But now it is come upon thee, and thou faintest; it toucheth thee, and thou art troubled.

JOB 4:5KJV
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Job 4:5 (KJV)

What does Job 4:5 mean?

Job 4:5 describes how suffering has now come directly upon Job, and he is struggling to endure it; when trouble touches him personally, he becomes shaken and distressed. The verse points out that Job, who once encouraged others in their troubles, now finds himself overwhelmed when hardship reaches him.

In this verse, Eliphaz is speaking to Job during their conversation after Job’s many losses and afflictions. Eliphaz is pointing out that while Job had been a source of strength for others in their suffering, he now appears unable to handle his own distress. The verse highlights the shift from Job’s former role as a comforter to his current state of deep trouble.

The Hebrew behind Job 4:5

  • "come" (בּוֹא, bo’): This word means "to arrive" or "to happen." Eliphaz uses it to stress that suffering has now arrived at Job’s own doorstep, not just at others’.
  • "faintest" (לָהַה, lahah): This word often means "to be weak" or "to lose heart." Eliphaz is saying Job is losing his strength or composure now that he faces hardship himself.
  • "toucheth" (נָגַע, naga’): This word means "to touch" or "to strike." The sense is that trouble has made direct contact with Job, not just passed by.
  • "troubled" (בָּהַל, bahal): This word means "to be dismayed" or "to be disturbed." Eliphaz is highlighting that Job is visibly shaken and disturbed by what has happened to him.

Why Job 4:5 matters

  • Job 4:5 clarifies that even those who are strong for others can struggle deeply when suffering becomes personal, challenging the idea that past strength guarantees present endurance.
  • The verse reveals Eliphaz’s perspective, which is somewhat critical—he is questioning Job’s ability to withstand trouble, setting the tone for the friends’ later arguments.
  • Understanding this verse helps the reader see the emotional and relational dynamics at play: Job’s friends are not just comforting him, but also challenging him, which shapes the rest of their dialogue.

Where else these words appear

“faintest” Hebrew H3811 · used in 18 verses

  • Genesis 19:11 And they smote the men that were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great: so that they wearied themselves to find the door.
  • Proverbs 26:15 The slothful hideth his hand in his bosom; it grieveth him to bring it again to his mouth.
  • Jeremiah 9:5 And they will deceive every one his neighbour, and will not speak the truth: they have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to commit iniquity.

“troubled” Hebrew H926 · used in 39 verses

  • Genesis 45:3 And Joseph said unto his brethren, I am Joseph; doth my father yet live? And his brethren could not answer him; for they were troubled at his presence.
  • Job 21:6 Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.
  • Psalms 104:29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

“toucheth” Hebrew H5060 · used in 142 verses

  • Genesis 3:3 But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die.
  • Numbers 19:18 And a clean person shall take hyssop, and dip it in the water, and sprinkle it upon the tent, and upon all the vessels, and upon the persons that were there, and upon him that touched a bone, or one slain, or one dead, or a grave:
  • Psalms 73:14 For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning.