King James Version

What Does Job 5:24 Mean?

Job 5:24 in the King James Version says “And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin. thy t...” — study this verse from Job chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Job 5:24 · KJV

Peace

Context

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

26

Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season. cometh in: Heb. ascendeth

Read Job 5 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Eliphaz promises: 'And thou shalt know that thy tabernacle shall be in peace; and thou shalt visit thy habitation, and shalt not sin.' The 'tabernacle' (tent/dwelling) represents home and family security. 'Not sin' could mean 'not miss' or 'not come to harm.' Eliphaz promises domestic tranquility and the security of finding everything intact when Job returns home. This is cruel given that Job's children are dead and his household destroyed—Eliphaz offers restoration contingent on admitting guilt for tragedies Job didn't cause.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The safety of one's dwelling and the security of finding everything intact upon return were highly valued in ancient Near Eastern culture, especially for semi-nomadic peoples. Eliphaz's promise would be particularly painful given Job's losses.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond to those who offer restoration contingent on confessing sins you didn't commit?
  2. What does Eliphaz's insensitive promise teach us about the cruelty of false comfort?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
וְֽ֭יָדַעְתָּ1 of 8

“And thou shalt know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

כִּֽי2 of 8
H3588

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

שָׁל֣וֹם3 of 8

“shall be in peace”

H7965

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

אָֽהֳלֶ֑ךָ4 of 8

“that thy tabernacle”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

וּֽפָקַדְתָּ֥5 of 8

“and thou shalt visit”

H6485

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

נָֽ֝וְךָ֗6 of 8

“thy habitation”

H5116

(adjectively) at home; hence (by implication of satisfaction) lovely; also (noun) a home, of god (temple), men (residence), flocks (pasture), or wild

וְלֹ֣א7 of 8
H3808

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

תֶֽחֱטָֽא׃8 of 8

“and shalt not sin”

H2398

properly, to miss; hence (figuratively and generally) to sin; by inference, to forfeit, lack, expiate, repent, (causatively) lead astray, condemn

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 5:24 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 5:24 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 121:7-8Psalms 91:10Isaiah 4:5-6Job 8:6Psalms 107:4Deuteronomy 28:6

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