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Job 23:16

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 23:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “For God hath made my heart faint, And the Almighty hath terrified me;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

For God hath made my heart faint, And the Almighty hath terrified me;
Job 23:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 23

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13But he is in one [mind], and who can turn him? And what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.
14For he performeth that which is appointed for me: And many such things are with him.
15Therefore am I terrified at his presence; When I consider, I am afraid of him.
16For God hath made my heart faint, And the Almighty hath terrified me;
17Because I was not cut off before the darkness, Neither did he cover the thick darkness from my face.
← Job 23:15Job 23:17 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“For God maketh my heart soft, etc.] Not tender as Josiah’s was, (<122219>2 Kings 22:19), or as the heart of every penitent is, when God makes it humble and contrite by his spirit and grace, or takes away the stony heart, and gives an heart of flesh; though Job had such an heart, and God made it so; but he means a weak, feeble, fearful heart, pressed and broken with afflictions, that could not endure and bear up under the mighty hand of God; but became as water, and melted like wax in the midst of him, and was ready to faint, and sink, and die away: and the Almighty troubleth me; by afflicting him; afflictions cause trouble, and these are of God; or he “astonishes” f887, amazes me, throws me…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“soft--faint; hath melted my courage. Here again Job's language is that of Jesus Christ (Psa 22:14).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“For God maketh my heart soft - That is, “faint.” He takes away my strength; compare the notes at Isaiah 7:4. This effect was produced on Job by the contemplation of the eternal plan and the power of God. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Soft - He hath bruised, and broken, or melted it, so that I have no spirit in me. Job 23:17”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“For God: Psa 22:14; Isa 6:5, Isa 57:16 Almighty: Job 27:2; Rut 1:20; Psa 88:16; Joe 1:15 Job 23:17”
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Related study paths

Read Job 23 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification