Job 6:7
The things that my soul refused to touch are as my sorrowful meat.
Original Language Analysis
לִנְגּ֣וֹעַ
to touch
H5060
לִנְגּ֣וֹעַ
to touch
Strong's:
H5060
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive
נַפְשִׁ֑י
The things that my soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֑י
The things that my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
3 of 6
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Historical Context
Being forced to consume repulsive food appears in ancient Near Eastern literature as a metaphor for unbearable circumstances. Job uses this to emphasize that his suffering isn't chosen but imposed.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you respond when forced to daily 'consume' circumstances that nauseate your soul?
- What does Job's metaphor teach us about the involuntary nature of suffering?
Analysis & Commentary
Job declares: 'The things that my soul refused to touch are as my sorrowful meat.' Things he once rejected (perhaps referring to Eliphaz's accusations, or his suffering itself) have become his unavoidable 'food.' The Hebrew 'davah' (sorrowful/sickening) and 'lehem' (bread/meat) suggest being forced to consume what nauseates. Job is forced to daily digest suffering and false accusations—to live with what his soul rejects. This pictures the involuntary nature of suffering.