Job 6:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

To him that is afflicted {H4523} pity {H2617} should be shewed from his friend {H7453}; but he forsaketh {H5800} the fear {H3374} of the Almighty {H7706}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"A friend should be kind to an unhappy man, even to one who abandons Shaddai.

Berean Standard Bible

A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.

American Standard Version

To him that is ready to faint kindness should be showed from his friend; Even to him that forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 6:14 encapsulates Job's profound disappointment and bitter accusation against his friends, asserting that compassion should be a fundamental duty owed to the afflicted by their companions. He argues that by withholding such pity and offering condemnation instead, his friends have not merely failed in human fellowship but have, in essence, abandoned a core principle of reverent obedience and devotion to God Himself. This verse highlights the expected moral and spiritual obligation of empathy in the face of suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a poignant part of Job's first extensive lament and defense, found in [Job 6-7](/job/6 "Job's Lament and Defense"). It immediately follows Eliphaz's initial, accusatory speech in [Job 4-5](/job/4 "Eliphaz's First Speech"), where Eliphaz suggests Job's suffering is a direct consequence of his sin. Overwhelmed by his physical agony and the emotional betrayal he feels, Job bitterly refutes their simplistic theology. In [Job 6:1-13](/job/6 "Job's Response to Eliphaz"), Job expresses his overwhelming grief and wishes for death, asserting his innocence. Verse 14 then pivots to directly address his friends' failure, setting the stage for his continued plea for understanding and his rejection of their judgmental counsel. It underscores the dramatic tension between Job's perception of his suffering and his friends' rigid theological framework.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, hospitality and loyalty within friendship were highly valued social and moral obligations. A friend was expected to offer solace and support, especially in times of distress. The concept of "pity" or "kindness" (Hebrew: _ḥesed_) carried significant weight, often denoting covenantal loyalty and steadfast love. Furthermore, the "fear of the Almighty" was a foundational concept in Israelite wisdom literature, signifying not terror, but a profound reverence, awe, and obedience to God that permeated all aspects of life, including ethical conduct and social responsibility. The friends' failure to show compassion was, in Job's view, a direct violation of this deeply ingrained cultural and theological expectation, revealing a disconnect between their professed piety and their practical application of it.

* **Key Themes:** Job 6:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job. Firstly, it explores **The Nature of True Friendship and Compassion**, contrasting the expected empathetic support with the harsh judgment Job receives. This highlights the profound impact of human relationships during suffering, echoing the sentiment that [a friend loves at all times](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend's Loyalty"). Secondly, the verse delves into **The Practicality of the Fear of the Lord**, arguing that genuine reverence for God is not merely intellectual assent but manifests in compassionate action towards the vulnerable. Job implies that to forsake pity is to forsake a tangible expression of one's devotion to God, a theme also seen in [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires"). Lastly, it touches upon the **Problem of Suffering and Retribution Theology**, as Job's friends operate under the assumption that suffering indicates sin, while Job challenges this simplistic view by pointing to their own moral failings in their response to his undeserved affliction.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Pity (Hebrew, _ḥesed'_):** The KJV's "pity" translates the rich Hebrew term _ḥesed_ (חֶסֶד), which denotes far more than mere sympathy. It encompasses loyal love, steadfast kindness, covenant faithfulness, and enduring mercy. Job is not simply asking for a fleeting emotion, but for a deep, abiding, and active compassion that stems from a faithful commitment to their relationship and to the principles of righteousness. It implies a reciprocal obligation rooted in shared humanity and, for believers, in shared faith.
* **Fear of the Almighty (Hebrew, _yir'at Shaddai'_):** This phrase (יִרְאַת שַׁדַּי) refers to a reverent awe and profound respect for God (El Shaddai, "God Almighty"). In wisdom literature, "the fear of the Lord" is often synonymous with true wisdom and moral uprightness, serving as the foundation for ethical living and right relationship with God and neighbor (cf. [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")). Job's indictment suggests that his friends' lack of compassion demonstrates a practical abandonment, or at least a severe misunderstanding, of what it truly means to live in reverent submission to God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"To him that is afflicted pity [should be shewed] from his friend;":** This clause sets forth a normative expectation, a moral imperative rooted in both human decency and ancient Near Eastern social ethics. Job, as the "afflicted," appeals to a universal principle that those suffering deserve compassion and active kindness from their companions. The implied "should be shewed" underscores that this is not an optional act but a duty, a manifestation of true friendship and human solidarity. It expresses Job's deep hurt at the absence of this fundamental support.
* **"but he forsaketh the fear of the Almighty.":** This second clause delivers a powerful and devastating indictment. The conjunction "but" introduces a stark contrast, highlighting the friends' failure. Job declares that the friend who withholds pity from the suffering is not merely failing in a social duty but is actively "forsaking" or abandoning a core aspect of their reverence for God. This implies that compassion for the afflicted is an integral part of what it means to truly "fear the Almighty." To neglect the former is to demonstrate a deficiency in the latter, suggesting a spiritual compromise or a flawed understanding of God's character and demands.

