Job 6
Job 6 is part of Job's response to Eliphaz’s speech. In this chapter, Job expresses his intense suffering and despair, feeling that his pain is immeasurable. He describes his anguish and questions why he has to endure such hardships. Job feels misunderstood by his friends, who accuse him of wrongdoing, and he longs for compassion. He defends his complaints as justified, given the overwhelming grief he faces, and laments the lack of empathy from those around him.
Job 6:1-5 (NKJV)
1 Then Job answered and said:
2 “Oh, that my grief were fully weighed, And my calamity laid with it on the scales!
3 For then it would be heavier than the sand of the sea—Therefore my words have been rash.
4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me; My spirit drinks in their poison; The terrors of God are arrayed against me.
5 Does the wild donkey bray when it has grass, Or does the ox low over its fodder?”
Job begins by expressing that his grief is immense, far beyond what his friends can understand. He wishes his suffering could be measured, as it would outweigh the sand of the sea. His rash words are not unjustified, given the depth of his pain. He feels as if God’s wrath is piercing him like poisoned arrows, and the weight of God’s terror overwhelms him. Job points out that animals do not complain when their needs are met, suggesting that his cries are a result of genuine suffering.
Job 6:6-7 (NKJV)
6 Can flavorless food be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg?
7 My soul refuses to touch them; They are as loathsome food to me.
Job compares his life to tasteless food, indicating that there is no joy or satisfaction in his existence. The blandness of life, much like flavorless food, brings him no comfort or pleasure. He cannot bear to experience it any longer, and everything feels repulsive to him, adding to his suffering.
Job 6:8-9 (NKJV)
8 “Oh, that I might have my request, That God would grant me the thing that I long for!
9 That it would please God to crush me, That He would loose His hand and cut me off!
Job wishes for relief from his suffering, even if it means death. He asks God to grant his request of being released from his misery by ending his life. This plea shows the depth of Job's despair, as he sees death as the only escape from his overwhelming pain.
Job 6:10 (NKJV)
10 Then I would still have comfort; Though in anguish I would exult, He will not spare; For I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.
Even in his desire for death, Job finds solace in knowing that he has remained faithful to God. Despite his unbearable pain, Job takes comfort in the fact that he has not abandoned his integrity or denied God’s truth, even while facing such intense suffering.
Job 6:11-13 (NKJV)
11 “What strength do I have, that I should hope? And what is my end, that I should prolong my life?
12 Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh bronze?
13 Is my help not within me? And is success driven from me?”
Job questions what reason he has left to continue hoping for life. His strength is completely depleted, and he does not see himself as having the endurance to carry on. His rhetorical questions emphasize his frailty—he is not made of stone or bronze and cannot withstand the weight of his suffering much longer. Job sees no source of help or success left for him.
Job 6:14 (NKJV)
14 “To him who is afflicted, kindness should be shown by his friend, Even though he forsakes the fear of the Almighty.
Job states that a suffering person deserves compassion and kindness from friends, even if they question or falter in their faith. He indirectly criticizes his friends for their harshness, suggesting that they have failed in their duty to offer comfort during his affliction.
Job 6:15-17 (NKJV)
15 My brothers have dealt deceitfully like a brook, Like the streams of the brooks that pass away,
16 Which are dark because of the ice, And into which the snow vanishes.
17 When it is warm, they cease to flow; When it is hot, they vanish from their place.
Job compares his friends to seasonal streams, which seem promising when filled with water but disappear when truly needed. This metaphor highlights the unreliability of his friends, who offered support initially but abandoned him in his time of greatest need, leaving him feeling betrayed.
Job 6:18-20 (NKJV)
18 The paths of their way turn aside, They go nowhere and perish.
19 The caravans of Tema look, The travelers of Sheba hope for them.
20 They are disappointed because they were confident; They come there and are confused.
Job continues the metaphor of unreliable streams, pointing out that travelers looking for water are left disappointed when the streams dry up. In the same way, Job expected comfort from his friends, but they failed him, leaving him confused and disheartened by their lack of support.
Job 6:21 (NKJV)
21 For now you are nothing, You see terror and are afraid.
Job accuses his friends of being afraid of his suffering and offering no help because they fear the reality of his situation. Their fear of confronting his anguish has rendered them useless to him in his time of need.
Job 6:22-23 (NKJV)
22 Did I ever say, ‘Bring something to me’? Or, ‘Offer a bribe for me from your wealth’?
23 Or, ‘Deliver me from the enemy’s hand’? Or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of oppressors’?
Job reminds his friends that he never asked for material help or rescue from enemies. He simply sought compassion and understanding from them, not their wealth or protection, highlighting that their failure was in offering emotional support rather than physical assistance.
Job 6:24 (NKJV)
24 “Teach me, and I will hold my tongue; Cause me to understand wherein I have erred.
Job invites his friends to correct him if they truly believe he has sinned. He is willing to be taught, but only if they can show him where he has gone wrong. This shows Job’s openness to learn but also implies that he believes his friends have no real basis for their accusations.
Job 6:25-26 (NKJV)
25 How forceful are right words! But what does your arguing prove?
26 Do you intend to rebuke my words, And the speeches of a desperate one, which are as wind?
Job acknowledges that truthful words are powerful, but questions the value of his friends’ arguments. He feels that they are criticizing the words of a man in deep despair, treating his cries for help as trivial and dismissing his pain as though it were meaningless.
Job 6:27 (NKJV)
27 Yes, you overwhelm the fatherless, And you undermine your friend.
Job accuses his friends of acting heartlessly, comparing their behavior to oppressing the vulnerable. Instead of supporting him as a friend, they are tearing him down, making his suffering even worse.
Job 6:28-30 (NKJV)
28 Now therefore, be pleased to look at me; For I would never lie to your face.
29 Yield now, let there be no injustice! Yes, concede, my righteousness still stands!
30 Is there injustice on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern the unsavory?
Job urges his friends to look at him honestly and to stop accusing him unfairly. He insists that he has not lied or spoken falsely and asks them to reconsider their judgment. Job believes he can recognize truth from falsehood and that his words reflect his innocence. He pleads for his righteousness to be acknowledged.