Job 6:12

12 Do I have the strength of rocks? Does my body have the strength of bronze?

Job 6:12 Meaning and Commentary

Job 6:12

[Is] my strength the strength of stones?
&c.] Is it like such especially which are foundation and corner stones that support a building? or like a stone pillar, that will bear a prodigious weight? no, it is not:

or [is] my flesh of brass?
is it made of brass? or is it like to brass for hardness, or for sustaining any weight laid on it? it is not; and, therefore, it cannot bear up under the ponderous load of afflictions on it, but must sink and fail; it is but flesh and blood, and that flesh like grass, weak and feeble; and, therefore, death is better than life laden with such an insupportable burden.

Job 6:12 In-Context

10 Then I would still have comfort. I would be happy despite my endless pain, because I have not rejected the words of the Holy One.

11 What strength do I have [left] that I can go on hoping? What goal do I have that I would want to prolong my life?

12 Do I have the strength of rocks? Does my body have the strength of bronze?

13 Am I not completely helpless? Haven't my skills been taken away from me?

14 "A friend should treat a troubled person kindly, even if he abandons the fear of the Almighty.