Lexical Summary dea: knowledge, what i think, opinion Original Word: דֵּעַ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance knowledge, opinion From yada'; knowledge -- knowledge, opinion. see HEBREW yada' NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom yada Definition knowledge, opinion NASB Translation knowledge (2), opinion (1), what i think (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs [דֵּעַ] noun [masculine] knowledge, opinion (late) — only suffix דֵּעִי Job 32:6 3t., and plural דֵּעִים Job 37:6; all in speech of Elihu. 1 knowledge, ׳תְּמִים ד Job 37:16 one perfect in knowledge (of God). 2 judgement, opinion Job 36:3; חַוֹּת דֵּעִי Job 32:6 to declare my opinion, so Job 32:10; Job 32:17. Topical Lexicon Meaning within the Wisdom Tradition דֵּעַ centers on the idea of thoughtful, reasoned knowledge—insight that has been weighed and considered, not mere data acquisition. Whereas חָכְמָה (“wisdom”) in Proverbs often stresses skillful living springing from the fear of the Lord, דֵּעַ highlights the mental apprehension that undergirds such wisdom. In modern terms, it is the difference between knowing what is right (דֵּעַ) and skillfully applying it (חָכְמָה). Concentration in the Speeches of Elihu (Job 32–37) All five occurrences belong to Elihu, Job’s youthful interlocutor. Within the debate cycle, Elihu’s repeated use of דֵּעַ serves several purposes: 1. Humble Qualification (Job 32:6) “I am young in years, while you are old; so I dreaded and feared to declare my knowledge to you.” Elihu’s first mention shows reverence for age and experience, acknowledging that true knowledge must be offered in humility. 2. Plea for Audience (Job 32:10, 32:17) Twice Elihu invites the older men to “listen to me,” underscoring that knowledge gains validity only when weighed by the community of faith. 3. Sourcing from God, not Self (Job 36:3) “I will fetch my knowledge from afar and ascribe righteousness to my Maker.” Elihu claims that genuine insight comes “from afar,” pointing to divine, not merely human, origin. 4. Culmination in God’s Omniscience (Job 37:16) Elihu contrasts limited human perception with the LORD “who is perfect in knowledge.” Human דֵּעַ must finally bow before God’s exhaustive omniscience. Theological Emphases • Human knowledge is contingent. Even the wisest believer must say with Job, “Behold, these are but the fringes of His ways” (Job 26:14). • Divine knowledge is flawless, comprehensive, and moral. Elihu states that the LORD is “perfect in knowledge” (Job 37:16), affirming that God’s omniscience is never divorced from His righteousness. • True knowledge must be declared. Elihu repeatedly vows, “I will declare my knowledge,” modeling that insight entrusted by God is meant for edification, not concealment (compare Acts 20:27). Historical and Canonical Significance Dating likely to the patriarchal era, Job stands among the earliest Scriptural records, and דֵּעַ appears nowhere else in the Old Testament. The exclusivity within Job magnifies its thematic function: the book explores the limits of human understanding amid suffering, culminating in the necessity of revelation. Elihu’s monologues serve as a rhetorical bridge: human reasoning points to its own insufficiency, preparing the way for the LORD’s whirlwind address. Ministry Implications 1. Preaching and Teaching Elihu models respectful candor—youthful leaders may speak boldly when their knowledge is rooted in God’s revelation and accompanied by humility (1 Timothy 4:12). 2. Pastoral Counseling When walking with sufferers, acknowledge the boundaries of personal insight and direct hearts to the God “perfect in knowledge,” fostering trust rather than speculative answers. 3. Apologetics The contrast between finite human knowledge and God’s omniscience provides a framework for addressing intellectual objections: every worldview must account for the source and reliability of knowledge. Scripture grounds both in the character of God (Psalm 139:1–6; Romans 11:33). Christological and New Testament Resonance Jesus Christ embodies divine knowledge in human flesh (Colossians 2:3), revealing the Father with finality (John 1:18). Elihu’s longing for a transcendent yet accessible source of knowledge finds fulfillment in the incarnate Word. Moreover, the apostle Paul acknowledges that “now we know in part” (1 Corinthians 13:9), echoing Elihu’s theme, while promising that partial knowledge will give way to face-to-face clarity in glory (1 Corinthians 13:12). Application for the Contemporary Believer • Cultivate teachable humility: even extensive study does not eliminate the need to listen (James 1:19). In sum, דֵּעַ challenges believers to pursue knowledge that starts with reverence, leads to proclamation, and ultimately trusts the One whose understanding is without limit. Forms and Transliterations דֵ֭עִי דֵּעִ֣י דֵּעִֽים׃ דֵעִ֣י דעי דעים׃ dê‘î ḏê‘î dê‘îm dê·‘î ḏê·‘î dê·‘îm deI deImLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 32:6 HEB: וָֽאִירָ֓א ׀ מֵחַוֹּ֖ת דֵּעִ֣י אֶתְכֶֽם׃ NAS: and afraid to tell you what I think. KJV: and durst not shew you mine opinion. INT: and afraid to tell what Job 32:10 Job 32:17 Job 36:3 Job 37:16 5 Occurrences |
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