◄ Job 6 ►
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Berean Standard Bible | Par ▾
Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just 1Then Job replied: 2“If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales. 3For then it would outweigh the sand of the seas— no wonder my words have been rash. 4For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. 5Does a wild donkey bray over fresh grass, or an ox low over its fodder? 6Is tasteless food eaten without salt, or is there flavor in the white of an egga? 7My soul refuses to touch them; they are loathsome food to me. 8If only my request were granted and God would fulfill my hope: 9that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off! 10It still brings me comfort, and joy through unrelenting pain, that I have not denied the words of the Holy One. 11What strength do I have, that I should still hope? What is my future, that I should be patient? 12Is my strength like that of stone, or my flesh made of bronze? 13Is there any help within me now that success is driven from me? 14A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. 15But my brothers are as faithless as wadis, as seasonal streams that overflow, 16darkened because of the ice and the inflow of melting snow, 17but ceasing in the dry season and vanishing from their channels in the heat. 18Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish. 19The caravans of Tema look for water; the travelers of Sheba hope to find it. 20They are confounded because they had hoped; their arrival brings disappointment. 21For now you are of no help; you see terror, and you are afraid. 22Have I ever said, ‘Give me something; offer me a bribe from your wealth; 23deliver me from the hand of the enemy; redeem me from the grasp of the ruthless’? 24Teach me, and I will be silent. Help me understand how I have erred. 25How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove? 26Do you intend to correct my words, and treat as wind my cry of despair? 27You would even cast lots for an orphan and barter away your friend. 28But now, please look at me. Would I lie to your face? 29Reconsider; do not be unjust. Reconsider, for my righteousness is at stake. 30Is there iniquity on my tongue? Can my mouth not discern malice? Footnotes: 6 a Or in the sap of the mallow plant Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Job 6 Summary Job Replies: My Complaint Is Just Verses 1–7 – The Weight of Job’s Sorrow Job opens by wishing his grief could be placed on a scale. He is convinced it would outweigh all the sand of the sea. His words come out “rash” (v. 3) because his anguish is crushing. Even food that once delighted him now tastes repulsive; suffering has spoiled every pleasure. Verses 8–13) A Cry for Release Job’s deepest desire is for God to “crush” him quickly so the pain ends (v. 9). He would find comfort in dying before he denied the words of the Holy One. Yet he sees no strength or hope in himself—“What is my strength, that I should hope?” (v. 11). Like dry riverbeds that vanish in heat, all human help seems empty. Verses 14–23) Disappointment with Friends He turns to his friends’ cold counsel. Loyalty should remain even “to one who forsakes the fear of the Almighty” (v. 14), yet they have acted like seasonal streams that vanish when most needed. They accuse while offering no real aid: “Have I said, ‘Give me something’? … Why do you pursue me?” (vv. 22–23). Verses 24–30) Job’s Plea for Understanding Job invites correction—“Teach me, and I will be silent” (v. 24)—but demands clear proof of wrong. His words may be painful to hear, yet they are not deceitful. He begs them to “look at me” (v. 28) and judge honestly: he is not hiding sin; he is searching for truth. In Job chapter 6, Job responds to his friend Eliphaz's counsel, offering a poignant account of his suffering and defending the justice of his complaints. Job expresses his despair, offers an invitation to be weighed in honest scales, and criticizes his friends for their lack of compassion. The chapter highlights Job’s longing for divine justice and his struggle to reconcile his faith with his suffering. Historical Setting • The account reflects patriarchal customs: Job sacrifices for his family (1:5), owns large herds (1:3), and serves as priest of his household—traits that fit the era of Abraham or earlier. • The book was likely preserved in a region east of Israel; Job lived in “Uz” (1:1), linked with Edom (Lamentations 4:21) and northern Arabia (Genesis 10:23). • Knowing this location explains Job’s references to wadis (seasonal streams) in 6:15-20—common features in the Arabian desert. Structure and Flow of Job 6 1. Complaint weighed (vv. 1-7) 2. Wish for death (vv. 8-13) 3. Rebuke to friends (vv. 