Job 10:11

KJV

Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, and hast fenced me with bones and sinews.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou hast clothed {H3847} me with skin {H5785} and flesh {H1320}, and hast fenced {H7753} me with bones {H6106} and sinews {H1517}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You clothed me with skin and flesh you knit me together with bones and sinews.

Berean Standard Bible

You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews.

American Standard Version

Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh, And knit me together with bones and sinews.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 10:11 encapsulates Job's profound reflection on God's meticulous and intimate involvement in his physical creation, a poignant acknowledgment amidst his intense suffering and lament. In this verse, Job describes how God intricately fashioned his body, "clothing" him with skin and flesh and "fencing" him with bones and sinews, thereby highlighting the divine craftsmanship evident in human anatomy. This recognition serves as a stark backdrop to his desperate plea for understanding, questioning why the Creator who so carefully formed him now seems to be relentlessly pursuing and afflicting him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 10:11 is situated within Job's extended lament (chapters 9-10), which follows the second cycle of dialogue with his friends. Specifically, it forms part of Job's direct address to God, where he pours out his anguish and confusion. Having been accused and misunderstood by his friends, Job turns to the ultimate source of his suffering, challenging God's justice and wisdom. Chapter 10 is characterized by Job's deep bewilderment: he acknowledges God's omnipotence and creative power (as seen in verses like [Job 9:4-10](/job/9-4-10 "Job 9:4-10 - God's Power and Wisdom")), yet he cannot reconcile this with his inexplicable pain. The verse immediately preceding ([Job 10:10](/job/10-10 "Job 10:10 - God's Formation of Job in the Womb")) speaks of God pouring him out like milk and curdling him like cheese, a vivid image of his formation in the womb, which Job 10:11 continues by detailing the physical structure God provided. This personal appeal emphasizes Job's desperate search for answers from the very One he believes is afflicting him.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a region likely east of Palestine, and reflects a patriarchal society. The cultural understanding of creation, while not detailed in a systematic theology as later developed, inherently recognized a divine hand in the formation of life. Ancient Near Eastern cosmologies often attributed the creation of humanity to divine beings, but Job's articulation here is particularly intimate and personal, focusing on the individual's formation rather than a general creation myth. The emphasis on "skin and flesh" and "bones and sinews" reflects a common ancient understanding of the body's fundamental components, essential for life and movement. Furthermore, the concept of God "fencing" or "hedging" (as also seen in [Job 1:10](/job/1-10 "Job 1:10 - God's Protective Hedge Around Job")) would have resonated with a people familiar with agricultural practices and the need for protective barriers around their property or livestock. Job's lament, while deeply personal, also taps into universal human experiences of suffering and questioning divine justice, themes prevalent across ancient cultures.

* **Key Themes:** Job 10:11 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Craftsmanship and Intricate Design**, portraying God as the meticulous architect of human life, fashioning every detail from the innermost structure to the outermost covering. This resonates with the broader biblical affirmation of God as Creator, as seen in [Psalm 139:13-16](/psalms/139-13-16 "Psalm 139:13-16 - God's Intimate Knowledge and Formation in the Womb") which speaks of God knitting one together in the womb. Secondly, the verse highlights the **Paradox of Creation and Suffering**. Job marvels at the care God took in his formation, creating a stark contrast with his current state of inexplicable agony. This tension is central to Job's theological struggle: how can a God of such intricate design and care allow such profound and seemingly unjust suffering? This paradox drives Job's relentless questioning of divine justice and the problem of evil. Lastly, it implicitly affirms **God's Sovereignty over Life and Death**. Despite his lament, Job acknowledges that his very physical being is a testament to God's power and active involvement, from his genesis (as hinted in [Job 10:8-9](/job/10-8-9 "Job 10:8-9 - Job's Appeal to God as His Maker")) to his present existence, even if that sovereignty now manifests in ways he cannot comprehend.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Clothed (Hebrew, _lâbash'_):** The Hebrew verb לָבַשׁ (_lâbash_) means "to put on," "to clothe oneself," or "to be clothed." In this context, it signifies a deliberate and intentional act of covering or adorning. It suggests that God did not merely assemble Job's body but meticulously "dressed" his internal structure with skin and flesh, implying a careful, purposeful, and aesthetic dimension to the divine creative act. It emphasizes the outer covering as an integral and designed part of the whole, reflecting God's comprehensive involvement in human formation.
* **Fenced (Hebrew, _sûwk'_):** The Hebrew verb סוּךְ (_sûwk_) carries the primary meaning "to entwine," "to shut in," or "to hedge." This word evokes an image of a protective barrier or enclosure. When applied to bones and sinews, it portrays them not just as structural components but as a robust, protective framework that encloses and safeguards the vital organs and softer tissues of the body. It highlights the strength, resilience, and defensive function of the skeletal and muscular systems, divinely designed to provide support, stability, and security.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou hast clothed me with skin and flesh":** This clause emphasizes God's direct and personal involvement in the formation of Job's physical body. The imagery of "clothing" suggests a deliberate and intricate process, where the outer layers of the body (skin and flesh) are meticulously applied over the underlying structure. It speaks to the beauty, sensitivity, and protective nature of these external coverings, which are essential for life and interaction with the world. Job acknowledges God's artistry in creating his external form, recognizing the divine hand in every detail of his physical being.
* **"and hast fenced me with bones and sinews":** This second clause describes the internal, foundational structure of the human body. The term "fenced" (or "hedged") vividly portrays the bones as a strong, protective framework, like a wall or enclosure, providing support, rigidity, and defense for the softer tissues and vital organs within. "Sinews" (tendons and ligaments) are the connective tissues that bind bones and muscles, enabling movement and stability. Together, they represent the robust, resilient, and dynamic internal architecture, also intricately designed and provided by God, ensuring the body's integrity and function and allowing for purposeful movement.

