Job 5:24

Authorized King James Version

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And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin.

Original Language Analysis

וְֽ֭יָדַעְתָּ And thou shalt know H3045
וְֽ֭יָדַעְתָּ And thou shalt know
Strong's: H3045
Word #: 1 of 8
to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 2 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שָׁל֣וֹם shall be in peace H7965
שָׁל֣וֹם shall be in peace
Strong's: H7965
Word #: 3 of 8
safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace
אָֽהֳלֶ֑ךָ that thy tabernacle H168
אָֽהֳלֶ֑ךָ that thy tabernacle
Strong's: H168
Word #: 4 of 8
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
וּֽפָקַדְתָּ֥ and thou shalt visit H6485
וּֽפָקַדְתָּ֥ and thou shalt visit
Strong's: H6485
Word #: 5 of 8
to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc
נָֽ֝וְךָ֗ thy habitation H5116
נָֽ֝וְךָ֗ thy habitation
Strong's: H5116
Word #: 6 of 8
(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild
וְלֹ֣א H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֶֽחֱטָֽא׃ and shalt not sin H2398
תֶֽחֱטָֽא׃ and shalt not sin
Strong's: H2398
Word #: 8 of 8
properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

Analysis & Commentary

Eliphaz promises: 'And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin.' The 'tabernacle' (tent/dwelling) represents home and family security. 'Not sin' could mean 'not miss' or 'not come to harm.' Eliphaz promises domestic tranquility and the security of finding everything intact when Job returns home. This is cruel given that Job's children are dead and his household destroyed—Eliphaz offers restoration contingent on admitting guilt for tragedies Job didn't cause.

Historical Context

The safety of one's dwelling and the security of finding everything intact upon return were highly valued in ancient Near Eastern culture, especially for semi-nomadic peoples. Eliphaz's promise would be particularly painful given Job's losses.

Questions for Reflection