Job 4:5
But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַתָּ֨ה׀
H6258
תָּב֣וֹא
But now it is come
H935
תָּב֣וֹא
But now it is come
Strong's:
H935
Word #:
3 of 8
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
וַתֵּ֑לֶא
upon thee and thou faintest
H3811
וַתֵּ֑לֶא
upon thee and thou faintest
Strong's:
H3811
Word #:
5 of 8
to tire; (figuratively) to be (or make) disgusted
תִּגַּ֥ע
it toucheth
H5060
תִּגַּ֥ע
it toucheth
Strong's:
H5060
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
Historical Context
Ancient stoic philosophy valued emotional suppression as a sign of wisdom. Eliphaz's criticism reflects this mindset, which stands in tension with the biblical legitimacy of lament and honest expression of grief.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond to those who view emotional honesty about suffering as lack of faith?
- In what ways does stoicism masquerade as spirituality in contemporary Christian culture?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz springs his trap: 'But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.' The Hebrew 'la'ah' (faint) and 'bahal' (troubled/dismayed) accuse Job of failing his own test. Eliphaz's logic is demonic: if Job were truly righteous, he would endure suffering without distress. This denies the legitimacy of lament and human emotion, contradicting Scripture's affirmation that even Jesus wept and was troubled (John 11:33-35).