Job 5:7

Authorized King James Version

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Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
אָ֭דָם Yet man H120
אָ֭דָם Yet man
Strong's: H120
Word #: 2 of 8
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
לְעָמָ֣ל unto trouble H5999
לְעָמָ֣ל unto trouble
Strong's: H5999
Word #: 3 of 8
toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind
יוּלָּ֑ד is born H3205
יוּלָּ֑ד is born
Strong's: H3205
Word #: 4 of 8
to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage
וּבְנֵי as H1121
וּבְנֵי as
Strong's: H1121
Word #: 5 of 8
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
רֶ֝֗שֶׁף the sparks H7565
רֶ֝֗שֶׁף the sparks
Strong's: H7565
Word #: 6 of 8
a live coal; by analogy lightning; figuratively, an arrow, (as flashing through the air); specifically, fever
יַגְבִּ֥יהוּ upward H1361
יַגְבִּ֥יהוּ upward
Strong's: H1361
Word #: 7 of 8
to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty
עֽוּף׃ fly H5774
עֽוּף׃ fly
Strong's: H5774
Word #: 8 of 8
to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)

Analysis & Commentary

Eliphaz declares 'man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward' (adam le-amal yullad, אָדָם לְעָמָל יוּלָּד). The word amal (עָמָל) means toil, trouble, or misery—human existence inevitably includes suffering. The comparison to sparks flying upward (bene reshef, בְּנֵי־רֶשֶׁף, literally 'sons of flame') suggests natural inevitability. This observation contains wisdom: we live in a fallen world where suffering is universal. However, Eliphaz uses this truth to minimize Job's specific suffering and suggest he should simply accept it without complaint.

Historical Context

The phrase reflects ancient wisdom about the human condition under the curse (Genesis 3:17-19). Eliphaz correctly identifies that suffering is part of fallen existence but wrongly concludes that Job should therefore not question his particular affliction. The verse appears in Eliphaz's counsel that Job should seek God and accept correction (5:8, 17), assuming Job's suffering is divine discipline.

Questions for Reflection