Bible Strands
Job 6:14
A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Job addresses his three companions during a moment of total isolation after losing his wealth, family, and health. He speaks while questioning whether any help remains for him and before describing his brothers as faithless as desert wadis.
The words — חָסֶד (ḥesed) translates as steadfast loyalty or covenant kindness, and יִרְאַת שַׁדַּי (yir'at shaddai) means the fear of the Almighty. The text asserts that a friend owes this loyalty to a despairing man even when that man abandons reverence for God.
The thread — The expectation of steadfast friendship in hardship aligns with Proverbs 17:17 and the New Testament commands to carry one another’s burdens in Galatians 6:2 and share in suffering in 1 Corinthians 12:26. These references consistently tie covenant loyalty to practical presence during adversity.
Why it lands — The verse requires readers to offer loyal support to those in despair regardless of their current spiritual state. It demands concrete companionship and mercy over theological correction when others face ruin.
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
To him that is afflicted pity should be shewed from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.
Cross-references
- Proverbs 17:17 A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.
- Galatians 6:2 Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
- 1 Corinthians 12:26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.
- Romans 12:15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
- Luke 23:40 But the other one rebuked him, saying, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same judgment?
- 2 Corinthians 11:29 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief?
- 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.
- Job 4:3 Surely you have instructed many, and have strengthened their feeble hands.
- Job 15:4 But you even undermine the fear of God and hinder meditation before Him.
- Job 16:5 But I would encourage you with my mouth, and the consolation of my lips would bring relief.