14-23) 4. Invitation to reason (vv. 24-30) Job’s speech mirrors Hebrew poetic style: parallel lines, vivid imagery (“arrows of the Almighty,” v. 4), and contrasts (hope vs. despair). Key Word Study • “Arrows” (v. 4, Heb. ḥiṣšē) – picture of piercing, unstoppable pain; Psalm 38:2 uses the same word. • “Kindness” (v. 14, Heb. ḥesed) – steadfast love or covenant loyalty; Ruth 3:10 shows its ideal form. Job accuses friends of withholding this fundamental virtue. • “Seasonal streams” (v. 15, Heb. naḥal) – flood-fed channels that dry up; Proverbs 25:14 likens false promises to clouds without rain. Themes and Doctrine • The honesty of lament: God allows His people to voice raw hurt (Psalm 142:2). • The test of friendship: True companions “love at all times” (Proverbs 17:17). Job 6 exposes shallow comfort. • Human frailty vs. divine strength: Job sees no power in himself (vv. 11-13); later God will reveal His power (Job 38-41). • Integrity under trial: Job maintains he has not hidden sin. This foreshadows God’s final verdict that Job spoke rightly (42:7). Connections to Other Scriptures • Moses prayed to die under the weight of leadership (Numbers 11:14-15). Elijah did the same in 1 Kings 19:4—both echoes of Job’s plea. • Jesus felt desertion in Gethsemane (Matthew 26:40-45) and on the cross (Psalm 22:1), fulfilling the ultimate innocent suffering that Job anticipates. • Paul acknowledges despair “beyond our ability” (2 Corinthians 1:8-9) so believers rely on God who raises the dead, an answer to Job’s seeming hopelessness. Practical Application • Grief needs scale: telling our story, like Job, keeps pain from festering in silence. • Friends should listen before they lecture. Presence outweighs speeches (Romans 12:15). • When answers fail, ask for light, not swift condemnation. Job’s offer—“Teach me”—models humble dialogue. • Even saints can wish for death; the Bible doesn’t shame the hurting but guides them to God’s comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). Archaeological and Cultural Insights • Desert wadis fill rapidly in winter and disappear in heat—Job’s perfect metaphor for unreliable help. Modern satellite images confirm these dry riverbeds across Edom and Arabia. • Ancient Near Eastern law codes prize loyalty among covenant partners; tablets from Alalakh (18th century BC) mention penalties for betraying allies, matching Job’s charge of broken loyalty. • Job’s livestock counts (1:3) match wealth indicators in texts from Mari; this setting highlights the depth of his loss and the sincerity of his lament here in chapter 6. Closing Thought Job 6 invites readers into authentic sorrow and challenges every comforter to trade quick answers for steady compassion, pointing hearts to the God who ultimately vindicates the broken and keeps covenant love alive. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 34:18 The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit. This verse reassures us of God's presence in our suffering. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles. This passage highlights God's role as a comforter. James 5:11 Behold, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen the outcome from the Lord. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy. This verse encourages perseverance through trials. Teaching Points Job's Intense Suffering Job begins by expressing the magnitude of his suffering, comparing it to the weight of the sand of the seas. If only my grief could be weighed and placed with my calamity on the scales (Job 6:2). This imagery highlights the overwhelming nature of his pain. Misunderstanding of Friends Job feels misunderstood by his friends, who fail to grasp the depth of his anguish. He laments their lack of empathy, saying, My brothers are as faithless as a wadi, as seasonal streams that overflow (Job 6:15). Desire for Vindication Despite his suffering, Job maintains a desire for vindication, expressing a wish that God would grant his request to end his life, thus proving his integrity. Oh, that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off! (Job 6:9). The Search for Comfort Job longs for comfort and understanding, yet finds none. He questions the value of his friends' counsel, stating, What does your arguing prove? (Job 6:25). Practical Applications Empathy in Suffering When others are suffering, strive to offer empathy and understanding rather than judgment or simplistic solutions. Honesty in Prayer Like Job, we can be honest with God about our pain and struggles, trusting that He hears us even when we don't have all the answers. Seeking God’s Perspective In times of suffering, seek to understand God's perspective and purpose, even when it is not immediately clear. Value of True Friendship