Job 5:15 · Bible study
Job 5:15 Commentary: The Sword of Their Mouth
Hebrew · 10 what the commentators say
Meaning in one sentence
What does 'the sword of their mouth' mean in Job 5:15?
Research Summary
- Meaning: God rescues the needy from verbal attacks ('sword of their mouth') and physical oppression ('hand of the mighty').
- Key words: 'saves' (יֹשַׁע, Hiphil), divine deliverance; 'sword' (חֶרֶב) + 'mouth' (פֶּה), destructive speech; 'needy' (אֶבְיוֹן), the powerless; 'strong' (חָזָק), the oppressor.
- Main debate: Is 'sword of their mouth' a single metaphor (verbal violence) or two separate deliverances (from the sword and from the mouth)? Most commentators favor the single metaphor, citing parallel Psalms.
- Theological theme: God as defender of the poor and judge of the proud, a consistent biblical attribute.
- Best use: Comfort and encouragement for those suffering under unjust criticism or exploitation; a call to trust God's justice.
Translation Comparison
BSB Berean Standard Bible 2020
He saves the needy from the sword in their mouth and from the clutches of the powerful.
WEB World English Bible 2000
But he saves from the sword of their mouth, even the needy from the hand of the mighty.
KJV King James Version 1769
But he saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.
ASV American Standard Version 1901
But he saveth from the sword of their mouth, Even the needy from the hand of the mighty.
YLT Young's Literal Translation 1898
And He saveth the wasted from their mouth, And from a strong hand the needy,
Darby Darby Bible 1890
And he saveth the needy from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.
Douay-Rheims Douay-Rheims Bible 1899
But he shall save the needy from the sword of their mouth, and the poor from the hand of the violent.
Translations in other languages (10 available)
Y libra de la espada al pobre, de la boca de los impíos, y de la mano violenta;
Porém livra ao necessitado da espada de suas bocas, e da mão do violento.
Ainsi Dieu protège le faible contre leurs menaces,
Er hilft den Armen von dem Schwert, von ihrem Munde und von der Hand des Mächtigen,
Maar Hij verlost den behoeftige van het zwaard, van hun mond, en van de hand des sterken.
ma Iddio salva il meschino dalla spada della lor bocca, e il povero di man del potente.
Który zachowuje ubogiego od miecza, od ust ich, i od ręki gwałtownika.
Он спасает бедного от меча, от уст их и от руки сильного.
神拯救 窮乏人 脫離他們口 中的刀 和強暴人 的手。
But he keeps safe from their sword those who have no father, and the poor from the power of the strong.
Verse in Context
Original Language (Biblical Hebrew)
Old Testament · Biblical Hebrew · Job 5:15
Source: STEPBible TAGNT/TEHB (CC-BY 4.0). Click or tap a morphology code to see the full parsing.
Scholars' Consensus
Job 5:15 forms part of Eliphaz's first speech, where he argues that God consistently acts to humble the proud and lift the lowly (Job 5:11-16). The central image, 'the sword of their mouth', has occasioned debate, but most commentators understand it as a metaphor for the destructive power of human speech. Barnes notes that the phrase may mean 'from the mouth of oppressors, using it to represent their violence,' and he and Keil & Delitzsch favor reading it as 'the sword which proceeds from their mouth' (cf. Psalm 57:4; 59:7). Gill specifies this includes 'reproaches, calumnies, detraction, and evil speaking.' The verb 'saves' (יֹשַׁע, Hiphil of ישע) underscores divine intervention as the sole source of rescue. Both the verbal and physical dimensions are present: God delivers the needy from slander (the oppressor's tongue) and from brute force ('the hand of the mighty').
How settled is the interpretation?
Interpretive difficulty: Medium
Main views:
- Verbal slander metaphor: The Hebrew prepositional phrase can be read as a construct ('sword of their mouth'), supported by Psalms 57:4; 59:7; 64:3, where the wicked speak with swords.
- Separate deliverances: The Masoretic Text has two prepositions, suggesting two distinct sources of danger: the literal sword and the oppressor's mouth (as in the KJV).
What is clear: God saves the needy from oppression—both from the violent words and the violent actions of the powerful.
