Job 2:8
New International Version
Then Job took a piece of broken pottery and scraped himself with it as he sat among the ashes.

New Living Translation
Job scraped his skin with a piece of broken pottery as he sat among the ashes.

English Standard Version
And he took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself while he sat in the ashes.

Berean Standard Bible
And Job took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself as he sat among the ashes.

King James Bible
And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.

New King James Version
And he took for himself a potsherd with which to scrape himself while he sat in the midst of the ashes.

New American Standard Bible
And Job took a piece of pottery to scrape himself while he was sitting in the ashes.

NASB 1995
And he took a potsherd to scrape himself while he was sitting among the ashes.

NASB 1977
And he took a potsherd to scrape himself while he was sitting among the ashes.

Legacy Standard Bible
And he took a potsherd to scrape himself while he was sitting among the ashes.

Amplified Bible
And Job took a piece of broken pottery with which to scrape himself, and he sat [down] among the ashes (rubbish heaps).

Christian Standard Bible
Then Job took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself while he sat among the ashes.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Then Job took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself while he sat among the ashes.

American Standard Version
And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself therewith; and he sat among the ashes.

Contemporary English Version
Then Job sat on the ash-heap to show his sorrow. And while he was scraping his sores with a broken piece of pottery,

English Revised Version
And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat among the ashes.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Job took a piece of broken pottery to scratch himself as he sat in the ashes.

Good News Translation
Job went and sat by the garbage dump and took a piece of broken pottery to scrape his sores.

International Standard Version
Job took a broken piece of pottery to scrape himself while sitting among the ashes.

Majority Standard Bible
And Job took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself as he sat among the ashes.

NET Bible
Job took a shard of broken pottery to scrape himself with while he was sitting among the ashes.

New Heart English Bible
And he took for himself a potsherd to scrape himself with while he sat among the ashes.

Webster's Bible Translation
And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself with it; and he sat down among the ashes.

World English Bible
He took for himself a potsherd to scrape himself with, and he sat among the ashes.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And he takes to him a potsherd to scrape himself with it, and he is sitting in the midst of the ashes.

Young's Literal Translation
And he taketh to him a potsherd to scrape himself with it, and he is sitting in the midst of the ashes.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will take to him a pot sherd to scrape himself with it, and he will sit in the midst of the ashes.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he took a potsherd and scraped the corrupt matter, sitting on a dunghill.

Catholic Public Domain Version
So he took a shard of earthenware and scraped the discharge, while sitting on a heap of refuse.

New American Bible
He took a potsherd to scrape himself, as he sat among the ashes.

New Revised Standard Version
Job took a potsherd with which to scrape himself, and sat among the ashes.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he took a potsherd to scrape himself with it; and he sat down upon ashes.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he took for himself a clay vessel to scrape himself and he was sitting down on the ashes
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself therewith; and he sat among the ashes.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he took a potsherd to scrape away the discharge, and sat upon a dung-heap outside the city.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Job Loses His Health
7So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and infected Job with terrible boils from the soles of his feet to the crown of his head. 8And Job took a piece of broken pottery to scrape himself as he sat among the ashes. 9Then Job’s wife said to him, “Do you still retain your integrity? Curse God and die!”…

Cross References
Isaiah 53:3
He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not.

Lamentations 3:28-29
Let him sit alone in silence, for the LORD has laid it upon him. / Let him bury his face in the dust—perhaps there is still hope.

Micah 1:8-9
Because of this I will lament and wail; I will walk barefoot and naked. I will howl like a jackal and mourn like an ostrich. / For her wound is incurable; it has reached even Judah; it has approached the gate of my people, as far as Jerusalem itself.

Isaiah 1:6
From the sole of your foot to the top of your head, there is no soundness—only wounds and welts and festering sores neither cleansed nor bandaged nor soothed with oil.

Jeremiah 6:26
O daughter of my people, dress yourselves in sackcloth and roll in ashes. Mourn with bitter wailing, as you would for an only son, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us.

Ezekiel 27:30-31
They will raise their voices for you and cry out bitterly. They will throw dust on their heads and roll in ashes. / They will shave their heads for you and wrap themselves in sackcloth. They will weep over you with anguish of soul and bitter mourning.

Psalm 38:5-7
My wounds are foul and festering because of my sinful folly. / I am bent and brought low; all day long I go about mourning. / For my loins are full of burning pain, and no soundness remains in my body.

Psalm 102:3-5
For my days vanish like smoke, and my bones burn like glowing embers. / My heart is afflicted, and withered like grass; I even forget to eat my bread. / Through my loud groaning my skin hangs on my bones.

Isaiah 3:24
Instead of fragrance there will be a stench; instead of a belt, a rope; instead of styled hair, baldness; instead of fine clothing, sackcloth; instead of beauty, shame.

Jeremiah 25:34
Wail, you shepherds, and cry out; roll in the dust, you leaders of the flock. For the days of your slaughter have come; you will fall and be shattered like fine pottery.

Matthew 26:38
Then He said to them, “My soul is consumed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with Me.”

Luke 16:20-21
And a beggar named Lazarus lay at his gate, covered with sores / and longing to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.

Mark 1:40-42
Then a leper came to Jesus, begging on his knees: “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” / And immediately the leprosy left him, and the man was cleansed.

