’t believe that he shall return out of darkness.He is waited for by the sword.23Verse 23. He wanders abroad for bread, saying, ‘Where is it?’He knows that the day of darkness is ready at his hand.24Verse 24. Distress and anguish make him afraid.They prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.
Reckoning with God's Judgment Job 15:25–30
25Verse 25. Because he has stretched out his hand against God,and behaves himself proudly against the Almighty;26Verse 26. he runs at him with a stiff neck,with the thick shields of his bucklers;27Verse 27. because he has covered his face with his fatness,and gathered fat on his thighs.28Verse 28. He has lived in desolate cities,in houses which no one inhabited,which were ready to become heaps.29Verse 29. He shall not be rich, neither shall his substance continue,neither shall their possessions be extended on the earth.30Verse 30. He shall not depart out of darkness.The flame shall dry up his branches.By the breath of God’s mouth shall he go away.
The End of the Godless Job 15:31–35
31Verse 31. Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself;for emptiness shall be his reward.32Verse 32. It shall be accomplished before his time.His branch shall not be green.33Verse 33. He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine,and shall cast off his flower as the olive tree.34Verse 34. For the company of the godless shall be barren,and fire shall consume the tents of bribery.35Verse 35. They conceive mischief, and produce iniquity.Their heart prepares deceit.”
World English Bible (public domain)
Go deeper
Ask the AI about Job 15
Bring your question about the chapter, the key verse, or how this passage fits the rest of Scripture. Ask unlimited questions and keep study notes on every chapter. 7 days free, no card.
Main themes in Job 15
Retributive Justice
Eliphaz asserts a clear system of retributive justice in this chapter. He claims that the wicked suffer for their actions, stating in v. 20, 'the wicked man writhes in pain all his days,' and he elaborates on the inevitable fate that awaits them. This theme continues as he describes the consequences of straying from God, emphasizing that divine judgment is both certain and severe.
Human Wisdom vs. Divine Wisdom
Eliphaz challenges Job's understanding of God's wisdom throughout the chapter. In vv. 8-9, he asks, 'Have you heard the secret counsel of God? Do you limit wisdom to yourself?' This highlights the belief that human wisdom is inferior to divine wisdom, as he insists that Job's insights are flawed. The chapter presents a contrast between their perspectives on suffering and righteousness, suggesting that human wisdom cannot grasp divine intentions.
Suffering and Sin
This chapter explores the connection between suffering and sin through Eliphaz's accusations against Job. He implies that Job’s suffering results from his wrongdoing, as seen in v. 5, where he states, 'your iniquity teaches your mouth.' Eliphaz paints a picture of a direct relationship between one's sinful actions and the consequent suffering, reinforcing the belief that sin inevitably leads to punishment.
The Complexity of Righteousness
Eliphaz presents a nuanced view of righteousness, questioning Job's claim to integrity. In v. 14, he asks, 'What is man, that he should be clean?' suggesting that no one can truly be righteous before God. The chapter grapples with the idea that human nature is inherently flawed, complicating the notion of righteousness and calling into question Job's assertions of innocence in his suffering.
Chapter outline
How Job 15 unfolds
Job 15:1–6 Eliphaz Responds to Job
Eliphaz the Temanite answers Job, questioning, 'Should a wise man answer with vain knowledge?' and accuses Job of using deceitful language, stating, 'Your own mouth condemns you' (vv. 1-6).
Job 15:7–11 Questioning Job's Knowledge
Eliphaz challenges Job's understanding and authority, questioning whether he possesses unique wisdom or insight that others lack, particularly the elders present (vv. 7-11).
Job 15:12–16 Describing Human Iniquity
Eliphaz asks Job, 'What is man, that he should be clean?' and asserts that even the heavens are not clean in God's sight, emphasizing human iniquity (vv. 12-16).
Job 15:17–24 The Fate of the Wicked
Eliphaz states, 'The wicked man writhes in pain all his days,' illustrating their suffering and fear, as he describes how 'distress and anguish make him afraid' (vv. 17-24).
Job 15:25–30 Reckoning with God's Judgment
Eliphaz claims that the wicked, 'because he has stretched out his hand against God,' will face destruction, declaring, 'He shall not depart out of darkness' (vv. 25-30).
Job 15:31–35 The End of the Godless
Eliphaz concludes with a declaration about the fate of the godless, stating that their lives and deeds lead to barrenness and destruction, driven by their own mischief (vv. 31-35).
Key verses
Job 15:14Eliphaz speaks to Job, questioning human righteousness by stating that no one born of a woman can be clean, which challenges Job's claims of innocence.
Get a short devotional by email, one passage and one question a day.
One short email each morning, with the free study guide. Unsubscribe anytime. By subscribing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy. We use your address only to send this email.
Study questions
Questions for studying Job 15
- observeIn v2, what does Eliphaz mean by 'vain knowledge'?
- observeWhat does Eliphaz claim about Job's 'own mouth' in v6?
- interpretIn vv. 14-16, what is implied about human righteousness compared to God's standards?
- interpretIn v20, how does Eliphaz's view of the wicked contrast with Job's situation?
- applyWhen have you felt unjustly accused, as Job is in v6?
For Bible groups
Study Job 15 with your group
A free one-page handout with the overview, key verse, outline and discussion questions, ready to print for everyone at the table.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Job 15
- Job 4Job 15:15 and Job 4:18Both express God's lack of trust: Job 15:15 states that God puts no trust in holy ones, while Job 4:18 mentions God charges His angels with error.
- Galatians 6Job 15:31 and Galatians 6:7Both warn against self-deception: Job 15:31 cautions against trusting in emptiness, while Galatians 6:7 asserts that a man reaps what he sows.
- Job 18Job 15:21 and Job 18:11Both describe terror: Job 15:21 speaks of the sound of terrors, while Job 18:11 indicates terrors chase the wicked.
- Ecclesiastes 7Job 15:14 and Ecclesiastes 7:20Both question human righteousness: Job 15:14 asks what man can be clean, while Ecclesiastes 7:20 states there is not a righteous man on earth.
- Job 8Job 15:18 and Job 8:8Both emphasize ancestral wisdom: Job 15:18 mentions wise men passing down knowledge, while Job 8:8 urges inquiry about past generations.
- Romans 3Job 15:14 and Romans 3:10Both affirm human unrighteousness: Job 15:14 questions who can be clean, while Romans 3:10 states there is no one righteous.
Related chapters
Chapters that connect with Job 15
Elsewhere on ScriptureDepth
Where to go from here
- Job: the whole bookJob confronts the hardest question in the life of faith: why do the righteous suffer?
- Full Year Chronological Bible, day 8Day 8 of 365: Job 13–15.
- SufferingWhat the Bible says about suffering, with verses.
- Common Bible questionsThe questions people bring to Bible study, each answered from the text.
- Today's devotionalOne verse and a short reflection, new every morning.
Job 15: frequently asked questions
What is Job 15 about?+
What is the key verse in Job 15?+
What are the main themes of Job 15?+
Studying Job with a print Bible beside you? See our study Bible guides.