Job 4:3

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 4:3 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Behold, thou hast instructed many, And thou hast strengthened the weak hands.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Behold, thou hast instructed many, And thou hast strengthened the weak hands.
Job 4:3 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
3Behold, thou hast instructed many, And thou hast strengthened the weak hands.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Behold, thou hast instructed many, etc.] This is introduced with a “behold”, either as a note of admiration, that such a man, who had instructed others, should act the part he now does; or as a note of attention to Job himself, and all others that should hear and read this, to observe it, and well consider it, and make the proper use of it; or as a note of asseveration, affirming it to be true and certain, notorious and unquestionable, as no doubt it was: Job was the instructor, a great man, and yet condescended to teach and instruct men in the best things, as did also Abraham, David, Solomon, and others; and a good man, and so fit to teach good things, as every good man is, and who,…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“weak hands-- Isa 35:3; Sa2 4:1.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Behold, thou hast instructed many - That is, thou hast instructed many how they ought to bear trials, and hast delivered important maxims to them on the great subject of the divine government. This is not designed to be irony, or to wound the feelings of Job. It is intended to recall to his mind the lessons which he had inculcated on others in times of calamity, and to show him how important it was now that he should reduce his own lessons to practice, and show their power in sustaining himself. Thou hast strengthened the weak hands - That is, thou hast aided the feeble. The hands are the instruments by which we accomplish anything, and when they are weak, it is an indication of…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“4:3-4 People . . . who were weak were depressed and suffered from low morale (Isa 13:7; 35:3; Ezek 7:17).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Behold: Gen 18:19; Pro 10:21, Pro 15:7, Pro 16:21; Isa 50:4; Eph 4:29; Col 4:6 and thou hast: Job 16:5; Deu 3:28; Ezr 6:22; Isa 35:3; Eze 13:22; Luk 22:32, Luk 22:43 Job 4:4”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification