Job 23:15
Job 23:15 in Multiple Translations
Therefore I am terrified in His presence; when I consider this, I fear Him.
Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.
Therefore am I terrified at his presence; When I consider, I am afraid of him.
For this cause I am in fear before him, my thoughts of him overcome me.
That's why I'm terrified at meeting him; when I think of him I tremble with fear.
Therefore I am troubled at his presence, and in considering it, I am afraid of him.
Therefore, from His presence I am troubled, I consider, and am afraid of Him.
Therefore I am terrified at his presence. When I consider, I am afraid of him.
Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.
And therefore I am troubled at his presence, and when I consider him I am made pensive with fear.
So I am terrified in his presence; when I think about what he can do, I am very afraid [DOU].
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 23:15
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 23:15 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַל
כֵּ֭ן
מִ/פָּנָ֣י/ו
אֶבָּהֵ֑ל
אֶ֝תְבּוֹנֵ֗ן
וְ/אֶפְחַ֥ד
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּ֭ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
מִ/פָּנָ֣י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp | Suff
אֶבָּהֵ֑ל
bâhal
H926
to dismay
V-Niphal-Imperf-1cs
אֶ֝תְבּוֹנֵ֗ן
bîyn
H995
to understand
V-r-Imperf-1cs
וְ/אֶפְחַ֥ד
pâchad
H6342
to dread
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
min
H4480
from
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 23:15
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
כֵּ֭ן
kên
H3651
"right"
Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
מִ/פָּנָ֣י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
אֶבָּהֵ֑ל
bâhal
H926
"to dismay"
V-Niphal-Imperf-1cs
This verb means to be alarmed or agitated, often suddenly. It's used in the Bible to describe people's reactions to frightening events, like battles or natural disasters. It can also mean to hurry or act hastily.
Definition: 1) to disturb, alarm, terrify, hurry, be disturbed, be anxious, be afraid, be hurried, be nervous 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be disturbed, dismayed, terrified, anxious 1a2) to be in haste, be hasty 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make haste, act hastily, be hurried, be hastened 1b2) to dismay, terrify 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to hasten 1c2) hastened, hastily gained (part.) 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to hasten, hurry, make haste 1d2) to dismay, terrify
Usage: Occurs in 39 OT verses. KJV: be (make) affrighted (afraid, amazed, dismayed, rash), (be, get, make) haste(-n, -y, -ily), (give) speedy(-ily), thrust out, trouble, vex. See also: Genesis 45:3; Psalms 6:4; Psalms 2:5.
אֶ֝תְבּוֹנֵ֗ן
bîyn
H995
"to understand"
V-r-Imperf-1cs
To understand or discern, this verb means to separate mentally and know something with your mind, as seen in Proverbs where it talks about gaining insight.
Definition: 1) to discern, understand, consider 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to perceive, discern 1a2) to understand, know (with the mind) 1a3) to observe, mark, give heed to, distinguish, consider 1a4) to have discernment, insight, understanding 1b) (Niphal) to be discerning, intelligent, discreet, have understanding 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to understand 1c2) to cause to understand, give understanding, teach 1d) (Hithpolel) to show oneself discerning or attentive, consider diligently 1e) (Polel) to teach, instruct 2) (TWOT) prudent, regard
Usage: Occurs in 162 OT verses. KJV: attend, consider, be cunning, diligently, direct, discern, eloquent, feel, inform, instruct, have intelligence, know, look well to, mark, perceive, be prudent, regard, (can) skill(-full), teach, think, (cause, make to, get, give, have) understand(-ing), view, (deal) wise(-ly, man). See also: Genesis 41:33; Psalms 139:2; Psalms 5:2.
וְ/אֶפְחַ֥ד
pâchad
H6342
"to dread"
Conj | V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to feel fear or dread, like being startled by a sudden alarm. It appears in the Bible when people are in awe or fear of God. The book of Proverbs uses it to describe the fear of the Lord.
Definition: 1) to fear, tremble, revere, dread, be in awe or dread 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be in dread 1a2) to be in awe 1b) (Piel) to be in great dread 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to dread
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: be afraid, stand in awe, (be in) fear, make to shake. See also: Deuteronomy 28:66; Isaiah 12:2; Psalms 14:5.
מִמֶּֽ/נּוּ
min
H4480
"from"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means a portion or part of something, and is often used to show the relationship between things, like from or out of something.
Definition: prep 1) from, out of, on account of, off, on the side of, since, above, than, so that not, more than 1a) from (expressing separation), off, on the side of 1b) out of 1b1) (with verbs of proceeding, removing, expelling) 1b2) (of material from which something is made) 1b3) (of source or origin) 1c) out of, some of, from (partitively) 1d) from, since, after (of time) 1e) than, more than (in comparison) 1f) from...even to, both...and, either...or 1g) than, more than, too much for (in comparisons) 1h) from, on account of, through, because (with infinitive) conj 2) that Aramaic equivalent: min (מִן־ "from" H4481)
Usage: Occurs in 1094 OT verses. KJV: above, after, among, at, because of, by (reason of), from (among), in, [idiom] neither, [idiom] nor, (out) of, over, since, [idiom] then, through, [idiom] whether, with. See also: Genesis 2:6; Exodus 16:32; Leviticus 14:26.
Study Notes — Job 23:15
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 23:15 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 23:15
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 23:15
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 23:15
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 23:15
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 23:15
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 23:15
- Cambridge Bible on Job 23:15
- Barnes' Notes on Job 23:15
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 23:15
- Sermons on Job 23:15
Context — Job Longs for God
13But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him? He does what He desires.
14For He carries out His decree against me, and He has many such plans.
15Therefore I am terrified in His presence; when I consider this, I fear Him.
16God has made my heart faint; the Almighty has terrified me. 17Yet I am not silenced by the darkness, by the thick darkness that covers my face.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 119:120 | My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments. |
| 2 | Psalms 77:3 | I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused and my spirit grew faint. Selah |
| 3 | Job 31:23 | For calamity from God terrifies me, and His splendor I cannot overpower. |
| 4 | Job 23:3 | If only I knew where to find Him, so that I could go to His seat. |
| 5 | Habakkuk 3:16 | I heard and trembled within; my lips quivered at the sound. Decay entered my bones; I trembled where I stood. Yet I must wait patiently for the day of distress to come upon the people who invade us. |
| 6 | Job 10:15 | If I am guilty, woe to me! And even if I am righteous, I cannot lift my head. I am full of shame and aware of my affliction. |
Job 23:15 Summary
[This verse means that Job is feeling scared and respectful because he knows how powerful and in charge God is, like it says in Psalm 95:3-5. He's not afraid that God will hurt him, but he's in awe of God's greatness and wisdom, as seen in Job 42:3. Job is also trying to understand God's plans, even when they don't make sense to him, which is a sign of his trust and faith in God, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By considering God's ways, Job is showing that he values and respects God's sovereignty, even when it's hard to understand.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Job say he is terrified in God's presence?
Job is terrified because he recognizes God's unchangeable and sovereign nature, as stated in Job 23:13, and understands that God's plans are not always understandable to humans, which can be a frightening reality, as seen in Deuteronomy 29:29.
Is Job's fear of God a bad thing?
No, Job's fear of God is a sign of reverence and respect, as stated in Psalm 111:10, where it says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and in Proverbs 1:7, which says that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.
How can we balance the idea of a loving God with the concept of fearing Him?
The Bible teaches that God is both loving and just, as seen in 1 John 4:8 and Psalm 89:14, and that our fear of Him should be a response to His majesty and power, rather than a response to a cruel or capricious deity.
What does it mean to 'consider' God's ways, as Job does in this verse?
To consider God's ways means to reflect on His actions, plans, and character, as revealed in Scripture, such as in Romans 11:33-36, and to seek to understand His perspective, even when it is difficult or mysterious, as seen in Isaiah 55:8-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can cultivate a healthy fear of God in my own life, and how can I balance that with a sense of His love and mercy?
- How do I respond when I don't understand God's plans or ways, and what can I learn from Job's example in this verse?
- In what ways can I 'consider' God's ways, as Job does in this verse, and what might I learn from reflecting on His character and actions?
