Job 13:12
Your remembrances are like unto ashes, your bodies to bodies of clay.
Original Language Analysis
זִֽ֭כְרֹנֵיכֶם
Your remembrances
H2146
זִֽ֭כְרֹנֵיכֶם
Your remembrances
Strong's:
H2146
Word #:
1 of 6
a memento (or memorable thing, day or writing)
מִשְׁלֵי
are like
H4912
מִשְׁלֵי
are like
Strong's:
H4912
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, a pithy maxim, usually of metaphorical nature; hence, a simile (as an adage, poem, discourse)
גַּבֵּיכֶֽם׃
to bodies
H1354
גַּבֵּיכֶֽם׃
to bodies
Strong's:
H1354
Word #:
4 of 6
the back (as rounded); by analogy, the top or rim, a boss, a vault, arch of eye, bulwarks, etc
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern pottery and mourning practices provide context for these metaphors. Ashes (from burnt sacrifice or mourning) and unfired clay both symbolize impermanence.
Questions for Reflection
- When have your confident arguments proven to be fragile as ash or clay?
- How does this metaphor warn against overconfident theology?
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Analysis & Commentary
Job dismisses the friends' arguments: 'Your remembrances are like unto ashes, your bodies to bodies of clay.' The double metaphor (ashes/clay) emphasizes the fragility and worthlessness of their defenses. Ashes represent what remains after fire; clay represents pre-fired, unstable form.