Job 42:6
Job 42:6 in Multiple Translations
Therefore I retract my words, and I repent in dust and ashes.”
Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
Wherefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.
For this cause I give witness that what I said is false, and in sorrow I take my seat in the dust.
That is why I'm sorry for what I said, and I repent in dust and ashes.”
Therefore I abhorre my selfe, and repent in dust and ashes.
Therefore do I loathe [it], And I have repented on dust and ashes.
Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”
Wherefore I abhor myself , and repent in dust and ashes.
Therefore I reprehend myself, and do penance in dust and ashes.
Therefore I ◄am ashamed of/withdraw► what I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show that I am sorry for what I said.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 42:6
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 42:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עַל
כֵּ֭ן
אֶמְאַ֣ס
וְ/נִחַ֑מְתִּי
עַל
עָפָ֥ר
וָ/אֵֽפֶר
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
כֵּ֭ן
kên
H3651
right
Part
אֶמְאַ֣ס
mâʼaç
H3988
to reject
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וְ/נִחַ֑מְתִּי
nâcham
H5162
to be sorry
Conj | V-Niphal-1cs
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עָפָ֥ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
dust
N-ms
וָ/אֵֽפֶר
ʼêpher
H665
ashes
Conj | N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 42:6
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.
אֶמְאַ֣ס
mâʼaç
H3988
"to reject"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
To spurn or reject something is what this Hebrew word means. In Genesis 37:35, it is used to describe how Jacob felt when his sons told him Joseph had died.
Definition: 1) to reject, despise, refuse 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to reject, refuse 1a2) to despise 1b) (Niphal) to be rejected
Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, [idiom] utterly, vile person. See also: Leviticus 26:15; Psalms 106:24; Psalms 15:4.
וְ/נִחַ֑מְתִּי
nâcham
H5162
"to be sorry"
Conj | V-Niphal-1cs
To comfort means showing pity or sympathy, as seen in God's actions throughout the Bible, such as in Isaiah 40. The word can also imply regret or remorse, like in the story of Jonah, who was sorry for his actions. It involves easing someone's pain or discomfort.
Definition: : comfort 1) to be sorry, console oneself, repent, regret, comfort, be comforted 1a) (Niphal) 1a1) to be sorry, be moved to pity, have compassion 1a2) to be sorry, rue, suffer grief, repent 1a3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1a4) to comfort oneself, ease oneself 1b) (Piel) to comfort, console 1c) (Pual) to be comforted, be consoled 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to be sorry, have compassion 1d2) to rue, repent of 1d3) to comfort oneself, be comforted 1d4) to ease oneself Also means: na.cham (נָחַם ": relent" H5162H)
Usage: Occurs in 100 OT verses. KJV: comfort (self), ease (one's self), repent(-er,-ing, self). See also: Genesis 5:29; Isaiah 12:1; Psalms 23:4.
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.
עָפָ֥ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
"dust"
N-ms
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
וָ/אֵֽפֶר
ʼêpher
H665
"ashes"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to ashes, often symbolizing worthlessness or something worthless. It is used to describe something that has been destroyed or reduced to nothing.
Definition: 1) ashes 2) (CLBL) worthlessness (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 22 OT verses. KJV: ashes. See also: Genesis 18:27; Psalms 147:16; Psalms 102:10.
Study Notes — Job 42:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 42:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 42:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 42:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 42:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 42:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 42:6
- Cambridge Bible on Job 42:6
- Barnes' Notes on Job 42:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 42:6
- Sermons on Job 42:6
Context — Job Submits Himself to the LORD
4You said, ‘Listen now, and I will speak. I will question you, and you shall inform Me.’
5My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You.
6Therefore I despise myself, and I repent in dust and ashes.”
7After the LORD had spoken these words to Job, He said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you and your two friends. For you have not spoken about Me accurately, as My servant Job has. 8So now, take seven bulls and seven rams, go to My servant Job, and sacrifice a burnt offering for yourselves. Then My servant Job will pray for you, for I will accept his prayer and not deal with you according to your folly. For you have not spoken accurately about Me, as My servant Job has.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezra 9:6 | and said: “O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, because our iniquities are higher than our heads, and our guilt has reached the heavens. |
| 2 | 1 Timothy 1:13–16 | I was formerly a blasphemer, a persecutor, and a violent man; yet because I had acted in ignorance and unbelief, I was shown mercy. And the grace of our Lord overflowed to me, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. This is a trustworthy saying, worthy of full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the worst. But for this very reason I was shown mercy, so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display His perfect patience as an example to those who would believe in Him for eternal life. |
| 3 | James 4:7–10 | Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you. |
| 4 | Job 40:3–4 | Then Job answered the LORD: “Behold, I am insignificant. How can I reply to You? I place my hand over my mouth. |
| 5 | Job 30:19 | He throws me into the mud, and I have become like dust and ashes. |
| 6 | Daniel 9:3 | So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. |
| 7 | Luke 15:18–19 | I will get up and go back to my father and say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ |
| 8 | Esther 4:1–3 | When Mordecai learned of all that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering that gate. In every province to which the king’s command and edict came, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. |
| 9 | Matthew 11:21 | “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. |
| 10 | 1 Corinthians 15:8–9 | And last of all He appeared to me also, as to one of untimely birth. For I am the least of the apostles and am unworthy to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. |
Job 42:6 Summary
In Job 42:6, Job is saying that he was wrong to question God and that he is truly sorry for his mistakes. He is showing humility and remorse by repenting in dust and ashes, which is a sign of deep sorrow and regret. This verse teaches us that it's okay to admit when we're wrong and to humbly submit to God, just like Job did (as seen in Luke 15:21, where the prodigal son returns to his father). By doing so, we can experience a deeper sense of forgiveness and restoration, as promised in 1 John 1:9, where it says that if we confess our sins, God will forgive us and purify us from all unrighteousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to retract words and repent in dust and ashes?
This is a sign of deep humility and remorse, as seen in Job 42:6, where Job acknowledges his limitations and sin before God, similar to the repentance shown by the prodigal son in Luke 15:21.
Why did Job need to retract his words?
Job had spoken out of his suffering and frustration, but after encountering God, he realized his words were misguided and lacking in understanding, as noted in Job 42:3, where he says his eyes had seen God, and he had a new perspective.
What does repenting in dust and ashes symbolize?
Repenting in dust and ashes is a symbol of mourning, humility, and recognition of one's sinfulness, as seen in Job 42:6, and also in Jonah 3:6, where the king of Nineveh repents in a similar manner.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Job?
This verse marks a turning point in the book of Job, as Job moves from questioning God to humbly submitting to Him, and it sets the stage for God's response to Job's friends in Job 42:7-8, where He commends Job for speaking accurately about Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I need to retract my words and repent, just like Job?
- How can I cultivate a deeper sense of humility and recognition of my limitations, as seen in Job's response to God?
- What does it mean to truly 'see' God, as Job did, and how can I experience a similar encounter with Him?
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of repenting in dust and ashes to my own life, and what would that look like in practical terms?
Gill's Exposition on Job 42:6
Wherefore I abhor [myself],.... Or all my words, as Aben Ezra; all the indecent expressions he had uttered concerning God; he could not bear to think of them; he loathed them, and himself on account
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 42:6
Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. Myself - rather, 'I abhor,' and retract the rash speeches I made against thee (Job 42:3-4). (Umbreit.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 42:6
I abhor, i.e. dislike, and detest, and loathe myself, or my former words and carriage. One of these or some like supplement is necessary to complete the sense, and is clearly gathered from the following words. In dust and ashes; sitting in dust and ashes; which hitherto I have done in token of my grief for my affliction; but now I desire and resolve to do in testimony of my penitence for my sins.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 42:6
Job 42:6 Wherefore I abhor [myself], and repent in dust and ashes.Ver. 6. Wherefore I abhor myself] Aspernor illa, so Tremellius. I utterly dislike those my former base and bald conceits of thee, my hard and unsavoury speeches, mine impatient and imprudent carriages. Horreo quicquid de meo est, ut meus sim, as Bernard expresseth it. Reprobo meipsum, so Brentius; I do utterly reject myself, I condemn mine own folly: I eat those words of discontent at thy righteous proceedings. Digna sane quae per iugulum redeant. Abiecio vitam meam, so Mercer and Lavater render it. I cast away my life, and look upon it as lost, if thou shouldest take the forfeiture: I humbly put myself into the hands of justice, yet in hope of mercy, Displiceo mihimetipsi, ac pervelim ut aliter dixissem ae fecissem (Lavat.). I repent in dust and ashes] As in an express and public penance. I throw myself here upon the ground, I put my mouth in the dust, Lamentations 3:24 Jeremiah 6:26; Jeremiah 25:34.
