King James Version
What Does Job 26:2 Mean?
“How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength?”
Job 26:2 · KJV
Context
1
But Job answered and said,
2
How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength?
3
How hast thou counselled him that hath no wisdom? and how hast thou plentifully declared the thing as it is?
4
To whom hast thou uttered words? and whose spirit came from thee?
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryJob's sarcastic response: 'How hast thou helped him that is without power? how savest thou the arm that hath no strength?' This mocks the friends' useless counsel. Their words provide no actual help to one truly powerless and weak. Theology that doesn't comfort fails its purpose.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom emphasized practical help alongside theoretical knowledge. Job's sarcasm reveals the friends' failure to provide either.
Reflection Questions
- When has theological correctness failed to provide practical comfort?
- How do you ensure your spiritual counsel actually helps the powerless?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 8 wordsמֶה1 of 8
H4100properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
לֹא3 of 8
“that hath no”
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
כֹ֑חַ4 of 8
“him that is without power”
H3581vigor, literally (force, in a good or a bad sense) or figuratively (capacity, means, produce)
ה֝וֹשַׁ֗עְתָּ5 of 8
“how savest”
H3467properly, to be open, wide or free, i.e., (by implication) to be safe; causatively, to free or succor
זְר֣וֹעַ6 of 8
“thou the arm”
H2220the arm (as stretched out), or (of animals) the foreleg; figuratively, force
לֹא7 of 8
“that hath no”
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Study Guide
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Job 26:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Job 26:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge