Job 30:15

KJV

¶ Terrors are turned upon me: they pursue my soul as the wind: and my welfare passeth away as a cloud.

KJV (with Strong's)

Terrors {H1091} are turned {H2015} upon me: they pursue {H7291} my soul {H5082} as the wind {H7307}: and my welfare {H3444} passeth away {H5674} as a cloud {H5645}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Terrors tumble over me, chasing my honor away like the wind; my [hope of] salvation passes like a cloud.

Berean Standard Bible

Terrors are turned loose against me; they drive away my dignity as by the wind, and my prosperity has passed like a cloud.

American Standard Version

Terrors are turned upon me; They chase mine honor as the wind; And my welfare is passed away as a cloud.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 30:15 encapsulates the profound depths of Job's despair, portraying his suffering as an overwhelming and relentless assault. He describes an internal state where terrors have completely enveloped him, actively pursuing his very soul, while his former state of well-being, security, and prosperity has vanished with the swiftness and finality of a cloud disappearing from the sky. This verse powerfully conveys the psychological, spiritual, and existential toll of his afflictions, highlighting his sense of utter vulnerability and loss.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Job's third and most extensive monologue, spanning chapters 29-31. Chapter 29 serves as a poignant reminiscence of Job's past life, detailing his immense honor, prosperity, and the respect he commanded from all segments of society, establishing a stark contrast to his current plight. Chapter 30 then plunges into the brutal reality of his present degradation, where he is not only physically afflicted but also subjected to mockery and contempt, even from those he considers beneath him. The shift from outward suffering to internal anguish is palpable. Job 30:15 specifically marks a transition from describing external abuse and physical pain (Job 30:1-14) to articulating the deep psychological and spiritual torment he endures. The terrors are no longer just external circumstances but have become an internal, soul-consuming reality, underscoring the relentless nature of his suffering and his profound sense of abandonment by God and man, a stark reversal of the blessings described in [Job 1:1-3](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1-3 - Job's Righteousness and Prosperity").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, prosperity, health, and social standing were widely interpreted as visible signs of divine favor, while suffering, disease, and destitution were often seen as evidence of divine displeasure or punishment for sin. Job's complete reversal of fortune, from being "the greatest of all the people of the East" ([Job 1:3](/job/1-3 "Job 1:3 - Job's Wealth and Status")) to being a social outcast, directly challenged this prevailing theological framework. His physical afflictions, such as painful sores (Job 2:7), rendered him ritually unclean and socially ostracized. Furthermore, the cultural importance of honor and reputation meant that Job's public humiliation and the mockery he endured (Job 30:1-14) were as devastating as his physical pain. The "terrors" he describes are not merely personal anxieties but are amplified by the societal condemnation and the perceived withdrawal of divine favor, leaving him utterly exposed and without a cultural safety net.
* **Key Themes:** Job 30:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Profound Despair and Anguish**, illustrating how suffering can extend beyond the physical realm into the emotional and spiritual core of a person. Job's declaration that "terrors are turned upon me" signifies an overwhelming sense of dread and fear, highlighting the internal, soul-consuming anxieties that relentlessly "pursue my soul." Secondly, the verse vividly portrays **The Fleeting Nature of Earthly Well-being**. The powerful imagery of "my welfare passeth away as a cloud" underscores the transience and instability of all earthly blessings and security. Job, who once enjoyed immense prosperity and health, now sees it all vanished, emphasizing that worldly comfort can dissipate as quickly and completely as a cloud, echoing the sentiment found in [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - The Brevity of Life"). Lastly, the comparison of terrors pursuing his soul "as the wind" highlights the theme of a **Relentless and Pervasive Attack**. Like the wind, these terrors are invisible, inescapable, and forceful, constantly pressing in on him, leaving him no respite or refuge, reflecting the pervasive nature of his suffering described throughout [Job 30](/job/30 "Job 30 - Job's Lament of His Present Misery").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Terrors (Hebrew, _ballahoth'_):** This plural noun, derived from a root meaning "to be terrified" or "to be overwhelmed," conveys the idea of sudden, overwhelming calamities, frights, or destructions. It signifies not merely fear but a state of being utterly overwhelmed by dreadful, catastrophic events that strike with shocking force and leave one in a state of extreme dread and horror. The passive construction "are turned upon me" emphasizes that these terrors are not self-generated but are external forces that have been directed at him, enveloping him completely.
* **Pursue (Hebrew, _radaph'_):** This verb means "to chase," "to pursue," or "to persecute." It implies a relentless, hostile, and active pursuit, as if an enemy is hot on one's heels. The use of this word here indicates that the terrors are not fleeting sensations but an active, aggressive force that is constantly hounding Job's very being, leaving him no escape or respite. It suggests an inescapable and oppressive presence.
* **Welfare (Hebrew, _teshu'ah'_):** While often translated as "salvation" or "deliverance" in other contexts, in Job 30:15, "welfare" (KJV) accurately captures the sense of Job's former state of well-being, security, prosperity, and even his sense of being rescued or protected by God. Its vanishing signifies a complete loss of all that contributed to his former stability and peace, including his physical health, social standing, and inner tranquility. The word choice underscores the totality of his loss, extending beyond material possessions to his very sense of security and hope.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Terrors are turned upon me:"** This opening clause immediately establishes the overwhelming nature of Job's distress. The terrors are not something he merely feels; they have actively "turned upon him," suggesting a directed, almost personal assault. This implies a complete encirclement and subjugation by fear and dread, indicating an internal state of being utterly consumed by overwhelming anxieties and calamities.
* **"they pursue my soul as the wind:"** This clause intensifies the previous statement by personifying the terrors as active agents. The "pursuit" of his "soul" (his very being, his life force, his inner self) indicates a deep, existential attack, not just superficial discomfort. The simile "as the wind" powerfully conveys the invisible, pervasive, inescapable, and forceful nature of this pursuit. Like the wind, these terrors are everywhere, constantly pressing in, leaving him no refuge or moment of peace.
* **"and my welfare passeth away as a cloud."** This final clause vividly illustrates the complete and swift disappearance of Job's former state of well-being, security, and prosperity. The "passing away" signifies a vanishing, a dissipation. The simile "as a cloud" emphasizes the suddenness, completeness, and irretrievability of this loss. Just as a cloud can quickly form and then dissipate without a trace, so too has Job's entire foundation of comfort and security vanished, leaving him exposed and utterly desolate.

