Job 15:16

How much more abominable and filthie is man, which drinketh iniquitie like water? Job 15:16 (KJV)

The quotation above is frequently cited as Job 15:16 in the King James Version, yet the KJV text of that verse does not contain those words. The passage is therefore a misquotation of Scripture, even though it is often repeated in sermons and commentaries.

The book of Job is a poetic and philosophical exploration of human suffering. Job, described as a righteous man, experiences profound loss and hardship, prompting him to question God’s justice. His three friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—arrive to comfort him but instead deliver a series of speeches offering various explanations for his condition.

In his second speech (Job 15), Eliphaz addresses Job’s complaints and argues that no one is truly free from fault. He emphasizes that even the wise and powerful are subject to divine judgment and that humanity in general is prone to sin. While Eliphaz speaks of a universal tendency toward wrongdoing, he does not employ the specific “drinking iniquity like water” metaphor attributed to the verse.

Eliphaz’s theme highlights his belief that sin is a common aspect of human life. He suggests that, just as water sustains the body, sinful behavior can become a habitual part of a person’s conduct if left unchecked. This imagery underscores his view that moral failure is widespread, even though the exact wording cited elsewhere is not biblical.

Nevertheless, Eliphaz’s application to Job’s particular situation is overly broad. The narrative makes clear that Job’s suffering is not a direct punishment for personal sin but a test permitted by God to demonstrate Job’s steadfast faith (see Job 1:8‑12). Thus, while his observation about human imperfection has merit, it does not fully explain why a righteous man endures such trials.

The broader biblical teaching affirms that all people have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Romans 3:23). At the same time, Scripture offers redemption through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24‑26). Humanity’s propensity toward sin is met with divine grace that provides forgiveness and restoration.

In summary, Eliphaz’s speech in Job 15 reflects a view of humanity’s inherent sinfulness, but the specific quotation often attributed to Job 15:16 is not found in the biblical text. Recognizing both the scriptural context and the wider theological teaching helps balance Eliphaz’s perspective with the reality of Job’s righteousness and God’s redemptive promise.