Old Testament
Job 5:4
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, and there is no one to deliver them.
Compare translations
His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, neither is there any to deliver them.
What Job 5:4 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job's friend Eliphaz is expressing a grim observation about the fate of the wicked. He suggests that those who do wrong, including their children, are far from safety and face dire consequences. The imagery of being 'crushed in the gate' symbolizes being overwhelmed by troubles, particularly in a place where justice should be served. The 'gate' often represents a place of authority and protection, but here it signifies vulnerability and despair. The absence of anyone to deliver them highlights the isolation and helplessness of those suffering. This verse serves as a warning about the repercussions of living a life contrary to God's ways, emphasizing that wrongdoing leads to suffering not just for individuals but also for their families.
How to apply Job 5:4 to your life
This verse reminds us of the importance of living righteously, as our actions can have lasting effects on our families and communities. It encourages us to seek safety in God and to support those who are struggling, ensuring they are not left without help in their times of need.
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: Eliphaz Speaks First (Job 4:1–5:27)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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 5:4
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 5:4
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 5:4 mean?
Job 5:4 reflects on the fate of the wicked, indicating that their children are in danger and suffer consequences. The verse uses the imagery of being 'crushed in the gate' to symbolize overwhelming troubles, especially in a place meant for justice.
What is the meaning of 'crushed in the gate' in Job 5:4?
The phrase 'crushed in the gate' symbolizes being overwhelmed by difficulties in a place where one should find safety and justice. It highlights vulnerability and the lack of protection for those who do wrong.
How does Job 5:4 relate to family impact?
Job 5:4 illustrates that the consequences of sin affect not just the individual but also their children, suggesting that one's actions can lead to suffering for the entire family.
What themes are present in Job 5:4?
Key themes in Job 5:4 include the consequences of sin, suffering, isolation, justice, family impact, and divine judgment, highlighting the serious repercussions of living a life against God's principles.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.