Job 5:21

KJV

Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt be hid {H2244} from the scourge {H7752} of the tongue {H3956}: neither shalt thou be afraid {H3372} of destruction {H7701} when it cometh {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will be shielded from the lash of the tongue, and you won't have to fear destruction when it comes -

Berean Standard Bible

You will be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, and will not fear havoc when it comes.

American Standard Version

Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue; Neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 5:21, delivered by Eliphaz to Job, offers a promise of comprehensive divine protection and inner tranquility for the individual who, in Eliphaz's traditional theological framework, aligns with God through repentance and submission to His discipline. This verse encapsulates a vision of peace and security that follows a return to divine favor, encompassing safeguarding from both the destructive power of malicious speech and the widespread devastation of general calamities.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 5:21 is situated within Eliphaz's initial address to Job, specifically in a section (Job 5:17-27) where he outlines the blessings purportedly awaiting those who humbly accept God's correction. Eliphaz, a proponent of the conventional retribution theology prevalent in the ancient Near East, argues that God is inherently just, rewarding the righteous and punishing the wicked. He earnestly implores Job to acknowledge his presumed sin and seek divine mercy, promising deliverance from various afflictions, including famine, war, and the "scourge of the tongue." This particular verse functions as a rhetorical assurance, painting a vivid picture of the holistic divine protection that Eliphaz believes is the natural consequence of repentance and submission. The profound dramatic irony of the book, however, lies in the fact that Job's profound suffering is not a direct result of personal sin, a truth that Eliphaz and his companions tragically fail to comprehend, rendering their counsel ultimately misapplied and inadequate for Job's unique predicament.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, an individual's reputation and public standing were of paramount importance, often determining their social, economic, and even legal viability. Consequently, malicious speech, such as slander, false accusations, or gossip, could inflict damage as severe and lasting as physical violence. The "scourge of the tongue" was thus a deeply feared threat, capable of ruining a person's standing within their community. Protection from such verbal assaults was highly coveted. Furthermore, the constant specter of "destruction" (שׁוֹד, _shod_) was an ever-present reality in a world perpetually vulnerable to natural disasters like drought and famine, the pervasive threat of inter-tribal conflicts, and widespread epidemics. Eliphaz's promises, therefore, resonate deeply with a societal yearning for stability, security, and peace in an inherently precarious existence. The concept of divine protection was a pervasive theme in ancient wisdom literature, frequently linked to adherence to divine laws and the cultivation of a right relationship with the reigning deity.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. It directly addresses the theme of **Divine Protection**, emphasizing God's profound capacity to shield His people from diverse forms of harm, whether personal or societal. The powerful phrase "scourge of the tongue" introduces the critical theme of **Security from Slander and Verbal Harm**, underscoring the devastating impact of words and highlighting the divine ability to mitigate their destructive power. The subsequent assurance, "neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh," highlights **Fearlessness in Calamity**, suggesting a profound inner peace and unwavering confidence that transcends external circumstances, rooted deeply in trust in God's sovereign control. While Eliphaz's application of these principles to Job's specific situation is flawed, the underlying biblical principle of **Trust and Righteousness** as a foundation for experiencing God's favor is a persistent biblical theme, even as the book of Job ultimately challenges simplistic cause-and-effect notions of suffering and prosperity, as powerfully articulated in [Job 23:1-7](/job/23-1-7 "Job's Desire to Plead His Case Before God") and God's awe-inspiring response found in [Job 38](/job/38 "God Answers Job from the Whirlwind").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **hid (Hebrew, _châbâʼ_ H2244):** A primitive root meaning "to secrete." This term conveys the idea of being completely concealed, protected, or made inaccessible from something. In this context, it implies a divine act of shielding, where the individual is divinely placed beyond the reach or effective harm of the "scourge of the tongue." It suggests a comprehensive and effective form of protection.
* **scourge (Hebrew, _shôwṭ_ H7752):** Derived from a root meaning "to go or come," this noun literally refers to a whip or a lash, an instrument used for severe punishment, torture, or driving. When applied metaphorically to the "tongue," it vividly communicates the cutting, painful, and deeply damaging impact of malicious speech, slander, or false accusations. It powerfully implies that words can inflict wounds as profound and painful as physical blows.
* **tongue (Hebrew, _lâshôwn_ H3956):** While literally referring to the anatomical organ, in this context, "tongue" functions as a metonymy for speech, language, or words themselves. It highlights the immense power inherent in communication, which can be wielded for either good or ill. Here, it specifically points to the destructive capacity of human speech when used for evil purposes, such as gossip, slander, or false witness.
* **afraid (Hebrew, _yârêʼ_ H3372):** A primitive root meaning "to fear" or, morally, "to revere." In this context, it refers to the emotional state of dread, terror, or anxiety. The promise is not merely that destruction will be averted, but that even in its presence, the individual will be free from paralyzing fear, indicating a profound inner peace and confidence rooted in divine trust.
* **destruction (Hebrew, _shôd_ H7701):** Derived from a root meaning "to ravage," this word carries a strong connotation of violence, devastation, ruin, or calamity. It is a broad term encompassing various forms of disaster, from personal misfortune and economic ruin to widespread natural catastrophes or acts of war. The use of this word emphasizes the comprehensive nature of the protection promised—not just from specific threats but from overarching ruin.
* **cometh (Hebrew, _bôwʼ_ H935):** A primitive root meaning "to go or come" in a wide variety of applications. In this context, it simply denotes the arrival or occurrence of destruction. The phrase "when it cometh" acknowledges the possibility of calamity, yet still promises fearlessness in its face, reinforcing the idea of an inner fortitude granted by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue:"** This initial clause promises divine protection from the painful and damaging effects of malicious speech. "To be hid" implies a complete shielding, concealment, or insulation, suggesting that the individual will be supernaturally protected from the slander, gossip, false accusations, or verbal attacks that others might direct at them. This speaks to a preservation of reputation, a safeguarding of peace of mind, and perhaps even a divine intervention that renders such verbal assaults ineffective or harmless against the righteous individual.
* **"neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh."** This second clause extends the promise of security from external threats to an internal state of profound peace and composure. It is not merely a guarantee that destruction will be entirely absent, but rather that even if calamity or ruin does arrive, the individual will not be overwhelmed by fear, dread, or panic. This points to a deep-seated inner confidence and unwavering trust in God's sovereign control, enabling a state of tranquility and resilience even in the face of widespread calamity, personal ruin, or significant adversity. It signifies a spiritual fortitude that transcends chaotic and threatening external circumstances.

