Then should I yet have comfort; yea, I would harden myself in sorrow: let him not spare; for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One.

JOB 6:10KJV
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Job 6:10 (KJV)

What does Job 6:10 mean?

Job 6:10 shows Job saying that even in his deep suffering, he would find comfort if he knows he has not hidden or denied the words of the Holy One (God), even if God chooses not to spare him. Job is expressing that his integrity before God is his only consolation, even as he faces unrelenting sorrow and pain.

Job is speaking to his friends in the middle of his suffering, defending himself against their accusations. He insists that, despite his misery, he has been honest and faithful to God’s message. The verse highlights Job’s commitment to truthfulness about God, even when it brings him no relief from his suffering.

The Hebrew behind Job 6:10

  • comfort (נָחַם, nācham): This word often means to be consoled or to find relief. Job is saying that knowing he has been faithful to God’s words is his only comfort left.
  • harden (סָלַד, salad): This word can mean to steel oneself or brace oneself, often against pain or grief. Job is describing his determination to endure sorrow without giving up his integrity.
  • concealed (כָּסָה, kasah): This word means to hide or cover. Job is stressing that he has not hidden or kept back anything about God, showing his honesty and openness.
  • One (קָדוֹשׁ, qadosh): This word means "Holy One," referring to God. Job’s reference to God as the Holy One emphasizes his respect and awe, even in suffering.

Why Job 6:10 matters

  • Job 6:10 clears up the idea that Job’s main concern is not just relief from pain, but remaining honest about God, even if it costs him everything.
  • The verse highlights Job’s sense of integrity and his refusal to deny or distort God’s words, which is central to understanding his character throughout the book.
  • By calling God the "Holy One," Job shows that his suffering has not led him to disrespect or reject God, but rather to hold onto his faithfulness even more tightly.

Where else these words appear

“comfort” Hebrew H5165 · used in 2 verses

  • Psalms 119:50 This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me.

“sorrow” Hebrew H2427 · used in 7 verses

  • Exodus 15:14 The people shall hear, and be afraid: sorrow shall take hold on the inhabitants of Palestina.
  • Jeremiah 6:24 We have heard the fame thereof: our hands wax feeble: anguish hath taken hold of us, and pain, as of a woman in travail.
  • Jeremiah 50:43 The king of Babylon hath heard the report of them, and his hands waxed feeble: anguish took hold of him, and pangs as of a woman in travail.

“concealed” Hebrew H3582 · used in 30 verses

  • Genesis 47:18 When that year was ended, they came unto him the second year, and said unto him, We will not hide it from my lord, how that our money is spent; my lord also hath our herds of cattle; there is not ought left in the sight of my lord, but our bodies, and our lands:
  • 2 Chronicles 32:21 And the LORD sent an angel, which cut off all the mighty men of valour, and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king of Assyria. So he returned with shame of face to his own land. And when he was come into the house of his god, they that came forth of his own bowels slew him there with the sword.
  • Psalms 83:4 They have said, Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation; that the name of Israel may be no more in remembrance.

“spare” Hebrew H2550 · used in 40 verses

  • Exodus 2:6 And when she had opened it, she saw the child: and, behold, the babe wept. And she had compassion on him, and said, This is one of the Hebrews' children.
  • Job 27:22 For God shall cast upon him, and not spare: he would fain flee out of his hand.
  • Ezekiel 5:11 Wherefore, as I live, saith the Lord GOD; Surely, because thou hast defiled my sanctuary with all thy detestable things, and with all thine abominations, therefore will I also diminish thee; neither shall mine eye spare, neither will I have any pity.