Matthew 8:2-3
Suddenly a leper came and knelt before Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed.

Luke 5:12-13
While Jesus was in one of the towns, a man came along who was covered with leprosy. When he saw Jesus, he fell facedown and begged Him, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” / Jesus reached out His hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” He said. “Be clean!” And immediately the leprosy left him.


Treasury of Scripture

And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself with; and he sat down among the ashes.

took him.

Job 19:14-17
My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me…

Psalm 38:5,7
My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness…

Luke 16:20,21
And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, …

he sat.

Job 42:6
Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

2 Samuel 13:19
And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.

Isaiah 61:3
To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Jump to Previous
Ashes Bit Broken Dust Edge Job Midst Piece Pot Potsherd Pottery Rubbing Sat Scrape Scraped Seated Sharp Sitting Therewith Withal
Jump to Next
Ashes Bit Broken Dust Edge Job Midst Piece Pot Potsherd Pottery Rubbing Sat Scrape Scraped Seated Sharp Sitting Therewith Withal
Job 2
1. Satan, appearing again before God, obtains further leave to tempt Job.
7. He afflicts him with sore boils.
9. Job reproves his wife, who moved him to curse God.
11. His three friends console with him in silence.














And Job took
The phrase "And Job took" signifies an intentional action by Job. In the Hebrew text, the verb "took" (לָקַח, laqach) implies a deliberate choice. Job's decision to take action in his suffering reflects his agency even amidst overwhelming adversity. This act of taking is a testament to his resilience and determination to address his physical affliction, despite the emotional and spiritual turmoil he is experiencing.

a piece of broken pottery
The "piece of broken pottery" (חֶרֶשׂ, cheres) is a poignant symbol of Job's shattered life. Pottery shards were common in ancient times, often used for practical purposes when whole vessels were no longer usable. This imagery underscores Job's brokenness and the fragility of human life. Archaeological findings reveal that pottery was a staple in daily life, and its broken pieces were often repurposed, much like how Job is trying to find some utility in his suffering.

to scrape himself
The act "to scrape himself" (לְהִתְגָּרֵד, lehithgared) indicates a desperate attempt to find relief from his physical torment. Scraping was a method used in ancient times to alleviate itching or remove sores. This action highlights the severity of Job's condition, as he resorts to a painful and rudimentary method to cope with his afflictions. It also symbolizes the depth of his suffering, both physically and spiritually, as he grapples with the inexplicable trials he faces.

as he sat
The phrase "as he sat" (יֹשֵׁב, yoshev) conveys a sense of resignation and contemplation. Sitting is often associated with mourning and reflection in biblical contexts. Job's posture suggests a period of introspection and endurance. In the ancient Near Eastern culture, sitting in such a manner was a common expression of grief and lamentation, indicating Job's acceptance of his current state while pondering the reasons behind his suffering.

among the ashes
"Among the ashes" (בַּתּוֹךְ הָאֵפֶר, batokh ha'efer) is a powerful image of mourning and repentance. Ashes were traditionally used in the Bible as a symbol of humility and contrition. Job's presence among the ashes signifies his deep sorrow and his acknowledgment of human frailty. Historically, sitting in ashes was a customary practice for those in deep distress or seeking divine intervention. This setting reflects Job's profound grief and his search for answers in the midst of his trials.

Verse 8. - And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal. "The surface of the integuments," says Dr. Quain, "is often much inflamed, and sometimes discharges a serous ichor, or chyle-like fluid, according to the extent to which the lymphatics are engaged in the particular ease" (ibid., p. 432). This "serous or lymph-like fluid" is occasionally "acrid and offensive." Job seems to have used his potsherd to scrape it away. And he sat down among the ashes. Not as a curative process, or even as an alleviation of his pains, but simply as was the custom of mourners (comp. Isaiah 47:3; Isaiah 58:5; Jeremiah 6:26; Ezekiel 27:30; Jonah 3:6). The LXX. renders, "on the dung-heap;" but this meaning, if a possible one, is highly improbable.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And Job took
וַיִּֽקַּֽח־ (way·yiq·qaḥ-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

a piece of broken pottery
חֶ֔רֶשׂ (ḥe·reś)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2789: Earthenware, earthen vessel, sherd, potsherd

to scrape himself
לְהִתְגָּרֵ֖ד (lə·hiṯ·gā·rêḏ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1623: To scrape, scratch

as he
וְה֖וּא (wə·hū)
Conjunctive waw | Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

sat
יֹשֵׁ֥ב (yō·šêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

among
בְּתוֹךְ־ (bə·ṯō·wḵ-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8432: A bisection, the centre

the ashes.
הָאֵֽפֶר׃ (hā·’ê·p̄er)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 665: Ashes


Links
Job 2:8 NIV
Job 2:8 NLT
Job 2:8 ESV
Job 2:8 NASB
Job 2:8 KJV

Job 2:8 BibleApps.com
Job 2:8 Biblia Paralela
Job 2:8 Chinese Bible
Job 2:8 French Bible
Job 2:8 Catholic Bible

OT Poetry: Job 2:8 He took for himself a potsherd (Jb)
Job 2:7
Top of Page
Top of Page