Definition: Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Job 31:17. It's a really poetic and slightly mysterious passage, but here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a moment of extreme loneliness and isolation where someone has eaten a single piece of meat – think of it as a small morsel. The speaker is highlighting how utterly alone they are. Let's unpack the details: "Or have eaten my morsel myself alone..." : This tells us who is speaking. It’s Job, a man known for his wisdom and sadness. He’s talking about a moment of profound solitude. It suggests he was really feeling very isolated. "...and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof;" : This is where it gets interesting. "Fatherless" means someone who has never had a parent to care for them. It's a figurative way of saying no one has ever shared that piece of meat with him. What does this mean in terms of meaning? This verse is often interpreted as a metaphor for: Extreme Isolation: Job was feeling incredibly alone and rejected by the world. He felt like he had no one to turn to, no one to share his burdens with. Loss of Connection: It could represent a loss of connection to something vital - perhaps love, purpose, or even faith. Important Note: The Bible doesn't explicitly say why Job is feeling this way. However, it’s often seen as a moment of deep despair and a reflection on his suffering. It's a powerful image that emphasizes his loneliness and the difficulty of finding meaning in life when everything feels lost. In short: This verse describes a solitary moment where Job felt completely alone and isolated, having eaten a single piece of food – symbolizing a feeling of utter abandonment. --- Do you want to explore any aspect of this verse further? For example, would you like me to: Explain the context of the entire chapter in Job? Discuss different interpretations of the verse? Compare it to other stories or themes within the Bible?