Job 5:16

KJV

So the poor hath hope, and iniquity stoppeth her mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

So the poor {H1800} hath hope {H8615}, and iniquity {H5766} stoppeth {H7092} her mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so the poor can hope again; and injustice shuts its mouth.

Berean Standard Bible

So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth.

American Standard Version

So the poor hath hope, And iniquity stoppeth her mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 5:16, a declaration from Eliphaz the Temanite, articulates a fundamental principle of divine justice: the downtrodden and afflicted find hope in God, while wickedness is ultimately silenced and prevented from prevailing. Although Eliphaz's broader theological framework in the Book of Job is later critiqued as simplistic, this particular verse conveys a timeless truth about God's character as a compassionate defender of the humble and an ultimate vanquisher of evil, offering a profound basis for trust amidst adversity.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the concluding statement of Eliphaz's first major discourse to Job, which encompasses [Job 4](/job/4 "Job 4 - Eliphaz's Initial Response to Job") and [Job 5](/job/5 "Job 5 - Eliphaz's Counsel and Accusation"). Eliphaz, one of Job's three companions, attempts to rationalize Job's immense suffering through a conventional retribution theology: God punishes the wicked and blesses the righteous. Prior to this verse, he has detailed God's active involvement in the world, specifically His deliverance of the needy from various dangers and oppressors, asserting that God "saves the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty" ([Job 5:15](/job/5-15 "Job 5:15 - God's Deliverance of the Needy")). Building upon this assertion of divine intervention on behalf of the vulnerable, Eliphaz then presents Job 5:16 as a logical conclusion, suggesting that because God acts in this manner, the poor can possess hope, and evil will inevitably be subdued. While containing a kernel of truth about God's character, this statement is presented within Eliphaz's flawed premise that Job's suffering must be a direct consequence of his sin, a premise the rest of the book challenges.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, likely a region situated east of Palestine, and reflects a patriarchal, pre-Mosaic society. The term "poor" (דַּל, _dal_) in ancient Near Eastern contexts often extended beyond mere economic destitution to encompass those who were weak, lowly, oppressed, or brought low by circumstances, whether economic, social, or physical. Such individuals were frequently vulnerable to exploitation by the powerful. The concept of divine justice, where God champions the cause of the oppressed and punishes the wicked, was a pervasive theme in ancient Israelite wisdom literature and throughout the broader Near East, though its specific application and understanding varied. The idea that "iniquity stoppeth her mouth" would resonate deeply within a culture that highly valued public reputation and understood shame as a powerful consequence of wrongdoing. The silencing of an accuser or an oppressor signified their ultimate defeat and inability to inflict further harm or boast of their temporary triumph.
* **Key Themes:** Job 5:16 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the Book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it touches upon the theme of **Divine Justice and Sovereignty**, asserting God's ultimate control over human affairs and His unwavering commitment to upholding righteousness, even if its manifestation is not always immediately apparent or fully comprehensible to human understanding. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Hope in Adversity**, offering a foundational biblical principle that God pays attention to the humble and downtrodden, providing a basis for confident expectation and trust even in dire circumstances. This hope is profoundly rooted in God's character, not in human strength or fleeting circumstances, as seen in passages like [Psalm 113:7-8](/psalm/113-7-8 "Psalm 113:7-8 - God Lifts the Poor from the Dust"). Thirdly, the verse speaks to the **Ultimate Defeat of Evil**, proclaiming that injustice and wickedness will not have the final say. The silencing of "iniquity" foreshadows the certainty of divine judgment and the eventual triumph of God's moral order, a truth powerfully echoed in [Psalm 37:12-13](/psalm/37-12-13 "Psalm 37:12-13 - The Wicked Plot, the Lord Laughs"). While Eliphaz misapplies these truths to Job's specific situation, the truths themselves remain central to the biblical worldview.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Poor (Hebrew, _dal'_):** From H1800, this term properly signifies "dangling," implying a state of weakness or thinness. It extends beyond mere economic destitution to describe those who are lean, needy, or otherwise brought low, often by circumstances of oppression or vulnerability. In this context, it refers to the afflicted and humble who are in need of divine intervention and deliverance.
* **Hope (Hebrew, _tiqvâh'_):** From H8615, this word literally means "a cord" (as an attachment), and figuratively, "expectancy." It denotes a strong, confident anticipation or a firm reliance on a future reality. For the "poor," this hope is not a mere wish but a divinely bestowed lifeline, rooted in God's character and His promises to act on behalf of the oppressed.
* **Iniquity (Hebrew, _ʻevel'_):** From H5766, this term refers to moral evil, perverseness, unrighteousness, or injustice. It describes actions or a state of being that deviates fundamentally from God's righteous standards. In the context of Job, it represents the wickedness that Eliphaz believes is the root cause of suffering, and which God will ultimately judge.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So the poor hath hope":** This clause presents the positive outcome for the afflicted and vulnerable. Building on the preceding verses where God delivers the needy, Eliphaz concludes that those who are brought low or oppressed can confidently expect a positive future. Their hope is grounded in God's character as a deliverer and upholder of justice, rather than in their own strength or immediate circumstances. This hope is a divine gift, providing solace and a future orientation even in present suffering.
* **"and iniquity stoppeth her mouth":** This clause presents the contrasting negative outcome for wickedness. It signifies the ultimate defeat and silencing of injustice and evil. "Iniquity" is personified as a being that can speak, accuse, or boast, but is now forced into silence. This implies that evil will not have the final word; its plans will be thwarted, its boasts will be silenced, and its power to inflict harm or accuse will be decisively ended by divine intervention. It speaks to the certainty of God's judgment and the eventual triumph of righteousness over wrong.

