Job 5:19 Meaning Explained

The numbers "six" and "seven" aren't literal counts of troubles, but a Hebrew way to express an indefinite, overwhelming multitude. By saying God will deliver in "six" and then "yea, seven," the text emphasizes that His protection covers all possible trials, no matter how many or how severe they become.

What Job 5:19 means

Eliphaz is encouraging Job to submit to God's discipline, reminding him that God's corrections are ultimately for good and lead to deliverance. He uses hyperbole, saying God will save from "six troubles" and even "seven," implying that no matter how numerous or severe the afflictions, God can rescue the faithful. This comes after Job has been lamenting his suffering, and Eliphaz is essentially telling him that if he humbles himself and accepts God's correction, he will find ultimate safety and peace, even amidst ongoing hardship.

Understand the original words

Original language

deliverנָצַל

natsal · Hebrew Verb

To rescue, save, or set free from danger, distress, or judgment. It carries the sense of God's active intervention to protect His people.

troublesצָרָה

tsarah · Hebrew Noun

A state of hardship, distress, or adversity; often used to describe the trials that believers face in a fallen world.

evilרָעָה

ra'ah · Hebrew Noun/Adjective

Morally bad, harmful, or calamitous; denotes anything that is opposed to God's will and brings suffering or corruption to humanity.

Historical context

Written: Ancient period, likely predating Moses, possibly around the time of the patriarchs (e.g., 2000-1800 BC).
Author: Traditionally understood as Job himself, though some scholars suggest a later author compiled his story.
Location: Uz, likely in the land of Edom or northern Arabia.
Genre: Wisdom literature, characterized by poetic dialogue and theological reflection.

Cross-references

Proverbs 6:16

This passage also uses a numerical idiom, listing 'six' things God hates, followed by 'yea, seven,' to emphasize a complete and overwhelming measure, mirroring Job 5:19's assurance of deliverance through all troubles.

Amos 1:3

Amos uses a similar prophetic structure of 'three transgressions... and for four' to signify a full count of offenses deserving judgment, which highlights how Job 5:19 employs numbers to denote completeness, but in the context of God's protective deliverance.

Psalm 91:10

This psalm offers a direct promise of divine protection, stating 'no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling,' which strongly echoes the assurance in Job 5:19 that no real harm will touch those whom God delivers.

Hebrews 12:11

This verse speaks of afflictions not being joyful at the time but yielding 'peaceful fruit of righteousness afterward,' connecting to the idea in Job 5:19 that even amidst troubles, God's protection ensures no ultimate, destructive evil touches the faithful.

Scholarly commentary

Job 5:19: "He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee."

in six … yea, in seven—(Pr 6:16; Am 1:3). The Hebrew idiom fixes on a certain number (here "six"), in order to call attention as to a thing of importance; then increases the force by adding, with a "yea, nay seven," the next higher number; here "seven," the sacred and perfect number. In all possible troubles; not merely in the precise number "seven."

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Job 5:19: "He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee."

Verse 19. - He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven (comp. Amos 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 13, "For three transgressions... and for four"). An idiomatic way of expressing an indefinite number. There shall no evil touch thee; i.e. no real evil, nothing calculated to do thee real hurt. All affliction is "for the present grievous;" but if it "afterward yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unt…
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Frequently asked questions

What does Job 5:19 mean?

The numbers "six" and "seven" aren't literal counts of troubles, but a Hebrew way to express an indefinite, overwhelming multitude. By saying God will deliver in "six" and then "yea, seven," the text emphasizes that His protection covers all possible trials, no matter how many or how severe they become.

Explain the meaning of Job 5:19

Eliphaz is encouraging Job to submit to God's discipline, reminding him that God's corrections are ultimately for good and lead to deliverance. He uses hyperbole, saying God will save from "six troubles" and even "seven," implying that no matter how numerous or severe the afflictions, God can rescue the faithful. This comes after Job has been lamenting his suffering, and Eliphaz is essentially telling him that if he humbles himself and accepts God's correction, he will find ultimate safety and peace, even amidst ongoing hardship.

Breakdown of Job 5:19

"He will deliver you from six troubles; in seven no evil shall touch you." — The numbers "six" and "seven" aren't literal counts of troubles, but a Hebrew way to express an indefinite, overwhelming multitude. By saying God will deliver in "six" and then "yea, seven," the text…

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