Job 26:4
New International Version
Who has helped you utter these words? And whose spirit spoke from your mouth?

New Living Translation
Where have you gotten all these wise sayings? Whose spirit speaks through you?

English Standard Version
With whose help have you uttered words, and whose breath has come out from you?

Berean Standard Bible
To whom have you uttered these words? And whose spirit spoke through you?

King James Bible
To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came from thee?

New King James Version
To whom have you uttered words? And whose spirit came from you?

New American Standard Bible
“To whom have you uttered words? And whose spirit was expressed through you?

NASB 1995
“To whom have you uttered words? And whose spirit was expressed through you?

NASB 1977
“To whom have you uttered words? And whose spirit was expressed through you?

Legacy Standard Bible
To whom have you declared words? And whose breath comes out from you?

Amplified Bible
“To whom have you uttered [these] words? And whose spirit [inspired what] came forth from you?

Christian Standard Bible
With whom did you speak these words? Whose breath came out of your mouth?

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Who did you speak these words to? Whose breath came out of your mouth?

American Standard Version
To whom hast thou uttered words? And whose spirit came forth from thee?

Contemporary English Version
How can anyone possibly speak with such understanding?

English Revised Version
To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came forth from thee?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
To whom have you spoken [these] words, and whose spirit has spoken through you?

Good News Translation
Who do you think will hear all your words? Who inspired you to speak like this?

International Standard Version
Who helped you say all of this? Who inspired you?"

NET Bible
To whom did you utter these words? And whose spirit has come forth from your mouth?

New Heart English Bible
To whom have you uttered words? Whose spirit came forth from you?

Webster's Bible Translation
To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came from thee?
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
To whom have you uttered these words? And whose spirit spoke through you?

World English Bible
To whom have you uttered words? Whose spirit came out of you?
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
With whom have you declared words? And whose breath came forth from you?

Young's Literal Translation
With whom hast thou declared words? And whose breath came forth from thee?

Smith's Literal Translation
And with whom didst thou announce words? and whose breath came forth from thee?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Whom hast thou desired to teach? was it not him that made life?

Catholic Public Domain Version
Who is it that you wanted to teach? Was it not him that created the breath of life?

New American Bible
With whose help have you uttered those words, whose breath comes forth from you?

New Revised Standard Version
With whose help have you uttered words, and whose spirit has come forth from you?
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
To whom have you uttered words? And whose soul has come forth from you?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
To whom have you shown words and whose soul has proceeded from you?
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
With whose help hast thou uttered words? And whose spirit came forth from thee?

Brenton Septuagint Translation
To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose breath is it that has come forth from thee?

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Job: Who Can Understand God's Majesty?
3How you have counseled the unwise and provided fully sound insight! 4To whom have you uttered these words? And whose spirit spoke through you? 5The dead tremble—those beneath the waters and those who dwell in them.…

Cross References
Job 15:8
Do you listen in on the council of God or limit wisdom to yourself?

Job 32:8
But there is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.

Job 38:36
Who has put wisdom in the heart or given understanding to the mind?

Job 12:3
But I also have a mind; I am not inferior to you. Who does not know such things as these?

Job 13:2
What you know, I also know; I am not inferior to you.

Job 16:3
Is there no end to your long-winded speeches? What provokes you to continue testifying?

Job 21:22
Can anyone teach knowledge to God, since He judges those on high?

Job 28:12-13
But where can wisdom be found, and where does understanding dwell? / No man can know its value, nor is it found in the land of the living.

Job 32:18
For I am full of words, and my spirit within me compels me.

Job 33:3
My words are from an upright heart, and my lips speak sincerely what I know.

Job 34:35
‘Job speaks without knowledge; his words lack insight.’

Job 35:11
who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the birds of the air?’

Job 36:4
For truly my words are free of falsehood; one perfect in knowledge is with you.

Job 37:16
Do you understand how the clouds float, those wonders of Him who is perfect in knowledge?

Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.


Treasury of Scripture

To whom have you uttered words? and whose spirit came from you?

whose spirit

Job 20:3
I have heard the check of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causeth me to answer.

Job 32:18
For I am full of matter, the spirit within me constraineth me.

1 Kings 22:23,24
Now therefore, behold, the LORD hath put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these thy prophets, and the LORD hath spoken evil concerning thee…

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Breath Declared Expressed Forth Help Helped Mouth Spirit Utter Uttered Words
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Breath Declared Expressed Forth Help Helped Mouth Spirit Utter Uttered Words
Job 26
1. Job, reproving the uncharitable spirit of Bildad
5. acknowledges the power of God to be infinite and unsearchable














To whom have you uttered these words?
This phrase is part of Job's response to Bildad, one of his friends who has been offering counsel. Job challenges the relevance and originality of Bildad's words, questioning their intended audience and impact. In the broader context of the Book of Job, this reflects the ongoing debate between Job and his friends about the nature of suffering and divine justice. Job's rhetorical question implies that Bildad's words lack divine insight and are not truly helpful. This can be connected to the broader biblical theme of discerning true wisdom, as seen in Proverbs 2:6, which states that the Lord gives wisdom. The phrase also invites reflection on the source and purpose of our words, echoing the New Testament teaching in James 3:5-6 about the power of the tongue.

