Job 17:7

My eyes have grown dim with grief, and my whole body is but a shadow.

Study Bible

My eyes have grown dim with grief
This phrase reflects Job's intense emotional and physical suffering. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the eyes were often seen as a window to one's health and vitality. Dimming eyes symbolize not only physical weakness but also deep sorrow and despair. This imagery is consistent with other biblical passages where grief and suffering are depicted as affecting one's vision, such as in Psalm 6:7, where the psalmist's eyes waste away because of grief. Job's lamentation here underscores the depth of his affliction, both in his personal loss and in his perceived abandonment by God. The dimming of eyes can also be seen as a metaphor for a loss of hope or clarity in understanding God's purposes.

and my whole body is but a shadow
The imagery of the body as a shadow conveys a sense of frailty and transience. In biblical literature, a shadow often represents something insubstantial or fleeting, as seen in passages like Psalm 144:4, where human life is described as a passing shadow. Job's description of his body as a shadow emphasizes his weakened state and the brevity of life, a theme that resonates throughout the book of Job. This metaphor also points to the existential crisis Job faces, as he grapples with the meaning of his suffering and the seeming elusiveness of God's justice. The shadow can be seen as a type of Christ, who, in His suffering, took on the frailty of human flesh and experienced the depths of human sorrow, yet brought hope and redemption through His resurrection.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He is the central figure in the Book of Job, known for his immense suffering and perseverance.

2. Uz
The land where Job lived. It is often associated with the region east of Israel, possibly in Edom or northern Arabia.

3. Job's Suffering
The context of this verse is Job's lament over his physical and emotional suffering. He has lost his wealth, children, and health, and is grappling with deep grief and despair.

Teaching Points

The Reality of Suffering
Job's experience reminds us that suffering is a part of the human condition. Even the righteous can face immense trials and tribulations.

Physical Manifestations of Grief
Grief can affect us physically, as seen in Job's dim eyes and shadow-like body. It's important to acknowledge and address the physical aspects of emotional pain.

Endurance in Faith
Despite his suffering, Job continues to engage with God. His perseverance is a model for maintaining faith even when circumstances are dire.

Empathy for the Suffering
Understanding Job's plight encourages us to be compassionate and supportive to those who are grieving or in distress.

Hope Beyond Despair
While Job's situation seems hopeless, the broader biblical account assures us of God's presence and eventual restoration.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Job's description of his physical state in Job 17:7 reflect the depth of his emotional and spiritual anguish?

2. In what ways can we support someone who is experiencing the physical effects of grief, as Job did?

3. How do the connections to Psalms and Lamentations deepen our understanding of the biblical perspective on grief and suffering?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt like your "whole body is but a shadow." How did your faith help you navigate that period?

5. How can the New Testament teachings on suffering and renewal, such as in 2 Corinthians 4:16, provide hope and encouragement in times of despair?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Psalm 6:7
This verse speaks of eyes wasting away with grief, similar to Job's expression of his eyes growing dim. It highlights the physical manifestation of deep sorrow.

Lamentations 5:17
This verse also describes the heart being faint and eyes growing dim, connecting to the theme of overwhelming grief and despair.

2 Corinthians 4:16
Paul speaks of the outer self wasting away while the inner self is renewed, offering a New Testament perspective on suffering and hope.