Job 5:5

KJV

Whose harvest the hungry eateth up, and taketh it even out of the thorns, and the robber swalloweth up their substance.

KJV (with Strong's)

Whose harvest {H7105} the hungry {H7457} eateth up {H398}, and taketh {H3947} it even out {H413} of the thorns {H6791}, and the robber {H6782} swalloweth up {H7602} their substance {H2428}.

Complete Jewish Bible

the hungry eat up his harvest, taking it even from among thorns, while the thirsty are panting, eager to swallow his wealth.

Berean Standard Bible

The hungry consume his harvest, taking it even from the thorns, and the thirsty pant after his wealth.

American Standard Version

Whose harvest the hungry eateth up, And taketh it even out of the thorns; And the snare gapeth for their substance.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 5:5 encapsulates Eliphaz the Temanite's central assertion that suffering is a direct, divinely ordained consequence of wickedness, vividly portraying the fate of the unrighteous whose prosperity and diligent gains are utterly consumed by various destructive forces. This verse serves as a powerful, albeit flawed, illustration within his rigid theological framework, positing that God's justice inevitably leads to the comprehensive stripping away of wealth, security, and the fruits of labor from those who are deemed unrighteous.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 5:5 is situated within the concluding remarks of Eliphaz's first major speech to Job, spanning chapters 4 and 5. As the first of Job's three friends to offer counsel, Eliphaz attempts to rationalize Job's inexplicable suffering by appealing to a conventional retribution theology. He firmly believes that God punishes the wicked and protects the righteous, famously stating, "Remember, I pray thee, who ever perished, being innocent? or where were the righteous cut off?" ([Job 4:7](/job/4-7 "Job 4:7 - Eliphaz's Retribution Theology")). From this premise, Eliphaz implicitly concludes that Job's severe calamities must stem from some hidden sin, despite Job's outward piety. In Job 5:5, Eliphaz elaborates on the consequences for the wicked, painting a stark picture of their futility and loss, which he subtly applies as a veiled accusation against Job. This verse is part of a broader argument emphasizing God's consistent judgment of evildoers and the ultimate futility of their efforts, setting the stage for the intense theological debates that follow between Job and his friends regarding divine justice and the nature of suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is a profound example of ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature, grappling with universal questions concerning suffering, divine sovereignty, and human justice. Within the cultural milieu of this period, a widely held belief, often enshrined in wisdom traditions, was that material prosperity signified divine favor, while suffering indicated divine displeasure or punishment for sin. This "retribution theology" provided a seemingly logical framework for interpreting life's complexities and maintaining social order. The imagery employed in Job 5:5—"harvest," "thorns," and "robber"—reflects an agrarian society where wealth was intrinsically linked to agricultural output and security was often precarious. Crops were perpetually vulnerable to natural disasters, theft, and the ravages of famine or conflict. The concept of a "robber" (or "greedy one") seizing one's "substance" speaks to the ever-present threat of external forces undermining a person's livelihood and security in a less-governed, often volatile environment where personal accumulation was always at risk.
* **Key Themes:** Though articulated from Eliphaz's ultimately flawed theological perspective, Job 5:5 contributes to several significant themes explored within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. The most prominent theme is **Divine Retribution**, as understood by Eliphaz: God's justice ensures that the wicked's prosperity is ephemeral, and their efforts are rendered futile, with their gains devoured by others. This stands in stark contrast to the book's ultimate revelation that suffering is not always punitive. Another theme is the **Loss of Prosperity and the Ephemeral Nature of Earthly Wealth**. The "harvest" and "substance" symbolize accumulated wealth and blessings that are suddenly stripped away, underscoring the impermanence of material possessions, especially when one is perceived to be outside of God's favor. The book of Job consistently challenges the notion that wealth is a guaranteed sign of righteousness, as seen in Job's own experience of profound loss ([Job 1:13-19](/job/1-13-19 "Job 1:13-19 - Job's Loss of Possessions")). Finally, the verse highlights **Vulnerability and Insecurity**. The imagery of the "hungry" consuming the harvest and the "robber" swallowing substance emphasizes the utter lack of security for the wicked. Even what is considered protected ("out of the thorns") is not safe, illustrating the comprehensive nature of their perceived downfall. This theme of human vulnerability is central to Job's experience, though his vulnerability stems from God's mysterious purposes rather than his own sin, as the narrative of [Job 1](/job/1 "Job 1 - Satan's Challenge and Job's Suffering") clearly demonstrates.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Harvest (Hebrew, _qâtsîyr'_):** This term (H7105) refers to severed produce, specifically the harvest (as reaped), the crop itself, the time of reaping, or the reaper. Figuratively, it can also denote a limb or foliage. In Job 5:5, "harvest" metaphorically represents the fruit of one's labor, accumulated wealth, or the sum total of one's achievements and prosperity. It signifies the material gains and successes of the wicked, which are depicted as being unjustly or forcefully consumed by others, indicating a complete loss of their earned benefits.
* **Thorns (Hebrew, _tsên'_):** The word "thorns" (H6791) derives from a root meaning "to be prickly," referring to a thorn or a cactus-hedge. The phrase "taketh it even out of the thorns" suggests that even assets that are difficult to reach, protected by natural barriers, or acquired through struggle are not safe from judgment or seizure. It emphasizes the totality and inevitability of the loss, implying that no amount of effort or protection can safeguard the wicked's gains from the forces of divine retribution Eliphaz describes.
* **Robber (Hebrew, _tsammîym'_):** This term (H6782) is derived from a root related to a noose (as fastening), and figuratively, destruction. While often translated as "robber," some scholarly interpretations suggest it can also convey the idea of "the thirsty" or "the greedy," emphasizing an insatiable, devouring force. Regardless of the precise nuance, the term unequivocally conveys an external, destructive agent that seizes and consumes what belongs to the wicked, highlighting the complete and forceful dispossession of their "substance" (H2428, _chayil_, meaning force, wealth, resources).

