2:9 2:9

Job 2:10

2:11 2:11

Bible Versions

But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.
But he said {H559} unto her, Thou speakest {H1696} as one {H259} of the foolish women {H5036} speaketh {H1696}. What {H1571}? shall we receive {H6901} good {H2896} at the hand of God {H430}, and shall we not receive {H6901} evil {H7451}? In all this did not Job {H347} sin {H2398} with his lips {H8193}.
But he answered her, "You're talking like a low-class woman! Are we to receive the good at God's hands but reject the bad?" In all this Iyov did not say one sinful word.
“You speak as a foolish woman speaks,” he told her. “Should we accept from God only good and not adversity?” In all this, Job did not sin in what he said.
But he said unto her, Thou speakest as one of the foolish women speaketh. What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil? In all this did not Job sin with his lips.

Job 2:10 captures a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Job, illustrating his profound faith and integrity amidst unimaginable suffering. Having already lost his children, possessions, and health, Job is now afflicted with painful boils from head to toe. His wife, witnessing his agony, urges him to "curse God, and die" (Job 2:9).

Context

Following the first round of devastating losses, Job famously declared, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord" (Job 1:21), and the Bible records that "in all this Job sinned not, nor charged God foolishly" (Job 1:22). However, Satan's second challenge to God involves Job's physical suffering (Job 2:4-5), which escalates Job's pain to an unbearable level. It is in this context that his wife, overwhelmed by their plight, suggests abandoning faith. Job's response in verse 10 is a powerful rebuke, affirming his unwavering trust in God's ultimate plan, even in adversity.

Key Themes

  • Unwavering Faith and Integrity: Job's immediate and sharp response to his wife demonstrates his resolute commitment to God. He views her words as foolish because they contradict a fundamental truth: God is sovereign over all circumstances. His endurance serves as a testament to true spiritual strength, where faith is not conditional on receiving only "good" things. This steadfastness is why Job is often seen as an example of patience and perseverance.
  • Divine Sovereignty: The core of Job's statement, "What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?", highlights the biblical concept of God's absolute control over all things. The word "evil" here refers to calamity, adversity, or misfortune, not moral wickedness. Job understands that God permits both blessings and trials, and true faith acknowledges His hand in both. This aligns with other scriptures affirming God's comprehensive sovereignty, such as Lamentations 3:38, "Out of the mouth of the most High proceedeth not evil and good?"
  • The Nature of True Wisdom: Job contrasts his wife's despairing words with what he considers true wisdom. Her suggestion is born of human weakness and a limited perspective, whereas Job's response reflects a deeper understanding of God's character and purposes. He refuses to allow his suffering to dictate his theology or his allegiance.

Linguistic Insight

The KJV phrase "receive evil" uses the Hebrew word ra'ah (רָעָה). While ra'ah can mean moral evil, in this context, it unequivocally refers to calamity, misfortune, or adversity. Job is acknowledging that God has the prerogative to allow both prosperity and hardship into human lives, and a faithful response is to accept both without complaint, trusting in His ultimate goodness and wisdom. This distinction is crucial for understanding that God is not the author of sin but is sovereign over all circumstances, including suffering.

Practical Application

Job 2:10 offers profound lessons for believers facing adversity today. It challenges us to examine our own faith when trials come. Do we only praise God when things are going well, or can we also trust Him when suffering strikes? Job's example teaches us to:

  • Maintain Integrity: Hold fast to our faith and convictions, even when tempted by despair or external pressures.
  • Embrace God's Sovereignty: Recognize that God is in control of all situations, and His purposes are often beyond our immediate understanding. This perspective can bring peace amidst chaos.
  • Respond Wisely: Choose words and attitudes that reflect faith and trust, rather than bitterness or foolishness, knowing that suffering can produce perseverance and character (Romans 5:3-5).

Job's unwavering faith, even when everything was taken, serves as an enduring model for how believers should respond to the trials and tribulations of life, trusting that God remains good and just.

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.
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