Job 10 1

Job 10:1 kjv

My soul is weary of my life; I will leave my complaint upon myself; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

Job 10:1 nkjv

"My soul loathes my life; I will give free course to my complaint, I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

Job 10:1 niv

"I loathe my very life; therefore I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul.

Job 10:1 esv

"I loathe my life; I will give free utterance to my complaint; I will speak in the bitterness of my soul.

Job 10:1 nlt

"I am disgusted with my life.
Let me complain freely.
My bitter soul must complain.

Job 10 verses

Job 10 1 Meaning

Job 10:1 expresses Job's profound and desperate spiritual weariness, a deep aversion to his own existence. He declares his absolute resolve to voice his intense grievances and complaints, without restraint, driven by the consuming bitterness that permeates his very soul. It signifies a moment of unbearable suffering compelling a forthright and unreserved appeal to the Creator, even as it reflects an almost existential disgust with life itself.

Job 10 1 Context

Job 10:1 stands at a critical point in Job's dialogue with his friends. It follows his extensive counter-argument (Job 9) to Zophar's second speech (Job 8), where Zophar had vehemently insisted that Job's suffering proved his sin and demanded his repentance. Job rejects this simplistic theology of retribution, unable to reconcile his innocent suffering with God's justice as proclaimed by his friends. He is overwhelmed by his circumstances and the perceived injustice from both God and man. This verse marks Job's decisive turning point where his internal despair bursts forth into an unreserved, direct address and accusation toward God. It is the beginning of his passionate discourse that continues through chapter 10, characterized by questions directed straight to God concerning the purpose and nature of his suffering, defying the polite, indirect manner his friends adopt. Culturally, Job's lamentations would challenge the prevalent understanding that only the wicked suffered and that piety guaranteed prosperity.

Job 10 1 Word analysis

• My soul (נַפְשִׁי - napshi): From nephesh, signifying the totality of Job's being—his vital spirit, inner self, core identity, emotions, and will. It emphasizes that this weariness or loathing is not superficial but penetrates to his deepest essence. It is a deeply personal and internal experience.
• despises/weary/loathe (קָטְתִּי - qaquti): This verb is a hapax legomenon (appearing only once in the Bible) in the Piel stem in this form. It expresses intense disgust, sickening aversion, or deep weariness and abhorrence. It's more than being tired; it implies revulsion and a feeling of nauseated satiety with life. It reflects an extreme emotional state of utter futility and repulsion concerning his very existence.
• my life (חַיַּי - ḥayyay): Refers to his existence, his vital being, every moment of his current, unbearable reality. It underscores the target of his revulsion: his painful continuation of life itself.
• I will give free rein / I will leave (אֶעֶזְבָה - eʿezbah): From the root עָזַב (ʿazav), meaning "to abandon," "to forsake," or "to let go/release." Here, it signifies the deliberate act of not holding back or restraining his complaint. He resolves to release it entirely, letting it pour forth without reserve, like an unrestrained torrent. This highlights Job's resolve to speak openly despite the perceived danger.
• my complaint (שִׂיחִי - siyachi): From siach, referring to a bitter or sorrowful meditation, a deep groan, a lament, or a mournful outpouring. It's not merely a grumble but an earnest, often agonized, appeal or protest. It carries the nuance of intense inner preoccupation that finds external vocalization.
• upon myself (עָלַי - ʿalay): While KJV translates this as "leave my complaint upon myself" implying a burden, most modern interpretations understand ʿalay in conjunction with eʿezbah to signify "upon me," meaning the act of speaking or unburdening himself by releasing the complaint from within himself. It suggests an act directed from him, rather than an added burden to him. It further reinforces the unreserved outpouring of his inward agony.
• I will speak (אֲדַבְּרָה - adabberah): From davar, "to speak" or "to declare." This verb, combined with the cohortative ending, indicates a strong, deliberate intention and resolve. Job is not having an accidental outburst; he is determined to articulate his deep pain.
• in the bitterness (בְּמַר - bemar): From mar, meaning "bitter," often used for physical taste, but also profoundly for emotional distress, sorrow, anguish, or severe pain. Here, it indicates the overwhelming, unendurable quality of the sorrow that impels his words.
• of my soul (נַפְשִׁי - napshi): Reiterates the initial "my soul," confirming that this bitterness, like the loathing, originates from the deepest parts of his being. It confirms the profound, all-encompassing nature of his internal suffering.

• Words-group analysis:
  • "My soul despises my life": This opening phrase conveys profound existential crisis and despair. Job's very being rejects his continued existence, signifying a breaking point beyond ordinary sorrow. It reveals an almost visceral, repulsive reaction to his current state of living.
  • "I will give free rein to my complaint": This expresses Job's determined resolution. It's an act of will—he will not suppress his suffering or his questions, but will deliberately unleash them. This decision is radical for one questioning divine action, as it could be seen as impious.
  • "I will speak in the bitterness of my soul": This clause provides the compelling force behind Job's determination. His speaking is not idle or casual but an unavoidable expression stemming from a crushing, deep-seated emotional pain. It highlights that his words are saturated with anguish, reflecting the inner torment of his nephesh.

Job 10 1 Bonus section

The strong cohortative verbs ("I will give free rein," "I will speak") underscore Job's resolve. This isn't a mere spontaneous cry; it's a deliberate choice to engage God on his terms, to articulate his plea, come what may. This determined act to "speak in the bitterness of his soul" is both a breaking point and a pivotal act of continued faith, however bruised and confused. He continues to speak to God, rather than merely about God, in his despair. His complaint serves as a plea for an audience, a trial, where he hopes to understand the cause of his suffering from the very source. It lays bare the tension between human experience and divine sovereignty, suggesting that sometimes, profound anguish drives a person to the boldest possible prayer – a demanding of explanation from the Lord Himself.

Job 10 1 Commentary

Job 10:1 encapsulates the raw honesty of Job's struggle, a radical declaration of existential disgust and an unreserved resolution to articulate his deepest anguish directly to God. It highlights Job's inability to reconcile his intense, seemingly undeserved suffering with the traditional view of divine justice championed by his friends. He is not merely complaining; he is launching a solemn protest, driven by a bitterness so profound it sickens him with his own existence. This verse underscores the biblical allowance for intense human lament and honest questioning of God in the face of suffering, demonstrating that authentic faith can express even profound disillusionment and pain without abandoning God altogether. It sets the stage for Job's daring challenge to the Almighty, asserting his perceived innocence and seeking a true understanding or explanation for his dire circumstances. This open and fervent complaint from Job underscores that God can withstand human honesty and sorrow.