Surely you have instructed manyThis phrase acknowledges Job's role as a teacher and counselor, suggesting he was a man of wisdom and influence. In the cultural context of the Ancient Near East, wisdom was highly valued, and those who possessed it were often sought after for guidance. Job's reputation for instructing many indicates he was respected and had a significant impact on his community. This aligns with the biblical portrayal of wisdom literature, where figures like Solomon are also depicted as sources of wisdom (
1 Kings 4:29-34). Job's role as an instructor can be seen as a type of Christ, who is the ultimate teacher and source of wisdom (
Matthew 7:28-29).
and have strengthened their feeble hands
This part of the verse highlights Job's role in providing support and encouragement to those who were weak or struggling. The imagery of "feeble hands" suggests a state of helplessness or inability to act, which Job helped to remedy. In the historical context, providing strength to the weak was a valued virtue, reflecting the communal nature of ancient societies where mutual support was essential for survival. This act of strengthening others can be seen as a reflection of God's character, who is described as a helper and sustainer (Psalm 54:4). It also prefigures the ministry of Jesus, who healed the sick and uplifted the downtrodden (Matthew 11:28-30).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
JobA man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, known for his immense suffering and faithfulness.
2.
Eliphaz the TemaniteOne of Job's three friends who comes to comfort him. In this verse, Eliphaz begins his first speech, attempting to offer counsel to Job.
3.
TemanA region in Edom, known for its wise men. Eliphaz, being a Temanite, is presumed to be wise and knowledgeable.
4.
The Suffering of JobThe context of this verse is Job's immense suffering after losing his wealth, children, and health, which sets the stage for the dialogues between Job and his friends.
5.
The Role of CounselThis verse highlights the importance of providing counsel and support to those in need, a theme that runs throughout the dialogues in the Book of Job.
Teaching Points
The Power of EncouragementJob's past actions of instructing and strengthening others highlight the significant impact of encouragement. As believers, we are called to uplift those around us, especially in times of need.
The Importance of Community SupportEliphaz's recognition of Job's role in supporting others underscores the value of community and mutual support within the body of Christ.
Reflecting on Personal InfluenceConsider how your words and actions can influence and strengthen others. Are you using your influence to build up those who are struggling?
The Role of Wisdom in CounselEliphaz, as a Temanite, is expected to be wise. This reminds us of the importance of seeking and offering wise counsel grounded in Scripture.
Responding to SufferingJob's situation challenges us to think about how we respond to suffering—both our own and that of others. Are we quick to judge, or do we offer compassionate support?
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Job 4:3?
2.How can we "instruct many" like Job did in Job 4:3 today?
3.What does Job 4:3 teach about the power of encouraging others?
4.How does Job 4:3 connect with Proverbs 12:25 on uplifting words?
5.In what ways can we "strengthen feeble hands" in our community?
6.How can we apply Job's example of encouragement in our daily lives?
7.How does Job 4:3 reflect the theme of encouragement in times of suffering?
8.What historical context influenced the message of Job 4:3?
9.How does Job 4:3 align with the overall theology of the Book of Job?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Job 4?
11.How can a young man purify his path?
12.How do preaching and teaching differ in purpose and method?
13.Job 11:12 likens humans to wild donkeys; how does this align with Genesis' teaching that humans reflect God's image?
14.Why does Proverbs 4:13 insist on unwavering adherence to instruction when other biblical passages (like Job) suggest wisdom doesn't always prevent hardship?What Does Job 4:3 Mean
SurelyEliphaz opens with a word of certainty—“Surely.” He is not guessing about Job’s past; he is confident. Scripture often uses such affirming language to underscore what is well-known (2 Corinthians 5:1, “For we know…”). Here, Eliphaz is reminding Job—and the listening readers—that Job’s character and conduct were public facts, not private rumors.
You have instructed manyEliphaz testifies that Job was a teacher of truth:
• Job’s counsel had brought clarity and direction to large numbers (“many”), echoing the esteem shown inJob 29:21-22, where men “listened and waited in silence for my counsel.”
• This ministry of instruction mirrors the call found later inProverbs 9:9, “Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still,” showing that godly wisdom multiplies when shared.
• By teaching others, Job fulfilled the principle inMatthew 5:14-16—letting his light shine before men—long before Jesus said it.
Eliphaz’s point: Job’s life has been marked by consistent, faithful teaching that shaped families, workers, and communities in righteousness.
And have strengthened their feeble handsJob’s help went beyond words; he fortified the weary:
• “Feeble hands” recallsIsaiah 35:3, “Strengthen the weak hands and steady the knees that give way,” a call to practical care.
•Hebrews 12:12 later echoes the same imagery, urging believers to “strengthen your limp hands and weak knees,” indicating that Job modeled a timeless duty.
Specific ways Job may have strengthened others (seeJob 29:12-17):
– Rescuing the poor who cried for help
– Caring for orphans and widows
– Acting as eyes to the blind and feet to the lame
– Breaking the fangs of the wicked to deliver the oppressed
Such tangible acts embodyGalatians 6:2, “Carry one another’s burdens,” showing that real faith rolls up its sleeves.
summaryEliphaz’s opening words inJob 4:3 remind us that Job was renowned for two intertwined ministries: teaching truth and bolstering the weak. The verse celebrates a life that spoke wisdom and supplied strength, illustratingJames 2:18, “Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.” Though Eliphaz will soon misapply his observations, his testimony here affirms that God’s people are called to instruct many and strengthen feeble hands, trusting that such labor is seen, remembered, and ultimately rewarded by the Lord.
(3)
Behold, thou hast instructed many.--There is a conspicuous want of feeling in Eliphaz. Without any true sympathy, however, he may have given the outward signs of it (
Job 2:12-13). He charges Job with inability to derive from his own principles that support which he had expected them to afford to others, and seems almost to rejoice malevolently that one who had been so great a help to others was now in need of help himself. "Calamity touches thee, and thou art overwhelmed by it."
Verse 3. -
Behold, thou hast instructed many; or,
corrected many. When others have been afflicted and murmured, thou hast corrected them, and shown them that they were suffering only what they deserved to suffer. In so doing,
thou hast strengthened the weak hands; "given moral strength,"
i.e., "to those who were morally weak," upheld them, saved them from impatient words and hard thoughts of God.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Surelyהִ֭נֵּה(hin·nêh)Interjection
Strong's 2009:Lo! behold!you have instructedיִסַּ֣רְתָּ(yis·sar·tā)Verb - Piel - Perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 3256:To discipline, chasten, admonishmany,רַבִּ֑ים(rab·bîm)Adjective - masculine plural
Strong's 7227:Much, many, greatand have strengthenedתְּחַזֵּֽק׃(tə·ḥaz·zêq)Verb - Piel - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 2388:To fasten upon, to seize, be strong, obstinate, to bind, restrain, conquertheir feebleרָפ֣וֹת(rā·p̄ō·wṯ)Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 7504:An Israelite in the line of Saulhands.וְיָדַ֖יִם(wə·yā·ḏa·yim)Conjunctive waw | Noun - fd
Strong's 3027:A hand
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OT Poetry: Job 4:3 Behold you have instructed many you have (Jb) 
