Job 6:15
Job 6:15 in Multiple Translations
But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow,
My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;
My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, As the channel of brooks that pass away;
My friends have been false like a stream, like streams in the valleys which come to an end:
My brothers have acted as deceptively as a desert stream, rushing waters in the desert that vanish.
My brethre haue deceiued me as a brook, and as the rising of the riuers they passe away.
My brethren have deceived as a brook, As a stream of brooks they pass away.
My brothers have dealt deceitfully as a brook, as the channel of brooks that pass away;
My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;
My brethren have passed by me, as the torrent that passeth swiftly in the valleys.
But you, my friends, are not dependable. You are like streams: They spill over their banks in the spring
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 6:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 6:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַ֭חַ/י
בָּגְד֣וּ
כְמוֹ
נָ֑חַל
כַּ/אֲפִ֖יק
נְחָלִ֣ים
יַעֲבֹֽרוּ
אַ֭חַ/י
ʼâch
H251
brother
N-mp | Suff
בָּגְד֣וּ
bâgad
H898
to act treacherously
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
כְמוֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
like
Prep
נָ֑חַל
nachal
H5158
Brook
N-ms
כַּ/אֲפִ֖יק
ʼâphîyq
H650
channel
Prep | N-ms
נְחָלִ֣ים
nachal
H5158
Brook
N-mp
יַעֲבֹֽרוּ
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 6:15
אַ֭חַ/י
ʼâch
H251
"brother"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a brother or male sibling, but it can also refer to a close relative, friend, or someone with a similar relationship. It is used to describe the bond between brothers, like the relationship between Cain and Abel in Genesis.
Definition: : male-sibling 1) brother 1a) brother of same parents 1b) half-brother (same father) 1c) relative, kinship, same tribe 1d) each to the other (reciprocal relationship) 1e) (fig.) of resemblance
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: another, brother(-ly); kindred, like, other. Compare also the proper names beginning with 'Ah-' or 'Ahi-'. See also: Genesis 4:2; Genesis 42:13; Numbers 25:6.
בָּגְד֣וּ
bâgad
H898
"to act treacherously"
V-Qal-Perf-3cp
To act treacherously means to be deceitful or unfaithful, as seen in Job 31:27-28, where Job denies acting treacherously. It involves covering or hiding one's true intentions, often to pillage or offend others.
Definition: 1) to act treacherously, deceitfully, deal treacherously 1a) (Qal) to act or deal treacherously, faithlessly, deceitfully, offend
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: deal deceitfully (treacherously, unfaithfully), offend, transgress(-or), (depart), treacherous (dealer, -ly, man), unfaithful(-ly, man), [idiom] very. See also: Exodus 21:8; Isaiah 24:16; Psalms 25:3.
כְמוֹ
kᵉmôw
H3644
"like"
Prep
This word means like or as, used to compare things. It appears in the Bible to describe similarities or to make comparisons, such as in the book of Psalms.
Definition: adv 1) like, as, the like of which conj 2) when, according as, as it were
Usage: Occurs in 126 OT verses. KJV: according to, (such) as (it were, well as), in comparison of, like (as, to, unto), thus, when, worth. See also: Genesis 19:15; Job 40:17; Psalms 29:6.
נָ֑חַל
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
כַּ/אֲפִ֖יק
ʼâphîyq
H650
"channel"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word refers to a channel or stream, and can also mean a strong or mighty thing. It appears in various forms, such as a brook or river, and is used to describe a powerful object or hero. In the Bible, it is used to describe natural features like streams and valleys.
Definition: 1) channel 2) ravine 3) of hollow bones (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: brook, channel, mighty, river, [phrase] scale, stream, strong piece. See also: 2 Samuel 22:16; Isaiah 8:7; Psalms 18:16.
נְחָלִ֣ים
nachal
H5158
"Brook"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for a brook or stream, often referring to a small river or valley, is used in the Bible to describe natural landscapes, such as the Brook Kidron in 2 Samuel 15:23. It can also refer to a narrow valley or a shaft of a mine, emphasizing the idea of a flowing body of water.
Definition: palm-tree Another name of shi.chor (שִׁיחוֹר "Shihor" H7883G)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: brook, flood, river, stream, valley. See also: Genesis 26:17; 1 Kings 18:5; Psalms 18:5.
