Job 16:5

KJV

[But] I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips should asswage [your grief].

KJV (with Strong's)

But I would strengthen {H553} you with {H1119} my mouth {H6310}, and the moving {H5205} of my lips {H8193} should asswage {H2820} your grief.

Complete Jewish Bible

I could 'strengthen' you with my mouth, with lip service I could 'ease your grief.'

Berean Standard Bible

But I would encourage you with my mouth, and the consolation of my lips would bring relief.

American Standard Version

But I would strengthen you with my mouth, And the solace of my lips would assuage your grief.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Job 16:5, Job articulates a profound contrast between the unhelpful, accusatory counsel he receives from his friends and the compassionate, strengthening words he would offer if their roles were reversed. This verse serves as a poignant expression of Job's yearning for genuine empathy and a powerful commentary on the true nature of comfort, highlighting how words possess the capacity to either alleviate sorrow or deepen distress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Job's third major response to his friends, specifically following Eliphaz's second speech in [Job 15](/job/15 "Job 15 - Eliphaz's Second Speech"). Throughout this cycle of dialogue, Job's friends—Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar—persist in their efforts to explain Job's immense suffering as a direct consequence of his sin, adhering to a rigid retribution theology. Far from offering solace, their words often compound Job's grief, leading him to famously decry them as "[miserable comforters](/job/16-2 "Job 16:2 - Job's Lament Against His Friends")" in a preceding verse. [Job 16:5](/job/16-5 "Job 16:5 - Job's Desire to Comfort") presents a hypothetical scenario where Job imagines himself in their position, demonstrating how he would genuinely comfort them, thereby underscoring their profound failure to do the same for him. It is a rhetorical move designed to expose the inadequacy of their theological framework when faced with profound, inexplicable suffering, and to highlight the true nature of empathetic support.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the ancient Near East, a cultural milieu where community and social support were paramount, especially in times of distress. The prevailing wisdom tradition, particularly among Job's friends, held a strong belief in divine retribution: righteousness led to blessing, while sin led to suffering. This framework, while offering a seemingly coherent explanation for the world's order, often lacked the nuance to account for innocent suffering. In this context, friends were expected to offer comfort, lament with the afflicted, and provide practical and emotional support. Job's friends, however, prioritize their theological system over genuine human compassion, failing to fulfill their expected cultural role. Job's lament in [Job 16](/job/16 "Job 16 - Job's Response to Eliphaz") therefore critiques not only their personal insensitivity but also the limitations of their rigid theological perspective, which ultimately proved unhelpful and even harmful to one in deep distress.
* **Key Themes:** [Job 16:5](/job/16-5 "Job 16:5 - The Power of Compassionate Words") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the Book of Job. Firstly, it highlights **The Power of Words**, underscoring that speech has immense power to either heal and strengthen or to wound and diminish. Job's friends' words inflicted pain, whereas he asserts his words would "asswage" (alleviate) grief, a theme echoed in [Proverbs 18:21](/proverbs/18-21 "Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of the Tongue"). Secondly, the verse starkly contrasts **True Empathy vs. False Condemnation**. Job's hypothetical scenario illustrates genuine empathy, which seeks to strengthen and relieve sorrow, as opposed to judgmental condemnation, which only adds to a person's burden. Job yearns for understanding and support, not theological lectures implying his guilt. Finally, it speaks to **The Nature of Biblical Comfort**, pointing towards a model rooted in compassion, active listening, and gentle encouragement rather than unsolicited advice or simplistic explanations of suffering. This aligns with the broader biblical call to bear one another's burdens, as seen in [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bearing One Another's Burdens").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Strengthen (Hebrew, _ʼâmats'_):** This verb (H553) means "to be alert, physically (on foot) or mentally (in courage); confirm, be courageous (of good courage, stedfastly minded, strong, stronger), establish, fortify, harden, increase, prevail, strengthen (self), make strong (obstinate, speed)." In this context, it signifies Job's desire to impart inner fortitude, resilience, and courage to someone in distress. It suggests a proactive, empowering form of verbal support, aiming to build up the spirit of the afflicted rather than tear it down or diminish it. This stands in stark contrast to the weakening and discouraging effect of his friends' words.
* **Moving (Hebrew, _nîyd'_):** Derived from H5110 (נוּד, to nod, wander, mourn), this noun (H5205) specifically refers to "motion (of the lips in speech)." It emphasizes the physical act of speaking, highlighting that the words themselves, originating from the lips, are the vehicle for the desired effect. It underscores the active, intentional nature of the verbal comfort Job envisions offering, rather than passive sympathy.
* **Asswage (Hebrew, _châsak'_):** This primitive root (H2820) means "to restrain or (reflex.) refrain; by implication, to refuse, spare, preserve." When applied to grief, as here, it vividly describes the act of alleviating, diminishing, or easing someone's burden of sorrow. Job's desire was not necessarily to eradicate the grief entirely, but to actively work towards diminishing its intensity and providing tangible relief through supportive, empathetic speech. It implies a gentle, careful handling of another's pain, seeking to lessen its oppressive weight.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But I would strengthen you with my mouth,"**: This opening clause presents Job's hypothetical, compassionate alternative to his friends' behavior. The phrase "with my mouth" emphasizes the instrument of comfort—words. Job envisions using his speech not to accuse or condemn, but to impart strength, courage, and resilience to those suffering. This highlights the active, positive power of verbal encouragement, suggesting that true comfort builds up the afflicted person's inner resolve.
* **"and the moving of my lips should asswage [your grief]."**: This second clause functions in synonymous parallelism with the first, reinforcing the central idea. "The moving of my lips" is a poetic restatement of "with my mouth," further emphasizing the act of speaking. The desired outcome, "asswage [your grief]," means to lessen or alleviate their sorrow. Together, the clauses paint a picture of deliberate, empathetic communication aimed at providing genuine relief and support to the distressed, a stark contrast to the experience Job is enduring from his so-called comforters.

