Old Testament
Job 36:16
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He would have taken you out of distress into a wide place without constraint, and your table would be filled with abundance.
Compare translations
Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness.
What Job 36:16 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job's friend Elihu is expressing the idea that God desires to rescue people from their troubles and lead them to a place of freedom and abundance. The 'distress' represents the struggles and limitations that people face, while the 'wide place' symbolizes a state of relief and prosperity. The imagery of a table filled with abundance suggests that God provides not just enough, but more than enough for those who trust in Him. This verse emphasizes God's willingness to help and His ability to transform difficult situations into ones filled with blessings. It reassures believers that even in times of hardship, there is hope for a better future through divine intervention. Elihu's message is meant to encourage Job, reminding him that God is always ready to lift him out of his current suffering and into a life of fullness and joy.
How to apply Job 36:16 to your life
In times of trouble, remember that God wants to lift you out of your struggles and provide for you abundantly. Trust in His ability to change your circumstances and seek His guidance. Embrace hope and look for the blessings that can come from your faith in Him.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Job's story: Elihu Speaks (Job 32:1–37:24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Job
Photo: Diego Delso, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 3.0. Source. Location: Tell es-Sultan, Jericho, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Jericho
The city of palm trees, whose walls fell in Joshua's day.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 36:16
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 36:16
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 36:16 mean?
Job 36:16 means that God wants to rescue people from their troubles and lead them to a place of freedom and abundance. It highlights God's desire to transform difficult situations into ones filled with blessings.
What is the meaning of 'wide place' in Job 36:16?
The 'wide place' in Job 36:16 symbolizes a state of relief and prosperity, contrasting with the 'distress' that represents struggles and limitations. It signifies the freedom and abundance that God offers.
What does the phrase 'your table would be filled with abundance' signify?
The phrase 'your table would be filled with abundance' signifies that God provides not just enough, but more than enough for those who trust in Him. It represents His generosity and willingness to bless those who seek Him.
How can I apply Job 36:16 in my life?
You can apply Job 36:16 by trusting in God's ability to change your circumstances during tough times. Embrace hope and look for the blessings that can come from your faith in Him.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.