Job 6:17-27

17 When it has melted at the approach of heat, it is not known what it was.
18 Thus I also have been deserted of all; and I am ruined, and become an outcast.
19 Behold the ways of the Thaemanites, ye that mark the paths of the Sabaeans.
20 They too that trust in cities and riches shall come to shame.
21 But ye also have come to me without pity; so that beholding my wound ye are afraid.
22 What? have I made any demand of you? or do I ask for strength from you,
23 to deliver me from enemies, or to rescue me from the hand of the mighty ones?
24 Teach ye me, and I will be silent: if in anything I have erred, tell me.
25 But as it seems, the words of a true man are vain, because I do not ask strength of you.
26 Neither will your reproof cause me to cease my words, for neither will I endure the sound of your speech.
27 Even because ye attack the fatherless, and insult your friend.

Job 6:17-27 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.

The Brenton translation of the Septuagint is in the public domain.