Job 4 3

Job 4:3 kjv

Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.

Job 4:3 nkjv

Surely you have instructed many, And you have strengthened weak hands.

Job 4:3 niv

Think how you have instructed many, how you have strengthened feeble hands.

Job 4:3 esv

Behold, you have instructed many, and you have strengthened the weak hands.

Job 4:3 nlt

"In the past you have encouraged many people;
you have strengthened those who were weak.

Job 4 verses

Job 4 3 Meaning

Job 4:3 is Eliphaz the Temanite's opening statement, acknowledging Job's past role as a wise and supportive figure. He notes that Job frequently offered instruction and guidance to many people, and specifically that he encouraged and strengthened those who were weak, disheartened, or lacked resolve. This verse sets the stage for Eliphaz's argument by implicitly contrasting Job's past ministry of comfort to others with Job's present state of despair, suggesting that Job should now apply his own past wisdom to his own suffering.

Job 4 3 Context

Job 4:3 initiates the first discourse of Eliphaz, one of Job's three friends who have come to comfort him. Following Job's profound lament in chapter 3, where he curses the day of his birth and expresses deep despair, Eliphaz begins his response. His initial words seem complimentary, acknowledging Job's previous exemplary life as a source of wisdom and strength to others. However, this seemingly commendatory opening quickly transitions into an argument rooted in traditional retribution theology, implying that Job's current immense suffering must be a consequence of some hidden sin. The historical and cultural context reflects ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, where prosperity was commonly viewed as a sign of divine favor, and suffering as evidence of divine judgment against wrongdoing. Eliphaz and the friends operate within this established worldview, making Job's case an anomaly they struggle to reconcile without imputing guilt.

Job 4 3 Word analysis

• "Behold" (הִנֵּה - hinnēh): An interjection used to call attention, similar to "Look!" or "Indeed!" It signals that Eliphaz is about to make a significant observation, lending emphasis and a sense of directness to his statement.
• "you" (אַתָּה - 'attah): The second person singular pronoun, directly addressing Job. It immediately personalizes Eliphaz's remarks, making the subsequent contrast with Job's current state highly pointed.
• "have instructed" (יָסַרְתָּ - yasartā): From the root יָסַר (yasar), meaning to teach, discipline, correct, or admonish. This term goes beyond simple imparting of knowledge; it implies moral instruction, training, and guidance aimed at improving behavior or character. Job was a mentor and disciplinarian in the positive sense.
• "many" (רַבִּים - rabbim): A plural form indicating a considerable number. This emphasizes Job's widespread influence and reputation within his community as a respected figure who dispensed wisdom broadly.
• "and" (וְ - vĕ): A conjunction connecting two distinct, yet complementary, aspects of Job's past virtuous deeds.
• "you have strengthened" (חִזַּקְתָּ - chizzaqtā): From the root חָזַק (chazaq), meaning to make strong, encourage, uphold, or establish. The intensive Piel stem signifies an active, deliberate, and often effective process of imparting strength or resolve to others. Job was an active encourager and sustainer.
• "weak" (רָפוֹת - rafot): A feminine plural participle of רָפָה (rafah), meaning weak, feeble, languid, or drooping. It describes the state of the "hands."
• "hands" (יָדַיִם - yadayim): The dual form of יָד (yad), referring to hands.
  • Words-group "weak hands": This is a well-known idiomatic expression in the Bible, signifying people who are dispirited, disheartened, lacking courage, losing resolve, or suffering from despondency and despair. It contrasts with "strong hands" which symbolize power, ability, courage, and action. Job's past ministry involved literally (or figuratively) lifting up those who had given up hope or lacked strength to carry on.

Job 4 3 Bonus section

• The irony in this verse lies in Eliphaz himself becoming the one who ostensibly instructs and strengthens, yet his words prove ultimately unhelpful and even aggravating to Job. He tries to apply the very principle Job practiced, but from a flawed understanding.
• Eliphaz's choice to open this way suggests that Job's reputation as a wise and righteous man was widely known and undeniable, even by his friends who would soon accuse him.
• The phrase "weak hands" often connects to fear, lack of faith, or inability to act. Job's past actions demonstrate a spirit that combated such weaknesses in others, which only deepens Eliphaz's bewilderment at Job's present state.
• This verse subtly underscores one of the challenges of empathy and comforting others: it is easy to advise or strengthen from a position of relative comfort or prosperity, but vastly more difficult when one is undergoing similar or greater affliction.

Job 4 3 Commentary

Job 4:3 serves as Eliphaz's carefully constructed opening to his counsel for Job. He begins not with condemnation but with an observation of Job's respected past, recalling Job's notable public role as a dispenser of wisdom and encouragement. This verse subtly contrasts Job's previous capacity to uphold others with his present deep despair, making his current state appear inconsistent with his own past teachings. The "instructed many" points to Job's intellectual and moral leadership, guiding others on righteous paths. The "strengthened weak hands" highlights his compassionate practical support for those who were despondent, despairing, or losing their will to carry on. Eliphaz acknowledges Job's virtuous influence, yet the unspoken implication is one of challenge: If Job could do so much for others, why is he now seemingly so unable to help himself? This rhetorical setup prepares for Eliphaz's theological framework where he attempts to force Job's suffering into his understanding of divine justice, essentially calling into question Job's true righteousness if he is indeed so distressed.