Job 16:5
But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief.
Original Language Analysis
אֲאַמִּצְכֶ֥ם
But I would strengthen
H553
אֲאַמִּצְכֶ֥ם
But I would strengthen
Strong's:
H553
Word #:
1 of 6
to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage)
פִ֑י
my mouth
H6310
פִ֑י
my mouth
Strong's:
H6310
Word #:
3 of 6
the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos
Historical Context
Ancient friendship obligations included comforting the afflicted. Job here contrasts what true friends should do with what his friends have actually done, highlighting their failure to fulfill basic friendship duties.
Questions for Reflection
- How can we offer strength through words without adding to grief?
- What does Job's hypothetical response teach us about pastoral care for the suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
'But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief.' Job imagines how he would respond if positions were reversed: he'd 'strengthen' (אֲחַזְּקָה, achazqah) with words and 'moving of lips' (נִיד שְׂפָתַי, nid sefatay) would 'asswage' (יַחְשֹׂךְ, yachsokh—restrain, hold back) grief. This is biting irony—Job would offer genuine comfort, unlike his friends. The passage models pastoral care: strengthening the afflicted, restraining rather than adding to grief. James 1:19 counsels being 'swift to hear, slow to speak.' Job's hypothetical demonstrates the friends' failure. The Reformed pastoral tradition emphasizes compassionate presence over hasty correction. Job shows what godly friendship looks like.