Job 5:21
Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.
Original Language Analysis
לָ֭שׁוֹן
of the tongue
H3956
לָ֭שׁוֹן
of the tongue
Strong's:
H3956
Word #:
2 of 8
the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,
וְֽלֹא
H3808
וְֽלֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִירָ֥א
neither shalt thou be afraid
H3372
תִירָ֥א
neither shalt thou be afraid
Strong's:
H3372
Word #:
5 of 8
to fear; morally to revere; causatively to frighten
Cross References
Psalms 31:20Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.Psalms 55:21The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.Proverbs 12:18There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise is health.Jeremiah 18:18Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.
Historical Context
The destructive power of slanderous speech was recognized throughout ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature. Eliphaz promises protection from verbal attacks as evidence of divine favor, ignoring that the righteous often suffer slander.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when God doesn't hide you from the scourge of the tongue?
- What purposes might God have in allowing His people to be slandered and falsely accused?
Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz promises: 'Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid when destruction cometh.' The 'scourge of the tongue' refers to slander and false accusation—ironically what Eliphaz himself inflicts on Job. The promise of being hidden ('chaba') from verbal attacks reflects God's protection (Psalm 31:20), but Eliphaz's conditional promise denies that God sometimes allows His servants to be slandered for His purposes (Matthew 5:11-12).