Job 6:14 A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

◄ Job 6:14 ►

New International Version
“Anyone who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

New Living Translation
“One should be kind to a fainting friend, but you accuse me without any fear of the Almighty.

English Standard Version
“He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

Berean Standard Bible
A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

King James Bible
To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.

New King James Version
“To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend, Even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

New American Standard Bible
“For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend; So that he does not abandon the fear of the Almighty.

NASB 1995
“For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend; So that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty.

NASB 1977
“For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend; Lest he forsake the fear of the Almighty.

Legacy Standard Bible
“For the despairing man lovingkindness should be from his friend; But he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

Amplified Bible
“For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend; So that he does not abandon (turn away from) the fear of the Almighty.

Christian Standard Bible
A despairing man should receive loyalty from his friends, even if he abandons the fear of the Almighty.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A despairing man should receive loyalty from his friends, even if he abandons the fear of the Almighty.

American Standard Version
To him that is ready to faint kindness should be showed from his friend; Even to him that forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.

Contemporary English Version
My friends, I am desperate, and you should help me, even if I no longer respect God All-Powerful. *

English Revised Version
To him that is ready to faint kindness should be shewed from his friend; even to him that forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"A friend should treat a troubled person kindly, even if he abandons the fear of the Almighty.

Good News Translation
In trouble like this I need loyal friends--whether I've forsaken God or not.

International Standard Version
The friend shows gracious love for his friend, even if he has forsaken the fear of the Almighty.

Majority Standard Bible
A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

NET Bible
"To the one in despair, kindness should come from his friend even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

New Heart English Bible
"To the despairing, kindness should be shown from his friend; even to him who forsakes the fear of Shaddai.

Webster's Bible Translation
To him that is afflicted pity should be shown from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.

World English Bible
“To him who is ready to faint, kindness should be shown from his friend; even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
To a despiser of his friends [is] shame, "" And the fear of the Mighty he forsakes.

Young's Literal Translation
To a despiser of his friends is shame, And the fear of the Mighty he forsaketh.

Smith's Literal Translation
To him melting, mercy from his friend; and he will forsake the fear of the Almighty.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
He that taketh away mercy from his friend, forsaketh the fear of the Lord.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He who takes away mercy from his friend, abandons the fear of the Lord.

New American Bible
A friend owes kindness to one in despair, though he has forsaken the fear of the Almighty.

New Revised Standard Version
“Those who withhold kindness from a friend forsake the fear of the Almighty.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
He who withholds peace from his friend, forsakes the worship of the Almighty.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
He who withholds peace from his neighbor forsakes the worship of The Exalted One

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
To him that is ready to faint kindness is due from his friend, Even to him that forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
Mercy has rejected me; and the visitation of the Lord has disregarded me.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Job Replies: My Complaint is Just
…13Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me? 14A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. 15But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow,…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Proverbs 17:17
A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Proverbs 18:24
A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who stays closer than a brother.

Galatians 6:2
Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

1 John 3:17
If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him?

James 2:15-16
Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. / If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?

1 Thessalonians 5:14
And we urge you, brothers, to admonish the unruly, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, and be patient with everyone.

Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, / who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God.

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Luke 10:30-37
Jesus took up this question and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho when he fell into the hands of robbers. They stripped him, beat him, and went away, leaving him half dead. / Now by chance a priest was going down the same road, but when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. / So too, when a Levite came to that spot and saw him, he passed by on the other side. ...

Hebrews 13:3
Remember those in prison as if you were bound with them, and those who are mistreated as if you were suffering with them.

Colossians 3:12-13
Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with hearts of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. / Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.

1 Peter 3:8
Finally, all of you, be like-minded and sympathetic, love as brothers, be tenderhearted and humble.

Isaiah 41:6
Each one helps the other and says to his brother, “Be strong!”

Treasury of Scripture

To him that is afflicted pity should be showed from his friend; but he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

To him.

Job 4:3,4
Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands…

Job 16:5
But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief.

Job 19:21
Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.

is afflicted.

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.

Psalm 36:1-3
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David the servant of the LORD. The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes…

Luke 23:40
But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

Jump to Previous

Afflicted Almighty Despairing Devotion Due Faint Fainting Fear Forsake Forsakes Forsaketh Friend Friends Heart Kindness Meet Mighty Pity Ready Ruler Shame Shewed Showed Shown Shut Withholds

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Afflicted Almighty Despairing Devotion Due Faint Fainting Fear Forsake Forsakes Forsaketh Friend Friends Heart Kindness Meet Mighty Pity Ready Ruler Shame Shewed Showed Shown Shut Withholds

Job 6

1. Job shows that his complaints are not causeless.
8. He wishes for death, wherein he is assured of comfort.
14. He reproves his friends of unkindness.