- How can I trust in God's sovereignty, even when I don't understand what He is doing, and what role does faith play in that process, as seen in Hebrews 11:1-3?
Gill's Exposition on Job 23:15
Therefore am I troubled at his presence,.... Not at his gracious presence, which he wanted, and every good man desires; but at his appearance as an enemy, as he apprehended him, laying and continuing
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 23:15
Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him. God's decrees, impossible to be resisted, and leaving us in the dark as to what may come next, are calculated to fill the mind with holy awe (Barnes).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 23:15
Therefore; in consideration of his glorious majesty, and sovereign and irresistible power, by which he can do whatsoever pleaseth him, without giving any account of his matters. At his presence; when I present him to my thoughts. Or, when he appears or manifesteth himself to me. Or, for fear or dread of him; or, by reason of him.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 23:15
Job 23:15 Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.Ver. 15. Therefore am I troubled at his presence] At the consideration of his formidable power and majesty, I am troubled and terrified; troubled at my present calamities, and afraid of fiercer. This verse then seemeth to be a correction of that wish of his above, Job 23:3, and not unlike that, Job 13:21, "Withdraw thine hand far from me, and let not thy dread make me afraid. Then call thou, and I will answer," &c. When I consider, I am afraid of him] I have always imagined that, as it were weakness to fear a man, so it were madness not to be afraid of God. Let me be accounted timorous rather than temerarious.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 23:15
(15) Therefore am I troubled at his presence.—i.e., invisible though it be, and undiscoverable as He is on every hand (Job 23:8-9), Job is in a strait betwixt two (Philippians 1:23). The victim of an ever present paradox and dilemma; afraid of God, yet longing to see Him; conscious of His presence, yet unable to find Him; assured of His absolute justice, and yet convinced of his own suffering innocence. His history, in fact, to the Old World was what the Gospel is to the New: the exhibition of a perfectly righteous man, yet made perfect through suffering. It was therefore an effort, at the solution of the problem of the reconciliation of the inequality of life with the justice of God.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 23:15
Verse 15. Therefore am I troubled] I do not as yet see an end to my afflictions: he has not exhausted his means of trial; therefore, when I consider this, I am afraid of him.
Cambridge Bible on Job 23:15
15. It is this thought of the moral riddle which his history presents, and of the moral iniquity that characterizes God’s government, that perplexes and paralyses Job. at his presence] Or, before him, i. e. because of Him, or, at the thought of Him; comp. “when I consider” in next clause. The thought that God acts in such a manner confounds Job.
Barnes' Notes on Job 23:15
Therefore am I troubled at his presence - The doctrine of divine purposes and decrees “is fitted to impress the mind with awe.” So vast are the plans of God; so uncertain to us is it what will be
Whedon's Commentary on Job 23:15
15. Therefore — Because of this dark and absolute relationship to my fate. Afraid of him — Eliphaz had reproached Job with his fear, chap.Job 22:10.
Sermons on Job 23:15
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Sola Scriptura 2 by Anton Bosch | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding that God operates by order and structure. He uses the example of the law of gravity to illustrate that just |
|
Sensitive to Warning by C.H. Spurgeon | C.H. Spurgeon emphasizes the importance of being sensitive to God's warnings, as exemplified by King Josiah, who humbled himself and trembled at God's Word. Spurgeon highlights tha |
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That They Have Great Effects on the Body, Is No Sign by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards discusses the effects of affections on the body, emphasizing that all affections, whether spiritual or not, have some impact on the body due to the close connectio |
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Fear and Awe by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the distinction between fleshly fear and reverential awe of God, urging believers to recognize the power of God's judgments rather than succumbing to anx |
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The Illogic of Complaining by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer addresses the detrimental effects of complaining on the soul and the Christian testimony, emphasizing that this sin is often overlooked despite its prevalence. He argues |
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Recollections of God Painful to the Wicked by Edward Payson | Edward Payson preaches about the significance of remembering God, highlighting how the recollection of God can evoke either joy or distress based on our relationship with Him. He d |
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Exposition on Psalm 77 by St. Augustine | St. Augustine preaches about the Psalms, interpreting the congregation as those who leap over to reach Christ Jesus, emphasizing the importance of seeking God for Himself and not j |