Job’s disgust illuminates the helplessness of grief.
Job, who is traditionally believed to have lived during the time of the patriarchs (around 2000-1700 BC), continues his anguished reply to his friend Eliphaz. As he describes his dire circumstances, he laments, “My soul refuses to touch them; They are like loathsome food to me” (v.7). Here, Job paints a vivid picture of his inner turmoil, comparing anything that might offer relief or solace to foul and unappetizing food. In the ancient world, meals were a central gathering point for nourishment and fellowship, so describing food as “loathsome” underscores how even the most basic comforts of life have become tainted by Job’s suffering.
By using starkly physical language—“My soul refuses to touch them” (v.7)—Job portrays a form of spiritual and emotional rejection. The word “soul” suggests a deep, personal revulsion that transcends mere physical disgust. It symbolizes his total refusal of comfort in the midst of overwhelming grief and pain. This distress reveals that Job feels completely alienated from normal forms of relief and support, a point that resonates with other biblical passages where individuals, including Jesus in His moments of suffering, experienced deep despair yet did not lose faith (Matthew 26:39).
Job’s words also highlight the depth of his integrity, as he has not tried to mask or feign acceptance of his pain. Instead, he communicates it openly to his friends and to God. Such honesty about personal anguish can be a precursor to the consolation later provided by God’s revelation. Even though Job’s soul finds his circumstances revolting, his admission foreshadows a greater redemptive purpose that will unfold across the chapters of this poetic book, ultimately pointing to a steadfast trust in God’s sovereignty.
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Job 6:7 meaning
Job, who is traditionally believed to have lived during the time of the patriarchs (around 2000-1700 BC), continues his anguished reply to his friend Eliphaz. As he describes his dire circumstances, he laments, “My soul refuses to touch them; They are like loathsome food to me” (v.7). Here, Job paints a vivid picture of his inner turmoil, comparing anything that might offer relief or solace to foul and unappetizing food. In the ancient world, meals were a central gathering point for nourishment and fellowship, so describing food as “loathsome” underscores how even the most basic comforts of life have become tainted by Job’s suffering.
By using starkly physical language—“My soul refuses to touch them” (v.7)—Job portrays a form of spiritual and emotional rejection. The word “soul” suggests a deep, personal revulsion that transcends mere physical disgust. It symbolizes his total refusal of comfort in the midst of overwhelming grief and pain. This distress reveals that Job feels completely alienated from normal forms of relief and support, a point that resonates with other biblical passages where individuals, including Jesus in His moments of suffering, experienced deep despair yet did not lose faith (Matthew 26:39).
Job’s words also highlight the depth of his integrity, as he has not tried to mask or feign acceptance of his pain. Instead, he communicates it openly to his friends and to God. Such honesty about personal anguish can be a precursor to the consolation later provided by God’s revelation. Even though Job’s soul finds his circumstances revolting, his admission foreshadows a greater redemptive purpose that will unfold across the chapters of this poetic book, ultimately pointing to a steadfast trust in God’s sovereignty.