Berean Study Bible

A despairing man
The Hebrew word for "despairing" is "מָס" (mas), which conveys a sense of melting or dissolving, often used metaphorically to describe a person who is emotionally or spiritually overwhelmed. In the context of Job, this word captures the depth of Job's suffering and his sense of being undone by his trials. Historically, Job's despair is set against the backdrop of ancient Near Eastern beliefs about suffering and divine justice, where calamity was often seen as a sign of divine displeasure. Job's despair is not just personal but also theological, as he grapples with understanding God's role in his suffering.

should have the kindness
The Hebrew term for "kindness" is "חֶסֶד" (chesed), a rich word often translated as loving-kindness, mercy, or steadfast love. It is a covenantal term that describes the loyal love and faithfulness expected in relationships, particularly between God and His people. In the context of friendship, it implies a deep, committed support that goes beyond mere sympathy. Archaeological findings, such as ancient covenants and treaties, highlight the importance of loyalty and faithfulness in relationships, underscoring the expectation that friends should provide unwavering support in times of distress.

of his friend
The word "friend" in Hebrew is "רֵעַ" (rea), which denotes a companion or associate. In the ancient world, friendships were often formalized through covenants, emphasizing loyalty and mutual support. The Book of Job presents a profound exploration of friendship, as Job's friends initially come to comfort him but later become sources of contention. This highlights the complexity of human relationships and the need for true empathy and understanding, especially when one's faith and endurance are tested.

even if he forsakes
The phrase "forsakes" comes from the Hebrew "עָזַב" (azab), meaning to leave, abandon, or desert. This term is significant in the context of covenant relationships, where forsaking a partner was seen as a grave breach of trust. In Job's case, the idea is that even if a person turns away from their spiritual commitments due to overwhelming despair, the expectation of kindness and support from friends remains. This reflects the biblical principle of grace and mercy, which should be extended even when someone falters in their faith.

the fear of the Almighty
The "fear of the Almighty" is a central theme in wisdom literature, with "fear" (יִרְאָה, yirah) denoting reverence, awe, and respect for God. The term "Almighty" (שַׁדַּי, Shaddai) emphasizes God's power and sovereignty. In the context of Job, this phrase underscores the tension between human suffering and divine sovereignty. Job's struggle is not just with his physical and emotional pain but also with maintaining his reverence for God amidst his trials. The verse suggests that true friendship involves supporting someone even when their spiritual journey is fraught with doubt and struggle, reflecting the biblical call to bear one another's burdens.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(14) But he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.--It is difficult to determine the precise relation of dependent clauses in an archaic language like the Hebrew; but the Authorised Version is, at all events, not correct here, the sense rather being, "Even to one that forsaketh the fear of the Almighty;" or, perhaps, better still, "lest he should forsake;" or, "he may even forsake," &c.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 14. - To him that is afflicted pity should be showed from his friend. Job begins here the third head of his reply to Eliphaz, in which he attacks him and his companions. The first duty of a comforter is to compassionate his afflicted friend, to condole with him, and show his sympathy with his sufferings. This is what every one looks for and expects as a matter of course. But Job has looked in vain. He has received no pity, no sympathy. Nothing has been offered him but arguments. And what arguments! How do they touch the point? How are they anything more than a venting of the speaker's own self-righteousness? Let them fairly consider his case, and point out to him where he has been blamable. But he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty; rather, even though he forsake the fear of the Almighty, or else might he forsake the fear of the Almighty. Job certainly does not mean to admit that he has renounced the fear of God, and become an apostate from religion; but only to assert, either, that, even had he done so, his friends ought still to have shown him kindness, or else that their not showing him kindness is the very way to drive him to apostasy.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

A despairing man
לַמָּ֣ס (lam·mās)
Preposition-l, Article | Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 4523: Fainting, disconsolate

[should have] the kindness
חָ֑סֶד (ḥā·seḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

of his friend,
מֵרֵעֵ֣הוּ (mê·rê·‘ê·hū)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow

even if he forsakes
יַעֲזֽוֹב׃ (ya·‘ă·zō·wḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5800: To loosen, relinquish, permit

the fear
וְיִרְאַ֖ת (wə·yir·’aṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3374: Fear, reverence

of the Almighty.
שַׁדַּ֣י (šad·day)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7706: The Almighty

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OT Poetry: Job 6:14 To him who is ready to faint (Jb)