Job 21:6 — Word Study
WLCוְאִם־ זָכַ֥רְתִּי וְנִבְהָ֑לְתִּי וְאָחַ֥ז בְּ֝שָׂרִ֗י פַּלָּצֽוּת׃
BSAWhenʼim I rememberzâkar■ [think about, recall to mind] terrorbâhal [fear, horror] takes holdʼâchaz [grasps, seizes] and my bodybâsâr [flesh, entire being] trembles in horrorpallâtsûwth [shakes, quakes, shuddering, dread, a strong emotional response]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וְאִם־ | and if | Conjunction, particle |
| זָכַ֥רְתִּי | I remember [this] | Verb, Qal, perfect first person common singular |
| וְנִבְהָ֑לְתִּי | and I am disturbed | Conjunction, verb niphal perfect first person common singular |
| וְאָחַ֥ז | and it takes hold of | Verb, Qal, sequential perfect third person masculine singular |
| בְּ֝שָׂרִ֗י | flesh my | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| פַּלָּצֽוּת׃ | shuddering | Noun common, feminine singular absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | When I remember, terror takes hold, and my body trembles in horror. |
| KJV | Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh. |
| ASV | Even when I remember I am troubled, And horror taketh hold on my flesh. |
| YLT | Yea, if I have remembered, then I have been troubled. And my flesh hath taken fright. |
| WEB | When I remember, I am troubled. Horror takes hold of my flesh. |
| BBE | At the very thought of it my flesh is shaking with fear. |
Where they part company is in the rendering of נִבְהָלְתִּי — see How Translations Differ.
The sentence is structured with a main clause followed by two subordinate clauses, illustrating the cause-and-effect relationship between memory and emotional response.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectפַּלָּצוּת
verbזָכַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Job 21:6
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Job's Lamentgenerated
Job 21:6 captures Job's emotional state as he grapples with his suffering. He reflects on memories that evoke terror and physical trembling, illustrating a profound inner struggle. This passage is part of a larger discourse where Job questions the prosperity of the wicked and the justice of God, as seen in the surrounding verses.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 77:3 | I remembered You, O God, and I groaned; I mused and my spirit grew faint. Selah |
| 2 | Psalm 88:15 | From my youth I was afflicted and near death. I have borne Your terrors; I am in despair. |
| 3 | Psalm 119:120 | My flesh trembles in awe of You; I stand in fear of Your judgments. |
| 4 | Lamentations 3:19–20 | Remember my affliction and wandering, the wormwood and the gall. |
| 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. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 5 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — זָכַ֥רְתִּי, za.Khar.tigenerated
The verb זָכַר (zakar) means 'to remember' and is derived from a root that implies recognition. It encompasses recalling thoughts or marking significant events. In this verse, Job's act of remembering is not passive; it triggers a visceral response, indicating that the memories are deeply impactful.
The perfect tense indicates a completed action, emphasizing that Job has already remembered these events, which leads to his current state of distress. This connection between memory and emotion is crucial in understanding Job's lament.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse consists of three clauses connected by conjunctions, with the main verb זָכַ֥רְתִּי (I remember) leading the thought. The structure highlights how Job's memory is the catalyst for his emotional and physical reaction.
The subsequent clauses describe the consequences of this memory: Job's disturbance and the gripping terror that follows. This arrangement emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship between memory and emotional response.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word זָכַר is rendered as μνησθῶ, meaning 'to be remembered.' This choice suggests a focus on the act of memory itself, which aligns with Job's expression of fear upon recalling his experiences.
The translation of נִבְהָלְתִּי as ἐσπούδακα indicates a sense of urgency or haste, perhaps amplifying the emotional intensity of Job's reaction compared to the Hebrew.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 21:6 shows Job recalling memories that fill him with terror, causing his body to tremble. This verse illustrates how powerful memories can evoke strong emotional and physical reactions, highlighting Job's deep distress.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Job is indicating that certain memories cause him intense fear and agitation, reflecting on his suffering.
The trembling signifies a strong emotional response to the memories he recalls, indicating the depth of his distress.
Job's reaction illustrates how memories can trigger powerful feelings, showing the connection between past experiences and present emotional states.
