Linguistic Relativity and the Interpretation of
Metaphor in the Hebrew Bible: The Case of “to
sharpen the eyes” in Job 16:9
ABSTRACT
The idiom “to sharpen the eyes” in Job 16:9 is commonly interpreted as a
figurative reference to the expression of anger in the eyes. This article
attempts to highlight the importance of the theory of linguistic relativity
by demonstrating the culture-specific nature of this metaphoric
expression. It is argued that the conventional interpretation obscures the
full significance of this figure within the historical context of the ancient
Israelite belief in the agency of the eye. In response to an earlier
accusation by Eliphaz, Job claims that his predicament is the result of the
malevolent eye of his adversary.