Job 23:15
Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
1 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
כֵּ֭ן
H3651
כֵּ֭ן
Strong's:
H3651
Word #:
2 of 7
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
מִפָּנָ֣יו
at his presence
H6440
מִפָּנָ֣יו
at his presence
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
3 of 7
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
אֶבָּהֵ֑ל
Therefore am I troubled
H926
אֶבָּהֵ֑ל
Therefore am I troubled
Strong's:
H926
Word #:
4 of 7
to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously
אֶ֝תְבּוֹנֵ֗ן
when I consider
H995
אֶ֝תְבּוֹנֵ֗ן
when I consider
Strong's:
H995
Word #:
5 of 7
to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand
Historical Context
The fear of God (yirat Yahweh) is Wisdom Literature's foundation (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10). But Job experiences terror, not reverential awe. Ancient Near Eastern texts portray divine-human encounters as terrifying. Israel's uniqueness was confidence in covenant relationship. Job's terror reflects covenant crisis—he cannot feel God's favor despite his righteousness, foreshadowing Christ's cry of dereliction (Mark 15:34).
Questions for Reflection
- What is the biblical distinction between reverential fear of God and terror?
- How does the gospel transform our approach to God's presence from dread to confidence (Hebrews 4:16)?
- When you feel distant from God's favor, how does Job's honesty encourage you?
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore am I troubled at his presence (עַל־כֵּן מִפָּנָיו אֶבָּהֵל, al-ken mippanav ebahel)—The verb bahal (בָּהַל) means "to be terrified, dismayed, horrified." The preposition min-panav (from His face/presence) indicates God Himself is the source of terror. This is the mysterium tremendum—the overwhelming terror of the holy. Job experiences what Isaiah felt: "Woe is me!" (Isaiah 6:5). The phrase when I consider, I am afraid of him (אֶתְבּוֹנֵן וְאֶפְחַד מִמֶּנּוּ) uses pachad (פָּחַד), profound dread. The verb bin (בִּין, "consider") shows this isn't ignorant superstition but theological reflection leading to terror.
Job's fear is theodicy's dark night: the righteous trembling before God without assurance of His favor. This is Israel's existential crisis before the gospel. Hebrews 12:28-29 answers: we have received grace, therefore let us serve with reverence and godly fear, "for our God is a consuming fire." The same fire that terrified Job purifies believers (1 Peter 1:7).