Job's lament teaches us about the weight of memories and the emotional turmoil they can cause, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging our feelings.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What memories evoke strong emotions in my life, and how do they affect me?
- How can I process difficult memories in a healthy way?
- What role do emotions play in my understanding of past experiences?
- In what ways can I support others who are struggling with their memories?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
The early commentary from Gregory the Dialogist discusses Job's emotional state, emphasizing the fear and trembling that accompany his memories.
Ver. 6. Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold of my flesh. 44. That blessed Job was not forgetful of his deeds, the last utterance of his lips proves.Early Church Fathers on Job 21 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 21:6 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleEven when I remember,.... Either the iniquities of his youth he was made to possess; or his former state of outward happiness and prosperity he had enjoyed, and reviewed his present miserable case
Read John Gill on Job 21 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryEven when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh. Remember - think on it. Can you wonder that I broke out into complaints, when the struggle was not with men but with the Almighty?
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 21 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleWhen I remember what I have partly observed and partly felt of these things. The very remembrance of what is past fills me with dread and horror.
Read Matthew Poole on Job 21 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 21:6 Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.Ver. 6. Even when I remember I am afraid] Surprised I am with a most formidable amazement, when I call to mind and consider how ill (by the divine providence) it fareth with me, how well with many wicked; and how little you pity me, or seek by sound reason to settle my mind; I am ready to cry out, Oh the depth of God’ s stupendous dispensations! Confer Psalms 73:1-28, where David delivereth himself to like purpose. And trembling taketh hold on my flesh] Heb. My flesh hath taken hold on trembling. Totus horreo, horror hath taken hold on me, Psalms 119:53, such as makes my body to shake and shudder. So Habakkuk…
Read John Trapp on Job 21 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 6. I am afraid] I am about to speak of the mysterious workings of Providence; and I tremble at the thought of entering into a detail on such a subject; my very flesh trembles.
Read AdamClarke on Job 21 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges6. When Job himself reflects on it he trembles. When I remember means, When I think of it.
Read Cambridge on Job 21 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleEven when I remember, I am afraid - I have an internal shuddering and horror when I recall the scenes through which I have passed.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 21 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible6. Even when I remember — Verily if I think upon it. The thoughts with which he is burdened arraign the administration of God, and cause him to shudder.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Job 21 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
When I remember, terror takes hold, and my body trembles in horror.
When I remember, I am troubled. Horror takes hold of my flesh.
When I remember, terror takes hold, and my body trembles in horror.
For, when I think about this, I am terrified and my body feels a shudder.
Tyndale line
Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.
Even when I remember I am troubled, And horror taketh hold on my flesh.
Even when I remember I am troubled, and horror taketh hold on my flesh.
Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.
Euen when I remember, I am afrayde, and feare taketh hold on my flesh.
Strictly literal
Even when I think [thereon], I am affrighted, and trembling taketh hold of my flesh.
Yea, if I have remembered, then I have been troubled. And my flesh hath taken fright.
Indeed, if I have remembered, then I have been troubled. And my flesh has taken fright.
Yea, when I think of it, I am terrified, and shuddering seizeth hold of my flesh.
When I think about my sufferings, I am terrified, and trembling seizes my body.
From the Latin
As for me, when I remember, I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.
Simplified
Every time I think of what's happened to me I am horrified and I shake all over with fear.
At the very thought of it my flesh is shaking with fear.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text of Job 21:6 reads, "וְאִם־ זָכַ֥רְתִּי וְנִבְהָ֑לְתִּי וְאָחַ֥ז בְּ֝שָׂרִ֗י פַּלָּצֽוּת׃" which translates to, "When I remember, terror takes hold, and my body trembles in horror." The Septuagint, while it has a different word order and articles, matches five of the six words from the Masoretic Text, indicating a strong agreement in the core meaning. However, the specific wording and structure may differ due to the translation process. The Samaritan Pentateuch and the Dead Sea Scrolls do not provide additional variants for this verse, confirming the consistency of the Masoretic Text in this instance.
