Job 5:15 - But he saves from the sword of their mouth, even the needy from the hand of the mighty.

Generated Verse: Job 5:15

What does "Job 5:15" mean?


Job 5:15, "But he saves from the sword of their mouth, even the needy from the hand of the mighty," is part of Eliphaz's speech to Job. Let's break down the meaning:

"But he saves...": This refers to God. Eliphaz is asserting his belief in God's power and goodness. He believes God intervenes in the affairs of humanity.

"from the sword of their mouth...": This is a metaphorical expression. The "sword of their mouth" represents harmful words, slander, accusations, lies, gossip, or any form of verbal abuse or condemnation that can inflict damage on someone's reputation, well-being, or social standing. These words can be as destructive as a physical weapon.

"even the needy...": The "needy" represents those who are vulnerable, powerless, and lacking resources to defend themselves. They are easily victimized by the hurtful words of others.

"from the hand of the mighty...": This refers to powerful oppressors, whether they are physically strong, wealthy, or hold positions of authority. The "hand" symbolizes their power and the potential for them to abuse it.

In essence, the verse means:

God protects vulnerable people (the needy) from both verbal attacks (the sword of the mouth) and physical or oppressive actions (the hand of the mighty). He is a defender of the weak against those who would harm them through words or deeds.

Context within Job:

It's important to remember that Eliphaz is trying to explain Job's suffering. He believes that Job must have done something wrong to deserve it, and that if Job repents, God will deliver him. This verse is part of Eliphaz's attempt to encourage Job to seek God's favor and find relief from his suffering.

Important Note:

While the verse presents a hopeful message about God's protection, it's crucial to remember that the book of Job ultimately challenges simplistic notions of divine retribution. Job's suffering is not necessarily a direct result of his sin. However, Eliphaz's perspective reflects a common understanding of God's justice in that time, which is challenged and refined throughout the book.