Job 7:5
My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust; my skin is broken, and become loathsome.
Original Language Analysis
לָ֘בַ֤שׁ
is clothed
H3847
לָ֘בַ֤שׁ
is clothed
Strong's:
H3847
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, wrap around, i.e., (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively
בְּשָׂרִ֣י
My flesh
H1320
בְּשָׂרִ֣י
My flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
2 of 8
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
רִ֭מָּה
with worms
H7415
רִ֭מָּה
with worms
Strong's:
H7415
Word #:
3 of 8
a maggot (as rapidly bred), literally or figuratively
Historical Context
Scholars have debated Job's specific disease, with proposals including elephantiasis, pemphigus, leprosy, or chronic eczema. The description matches dermatological conditions common in the ancient Near East where hygiene was limited. Job's sitting in ashes (2:8) and scraping himself with potsherd indicates advanced skin disease with purulent lesions.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Job's honest description of physical suffering rebuke gnostic tendencies to spiritualize or minimize bodily affliction?
- What comfort does the incarnation and bodily resurrection of Christ offer those experiencing physical deterioration?
- In what ways should Job's example shape pastoral care for those experiencing disfiguring or repulsive illnesses?
Analysis & Commentary
Job's graphic description of physical deterioration shocks with its visceral honesty. 'Clothed with worms' (labash rimmah, לָבַשׁ רִמָּה) uses the verb for putting on garments—his body is 'dressed' in parasitic infestation, likely maggots in his sores. 'Clods of dust' (gush aphar, גּוּשׁ עָפָר) refers to crusted, hardened dirt mixed with bodily discharge forming scabs. His skin is 'broken' (ragam, רָגַם) and 'loathsome' (ma'as, מָאַס), meaning rejected, despised, and repulsive.
This verse confronts sanitized spirituality with the brutal reality of physical suffering. Job doesn't spiritualize his agony but describes it with unflinching detail. The Reformed tradition affirms the goodness of embodied existence while recognizing the body's subjection to corruption through the fall (Romans 8:23). Our bodies 'groan' awaiting redemption, legitimating Job's graphic lament.
Theologically, Job's deteriorating flesh foreshadows Isaiah 53's description of the suffering servant: 'His visage was so marred more than any man' (Isaiah 53:14). Christ's incarnation means God in flesh experienced bodily suffering, validating physical anguish as worthy of lament and deserving of redemption. Job's corrupting body anticipates resurrection's necessity.