Old Testament
Job 17:7
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
My eye also is dim because of sorrow, and all my limbs are like a shadow.
Compare translations
Mine eye also is dim by reason of sorrow, and all my members are as a shadow.
What Job 17:7 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job expresses the deep sorrow he feels due to his suffering. His physical state reflects his emotional pain; his eyesight is failing, symbolizing a loss of hope and clarity. The comparison of his limbs to a shadow suggests weakness and a sense of being diminished, as shadows lack substance and life. Job's lament highlights the toll that grief and despair can take on both the body and spirit. This imagery conveys the profound impact of his trials, illustrating how suffering can overshadow one's existence, making even the simplest aspects of life feel burdensome. Job's words resonate with anyone who has experienced deep sorrow, as they capture the essence of feeling overwhelmed and diminished by life's challenges. His honesty about his condition serves as a reminder that it is okay to acknowledge pain and seek understanding in times of distress.
How to apply Job 17:7 to your life
When facing overwhelming sorrow, it's important to acknowledge our feelings rather than suppress them. Sharing our struggles with trusted friends or seeking support can help us navigate through difficult times. Remember, it's okay to express vulnerability and seek comfort.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 17:7
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 17:7
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 17:7 mean?
Job 17:7 expresses Job's deep sorrow and physical decline due to his suffering. His failing eyesight symbolizes a loss of hope, while comparing his limbs to a shadow reflects his weakness and diminished state.
What is the meaning of 'my eye also is dim because of sorrow' in Job 17:7?
The phrase 'my eye also is dim because of sorrow' indicates that Job's emotional pain is so profound that it affects his physical health, leading to a loss of clarity and hope.
What does Job compare his limbs to in Job 17:7?
In Job 17:7, Job compares his limbs to a shadow, suggesting that he feels weak and insubstantial, as shadows lack life and substance, reflecting his overall state of despair.
How does Job's condition in Job 17:7 relate to emotional pain?
Job's condition in this verse illustrates the connection between emotional pain and physical health, showing that deep sorrow can lead to feelings of weakness and a sense of being overwhelmed.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.