Definition: My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Job 19:14. It's a really powerful and sad one, and it speaks to a lot of things about suffering and perspective. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: God is experiencing a huge amount of pain and hardship right now – a massive trial. And the people around him – his friends and family – have stopped caring about him or acknowledging his existence. It's like he’s being completely forgotten. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “My kinsfolk have failed…” : This means that the people who are supposed to care for, support, and love him – those closest to him – haven't been there. They haven’t offered help, comfort, or understanding during this difficult time. It suggests a lack of compassion. “My familiar friends have forgotten me…” : This is the key part. "Familiar friends" usually refer to people who are close and trusted, like family members, mentors, or even companions. The fact that they’ve forgotten him implies a loss of connection and affection. What it means in a broader sense: This verse highlights several important truths: Suffering is inevitable: It acknowledges that suffering is a part of life, and we all experience hardship at some point. Our perspective matters: It shows us that our own feelings and reactions to suffering can be limited. When people forget about us, it’s a sign that our perspective might be skewed. God’s Sovereignty: It also speaks to God's power and control over events. He is allowing this trial to happen, and he doesn't need our help or concern in this moment. It’s not about blame: The verse isn't saying that God wants us to suffer. It's a statement of reality – a time when the people around him have lost their way and don’t care enough to acknowledge his existence. In short, it’s a moment of profound loneliness and isolation for Job. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its significance in the context of the larger story of the book of Job?