יַעֲבֹֽרוּ
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
Study Notes — Job 6:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 6:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 6:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 6:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 6:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 6:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 6:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 6:15
- Cambridge Bible on Job 6:15
- Barnes' Notes on Job 6:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 6:15
- Sermons on Job 6:15
Context — Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just
13Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me?
14A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
15But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow,
16darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow, 17but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 38:11 | My beloved and friends shun my disease, and my kinsmen stand at a distance. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 15:18 | Why is my pain unending, and my wound incurable, refusing to be healed? You have indeed become like a mirage to me— water that is not there. |
| 3 | Psalms 41:9 | Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me. |
| 4 | John 13:18 | I am not speaking about all of you; I know whom I have chosen. But this is to fulfill the Scripture: ‘The one who shares My bread has lifted up his heel against Me.’ |
| 5 | John 16:32 | “Look, an hour is coming and has already come when you will be scattered, each to his own home, and you will leave Me all alone. Yet I am not alone, because the Father is with Me. |
| 6 | Psalms 55:12–14 | For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 9:4–5 | “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. |
| 8 | Job 19:19 | All my best friends despise me, and those I love have turned against me. |
| 9 | Psalms 88:18 | You have removed my beloved and my friend; darkness is my closest companion. |
| 10 | Micah 7:5–6 | Do not rely on a friend; do not trust in a companion. Seal the doors of your mouth from her who lies in your arms. For a son dishonors his father, a daughter rises against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the members of his own household. |
Job 6:15 Summary
In Job 6:15, Job is saying that his brothers are not trustworthy, they are like streams that sometimes have a lot of water and sometimes are completely dry. This means they are not always there for him when he needs them, much like the unfaithful friends in Psalm 41:9. Job is feeling sad and alone because he was expecting his brothers to support him during his hard time, as we see in Job 6:14. We can learn from this that true friends are those who stick with us through good times and bad, as encouraged in Proverbs 18:24, and that we can always trust God to be faithful, as promised in Deuteronomy 7:9.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Job mean by comparing his brothers to wadis and seasonal streams?
Job is saying that his brothers are unreliable and unfaithful, just like the streams that overflow and then dry up, as described in Job 6:15-17, much like the unfaithful shepherds in Ezekiel 34:1-10 who neglect their flocks.
Why does Job feel that his brothers have been faithless?
Job feels that his brothers have not shown him the kindness and support he expected from them in his time of need, as he mentions in Job 6:14, a principle also emphasized in Proverbs 17:17 where a friend loves at all times.
What is the significance of the image of wadis and seasonal streams in this verse?
The image of wadis and seasonal streams highlights the fleeting and unpredictable nature of Job's brothers' support, which is reminiscent of the warnings against putting trust in fleeting riches in Proverbs 23:4-5.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of the book of Job?
This verse fits into the book of Job's exploration of suffering, faithfulness, and the nature of God, as Job navigates his own experiences of loss and disappointment, echoing the sentiments of Psalm 38:11 where the psalmist feels forsaken by friends.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways in which I have experienced faithlessness or unreliability from others, and how can I respond in a way that honors God?
- How can I be a more faithful and supportive friend to those around me, especially in times of need?
- What are some 'seasonal streams' in my own life that may be drying up or overflowing, and how can I find more stable sources of comfort and strength?
- In what ways can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's faithfulness, even when those around me may be unfaithful or unreliable?
Gill's Exposition on Job 6:15
My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook,.... Meaning his three friends, represented by Eliphaz, who were of the same sentiments with him, and behaved towards Job as he did: these were his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 6:15
My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away; My brethren, Those whom I regarded as my brethren, from whom I looked for faithfulness in my adversity, have
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 6:15
My brethren, i.e. my kinsmen or three friends; for though Eliphaz only had spoken, the other two showed their approbation of his discourse, or, at least, of that part of it which contained his censure of Job’ s person and state. Have dealt deceitfully; under a pretence of friendship and kindness dealing unrighteously and unmercifully with me, and adding to these afflictions which they said they came to remove. As the stream of brooks, which quickly vanish, and deceive the hopes of the thirsty traveller.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 6:15
Job 6:15 My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, [and] as the stream of brooks they pass away;Ver. 15. My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook] Even you, whom I esteemed as my brethren (for to them he applieth this speech, Job 6:21), prove hollow and helpless to me; like the river Araris, that moveth so slowly, that it can hardly be discerned, saith Caesar, whether it flow forward or backward (Caesar, de Bell Gal. l. 1); or rather, to a certain fish in that river Araris, called scolopidus; which at the waxing of the moon is as white as the driven snow, and at the waning thereof is as black as a burnt coal. Job here elegantly compareth them, not to a river which is fed by a spring, and hath a perennity of flowing; but to a brook arising from rain or melted snow, the property whereof is in a moisture, when there is least need of them, to swell; in a drought, when they should do good, to fail. It is reported of the river Novanus, in Lombardy, that at every midsummer solstice it swelleth and runneth over the banks, but in midwinter is quite dry (Plin. lib. 2, cap. 10. 3.) Such were Job’ s deceitful brethren; good summer birds, &c. The same author telleth us, that in that part of Spain called Carrinensis there is a river that shows all the fish in it to be like gold; but take them into thine hand, and they soon appear in their natural kind and colour. Job found that all is not gold that glittereth. And as the stream of brooks they pass away] i.e. As an impetuous land flood, they fail me; and now that I have most need of their refreshments, they yield me none, but the contrary rather; like as land floods by their sudden and violent overflow do much hurt many times to corn and cattle. I can go to these streams of brooks, saith Job, and show my friends the face of their hearts in those waters.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 6:15
(15) Have dealt deceitfully as a brook.—This is one of the most celebrated poetical similes in the book, and carries us to life in the desert, where the wadys, so mighty and torrent-like in the winter, are insignificant streams or fail altogether in summer. So when the writer saw the Gnadalquiver (or mighty wady) at Cordova, in August, it was a third-rate stream, running in many divided currents in its stony bed.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 6:15
Verse 15. Have dealt deceitfully as a brook] There is probably an allusion here to those land torrents which make a sudden appearance, and as suddenly vanish; being produced by the rains that fall upon the mountains during the rainy season, and are soon absorbed by the thirsty sands over which they run. At first they seem to promise a permanent stream, and are noticed with delight by the people, who fill their tanks or reservoirs from their waters; but sometimes they are so large and rapid as to carry every thing before them: and then suddenly fail, so that there is no time to fill the tanks. The approach of Job's friends promised much of sympathy and compassion; his expectations were raised: but their conduct soon convinced him that they were physicians of no value; therefore he compares them to the deceitful torrents that soon pass away.
Cambridge Bible on Job 6:15
15. they pass away] Better, that pass away, cf. ch. Job 11:16. The other sense, that overflow (their banks), is improbable.
Barnes' Notes on Job 6:15
My brethren - To wit, the three friends who had come to condole with him. He uses the language of brethren, to intimate what he had a right to expect from them. It is common in all languages to give the name brethren to friends.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 6:15
15. As a brook — The Arabians, as Schultens observes, compare a faithless friend to a mountain torrent.
Sermons on Job 6:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Our Daily Homily - Job by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of Job, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against temptation during times of festivity and the necessity of prayer and intercession for loved |
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As a Brook, as the Channel of Brooks by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on Job's lament regarding his friends who, instead of providing comfort, sought to uncover hidden sins as the cause of his suffering. He compares their failure |
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Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of filling one's heart with the Word of God rather than simply avoiding evil. He references the story of a demon being cast ou |
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June 23. 1678. Separate the Precious From the Vile: Or, the Altar-Fire. by Jane Lead | Jane Lead preaches about the cry of the soul in distress, questioning the perpetual pain and lack of healing, and feeling abandoned by God in the face of overwhelming challenges. H |
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Why Is My Pain Unending? by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks addresses the question of unending pain and suffering, emphasizing that while God has reasons for His actions, He is not obligated to reveal them to us. He warns agai |
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Gleanings From the Garden - Part 1 by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of engaging in conversations with students at a university. The speaker emphasizes the importance of engaging in discussion |
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Christ Is All - in Scripture by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection a |