But you even undermine the fear of GodThis phrase suggests a critique of Job's attitude and actions, implying that he is diminishing the reverence due to God. In the context of the Book of Job, Eliphaz accuses Job of weakening the foundational principle of wisdom, which is the fear of the Lord (
Proverbs 9:10). The fear of God is a central theme in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, emphasizing a deep respect and awe for God's power and holiness. Historically, this fear was seen as essential for maintaining a covenant relationship with God, as seen in
Deuteronomy 10:12. The accusation here is that Job's questioning and lamenting are eroding this essential reverence.
and hinder meditation before Him.
Meditation in the biblical sense involves thoughtful contemplation and reflection on God's laws and character, as seen inPsalm 1:2. Eliphaz suggests that Job's words and actions are obstructing this process, which is crucial for spiritual growth and understanding. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, meditation was a practice that involved not only the mind but also the heart, aligning one's life with divine will. The implication is that Job's complaints are preventing him from engaging in this vital spiritual discipline. This accusation ties into the broader narrative of Job, where his friends believe that his suffering is a result of sin, and thus, his current state is seen as a barrier to proper worship and reflection.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JobA man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, undergoing severe trials and questioning the reasons for his suffering.
2.
Eliphaz the TemaniteOne of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this chapter, Eliphaz is speaking, accusing Job of undermining the fear of God.
3.
TemanA region in Edom, known for its wise men. Eliphaz is identified as a Temanite, suggesting he is a man of wisdom and understanding.
4.
Fear of GodA central theme in the Book of Job, representing reverence, awe, and respect for God's power and authority.
5.
Meditation before GodReflects the practice of contemplating God's nature, laws, and works, which is essential for spiritual growth and understanding.
Teaching Points
The Importance of the Fear of GodThe fear of God is foundational to wisdom and understanding. It is not merely about being afraid but having a deep reverence and respect for God's authority and holiness.
The Role of Meditation in Spiritual GrowthRegular meditation on God's word and His attributes is crucial for spiritual maturity. It helps believers align their thoughts and actions with God's will.
Guarding Against MisinterpretationLike Eliphaz, we must be cautious not to misinterpret others' struggles or assume their spiritual state. True understanding requires empathy and discernment.
Maintaining Faith Amidst TrialsJob's account encourages believers to maintain their faith and integrity even when facing severe trials and accusations from others.
The Danger of LegalismEliphaz's approach reflects a legalistic mindset, focusing on outward actions rather than the heart. Believers should strive for a relationship with God that goes beyond mere rule-following.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 15:4?
2.How does Job 15:4 challenge our understanding of reverence for God?
3.What does "restrain prayer before God" imply about our spiritual discipline?
4.How can Job 15:4 guide us in maintaining a strong prayer life?
5.Which other scriptures emphasize the importance of reverence and prayer?
6.How can we apply the lessons from Job 15:4 in daily worship?
7.How does Job 15:4 challenge the sincerity of one's faith and devotion to God?
8.What does Job 15:4 imply about the consequences of undermining reverence for God?
9.How does Job 15:4 reflect the tension between human wisdom and divine wisdom?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 15?
11.What are the devil's deceptive strategies?
12.Are you steadfast in faith despite trials and deception?
13.What does the Bible say about faith versus fear?
14.Where do you find comfort in times of trouble?What Does Job 15:4 Mean
But youEliphaz addresses Job personally, pointing out that Job’s recent words are not neutral but directed against God’s established order (Job 15:2–3).
• Job’s passionate self-defense seems, to Eliphaz, to cross a line from honest lament (Job 3) into arrogantly challenging God (Job 13:3, 11).
• By saying “you,” Eliphaz underscores responsibility; speech matters (Matthew 12:36;Proverbs 18:21).
• The charge anticipates the New Testament warning that careless words can “set on fire the course of life” (James 3:5–6).
Even undermine the fear of GodEliphaz claims Job’s rhetoric erodes the reverence that keeps people grounded in truth (Proverbs 1:7;Ecclesiastes 12:13).
• Fear of God is not terror but awe that produces obedience (Psalm 34:11;Hebrews 12:28).
• Job’s insistence on his own righteousness (Job 13:18) can sound, to his friend, like placing human reasoning above divine wisdom (Isaiah 55:8–9).
• When reverence diminishes, moral anchors slip: “Will you even annihilate the fear of God?” (Job 15:4a).
And hinder meditation before HimMeditation—pondering God’s ways—requires a heart quieted before the Lord (Psalm 1:2;Joshua 1:8).
• Eliphaz argues that Job’s words distract listeners from worship and reflection (Psalm 46:10).
• Complaints spoken without trust can crowd out contemplative faith (Psalm 77:3–6).
• “You hinder devotion in His presence” (Job 15:4b, par), suggesting that public lament, when framed as indictment, may discourage others from seeking God (Hebrews 10:24–25).
summaryEliphaz charges Job with letting bold self-defense slip into irreverence that erodes awe for God and disrupts worshipful reflection. While Job’s anguish is real, Eliphaz urges him—and us—to guard our speech so it fosters, rather than frustrates, holy fear and quiet meditation (Psalm 19:14;Colossians 3:16).
(4)
Yea, thou castest off fear.--The tendency also of Job has been to encourage a kind of fatalism (
e.g.,Job 12:16-25), and therefore to check the offering of prayer to God, besides setting an example which, if followed, as from Job's position it was likely to be, would lead to murmuring and blasphemy.
Verse 4. -
Yea, thou castest off fear. To Eliphaz, Job's words - his bold expostulations (
Job 13:3, 15, 22, etc.), his declarations that he
knows he will be justified (
Job 13:8), and that God will be his Salvation (
Job 13:16) - seem to imply that he has cast off altogether the fear of God, and is entirely devoid of reverence. Some of his expressions certainly seem over-bold; but, on the other hand, his sense of God's purity, perfectness, and transcendent power is continually manifest, and should have saved him from the rude reproach here launched against him (comp.
Job 9:1-13;
Job 12:24 25; 13:11, 21, etc.). And restrainest prayer before God; rather,
and hinderest devout meditation before God. Eliphaz means that Job expresses himself in a way so cf. fensive to devout souls, that he disturbs their minds and prevents them from indulging in those pious meditations on the Divine goodness which would otherwise occupy them (comp.
Psalm 119:97). Thus, according to Eliphaz, Job is not only irreligious himself, but the cause of irreligion in others.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Butאַף־(’ap̄-)Conjunction
Strong's 637:Meaning accession, yea, adversatively thoughyouאַ֭תָּה(’at·tāh)Pronoun - second person masculine singular
Strong's 859:Thou and thee, ye and youeven undermineתָּפֵ֣ר(tā·p̄êr)Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 6565:To break up, to violate, frustratethe fear [of God]יִרְאָ֑ה(yir·’āh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 3374:Fear, reverenceand hinderוְתִגְרַ֥ע(wə·ṯiḡ·ra‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1639:To scrape off, to shave, remove, lessen, withholdmeditationשִׂ֝יחָ֗ה(·ḥāh)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 7881:Reflection, be extension, devotionbeforeלִפְנֵי־(lip̄·nê-)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6440:The faceHim.אֵֽל׃(’êl)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 410:Strength -- as adjective, mighty, the Almighty
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OT Poetry: Job 15:4 Yes you do away with fear (Jb) 
