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Job 5:16

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 5:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “So the poor hath hope, And iniquity stoppeth her mouth.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

So the poor hath hope, And iniquity stoppeth her mouth.
Job 5:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13He taketh the wise in their own craftiness; And the counsel of the cunning is carried headlong.
14They meet with darkness in the day-time, And grope at noonday as in the night.
15But he saveth from the sword of their mouth, Even the needy from the hand of the mighty.
16So the poor hath hope, And iniquity stoppeth her mouth.
17Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth: Therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty.
18For he maketh sore, and bindeth up; He woundeth, and his hands make whole.
19He will deliver thee in six troubles; Yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.
← Job 5:15Job 5:17 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“So the poor hath hope, etc.] Who observing this and that and the other poor man crying to the Lord and saved, hopes that he may be saved by him also; and having had experience of salvation out of one trouble or more, even out of six troubles, as in (<180519>Job 5:19), entertains a comfortable hope he shall be saved out of the seventh, or whatsoever he is in: the word f212 used signifies one that is weak and feeble, attenuated, and exhausted of his strength, wealth, and substance; and may be applied to one spiritually poor, and in a very destitute and forlorn condition in himself; and yet, through the revelation of the grace and mercy of God to him, has hope of safety in Christ, the strong…”
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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
“the poor hath hope--of the interposition of God. iniquity stoppeth her mouth-- (Psa 107:42; Mic 7:9-10; Isa 52:15). Especially at the last day, through shame (Jde 1:15; Mat 22:12). The "mouth" was the offender (Job 5:15), and the mouth shall then be stopped (Isa 25:8) at the end.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“So the poor hath hope - From the interposition of God. They are not left in a sad and comfortless condition. They are permitted to regard God as their protector and friend, and to look forward to another and a better world. This sentiment accords with all that is elsewhere said in the Scriptures, that the offers of mercy are specially made to the poor, and that they are especially the objects of the divine compassion. And iniquity stoppeth her mouth - That is, the wicked are confounded when they see all their plans foiled, and find themselves entangled in the snares which they have laid for others. A similar sentiment occurs in Psalms 107:41-42 : Yet setteth he the poor on high from…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“So - So he obtains what he hoped for from God, to whom he committed his cause. Iniquity - Wicked men. Stoppeth - They are silenced and confounded, finding that not only the poor are got out of their snares, but the oppressors themselves are ensnared in them. Job 5:17”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“the poor: Sa1 2:8, Sa1 2:9; Psa 9:18; Isa 14:32; Zac 9:12 and: Exo 11:7; Psa 63:11, Psa 107:42; Rom 3:19 Job 5:17”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification