Job Chapter 4 — Eliphaz Responds to Job
Eliphaz the Temanite responds to Job's lament by suggesting that the innocent do not perish and sharing a vision about human insignificance compared to God.
1Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered,
2“If someone ventures to talk with you, will you be grieved?
3Behold, you have instructed many,
4Your words have supported him who was falling,
5But now it has come to you, and you faint.
6Isn’t your piety your confidence?
7“Remember, now, who ever perished, being innocent?
8According to what I have seen, those who plow iniquity
9By the breath of God they perish.
10The roaring of the lion,
11The old lion perishes for lack of prey.
12“Now a thing was secretly brought to me.
13In thoughts from the visions of the night,
14fear came on me, and trembling,
15Then a spirit passed before my face.
16It stood still, but I couldn’t discern its appearance.
17‘Shall mortal man be more just than God?
18Behold, he puts no trust in his servants.
19How much more those who dwell in houses of clay,
20Between morning and evening they are destroyed.
21Isn’t their tent cord plucked up within them?
WEB Translation
Notable Verses
Job 4:7
“Remember, now, who ever perished, being innocent? Or where were the upright cut off?”
This verse introduces the central argument of Job's friends: that suffering is always a direct result of sin.
Job 4:17
“Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man be more pure than his Maker?”
This rhetorical question from Eliphaz's vision highlights the vast moral gap between humanity and the Creator.
Chapter Summary
Job Chapter 4 marks the beginning of the first cycle of speeches between Job and his friends. Eliphaz the Temanite is the first to speak, addressing Job with a mixture of observation and mystical experience. He notes that while Job once encouraged others in their trials, he now seems to lose heart when facing his own. Eliphaz presents his worldview, suggesting that according to his observations, those who sow iniquity are the ones who perish under God's breath, implying that the truly innocent are not destroyed. To support his argument, Eliphaz recounts a terrifying night vision where a spirit spoke to him. This spirit delivered a message about the inherent imperfection of humanity, asserting that no mortal can be more just or pure than God. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the fragile and temporary nature of human life, described as dwelling in 'houses of clay' that are easily destroyed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Eliphaz is one of Job's three friends who came to comfort him. He is the first to speak in the formal debate, offering a perspective based on tradition, observation, and a personal spiritual vision.
Eliphaz describes a spirit that appeared to him in the night to convey that humanity is inherently flawed and fragile. The vision suggests that since God does not even fully trust His heavenly servants, mortal humans cannot claim to be perfectly just or pure.
Eliphaz asks Job to remember if an innocent person has ever truly perished. His argument implies that if Job is suffering, there must be some underlying cause, as he believes only those who 'plow iniquity' reap destruction.
Study Note
Eliphaz's speech introduces the 'doctrine of retribution,' a key theme in wisdom literature suggesting that earthly circumstances are a direct reflection of one's moral standing.
Continue in the App
Get the full experience — immersive audio, instant explanations, highlights, notes, and reading plans.