Job states to his “troublesome comforters” מְנַחֲמ֖י עָמ֣ל that they should use better discernment and human kindness and not speak to him or treat him with such unlovingness. (Job 16:1, 2) A statement of his, however, has been variously translated – some correctly and some not. The passage states:
In the original Hebrew: למס מרעהו חסד ויראת שדי יעזוב׃
New International Version
"A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
"A despairing man should have the devotion of his friends, even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
New Living Translation
"One should be kind to a fainting friend, but you accuse me without any fear of the Almighty.
"One should be kind to a fainting friend, but you accuse me without any fear of the Almighty.
English Standard Version
“He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
“He who withholds kindness from a friend forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
New American Standard Bible
"For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend; So that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty.
"For the despairing man there should be kindness from his friend; So that he does not forsake the fear of the Almighty.
King James Version
To him that is afflicted pity should be showed from his friend; but he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
To him that is afflicted pity should be showed from his friend; but he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
Bible in Basic English
He whose heart is shut against his friend has given up the fear of the Ruler of all.
He whose heart is shut against his friend has given up the fear of the Ruler of all.
Douay-Rheims Bible
He that taketh away mercy from his friend, forsaketh the fear of the Lord.
He that taketh away mercy from his friend, forsaketh the fear of the Lord.
World English Bible"To him who is ready to faint, kindness should be shown from his friend; even to him who forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
New World Translation of the Holy ScripturesAs regards anyone who withholds loving-kindness from his own fellow, he will also leave off even the fear of the Almighty.
Which of these translations are truly accurate and literal? Which of them reflect the correct basic thoughts? The Hebrew word for “kindness” / “loving-kindness” or “loyalty” / “loyal-love” in this context is חֶסֶד (khesed). The basic idea of this Hebrew word is a kindness-loyalty based upon love. Consequently, those translations that have “kindness” or more correctly “loving-kindness” are accurate and literal. But what is the correct meaning of the second part of the verse?
The line simply and literally reads “and the fear [respect] of the Almighty he forsakes.” Since the first part of the verse tells us that one should not withhold loving-kindness from his fellow or friend – implying his fellow or friend may be in some sort of need in which he could help – than to not give such loving-kindness to his fellow/friend reflect the fact that he ‘forsakes the fear [respect] of the Almighty’ or has ‘left off the fear [respect] of the Almighty’. Therefore, those translations that reflect the idea of those who do not show proper kindness to his friend/fellow also forsakes or leaves the proper fear of the Almighty is accurate.
The study of this verse shows that the versions which reflect accurate translation include the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures, the English Standard Version, the Bible in Basic English and the Douay-Rheims Holy Bible. Most of the others reflect that loving-kindness is to be extended to one who has forsaken the Almighty which would be misplaced kindness for a servant of God. The New Living Translation introduces a foreign element not reflected in the Hebrew text that despite showing kindness to one’s fellow one also is accusing him to God; this is not correct at all. The New American Standard Bible changes the Hebrew to say that kindness should be shown so that one’s fellow will not forsake the fear of God; this is not in the Hebrew at all.
It is of interest to note that those few accurate translations agree with the statement / teaching of the apostle John when he wrote: “Whoever has the world’s means of subsistence to support life and sees his brother in need and yet shuts off his tender compassion from him, how can the love of God remain in such a person?” Something to which all who profess to be “Christian” or have the label “Servant of God” should give serious consideration – especially in these days of world-wide troubles that afflict us all. – 1 John 3:17; note John 13:35.
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