Definition: Therefore am I troubled at his presence: when I consider, I am afraid of him.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this famous verse from Job 23:15. It’s a really powerful and poignant passage about feeling anxious and fearful in the presence of God. Here's a simple explanation: The Basic Idea: The verse says that the speaker feels worried and afraid when they think about God. It’s not just a fleeting worry; it’s a deep, persistent fear. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “Therefore am I troubled at his presence” : This means the speaker is experiencing distress because of God's presence – that is, because of God himself. It's not about God being bad or angry; it’s about the very fact of God’s existence and closeness. “when I consider, I am afraid of him” : This is the key part. “Consider” means to think deeply about something. When the speaker thinks about God – when they contemplate his power, his love, or even his judgment – they become frightened. It's not just a simple worry; it’s a deep apprehension. What does this mean in practice? It suggests a few things: We are human: Humans have anxieties and fears, and this verse acknowledges that we feel these feelings when confronted with something significant – especially someone like God. God is immense and powerful: The speaker isn't just scared of him ; they’re scared because he's so powerful and all-knowing. He holds the universe in his hand! We are finite: The speaker feels vulnerable, realizing that we are small and mortal beings. It’s a moment of humility: Job is essentially admitting that he’s struggling with the immense reality of God's presence and doesn't have all the answers. It’s a moment of recognizing our limitations and acknowledging that even the greatest of gods can be frightening. In short, it's a beautiful expression of human vulnerability in the face of something truly awe-inspiring. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse further? For example, would you like me to: Explain why this verse is considered a key part of the book of Job? Discuss different interpretations of the verse? Talk about how it relates to themes in the Bible (like faith and fear)?