King James Version

What Does Job 6:2 Mean?

Job 6:2 in the King James Version says “Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! laid: Heb. lifted up” — study this verse from Job chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! laid: Heb. lifted up”

Job 6:2 · KJV

Context

1

But Job answered and said,

2

Oh that my grief were throughly weighed, and my calamity laid in the balances together! laid: Heb. lifted up

3

For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea: therefore my words are swallowed up. my words: that is, I want words to express my grief

4

For the arrows of the Almighty are within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.

Read Job 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job wishes his grief could be 'thoroughly weighed' and his calamity 'laid in the balances together,' using legal/commercial imagery. This appeal to objective measurement reveals Job's conviction that his suffering is disproportionate to any possible sin. The metaphor anticipates divine justice weighing all things fairly.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern justice used balanced scales as symbols of fairness. Job appeals to this universal standard, confident his suffering outweighs any transgression.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you measure the fairness of suffering?
  2. What does it mean to trust God when His scales seem unbalanced?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
ל֗וּ1 of 8

“Oh that”

H3863

a conditional particle; if; by implication (interj. as a wish) would that!

יִשָּׁקֵ֣ל2 of 8

“weighed”

H8254

to suspend or poise (especially in trade)

יִשָּׁקֵ֣ל3 of 8

“weighed”

H8254

to suspend or poise (especially in trade)

כַּעְשִׂ֑י4 of 8

“my grief”

H3708

vexation

וְ֝הַיָּתִ֗י5 of 8

“and my calamity”

H1942

by implication, of falling); desire; also ruin

בְּֽמֹאזְנַ֥יִם6 of 8

“in the balances”

H3976

(only in the dual) a pair of scales

יִשְׂאוּ7 of 8

“laid”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

יָֽחַד׃8 of 8

“together”

H3162

properly, a unit, i.e., (adverb) unitedly

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 6:2 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 6:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 4:5Job 23:2Job 31:6

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