Job 17:5
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 17:5
5 He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.
Chapter Context
Job 17 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, truth, obedience. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-16: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 17:5
5 He that speaketh flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail.
Analysis
He that speaketh flattery to his friends (לְחֵלֶק יַגִּיד רֵעִים, le-kheleq yaggid re'im)—Kheleq means 'portion, share, flattery'—here referring to those who betray friends for personal gain or approval. Yaggid (declares, informs against) has legal overtones of bearing witness.
Even the eyes of his children shall fail (וְעֵינֵי בָנָיו תִּכְלֶינָה, ve-einei vanav tikhleinah)—Tikhleinah (shall fail/waste away/be consumed) describes complete depletion. This proverbial curse warns that false testimony brings generational judgment—the informer's children will suffer for the father's treachery. Job applies this to his friends who have abandoned him in suffering to maintain their theological comfort.
Historical Context
Ancient honor-shame cultures valued loyalty above correctness. Job's friends chose theological reputation over covenantal friendship (compare Proverbs 17:17, 'A friend loves at all times'). Their abandonment when Job needed them most constituted the deepest betrayal, worthy of proverbial curse.
Reflection
- In what situations are you tempted to choose theological correctness over loyal friendship?
- How does our treatment of suffering friends reveal what we truly value—doctrine or people?
- What generational consequences might follow when religious communities abandon the suffering?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Proverbs 20:19