#### Literary Devices
Job 30:15 is rich with **Imagery** and **Simile**, painting a vivid picture of Job's internal and external anguish. The phrase "Terrors are turned upon me" employs **Personification**, attributing an active, hostile intent to abstract "terrors," as if they are sentient beings attacking him. This is further developed in "they pursue my soul," where the terrors are given the human action of relentless pursuit. The verse then uses two powerful **Similes** to convey the nature of his suffering: "as the wind" and "as a cloud." The comparison of terrors pursuing his soul "as the wind" evokes a sense of an invisible, inescapable, and pervasive force, highlighting the relentless and overwhelming nature of his distress. The wind is everywhere, constantly pressing in, offering no escape. Similarly, "my welfare passeth away as a cloud" is a potent simile that emphasizes the transience, suddenness, and complete disappearance of his former prosperity and security. Clouds appear and vanish, leaving no trace, mirroring the complete and irreversible loss Job experiences. Together, these devices create a profound sense of Job's vulnerability, the relentless nature of his suffering, and the utter desolation of his existence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 30:15 resonates deeply with the broader biblical narrative concerning human suffering, divine sovereignty, and the transience of earthly life. It challenges the simplistic cause-and-effect theology often espoused by Job's friends, demonstrating that profound suffering can be experienced by the righteous without direct correlation to sin. The verse highlights the often-unseen spiritual and psychological dimensions of affliction, reminding us that true suffering encompasses not just physical pain but also the terror of abandonment, the loss of identity, and the evaporation of all security. It underscores the fragility of human existence and the inherent instability of placing ultimate trust in earthly blessings. Yet, within this raw lament, the text implicitly points to the need for a deeper, more enduring source of hope beyond the fleeting realities of this world.

* [Psalm 42:7](/psalms/42-7 "Psalm 42:7 - Deep Calls to Deep") - "Deep calls to deep at the roar of your waterfalls; all your waves and your breakers have swept over me." (Echoes the overwhelming, consuming nature of suffering).
* [Ecclesiastes 1:4](/ecclesiastes/1-4 "Ecclesiastes 1:4 - Generations Come and Go") - "A generation goes, and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever." (Reflects the transient nature of human experience and possessions).
* [1 Peter 5:7](/1_peter/5-7 "1 Peter 5:7 - Cast Your Anxieties on Him") - "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." (Offers a New Testament counterpoint to overwhelming terrors, pointing to divine care).

