Job 33:20

"“He is chastened also with pain on his bed, with continual strife in his bones,"

Key Reflection

In the context of ancient Near Eastern literature and culture, Job 33:20 paints a vivid picture of intense suffering experienced by the afflicted individual. The phrase "chastened also with pain on his bed" suggests prolonged physical torment, which was often seen as divine retribution for past actions. The additional detail of "with continual strife in his bones" indicates an internal struggle, possibly reflecting deep emotional and psychological distress. For Job's original audience, this verse would have resonated deeply, given the cultural belief that suffering could be a consequence of sin or divine testing.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

So that his life abhorreth bread -It is a common effect of sickness to take away the appetite. Elihu here regards it as a part of the wholesome discipline of the sufferer. He has no relish for the comforts of life. And his soul dainty meat -Margin, “meat of desire.” The Hebrew is, “food of desire.” The word rendered “meat” (מאכלma'ăkâl) does not denote animal food only, but any kind of food. So the Old English word meat was used. The idea is, that the sick man loathes the most delicate food.

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