Old Testament
Job 21:5
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Look at me and be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth.
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Mark me, and be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth.
What Job 21:5 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 21:5, Job is speaking to his friends who have come to comfort him but instead have judged him harshly. He challenges them to look at his situation and be amazed by the reality of his suffering. The phrase 'lay your hand upon your mouth' suggests that they should stop speaking and reflect on what they see. Job is expressing his frustration with their lack of understanding and their simplistic view of suffering and righteousness. He wants them to recognize that not all suffering is a result of sin, and that the wicked can prosper while the righteous suffer. This verse highlights Job's desire for his friends to truly comprehend the complexity of life and the nature of God's justice, which is not always evident in human circumstances.
How to apply Job 21:5 to your life
When faced with suffering or injustice, it's important to pause and reflect rather than jump to conclusions. Like Job, we should encourage open dialogue and understanding, recognizing that life is complex. Listening and empathizing with others can lead to deeper insights and stronger relationships.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Job 21:5
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Related topics
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 21:5 mean?
In Job 21:5, Job is urging his friends to look closely at his suffering and be astonished by it. He wants them to stop speaking and reflect on the reality of his situation, highlighting that not all suffering is due to personal sin.
What is the meaning of 'lay your hand upon your mouth' in Job 21:5?
The phrase 'lay your hand upon your mouth' suggests that Job wants his friends to stop talking and think deeply about what they see. It indicates a moment of silence and reflection in light of the complexity of his suffering.
How does Job 21:5 relate to the theme of suffering?
Job 21:5 illustrates the theme of suffering by showing that Job's experience contradicts the simplistic view that suffering is always a result of wrongdoing. It highlights the need for empathy and understanding in the face of injustice.
What can we learn from Job 21:5 about communication?
Job 21:5 teaches the importance of thoughtful communication, especially during difficult times. It encourages us to listen and reflect rather than make hasty judgments about others' situations.
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