Job 4:4
Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.
Original Language Analysis
כּ֭וֹשֵׁל
him that was falling
H3782
כּ֭וֹשֵׁל
him that was falling
Strong's:
H3782
Word #:
1 of 6
to totter or waver (through weakness of the legs, especially the ankle); by implication, to falter, stumble, faint or fall
יְקִימ֣וּן
have upholden
H6965
יְקִימ֣וּן
have upholden
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
2 of 6
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
מִלֶּ֑יךָ
Thy words
H4405
מִלֶּ֑יךָ
Thy words
Strong's:
H4405
Word #:
3 of 6
a word; collectively, a discourse; figuratively, a topic
Cross References
Hebrews 12:12Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;Psalms 145:14The LORD upholdeth all that fall, and raiseth up all those that be bowed down.Proverbs 12:18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.1 Thessalonians 5:14Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
Historical Context
The metaphor of weak knees for spiritual or emotional collapse was common in ancient Near Eastern literature. Eliphaz's praise of Job's past ministry makes his coming accusation more devastating.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you guard against using someone's past faithfulness to condemn their present struggles?
- What does it mean that godly ministers may themselves face times when their knees are weak?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz continues praising Job's past: 'Thy words have upholden him that was falling, and thou hast strengthened the feeble knees.' The imagery of upholding the falling and strengthening weak knees appears elsewhere in Scripture (Isaiah 35:3, Hebrews 12:12) as marks of gospel ministry. Yet Eliphaz will soon argue that Job's current collapse proves his former ministry was hypocritical—a cruel inversion showing how Satan's accusations can find voice even through religious friends.