King James Version
What Does Job 7:12 Mean?
“Am I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me?”
Context
10
He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more.
11
Therefore I will not refrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul.
12
Am I a sea, or a whale, that thou settest a watch over me?
13
When I say, My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint;
14
Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(12) **Am I a sea, or a whale . . .?**—This very hard verse it seems most reasonable to explain, if we can, from Scripture itself: *e.g., *in Jeremiah 5:22 we read, “Fear ye not me? saith the Lord: will ye not tremble at my presence, which have placed the sand for the bound of the sea?" The writer was probably familiar with Egypt when the Nile, which is still called the sea, was carefully watched and guarded by dykes that its overflow might not destroy the land. So Job exclaims, “Am I like the sea, or one of its monsters—like that Leviathan which Thou hast made to take his pastime therein, that Thou keepest guard over me and makest me thy prisoner continually, shutting me up on every side so fast in prison that I cannot get free?”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 7:12 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 7:12
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge