King James Version

What Does Job 5:7 Mean?

Job 5:7 in the King James Version says “Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. trouble: or, labour sparks: Heb. the sons of the burning coal li...” — study this verse from Job chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. trouble: or, labour sparks: Heb. the sons of the burning coal lift up to fly”

Job 5:7 · KJV

Context

5

Whose harvest the hungry eateth up, and taketh it even out of the thorns, and the robber swalloweth up their substance.

6

Although affliction cometh not forth of the dust, neither doth trouble spring out of the ground; affliction: or, iniquity

7

Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward. trouble: or, labour sparks: Heb. the sons of the burning coal lift up to fly

8

I would seek unto God, and unto God would I commit my cause:

9

Which doeth great things and unsearchable ; marvellous things without number: unsearchable: Heb. there is no search without: Heb. till there be no number

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Eliphaz declares 'man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward' (adam le-amal yullad, אָדָם לְעָמָל יוּלָּד). The word amal (עָמָל) means toil, trouble, or misery—human existence inevitably includes suffering. The comparison to sparks flying upward (bene reshef, בְּנֵי־רֶשֶׁף, literally 'sons of flame') suggests natural inevitability. This observation contains wisdom: we live in a fallen world where suffering is universal. However, Eliphaz uses this truth to minimize Job's specific suffering and suggest he should simply accept it without complaint.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The phrase reflects ancient wisdom about the human condition under the curse (Genesis 3:17-19). Eliphaz correctly identifies that suffering is part of fallen existence but wrongly concludes that Job should therefore not question his particular affliction. The verse appears in Eliphaz's counsel that Job should seek God and accept correction (5:8, 17), assuming Job's suffering is divine discipline.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we balance accepting that suffering is part of fallen existence with legitimately questioning specific injustices?
  2. What is the difference between Eliphaz's fatalism and biblical acceptance of God's sovereignty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כִּֽי1 of 8
H3588

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

אָ֭דָם2 of 8

“Yet man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

לְעָמָ֣ל3 of 8

“unto trouble”

H5999

toil, i.e., wearing effort; hence, worry, whether of body or mind

יוּלָּ֑ד4 of 8

“is born”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

וּבְנֵי5 of 8

“as”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

רֶ֝֗שֶׁף6 of 8

“the sparks”

H7565

a live coal; by analogy lightning; figuratively, an arrow, (as flashing through the air); specifically, fever

יַגְבִּ֥יהוּ7 of 8

“upward”

H1361

to soar, i.e., be lofty; figuratively, to be haughty

עֽוּף׃8 of 8

“fly”

H5774

to fly; also (by implication of dimness) to faint (from the darkness of swooning)

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 5:7 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 5:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 14:1Genesis 3:17-19Ecclesiastes 5:15-171 Corinthians 10:13Ecclesiastes 1:8Psalms 90:8-9

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