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whose harvest the hungry eateth up":** This opening clause immediately introduces the primary consequence for the wicked: their accumulated prosperity, symbolized by their "harvest," is consumed by others. The "hungry" (H7457, _râʻêb_) represent those who are destitute or deprived, implying a stark reversal of fortune where the needy benefit from the downfall of the prosperous wicked. This vividly illustrates the futility of the wicked's efforts and the divine judgment that allows their hard-earned gains to be devoured by those who did not labor for them.
* **"and taketh it even out of the thorns":** This phrase intensifies the preceding idea, emphasizing the completeness and inescapability of the loss. It suggests that even wealth or possessions that are difficult to acquire, or are seemingly protected (like a crop growing amidst thorny plants, or a treasure hidden in a thorny thicket), are not safe from seizure. It underscores the pervasive and inescapable nature of the judgment Eliphaz describes, implying that no hiding place, defensive measure, or barrier can preserve the wicked's substance from divine or external forces.
* **"and the robber swalloweth up their substance":** This final clause powerfully reinforces the theme of total dispossession. The "robber" (H6782, _tsammîym_, or "greedy one") represents a forceful, external agent that completely consumes or takes away all that the wicked possess. The verb "swalloweth up" (H7602, _shâʼaph_, meaning to inhale eagerly, devour, or consume) conveys a sense of rapid, complete, and irreversible consumption, leaving nothing behind. This vivid imagery paints a picture of utter ruin and the comprehensive loss of all material security and accumulated wealth (H2428, _chayil_).

#### Literary Devices
Job 5:5 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and visceral picture of consumption and seizure. The "harvest" being "eaten up" by the "hungry," and the "robber" "swallowing up" "substance" are concrete visual and sensory images that powerfully convey devastating loss and dispossession. The "harvest" itself functions as a **Metaphor** for the accumulated wealth, prosperity, and the fruit of one's labor, making an abstract concept of gain tangible and its loss palpable. The phrase "taketh it even out of the thorns" employs **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration** to emphasize the absolute and inescapable nature of the loss; even that which is most difficult to access, protected by natural barriers, or acquired through struggle is not spared. Furthermore, the "hungry" and the "robber" are almost given a sense of agency, acting as instruments of divine judgment or natural consequence, which can be seen as a subtle form of **Personification**. The cumulative effect of these devices is to create a powerful, unsettling, and memorable depiction of the wicked's inevitable downfall, as seen through Eliphaz's theological lens.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While Eliphaz's application of this principle to Job was ultimately proven incorrect—Job's suffering was not a direct consequence of his sin—the general concept of divine justice bringing about the loss of ill-gotten gains or the reversal of fortunes for the wicked is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. God is indeed sovereign over all possessions and can, in His wisdom, allow or orchestrate the transfer of wealth, especially when it has been gained unjustly or is held in defiance of His will. This verse, therefore, serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of material wealth and the ultimate accountability before a just God, even if the timing and specific reasons for such reversals are not always clear to human understanding. It challenges a purely materialistic view of prosperity and subtly points to a higher, spiritual economy where true security is not found in earthly accumulation.

* [Proverbs 13:22](/proverbs/13-22 "Proverbs 13:22 - The Sinner's Wealth for the Righteous")
* [Galatians 6:7](/galatians/6-7 "Galatians 6:7 - Sowing and Reaping")
* [Psalm 37:35-36](/psalms/37-35-36 "Psalm 37:35-36 - The Wicked Cut Down")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 5:5, though spoken by a character whose theological framework is ultimately challenged and corrected by the broader narrative, still offers profound insights for reflection and application in the life of faith. It serves as a potent reminder of the impermanence of material wealth and the inherent folly of placing ultimate security or identity in earthly possessions. While we must carefully avoid adopting Eliphaz's simplistic and often unbiblical retribution theology, the verse does prompt us to consider the transient nature of all that is gained apart from God's enduring favor. True security and lasting prosperity are found not in accumulated "harvests" or "substance," which can be swiftly lost, but in a right and steadfast relationship with the Creator, whose steadfast love, faithfulness, and sovereign care endure beyond any earthly loss or hardship. For believers, this truth encourages a focus on eternal treasures and a trust in God's sovereign hand, even when life's circumstances lead to unexpected loss or profound suffering. It also implicitly calls us to examine our own hearts regarding the pursuit and retention of wealth, ensuring that our gains are not ill-gotten and that our ultimate trust remains firmly in the Lord, who alone is the source of all true and lasting blessing.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Eliphaz's perspective on suffering, as expressed in Job 5:5, challenge or affirm your own understanding of divine justice and the reasons for hardship in life?**
* **In what ways might we, like Eliphaz, sometimes mistakenly attribute suffering solely to personal sin, overlooking other biblical explanations for hardship and the mysterious purposes of God?**
* **What does Job 5:5, even within its flawed context, teach us about the true source of security and lasting prosperity in a world where material gains can be swiftly lost and circumstances can change dramatically?**

