Job 17:5
He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.
Original Language Analysis
יַגִּ֣יד
He that speaketh
H5046
יַגִּ֣יד
He that speaketh
Strong's:
H5046
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
וְעֵינֵ֖י
even the eyes
H5869
וְעֵינֵ֖י
even the eyes
Strong's:
H5869
Word #:
4 of 6
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
Historical Context
Ancient honor-shame cultures valued loyalty above correctness. Job's friends chose theological reputation over covenantal friendship (compare Proverbs 17:17, 'A friend loves at all times'). Their abandonment when Job needed them most constituted the deepest betrayal, worthy of proverbial curse.
Questions for Reflection
- In what situations are you tempted to choose theological correctness over loyal friendship?
- How does our treatment of suffering friends reveal what we truly value—doctrine or people?
- What generational consequences might follow when religious communities abandon the suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
He that speaketh flattery to his friends (לְחֵלֶק יַגִּיד רֵעִים, le-kheleq yaggid re'im)—Kheleq means 'portion, share, flattery'—here referring to those who betray friends for personal gain or approval. Yaggid (declares, informs against) has legal overtones of bearing witness.
Even the eyes of his children shall fail (וְעֵינֵי בָנָיו תִּכְלֶינָה, ve-einei vanav tikhleinah)—Tikhleinah (shall fail/waste away/be consumed) describes complete depletion. This proverbial curse warns that false testimony brings generational judgment—the informer's children will suffer for the father's treachery. Job applies this to his friends who have abandoned him in suffering to maintain their theological comfort.