Job 6:14
To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.
Original Language Analysis
לַמָּ֣ס
To him that is afflicted
H4523
לַמָּ֣ס
To him that is afflicted
Strong's:
H4523
Word #:
1 of 6
fainting, i.e., (figuratively) disconsolate
מֵֽרֵעֵ֣הוּ
should be shewed from his friend
H7453
מֵֽרֵעֵ֣הוּ
should be shewed from his friend
Strong's:
H7453
Word #:
2 of 6
an associate (more or less close)
חָ֑סֶד
pity
H2617
חָ֑סֶד
pity
Strong's:
H2617
Word #:
3 of 6
kindness; by implication (towards god) piety; rarely (by opposition) reproof, or (subject.) beauty
Cross References
Proverbs 17:17A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.1 Corinthians 12:26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.Galatians 6:2Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.Romans 12:15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.Luke 23:40But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern friendship carried covenant obligations including support in crisis. Job accuses his friends of breaking this sacred bond by prioritizing theology over relationship.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you show compassion without endorsing wrong theology?
- When should you offer presence instead of answers to suffering friends?
Analysis & Commentary
Job indicts his friends: 'To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend' - even if he 'forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.' This radical statement prioritizes compassion over theological correction. True friendship offers presence before answers, comfort before correction.