Old Testament
Job 4:5
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But now it has come upon you, and you faint; it touches you, and you are troubled.
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But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.
What Job 4:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Eliphaz, one of Job's friends, is addressing Job during his time of suffering. He points out that Job is now experiencing the very troubles he once advised others about. The implication is that Job, who had previously been strong and able to help others, is now feeling overwhelmed and distressed by his own circumstances. This highlights a common human experience: when we face our own trials, it can be difficult to maintain the strength we once had. Eliphaz seems to suggest that Job's current state is a result of his own actions or lack of faith, which reflects a belief that suffering is often a consequence of sin. This perspective can be problematic, as it oversimplifies the complexities of suffering and the reasons behind it. Overall, the verse captures the essence of human vulnerability and the challenges of maintaining faith in the face of personal adversity.
How to apply Job 4:5 to your life
When facing our own struggles, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and question our strength. This verse reminds us that everyone experiences hardship, and it's important to support one another rather than judge. We should approach others with compassion, recognizing that we all have moments of weakness.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Illustrated scene from Job's story: Eliphaz Speaks First (Job 4:1–5:27)
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Job
Photo: Zeev Stein / PikiWiki Israel, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 2.5. Source. Location: Tel Beer Sheva National Park, Israel. Resized for the web.
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Where Abraham and Isaac dug wells and worshiped the LORD, at the southern edge of the land.
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Keep studying Job 4:5
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 4:5 mean?
Job 4:5 means that Eliphaz is pointing out Job's current suffering, suggesting that he is now experiencing the troubles he once advised others about. It highlights the difficulty of maintaining strength in times of personal adversity.
What is the meaning of 'faint' in Job 4:5?
In Job 4:5, 'faint' refers to Job feeling weak or overwhelmed by his suffering. It indicates a loss of strength and the emotional toll that his troubles have taken on him.
How does Job 4:5 relate to suffering?
Job 4:5 relates to suffering by illustrating how even those who offer support to others can struggle when faced with their own trials. It underscores the universal experience of vulnerability in difficult times.
What themes are present in Job 4:5?
The themes present in Job 4:5 include suffering, vulnerability, faith, friendship, and judgment. It captures the essence of human experience and the complexities of dealing with personal adversity.
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