Job 33:21 - His flesh is so consumed away, that it can’t be seen. His bones that were not seen stick out.
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What does "Job 33:21" mean?
Job 33:21, "His flesh is so consumed away, that it can’t be seen. His bones that were not seen stick out," is part of Elihu's speech to Job where he's describing the suffering of a sick person. Here's a breakdown of what it likely means:
"His flesh is so consumed away, that it can't be seen." This vividly describes extreme weight loss and emaciation. The person is so sick that their muscles and fat have wasted away, leaving them gaunt and skeletal. The language used suggests that all the flesh that would've been there to fill out their body is now gone, invisible because it is not there at all.
"His bones that were not seen stick out." This reinforces the image of extreme thinness. Normally, bones are covered by flesh and muscle. But here, the bones are protruding and visible beneath the skin. This would be a sign of starvation, disease, or a combination of both.
Overall Meaning in Context:
Elihu is using this description of physical suffering as an illustration of how God humbles people, sometimes through illness. He believes that suffering can be a way for God to:
Correct and warn: Elihu thinks Job might be suffering because of pride or sin. The illness is meant to get Job's attention and make him repent.
Protect from greater sin: Elihu suggests that the illness is preventing Job from straying further from God.
Important Considerations:
Elihu's view is not necessarily the definitive answer: The Book of Job is a complex exploration of suffering, and Elihu's perspective is just one of several presented. Ultimately, God challenges Elihu's simplistic understanding.
The verse is descriptive, not diagnostic: It doesn't say what caused the illness, only what it looks like. Many diseases can lead to such a state of emaciation.
In summary, the verse is a graphic depiction of a person suffering from a wasting illness. Elihu uses this image to argue that suffering can be a form of divine discipline or a means of preventing greater sin. However, remember that Elihu's perspective is just one viewpoint within the larger discussion of suffering in the Book of Job.
Job 33:21 - His flesh is so consumed away, that it can’t be seen. His bones that were not seen stick out.
What does "Job 33:21" mean?
Job 33:21, "His flesh is so consumed away, that it can’t be seen. His bones that were not seen stick out," is part of Elihu's speech to Job where he's describing the suffering of a sick person. Here's a breakdown of what it likely means:
"His flesh is so consumed away, that it can't be seen." This vividly describes extreme weight loss and emaciation. The person is so sick that their muscles and fat have wasted away, leaving them gaunt and skeletal. The language used suggests that all the flesh that would've been there to fill out their body is now gone, invisible because it is not there at all.
"His bones that were not seen stick out." This reinforces the image of extreme thinness. Normally, bones are covered by flesh and muscle. But here, the bones are protruding and visible beneath the skin. This would be a sign of starvation, disease, or a combination of both.
Overall Meaning in Context:
Elihu is using this description of physical suffering as an illustration of how God humbles people, sometimes through illness. He believes that suffering can be a way for God to:
Correct and warn: Elihu thinks Job might be suffering because of pride or sin. The illness is meant to get Job's attention and make him repent.
Protect from greater sin: Elihu suggests that the illness is preventing Job from straying further from God.
Important Considerations:
Elihu's view is not necessarily the definitive answer: The Book of Job is a complex exploration of suffering, and Elihu's perspective is just one of several presented. Ultimately, God challenges Elihu's simplistic understanding.
The verse is descriptive, not diagnostic: It doesn't say what caused the illness, only what it looks like. Many diseases can lead to such a state of emaciation.
In summary, the verse is a graphic depiction of a person suffering from a wasting illness. Elihu uses this image to argue that suffering can be a form of divine discipline or a means of preventing greater sin. However, remember that Elihu's perspective is just one viewpoint within the larger discussion of suffering in the Book of Job.