Cultivate friendships that are based on genuine support and understanding, especially during difficult times. People 1. Job Job is the central figure in this chapter. He is a man of great suffering and distress, responding to the counsel of his friend Eliphaz. In Job 6, Job expresses his deep anguish and frustration, feeling that his suffering is heavier than the sand of the seas (Job 6:3). He laments his condition and the lack of understanding from his friends, highlighting his desire for God to grant him relief or understanding of his plight. The Hebrew root for Job's name, "אִיּוֹב" (Iyyov), is often associated with the meaning "persecuted" or "hated," reflecting his trials and tribulations. In this chapter, Job is the sole person directly involved in the dialogue, as he is responding to the previous discourse of Eliphaz. The focus is on Job's personal experience and his plea for empathy and understanding from his friends and from God. Places In Job 6, there are no specific geographical places mentioned. The chapter primarily focuses on Job's response to his friends, expressing his anguish and frustration. Events 1. Job's Response to His Friends Job begins by responding to his friends, expressing the depth of his suffering. He wishes that his anguish and calamity could be weighed, indicating the immense burden he feels. This reflects the Hebrew word "כַּעַס" (ka'as), meaning vexation or grief. 2. Job's Desire for Understanding Job laments that his suffering is heavier than the sand of the seas, which is why his words have been rash. He seeks understanding from his friends, emphasizing the severity of his plight. 3. Job's Description of His Suffering He describes how the "arrows of the Almighty" are within him, and his spirit drinks their poison. This metaphor highlights the intense and divine nature of his affliction, using the Hebrew "שַׁדַּי" (Shaddai) to refer to God as the Almighty. 4. Job's Longing for Death Job expresses a wish that God would grant his request to crush him, ending his life. He sees this as a relief from his suffering, showing his deep despair and the extent of his trials. 5. Job's Assertion of Integrity Despite his suffering, Job maintains that he has not denied the words of the Holy One. This reflects his commitment to righteousness and faithfulness, even amidst his trials. 6. Job's Critique of His Friends' Support Job criticizes his friends for their lack of support, comparing them to a dried-up brook that fails travelers in need. He feels betrayed by their inability to provide comfort and understanding. 7. Job's Plea for Genuine Help He challenges his friends to show him where he has gone wrong, asking for genuine help rather than empty words. Job seeks honest counsel and support, not condemnation. 8. Job's Reflection on His Strength Job questions whether he has the strength of stone or bronze, acknowledging his human frailty. He recognizes his limitations and the overwhelming nature of his suffering. 9. Job's Call for Compassion Finally, Job appeals for compassion from his friends, emphasizing that a despairing man should receive kindness from his friends, even if he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. This plea underscores the importance of empathy and support in times of distress. Lessons from Job 6 1. The Power of Honest Expression In Job 6, we see Job pouring out his heart in raw honesty. He says, "If only my anguish could be weighed and all my misery be placed on the scales!" (Job 6:2). This teaches us the importance of being honest with God about our struggles. Just as Job did not hold back his feelings, we too can approach God with our deepest concerns, knowing that He listens and cares. 2. The Value of True Friendship Job's friends initially came to comfort him, but their words soon turned to criticism. Job responds, "A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend" (Job 6:14). This reminds us of the value of true friendship—being there for others with compassion and understanding, especially in their darkest times. 3. The Need for Patience in Suffering Job's lament in this chapter highlights the need for patience. He expresses his weariness, saying, "What strength do I have, that I should still hope?" (Job 6:11). Yet, through his story, we learn that patience in suffering can lead to growth and deeper faith, as God’s timing is perfect. 4. The Importance of Seeking God’s Wisdom Job questions the wisdom of his friends, stating, "Do you intend to correct my words and treat the words of a desperate man as wind?" (Job 6:26). This teaches us to seek God’s wisdom above human understanding, especially when facing trials. His wisdom is unchanging and reliable. 