Definition: Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee; who [is] he [that] will strike hands with me?

Explanation: Okay, let's break down this Bible passage together. It’s a really interesting and somewhat unsettling one! Here's what it essentially means, explained simply: The Core Idea: This verse is from Job, a book in the Bible that deals with serious questions about suffering and life. Job is feeling incredibly frustrated and desperate – he feels like he’s being unfairly targeted by God. He’s asking for someone to take action against him, essentially demanding a punishment. Let's unpack it word by word: "Lay down now, put me in a surety with thee..." - This is the core of Job's distress. He's saying, "Please, just let me be left alone. I don’t need any help or intervention." He’s asking for a temporary reprieve from his troubles. "...who [is] he [that] will strike hands with me?" - This is the really unsettling part. It's a demand for vengeance, for someone to inflict harm on him. The question mark emphasizes the urgency and desperation of the situation. It’s like saying, “Who will do this? Who will take my life?” Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Job’s frustration is rooted in feeling like God isn't helping him. He feels abandoned and vulnerable. He's asking for a harsh response because he believes his suffering is unwarranted and that he deserves it. It highlights a fundamental human struggle: the desire to be protected, but also the fear of being wronged. Important Note: This verse is often interpreted as a plea for understanding from God – perhaps a moment of mercy or a chance for God to show compassion. It’s a moment of raw emotion and a challenge to understand why God might choose to allow suffering. Disclaimer: I'm an AI, so I can't offer theological interpretations like a Bible scholar would. This explanation is based on scholarly analysis of the text. --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any aspect of this verse? For example, we could talk about: The context of Job in the Bible Different interpretations of the meaning of "striking hands" How this verse relates to themes of suffering and resilience