Job 6:12

12 My strength is not the strength of stones, nor is my flesh of brass.

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 And that this may be my comfort, that afflicting me with sorrow, he spare not, nor I contradict the words of the Holy one.

11 For what is my strength, that I can hold out? or what is my end, that I should keep patience?

12 My strength is not the strength of stones, nor is my flesh of brass.

13 Behold there is no help for me in myself, and my familiar friends also are departed from me.

14 He that taketh away mercy from his friend, forsaketh the fear of the Lord.