#### Literary Devices
Job 5:21 effectively employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its message of divine protection and inner peace. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, powerfully illustrated in the phrase "scourge of the tongue." By likening malicious speech to a "scourge" or whip, the text vividly communicates the severe pain, deep damage, and public humiliation that verbal assaults can inflict, transforming the abstract concept of slander into something tangible and visceral. This metaphor profoundly underscores the destructive potential of words. Additionally, the verse utilizes a form of **Parallelism**, specifically a loose synthetic parallelism, where the second clause expands upon or complements the first. It presents two distinct but related aspects of divine protection: being hidden from verbal harm and not fearing physical or general calamity. This structural choice reinforces the comprehensive nature of the promised security. There is also an element of **Hyperbole** within Eliphaz's broader discourse, as his promises of unmitigated prosperity and protection for the righteous, while containing general biblical truths, are presented with an absolute certainty that the unfolding narrative of Job's suffering ultimately challenges and refines, demonstrating that God's ways are often more complex than human wisdom can fully grasp.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While Eliphaz's theological framework for understanding Job's suffering was ultimately flawed in its application, the underlying principle of God's protective care for those who trust Him remains a profound and consistent truth woven throughout the fabric of Scripture. This verse speaks powerfully to the divine attribute of being a refuge and shield, offering both external protection from specific harms and an internal, abiding peace amidst general chaos. It highlights God's deep concern for His people's reputation, their inner well-being, and not solely their physical safety. Ultimately, it points to a divine sovereignty that can either avert calamity entirely or, when trials are permitted, grant steadfastness and inner fearlessness through them, fostering a spirit of unwavering confidence rooted in faith.

* [Psalm 31:20](/psalms/31-20 "God Hides His People from the Strife of Tongues")
* [Psalm 91:5-6](/psalms/91-5-6 "Not Fearing Terror or Pestilence")
* [Isaiah 26:3](/isaiah/26-3 "Perfect Peace for the Steadfast Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 5:21, despite its origin within a flawed theological argument, offers enduring principles that resonate profoundly with believers today. In our increasingly interconnected and often volatile world, the "scourge of the tongue" has taken on new and insidious forms, manifesting as cyberbullying, online slander, the rapid spread of misinformation, character assassination, and pervasive malicious gossip. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that God is fully capable of shielding His children from the damaging effects of such verbal assaults, offering profound comfort and hope that our peace of mind, our reputation, and our ultimate well-being are securely held in His sovereign hands. Furthermore, in an age frequently marked by economic volatility, devastating natural disasters, global pandemics, and pervasive social unrest, the assurance of "neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh" is profoundly relevant and deeply comforting. It calls us to cultivate a deep-seated, unwavering trust in God's sovereign care, enabling us to face uncertainty and adversity not with paralyzing panic, but with a quiet, resilient confidence. This confidence is not a naive denial of hardship or suffering, but rather a profound affirmation that our ultimate security and peace rest solely in God, who remains our unfailing refuge and strength, even when the world around us appears to crumble into chaos. It encourages us to earnestly pray for divine protection, to diligently guard our own tongues from destructive speech, and to find our deepest peace and security in Him, regardless of the tumultuous external circumstances that may arise.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what contemporary ways do you personally experience the "scourge of the tongue," and how can you actively seek God's divine protection from its harmful effects?**
* **How does the powerful promise of "not being afraid of destruction" challenge your natural inclinations towards fear, anxiety, and worry in moments of personal or global crisis?**
* **What specific, practical steps can you intentionally take to cultivate a deeper, more abiding trust in God's unwavering sovereignty, thereby fostering greater inner peace in the face of life's uncertainties?**
* **Considering Job's own profound suffering and the ultimate vindication of his faith, how might his story, despite Eliphaz's flawed counsel, still encourage you to maintain steadfast faith even when God's promised protection doesn't manifest precisely as you might expect?**

