King James Version

What Does Job 10:16 Mean?

Job 10:16 in the King James Version says “For it increaseth. Thou huntest me as a fierce lion: and again thou shewest thyself marvellous upon me.” — study this verse from Job chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For it increaseth. Thou huntest me as a fierce lion: and again thou shewest thyself marvellous upon me.”

Job 10:16 · KJV

Context

14

If I sin, then thou markest me, and thou wilt not acquit me from mine iniquity.

15

If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift up my head. I am full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction;

16

For it increaseth. Thou huntest me as a fierce lion: and again thou shewest thyself marvellous upon me.

17

Thou renewest thy witnesses against me, and increasest thine indignation upon me; changes and war are against me. witnesses: that is, thy plagues

18

Wherefore then hast thou brought me forth out of the womb? Oh that I had given up the ghost, and no eye had seen me!

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job describes God as hunter: 'For it increaseth. Thou huntest me as a fierce lion: and again thou shewest thyself marvellous upon me.' The phrase 'it increaseth' (yigeh, יִגְאֶה) refers to Job's affliction growing. God 'huntest' (tsud, צוּד) like predator stalking prey. 'Fierce lion' (shachal, שָׁחַל) denotes powerful, dangerous beast. 'Shewest thyself marvellous' (shaphal, שָׁפַל) means to display power or do wonders—but here the wonders are terrifying demonstrations of power against Job.

Job inverts typical lion imagery. Usually God is lion protecting His people (Hosea 11:10, Revelation 5:5), and enemies are lions threatening believers (Psalm 22:13, 1 Peter 5:8). But Job experiences God as the predator hunting him. Same image, opposite pastoral application. Doctrine about God's power terrifies when experienced as directed against you rather than for you.

Christ reconciles this: He is Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5) who defeats enemies but is also Lamb of God (John 1:29) who dies for sinners. The fearsome power Job experiences as hunter becomes, in Christ, power deployed against sin and death on our behalf. God's lion-like might is channeled into redemptive violence against our enemies, not against us.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near East featured lions as apex predators generating both awe and terror. Hunting imagery was common in royal propaganda and warfare. Job's use of God as hunter reflects his experience of being pursued, trapped, and overwhelmed—common ancient fears given tangible form.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ transform God's fearsome power from threat into protection?
  2. What does Job's hunter imagery teach about how suffering can invert our perception of God's attributes?
  3. In what ways is God's power like a lion—both protecting His people and destroying their enemies?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְ֭יִגְאֶה1 of 6

“For it increaseth”

H1342

to mount up; hence, in general, to rise, (figuratively) be majestic

כַּשַּׁ֣חַל2 of 6

“me as a fierce lion”

H7826

a lion (from his characteristic roar)

תְּצוּדֵ֑נִי3 of 6

“Thou huntest”

H6679

to victual (for a journey)

וְ֝תָשֹׁ֗ב4 of 6

“and again”

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

תִּתְפַּלָּא5 of 6

“thou shewest thyself marvellous”

H6381

properly, perhaps to separate, i.e., distinguish (literally or figuratively); by implication, to be (causatively, make) great, difficult, wonderful

בִֽי׃6 of 6
H0

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 10:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 10:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 38:13Lamentations 3:10Job 5:9Numbers 16:29-30Hosea 13:7-8Amos 3:8

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