King James Version

What Does Job 5:23 Mean?

Job 5:23 in the King James Version says “For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.” — study this verse from Job chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.”

Job 5:23 · KJV

Peace

Context

21

Thou shalt be hid from the scourge of the tongue: neither shalt thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. from: or, when the tongue scourgeth

22

At destruction and famine thou shalt laugh: neither shalt thou be afraid of the beasts of the earth.

23

For thou shalt be in league with the stones of the field: and the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee.

24

And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin. thy tabernacle: or, peace is thy tabernacle sin: or, err

25

Thou shalt know also that thy seed shall be great, and thine offspring as the grass of the earth. great: or, much

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Eliphaz continues his counsel to Job with promises of covenant blessing for the righteous. The phrase "thou shalt be in league" (ki im-avnei hassadeh veriteka) literally means "your covenant shall be with the stones of the field." The Hebrew berit (covenant/league) indicates a formal, binding relationship of peace.

The subject is striking: "stones of the field"—typically obstacles to farming. In ancient agriculture, rocky soil was a constant challenge. The promise that even stones would be in covenant suggests miraculous harmony with creation itself. The parallel statement reinforces this: "the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee" (vechayat hassadeh hoshlmah lak). The verb shalam means to be complete, whole, or at peace—the same root as shalom.

This imagery recalls Edenic harmony before the fall, when creation existed in perfect peace. Eliphaz promises that the righteous will experience restoration of this harmony—stones won't hinder work, wild animals won't threaten. This represents complete security and divine favor manifested in the natural world. However, the irony is that Eliphaz applies this incorrectly to Job, assuming Job's suffering proves unrighteousness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

This speech comes early in Job's dialogues with his three friends, around 2000-1800 BC based on patriarchal setting. Eliphaz was likely from Teman, known for wisdom (Jeremiah 49:7). His theology represented the conventional wisdom of the ancient Near East: righteousness brings blessing, suffering indicates sin.

The agricultural imagery would resonate deeply with an ancient audience. Stones were a perpetual problem—they had to be cleared from fields, they broke plow tips, and they limited crop yields. God's covenant with Noah established peace between humans and animals (Genesis 9), but attacks from wild beasts remained a real danger in the ancient world. Lions, bears, and wolves threatened both livestock and people. The promise of peace with animals appears elsewhere as a covenant blessing (Leviticus 26:6; Ezekiel 34:25; Hosea 2:18). Eliphaz's words echo legitimate covenant promises, but his application fails because he doesn't understand that Job's suffering isn't punitive but testing. The book of Job ultimately challenges the simplistic retribution theology that Eliphaz represents.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does it mean to have a 'covenant' or 'league' with stones and beasts?
  2. How does this promise relate to humanity's original dominion over creation?
  3. Why does Eliphaz's theologically sound promise fail to comfort Job?
  4. In what ways do we see nature's hostility as a result of the fall?
  5. How might this verse point prophetically to the final restoration of creation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
כִּ֤י1 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עִם2 of 9
H5973

adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

אַבְנֵ֣י3 of 9

“with the stones”

H68

a stone

הַ֝שָּׂדֶ֗ה4 of 9

“of the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

בְרִיתֶ֑ךָ5 of 9

“For thou shalt be in league”

H1285

a compact (because made by passing between pieces of flesh)

וְחַיַּ֥ת6 of 9

“and the beasts”

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

הַ֝שָּׂדֶ֗ה7 of 9

“of the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

הָשְׁלְמָה8 of 9

“shall be at peace”

H7999

to be safe (in mind, body or estate); figuratively, to be (causatively, make) completed; by implication, to be friendly; by extension, to reciprocate

לָֽךְ׃9 of 9
H0

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 5:23 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 5:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Leviticus 26:6Daniel 6:22Isaiah 11:6-9Psalms 91:12-13Hosea 2:18Romans 8:38-39

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