Job 21:6 - When I remember, I am troubled. Horror takes hold of my flesh.

Generated Verse: Job 21:6

What does "Job 21:6" mean?


Job 21:6, "When I remember, I am troubled. Horror takes hold of my flesh," is a powerful expression of Job's anguish. Let's break down what it means:

"When I remember...": This points to Job reflecting on past events, likely connected to his current suffering and the arguments of his friends. He's not just generally sad, but specifically recalling something that triggers a strong reaction. The content of what he remembers could be:

His past prosperity: Remembering his former wealth, health, and status in the community makes his current state even more painful. It highlights the contrast between what he had and what he has lost.
The judgments of God: He might be contemplating God's justice and trying to understand why such terrible things have happened to him. Perhaps he's wrestling with the idea that he deserved this punishment, even though he believes he is righteous.
The accusations of his friends: His friends are arguing that his suffering is a direct consequence of his hidden sins. Remembering their accusations and the pressure they put on him can be deeply disturbing.
The sheer scale of his losses: Perhaps just thinking about the death of his children, the loss of his livestock, and the destruction of his property is enough to fill him with horror.
The mystery of suffering: He might be remembering the fundamental problem of suffering and how it doesn't seem to always align with righteousness.

"...I am troubled.": This indicates a state of deep emotional distress. He's not just feeling mildly upset, but genuinely bothered and disturbed by his memories.

"Horror takes hold of my flesh.": This is the most visceral part of the verse. "Horror" is a strong word indicating intense fear, dread, and revulsion. "Takes hold of my flesh" suggests a physical manifestation of his emotional turmoil. It's not just a mental or emotional state; it affects him physically. This could mean:

Physical symptoms of anxiety: Chills, sweating, trembling, or other physical responses to extreme stress.
A sense of physical vulnerability: He feels exposed and helpless in the face of the horrors he remembers.
A symbolic representation of his suffering: His "flesh" is a reminder of his vulnerability and the pain he has endured.
The idea that the terror is so great it penetrates his very being.

In summary, Job 21:6 expresses the profound emotional and physical impact of his suffering. The act of remembering exacerbates his anguish, causing him to experience intense fear and physical distress. It highlights the psychological toll of his ordeal and the depth of his despair. The verse captures Job's struggle to reconcile his past life with his present suffering and his difficulty in understanding God's actions.

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