Is not this thy fear, thy confidence, thy hope, and the uprightness of thy ways?

JOB 4:6KJV
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Job 4:6 (KJV)

What does Job 4:6 mean?

Job 4:6 asks whether Job’s respect for God, his confidence, his hope, and his upright way of living are not the very things that should give him strength in his suffering. The verse points to Job’s character and faith as sources of comfort and stability during his trials.

In this verse, Eliphaz, one of Job’s friends, is speaking to Job after Job has lost his family, health, and wealth. Eliphaz is reminding Job of the qualities that once defined him—his reverence for God, trust, hope, and moral integrity—and suggesting that these should now help him endure hardship. The verse is part of Eliphaz’s attempt to encourage Job, though it also hints at the idea that Job’s suffering might relate to his spiritual state.

The Hebrew behind Job 4:6

  • The word for "fear" is יִרְאָה (yir’ah), which often means reverence or awe toward God, not just being afraid. Eliphaz is pointing to Job’s deep respect for God as a foundation for his life.
  • "Confidence" comes from כֶּסֶל (kesel), which can mean trust or security. Eliphaz is asking if Job’s sense of security is rooted in his relationship with God.
  • "Hope" is תִּקְוָה (tiqvah), meaning expectation or trust for the future. This word highlights the forward-looking trust Job is known for.
  • "Uprightness" is תֹּם (tom), meaning innocence or moral integrity. Eliphaz is pointing to Job’s blameless way of living as something that should support him now.
  • "Ways" is דֶּרֶךְ (derekh), which means path or manner of life. Eliphaz is referring to the way Job has consistently lived.

Why Job 4:6 matters

  • Job 4:6 shows that Eliphaz sees Job’s suffering as a test of his character and faith, not just a random misfortune.
  • The verse reveals that Job’s friends believe personal righteousness should result in security and hope, a theme that becomes important as the conversation continues.
  • Understanding these words in their original sense helps clarify that Eliphaz is not accusing Job, but rather questioning how Job’s faith and integrity relate to his current suffering.

Where else these words appear

“confidence” Hebrew H3690 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 85:8 I will hear what God the LORD will speak: for he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: but let them not turn again to folly.

“uprightness” Hebrew H8537 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 20:5 Said he not unto me, She is my sister? and she, even she herself said, He is my brother: in the integrity of my heart and innocency of my hands have I done this.
  • Psalms 7:8 The LORD shall judge the people: judge me, O LORD, according to my righteousness, and according to mine integrity that is in me.
  • Proverbs 2:7 He layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous: he is a buckler to them that walk uprightly.

“hope” Hebrew H8615 · used in 33 verses

  • Joshua 2:18 Behold, when we come into the land, thou shalt bind this line of scarlet thread in the window which thou didst let us down by: and thou shalt bring thy father, and thy mother, and thy brethren, and all thy father's household, home unto thee.
  • Job 14:19 The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow out of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man.
  • Proverbs 23:18 For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

“fear” Hebrew H3374 · used in 45 verses

  • Genesis 20:11 And Abraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife's sake.
  • Psalms 34:11 Come, ye children, hearken unto me: I will teach you the fear of the LORD.
  • Proverbs 16:6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.