King James Version

What Does Job 23:15 Mean?

Job 23:15 in the King James Version says “Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.” — study this verse from Job chapter 23 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.”

Job 23:15 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

13

But he is in one mind, and who can turn him? and what his soul desireth, even that he doeth.

14

For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him.

15

Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.

16

For God maketh my heart soft, and the Almighty troubleth me:

17

Because I was not cut off before the darkness, neither hath he covered the darkness from my face.

Read Job 23 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Therefore am I troubled at his presence (עַל־כֵּן מִפָּנָיו אֶבָּהֵל, al-ken mippanav ebahel)—The verb bahal (בָּהַל) means "to be terrified, dismayed, horrified." The preposition min-panav (from His face/presence) indicates God Himself is the source of terror. This is the mysterium tremendum—the overwhelming terror of the holy. Job experiences what Isaiah felt: "Woe is me!" (Isaiah 6:5). The phrase when I consider, I am afraid of him (אֶתְבּוֹנֵן וְאֶפְחַד מִמֶּנּוּ) uses pachad (פָּחַד), profound dread. The verb bin (בִּין, "consider") shows this isn't ignorant superstition but theological reflection leading to terror.

Job's fear is theodicy's dark night: the righteous trembling before God without assurance of His favor. This is Israel's existential crisis before the gospel. Hebrews 12:28-29 answers: we have received grace, therefore let us serve with reverence and godly fear, "for our God is a consuming fire." The same fire that terrified Job purifies believers (1 Peter 1:7).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The fear of God (yirat Yahweh) is Wisdom Literature's foundation (Proverbs 1:7, 9:10). But Job experiences terror, not reverential awe. Ancient Near Eastern texts portray divine-human encounters as terrifying. Israel's uniqueness was confidence in covenant relationship. Job's terror reflects covenant crisis—he cannot feel God's favor despite his righteousness, foreshadowing Christ's cry of dereliction (Mark 15:34).

Reflection Questions

  1. What is the biblical distinction between reverential fear of God and terror?
  2. How does the gospel transform our approach to God's presence from dread to confidence (Hebrews 4:16)?
  3. When you feel distant from God's favor, how does Job's honesty encourage you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
עַל1 of 7
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֭ן2 of 7
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

מִפָּנָ֣יו3 of 7

“at his presence”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

אֶבָּהֵ֑ל4 of 7

“Therefore am I troubled”

H926

to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e., (figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously

אֶ֝תְבּוֹנֵ֗ן5 of 7

“when I consider”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

וְאֶפְחַ֥ד6 of 7

“I am afraid”

H6342

to be startled (by a sudden alarm); hence, to fear in general

מִמֶּֽנּוּ׃7 of 7
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

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 23:15 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 23:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Psalms 119:120Job 31:23Psalms 77:3Habakkuk 3:16Job 10:15Job 23:3

Test Your Knowledge

Job 23 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterJob Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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