Job 21:6 (KJV)

What does Job 21:6 mean?

Job 21:6 describes Job’s deep fear and physical trembling whenever he remembers his suffering and the troubling things he has seen. The memory alone is enough to fill him with dread and make his body shake uncontrollably.

In this verse, Job is speaking to his friends in the midst of a long debate about suffering and justice. He is reflecting on the painful realities he has witnessed, which disturb him so much that even recalling them brings a strong, involuntary reaction. Job’s words highlight how deeply his experiences have affected both his mind and body.

The Hebrew behind Job 21:6

• “remember” (זָכַר, zakhar): This word means to recall or bring to mind. Job is not just thinking casually; he is actively remembering events that are hard to face.
• “afraid” (בָּהַל, bahal): This word often carries the sense of being alarmed or terrified, not just mildly uneasy. Job’s fear is intense and overwhelming.
• “trembling” (פַּלָּצוּת, pallatsut): This word refers to a shuddering or terror that grips a person physically. Job’s reaction is not just emotional but also shows up in his body.
• “on” (עַל, al): This preposition shows that the trembling actually seizes or takes hold of Job’s flesh, emphasizing how fear invades his whole being.
• “flesh” (בָּשָׂר, basar): This word means the physical body. Job’s suffering is not just in his mind; it affects him physically.

Why Job 21:6 matters

• Job 21:6 clears up any idea that Job’s suffering is only emotional or spiritual; it shows how trauma can deeply affect the body as well.
• The verse emphasizes the depth of Job’s pain, helping readers understand why he struggles so much with the explanations his friends offer.
• This verse connects to the larger argument in Job, where Job insists that his suffering is real, overwhelming, and not easily explained away by simple answers.