Job 23:15

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore am I troubled {H926} at his presence {H6440}: when I consider {H995}, I am afraid {H6342} of him.

Complete Jewish Bible

This is why I am terrified of him; the more I think about it, the more afraid I am -

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore I am terrified in His presence; when I consider this, I fear Him.

American Standard Version

Therefore am I terrified at his presence; When I consider, I am afraid of him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 23:15 profoundly articulates the agonizing paradox at the heart of Job's spiritual journey: a desperate, fervent longing to encounter God and present his case, simultaneously coupled with an overwhelming dread and terror at the very thought of standing in the divine presence. Despite his unwavering conviction of his own righteousness and his desire for vindication, Job finds himself deeply troubled and existentially afraid of the Almighty, whose actions in his life appear inscrutable, devastating, and beyond human comprehension. This verse powerfully conveys the complex human experience of awe, apprehension, and even terror when confronting the transcendent holiness, sovereign power, and mysterious providence of God, particularly amidst intense, inexplicable suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 23:15 is embedded within Job's third and final extended monologue (chapters 23-24), a poignant and direct address to God Himself. This speech follows the cessation of arguments from his three friends, leaving Job isolated in his profound suffering and theological wrestling. Job opens this chapter with a desperate cry, "Oh that I knew where I might find him!" [Job 23:3](/job/23-3 "Job's Longing for God"), expressing his yearning for an audience with God to present his defense and assert his blamelessness. He then proceeds to outline a hypothetical legal case before the divine throne, confident in his ability to prove his innocence. The verse immediately preceding, [Job 23:14](/job/23-14 "Job 23:14 - God's Appointed Purpose"), speaks of God's unchangeable purpose and the certainty of His will being carried out, which intensifies Job's sense of helplessness and the inevitability of divine decree. This realization directly precipitates the profound fear and disquietude expressed in verse 15, highlighting Job's struggle to reconcile God's sovereign character with his inexplicable suffering and the apparent lack of divine accountability.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a location generally understood to be outside of Israel, suggesting a universal context for its exploration of suffering and divine justice, transcending specific national boundaries. While the precise historical period is debated, the patriarchal customs, legal proceedings, and the prevailing worldview depicted align with ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature. In this cultural milieu, the concept of a just God who unfailingly rewards the righteous and punishes the wicked was deeply ingrained. This theological framework made Job's suffering, as a demonstrably righteous man, a profound and unsettling theological crisis. The "fear of the Lord" (e.g., [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "Proverbs 1:7 - The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")) was a foundational principle of wisdom, signifying not merely terror but a reverential awe, respect, and submission to divine authority. Job's fear, therefore, is rooted in this ancient understanding of God's absolute sovereignty and immense power, even as he grapples with its perplexing and devastating manifestation in his own life.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes that permeate the book of Job. Firstly, it underscores **the incomprehensibility of God's ways** to human understanding, a central and recurring motif that culminates in God's majestic speeches from the whirlwind ([Job 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech to Job")). Job's fear arises from his inability to grasp the divine logic behind his suffering, highlighting the vast, unbridgeable chasm between finite human perception and infinite divine wisdom ([Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts and Ways are Higher")). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **human vulnerability and finitude** before the infinite majesty and unchallengeable power of God. Job, despite his blamelessness and integrity, is utterly powerless in the face of God's sovereign will and perceived actions. Finally, it delves into the complex nature of **the "fear of the Lord,"** which for Job is not simply a terror of punishment, but a profound, reverential awe that acknowledges God's absolute authority, holiness, and transcendent power, even when His actions are bewildering, seemingly unjust, and deeply unsettling.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Troubled (Hebrew, _bâhal'_ H926):** This word, derived from a primitive root, signifies an inward trembling or palpitation, indicating a state of being suddenly alarmed, agitated, or dismayed. It describes a profound emotional disturbance, a deep disquietude that can lead to confusion or even panic. In [Job 23:15](/job/23-15 "Job 23:15 - Job's Fear of God's Presence"), it encapsulates Job's deep internal distress and unsettling perturbation at the mere thought of God's immediate and active presence, conveying a feeling of being overwhelmed and profoundly unsettled rather than merely inconvenienced.
* **Presence (Hebrew, _pânîym'_ H6440):** This term, literally meaning "face," is used broadly to denote the immediate, active, and personal presence of someone. It is not an abstract concept but signifies a direct encounter or confrontation. In this context, Job is troubled by the direct, unmediated reality of God's active involvement in his life. The "face" of God represents His direct gaze, His personal attention, and His unchallengeable authority, which Job perceives as the source of his profound suffering and disquietude.
* **Afraid (Hebrew, _pâchad'_ H6342)::** This primitive root signifies being startled by a sudden alarm, and more generally, to fear. It denotes a deep, overwhelming dread or terror, often accompanied by trembling or physical manifestations of fear. It suggests a primal, visceral response to something perceived as immensely powerful, potentially dangerous, and beyond human control. For Job, this is not a casual apprehension but a profound, existential fear that penetrates to his core, reflecting the awesome, unapproachable nature of God's holiness and sovereign power.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore am I troubled at his presence":** Job directly links his internal turmoil and profound agitation to the concept of God's immediate and active involvement in his life. The "presence" of God is not an abstract idea but a terrifying reality for Job, who perceives God's active gaze and unchallengeable authority as the direct source of his current suffering and profound disquietude. This clause highlights Job's deep, emotional distress and feeling of being overwhelmed.
* **"when I consider, I am afraid of him":** This clause emphasizes the contemplative and intellectual nature of Job's fear. It is not an impulsive reaction but a calculated, intellectual response to deep reflection. As Job "considers" (Hebrew, _bîyn'_ H995, meaning to separate mentally, distinguish, understand, or perceive) God's character, His immense power, and the inscrutable nature of His actions—particularly in relation to his own inexplicable suffering—a profound dread takes hold. This "fear" is an overwhelming terror that arises from the realization of God's absolute sovereignty and the potential for His unchallengeable power to be exerted in ways that are beyond human comprehension or control, leading to a visceral, existential dread.

