Job 5:17
Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:
Original Language Analysis
אַשְׁרֵ֣י
Behold happy
H835
אַשְׁרֵ֣י
Behold happy
Strong's:
H835
Word #:
2 of 9
happiness; only in masculine plural construction as interjection, how happy!
אֱ֭נוֹשׁ
is the man
H582
אֱ֭נוֹשׁ
is the man
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
יֽוֹכִחֶ֣נּוּ
correcteth
H3198
יֽוֹכִחֶ֣נּוּ
correcteth
Strong's:
H3198
Word #:
4 of 9
to be right (i.e., correct); reciprocal, to argue; causatively, to decide, justify or convict
וּמוּסַ֥ר
not thou the chastening
H4148
וּמוּסַ֥ר
not thou the chastening
Strong's:
H4148
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint
Cross References
James 1:12Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.Psalms 94:12Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;Revelation 3:19As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.James 5:11Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.Jeremiah 31:18I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus; Thou hast chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoke: turn thou me, and I shall be turned; for thou art the LORD my God.
Historical Context
This verse is quoted in Hebrews 12:5 from Proverbs 3:11-12, showing its truth in appropriate contexts. Ancient wisdom emphasized that wise people accept correction. Eliphaz's error isn't in the principle but in the application—he assumes Job's suffering must be correction for sin rather than testing that will vindicate righteousness. The passage illustrates how true doctrine can be misapplied.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we discern when suffering is divine discipline versus testing or spiritual warfare?
- What does Eliphaz's misapplication of true doctrine teach about the importance of discernment in pastoral care?
Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz pronounces a beatitude: 'Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty.' The word ashre (אַשְׁרֵי, happy/blessed) opens many Psalms (1:1, 32:1), suggesting spiritual wellbeing. The term yakach (יָכַח, correcteth) means to reprove, rebuke, or discipline. Musar (מוּסָר, chastening) refers to instruction through discipline. Eliphaz's theology sees all suffering as corrective discipline, assuming Job has sinned and God is teaching him. While discipline is indeed a mark of God's love (Hebrews 12:5-11), not all suffering is disciplinary.