#### Literary Devices
Job 16:5 employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. Foremost is **Synonymous Parallelism**, evident in the two clauses of the verse: "I would strengthen you with my mouth" and "the moving of my lips should asswage [your grief]." Both phrases express the same core idea—the use of words to provide comfort and relief—but with different phrasing, thereby intensifying the meaning and emphasizing the comprehensive nature of Job's proposed verbal solace. The verse also utilizes a **Hypothetical Statement** ("I would strengthen you..."), which serves as a rhetorical device. By presenting a counterfactual scenario, Job implicitly highlights the stark contrast between his ideal compassionate response and the actual, painful reality of his friends' unhelpful counsel. This creates a powerful **Contrast** between true empathy and false condemnation, exposing the inadequacy of his friends' approach through the lens of what genuine comfort should be.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 16:5 offers a profound theological statement on the nature of true comfort and the redemptive power of compassionate speech within a community of faith. It challenges the simplistic retribution theology prevalent in Job's time, asserting that genuine care for the suffering involves more than just intellectual explanations or theological pronouncements. Instead, it calls for an active, empathetic engagement that seeks to build up, strengthen, and alleviate the burden of grief. This verse underscores the biblical principle that words are not neutral; they carry life-giving or soul-crushing power. It points to a God who is not distant or judgmental in suffering, but one who calls His people to embody His own compassionate heart in their interactions, reflecting the divine attribute of being the "God of all comfort."

