Job 6:4
For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.
Original Language Analysis
כִּ֤י
H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חִצֵּ֪י
For the arrows
H2671
חִצֵּ֪י
For the arrows
Strong's:
H2671
Word #:
2 of 11
properly, a piercer, i.e., an arrow; by implication, a wound; figuratively, (of god) thunder-bolt; the shaft of a spear
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
5 of 11
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
חֲ֭מָתָם
me the poison
H2534
חֲ֭מָתָם
me the poison
Strong's:
H2534
Word #:
6 of 11
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
Cross References
Psalms 38:2For thine arrows stick fast in me, and thy hand presseth me sore.Job 30:15Terrors are turned upon me: they pursue my soul as the wind: and my welfare passeth away as a cloud.Psalms 143:7Hear me speedily, O LORD: my spirit faileth: hide not thy face from me, lest I be like unto them that go down into the pit.Proverbs 18:14The spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity; but a wounded spirit who can bear?Job 9:17For he breaketh me with a tempest, and multiplieth my wounds without cause.Mark 15:34And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?
Historical Context
Military imagery (arrows, poison, array) depicts spiritual warfare. Job experiences God not as protector but attacker, a theme resolved only through Christ who bore God's arrows for us (Isaiah 53:4).
Questions for Reflection
- When have you experienced God as adversary rather than ally?
- How does Christ's bearing God's judgment change our understanding of divine 'arrows'?
Analysis & Commentary
Job describes God's 'arrows' within him and the 'poison' drinking up his spirit - vivid imagery of divine assault. The terrors of God 'set themselves in array' (military language) against him. This brutal honesty about experiencing God as enemy rather than friend models authentic lament.