Old Testament
Job 5:15
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But he saves the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.
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But he saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.
What Job 5:15 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job's friend Eliphaz emphasizes God's protective nature, particularly towards the vulnerable and oppressed. The 'poor' refers to those who are in dire situations, facing threats from powerful adversaries. The 'sword' symbolizes violence or death, while 'their mouth' suggests slander or harmful words that can destroy reputations. The 'hand of the mighty' represents the oppressive force of those in power who seek to harm the weak. Eliphaz reassures Job that despite his suffering, God is capable of delivering the needy from these dangers. This verse highlights the theme of divine justice and mercy, illustrating that God intervenes to save those who cannot save themselves, reinforcing the belief that faith in God brings hope and protection even in the darkest times.
How to apply Job 5:15 to your life
In our lives, we can find comfort in knowing that God cares for the vulnerable and will intervene on their behalf. We should also strive to support those in need, advocating for justice and offering help to the oppressed, reflecting God's love and mercy in our actions.
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: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Job 5:15
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Key themes
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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 5:15 mean?
Job 5:15 highlights God's role in protecting the poor and vulnerable from violence, slander, and oppression. It reassures that God intervenes to save those who are in dire situations, emphasizing His mercy and justice.
What is the meaning of 'the sword' in Job 5:15?
In Job 5:15, 'the sword' symbolizes violence or the threat of death that the poor may face from powerful adversaries. It represents the dangers that come from those who seek to harm the vulnerable.
How does Job 5:15 relate to God's mercy?
Job 5:15 illustrates God's mercy by showing that He actively protects and delivers the needy from harm. It reinforces the idea that God cares for those who cannot defend themselves.
What themes are present in Job 5:15?
The themes in Job 5:15 include divine protection, justice for the poor, God's mercy, deliverance from oppression, and hope in times of suffering.
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