Lexical Summary razam: To plot, to scheme, to devise Original Word: רָזַם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance to twinkle the eye in mockery: wink A primitive root; to twinkle the eye (in mockery): wink. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to wink, flash NASB Translation flash (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [רָזַם] verb wink, flash (of eyes) (transposed [textual error ?] for Arabic  , Aramaic רְמַז,  ; so Late Hebrew רָמַז (rare), רֶמֶז sign, intimation); — Qal Imperfect3masculine plural וּמַהיִּֿרְזְמוּן עֵינֶיךָ Job 15:12 (Manuscripts ירמזון) why do thine eyes flash (in wrath)? but possibly read יְרוּמוּן (Proverbs 6:17; 30:13, etc., compare Bu). Topical Lexicon Occurrence and Immediate Context רָזַם appears a single time in the Hebrew canon, in Eliphaz’s second address to Job: “Why does your heart carry you away, and why do your eyes flash?” (Job 15:12). The speech rebukes Job’s attempts to justify himself before God. Eliphaz links the inner turmoil of Job’s heart with an outward gesture of the eyes—a forceful image portraying insolence or defiance that oversteps proper reverence for the Almighty. Literary Imagery Job’s poetic language often couples bodily movement with heart disposition (Job 17:2; Job 31:7). In Job 15:12 the flashing or winking eyes amplify the charge that Job’s passion has eclipsed sound judgment. Elsewhere Scripture attaches similar eye-gestures to deceit (Proverbs 6:13), malice (Psalm 35:19), and arrogance (Proverbs 6:17), confirming a consistent biblical pattern in which subtle facial motions betray hidden pride or hostility. Cultural and Historical Setting Ancient Near Eastern literature contains parallel references where eye movements signify contempt or secret signaling. Within Wisdom literature, such gestures are moral indicators; the righteous are characterized by straight, honest eyes (Psalm 25:15), while the wicked employ furtive motions to manipulate or mock. Job’s peers therefore interpret the “flashing eye” as evidence that his suffering has led him into presumptuous protest against divine wisdom. Theological Significance 1. Inner-outer connection: Eliphaz underscores the inseparability of heart and action (cf. Matthew 12:34). A restless heart manifests in restless eyes, illustrating that sin rarely stays confined to thought. Related Biblical Motifs • Haughty eyes: Proverbs 6:17; Psalm 101:5. Ministry Applications • Guarding expressions: Pastoral care must address non-verbal communication that can wound others or dishonor God, reminding believers that “behold, You desire truth in the inmost being” (Psalm 51:6). Christ-Centered Reflection Where Job’s eyes are accused of flashing defiance, the prophecy of the Servant describes eyes fixed on obedient trust (Isaiah 50:7). Jesus Christ, “gentle and humble in heart” (Matthew 11:29), fulfills the perfect alignment of heart and gesture that Eliphaz demanded but misread in Job. His example calls the redeemed to sincerity that radiates through both word and countenance. Summary רָזַם in Job 15:12 captures a moment where outward glance mirrors inward agitation. Though voiced by a misguided counselor, the verse stands as enduring instruction: unchecked emotion can overflow into subtle rebellion, yet true wisdom maintains reverent composure before God. Forms and Transliterations יִּרְזְמ֥וּן ירזמון yir·zə·mūn yirzeMun yirzəmūnLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 15:12 HEB: לִבֶּ֑ךָ וּֽמַה־ יִּרְזְמ֥וּן עֵינֶֽיךָ׃ NAS: you away? And why do your eyes flash, KJV: and what do thy eyes wink at, INT: your heart and why flash your eyes 1 Occurrence |
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