Job 25:6 - How much less man, who is a worm, the son of man, who is a worm!”
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Job 25:6" mean?
This verse from Job 25:6, spoken by Bildad one of Job's friends, is a powerful statement emphasizing the insignificance and inherent impurity of humanity in comparison to God. It uses the metaphor of a worm to drive this point home. Let's break down the meaning:
"How much less man...": This phrase establishes a comparison. The preceding verses (likely from Job 25:4-5, although contexts vary based on translation) usually discuss the holiness and purity of God and his heavenly realm. The phrase suggests that if even the heavens are not pure in God's sight, how much less can humanity be pure and worthy.
"...who is a worm...": This is the core of the verse. Calling man a "worm" emphasizes:
Lowliness/Insignificance: Worms are seen as creatures of the dirt, small, weak, and easily overlooked. This highlights human vulnerability, fragility, and powerlessness in the face of God's immense power and the universe's vastness.
Impurity/Degradation: Worms are often associated with decay and corruption. This suggests that humans are inherently flawed, tainted by sin, and far from the perfection of God.
"...the son of man, who is a worm!”: This repetition reinforces the point. "Son of man" is a common phrase for humanity. By saying "son of man, who is a worm," it drives home that all of humanity, regardless of status or accomplishments, shares this inherent state of lowliness and impurity. It's not just individuals; it's the entire human race.
In essence, Bildad is arguing that because God is so holy and powerful, humanity is insignificant and inherently flawed in comparison. He's attempting to demonstrate Job's supposed arrogance in questioning God's actions.
Key Interpretations and Context:
Theological Argument: Bildad is using this image to support his argument that no human can be righteous before God, implying that Job's suffering is justified because he must be a sinner.
Challenge to Job's Self-Righteousness (as perceived by Bildad): Bildad sees Job as claiming to be righteous and innocent. This verse is a direct challenge, arguing that no human can be truly righteous.
The Book of Job's Larger Theme: While Bildad's words might sound harsh, they contribute to the broader theme of the book: exploring the nature of God's justice, the reasons for suffering, and the limitations of human understanding. The book of Job challenges the simple cause-and-effect view that suffering is always a direct punishment for sin.
In modern terms, you could interpret the verse as saying that humans are like microbes compared to the vastness and complexity of the universe and the power of its Creator. It's a humbling perspective on our place in existence.
Job 25:6 - How much less man, who is a worm, the son of man, who is a worm!”
What does "Job 25:6" mean?
This verse from Job 25:6, spoken by Bildad one of Job's friends, is a powerful statement emphasizing the insignificance and inherent impurity of humanity in comparison to God. It uses the metaphor of a worm to drive this point home. Let's break down the meaning:
"How much less man...": This phrase establishes a comparison. The preceding verses (likely from Job 25:4-5, although contexts vary based on translation) usually discuss the holiness and purity of God and his heavenly realm. The phrase suggests that if even the heavens are not pure in God's sight, how much less can humanity be pure and worthy.
"...who is a worm...": This is the core of the verse. Calling man a "worm" emphasizes:
Lowliness/Insignificance: Worms are seen as creatures of the dirt, small, weak, and easily overlooked. This highlights human vulnerability, fragility, and powerlessness in the face of God's immense power and the universe's vastness.
Impurity/Degradation: Worms are often associated with decay and corruption. This suggests that humans are inherently flawed, tainted by sin, and far from the perfection of God.
"...the son of man, who is a worm!”: This repetition reinforces the point. "Son of man" is a common phrase for humanity. By saying "son of man, who is a worm," it drives home that all of humanity, regardless of status or accomplishments, shares this inherent state of lowliness and impurity. It's not just individuals; it's the entire human race.
In essence, Bildad is arguing that because God is so holy and powerful, humanity is insignificant and inherently flawed in comparison. He's attempting to demonstrate Job's supposed arrogance in questioning God's actions.
Key Interpretations and Context:
Theological Argument: Bildad is using this image to support his argument that no human can be righteous before God, implying that Job's suffering is justified because he must be a sinner.
Challenge to Job's Self-Righteousness (as perceived by Bildad): Bildad sees Job as claiming to be righteous and innocent. This verse is a direct challenge, arguing that no human can be truly righteous.
The Book of Job's Larger Theme: While Bildad's words might sound harsh, they contribute to the broader theme of the book: exploring the nature of God's justice, the reasons for suffering, and the limitations of human understanding. The book of Job challenges the simple cause-and-effect view that suffering is always a direct punishment for sin.
In modern terms, you could interpret the verse as saying that humans are like microbes compared to the vastness and complexity of the universe and the power of its Creator. It's a humbling perspective on our place in existence.