Job 6:21

For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid.

Study Bible

For now
The phrase "For now" indicates a shift in Job's discourse, marking a transition from his previous lament to a direct address to his friends. In the Hebrew text, the word used here is "כִּי־עַתָּה" (ki-‘attah), which emphasizes the immediacy and present reality of Job's situation. This highlights the urgency and desperation in Job's voice, as he confronts the lack of support from those he expected to stand by him. Historically, this reflects the cultural expectation of loyalty and support among friends and family during times of distress, which was a significant aspect of ancient Near Eastern society.

you are of no help
The Hebrew word for "help" here is "תָּבוֹא" (tavo), which can also mean "to come" or "to arrive." Job is expressing his disappointment that his friends have not "arrived" in the sense of providing the comfort and support he desperately needs. This phrase underscores the failure of his friends to fulfill their role as comforters, a theme that resonates throughout the book. In a broader scriptural context, this reflects the biblical principle of bearing one another's burdens, as seen in Galatians 6:2, and the failure to do so is a significant moral and relational shortcoming.

you see terror
The word "terror" in Hebrew is "חֲתַת" (chathath), which conveys a sense of fear, dismay, or panic. Job accuses his friends of being overwhelmed by the sight of his suffering, to the point where they are unable to offer any meaningful assistance. This reflects a common human reaction to intense suffering or calamity, where the observer becomes paralyzed by fear or discomfort. In the historical context of the text, this could also imply a fear of divine retribution or contamination by association with someone perceived as cursed or punished by God.

and you are afraid
The Hebrew root for "afraid" is "יָרֵא" (yare), which is often used in the Old Testament to describe fear or reverence. In this context, it suggests that Job's friends are not only afraid of the physical and emotional manifestations of his suffering but also of the theological implications. They fear that by associating with Job, they might incur the same divine wrath. This fear reflects a misunderstanding of God's justice and character, a central theme in the book of Job. It challenges the reader to consider the nature of true friendship and the courage required to stand by those who suffer, even when it is uncomfortable or risky.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and loss.

2. Job's Friends
Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who come to comfort Job but end up accusing him of wrongdoing, suggesting his suffering is due to his sins.

3. The Land of Uz
The setting of the Book of Job, traditionally considered to be in the region of Edom or northern Arabia.

4. Job's Suffering
The series of calamities that befall Job, including the loss of his children, wealth, and health, which set the stage for the dialogues in the book.

5. The Dialogue
The ongoing conversation between Job and his friends, where they debate the reasons for Job's suffering and the nature of God's justice.

Teaching Points

The Nature of True Friendship
True friends provide support and comfort, especially in times of distress. Job's friends failed in this regard, serving as a cautionary example.

The Human Response to Suffering
Fear and misunderstanding often accompany witnessing another's suffering. Job's friends were afraid and quick to judge, rather than offering empathy and support.

The Importance of Empathy
Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. As Christians, we are called to bear one another's burdens and offer compassion.

Trusting God Amidst Trials
Even when human support fails, God remains a steadfast source of comfort and strength. Believers are encouraged to rely on Him during difficult times.

The Role of Suffering in Spiritual Growth
Suffering can be a tool for refining faith and character. Job's account invites reflection on how trials can deepen one's relationship with God.

Bible Study Questions

1. How do Job's friends' reactions to his suffering reflect common human responses to others' pain, and how can we learn from their mistakes?

2. In what ways can we ensure that we are being true friends to those who are suffering, according to biblical principles?

3. How does the fear and misunderstanding of Job's friends compare to the comfort and compassion described in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt abandoned or misunderstood during a difficult period. How did you find comfort, and what role did your faith play?

5. How can the account of Job encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when we do not understand our circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 31:11-12
This passage reflects a similar theme of abandonment by friends during times of distress, highlighting the loneliness and isolation that can accompany suffering.

Proverbs 17:17
This verse speaks to the value of true friendship, contrasting the failure of Job's friends to provide genuine support.

2 Corinthians 1:3-4
Paul speaks of God as the "Father of compassion and the God of all comfort," offering a New Testament perspective on divine comfort in times of trouble.