King James Version

What Does Job 4:14 Mean?

Job 4:14 in the King James Version says “Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake. came: Heb. met all: Heb. the multitude of — study this verse from Job chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake. came: Heb. met all: Heb. the multitude of

Job 4:14 · KJV


Context

12

Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and mine ear received a little thereof. secretly: Heb. by stealth

13

In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falleth on men,

14

Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake. came: Heb. met all: Heb. the multitude of

15

Then a spirit passed before my face; the hair of my flesh stood up:

16

It stood still, but I could not discern the form thereof: an image was before mine eyes, there was silence, and I heard a voice, saying, there: or, I heard a still voice


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Eliphaz describes his vision: 'Fear came upon me, and trembling, which made all my bones to shake.' The Hebrew 'pachad' (fear) and 'ra'adah' (trembling) suggest terror, while 'pagar' (meet/encounter) indicates unexpected confrontation. Eliphaz's physical response—bones shaking—supposedly validates his revelation's divine origin. Yet Scripture shows that dramatic experiences don't guarantee true revelation (Matthew 7:22-23). God's word must be tested against God's revealed character.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Prophetic experiences in the ancient Near East often included physical manifestations—trembling, fear, overwhelming presence. Eliphaz's description follows conventional patterns for claiming divine encounter.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you distinguish between genuine divine revelation and impressive but false spiritual experiences?
  2. What role should physical manifestations play in validating spiritual truth claims?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
פַּ֣חַד1 of 6

Fear

H6343

a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by implication, the feeling)

קְ֭רָאַנִי2 of 6

came

H7122

to encounter, whether accidentally or in a hostile manner

וּרְעָדָ֑ה3 of 6
H7460

to shudder (more or less violently)

וְרֹ֖ב4 of 6

which made all

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

עַצְמוֹתַ֣י5 of 6

my bones

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

הִפְחִֽיד׃6 of 6

to shake

H6342

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


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 4:14 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 4:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study