Job 6:15
My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;
Original Language Analysis
אַ֭חַי
My brethren
H251
אַ֭חַי
My brethren
Strong's:
H251
Word #:
1 of 7
a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])
בָּֽגְד֣וּ
have dealt deceitfully
H898
בָּֽגְד֣וּ
have dealt deceitfully
Strong's:
H898
Word #:
2 of 7
to cover (with a garment); figuratively, to act covertly; by implication, to pillage
נְחָלִ֣ים
as a brook
H5158
נְחָלִ֣ים
as a brook
Strong's:
H5158
Word #:
4 of 7
a stream, especially a winter torrent; (by implication) a (narrow) valley (in which a brook runs); also a shaft (of a mine)
כַּֽאֲפִ֖יק
and as the stream
H650
כַּֽאֲפִ֖יק
and as the stream
Strong's:
H650
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, containing, i.e., a tube; also a bed or valley of a stream; also a strong thing or a hero
Cross References
Psalms 38:11My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my sore; and my kinsmen stand afar off.Jeremiah 15:18Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuseth to be healed? wilt thou be altogether unto me as a liar, and as waters that fail?Psalms 41:9Yea, mine own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, which did eat of my bread, hath lifted up his heel against me.John 16:32Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is now come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.John 13:18I speak not of you all: I know whom I have chosen: but that the scripture may be fulfilled, He that eateth bread with me hath lifted up his heel against me.
Historical Context
Wadis in the ancient Near East could be raging torrents during rainy season but completely dry during summer when water was most needed. Job's metaphor perfectly captures the disappointment of friends who fail when most needed.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you guard against being a 'wadi friend' who's only supportive when it costs nothing?
- When have you experienced the betrayal of friends who dried up when you needed them most?
Analysis & Commentary
Job accuses his friends: 'My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away.' A wadi (seasonal stream) flows during rain but dries up when needed most. Job's friends seemed supportive initially (2:11-13) but now, when he most needs comfort, they've dried up—offering only accusations. The Hebrew 'bagad' (dealt deceitfully/treacherously) is strong language, suggesting betrayal. This warns against fair-weather friendship that fails in crisis.