Bible Strands
Job 16:5
But I would encourage you with my mouth, and the consolation of my lips would bring relief.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Job speaks to his three friends during their ongoing dialogue, responding to their repeated accusations and hollow counsel.
The words — The Hebrew verb יַחְשֹֽׂךְ (yach.sokh) literally means "it will restrain" or "hold back," while אַמְצִיכֶם (am.tzi.khem) translates as "I will strengthen you."
The thread — The motif of strengthening the weary runs in Isaiah 35:3, the value of comforting counsel appears in Proverbs 27:9, and the call to restore others is noted in Galatians 6:1.
Why it lands — The text states that human speech cannot remove suffering, requiring the reader to accept that words alone cannot resolve unrelieved pain.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage your grief.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 27:9 Oil and incense bring joy to the heart, and the counsel of a friend is sweetness to the soul.
- Isaiah 35:3 Strengthen the limp hands and steady the feeble knees!
- Galatians 6:1 Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.
- Job 4:3 Surely you have instructed many, and have strengthened their feeble hands.
- Job 6:14 A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
- Job 29:25 I chose their course and presided as chief. So I dwelt as a king among his troops, as a comforter of the mourners.
- Psalms 27:14 Wait patiently for the LORD; be strong and courageous. Wait patiently for the LORD!
- Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another.