Definition: Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful verse from Job 19:21. It’s a really striking and poetic statement. Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: Job is suffering immensely – he’s facing unimaginable hardship, loss, and pain. He’s being treated like a victim, and he feels utterly helpless. He’s begging for mercy, for comfort, and for someone to help him through this darkness. Let's unpack it word by word: “Have pity upon me…” – This is the core of the plea. Job isn’t asking for a miracle; he’s simply asking for human compassion. He’s feeling deeply vulnerable and needing someone to acknowledge his suffering. “…have pity upon me…” - This repetition emphasizes the intensity of his need. It's not just a small request, it’s a desperate plea for understanding and relief. “O ye my friends” – This is a call-and-response to God. It’s acknowledging that he’s not alone in this suffering. He’s reaching out to the divine as a fellow sufferer. “…for the hand of God hath touched me.” – This is the most profound part. "The hand of God" refers to God's power and influence. It suggests that God has actively intervened in his life, causing this immense suffering. “Touched me” implies a significant, possibly transformative, impact. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: Job’s verse isn’t about him causing the suffering; it's about acknowledging that God is involved and that He is responsible for the pain he experiences. It suggests: God's Sovereignty: God is in control of everything, even when it seems like a random and terrible event. Divine Justice: There might be an element of divine justice at play – perhaps God is punishing him for something he did or didn’t do. A Test of Faith: It could also be interpreted as Job's faith being tested, showing that he isn’t giving up hope. Important Note: The verse is rich with symbolism and is open to interpretation. Different people have different ways of understanding it – some see it as a lament about suffering, while others see it as a reflection on the nature of God. --- Do you want me to explain any aspect of this verse in more detail? For example, would you like me to: Discuss the symbolism behind "the hand of God"? Explore how this verse relates to other parts of the Bible?