And whose spirit spoke through you?
Here, Job questions the spiritual authority behind Bildad's statements. This implies a discernment of spirits, a theme that is echoed in 1 John 4:1, which advises believers to test the spirits to see whether they are from God. Job's question suggests that Bildad's counsel may not be inspired by the Holy Spirit but rather by human or even demonic influence, as seen in the broader biblical narrative where false prophets speak from their own spirit (Ezekiel 13:2-3). This phrase also points to the importance of divine inspiration in delivering true wisdom, as seen in 2 Timothy 3:16, which affirms that all Scripture is God-breathed. In the context of Job, this question underscores the need for divine revelation to understand the mysteries of suffering and God's purposes, foreshadowing the ultimate revelation of truth in Jesus Christ, who is the Word made flesh (John 1:14).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man known for his righteousness and suffering. In this chapter, Job responds to his friends' counsel.

2. Bildad
One of Job's three friends who attempts to explain Job's suffering by suggesting it is due to sin. Job 26 is part of Job's response to Bildad's speech in the previous chapter.

3. Uz
The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel. It serves as the setting for the events of the Book of Job.

4. God
The ultimate authority and sovereign being, whose wisdom and power are central themes in the Book of Job.

5. The Spirit
Refers to the influence or inspiration behind the words spoken, questioning whether they are divinely inspired or not.
Teaching Points
Discernment of Words
Believers should be discerning about the words they hear and speak, ensuring they align with God's truth.

Source of Inspiration
It is crucial to consider the source of our inspiration and counsel, seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit rather than human wisdom alone.

Impact of Speech
Our words have the power to build up or tear down. We should strive to speak life and truth, reflecting God's character.

Accountability in Counsel
When offering advice, we must be accountable for ensuring it is biblically sound and not based on personal bias or misunderstanding.

Seeking God's Wisdom
In times of confusion or suffering, seek God's wisdom through prayer and scripture, rather than relying solely on human understanding.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Job 26:4?

2. How does Job 26:4 challenge us to discern the source of our counsel?

3. What does Job 26:4 reveal about the importance of speaking truthfully?

4. How can we ensure our words align with God's wisdom, as seen in Job 26:4?

5. In what ways does Job 26:4 connect to James 3:17 about wisdom from above?

6. How can Job 26:4 guide us in evaluating advice from others?

7. What does Job 26:4 reveal about the source of wisdom and understanding in human discourse?

8. How does Job 26:4 challenge the authenticity of spiritual guidance claimed by others?

9. In Job 26:4, whose spirit is implied to be speaking through Job, and why is this significant?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 26?

11. Isn't the concept of the Trinity illogical?

12. Why are many Christians unable to distinguish God's voice from their own thoughts?

13. In Job 33:4, how does 'the Spirit of God has made me' align with scientific accounts of human origin?

14. How can a young man purify his path?
What Does Job 26:4 Mean
To whom have you uttered these words?

Job turns to Bildad and essentially asks, “Who exactly were you talking to?” (see Job 25 for Bildad’s speech). Instead of comfort, Bildad had offered lofty theology that missed Job’s pain.

• Job reminds him that words must serve the listener; compare Job 16:2, “Miserable comforters are you all,” and Ephesians 4:29, “Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up.”

• Bildad’s content was orthodox—he spoke of God’s greatness—yet misplaced for a suffering friend; note Proverbs 25:20, “Like one who takes away a garment on a cold day… is one who sings songs to a heavy heart.”

• The question implies responsibility: if Bildad aims his words at Job, they should address Job’s situation, not merely showcase doctrine (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:11).


And whose spirit spoke through you?

Job’s next challenge digs deeper: What is the source of Bildad’s counsel?

• Scripture recognizes two influences behind words—the Spirit of God or another spirit. 1 John 4:1 urges, “Test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”

• Job hints that Bildad’s speech, though sounding pious, lacked the life-giving breath of the Almighty; contrast Job 32:8, “There is a spirit in a man, the breath of the Almighty, that gives him understanding.”

• Earlier, Eliphaz claimed a night vision inspired him (Job 4:12-17). Job now questions whether Bildad is likewise claiming divine revelation or merely echoing human tradition; see Colossians 2:8, “See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception.”

• The concern is practical: words carried by God’s Spirit bring comfort, correction, and hope (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), not despair or condemnation.


summary

Job 26:4 confronts Bildad on two fronts—audience and inspiration. Job asks whether Bildad’s words are truly aimed at helping the sufferer and whether they are energized by God’s Spirit. The verse reminds believers that sound doctrine must be lovingly applied and Spirit-driven if it is to minister grace to those in need.

(4) To whom.--That is, "Is it not to one who had said the same thing himself? Was it not my own breath, my own teaching, that came forth from you?" He then proceeds to show that it is not only the starry heavens that declare the glory of God, but the under world likewise, and the universe generally.

Verse 4. - To whom hast thou uttered words? Whom didst thou intend to address? Surely not me, since thy words touch none of my arguments. And whose spirit came from thee? Who prompted thy speech? Was it Eliphaz (comp. Job 4:17-19)?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
To
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Preposition
Strong's 854: Nearness, near, with, by, at, among

whom
מִ֭י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

have you uttered
הִגַּ֣דְתָּ (hig·gaḏ·tā)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

these words?
מִלִּ֑ין (mil·lîn)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4405: A word, a discourse, a topic

And whose
מִ֝י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

spirit
וְנִשְׁמַת־ (wə·niš·maṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5397: A puff, wind, angry, vital breath, divine inspiration, intellect, an animal

spoke
יָצְאָ֥ה (yā·ṣə·’āh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

through you?
מִמֶּֽךָּ׃ (mim·me·kā)
Preposition | second person masculine singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of


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OT Poetry: Job 26:4 To whom have you uttered words? Whose (Jb)
Job 26:3
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