Definition: Terrors are turned upon me: they pursue my soul as the wind: and my welfare passeth away as a cloud.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this biblical passage together. It’s a really powerful and evocative verse from Job, and it speaks to a feeling of immense fear and vulnerability. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, the verse is saying: “I’m facing incredibly frightening and overwhelming challenges right now. They aren't just physical threats; they’re actively pursuing me, like a relentless wind. And my happiness – my well-being – feels fleeting and uncertain, almost disappearing like a cloud.” Let’s unpack it further: “Terrors are turned upon me…” This suggests that the challenges you’re facing aren't just ordinary worries; they're deeply troubling and potentially dangerous. It implies something is actively attacking you. “…they pursue my soul as the wind.” The “wind” here isn't literal wind, but a metaphor for relentless pursuit or activity. It suggests these challenges are constantly moving forward, never stopping. They’re persistent and difficult to escape. “And my welfare passeth away as a cloud.” This is the key image. "Welfare" refers to your happiness, peace, comfort, and security – everything that makes life good. “Passeth away” means it vanishes, disappears, or becomes insignificant quickly. It's like a cloud drifting by – it’s gone before you can grasp it. Overall Meaning & Interpretation: The verse is expressing a sense of deep anxiety and fear. Job is facing immense trials, and he feels completely vulnerable to these challenges. The imagery emphasizes the feeling of being constantly threatened and that even fleeting moments of happiness are quickly swallowed up by darkness. It’s often interpreted as a reflection on: Existential dread: A sense of our own mortality and the potential for suffering. The burden of responsibility: Job is facing challenges, and he's feeling overwhelmed by them. A need for faith and hope: The verse suggests that even in the face of overwhelming difficulty, there’s still something worth holding onto – a sense of God’s presence and promise. Important Note: This is a complex passage, and different interpretations are possible. It's important to remember that this isn't about feeling bad – it's about acknowledging a profound experience of fear and vulnerability. --- Would you like me to: Explain the context of the verse in more detail? Discuss how this verse relates to other biblical themes (like suffering, faith, or hope)?