Job 6:12

12 Neither my strength is the strength of stones, neither my flesh is of brass. (Neither my strength is like the strength of stones, nor my flesh is like that 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 And this be comfort to me, that he torment me with sorrow, and spare not, and that I against-say not the words of the Holy. (And this be my comfort, that though he torment me with sorrow, and spare me not, I have not said anything against the words of the Holy One.)
11 For what is my strength, that I suffer? either which is mine end, that I suffer it patiently? (For what is my strength, so that I can endure? and what is my end, so that I can endure it patiently?)
12 Neither my strength is the strength of stones, neither my flesh is of brass. (Neither my strength is like the strength of stones, nor my flesh is like that of bronze.)
13 Lo! none help is to me in me (Lo! there is no help for me in me); and also my necessary friends (have) parted from me.
14 He that taketh away mercy from his friend, forsaketh the dread of the Lord. (He who taketh away love from his friend, forgetteth the fear of the Lord/abandoneth reverence for the Lord.)
Copyright © 2001 by Terence P. Noble. For personal use only.