#### Literary Devices
Job 5:16 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message. Most prominently, **Personification** is used when "iniquity" is depicted as having a "mouth" that can be "stopped." This gives an abstract concept a concrete, active quality, making the defeat of evil more vivid and impactful. The phrase "stoppeth her mouth" is a powerful **Idiom**, conveying the idea of being silenced, shamed, or rendered powerless to speak, boast, or accuse. Furthermore, the verse uses **Antithesis** or **Juxtaposition** by contrasting the "poor" who gain "hope" with "iniquity" which is "silenced." This stark contrast highlights the divergent fates of the humble (or righteous) and the wicked, underscoring the moral order of the universe as perceived by Eliphaz. The statement also functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, presenting a general truth or principle about divine justice, even if its application in Job's specific case is ultimately flawed.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 5:16, despite its origin in Eliphaz's ultimately flawed theological framework concerning Job's suffering, encapsulates a profound and enduring biblical truth about God's character and His interaction with humanity. It affirms that God is not indifferent to suffering or injustice; rather, He actively champions the cause of the vulnerable and ensures the ultimate defeat of evil. This principle underscores the moral fabric of the universe, where righteousness will ultimately prevail and wickedness will be exposed and silenced. It offers a foundational basis for hope for those who are oppressed, reminding them that their current circumstances do not dictate their ultimate destiny under God's sovereign hand. This divine commitment to justice provides a powerful antidote to despair, even when the immediate reasons for suffering remain obscure.

* [Psalm 113:7-8](/psalm/113-7-8 "Psalm 113:7-8 - God Lifts the Poor from the Dust")
* [Psalm 37:12-13](/psalm/37-12-13 "Psalm 37:12-13 - The Wicked Plot, the Lord Laughs")
* [Proverbs 10:28](/proverbs/10-28 "Proverbs 10:28 - The Hope of the Righteous Brings Joy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 5:16 offers enduring encouragement to all who face adversity, oppression, or the apparent triumph of injustice in the world. It serves as a powerful reminder that even in the midst of profound suffering, there is a promise of hope for those who are humble and look to God. Our circumstances, no matter how dire or unjust they may seem, do not define our ultimate destiny when we place our trust in divine justice. This verse invites us to cultivate a deep-seated patience and unwavering faith, knowing that God is sovereign over all evil and will, in His perfect timing, bring about justice and vindication. It challenges us to maintain hope not in human strength or immediate vindication, but in the unwavering character of God, who champions the cause of the oppressed and will ultimately silence all forms of wickedness. This truth provides a solid foundation for resilience and perseverance in a world often marked by inequity and moral chaos.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel "poor" or oppressed, and how can the promise of hope in this verse encourage you to trust God's intervention?**
* **How does the idea of "iniquity stoppeth her mouth" provide comfort or assurance when you witness injustice seemingly triumphing in the world around you?**
* **What practical steps can you take to align your life with the hope offered to the "poor" and to stand, in God's strength, against "iniquity" in your sphere of influence?**
* **How does understanding the ultimate silencing of evil impact your perspective on current struggles, personal suffering, or the broader injustices faced by others?**