Canitiem immundo perfusam pulvere turpi (Virg. Aeneid, l. 12), I sprinkle dust and ashes upon mine head, in token that I have deserved to be as far underground as now I am above ground; I repent my presumptuous misbehaviour with as lowly a spirit as ever I sinned with a high. Lo, this was poenitentiam agere, quod est pro malo bonum reponere, saith Brentius. This was true repentance, to change evil for good; as piety for blasphemy, chastity for fornication, charity for envy, humility for pride, Christ for Satan. And reformation is the best repentance, saith Luther. Such as so repent are sure of comfort. The word here rendered I repent, signifieth also to take comfort, as Ezekiel 32:31. It is repentance unto life, Acts 11:18, and such as accompanieth salvation, Hebrews 6:9. Neither is it wrought in any man but by a saving sight of Almighty God in his greatness and goodness; such as may make him at once to tremble and trust, as Job did here, as Isaiah, Isaiah 6:1; Isaiah 6:5.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 42:6
Verse 6. I abhor myself] Compared with thine, my strength is weakness; my wisdom, folly; and my righteousness, impurity. "I loathe myself when thee I see; And into nothing fall." Repent] I am deeply distressed on account of the imaginations of my heart, the words of my tongue, and the acts of my life. I roll myself in the dust, and sprinkle ashes upon my head. Job is now sufficiently humbled at the feet of Jehovah; and having earnestly and piously prayed for instruction, the Lord, in a finishing speech, which appears to be contained in Job 40:1-14, perfects his teaching on the subject of the late controversy, which is concluded with, "When thou canst act like the Almighty," which is, in effect, what the questions and commands amount to in the preceding verses of that chapter, "then will I also confess unto thee, that thy own right hand can save thee." In the fifth verse of the fortieth chapter, Job says, "ONCE have I spoken." This must refer to the declaration above, in the beginning of this chapter, (xlii.) And he goes on to state, Job 40:5: "Yea, TWICE; but I will proceed no farther." This second time is that in which he uses these words: after which he spoke no more; and the Lord concluded with the remaining part of these fourteen verses, viz., from Job 40:7-14, inclusive. Then the thread of the story, in the form of a narration is resumed at Job 42:7.
Cambridge Bible on Job 42:6
6. The effect of this deeper knowledge of God upon Job’s heart. I abhor myself] The word myself is not expressed; what has to be supplied as the object of “abhor” is rather it, that is, my former language and demeanour. The word means, I retract, or repudiate.
Barnes' Notes on Job 42:6
Wherefore I abhor myself - I see that I am a sinner to be loathed and abhorred.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 42:6
6. I abhor myself — àîàñ. As in Job 7:16, (which see,) the object of the verb abhor is not given.
Sermons on Job 42:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Job: An Epic in Brokenness) 5. the Happy Ending by Roy Hession | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Job and its happy ending. He emphasizes that the scripture is a verbally inspired record of what was said, including the words of |
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The Greatness of God (Isaiah 6) - Part 3 by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing the greatness of Christ and the impending judgment day. He describes a scene where the greatest creatures in e |
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(Divine Attributes) 05 God Mysterious by Denny Kenaston | In this sermon, Brother Denny emphasizes the importance of understanding and relating to God. He describes God as the high and lofty one, sitting on a throne above the heavens. God |
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The Poor in Spirit Possess God's Kingdom by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being poor in spirit, highlighting how true holiness comes with brokenness and humility. It contrasts legalism with genuine compassion and |
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Crumbs for Dogs by Phil Beach Jr. | Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the profound love of Jesus for His enemies, illustrating how we often resist acknowledging our own sins and shortcomings. He reflects on the story of the |
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Hope and Comfort Usually Follow Genuine Humiliation and Repentance by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the process of finding hope and comfort after genuine humiliation and repentance. He explains how God brings His people into the wilderness of troub |
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Useful to God by David Brainerd | David Brainerd reflects on his unworthiness and struggles with feeling vile and inadequate to preach the gospel, expressing a deep sense of repentance and self-abhorrence. Despite |