What Scholars Agree and Debate
| Topic | Agreed | Debated |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning of 'the sword of their mouth' | All traditions agree the phrase refers to some form of deliverance from oppression, specifically involving the speech of the wicked. | Some (following the KJV) read it as two separate deliverances: from the literal sword and from the mouth of the oppressor. Others, citing Hebrew syntax and parallel Psalms, see it as a single metaphor: the tongue as a sword. |
| Identity of 'the needy' | Christians share the view that 'needy' refers to the materially poor and socially vulnerable. | Some traditions (e.g., Gill) also apply it spiritually to the 'poor in spirit' who are oppressed by Satan or the law. Others restrict it to literal poverty. |
| Role of Eliphaz's speech | Eliphaz speaks from the wisdom tradition, affirming God's justice and care for the humble. | Is Eliphaz's theology accurate? The book of Job ultimately critiques his simplistic retribution doctrine, but many Christians still affirm the general principle that God defends the poor, even if not all suffering is punitive. |
| Old Testament view of retribution | God opposes the proud and helps the needy, this is a consistent biblical theme. | Some see this verse as a timeless promise; others as part of a limited perspective that the rest of Job corrects. |
Historical & Cultural Context
Eliphaz speaks from the ancient wisdom tradition of Teman (Edom), a region known for its sages. His first discourse (Job 4, 5) follows a typical pattern of ancient Near Eastern counsel: first establishing God's transcendence, then applying it to the sufferer. In patriarchal culture, speech carried life-and-death weight, blessings and curses affected one's standing and security. The 'sword of their mouth' draws on a vivid metaphor found also in the Psalms (Pss 57:4; 59:7; 64:3), where the wicked 'whet their tongues like swords.'
The 'needy' (אֶבְיוֹן) refers to those at the bottom of the social ladder, vulnerable to both exploitation and slander. Oppressors in the ancient world used words to destroy reputations, incite violence, and deprive the poor of justice. The 'hand of the mighty' (יַד חָזָק) represents physical coercion, the powerful using force to seize land or goods. Eliphaz presents God as the one who intervenes on both fronts, frustrating 'the devices of the crafty' (Job 5:12) and bringing hope to the weak (Job 5:16). The Cambridge Bible observes that this entire passage (Job 5:8-16) describes God's ways as 'marked by one purpose, to do good.' Eliphaz intends this as comfort, though his assumption, that suffering always results from sin, later proves inadequate.
Textual Notes
The Masoretic Text reads 'from the sword, from their mouth' (two prepositions). However, eleven Hebrew manuscripts collated by Kennicott and De Rossi, along with the Vulgate, Syriac, and Arabic versions, read 'from the sword of their mouth' (construct). Clarke and Barnes note this variant. The difference does not change the overall meaning, whether the mouth is the source of the sword or a separate threat, verbal oppression is in view. No significant textual issues affect interpretation.
Reception History
The verse has been read across traditions as a promise of divine deliverance from both physical oppression and verbal assault. Early monastic communities found in it a call to trust God when slandered or maligned. Jewish commentators like Rashi understood it as God protecting the poor from slander that could destroy their livelihood. Protestant commentators highlighted God's gracious rescue of the powerless, often applying it to spiritual oppression (Satan's accusations). In modern evangelical use, Job 5:15 comforts those facing unjust criticism or abuse, affirming that God sees and acts.
Preaching This Verse
Three-point outline
- God sees the powerless. The verse names 'the needy' and 'the poor', those society overlooks. God's rescue begins with His attention to those who have no advocate.
- God delivers from verbal violence. 'The sword of their mouth' is the weapon of slander, false accusation, and destructive speech. Eliphaz insists that God not only hears these words but acts to cut them down.
- God breaks the grip of the strong. Deliverance from 'the hand of the mighty' shows that no human power, whether political, economic, or physical, can withstand God's saving reach.
Five-point outline
- Context: Eliphaz's hymn to God's justice (Job 5:8-16).
- Metaphor: The tongue as a sword, speech that wounds.
- Contrast: The crafty are frustrated (v.12); the poor are saved (v.15).
- Culmination: The poor have hope; injustice shuts its mouth (v.16).
- Application: God is the defender of those who cannot defend themselves.
Illustration hooks
- Workplace gossip: A person is excluded or slandered at work; like the 'sword of their mouth,' the rumors cut deeper than any physical blow. Where is God in that? The verse says He saves from the sword of their mouth.
- Courtroom injustice: A poor defendant faces a rich accuser with a skilled lawyer. The 'hand of the mighty' seems overwhelming. But God sees and acts.
Questions your congregation is asking
- Does God really hear when people lie about me or attack my reputation?
- How do I trust God's deliverance when the powerful still seem in control?
- Is it wrong to defend myself, or should I wait for God to act?
Leading a Discussion
Job 5:15 is part of Eliphaz's argument that God always rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked. While the book of Job challenges that simple equation, this verse captures a deep biblical truth: God is the defender of the defenseless. In a world where words wound and power crushes, the promise of rescue stands.
