Job 5:20 (KJV)

What does Job 5:20 mean?

Job 5:20 says that God is able to rescue a person from dying during times of famine and protect them from being killed in war. The verse highlights God’s power to deliver people from life-threatening dangers, whether from lack of food or violence.

In the story, Eliphaz is speaking to Job, trying to encourage him by describing how God cares for and saves those who trust in Him. Eliphaz’s words come as part of his advice to Job, who is suffering greatly, and he is pointing out that God can provide safety and redemption even in the worst situations.

The Hebrew behind Job 5:20

• "Famine" (רָעָב, ra'av): This word means a severe shortage of food, often leading to death. Eliphaz uses it to describe one of the most desperate situations a person can face.
• "Redeem" (פָּדָה, padah): This word means to rescue, deliver, or buy back. Here, it emphasizes God’s ability to actively save someone from danger, not just passively let them survive.
• "Power" (יָד, yad): Literally meaning "hand," this word often refers to control or power. In this verse, it highlights the idea of being under the control or threat of the sword, meaning violence or war.
• "Sword" (חֶרֶב, cherev): This is a common symbol for war, violence, or execution. Eliphaz uses it to represent mortal danger from human conflict.

Why Job 5:20 matters

• Job 5:20 clarifies that Eliphaz is promising God’s protection in both natural disasters (like famine) and human threats (like war), showing the full range of dangers from which God can deliver.
• The verse helps explain Eliphaz’s view that suffering can be temporary and that God is able to intervene, which is important for understanding the ongoing conversation between Job and his friends.
• By using strong words for rescue and danger, Job 5:20 emphasizes God’s active role in saving people, not just from spiritual harm but from real, physical threats in daily life.