Job 5:19
He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.
Original Language Analysis
בְּשֵׁ֣שׁ
thee in six
H8337
בְּשֵׁ֣שׁ
thee in six
Strong's:
H8337
Word #:
1 of 8
six (as an overplus beyond five or the fingers of the hand); as ordinal, sixth
יַצִּילֶ֑ךָּ
He shall deliver
H5337
יַצִּילֶ֑ךָּ
He shall deliver
Strong's:
H5337
Word #:
3 of 8
to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense
וּבְשֶׁ֓בַע׀
yea in seven
H7651
וּבְשֶׁ֓בַע׀
yea in seven
Strong's:
H7651
Word #:
4 of 8
seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
5 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Psalms 34:19Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the LORD delivereth him out of them all.1 Corinthians 10:13There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.Proverbs 24:16For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.2 Peter 2:9The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished:2 Corinthians 1:8For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:
Historical Context
The six/seven pattern appears throughout ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature as a merism representing totality. Eliphaz uses this to promise comprehensive deliverance contingent on Job's repentance from supposed sin.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you understand God's promise to deliver when deliverance is delayed or different than expected?
- What does it mean that God delivers His people through suffering rather than always from suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz promises: 'He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.' The numbers six and seven represent completeness—God delivers from all troubles. This is true theology (Psalm 34:19), but Eliphaz misapplies it as promise of immediate relief if Job repents. Reformed theology affirms that God does deliver His people, but often through suffering rather than from it (2 Corinthians 1:9-10), and that final deliverance comes at glorification, not necessarily in this life.