But now it has come to you, and you are impatient; it touches you, and you are dismayed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Eliphaz isn't just pointing out Job's suffering; he's highlighting how Job's reaction is deeply revealing. The verse suggests Job is not just impatient, but has "lost his self-command," implying a loss of inner stability that Eliphaz sees as a contradiction to the righteous life he previously displayed.
But now it has come to you, and you are impatient; it touches you, and you are dismayed.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Eliphaz is addressing Job, who has just poured out his grief and despair over his immense suffering. Eliphaz begins by acknowledging Job's past wisdom in comforting others through difficult times, but now he points out that Job's own suffering has led him to lose his composure and be dismayed. This sets up the core of Eliphaz's argument: that Job's current reaction suggests a hidden flaw, as he can't seem to apply the same resilience he once encouraged in others.
Job was known for his wisdom and ability to comfort others in distress. But what happens when the counselor becomes the one needing counsel?
Eliphaz points out a stark contrast: Job's current reaction to suffering versus his past ability to guide others.
From Teacher to Taught
Job's reaction isn't just a bad mood; Eliphaz uses strong language to describe its impact on Job's very being.
The words used to describe Job's state go beyond simple frustration. They point to a profound loss of inner stability.
Ask a follow-up
Losing Composure
Eliphaz is essentially saying that the affliction, which he frames as merely a 'touch', has completely overwhelmed Job, leading to a crisis of faith and emotional breakdown.
Eliphaz's words, though harsh, press Job on a critical point: can he live by the wisdom he claims to possess?
This passage raises a timeless question about the authenticity of our beliefs and teachings when tested.
Walking the Talk
Understand the original words
bahal · Hebrew Verb
Describes a state of being terrified, confused, or emotionally crushed. It implies a loss of composure resulting from sudden distress or a confrontation with reality that overwhelms one's defenses.
This passage speaks to the principle of gentleness and self-awareness when dealing with others' failings, highlighting the hypocrisy of criticizing what we ourselves fall prey to, much like Eliphaz's critique of Job.
Hebrews 12:5This verse from Hebrews addresses the idea of discipline and hardship, urging believers not to grow weary or faint under God's correction, echoing the very struggle Eliphaz observes in Job.
Matthew 7:3-5Jesus' teaching on the log and the speck directly addresses the hypocrisy of pointing out faults in others while being blind to our own, a core theme when Eliphaz confronts Job about his undisciplined reaction to suffering.
1 Thessalonians 3:3Paul's concern that the believers not be shaken by their afflictions relates to Eliphaz's observation that Job is 'dismayed' and losing his self-possession under pressure.
jfbJob 4:5: "But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled."
- thou art troubled—rather, "unhinged," hast lost thy self-command (1Th 3:3).
pooleJob 4:5: "But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled."
Now it is come, i.e. the evil which thou didst fear, Job 3:25 , and which was come upon those whom thou didst so comfort. Thou faintest; thou allowest in thyself what thou wouldst not bear in others. What in them was a vice, in thee, it seems, is become a virtue. Thou art wise for others, but not for thyself; a good physician to cure others, but not thyself; quick-sighted to see the faults of ot…
Eliphaz isn't just pointing out Job's suffering; he's highlighting how Job's reaction is deeply revealing. The verse suggests Job is not just impatient, but has "lost his self-command," implying a loss of inner stability that Eliphaz sees as a contradiction to the righteous life he previously displayed.
Eliphaz is addressing Job, who has just poured out his grief and despair over his immense suffering. Eliphaz begins by acknowledging Job's past wisdom in comforting others through difficult times, but now he points out that Job's own suffering has led him to lose his composure and be dismayed. This sets up the core of Eliphaz's argument: that Job's current reaction suggests a hidden flaw, as he can't seem to apply the same resilience he once encouraged in others.
Eliphaz is addressing Job, who has just poured out his grief and despair over his immense suffering. Eliphaz begins by acknowledging Job's past wisdom in comforting others through difficult times, but now he points out that Job's own suffering has led him to lose his composure and be dismayed. This sets up the core of Eliphaz's argument: that Job's current reaction suggests a hidden flaw, as he can't seem to apply the same resilience he once encouraged in others.
"But now it has come to you, and you are impatient; it touches you, and you are dismayed." — Eliphaz isn't just pointing out Job's suffering; he's highlighting how Job's reaction is deeply revealing. The verse suggests Job is not just impatient, but has "lost his self-command," implying a…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026