Job 16:12

Authorized King James Version

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I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark.

Original Language Analysis

שָׁ֘לֵ֤ו I was at ease H7961
שָׁ֘לֵ֤ו I was at ease
Strong's: H7961
Word #: 1 of 9
tranquil; (in a bad sense) careless; abstractly, security
הָיִ֨יתִי׀ H1961
הָיִ֨יתִי׀
Strong's: H1961
Word #: 2 of 9
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
וַֽיְפַרְפְּרֵ֗נִי but he hath broken me asunder H6565
וַֽיְפַרְפְּרֵ֗נִי but he hath broken me asunder
Strong's: H6565
Word #: 3 of 9
to break up (usually figuratively), i.e., to violate, frustrate
וְאָחַ֣ז he hath also taken H270
וְאָחַ֣ז he hath also taken
Strong's: H270
Word #: 4 of 9
to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)
בְּ֭עָרְפִּי me by my neck H6203
בְּ֭עָרְפִּי me by my neck
Strong's: H6203
Word #: 5 of 9
the nape or back of the neck (as declining); hence, the back generally (whether literal or figurative)
וַֽיְפַצְפְּצֵ֑נִי and shaken me to pieces H6327
וַֽיְפַצְפְּצֵ֑נִי and shaken me to pieces
Strong's: H6327
Word #: 6 of 9
to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)
וַיְקִימֵ֥נִי and set me up H6965
וַיְקִימֵ֥נִי and set me up
Strong's: H6965
Word #: 7 of 9
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
ל֝֗וֹ H0
ל֝֗וֹ
Strong's: H0
Word #: 8 of 9
לְמַטָּרָֽה׃ for his mark H4307
לְמַטָּרָֽה׃ for his mark
Strong's: H4307
Word #: 9 of 9
a jail (as a guard-house); also an aim (as being closely watched)

Analysis & Commentary

'I was at ease, but he hath broken me asunder: he hath also taken me by my neck, and shaken me to pieces, and set me up for his mark.' Job describes violent reversal: from 'ease' (שַׁלֵו, shalev—at ease, secure) to being 'broken asunder' (פָּרַרְנִי, fararni—shattered), seized by the neck (בְּעָרְפִּי, be'orpi), 'shaken to pieces' (פִּצְפְּצַנִי, pitspetsani—dashed to pieces), and set up as a 'mark' (מַטָּרָה, mattarah—target). This is trauma language—describing sudden, violent catastrophe. Job felt secure (not arrogantly, but reasonably), then everything collapsed. God seemed to target him specifically. Lamentations 3:12 uses similar archery imagery. The Reformed doctrine of providence must make room for these experiences where divine governance feels malevolent. Job teaches that faith survives brutal honesty about suffering's felt experience.

Historical Context

The imagery of God as divine archer appeared in ancient Near Eastern texts. Job uses this cultural motif to express his sense of being specifically targeted by divine violence.

Questions for Reflection