King James Version

What Does Job 42:6 Mean?

Job 42:6 in the King James Version says “Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes. — study this verse from Job chapter 42 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

Job 42:6 · KJV


Context

4

Hear, I beseech thee, and I will speak: I will demand of thee, and declare thou unto me.

5

I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.

6

Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.

7

And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.

8

Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job. him: Heb. his face, or, person


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job's climax: 'Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.' This doesn't repent of supposed sins but of presumption in demanding answers. Job's self-abhorrence reflects proper perspective before divine majesty.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern mourning practices included dust and ashes. Job's posture represents humility and recognition of creaturely limits.

Reflection Questions

  1. What's the difference between repenting of sin and repenting of presumption?
  2. How does encountering God produce self-abhorrence that leads to peace?

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

אֶמְאַ֣ס3 of 7

Wherefore I abhor

H3988

to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear

וְנִחַ֑מְתִּי4 of 7

myself and repent

H5162

properly, to sigh, i.e., breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e., (in a favorable sense) to pity, console or (reflexively) rue; or (unfavo

עַל5 of 7
H5921

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

עָפָ֥ר6 of 7

in dust

H6083

dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud

וָאֵֽפֶר׃7 of 7

and ashes

H665

ashes


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 42:6 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 42:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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