The Church Fathers on this verse

Job 13:4Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Having first shewn that you are forgers of lies, and maintainers of perverse opinions.

Douay-Rheims

וְֽאוּלָ֗ם אַתֶּ֥ם טֹֽפְלֵי־שָׁ֑קֶר רֹפְאֵ֖י אֱלִ֣ל כֻּלְּכֶֽם׃

Hebrew (Masoretic text)

The Church Fathers on this verse

3 Church Fathers comment on this verse

Gregory the Great

6th centuryChurch Father

The initial statement exposes you as architects of deception and followers of erroneous teachings. Through these very words, he has unambiguously disclosed that his companions, akin to heretics, challenge the discernment of the holy individual. It is evident that they do not embody the likeness of the righteous, those identified as followers of falsehoods. Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that they are labeled as architects of deceit. Just as a structure is built with stones, so too are lies constructed from words. When there is no deceitful discourse but only the unadulterated essence of truth, it resembles a fortified hill, arising not from human effort but by divine design. This leads to the conclusion:

Didymus the Blind

4th centuryTeacher of the Church

A dishonest physician is someone who, in simple terms, recommends treatments for those in distress that are ultimately unhelpful. This could stem from either a lack of experience or ill intent. The companions of Job, whom he chastised, declared to him, “Thou sufferest for sins,” driven more by ignorance than malice. They aimed to offer comfort, yet their words proved ineffective due to their misunderstanding of the true reasons for his suffering. The statement, "All ye are healers of the wicked," is directed toward those who hold an inflated view of their abilities, believing they can resolve the complex issues faced by others. Job desires that they gain discernment about the appropriate moments to speak or remain silent, recognizing their errors.

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This understanding would be the foundation and beginning of their wisdom. If they acknowledge that tribulations can arise for other purposes—specifically to reveal inner strength—they would achieve true insight. The book of Proverbs states, "And to the foolish man who inquires of wisdom, wisdom will be imputed." When an individual realizes their need for the guidance and illumination that comes from a teacher, that understanding is counted as wisdom. Just as one who can articulate and teach wisdom is considered a wise individual and a mentor, so too is anyone who seeks what is worth seeking regarded as partially wise. Job referred to him as an aglutz, not because he was entirely insane, but due to certain shortcomings he possessed.

Ireneus (Orda)

19th centuryCommentator

Job is aware of all of this, just as his companions are, and he is prepared to present it before God if required. However, he is perplexed by their unwavering confidence in defending their erroneous beliefs (13:1-12) and urges them to pay close attention. He doesn't dare to invite the most rigorous judgment lightly but appeals to the Lord Himself to judge him based on their claims (13-19). Subsequently, Job addresses the Lord, seeking clarity on why he endures such suffering (20-28) and questioning whether a mere human, fleeting and insignificant, merits such afflictions (14:1-6).

Cross references

Passages read together with this verse.