Job 5 23

Job 5:23 kjv

For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.

Job 5:23 nkjv

For you shall have a covenant with the stones of the field, And the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you.

Job 5:23 niv

For you will have a covenant with the stones of the field, and the wild animals will be at peace with you.

Job 5:23 esv

For you shall be in league with the stones of the field, and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you.

Job 5:23 nlt

You will be at peace with the stones of the field,
and its wild animals will be at peace with you.

Job 5 verses

Job 5 23 Meaning

Job 5:23 describes a state of comprehensive harmony and security for the righteous individual, as articulated by Eliphaz. It suggests that if Job were to repent and return to God, he would experience a profound peace that extends even to the natural world. This peace means protection from the inanimate obstacles and potential dangers of the earth, as well as an alliance or tranquil relationship with wild animals that might otherwise be threatening. It encapsulates a promise of divine favor manifesting as complete safety within one's environment.

Job 5 23 Context

This verse is spoken by Eliphaz the Temanite, Job’s first and most prominent friend, during his initial attempt to console and counsel Job. In Job chapter 5, Eliphaz is articulating his understanding of divine justice, rooted in traditional retribution theology. He believes that God is righteous and does not punish the innocent, but only the wicked. He urges Job to consider that his suffering must stem from some sin, whether known or unknown, and if he were to seek God, repentance would lead to restoration and abundant blessing. Verses 17-27 elaborate on the benefits of turning to God, promising deliverance from many troubles. Verse 23 specifically describes one aspect of this comprehensive prosperity and security—a supernatural peace with creation. Eliphaz presents this as a common observation of how God deals with the righteous, not an unfulfilled prophecy, and implicitly a pathway for Job to follow. Historically, ancient Near Eastern societies were largely agrarian, making security from natural elements and wild animals vital concerns. Eliphaz's promise resonates with the deepest desires for stability in such a context, presenting God as the ultimate provider of a safe environment.

Job 5 23 Word analysis

• For: Hebrew "kî" (כִּי). Often an explanatory particle, meaning "for," "because," or "that." Here, it introduces the reason or explanation for the blessed state mentioned previously (Job 5:17-22), namely, that these promises are secure due to divine alliance.
• thou shalt be in league: Hebrew "bĕrît" (בְּרִית), a noun meaning "covenant" or "treaty." When used with "with," it implies entering into an alliance, a formal agreement, or a binding relationship. In this context, it suggests a protective alliance granted by God, not merely peaceful coexistence. It conveys an active divine intervention ensuring no harm from these elements.
• with the stones of the field: Hebrew "ʾăḇnê śāḏeh" (אַבְנֵי שָׂדֶה).
  • stones: Literally, physical rocks in agricultural fields. For ancient farmers, these were significant impediments, making cultivation difficult, damaging tools, and acting as obstacles or even dangers (tripping hazards, hidden pitfalls). They could also symbolize unproductive elements or sources of difficulty.
  • field: The cultivated land, often susceptible to these hindrances.
  To be "in league" with stones means they would not be a hindrance; rather, they might even contribute positively, or simply cease to be a threat. This is a hyperbolic expression for complete peace and absence of danger, even from inanimate objects typically causing trouble. Some scholars interpret "stones" metaphorically as "adversaries" or "disappointments," suggesting that even inanimate difficulties will not cause harm.
• and the beasts of the field: Hebrew "ḥayyaṯ haśśāḏeh" (חַיַּת הַשָּׂדֶה).
  • beasts: Refers to wild animals, often predators (lions, wolves) or nuisances (serpents) that could threaten human life, livestock, or crops.
  • field: Their natural habitat, where encounters might occur.
  This refers to potentially dangerous living creatures.
• shall be at peace: Hebrew "šālôm" (שָׁלֹם). This noun means "peace," "completeness," "well-being," "harmony," or "prosperity." Here, it signifies the absence of hostility and conflict. Instead of fear or aggression, there would be a benevolent or neutral relationship, an end to predatory behavior toward the favored individual.
• with thee: Direct address to Job, implying personal experience of this tranquility.

• Words-group analysis: "in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee." This phrase represents a complete and comprehensive immunity from all forms of harm coming from nature. It speaks to a divine protective providence that extends not just to animate beings but also to inanimate obstacles, creating an idyllic and completely secure environment for the one blessed by God. It indicates a restoration of primal harmony between humanity and creation, reminiscent of Eden, though framed within the context of Eliphaz's retribution theology. This protection is presented as encompassing all possible sources of natural danger.

Job 5 23 Bonus section

The promise in Job 5:23 represents a profound security and blessing from God, reflecting an ideal state of humanity's relationship with creation, often associated with a restored or Edenic harmony. While Eliphaz misapplies this truth to Job’s specific case of innocent suffering, the concept of divine protection extending over creation, turning potential harms into sources of peace or neutrality, recurs throughout the Scriptures as a blessing for the faithful. It highlights God's ultimate sovereignty not just over human affairs but over all of creation, indicating His ability to control every aspect of the world to accomplish His purposes, whether in judgment or blessing. This cosmic peace is also echoed in prophetic visions of the future Messianic kingdom, where a perfect equilibrium is restored between humanity, animals, and the earth, pointing to a future fulfillment beyond Eliphaz’s immediate understanding.

Job 5 23 Commentary

Job 5:23 encapsulates Eliphaz’s deep-seated belief in a mechanical retribution theology, which posits that righteousness directly leads to prosperity and safety, while wickedness inevitably results in suffering. This verse, therefore, serves as a prime example of Eliphaz’s advice to Job: repent and return to God, and comprehensive blessings, including an Eden-like harmony with nature, will follow. The "league with stones" and "peace with beasts" paint a picture of universal tranquility, implying that even the typical threats and annoyances of the natural world would become benign or even supportive for the righteous. This isn't just about an absence of conflict, but an active alignment where the world itself works for the favored one. While there is truth in God's power to protect His people and bring peace, Eliphaz's application to Job's innocent suffering is flawed, misrepresenting the complexity of divine sovereignty and human experience as revealed later in the book of Job. It presents an ideal state but does not fully account for all of God's ways or the realities of suffering in a fallen world.