Job 6:4-14

4 Surely the arrows of the Almighty have pierced^[a] me; my spirit drinks their poison. God's terrors are arrayed against me.^[b]

5 Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass or an ox low over its fodder?

6 Is bland food eaten without salt? Is there flavor in an egg white?^[c]

7 I refuse to touch [them]; they are like contaminated food.^[d]

8 If only my request would be granted and God would provide what I hope for:

9 that He would decide to crush me, to unleash His power and cut me off!

10 It would still bring me comfort, and I would leap for joy in unrelenting pain that I have not denied^[e] the words of the Holy One.^[f]

11 What strength do I have that I should continue to hope? What is my future, that I should be patient?

12 Is my strength that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze?

13 Since I cannot help myself, [the hope for] success has been banished from me.

14 A despairing man should receive loyalty from his friends,^[g][h] even if he abandons the fear of the Almighty.

Job 6:4-14 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.

Footnotes

• [a] Lit Almighty are in
• [b] Jb 16:13; 30:15; Ps 38:2; 88:16
• [c] Hb obscure
• [d] Jb 33:20; Ps 107:18
• [e] Lit hidden
• [f] Jb 23:12; Ps 119:102
• [g] Lit To the despairing his friend loyalty; Hb obscure
• [h] Jb 12:4; 19:19-21; Ps 38:11