#### Literary Devices
Job 6:14 employs several potent literary devices to convey Job's anguish and accusation. The primary device is **Antithetical Parallelism**, where the two clauses present a contrasting idea, emphasizing the stark opposition between what *should* be done (showing pity to the afflicted) and what *is* being done (forsaking the fear of the Almighty). This parallelism highlights the moral and spiritual chasm Job perceives between his friends' actions and their professed faith. There is also a strong element of **Irony**, as those who claim to speak for God and uphold His righteousness are simultaneously accused by Job of failing in a fundamental expression of that righteousness—compassion. Furthermore, the verse functions as a **Lament** and an **Indictment**, conveying Job's deep sorrow over his friends' betrayal while simultaneously condemning their spiritual insensitivity and theological error.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 6:14 profoundly connects to the biblical emphasis on God's character as compassionate and merciful, and the corresponding call for His people to reflect that character in their dealings with one another. True piety is never merely ritualistic or intellectual; it is always expressed in tangible acts of love, justice, and mercy, especially towards the vulnerable. Job's accusation implies that a failure in human compassion is a failure in divine reverence, suggesting that the "fear of the Almighty" is intrinsically linked to ethical conduct and empathetic engagement with suffering. This challenges any theology that prioritizes rigid doctrine over practical love, reminding us that our understanding of God must lead to actions that mirror His own steadfast love and mercy.

* [Proverbs 17:17](/proverbs/17-17 "Proverbs 17:17 - A Friend Loves at All Times")
* [Micah 6:8](/micah/6-8 "Micah 6:8 - What the Lord Requires")
* [Matthew 25:40](/matthew/25-40 "Matthew 25:40 - Caring for the Least of These")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 6:14 serves as a timeless mirror, reflecting the quality of our own compassion and the authenticity of our faith. It challenges us to examine how we respond to those in distress, whether they are friends, family, or strangers. Do we offer genuine empathy and practical support, or do we, like Job's friends, resort to judgment, simplistic explanations, or even abandonment? The verse reminds us that true "fear of the Almighty" is not merely about adhering to a set of beliefs, but about embodying God's character of _ḥesed_—loyal, steadfast love—in our relationships. When we withhold compassion, we not only fail our fellow human beings but also betray the very principles of faith and the nature of God we claim to uphold. This verse calls us to cultivate a heart that is quick to pity, slow to judge, and always ready to extend the mercy and steadfast love that God Himself so abundantly demonstrates towards us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I typically respond when a friend or loved one is experiencing profound suffering or affliction? Am I quick to offer comfort or advice, or perhaps even judgment?**
* **In what ways might my actions (or inactions) betray a lack of true "fear of the Almighty" in my relationships with others?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of _ḥesed_ (loyal love and steadfast kindness) in my interactions, particularly with those who are struggling?**

### FAQ
**What does "fear of the Almighty" truly mean in this context, and why is it connected to showing pity?**

Answer: In this context, "fear of the Almighty" (Hebrew: _yir'at Shaddai_) does not mean being terrified of God, but rather a profound reverence, awe, and respectful submission to Him. It's a foundational concept in wisdom literature, signifying the beginning of true wisdom and knowledge ([Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")). This "fear" leads to ethical living and obedience to God's will. Job connects it to showing pity because, for him, genuine reverence for God is not merely an internal feeling or theological assent, but it must manifest in outward actions of compassion and justice towards others. To withhold _ḥesed_ (loyal love/pity) from the afflicted is to act contrary to God's own character and commands, thus demonstrating a practical "forsaking" or abandonment of true reverence for Him. It implies that a truly God-fearing person would naturally extend mercy and support to those in need.

**Is Job accusing his friends of being godless or apostate by saying they "forsake the fear of the Almighty"?**

Answer: While strong, Job's accusation is likely less about outright apostasy and more about a profound disconnect between his friends' theological claims and their practical ethics. Job is not necessarily saying they no longer believe in God, but that their actions betray a fundamental misunderstanding or neglect of what it truly means to live in reverence for God. They cling to a rigid, retributive theology that dictates suffering must be due to sin, which prevents them from showing the compassion that Job believes is a hallmark of true piety. In Job's view, their lack of empathy reveals a spiritual deficiency—they have "forsaken" the *practical implications* of fearing God, which includes embodying His compassion and justice in their relationships. It's an indictment of their spiritual integrity and consistency, not necessarily their belief in God's existence.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 6:14, with its lament over the absence of pity for the afflicted and the betrayal of true reverence for God, finds its ultimate fulfillment and answer in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the quintessential "afflicted one," who perfectly embodied the "fear of the Almighty" through His unwavering obedience to the Father's will, even unto death on the cross (cf. [Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Unlike Job's friends, who offered condemnation, Jesus consistently demonstrated profound compassion for the suffering, the marginalized, and the brokenhearted, healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and comforting the grieving (e.g., [Matthew 9:36](/matthew/9-36 "Matthew 9:36 - Jesus' Compassion for the Crowds")). He is the true friend who lays down His life for His friends ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")), showing the ultimate _ḥesed_ (loyal love) of God to humanity by taking away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). In Christ, we see that the "fear of the Almighty" is perfectly expressed through self-sacrificial love and boundless compassion, fulfilling the very pity Job longed for and setting the supreme example for all who follow Him to love one another as He has loved us ([John 13:34-35](/john/13-34 "John 13:34 - A New Commandment")).

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

Proverbs 17:17

¶ A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.

Galatians 6:2

Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.

1 Corinthians 12:26

And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

Luke 23:40

But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation?

Romans 12:15

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

Job 19:21

Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.

Job 4:3

Behold, thou hast instructed many, and thou hast strengthened the weak hands.