Job 33:20 - So that his life abhors bread, and his soul dainty food.

Generated Verse: Job 33:20

What does "Job 33:20" mean?


Job 33:20, "So that his life abhors bread, and his soul dainty food," describes a state of extreme illness and suffering. Let's break it down:

"So that his life abhors bread..." Bread, in ancient times, was a staple food, representing basic sustenance. To "abhor" it means to detest it, to have a strong aversion to it. This indicates that the person is so sick that they can't even stomach the most fundamental food necessary for survival.

"...and his soul dainty food." "Dainty food" refers to rich, flavorful, and desirable foods - things people typically crave. The word "soul" here is used in the sense of appetite or desire. The verse indicates that the person's illness is so severe that even the thought of delicious or luxurious food makes them nauseous. They have completely lost their appetite and desire for anything palatable.

Overall Meaning:

The verse is part of a description of the suffering that people experience as a consequence of their iniquity, according to Elihu, who is one of Job's friends offering counsel (though some scholars argue he is wrong in his assessment). It illustrates a profound loss of appetite due to illness. This physical aversion to food is not merely a dislike; it's a deep-seated revulsion that signals a severe state of sickness. It shows the depth of the suffering Job is experiencing, which is attributed to divine chastisement or consequence.

In essence, it highlights the physical manifestations of suffering when someone is afflicted, emphasizing the debilitating and all-encompassing nature of their illness.

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