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 30:15 offers a profoundly honest and validating expression for those experiencing deep emotional and spiritual distress. It reminds us that it is not only permissible but often necessary to voice the raw, overwhelming feelings of being pursued by anxiety, fear, and the sense that all security has vanished. Job's lament grants permission for authenticity in suffering, affirming that even in the midst of profound faith, one can feel utterly desolate and abandoned. For those facing chronic illness, loss, or relentless hardship, this verse acknowledges the psychological toll that often accompanies physical pain, validating the feeling of being "pursued" by distress. It challenges us to cultivate a faith that can endure when all earthly comforts dissipate "as a cloud," prompting us to consider where our ultimate security truly lies. While Job's suffering was unique, his journey ultimately points to a God who, though mysterious in His ways, remains sovereign and capable of restoration, even if it comes after a season of profound darkness. This verse calls us to empathize with those in deep anguish and to remember that true spiritual resilience is often forged in the crucible of such relentless trials.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do you typically respond when "terrors" or overwhelming anxieties seem to "pursue your soul"?**
* **In what ways have you experienced your "welfare" or security "passing away as a cloud," and what did that teach you about the transience of earthly things?**
* **How does Job's raw honesty in lamenting his suffering encourage or challenge your own approach to prayer and expressing difficult emotions to God?**
* **What does this verse suggest about the importance of spiritual and emotional well-being alongside physical health?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 30:15 suggest that God is actively sending these "terrors" to Job?**

Answer: The verse states, "Terrors are turned upon me," which implies that these calamities are directed at Job. While the book of Job ultimately reveals that God permitted Satan to test Job (as seen in [Job 1:12](/job/1-12 "Job 1:12 - Satan's First Test")), Job himself, in his lament, perceives these terrors as an overwhelming force that has come upon him, and at times, he attributes his suffering directly to God's hand (e.g., [Job 19:21](/job/19-21 "Job 19:21 - Job's Plea for Pity")). The verse captures Job's subjective experience of suffering, where he feels besieged and targeted, rather than providing a theological explanation for the origin of his trials. The book as a whole grapples with the mystery of suffering, demonstrating that it is not always a direct punishment for sin, even when it feels like a divine assault to the one enduring it.

**What is the significance of "soul" in this verse, and why is it being pursued?**

Answer: In biblical Hebrew, "soul" (נֶפֶשׁ, _nephesh_) often refers to the entire person, the life force, or the inner being—encompassing emotions, will, and intellect, not just an immaterial part of a human. When Job says terrors "pursue my soul," it means these anxieties and calamities are attacking him at the deepest level of his existence. It's not just his body or possessions that are afflicted, but his very core identity, his psychological stability, and his spiritual peace are under relentless assault. This highlights the comprehensive and devastating nature of his suffering, which penetrates beyond the superficial to the very essence of who he is, leaving him utterly vulnerable and without inner refuge.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 30:15, with its raw depiction of overwhelming terrors and the vanishing of welfare, finds profound resonance and ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Job experienced terrors as a consequence of a test, Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly entered into the deepest human anguish, experiencing a pursuit of His soul far more intense than Job's. In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus' "soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death" ([Matthew 26:38](/matthew/26-38 "Matthew 26:38 - Jesus' Anguish in Gethsemane")), facing the full weight of humanity's sin and the terrifying prospect of divine abandonment. On the cross, He cried out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")), truly experiencing the "passing away" of the Father's presence for a time, so that our welfare might be secured. Unlike Job, whose welfare vanished, Jesus' suffering was a redemptive act, securing an eternal "welfare"—salvation and peace—that will never pass away "as a cloud." His victory over sin and death means that those who trust in Him can find an enduring refuge from the terrors of this world, knowing that their ultimate security is found not in fleeting earthly prosperity, but in the steadfast love and finished work of the Lamb of God, who triumphs over every pursuing terror ([John 16:33](/john/16-33 "John 16:33 - Jesus Overcomes the World")). He is our High Priest who can sympathize with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet without sin ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")), offering true and lasting comfort to those whose souls are pursued by terrors.

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

Hosea 13:3

Therefore they shall be as the morning cloud, and as the early dew that passeth away, as the chaff [that] is driven with the whirlwind out of the floor, and as the smoke out of the chimney.

Job 6:4

For the arrows of the Almighty [are] within me, the poison whereof drinketh up my spirit: the terrors of God do set themselves in array against me.

Isaiah 44:22

I have blotted out, as a thick cloud, thy transgressions, and, as a cloud, thy sins: return unto me; for I have redeemed thee.

Job 7:14

Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:

Psalms 88:15

I [am] afflicted and ready to die from [my] youth up: [while] I suffer thy terrors I am distracted.

Job 31:23

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

Job 3:25

For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.