Job 5:4
His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, neither is there any to deliver them.
Original Language Analysis
יִרְחֲק֣וּ
are far
H7368
יִרְחֲק֣וּ
are far
Strong's:
H7368
Word #:
1 of 7
to widen (in any direction), i.e., (intransitively) recede or (transitively) remove (literally or figuratively, of place or relation)
בָנָ֣יו
His children
H1121
בָנָ֣יו
His children
Strong's:
H1121
Word #:
2 of 7
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
וְיִֽדַּכְּא֥וּ
and they are crushed
H1792
וְיִֽדַּכְּא֥וּ
and they are crushed
Strong's:
H1792
Word #:
4 of 7
to crumble; transitively, to bruise (literally or figuratively)
וְאֵ֣ין
H369
Historical Context
Legal proceedings in ancient Near Eastern cities occurred at the city gate, where elders judged disputes. Being 'crushed in the gate' meant suffering legal defeat and injustice with no advocate to defend.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond to those who attribute your suffering or loss to hidden sin?
- What comfort does the gospel provide against accusations that our losses prove God's judgment?
Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz describes the wicked's fate: 'His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in the gate, neither is there any to deliver them.' The 'gate' was where legal judgments occurred in ancient cities. Eliphaz implies Job's children died because of Job's hidden sin—a particularly cruel accusation given Job's grief. This shows how false theology not only misdiagnoses suffering but adds guilt and shame to pain, whereas true gospel comfort separates suffering from automatic judgment.