#### Literary Devices
[Job 23:15](/job/23-15 "Job 23:15 - Job's Fear of God's Presence") employs several potent literary devices to convey Job's intense emotional state. The verse utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, where the phrases "troubled at his presence" and "afraid of him" convey similar sentiments, intensifying and reinforcing the expression of Job's profound dread. This repetition underscores the depth and pervasive nature of his fear. There is also a strong sense of **Irony** present; Job desperately longs to find God and present his case ([Job 23:3](/job/23-3 "Job's Longing to Find God")), yet the very thought of such an encounter fills him with terror. This paradox highlights the tension between human desire for understanding and the overwhelming reality of divine majesty. Furthermore, the language suggests a degree of **Hyperbole** in conveying the extremity of Job's fear, emphasizing the profound and debilitating impact of God's perceived actions on his psyche. The "presence" of God can also be seen as a form of **Personification**, as Job reacts to it as if it were an active, imposing, and terrifying entity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
[Job 23:15](/job/23-15 "Job 23:15 - Job's Fear of God's Presence") profoundly articulates the complex human experience of encountering the transcendent God, especially amidst inexplicable suffering. It highlights the inherent tension between a deep longing for divine clarity and the overwhelming reality of God's inscrutable sovereignty. Job's fear is not merely terror of punishment, but a deep, reverential awe that acknowledges God's absolute power, holiness, and unchallengeable authority, even when His actions seem bewildering or unjust from a human perspective. This passage underscores the theological truth that God's ways are often beyond our full comprehension, demanding humility and trust even when answers are elusive. It invites believers to grapple with the mystery of God's providence, recognizing that true faith often perseveres not in the absence of fear or doubt, but in their very presence, clinging to God's character despite His hiddenness and the perplexing nature of His dealings.