### FAQ

**Does "scourge of the tongue" only refer to physical verbal abuse, or does it apply to modern forms of communication?**

Answer: While the ancient context primarily involved direct verbal assaults, public shaming, or false witness within a community, the profound principle of the "scourge of the tongue" extends powerfully and relevantly to modern forms of communication. It comprehensively encompasses any malicious, damaging, or deceptive speech, including online slander, cyberbullying, the rapid spread of false rumors, character assassination through media, and even manipulative or deceptive rhetoric in public discourse. The core meaning is the infliction of pain, damage, or ruin through words, regardless of the specific medium through which they are conveyed. Therefore, Job 5:21 offers enduring comfort and a profound promise of divine protection against the destructive power of words in all their manifestations, from the ancient marketplaces to contemporary digital platforms and social media.

**Is the promise of Job 5:21 an absolute guarantee that believers will never experience verbal attacks or destruction?**

Answer: The book of Job itself, particularly Job's own profound and unjust experience of suffering, demonstrates that Eliphaz's promises, while containing elements of general truth about God's character and His care for the righteous, are not absolute guarantees of a life entirely free from all suffering, calamity, or verbal attacks for believers. Job, despite his blamelessness and integrity, endured immense destruction and relentless verbal condemnation from his friends. This verse, therefore, should be understood not as a blanket promise of immunity from all harm, but rather as a profound assurance of God's protective presence and the divine gift of inner peace *amidst* trials. It points to a spiritual security that transcends external circumstances, where God either shields His people from the full impact of harm or, more profoundly, grants them the spiritual strength, resilience, and fearlessness to endure it without being ultimately overcome. The ultimate and perfect fulfillment of this promise is found in Christ, who enables believers to face even the greatest destruction (death itself) without ultimate fear, because He has already conquered it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While spoken by Eliphaz and ultimately misapplied to Job's unique situation, the profound truths embedded within Job 5:21 find their ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the one who truly endured the "scourge of the tongue" in its most venomous and concentrated forms—false accusations, blasphemous charges, relentless mocking, and slander from both religious leaders and the very crowds who once hailed Him, culminating in the chilling cries of "Crucify him!" ([Luke 23:21](/luke/23-21 "The Crowd Cries for Crucifixion")). Yet, in His suffering, He remained silent, undefiled, and perfectly submitted, demonstrating a divine resilience and inner peace that no human could ever perfectly achieve. Furthermore, Jesus faced ultimate "destruction" in His crucifixion and death, bearing the full, crushing weight of sin and its eternal consequences. However, His glorious resurrection from the dead decisively conquered death and destruction, demonstrating that for all who are united with Him, ultimate ruin has no lasting power ([1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54-57 "Victory Over Death Through Christ")). Through His finished work on the cross and His resurrection, believers are truly "hid" with Christ in God ([Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Your Life is Hidden with Christ")), eternally protected from the ultimate power of evil, the fear of condemnation, and the sting of death. He is our perfect peace, enabling us to face any earthly "destruction" or calamity without being overcome by fear, for He has definitively overcome the world and its trials ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "Jesus Overcomes the World")) and graciously promises a profound peace that the world itself cannot give or take away ([John 14:27](/john/14-27 "Jesus' Gift of Peace")). In Christ, we discover true, unwavering security and the courageous ability to live fearlessly, knowing with absolute certainty that nothing, absolutely nothing, can separate us from the boundless love of God found in Him ([Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "God's Unfailing Love in Christ")).

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 31:20

Thou shalt hide them in the secret of thy presence from the pride of man: thou shalt keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.

Psalms 91:5

Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; [nor] for the arrow [that] flieth by day;

Psalms 91:7

A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; [but] it shall not come nigh thee.

Jeremiah 18:18

¶ Then said they, Come, and let us devise devices against Jeremiah; for the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come, and let us smite him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.

Psalms 55:21

[The words] of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war [was] in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet [were] they drawn swords.

Proverbs 12:18

¶ There is that speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the wise [is] health.

James 3:5

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!