Definition: Terrors take hold on him as waters, a tempest stealeth him away in the night.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this biblical passage together. It’s a pretty poetic and evocative verse from Job, and it speaks to the power of fear and suffering. Here’s a simple explanation: The Core Idea: This verse describes how intense fear can be incredibly dangerous and overwhelming – almost like a storm that can swallow someone whole. Let's unpack it word by word: "Terrors take hold on him..." : “Terrors” refers to feelings of deep anxiety, dread, or terror. They’re not just small worries; they’re powerful and persistent ones. "...as waters..." : This is a really important comparison. Waters are soothing and calming – they ease you into a comfortable state. But these "waters" represent intense fear. It's like a flood of worry, constantly threatening to overwhelm you. "...a tempest stealeth him away in the night." : “Tempest” is a metaphor for a powerful, chaotic event - something that’s moving quickly and unexpectedly. “Stealeth him away in the night” suggests this storm isn't just happening; it's taking someone away from their peace and security. It feels like a sudden, overwhelming crisis. So, what does it mean practically? The verse is saying that when we experience severe fear, it can be so intense and disruptive that it can completely control our lives. It’s like being lost in a dark, churning sea of worry – you lose your sense of direction and stability. Overall Meaning & Context: Job was facing immense hardship and loss. This verse is a way for God to acknowledge the power of suffering and remind us that it's not always about what happens to us, but how we react to it. It’s a warning against letting fear control us, and encouraging us to seek strength and faith in the face of adversity. In short: Fear can be incredibly dangerous – like a storm that swallows you whole – and it's important to remember that God is always present to protect us. --- Do you want me to elaborate on any part of this explanation, or would you like me to explore the verse’s context in more detail? For example, we could talk about: The symbolism of water and storms in biblical stories. How this verse relates to themes of suffering and resilience in the Bible.