5. The Reality of Human Frailty Job acknowledges his own frailty, saying, "Is my strength like that of stone? Is my flesh made of bronze?" (Job 6:12). This is a humbling reminder of our human limitations and the need to rely on God’s strength rather than our own. 6. The Call to Trust in God’s Sovereignty Despite his suffering, Job’s story encourages us to trust in God’s sovereignty. He questions, "What is my strength, that I should hope?" (Job 6:11), yet his journey shows that God is in control, even when we don’t understand His ways. 7. The Significance of Hope Job’s despair is palpable, yet his story is a testament to the enduring power of hope. He says, "My days have no meaning" (Job 6:11), but through his perseverance, we learn that hope in God can sustain us through the toughest times. 8. The Role of Empathy in Comforting Others Job’s plea for understanding from his friends highlights the role of empathy. He says, "Now you too have proved to be of no help" (Job 6:21). This teaches us to offer genuine empathy and support to those in distress, reflecting Christ’s love. 9. The Necessity of Faith Amidst Doubt Job’s questioning reflects a struggle with doubt, yet his faith remains. He asks, "What is my end, that I should prolong my life?" (Job 6:11). This shows us that faith can coexist with doubt, and trusting God through uncertainty strengthens our relationship with Him. 10. The Assurance of God’s Presence Finally, Job’s story assures us of God’s presence in our suffering. Though Job feels abandoned, his journey reveals that God never leaves us. As we face our own trials, we can hold onto the promise that God is always with us, guiding and sustaining us through every storm. Topics 1. Job's Anguish and Desire for Understanding Job begins by expressing the depth of his suffering and his desire for his friends to understand the weight of his grief. He uses vivid imagery to convey the intensity of his pain. ^"If only my grief could be weighed and my calamity placed with it on the scales!"^ (Job 6:2). The Hebrew word for "grief" here is "כַּעַס" (ka'as), which can also mean anger or vexation, indicating the emotional turmoil Job is experiencing. 2. Job's Complaint Against God Job feels that his suffering is a direct result of God's actions and questions why he is being targeted. He uses metaphors of arrows and poison to describe his affliction. ^"For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me."^ (Job 6:4). The term "Almighty" is translated from the Hebrew "שַׁדַּי" (Shaddai), emphasizing God's power and sovereignty, which Job feels is being used against him. 3. Job's Desire for Death Job expresses a wish for God to grant him death to end his suffering, showing the depth of his despair. ^"Oh, that God would be willing to crush me, to unleash His hand and cut me off!"^ (Job 6:9). The Hebrew root "דָּכָא" (daka) for "crush" conveys a sense of being broken or shattered, reflecting Job's broken spirit. 4. Job's Disappointment with His Friends Job criticizes his friends for their lack of support and understanding, comparing them to unreliable streams that vanish when needed. ^"My brothers are as faithless as a wadi, as seasonal streams that overflow,"^ (Job 6:15). The word "wadi" refers to a dry riverbed that only fills with water during the rainy season, symbolizing inconsistency and unreliability. 5. Job's Plea for Vindication Job seeks vindication and challenges his friends to show him where he has gone wrong, asserting his integrity. ^"Teach me, and I will be silent; help me understand how I have erred."^ (Job 6:24). The Hebrew verb "שָׁגָה" (shagah) for "erred" implies straying or wandering, suggesting Job's openness to correction if he has indeed strayed from righteousness. 6. Job's Assertion of Innocence Job maintains his innocence and questions the validity of his friends' accusations, emphasizing his commitment to truth. ^"How painful are honest words! But what does your argument prove?"^ (Job 6:25). The Hebrew word "יָשָׁר" (yashar) for "honest" means straight or right, underscoring Job's commitment to truthfulness despite his suffering. Themes 1. The Weight of Suffering Job begins by expressing the immense weight of his suffering, comparing it to the "sand of the seas" (Job 6:3). The Hebrew word for "weight" (כָּבֵד, kaved) conveys a sense of heaviness and burden, emphasizing the overwhelming nature of his afflictions. 2. Desire for Understanding Job longs for his friends to understand his plight, stating, "Oh, that my anguish were weighed and all my misery placed on the scales!" (Job 6:2). This theme highlights the human need for empathy and comprehension from others during times of distress. 