Job 16:14
He breaketh me with breach upon breach, he runneth upon me like a giant.
Original Language Analysis
יִפְרְצֵ֣נִי
He breaketh
H6555
יִפְרְצֵ֣נִי
He breaketh
Strong's:
H6555
Word #:
1 of 8
to break out (in many applications, direct and indirect, literal and figurative)
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
פְּנֵי
upon
H6440
פְּנֵי
upon
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
4 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
Historical Context
Ancient warfare involved repeated assaults to break through fortifications—breach upon breach. Giants (like Goliath) represented overwhelming, terrifying force. Job employs his culture's most powerful imagery of destructive force to express suffering's intensity.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we maintain faith when suffering comes in waves without respite?
- What does Job's continued engagement with God despite feeling overwhelmed teach about authentic faith?
- How do we help others when they feel crushed by repeated trials?
Analysis & Commentary
God breaks Job repeatedly: 'He breaketh me with breach upon breach, he runneth upon me like a giant.' The repeated breaches suggest waves of suffering—one blow after another without respite. God running like a giant emphasizes overwhelming force. Job feels crushed by omnipotence. Yet even in this extreme language, Job doesn't curse God or turn away—he maintains engagement even while feeling overwhelmed. This models faith that holds on despite feeling crushed.