Job 6:16
Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid:
Original Language Analysis
הַקֹּֽדְרִ֥ים
Which are blackish
H6937
הַקֹּֽדְרִ֥ים
Which are blackish
Strong's:
H6937
Word #:
1 of 6
to be ashy, i.e., dark-colored; by implication, to mourn (in sackcloth or sordid garments)
מִנִּי
H4480
מִנִּי
Strong's:
H4480
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
קָ֑רַח
by reason of the ice
H7140
קָ֑רַח
by reason of the ice
Strong's:
H7140
Word #:
3 of 6
ice (as if bald, i.e., smooth); hence, hail; by resemblance, rock crystal
עָ֝לֵ֗ימוֹ
H5921
עָ֝לֵ֗ימוֹ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 6
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Historical Context
Snow-fed streams from mountains provided crucial water in ancient Near Eastern geography. Streams that appeared full but didn't deliver water when needed would be bitterly disappointing, making Job's metaphor powerfully apt.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you discern between apparent wisdom and actual helpful counsel?
- What makes counsel truly helpful to sufferers versus merely impressive-sounding?
Analysis & Commentary
Job elaborates: 'Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid.' The imagery describes streams dark with ice melt and hidden snow—suggesting abundance. Job's friends appeared to have deep reserves of wisdom and comfort (like snow-fed streams), but this proved illusory. The Hebrew 'qadar' (blackish/dark) may suggest troubled waters, foreshadowing the contaminated counsel that flows from them. Appearances of wisdom don't guarantee actual help.