Old Testament
Job 5:21
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and you shall not be afraid of destruction when it comes.
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Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.
What Job 5:21 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job's friend Eliphaz is conveying a message of hope and reassurance. He suggests that those who trust in God will be protected from harmful words and slander, which can be as damaging as physical threats. The 'scourge of the tongue' refers to the pain caused by gossip, lies, or insults. Eliphaz emphasizes that when destruction or calamity comes, those who are faithful will not be afraid. This reflects a deep-seated belief in divine protection and the idea that faith can shield individuals from the emotional turmoil that often accompanies life's challenges. The verse encourages believers to maintain their trust in God, assuring them that they will find refuge from both verbal attacks and the fear of impending disaster. It highlights the importance of inner peace and confidence in God's care, even in the face of adversity.
How to apply Job 5:21 to your life
In our daily lives, we can apply this verse by cultivating a strong faith in God that helps us withstand criticism and negativity from others. By focusing on God's promises, we can find peace and confidence, reducing our fear of challenges and destructive situations.
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 5:21
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 5:21 mean?
Job 5:21 conveys a message of reassurance, stating that those who trust in God will be protected from harmful words and will not fear destruction when it comes. It emphasizes divine protection and the peace that faith can bring during difficult times.
What is the meaning of 'scourge of the tongue' in Job 5:21?
The 'scourge of the tongue' in Job 5:21 refers to the pain and damage caused by gossip, slander, or insults. It highlights the emotional impact of harmful words and suggests that God provides protection against such verbal attacks.
How can I apply Job 5:21 in my life?
You can apply Job 5:21 by strengthening your faith in God, which helps you handle criticism and negativity. By focusing on God's promises, you can cultivate inner peace and reduce fear in challenging situations.
What themes are present in Job 5:21?
Job 5:21 includes themes of divine protection, faith in God, emotional resilience, fearlessness, trust, and hope. These themes encourage believers to find strength and confidence in their faith during adversity.
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