### FAQ

**Is Job 5:5 an accurate theological statement about suffering?**

Answer: Not universally. Job 5:5 reflects Eliphaz's rigid retribution theology, which posits that all suffering is a direct and punitive consequence of sin. While the Bible certainly teaches that God judges sin and that unrighteousness can lead to negative consequences ([Proverbs 13:21](/proverbs/13-21 "Proverbs 13:21 - Evil Pursues Sinners")), the book of Job as a whole ultimately refutes Eliphaz's simplistic view. Job's suffering is not due to his sin, but rather serves a mysterious divine purpose, demonstrating that not all suffering is punitive. Therefore, while the verse describes a potential outcome for the wicked, it is not a comprehensive or universally applicable explanation for all suffering, and applying it indiscriminately to those who suffer can be deeply misleading and harmful.

**What does "taketh it even out of the thorns" mean?**

Answer: This phrase emphasizes the completeness and inevitability of the loss described. "Thorns" (Hebrew: _tsên_) can refer to thorny plants or difficult, dangerous places, often used metaphorically to represent obstacles or difficulties. The imagery suggests that even wealth or possessions that are hard to acquire, or are seemingly protected (like a crop growing among thorny bushes, or a treasure hidden in a thorny thicket), are not safe from seizure by the "hungry" or "robber." It underscores that no amount of effort, difficulty, or natural protection can safeguard the wicked's gains from the divine judgment or the destructive forces Eliphaz describes. It speaks to the totality of their dispossession, indicating that nothing is truly secure for those who are under God's judgment, according to Eliphaz's perspective.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 5:5, spoken by Eliphaz, presents a human and ultimately flawed understanding of divine justice, it subtly foreshadows a profound truth ultimately fulfilled in Christ: the ultimate loss due to sin and the ultimate, eternal gain found in Him. Humanity's "harvest" and "substance" were indeed consumed by the "robber" of sin, leading to spiritual destitution, brokenness, and separation from God, as vividly described in [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Through One Man"). Yet, Jesus Christ, the true Lamb of God, entered this fallen world not to accumulate earthly "substance" but to become poor, so that through His poverty, we might become spiritually rich ([2_corinthians/8-9](/2-corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). He willingly surrendered everything, even His very life, enduring the ultimate "loss" on the cross, taking upon Himself the divine judgment for sin that Eliphaz mistakenly attributed to Job ([2_corinthians/5-21](/2-corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Our Righteousness")). Through His perfect sacrifice and glorious resurrection, Christ became the imperishable "harvest" for all who believe, offering an eternal inheritance that can never be taken away by any "hungry" or "robber"—neither by sin, nor death, nor any earthly power ([1_peter/1-3-5](/1-peter/1-3-5 "1 Peter 1:3-5 - An Imperishable Inheritance")). In Him, believers find true security, an abundant life, and treasures that endure forever, demonstrating that the only lasting "gain" is found in forsaking earthly treasures for the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus our Lord ([philippians/3-7-8](/philippians/3-7-8 "Philippians 3:7-8 - Paul's Loss for 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

Lamentations 2:16

All thine enemies have opened their mouth against thee: they hiss and gnash the teeth: they say, We have swallowed [her] up: certainly this [is] the day that we looked for; we have found, we have seen [it].

Hosea 8:7

For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind: it hath no stalk: the bud shall yield no meal: if so be it yield, the strangers shall swallow it up.

Jeremiah 51:44

And I will punish Bel in Babylon, and I will bring forth out of his mouth that which he hath swallowed up: and the nations shall not flow together any more unto him: yea, the wall of Babylon shall fall.

Jeremiah 51:34

Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon hath devoured me, he hath crushed me, he hath made me an empty vessel, he hath swallowed me up like a dragon, he hath filled his belly with my delicates, he hath cast me out.

Deuteronomy 28:33

The fruit of thy land, and all thy labours, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway:

Job 20:15

He hath swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again: God shall cast them out of his belly.

Job 2:3

And the LORD said unto Satan, Hast thou considered my servant Job, that [there is] none like him in the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil? and still he holdeth fast his integrity, although thou movedst me against him, to destroy him without cause.