Job 26:2
How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength?
Original Language Analysis
מֶה
H4100
מֶה
Strong's:
H4100
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
לֹא
that hath no
H3808
לֹא
that hath no
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כֹ֑חַ
him that is without power
H3581
כֹ֑חַ
him that is without power
Strong's:
H3581
Word #:
4 of 8
vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
ה֝וֹשַׁ֗עְתָּ
how savest
H3467
ה֝וֹשַׁ֗עְתָּ
how savest
Strong's:
H3467
Word #:
5 of 8
properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
זְר֣וֹעַ
thou the arm
H2220
זְר֣וֹעַ
thou the arm
Strong's:
H2220
Word #:
6 of 8
the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom emphasized practical help alongside theoretical knowledge. Job's sarcasm reveals the friends' failure to provide either.
Questions for Reflection
- When has theological correctness failed to provide practical comfort?
- How do you ensure your spiritual counsel actually helps the powerless?
Analysis & Commentary
Job's sarcastic response: 'How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength?' This mocks the friends' useless counsel. Their words provide no actual help to one truly powerless and weak. Theology that doesn't comfort fails its purpose.