Job 5 17

Job 5:17 kjv

Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty:

Job 5:17 nkjv

"Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty.

Job 5:17 niv

"Blessed is the one whom God corrects; so do not despise the discipline of the Almighty.

Job 5:17 esv

"Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves; therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.

Job 5:17 nlt

"But consider the joy of those corrected by God!
Do not despise the discipline of the Almighty when you sin.

Job 5 verses

Job 5 17 Meaning

Job 5:17 articulates a core principle of ancient wisdom, asserted by Eliphaz: true happiness and blessedness belong to the person whom God graciously corrects through hardship or admonition. It follows with a directive that one should never reject or scorn such divine discipline from the Almighty, for it is intended for one's good. This verse suggests that apparent misfortune, when ordained by God, is not a curse but a sign of His care and an opportunity for growth and ultimate well-being.

Job 5 17 Context

Job 5:17 is spoken by Eliphaz the Temanite, one of Job's three friends, in his first of three speeches. This verse concludes his initial theological argument that God's ways are always just and proportionate. Eliphaz has just spent verses 8-16 describing God's marvelous works in bringing down the proud and uplifting the lowly, asserting His power over human affairs. He argues that Job's suffering, if it stems from God, is therefore not merely punitive but a disciplinary act from a just and merciful deity, intended for Job's good. Eliphaz's counsel reflects the conventional wisdom of his time: affliction is either a punishment for sin or a corrective measure to lead to repentance and restoration. He posits that if Job accepts this "chastening" and repents, God will restore him (vv. 18-27). This traditional view sets the stage for the book of Job to explore the complexities of suffering beyond simplistic retribution theology.

Job 5 17 Word analysis

• Behold (הִנֵּה - hinnêh): An interjection used to draw immediate attention to a weighty statement. It signifies emphasis, urgency, or the revelation of a significant truth.

• happy (אַשְׁרֵי - ashrêy): Often translated "blessed." It signifies a state of deep well-being, good fortune, and inner contentment, often linked to spiritual prosperity and divine favor, rather than mere temporal comfort. It reflects a beatific state derived from God's hand.

• is the man (אִישׁ - 'îysh): Refers to a specific individual, highlighting that this blessedness applies personally to anyone undergoing this experience, rather than a general category of people.

• whom God corrects (אֱלוֹהַ יוֹכִיחֶנּוּ - 'Ělôah yôkhîhennû):

  • God (אֱלוֹהַ - 'Ělôah): A singular name for God, particularly prominent in Job, conveying the singular power and unique authority of the divine.
  • corrects (יוֹכִיחֶנּוּ - yôkhîhennû, from יָכַח - yākhaḥ): This Hebrew verb carries rich meaning: to rebuke, reprove, admonish, argue, or reason with. It implies conviction for error and a setting right, often with the aim of restoring or reforming. It’s a purposeful, corrective act, distinct from pure punishment.

• therefore (וְלָכֵן - vəlākhēn): A conjunctive adverb meaning "and for that reason," or "thus." It establishes a logical link between the preceding statement (blessedness of correction) and the subsequent imperative (do not despise).

• do not despise (אַל־תִּמְאַס - ʾal-timaʾas, from מָאַס - māʾas): A strong prohibitory command meaning "do not reject," "do not spurn," "do not abhor," or "do not show contempt for." It warns against an attitude of disdain, rebellion, or impatience towards God's disciplining hand, which would invalidate the potential benefits. This constitutes a polemic against arrogance or ingratitude in the face of divine wisdom.

• the chastening (מוּסַר - mûsār): Refers to discipline, instruction, moral training, or correction. It includes both the painful experience and the valuable lesson it imparts. In wisdom literature, it's a key concept for growth, much like parental training designed to mature a child.

• of the Almighty (שַׁדַּי - Shadday): "God Almighty" or "The All-Sufficient One." This divine name, frequently used in Job, emphasizes God's sovereign power, strength, and sufficiency to achieve all His purposes, including disciplining and providing. Its usage highlights that the source of correction is not limited or capricious, but powerfully purposeful.

• Words-group analysis:

  • "Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects": This opening phrase functions as a profound beatitude, presenting a paradox. It asserts that suffering or direct reproof, when originating from God, transforms into a source of deep inner blessedness. This reflects a common theme in wisdom literature where trials, if responded to correctly, become catalysts for growth and a deeper relationship with God.
  • "therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty": This second phrase delivers a direct exhortation. It logically follows the preceding statement, urging the afflicted person not to reject God's disciplinary actions. By linking "chastening" to "the Almighty," it underscores that the correction originates from an omnipotent and purposeful God, making defiance against it illogical and detrimental.

Job 5 17 Bonus section

• Eliphaz's counsel, while fundamentally true about divine discipline in a general sense (God does correct those He loves), represents the prevailing, yet incomplete, wisdom of his day regarding suffering. The book of Job ultimately reveals that not all suffering is a direct result of sin requiring correction. Innocent suffering also exists.
• The terms 'ashrêy' and 'musar' are pillars of biblical wisdom. 'Ashrêy' lists in Psalms (e.g., Ps 1) denote qualities that bring ultimate flourishing, often related to obedience to God's ways. 'Musar' in Proverbs (e.g., Prov 4:13) emphasizes the absolute necessity of accepting instruction and discipline for wisdom and life itself. This verse places suffering within this broader framework of character development through divine teaching.
• The contrast between despising discipline and accepting it highlights human freedom to respond to God's refining work. A heart hardened by suffering misses its transformative potential, while a humble spirit gains wisdom.

Job 5 17 Commentary

Job 5:17 distills Eliphaz's core theological stance regarding suffering: that God's interventions, even painful ones, are ultimately beneficial. He asserts a divinely ordained pedagogical purpose in hardship. The "happiness" or "blessedness" promised isn't immediate worldly comfort but a deeper spiritual contentment born from acknowledging God's sovereignty and purpose in all things. "Corrects" and "chastening" point to a formative, not merely punitive, process—akin to a loving parent instructing a child. Thus, Eliphaz urges Job to accept this discipline without "despising" it, seeing it as God's powerful hand (Shadday) at work to refine and restore, rather than purely punish. While Eliphaz misapplied this truth to Job, the principle itself resonates profoundly throughout Scripture, affirming that God actively shapes those He loves through life's adversities, leading to wisdom, character, and spiritual maturity. For instance, like a vine grower prunes a branch for more fruit (John 15:2), so God's corrective hand, though sharp, fosters deeper spiritual fruit.