Job 4:3
Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.
Original Language Analysis
יִסַּ֣רְתָּ
Behold thou hast instructed
H3256
יִסַּ֣רְתָּ
Behold thou hast instructed
Strong's:
H3256
Word #:
2 of 6
to chastise, literally (with blows) or figuratively (with words); hence, to instruct
רַבִּ֑ים
many
H7227
רַבִּ֑ים
many
Strong's:
H7227
Word #:
3 of 6
abundant (in quantity, size, age, number, rank, quality)
Cross References
Isaiah 35:3Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.Hebrews 12:12Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;Job 16:5But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief.Proverbs 10:21The lips of the righteous feed many: but fools die for want of wisdom.Luke 22:32But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.Ephesians 4:29Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.Deuteronomy 3:28But charge Joshua, and encourage him, and strengthen him: for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land which thou shalt see.Luke 22:43And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him.
Historical Context
In ancient wisdom traditions, teachers were expected to embody their own teaching. Eliphaz's reminder of Job's former ministry sets up his later accusation that Job must not have truly believed what he taught.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when trials test the very truths you've taught others?
- What does Job's inability to strengthen himself teach us about human limitations even in the godly?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz acknowledges Job's past ministry: 'Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.' The Hebrew 'yasar' (instructed/disciplined) and 'chazaq' (strengthened) indicate Job's former role as spiritual counselor. This makes the irony more painful—Job who strengthened others now cannot strengthen himself. Eliphaz will use this to imply hypocrisy, yet Scripture shows that those who minister to others may themselves need ministry (2 Corinthians 1:3-4).