King James Version
What Does Job 33:21 Mean?
“His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out .”
Job 33:21 · KJV
Context
19
He is chastened also with pain upon his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain:
20
So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat. dainty: Heb. meat of desire
21
His flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen; and his bones that were not seen stick out .
22
Yea, his soul draweth near unto the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
23
If there be a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to shew unto man his uprightness:
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryHis flesh is consumed away, that it cannot be seen (killāh běśārô mērô'î, כִּלָּה בְשָׂרוֹ מֵרֹאִי)—The verb kālāh means to be finished, consumed, or wasted away completely. Flesh (bāśār) deteriorates until invisible (mērô'î, from seeing). The body's muscle and fat reserves deplete through wasting disease, leaving only skeletal framework. This graphic medical description depicts advanced stages of illness—possibly tuberculosis, cancer, or chronic infection common in the ancient world.
And his bones that were not seen stick out (wěšuppû 'aṣmōṯāyw lō' rū'û, וְשֻׁפּוּ עֲצָמוֹתָיו לֹא רֻאוּ)—Previously hidden bones ('aṣāmôṯ) now protrude visibly (šāpāh, to be bare, laid bare). The reversal is complete: flesh disappears while bones emerge. This depicts extreme emaciation where skeletal structure shows through skin. Job himself describes this condition: 'My bone cleaveth to my skin' (19:20). Physical reduction to bare bones symbolizes mortality's reality—we return to dust (Genesis 3:19).
And his bones that were not seen stick out (wěšuppû 'aṣmōṯāyw lō' rū'û, וְשֻׁפּוּ עֲצָמוֹתָיו לֹא רֻאוּ)—Previously hidden bones ('aṣāmôṯ) now protrude visibly (šāpāh, to be bare, laid bare). The reversal is complete: flesh disappears while bones emerge. This depicts extreme emaciation where skeletal structure shows through skin. Job himself describes this condition: 'My bone cleaveth to my skin' (19:20). Physical reduction to bare bones symbolizes mortality's reality—we return to dust (Genesis 3:19).
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Without modern nutrition and medicine, wasting diseases commonly produced the emaciation Elihu describes. Tuberculosis, malaria, dysentery, and cancer could reduce robust adults to skeletal frames within months. The visible transformation from health to emaciation was public, removing all privacy from suffering. Ancient honor-shame cultures viewed such physical deterioration as evidence of divine disfavor, intensifying the sufferer's isolation.
Reflection Questions
- How does physical deterioration strip away pretense and force confrontation with human mortality and frailty?
- What does extreme visible suffering teach about the temporary nature of earthly bodies and the need for resurrection hope?
- How should the church respond to those whose suffering is publicly visible and may be wrongly interpreted as divine displeasure?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsיִ֣כֶל1 of 7
“is consumed away”
H3615to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
בְּשָׂר֣וֹ2 of 7
“His flesh”
H1320flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
מֵרֹ֑אִי3 of 7
“that it cannot be seen”
H7210sight, whether abstractly (vision) or concretely (a spectacle)
עַ֝צְמֹתָ֗יו5 of 7
“and his bones”
H6106a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame
לֹ֣א6 of 7
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
רֻאּֽוּ׃7 of 7
“that were not seen”
H7200to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)
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 33:21 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 33:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge