Lexical Summary shemets: Whisper, hint, trace Original Word: שֶׁמֶץ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance a little From an unused root meaning to emit a sound; an inkling -- a little. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition a whisper NASB Translation faint (1), whisper (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שֵׁ֫מֶץ noun [masculine] whisper; — ׳שׁ absolute Job 4:12; construct דָּבָד ׳שׁ Job 26:14 a (mere) whisper of a word, something wholly inadequate. Topical Lexicon Occurrences in JobJob 4:12 and Job 26:14 contain the only scriptural uses of שֶׁמֶץ. In both passages, Job and his friends grapple with the mystery of God’s ways. Eliphaz recalls, “A word was brought to me in secret; my ears caught a whisper of it” (Job 4:12). Later Job himself admits, “Indeed, these are but the fringes of His ways; how faint is the whisper we hear of Him! Who then can understand the thunder of His power?” (Job 26:14). In each context the term highlights the contrast between a slight, elusive communication (“whisper”) and the overwhelming magnitude of divine reality. The Whisper of Divine Revelation שֶׁמֶץ underscores the partial, veiled quality of natural and prophetic revelation prior to the fullness of Scripture. The “whisper” is genuine yet limited. It is enough to awaken reverence, but it does not exhaust God’s self-disclosure. The word therefore conveys: • Subtlety – God can choose to reveal Himself in quiet, almost imperceptible ways. Theological Themes 1. Divine Transcendence and Immanence Job declares that mighty acts are only the “edges” of God’s ways; even so, the whisper proves He is near. The dual reality evokes both awe and intimacy. 2. Human Limitation The term reminds readers that created intellect is finite. Even righteous Job knows only a trace. True wisdom begins with accepting this limitation (Job 28:28). 3. Progressive Revelation The whisper motif anticipates fuller prophetic voices and ultimately the incarnate Word (John 1:14). What was once faint becomes crystal clear in the gospel, yet still calls for humble listening (Hebrews 1:1-2). Practical Ministry Applications • Preaching and Teaching Emphasize the reliability of Scripture while acknowledging that not every question is answered. Help congregations value both the thunder of God’s mighty acts and the whisper of His gentle guidance (1 Kings 19:12). • Prayer and Devotion Encourage believers to cultivate quietness before the Lord, expecting that He often speaks in subtle impressions guided by Scripture (Psalm 46:10). • Pastoral Care When counseling sufferers, acknowledge mysteries. Like Job, remind them that hearing even a whisper of God’s character—His justice, mercy, and sovereignty—offers real hope amid unanswered questions. Christological and New Testament Resonances The gospel narrative moves from the hint of שֶׁמֶץ to the clarity of Jesus Christ. The disciples first receive partial understanding (Mark 8:17-21) but eventually proclaim boldly what was once a whisper. Paul affirms, “Now we see but a dim reflection; then we shall see face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12). Revelation ends with no more need for shadows, for “the Lamb is its lamp” (Revelation 21:23). Concluding Reflection שֶׁמֶץ invites believers to treasure every trace of divine truth while longing for the day when faith becomes sight. The gentle whisper in Job stirs worship, humility, and anticipation—foundational attitudes for all who seek to know the God who speaks. Forms and Transliterations שֵּׁ֣מֶץ שֵׁ֣מֶץ שמץ šê·meṣ šêmeṣ ShemetzLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 4:12 HEB: וַתִּקַּ֥ח אָ֝זְנִ֗י שֵׁ֣מֶץ מֶֽנְהֽוּ׃ NAS: And my ear received a whisper of it. KJV: received a little thereof. INT: received and my ear A whisper In Job 26:14 2 Occurrences |
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