Introduction to Job 5:1: The Irony of Prayer in a Rhetorical Rebuke
Job 5:1 comes from Eliphaz’s ongoing monologue where he chides Job with what sounds like spiritual advice but functions as subtle mockery. He challenges Job to “call out” and ask for help, knowing that Job will receive no answer. This verse is a model of sarcastic imperative, in which an action is commanded (imperative form), but with no expectation of a successful result. We will explore how Hebrew uses the imperative mood, the particle הֲ for rhetorical questions, and the ironic structure to communicate accusation without outright condemnation.
קְֽרָא־֭נָא הֲיֵ֣שׁ עֹונֶ֑ךָּ וְאֶל־מִ֖י מִקְּדֹשִׁ֣ים תִּפְנֶֽה׃
Grammatical and Literary Analysis
1. קְֽרָא־נָא – “Call now!”
- Root: ק־ר־א (“to call, cry out”)
- Form: Qal imperative masculine singular + enclitic נָא (“please” or softener)
This is a direct imperative, commanding Job to take an action—namely, to cry out for help or justice. However, in context, it is sarcastic. The word נָא softens the command slightly but can also make it sound condescending in a mocking setting.
2. הֲיֵ֣שׁ עֹונֶ֑ךָּ – “Is there anyone who will answer you?”
- הֲ – Interrogative particle expecting “no”
- יֵשׁ – Existential particle (“there is”)
- עֹונֶ֑ךָּ – From ענה (“to answer”) with 2ms suffix – “will answer you” or “your answerer”
This is a rhetorical question, using the interrogative הֲ with יֵשׁ to ask whether anyone exists who will respond to Job’s cry. The expected answer is no, thus reinforcing Eliphaz’s point: Job’s situation is hopeless because he’s in the wrong. The noun form עֹונֶךָּ can be interpreted as either an abstract “answer” or a metonym for “responder.”
3. וְאֶל־מִ֖י מִקְּדֹשִׁ֣ים תִּפְנֶֽה – “And to which of the holy ones will you turn?”
- אֶל־מִ֖י – Preposition + interrogative (“to whom?”)
- מִקְּדֹשִׁ֣ים – “from the holy ones”; plural noun from קָדוֹשׁ, referring to celestial beings (angels or divine council)
- תִּפְנֶֽה – Qal imperfect 2ms of פ־נ־ה (“to turn”)
This line continues the irony: even the qedoshim—the “holy ones” or angels—will not help Job. The imperfect form תִּפְנֶֽה (“you will turn”) suggests a future attempt, but the rhetorical question implies its futility. Eliphaz insinuates that Job has no recourse, not even among the divine beings.
Syntax and Irony in Hebrew Poetry
- Imperative + Rhetorical Question: Hebrew often juxtaposes an imperative with a rhetorical interrogative for sarcastic or ironic effect.
- Existential Negation: The use of הֲיֵשׁ implies the absence of a responder—an existential despair framed grammatically.
- Poetic Structure: Two balanced clauses move from human help (קְרָא) to divine aid (מִקְּדֹשִׁים), reinforcing total isolation.
The Sarcasm of Eliphaz: Theology and Syntax Intertwined
In Job 5:1, Hebrew grammar becomes a vehicle for theological attack. The imperative קְֽרָא־נָא is not a real invitation to pray—it is a challenge, daring Job to find anyone who will answer. The subsequent rhetorical questions with