### FAQ
**Is Eliphaz's theology in Job 5:16 entirely correct, given the overall message of the Book of Job?**

Answer: While Job 5:16 expresses a general truth about divine justice and the ultimate fate of the righteous and the wicked, Eliphaz's application of this truth to Job's specific situation is flawed. The Book of Job ultimately challenges the simplistic retribution theology held by Job's friends, which asserts that all suffering is a direct result of personal sin. God Himself later rebukes Eliphaz and his friends for not speaking what is right about Him ([Job 42:7](/job/42-7 "Job 42:7 - God Rebukes Job's Friends")). So, while the principle that God gives hope to the poor and silences iniquity is biblically sound and a foundational truth, Eliphaz errs in concluding that Job's suffering must therefore be due to his iniquity. The verse highlights a truth about God's character, but not necessarily a correct diagnosis of Job's affliction.

**What does "iniquity stoppeth her mouth" imply about the nature and ultimate fate of evil?**

Answer: The phrase "iniquity stoppeth her mouth" is a powerful personification implying that evil, despite its temporary power, boastfulness, or loud accusations, will ultimately be rendered speechless, shamed, and unable to prevail. It suggests that wickedness will be exposed for what it is, its lies will be silenced, and its influence and power to harm, deceive, or boast will be decisively ended. This is not merely a cessation of speech but a complete cessation of its power and authority. It speaks to the certainty of divine judgment and the triumph of God's justice over all forms of moral wrong and injustice, ensuring that evil will not have the final word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 5:16 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. He is the very embodiment of hope for the "poor" in every sense—the spiritually poor who recognize their need for God, the humble, the marginalized, and those broken by sin and suffering. Jesus explicitly declared His mission to "preach good news to the poor... to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed" ([Luke 4:18-19](/luke/4-18-19 "Luke 4:18-19 - Jesus' Mission Statement")). He identified deeply with the least of these, promising that acts of compassion shown to them are shown to Him ([Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Identifying with the Least of These")), and He promised the kingdom of heaven to the "poor in spirit" ([Matthew 5:3](/matthew/5-3 "Matthew 5:3 - The Beatitudes: Poor in Spirit")). Furthermore, Christ's death on the cross and His glorious resurrection represent the definitive silencing of "iniquity." Through His triumph, He disarmed the spiritual forces of evil and made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in the cross ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")). The accuser of the brethren, representing all forms of iniquity and accusation, is ultimately cast down and silenced by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony ([Revelation 12:10-11](/revelation/12-10-11 "Revelation 12:10-11 - The Accuser Cast Down")). Thus, in Christ, the poor find eternal hope and true riches, and all forms of iniquity are ultimately defeated, their mouths forever stopped by His sovereign victory and the establishment of His righteous kingdom.

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

Psalms 107:42

The righteous shall see [it], and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth.

1 Samuel 2:8

He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, [and] lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set [them] among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth [are] the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

1 Samuel 2:9

He will keep the feet of his saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness; for by strength shall no man prevail.

Psalms 63:11

But the king shall rejoice in God; every one that sweareth by him shall glory: but the mouth of them that speak lies shall be stopped.

Isaiah 14:32

What shall [one] then answer the messengers of the nation? That the LORD hath founded Zion, and the poor of his people shall trust in it.

Romans 3:19

¶ Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.

Exodus 11:7

But against any of the children of Israel shall not a dog move his tongue, against man or beast: that ye may know how that the LORD doth put a difference between the Egyptians and Israel.