Job 5:6
Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground;
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י׀
H3588
כִּ֤י׀
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
2 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יֵצֵ֣א
cometh not forth
H3318
יֵצֵ֣א
cometh not forth
Strong's:
H3318
Word #:
3 of 9
to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim
מֵֽעָפָ֣ר
of the dust
H6083
מֵֽעָפָ֣ר
of the dust
Strong's:
H6083
Word #:
4 of 9
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
אָ֑וֶן
Although affliction
H205
אָ֑וֶן
Although affliction
Strong's:
H205
Word #:
5 of 9
strictly nothingness; also trouble, vanity, wickedness; specifically an idol
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature debated whether suffering was random or purposeful. Eliphaz correctly argues against randomness but wrongly limits causation to simple retribution for sin.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you understand the relationship between God's sovereignty and the various purposes of suffering?
- What biblical categories for suffering exist beyond divine judgment for personal sin?
Analysis & Commentary
Eliphaz declares, 'Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground.' The Hebrew 'aven' (affliction/trouble) and 'amal' (labor/trouble) suggest hardship doesn't arise randomly. Eliphaz's point is sound—suffering has causes—but he wrongly assumes all suffering directly results from personal sin. Reformed theology affirms God's sovereignty over all events while distinguishing between suffering as judgment, testing, sanctification, or participating in Christ's sufferings (1 Peter 4:12-13).