King James Version

What Does Job 36:16 Mean?

Job 36:16 in the King James Version says “Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which sh...” — study this verse from Job chapter 36 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness. that: Heb. the rest of thy table”

Job 36:16 · KJV

Context

14

They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean. They: Heb. Their soul dieth unclean: or, sodomites

15

He delivereth the poor in his affliction, and openeth their ears in oppression. poor: or, afflicted

16

Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait into a broad place, where there is no straitness; and that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness. that: Heb. the rest of thy table

17

But thou hast fulfilled the judgment of the wicked: judgment and justice take hold on thee. take: or, should uphold thee

18

Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee. deliver: Heb. turn thee aside

Read Job 36 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Even so would he have removed thee out of the strait (וְאַף הֲסִיתְךָ מִפִּי־צָר, v'af hasit'kha mi-pi tsar)—Elihu shifts from warning to promise, using the verb hasit (to entice, allure, remove) suggesting God's gracious desire to deliver Job from his narrow place (tsar). The imagery is spatial: moving from confinement to a broad place (רַחַב, rachav), the same word David uses in Psalm 18:19 when God 'brought me forth into a large place.'

Where there is no straitness (תַּחְתֶּיהָ, tachteha)—literally 'under it' or 'instead of it,' emphasizing the contrast between confinement and freedom. The promise continues: that which should be set on thy table should be full of fatness (נַחַת שֻׁלְחָנְךָ מָלֵא דָשֶׁן, nachat shulchan'kha male dashen). The word dashen means 'fat, richness, abundance'—the choicest portions reserved for celebration. Elihu argues that if Job would only submit to God's discipline rather than resist it, God would replace his suffering with abundant blessing. This echoes the pattern throughout Scripture where humility leads to exaltation (James 4:10, 1 Peter 5:6).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The imagery of 'broad place' versus 'narrow place' resonated deeply in ancient Near Eastern culture where spatial freedom represented safety and prosperity. Enclosed spaces (sieges, prisons, narrow passes) meant danger and constraint. The promise of a table full of fatness reflects patriarchal hospitality where abundant food demonstrated blessing and honor (Psalm 23:5).

Reflection Questions

  1. What 'narrow places' in your life might be divine discipline intended to lead you to greater freedom?
  2. How does resisting God's correction keep us trapped in confinement when He desires to bring us into spacious blessing?
  3. In what ways does God set a table of abundance after seasons of discipline and testing?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
וְאַ֤ף1 of 12
H637

meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though

הֲסִיתְךָ֙׀2 of 12

“Even so would he have removed”

H5496

properly, to prick, i.e., (figuratively) stimulate; by implication, to seduce

מִפִּי3 of 12

“thee out of the strait”

H6310

the mouth (as the means of blowing), whether literal or figurative (particularly speech); specifically edge, portion or side; adverbially (with prepos

צָ֗ר4 of 12
H6862

a pebble (as in h6864)

רַ֭חַב5 of 12

“into a broad place”

H7338

a width

לֹא6 of 12
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

מוּצָ֣ק7 of 12

“there is no straitness”

H4164

narrowness; figuratively, distress

תַּחְתֶּ֑יהָ8 of 12

“where”

H8478

the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc

וְנַ֥חַת9 of 12

“and that which should be set”

H5183

a descent, i.e., imposition, unfavorable (punishment) or favorable (food)

שֻׁ֝לְחָנְךָ֗10 of 12

“on thy table”

H7979

a table (as spread out); by implication, a meal

מָ֣לֵא11 of 12

“should be full”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

דָֽשֶׁן׃12 of 12

“of fatness”

H1880

the fat; abstractly fatness, i.e., (figuratively) abundance; specifically the (fatty) ashes of sacrifices

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 36:16 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 36:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 23:5Psalms 118:5Psalms 31:8Psalms 63:5Psalms 18:19Isaiah 25:6

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