* [Proverbs 12:18](/proverbs/12-18 "Proverbs 12:18 - Reckless Words and Healing")
* [Romans 12:15](/romans/12-15 "Romans 12:15 - Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep")
* [2 Corinthians 1:3-4](/2_corinthians/1-3-4 "2 Corinthians 1:3-4 - God of All Comfort")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 16:5 provides timeless and critical lessons for how we engage with those who are suffering in our own lives and communities. It calls us to a ministry of presence and empathetic listening, where our primary aim is to strengthen and soothe, rather than to accuse, judge, or offer facile solutions. In a world often quick to offer advice or theological explanations, Job's words remind us that true comfort often lies in the simple, yet profound, act of being present, listening deeply, and choosing words that build up and affirm the dignity of the suffering individual. Our speech should be seasoned with grace, designed to alleviate burdens and impart courage, reflecting the very heart of God who "comforts us in all our affliction." This requires humility, patience, and a willingness to enter into another's pain without feeling the need to "fix" it or explain it away, trusting that our compassionate presence can be a conduit of divine solace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do my words typically impact those who are experiencing grief or hardship? Do they strengthen or inadvertently wound?**
* **Am I quicker to offer advice or theological explanations than I am to simply listen and empathize with someone's pain?**
* **What practical steps can I take to "strengthen" someone with my mouth and "asswage" their grief through my words and presence?**

### FAQ
**Why does Job use a hypothetical statement here ("I would strengthen you...")?**

Answer: Job uses this hypothetical statement as a powerful rhetorical device to highlight the stark contrast between the compassionate, strengthening comfort he *would* offer his friends if their roles were reversed, and the unhelpful, accusatory counsel he is actually receiving from them. It serves to underscore their failure to provide genuine solace and to articulate Job's own profound understanding of what true empathy and support should look like in the face of suffering. It's a way for Job to lament his current situation while simultaneously demonstrating a higher standard of care and compassion, implicitly challenging his friends' rigid theological framework which prevented them from offering true comfort.

**What does "asswage" mean in this context, and why is it significant?**

Answer: In Job 16:5, "asswage" (from the Hebrew _ḥāsakh_) means to lessen, alleviate, or restrain grief. It's significant because it implies a proactive, intentional effort to diminish the intensity of someone's sorrow, rather than simply ignoring it or trying to make it disappear entirely. Job's desire is not to eradicate the pain but to actively work towards reducing its burden and providing relief through supportive speech. This highlights that comfort isn't about removing suffering but about accompanying the sufferer and helping to lighten their load, even if the suffering itself persists. It’s about providing a measure of relief and strength in the midst of distress, demonstrating active compassion.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 16:5, with its poignant yearning for words that strengthen and assuage grief, finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Job could only hypothetically offer such comfort, Christ embodies it perfectly. He is the [Word made flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh"), whose very words bring life, healing, and profound solace. Unlike Job's friends, Jesus never offered simplistic explanations for suffering or condemned the afflicted. Instead, He consistently demonstrated radical empathy, weeping with those who wept, as seen when [Jesus wept with Mary and Martha](/john/11-35 "John 11:35 - Jesus Wept") at Lazarus' tomb, even knowing He would raise him. His words, such as "[Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28 - Jesus' Invitation to Rest")" (Matthew 11:28), are the ultimate fulfillment of strengthening and assuaging grief, offering spiritual and emotional relief that transcends earthly circumstances. Through His atoning sacrifice, He bore our griefs and carried our sorrows, truly taking away the sin that is the root of all suffering. Furthermore, Christ promised the Holy Spirit, the [Paraclete or Comforter](/john/14-16 "John 14:16 - The Promise of the Holy Spirit"), who indwells believers, providing ongoing strength, comfort, and alleviation of spiritual and emotional distress, enabling them to also be ministers of the comfort they have received from God (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Thus, Christ is the perfect Comforter, whose mouth strengthens and whose very being assuages the deepest human grief, offering an eternal solace that Job's friends could never provide.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 6:1

¶ Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.

Job 6:14

¶ To him that is afflicted pity [should be shewed] from his friend; but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.

Proverbs 27:9

¶ Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so [doth] the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel.

Proverbs 27:17

¶ Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend.

Job 29:25

I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one [that] comforteth the mourners.

Isaiah 35:3

Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees.

Isaiah 35:4

Say to them [that are] of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not: behold, your God will come [with] vengeance, [even] God [with] a recompence; he will come and save you.