Loading...

Change Translation

Loading...
  • Recent Translations
  • All Translations

Job 6:3-13

Listen to Job 6:3-13
3 For then it would be heavier than 1the sand of the sea; therefore my words have been rash.
4 For 2the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me.
5 Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass, or the ox low over his fodder?
6 Can that which is tasteless be eaten without salt, or is there any taste in the juice of the mallow? [a]
7 My appetite refuses to touch them; they are as food that is loathsome to me. [b]
8 “Oh that I might have my request, and that God would fulfill my hope,
9 that it would 3please God to crush me, that he would let loose his hand and cut me off!
10 This would be my comfort; I would even exult[c] in pain 4unsparing, for I have not denied the words of 5the Holy One.
11 What is my strength, that I should wait? And what is my end, that I should be patient?
12 Is my strength the strength of stones, or is my flesh bronze?
13 Have I any help in me, when resource is driven from me?

Job 6:3-13 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO JOB 6

This and the following chapter contain Job's answer to the speech of Eliphaz in the two foregoing; he first excuses his impatience by the greatness of his afflictions, which, if weighed by good and impartial hands, would be found to be heavier than the sand of the sea, and which words were wanting to express, Job 6:1-3; and the reason why they were so heavy is given, they being the arrows and terrors of the Almighty, Job 6:4; and by various similes he shows that his moans and complaints under them need not seem strange and unreasonable, Job 6:5-7; and what had been said not being convincing to him, he continues in the same sentiment and disposition of mind, and wishes to be removed by death out of his miserable condition, and gives his reasons for it, Job 6:8-13; and though his case was such as required pity from his friends, yet this he had not from them, but represents them as deceitful, and as having sadly disappointed him, and therefore he neither hoped nor asked for anything of them, Job 6:14-23; and observes that their words and arguments were of no force and weight with him, but harmful and pernicious, Job 6:24-27; and in his turn gives them some exhortations and instructions, and signifies that he was as capable of discerning between right and wrong as they, with which this chapter is concluded, Job 6:28-30.

Unlock Deeper Insights: Get Over 20 Commentaries with Plus! Subscribe Now

Cross References 5

  • 1. 6:3 [Prov. 27:3]
  • 2. 6:4 Ps. 38:2
  • 3. 6:9 1 Kgs. 19:4; [Num. 11:15]
  • 4. 6:10 [Isa. 30:14]
  • 5. 6:10 Lev. 19:2; Isa. 57:15; Hos. 11:9

Footnotes 3

  • [a] 6:6 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain
  • [b] 6:7 The meaning of the Hebrew is uncertain
  • [c] 6:10 The meaning of the Hebrew word is uncertain
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®) © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved. ESV Text Edition: 2025

Study Tools

PLUS

Unlock Notes

This feature is for PLUS subscribers only. Join PLUS today to access these tools and more.

JOIN PLUS

Unlock Highlights

This feature is for PLUS subscribers only. Join PLUS today to access these tools and more.

JOIN PLUS

Unlock Bookmarks

This feature is for PLUS subscribers only. Join PLUS today to access these tools and more.

JOIN PLUS

Track Your Reading

Create a free account to start a reading plan, or join PLUS to unlock our full suite of premium study tools.

Already have an account? Sign in