3. The Bitterness of Despair Job describes his despair as bitter, saying, "For the arrows of the Almighty are in me; my spirit drinks their poison" (Job 6:4). The Hebrew term for "poison" (חֲמָה, chamah) can also mean "venom," illustrating the deep-seated pain and bitterness he feels. 4. The Futility of Life Job questions the purpose of his suffering, expressing a sense of futility: "What strength do I have, that I should still hope?" (Job 6:11). This theme reflects the existential struggle to find meaning amidst relentless hardship. 5. The Need for Loyalty and Kindness Job criticizes his friends for their lack of loyalty and kindness, stating, "A despairing man should have the kindness of his friend" (Job 6:14). The Hebrew word for "kindness" (חֶסֶד, chesed) is often associated with covenantal loyalty and love, underscoring the importance of steadfast support. 6. The Unreliability of Human Support Job compares his friends to unreliable streams that vanish in the heat, saying, "My brothers are as faithless as a wadi" (Job 6:15). This metaphor highlights the disappointment and unreliability of human support in times of need. 7. The Plea for Vindication Job seeks vindication, asserting his integrity and asking for evidence of wrongdoing: "Teach me, and I will be silent; help me understand how I have erred" (Job 6:24). This theme emphasizes Job's desire for justice and truth. 8. The Call for Honest Dialogue Job calls for honest and straightforward dialogue, urging his friends to speak truthfully: "How painful are honest words!" (Job 6:25). This theme underscores the value of sincerity and truthfulness in communication, even when it is difficult. Prayer Points Pray for those who are suffering, that they may find comfort and understanding in God and in their community. Ask God for the wisdom and compassion to support friends and loved ones who are experiencing hardship. Seek God's presence and peace in your own times of suffering, trusting in His ultimate plan and purpose. Pray for the strength to maintain integrity and faithfulness, even when facing overwhelming challenges. Answering Tough Questions 1. In Job 6:2–3, does the claim that Job’s grief outweighs the sand of the seas present a literal impossibility or exaggerated metaphor? 2. In Job 6:4, how could divine arrows filled with poison be reconciled with any natural or historical cause of Job’s suffering? 3. In Job 6:8–9, why would Job, a faithful man, wish for God to grant him death, and does this contradict other biblical teachings on life’s sanctity? 4. In Job 6:15–17, is the depiction of streams that vanish into heat historically or archaeologically supported in the relevant region? 5. In Job 6:24–25, why is it that neither God nor anyone else presents undeniable evidence of Job’s alleged wrongdoing if his punishment is just? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Job’s description of his suffering in verses 1-7 resonate with you? 2. In verse 8-13, Job expresses a wish for death. How would you respond to a friend expressing such thoughts today? 3. What does Job's criticism of his friends teach us about responding to others in their suffering? 4. How does Job’s assertion of his honesty in verses 22-30 challenge us in our daily lives? 5. In what ways can we identify with Job's feelings of despair? 6. How can we apply Job’s plea for his friends' understanding in our relationships? 7. What does this chapter teach us about God's justice? 8. How can we show compassion to someone suffering as Job was, especially if we don't understand their pain? 9. How can Job’s friends' failure to empathize teach us about the importance of empathy in our interactions? 10. Why do you think Job accuses his friends of being as unreliable as a seasonal brook? 11. How does Job's desperate longing for divine intervention speak to human frailty and the limits of human strength? 12. What does this chapter reveal about Job's understanding of God? 13. How does Job's intense suffering challenge common assumptions about the relationship between faith and suffering? 14. How might you react if you were in Job's situation? Would you question God’s justice as Job does? 15. What lessons can we learn from Job's frank dialogue with God and his friends about confronting our own suffering? 16. How does this chapter deepen our understanding of human reactions to suffering? 17. How can we remain steadfast in our faith during times of intense suffering and loss, like Job? 18. How does Job’s request in verse 24, asking his friends to "teach him," relate to our approach to learning from others? 19. How does Job's raw honesty with God challenge our own approach to prayer? 20. Considering Job's friends' actions and Job's response, what does this chapter teach about the role of friendship during times of suffering? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions