Job 8:21

He will yet fill your mouth with laughter, and your lips with a shout of joy.

Study Bible

He will yet fill
The phrase "He will yet fill" suggests a future action that is certain to occur. In the Hebrew text, the verb used here is "מָלֵא" (male), which means to fill or to be full. This implies a divine promise of restoration and abundance. Historically, this reflects the belief in God's ability to transform situations, a theme prevalent throughout the Old Testament. It reassures believers that despite current suffering, God has the power to bring about a complete and fulfilling change.

your mouth with laughter
"Laughter" in this context is translated from the Hebrew word "שְׂחוֹק" (sechoq), which signifies joy and merriment. In ancient times, laughter was often associated with relief and the end of distress. Biblically, laughter is seen as a gift from God, a sign of His favor and blessing. This phrase suggests that God will replace Job's current sorrow with joy, a promise that resonates with the broader biblical narrative of redemption and hope.

and your lips with a shout of joy
The "shout of joy" is derived from the Hebrew "תְרוּעָה" (teruah), which can mean a joyful noise or a triumphant shout. This term is often used in the context of victory or celebration, such as in the Psalms where it describes the jubilant praise of God's people. The imagery of lips filled with a shout of joy indicates a transformation from silence or lament to vocal praise and thanksgiving. It underscores the belief that God not only restores but also elevates His people to a state of exuberant worship.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, experiencing intense suffering and loss.

2. Bildad the Shuhite
One of Job's three friends who visit him to offer counsel. Bildad speaks in Job 8, attempting to explain Job's suffering through traditional wisdom.

3. Uz
The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel, possibly in Edom or northern Arabia.

4. God
The sovereign Creator who allows Job's testing and ultimately restores him.

5. Satan
The adversary who challenges Job's integrity, suggesting that Job is faithful only because of his prosperity.

Teaching Points

God's Promise of Restoration
Despite current suffering, God promises to restore joy and laughter. Trust in His timing and faithfulness.

The Role of Friends in Suffering
Bildad's counsel, though well-intentioned, was based on incomplete understanding. Be cautious in offering advice; seek to comfort and support rather than judge.

Endurance Through Trials
Like Job, believers are called to endure suffering with faith, trusting that God will ultimately bring joy and vindication.

Joy as a Gift from God
True joy and laughter are gifts from God, often following periods of trial. Seek joy in God's presence and promises.

Hope in God's Character
God's nature is compassionate and merciful. Even when circumstances are bleak, hope in His unchanging character.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Job 8:21 reflect the character of God in terms of His ability to restore joy and laughter? Consider other biblical examples of restoration.

2. In what ways can we be like Bildad, offering advice without fully understanding someone's situation? How can we better support those who are suffering?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced a transition from sorrow to joy. How did your faith play a role in that transformation?

4. How can the promise of future joy and laughter in Job 8:21 encourage you in your current trials? What practical steps can you take to hold onto this promise?

5. Compare Job's account with other biblical figures who endured suffering. What common themes of faith and restoration do you observe, and how can they apply to your life today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 126:2
This verse speaks of mouths filled with laughter and tongues with songs of joy, similar to the promise in Job 8:21, highlighting God's ability to restore joy after hardship.

James 5:11
James refers to the perseverance of Job, emphasizing the Lord's compassion and mercy, which aligns with the hope of restoration in Job 8:21.

Isaiah 61:3
This passage speaks of God giving a "garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair," paralleling the transformation from sorrow to joy promised in Job 8:21.