#### Literary Devices
Job 10:11 employs powerful literary devices to convey its profound meaning. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, where God is implicitly compared to a tailor or artisan who "clothes" Job with skin and flesh, and a builder or gardener who "fences" him with bones and sinews. This anthropomorphic language makes the abstract concept of divine creation tangible and relatable, emphasizing the deliberate, hands-on nature of God's work in forming the human body. The use of **Parallelism** is also evident, with the two clauses mirroring each other in structure and reinforcing the same core idea: God's intricate creation of the human body, from its outer layers to its inner framework. This repetition enhances the emphasis on God's comprehensive creative power and the completeness of His design. Furthermore, the verse uses **Concrete Imagery** ("skin," "flesh," "bones," "sinews") to make the abstract theological point about divine craftsmanship vivid and immediate, allowing the reader to visualize the detailed and miraculous construction of the human form.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 10:11 stands as a profound testament to the biblical doctrine of God as the ultimate Creator, intimately involved in the formation of every human being. It underscores the concept of the *imago Dei*, the idea that humanity bears the divine imprint, not just spiritually but also in the marvelous complexity and design of our physical bodies. This verse highlights God's sovereign power, wisdom, and meticulous care in creation, even when His actions seem inscrutable in the face of suffering. Job's lament, therefore, is not a denial of God's creative power, but rather a desperate plea to reconcile this undeniable truth with the reality of his profound pain. The verse challenges us to consider the inherent value and sacredness of human life, rooted in its divine origin and the intricate care with which God fashioned each individual.

* [Psalm 139:13-16](/psalms/139-13-16 "Psalm 139:13-16 - God's Intimate Knowledge and Formation")
* [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - The Creation of Man from Dust and Breath")
* [Isaiah 44:24](/isaiah/44-24 "Isaiah 44:24 - God as Creator and Redeemer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 10:11 invites us to pause and marvel at the astonishing miracle of the human body, recognizing it not as a product of chance, but as a masterpiece of divine design. In a world that often objectifies, devalues, or disregards the body, this verse calls us to a profound appreciation for our physical selves as sacred vessels, intricately fashioned by God's own hand. This understanding can foster a deep sense of gratitude for our health, our senses, and our ability to move and interact with the world, encouraging us to steward our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit. Furthermore, Job's lament reminds us that even when we are overwhelmed by suffering, confusion, or the inexplicable hardships of life, we can still affirm God's foundational role as our Creator. Like Job, we are permitted to bring our honest questions and raw emotions before God, trusting that the One who so carefully formed us also cares for us in our pain, even when His purposes remain veiled. This verse encourages us to hold onto the truth of God's creative wisdom, even amidst the paradoxes of suffering, allowing it to anchor our faith when understanding eludes us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does reflecting on God's intricate creation of your body (as described in Job 10:11) impact your sense of self-worth and purpose?**
* **In what ways does the tension between God's creative care and Job's suffering resonate with your own experiences of faith and hardship?**
* **How can acknowledging God as the meticulous designer of your physical being lead to greater stewardship and appreciation for your body and the bodies of others?**

### FAQ

**Why does Job emphasize his physical creation in the midst of his suffering?**

Answer: Job emphasizes his physical creation to highlight the profound paradox of his situation. He acknowledges God's meticulous care and power in forming his body, "clothing" him with skin and flesh and "fencing" him with bones and sinews. This detailed craftsmanship stands in stark contrast to his current, inexplicable suffering. Job is essentially asking, "How can the God who so carefully and lovingly constructed me now seemingly dismantle me or allow me to suffer so intensely?" It underscores his bewilderment and his desperate plea for God to explain the apparent contradiction between His creative goodness and His present dealings with Job. This emphasis serves to deepen his lament and underscore the mystery of divine justice, as seen throughout [Job chapter 10](/job/10 "Job 10 - Job's Lament to God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 10:11, with its profound declaration of God's intricate creation of the human body, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very God who "clothed" Job with skin and flesh and "fenced" him with bones and sinews is the same God who, in the fullness of time, "became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). In the Incarnation, the divine Creator took on the very human form He had so meticulously designed, experiencing the fragility and limitations of the physical body, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Christ's perfect human body, formed by the Holy Spirit ([Luke 1:35](/luke/1-35 "Luke 1:35 - The Annunciation to Mary")), was offered as the ultimate sacrifice, demonstrating God's profound love and commitment to redeeming not only our spirits but also our physical selves. His resurrection from the dead ([1 Corinthians 15:20-23](/1_corinthians/15-20-23 "1 Corinthians 15:20-23 - Christ's Resurrection and Our Hope")) is the ultimate vindication of the body, foreshadowing the promise of our own bodily resurrection and the transformation of our "lowly body to be like his glorious body" ([Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Our Future Glorified Bodies")). Thus, the divine craftsmanship celebrated by Job is fully realized and redeemed in Christ, who elevates the human body to a new dignity and eternal hope, ultimately bringing about a new creation where both spirit and body are perfectly restored ([Revelation 21:1-5](/revelation/21-1-5 "Revelation 21:1-5 - The New Heaven and New Earth")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 37:4

Again he said unto me, Prophesy upon these bones, and say unto them, O ye dry bones, hear the word of the LORD.

Ezekiel 37:8

And when I beheld, lo, the sinews and the flesh came up upon them, and the skin covered them above: but [there was] no breath in them.

Ephesians 4:16

From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.

Job 40:17

He moveth his tail like a cedar: the sinews of his stones are wrapped together.

Job 40:18

His bones [are as] strong pieces of brass; his bones [are] like bars of iron.

2 Corinthians 5:2

For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven:

2 Corinthians 5:3

If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.