1. ὀλέκομαι πνεύματι φερόμενος δέομαι δὲ ταφῆς καὶ οὐ τυγχάνω
2. λίσσομαι κάμνων καὶ τί ποιήσας
3. ἔκλεψαν δέ μου τὰ ὑπάρχοντα ἀλλότριοι τίς ἐστιν οὗτος τῇ χειρί μου συνδεθήτω
4. ὅτι καρδίαν αὐτῶν ἔκρυψας ἀπὸ φρονήσεως διὰ τοῦτο οὐ μὴ ὑψώσῃς αὐτούς
5. τῇ μερίδι ἀναγγελεῖ κακίας ὀφθαλμοὶ δέ μου ἐφ’ υἱοῖς ἐτάκησαν
6. ἔθου δέ με θρύλημα ἐν ἔθνεσιν γέλως δὲ αὐτοῖς ἀπέβην
7. πεπώρωνται γὰρ ἀπὸ ὀργῆς οἱ ὀφθαλμοί μου πεπολιόρκημαι μεγάλως ὑπὸ πάντων
8. θαῦμα ἔσχεν ἀληθινοὺς ἐπὶ τούτῳ δίκαιος δὲ ἐπὶ παρανόμῳ ἐπανασταίη
9. σχοίη δὲ πιστὸς τὴν ἑαυτοῦ ὁδόν καθαρὸς δὲ χεῖρας ἀναλάβοι θάρσος
10. οὐ μὴν δὲ ἀλλὰ πάντες ἐρείδετε καὶ δεῦτε δή οὐ γὰρ εὑρίσκω ἐν ὑμῖν ἀληθές
11. αἱ ἡμέραι μου παρῆλθον ἐν βρόμῳ ἐρράγη δὲ τὰ ἄρθρα τῆς καρδίας μου
12. νύκτα εἰς ἡμέραν ἔθηκαν φῶς ἐγγὺς ἀπὸ προσώπου σκότους
13. ἐὰν γὰρ ὑπομείνω ᾅδης μου ὁ οἶκος ἐν δὲ γνόφῳ ἔστρωταί μου ἡ στρωμνή
14. θάνατον ἐπεκαλεσάμην πατέρα μου εἶναι μητέρα δέ μου καὶ ἀδελφὴν σαπρίαν
15. ποῦ οὖν μου ἔτι ἐστὶν ἡ ἐλπίς ἦ τὰ ἀγαθά μου ὄψομαι
16. ἦ μετ’ ἐμοῦ εἰς ᾅδην καταβήσονται ἢ ὁμοθυμαδὸν ἐπὶ χώματος καταβησόμεθα
Footnotes:
17:1-2 - Job expresses his despair and the fragility of his health. He feels abandoned and isolated, reflecting the profound emotional and physical pain he endures. Human vulnerability in the face of suffering is a central theme in this chapter (see also Psalm 38:4 and Psalm 102:7-8).
17:3-4 - Job asks God to become a surety for him, revealing his trust in God's promises even in the midst of suffering. This desire for an advocate before God highlights the human need for intercession and hope in justice (see also Hebrews 7:25 and Romans 8:34).
17:5-6 - He mentions those who betray their friends, emphasizing the betrayal that often occurs in human relationships, especially in times of crisis. This observation highlights the need for loyalty and support in difficult times (see also Proverbs 17:17 and Galatians 6:2).
17:7-9 - Despite his desperate situation, Job maintains his integrity and believes that his testimony will stand firm. Perseverance in the face of adversity is a vital principle in the life of faith (see also James 1:12 and 1 Peter 1:6-7).
17:10-16 - Job reflects on death and the inevitability of human destiny, expressing his hope in seeing God's light even after death. This recognition of the fragility of life and the hope of eternity is a recurring theme in Scripture (see also Psalm 49:15 and John 11:25-26).
Verses related to Jó, 17:
Job chapter 17 continues Job's lament. How does he see his future and the behavior of his friends? The text expresses Job's despair in the face of imminent death and his disappointment with others' lack of understanding. The chapter addresses themes such as the proximity of death, destroyed reputation and hope beyond the grave. Job 17 shows Job's struggle to maintain faith in extreme circumstances. Reflect with us on five biblical passages that relate to the dark thoughts of this challenging chapter.
Psalms 88:3-4: "My soul is full of anguish, and my life draws near to the grave. I am numbered among those who go down to the pit; I am like a man who no longer has strength." - These verses reflect Job's despair expressed in 17:1, where he feels that death is near.
Proverbs 17:3: "The crucible is for silver and the furnace is for gold, but the Lord tests the heart." - This proverb about refinement through trials relates to Job's experience described in 17:9.
Isaiah 57:1: "The righteous perishes, and no one ponders it in his heart; pious men are taken away, and no one understands that the righteous are taken away to be spared from evil." - This verse echoes Job's sentiment in 17:8-9, where he talks about the righteous who stand firm.
2 Corinthians 4:16-17: "That's why we don't get discouraged. Although outwardly we are wasting away, inwardly we are being renewed day by day, for our light and momentary sufferings are producing for us an eternal glory that outweighs them all." - Paul talks about perseverance in the midst of suffering, relating to Job's determination in 17:9.
Revelation 2:10: "Don't be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you: the Devil will throw some of you into prison to test you, and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." - This promise of reward for the faithful relates to Job's hope for justice, even after death, in 17:13-16.
FAQ:
What does Job express in his prayer in Job 17?
Job laments his condition and feels his hope is gone. He cries out to God, questioning the justice of his suffering and the lack of compassion from his friends. (Job 17:1-16)
Why does Job feel hopeless?
He sees his life slipping away, surrounded by mockers and with no relief for his pain. His hope of restoration seems impossible in the face of so much suffering. (Job 17:11-16)
How does Job describe his friends?
He compares them to false comforters and accuses them of treachery, for instead of helping him, they increase his suffering with harsh words. (Job 17:4, 10)
What does Job understand about death?
He sees death as his only hope, believing he will descend to the dust without answer or comfort. His outlook reflects despair, but also faith in divine justice. (Job 17:13-16)
How does Job's complaint reveal his faith?
Despite his anguish, he cries out to God and seeks meaning in his suffering, showing that his faith remains even in the midst of despair. (Job 17:3)