וְאִם־ זָכַ֥רְתִּי וְנִבְהָ֑לְתִּי וְאָחַ֥ז בְּ֝שָׂרִ֗י פַּלָּצֽוּת׃
5 of the 6 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Job 21:6
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אִם (im) is a Hebrew conjunction primarily meaning 'if' and is used in various contexts, including conditional clauses and interrogative situations. It can also express negation, alternatives, or exceptions, and appears frequently in the Old Testament. The lexicons note its use in oaths and its ability to connect different clauses, sometimes altering their meanings.
אִם conj.
hypoth. part. if
Interrog. part.
base
כִּי אם־
each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause:
that if
for if
(About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause—
limiting the prec. clause, except
the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
after an oath, surely
base
H518a אִם conj. . hypoth. part. if
. Interrog. part.
H518b כִּי אם־ . each part. retaining its independent force, and relating to a different clause: . that if
. for if
. (About 140 t.) the two particles being closely conjoined, and relating to the same clause— . limiting the prec. clause, except
. the if being neglected, and treated as pleonastic, so that the clause is no longer a limitation of the preceding clause but a contradiction of it: but rather, but
. after an oath, surely
518 'im eem
a primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!;
interrog., whether?; or conditional, if, although; also Oh
that!, when; hence, as a negative, not:--(and, can-,
doubtless, if, that) (not), + but, either, + except, +
more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or,
+ save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, + surely (no more,
none, not), though, + of a truth, + unless, + verily, when,
whereas, whether, while, + yet.
אִם (im) — if.
: if/whether_or/though
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
[כִּי] אם (ki im) — if: except.
1) except if
1a) but if
אִם (im) — if: surely no.
: surely_no
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: surely yes.
: surely_yes
1) if
1a) conditional clauses
1a1) of possible situations
1a2) of impossible situations
1b) oath contexts
1b1) no, not
1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or
1d) when, whenever
1e) since
1f) interrogative particle
1g) but rather
אִם (im) — if: until.
: until/except
Conj | Conj — Conjunction · particleHC/Tc
The Hebrew word זָכַר (zakar) means 'to remember' and is built from a primitive root implying recognition. It covers a range of meanings, including recalling thoughts, commemorating days, and causing others to remember. The entries also note its use in various grammatical forms, such as being remembered or making a memorial.
זָכַר vb. remember
Qal
Human subj.
remember, recall, call to mind, usu. as affecting present feeling, thought or action
remember persons (human subj.)
remember י׳
remember
think of or on, call to mind something present or future
remember a day, to observe, commemorate it
remember, with implied mention of, obj.
Subj. י׳ (אלהִם)
remember persons
remember the distress of his servants
their devotion
remember his own covenant (with them)
his mercy
extenuating circumstances
remember sins, idolatries
Niph.
be brought to remembrance, remembered, thought of, usu. c. neg.
neg. be not remembered = no longer exist, of name of Israel, as nation
be remembered, of particular days, in order to be observed, commemorated
Hiph.
cause to remember, remind
cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance
mention
record, only pt.
of sacrifice, make a memorial
base
H2142 זָכַר remember .. Human subj. . remember, recall, call to mind, usu. as affecting present feeling, thought or action
. remember persons (human subj.)
. remember י׳
. remember
. think of or on, call to mind something present or future
. remember a day, to observe, commemorate it
. remember, with implied mention of, obj.
. Subj. י׳ (אלהִם) . remember persons
. . remember the distress of his servants
. their devotion
. . remember his own covenant (with them)
. his mercy
. extenuating circumstances
. remember sins, idolatries
. . be brought to remembrance, remembered, thought of, usu. c. neg.
. neg. be not remembered = no longer exist, of name of Israel, as nation
. be remembered, of particular days, in order to be observed, commemorated
. . cause to remember, remind
. cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance
. mention
. record, only pt.
. of sacrifice, make a memorial
2142 zakar zaw-kar'
a primitive root; properly, to mark (so as to be recognized),
i.e. to remember; by implication, to mention; also (as
denominative from 2145) to be male:--X burn (incense), X
earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount,
record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call,
come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, X still, think on, X
well.
see HEBREW for 02145
זָכַר (za.khar) — to remember.