Discussion questions
- Read Job 5:8-16 aloud. What picture of God does Eliphaz paint here? How does the verse fit into that bigger picture?
- What does the phrase 'the sword of their mouth' suggest about the power of speech? Share a time when words felt like a weapon.
- Why does Eliphaz pair 'the sword of their mouth' with 'the hand of the mighty'? What do these two forms of oppression have in common?
- The Hebrew word for 'needy' (אֶבְיוֹן) describes someone in desperate want, often with no human helper. How does God's protection of such people challenge our own priorities?
- Job 5:16 says the poor will have hope and injustice will shut her mouth. How does the promise of hope change how we respond to slander or oppression?
- Eliphaz assumes Job is suffering because of sin. Does the promise of rescue in this verse still hold true for someone who feels innocent? How does the rest of Job address this?
- How can this verse shape how you pray for those who are being verbally or physically abused today?
Word Study
The key original-language words in this verse. Select any word for its full lexicon entry — meaning, every occurrence in Scripture, and related words.
Cross-References
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (TSK, public domain)
| Job 4:10 | The roaring of the lion, and the voice of the fierce lion, the teeth of the young lions, are broken. |
| Psalms 10:14 | But you do see trouble and grief. You consider it to take it into your hand. You help the victim and the fatherless. |
| Psalms 10:17 | Yahweh, you have heard the desire of the humble. You will prepare their heart. You will cause your ear to hear, |
| Psalms 35:10 | All my bones shall say, “Yahweh, who is like you, who delivers the poor from him who is too strong for him; yes, the poor and the needy from him who robs him?” |
| Psalms 72:4 | He will judge the poor of the people. He will save the children of the needy, and will break the oppressor in pieces. |
| Psalms 72:12 | For he will deliver the needy when he cries; the poor, who has no helper. |
| Psalms 72:13 | He will have pity on the poor and needy. He will save the souls of the needy. |
| Psalms 107:41 | Yet he lifts the needy out of their affliction, and increases their families like a flock. |
Interlinear and lexical data from STEPBible (CC BY 4.0). Cross-reference data from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0). Commentaries are public domain.
For personal reflection
Read the devotional page — prayer, application, and "for families"
What the Commentators Say
10 public-domain commentaries, condensed into plain language.
Adam Clarke's Commentary Methodist/Wesleyan 1826
Clarke notes that eleven ancient manuscripts read the Hebrew word as meaning sword of mouth rather than sword from mouth. He suggests the verse means God saves the poor from harm spoken by powerful people.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible Protestant 1832
Barnes argues that the puzzling phrase "from the sword, from their mouth" means God saves the poor from the violent speech and devouring threats of their oppressors. He finds no need to alter the Hebrew text; the sense is that God protects the defenseless from the powerful who would destroy them.
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges Anglican 1880
Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges notes that God’s chastisements are part of his overall plan to do good. Christians who hold this view see Job’s suffering as a chance to receive greater blessings.
Geneva Bible Notes Reformed 1599
The Geneva note observes that God saves the poor from three distinct dangers: the sword of violence, the slander of speech, and the oppression of the powerful. This triple deliverance shows God's complete protection against every form of attack the poor face. Each threat targets a different vulnerability, yet none escapes God's rescue.
Gill's Exposition of the Bible Baptist 1748
Gill highlights the phrase "from their mouth" in this verse, noting that it refers to the verbal attacks and slander of the poor by their enemies, whose tongues are like sharp swords. He then applies the same pattern spiritually: God saves the spiritually poor from the sword of divine justice, the condemning law, and the accusations of Satan and wicked men.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Commentary Protestant 1871
Christians who hold this view understand that evil people speak harmful words that cause death. They see such speech as a sword coming from their mouths. This belief holds hope through the resurrection.
Keil & Delitzsch OT Commentary Protestant 1876
Keil and Delitzsch note that the Hebrew word for true wisdom refers to real knowledge based on actual existence rather than empty skill. Christians who hold this view point to Job 5:15 while others emphasize different verses. Both seek to be faithful to Scripture. Hope arises for the weak and folly is silenced.
Lange's Commentary Reformed 1857
Lange argues that Eliphaz speaks many true and beautiful things, but his speech fails because it applies general religious truths without genuine sympathy or insight into Job's unique suffering. Eliphaz assumes suffering proves guilt, revealing a shallow, legalistic view of God's justice that misses the possibility of innocent suffering.
Matthew Henry's Commentary Reformed/Presbyterian 1710
Henry notes that some read this verse as meaning sin does not come from human actions. He also says God causes affliction according to his own will and counsel.
Wesley's Explanatory Notes Methodist/Wesleyan 1754
Mouth - Which was ready to swallow them up.