* [Psalm 119:120](/psalms/119-120 "Awe of God's Judgments")
* [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah's Response to God's Holiness")
* [Habakkuk 3:16](/habakkuk/3-16 "Habakkuk's Trembling Before God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Job 23:15](/job/23-15 "Job 23:15 - Job's Fear of God's Presence") offers a profound mirror for our own spiritual journeys, reminding us that encountering the living God often evokes a complex mix of longing and apprehension. In a world that frequently seeks to domesticate God or reduce Him to human understanding, Job's raw honesty about his fear serves as a vital corrective. It teaches us that a healthy reverence for God includes acknowledging His immense power, absolute holiness, and the unfathomable depth of His wisdom, which often operates beyond our limited perception. When we face trials that defy explanation, or when God's silence seems deafening, we may, like Job, feel troubled and afraid. Yet, this verse also implicitly invites us to persevere in our pursuit of God, even through such fear. It's in the wrestling, the honest expression of our deepest anxieties and questions, that faith is refined and deepened, as we learn to trust God's character even when His plan is hidden. Our faith is not diminished by our questions or our fear, but often strengthened by them, as we learn to lean into the mystery of a sovereign and profoundly good God who is ultimately in control.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job's "troubled" and "afraid" response resonate with your own feelings when facing God's perceived silence or inscrutable actions in your life?**
* **In what ways can a "fear of the Lord" be a healthy and necessary component of faith, rather than mere terror, and how does it shape your walk with God?**
* **When you "consider" God's presence and sovereignty in your life, what emotions does that contemplation evoke, and how do you reconcile them with your understanding of His love and goodness?**
* **How does the tension between longing for God and fearing His presence challenge or strengthen your trust in Him during times of profound suffering or unanswered prayer?**

### FAQ
**Why is Job afraid of God's presence if he longs to find Him?**

Answer: This paradox is central to Job's profound spiritual struggle and highlights the multifaceted nature of the "fear of the Lord." Job longs to find God (as expressed in [Job 23:3](/job/23-3 "Job's Longing to Find God")) because he believes God is the only one who can vindicate him and provide an explanation for his immense suffering. He desires a legal audience to present his case and appeal for justice. However, his fear stems from several profound factors. Firstly, it is a reverential awe before the sheer majesty, unapproachable holiness, and overwhelming power of the Creator, a recognition of finite human insignificance in the face of divine transcendence, much like Isaiah's response to God's glory in [Isaiah 6:5](/isaiah/6-5 "Isaiah's Vision and Fear"). Secondly, Job is experiencing immense suffering that he attributes, at least indirectly, to God's actions or allowance. He fears God's overwhelming power and the possibility of further judgment or inexplicable divine decrees, especially since he cannot comprehend the divine logic behind his current plight. His fear is thus a complex blend of holy dread, existential terror, and the apprehension of a sovereign power that seems to be acting against him without explanation or recourse.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
[Job 23:15](/job/23-15 "Job 23:15 - Job's Fear of God's Presence") vividly portrays the human dilemma of approaching a holy and sovereign God, a God whose very presence evokes both an intense longing and a profound dread. This tension, deeply felt by Job and inherent in the Old Testament experience, finds its ultimate resolution and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, God's presence was often associated with unapproachable holiness, veiled glory, and even consuming fire, as powerfully depicted at Mount Sinai ([Exodus 19:16-19](/exodus/19-16 "God's Presence at Sinai")). Humanity, burdened by sin and inherent finitude, could not stand in God's unmediated presence without fear of destruction or overwhelming awe. However, the incarnation of Jesus fundamentally transformed this dynamic. In Christ, the unapproachable God became intimately approachable; the terrifying presence became the compassionate Immanuel, "God with us" ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Immanuel, God With Us")). Jesus, who perfectly embodied God's holiness and righteousness, also bore the full weight of divine wrath and judgment on the cross, taking upon Himself the very punishment that Job (and all humanity) might justly fear ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "Christ Became Sin for Us")). Through His perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and glorious resurrection, the veil separating humanity from God was torn from top to bottom ([Matthew 27:51](/matthew/27-51 "The Temple Veil Torn")), and believers are now invited to draw near to God with confidence, not fear, through the new and living way that He opened ([Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19 "Confidence to Enter the Holy Place")). Christ transforms the terrifying "presence" into a welcoming embrace, allowing us to find not judgment, but abundant grace and mercy in our time of need, as we approach the throne of grace through Him ([Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Approach the Throne of Grace")).

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

Psalms 119:120

My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

Job 31:23

For destruction [from] God [was] a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.

Psalms 77:3

I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah.

Job 23:3

Oh that I knew where I might find him! [that] I might come [even] to his seat!

Habakkuk 3:16

¶ When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice: rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest in the day of trouble: when he cometh up unto the people, he will invade them with his troops.

Job 10:15

If I be wicked, woe unto me; and [if] I be righteous, [yet] will I not lift up my head. [I am] full of confusion; therefore see thou mine affliction;