1) to remember, recall, call to mind
1a) (Qal) to remember, recall
1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to cause to remember, remind
1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance
1c3) to mention
1c4) to record
1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
V-Qal-Perf-1cs — Verb · Qal · perfect first person common singularHVqp1cs
בָּהַל (bahal) is a Hebrew verb that conveys a range of meanings related to disturbance and haste. It can mean to be disturbed, terrified, or anxious, as well as to act hastily or make haste. The entries indicate various grammatical forms, including Niph, Pi, Pu, and Hiph, which reflect different nuances of dismay and urgency.
[בָּהַל] vb.
Niph.
be disturbed, dismayed, terrified
be in haste, hasty
Pi.
dismay, terrify
hasten, make haste, act hastily
Pu. hastened; hastily gained
Hiph.
dismay, terrify
(late) hasten, hurry
base
H926 בָּהַל . . be disturbed, dismayed, terrified
. be in haste, hasty
. . dismay, terrify
. hasten, make haste, act hastily
. hastened; hastily gained
. . dismay, terrify
. (late) hasten, hurry
926 bahal baw-hal'
a primitive root; to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e.
(figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or
agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously:--be (make)
affrighted (afraid, amazed, dismayed, rash), (be, get, make)
haste(-n, -y, -ily), (give) speedy(-ily), thrust out, trouble,
vex.
בָּהַל (ba.hal) — to dismay.
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
Conj | V-Niphal-1cs — Conjunction · verb niphal perfect first person common singularHC/VNp1cs
The Hebrew word אָחַז (achaz) means to grasp, take hold of, or seize. It has various forms, including Qal (to grasp), Niphal (to be caught), Piel (to enclose), and Hophal (to be fastened). The entries highlight its use in contexts of possession and holding, but do not provide specific verse references.
אָחַז 68 vb. grasp, take hold of, take possession
Qal grasp, take hold of
Niph. be caught
Pi. enclose, overlay
Hoph. fastened
base
H270 אָחַז grasp, take hold of, take possession .grasp, take hold of
. be caught
. enclose, overlay
270 'achaz aw-khaz'
a primitive root; to seize (often with the accessory idea of
holding in possession):--+ be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay,
take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get,
have or take) possess(-ion).
אָחַז (a.chaz) — to grasp.
1) grasp, take hold, seize, take possession
1a) (Qal) to grasp, take hold of
1b) (Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled
1c) (Piel) to enclose, overlay
1d) (Hophal) fastened
Conj | V-Qal-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential perfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqq3ms
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
בָּשָׂר (basar) means 'flesh' and encompasses various meanings, including the physical body, kinship, and a euphemism for male genitalia. It can refer to humans, animals, and all living things, highlighting the frailty of man in relation to God. The entries consistently emphasize its bodily and relational aspects.
בָּשָׂר 266 n.m. flesh
of the body
flesh for the body itself
male organ of generation (euphemism)
flesh for kindred, blood-relations
man over against God as frail or erring
base
H1320 בָּשָׂר flesh . of the body
. flesh for the body itself
. male organ of generation (euphemism)
. flesh for kindred, blood-relations
. man over against God as frail or erring
1320 basar baw-sawr'
from 1319; flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body,
person; also (by euphem.) the pudenda of a man:--body, (fat,
lean) flesh(-ed), kin, (man-)kind, + nakedness, self, skin.
see HEBREW for 01319
בָּשָׂר (ba.sar) — flesh.
1) flesh
1a) of the body
1a1) of humans
1a2) of animals
1b) the body itself
1c) male organ of generation (euphemism)
1d) kindred, blood-relations
1e) flesh as frail or erring (man against God)
1f) all living things
1g) animals
1h) mankind
Aramaic equivalent: be.shar (בְּשַׁר "flesh" H1321)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp1bs
פַּלָּצוּת (pal.la.tsut) refers to a state of shuddering or trembling, often associated with feelings of fear or horror. It is derived from the root word פָּלַץ (palats), which conveys the idea of affright. The entries consistently emphasize its connection to fearfulness and trembling.
פַּלָּצוּת n.f. shuddering
base
H6427 פַּלָּצוּת shuddering
6427 pallatsuwth pal-law-tsooth'
from 6426; affright:--fearfulness, horror, trembling.
see HEBREW for 06426
פַּלָּצוּת (pal.la.tsut) — shuddering.
shuddering, trembling
N-fs — Noun common · feminine singular absoluteHNcfsa