Job 5:15

But he saveth the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty.

Job 5:15 (KJV)

Context

Job suffers greatly, losing his children, wealth, and health. His friend Eliphaz speaks to comfort him, but his understanding is limited. This verse is part of Eliphaz’s first speech, where he declares that God saves the poor and needy from destruction.

Meaning

The verse names three dangers: the sword, the mouth, and the hand of the mighty. The sword means violent death from enemies. The mouth refers to harmful words, such as false accusations or slander. The hand of the mighty stands for the oppressive power of those who are strong and unjust. These three dangers represent distinct forms of harm—physical, verbal, and social—yet God delivers the poor from all of them.

The Hebrew word for “poor” here means one who is weak, feeble, and exhausted of strength and wealth. God sees such people and acts as their defender. He takes notice of those who have no human helper and rises to save them.

Biblical connections

In Job 5:14, Eliphaz says God frustrates the schemes of the crafty, causing them to grope in darkness. Verse 15 shows the positive result: God actively rescues the needy from those same cunning and powerful people. The next verse, Job 5:16, adds that because of this, “the poor have hope, and injustice shuts its mouth.” God’s deliverance is not an isolated act; it gives lasting hope and silences wrong.

Application

This verse calls believers to trust God’s saving power in times of trouble. When facing physical danger, hurtful words, or oppression by the powerful, the poor and afflicted can rely on God. He is compassionate and hears the cries of the distressed. This truth also urges God’s people to care for the marginalized, reflecting His concern for justice and His heart for the helpless.

Reflection

God’s salvation covers every form of harm: physical, verbal, and social. The “mighty” may abuse their authority, but God intervenes so that the weak are not destroyed without consequence. His deliverance is comprehensive, reaching every threat and every oppressor. This verse offers comfort and assurance that God is aware of our struggles and actively works to bring deliverance and justice.