Job 36:8
And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction;
Original Language Analysis
וְאִם
H518
וְאִם
Strong's:
H518
Word #:
1 of 6
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
אֲסוּרִ֥ים
And if they be bound
H631
אֲסוּרִ֥ים
And if they be bound
Strong's:
H631
Word #:
2 of 6
to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle
בַּזִּקִּ֑ים
in fetters
H2131
בַּזִּקִּ֑ים
in fetters
Strong's:
H2131
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, what leaps forth, i.e., flash of fire, or a burning arrow; also (from the original sense of the root) a bond
Historical Context
Ancient prisons used literal fetters (metal shackles) and cords (rope bindings) to restrain captives. Elihu employs this imagery metaphorically for any constraining suffering—illness, poverty, social disgrace. Unlike the three friends who insisted suffering proved guilt, Elihu introduces a revolutionary concept: God uses affliction to teach the righteous, not merely punish the wicked. This anticipates Christian theology of sanctification through trials (Romans 5:3-5, James 1:2-4, 1 Peter 1:6-7).
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing your afflictions as 'God's classroom' rather than punishment change your response to suffering?
- What might God be trying to teach you through current limitations or 'cords of affliction'?
- How can we distinguish between suffering as divine discipline and suffering as spiritual warfare or natural consequence?
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Analysis & Commentary
And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction—The Hebrew uses two images of captivity: זִקִּים (ziqim, "fetters/chains") for physical bondage and חַבְלֵי־עֹנִי (chavlei-oni, "cords of affliction") for suffering's constraining power. The verb יִלָּכְדוּ (yillakedu, "be holden/caught") suggests entrapment, like prey in a hunter's snare (Psalm 124:7).
Elihu shifts his argument: when the righteous suffer (verse 7 promised their exaltation), it serves pedagogical purposes. Affliction becomes God's classroom where He reveals hidden sin and prevents greater transgression. This parallels Hebrews 12:5-11, which presents divine discipline as proof of sonship, not rejection. The "cords of affliction" aren't punishment for wickedness but correction for the righteous—painful yet purposeful. Job himself is Exhibit A: righteous yet suffering, not because of sin but for spiritual refinement God will eventually explain (42:5-6).