Job 7:5

KJV

My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust; my skin is broken, and become loathsome.

KJV (with Strong's)

My flesh {H1320} is clothed {H3847} with worms {H7415} and clods {H1487} of dust {H6083}; my skin {H5785} is broken {H7280}, and become loathsome {H3988}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My flesh is clothed with worms and dirt, my skin forms scabs that ooze pus.

Berean Standard Bible

My flesh is clothed with worms and encrusted with dirt; my skin is cracked and festering.

American Standard Version

My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust; My skin closeth up, and breaketh out afresh.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 7:5 offers a profoundly visceral and agonizing portrayal of Job's advanced physical and emotional deterioration, as he continues his raw lament before God and his companions. This verse graphically depicts the putrefaction of his body, emphasizing the infestation of his sores and the deep sense of self-loathing and social abhorrence his condition has engendered. It stands as a stark and horrifying testament to the depths of human suffering, the fragility of the physical form, and the psychological torment that accompanies severe, inexplicable affliction.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Job's first extended and desperate lament (chapters 6-7), which serves as his direct response to the initial, unhelpful "comfort" offered by his three friends: Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar. Having been afflicted with grievous boils from head to foot, as described in [Job 2:7](/job/2-7 "Job 2:7 - Satan Afflicts Job"), Job expresses profound weariness with life, articulating a fervent desire for death as the only perceived escape from his unbearable pain and restless nights, echoing themes found in [Job 7:1-4](/job/7-1-4 "Job 7:1-4 - Job's Weariness and Desire for Death"). His physical condition, as graphically detailed in this verse, has become utterly repulsive, not only to himself but also to those around him, reinforcing his agonizing isolation and despair. This lament highlights the raw, unfiltered anguish of a righteous man grappling with inexplicable suffering, a central theological and narrative theme explored throughout the entire [Book of Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job - Introduction").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, severe skin diseases were often viewed with immense fear and were frequently associated with divine displeasure, ritual impurity, or even a curse, leading to profound social ostracism. While Job's specific affliction is not identified as "leprosy" (a broad term for various skin conditions in the Bible), his description of "worms" (likely maggots or larvae associated with decaying flesh) and "clods of dust" (suggesting a connection to the grave and the earth to which all humanity returns) paints a horrifying picture of extreme, advanced bodily decay. His act of sitting in ashes, as recounted in [Job 2:8](/job/2-8 "Job 2:8 - Job Sits in Ashes"), was a common and potent sign of mourning, abject humiliation, and identification with mortality, further exacerbating his physical discomfort and symbolic connection to the dust of the earth. This context underscores the profound physical, social, and spiritual isolation Job endured, intensifying the impact of his lament.
* **Key Themes:** Job 7:5 powerfully contributes to several foundational themes within the book. Firstly, it graphically illustrates the theme of **profound physical suffering and decay**, challenging the simplistic retribution theology espoused by Job's friends, who erroneously believed such suffering was a direct consequence of personal sin. Secondly, it highlights **existential despair and self-loathing**, as Job's horrific physical state leads to a deep psychological burden of feeling "loathsome" not only to others but, more poignantly, to himself. Thirdly, it underscores the **fragility and mortality of human life**, echoing the foundational biblical truth that humanity is formed from dust and to dust will ultimately return, as articulated in [Genesis 3:19](/genesis/3-19 "Genesis 3:19 - Return to Dust"). Finally, and significantly, it exemplifies the **legitimacy of lament**, providing a biblical model for expressing raw, unfiltered anguish, questioning, and even protest in the face of incomprehensible and seemingly unjust pain, a pattern seen throughout the [Psalms](/psalms/1 "The Book of Psalms").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **clothed (Hebrew, _lâbash'_):** From the primitive root H3847, meaning "properly, wrap around, i.e. (by implication) to put on a garment or clothe (oneself, or another), literally or figuratively." In this verse, Job uses this term metaphorically to describe how completely his flesh is covered and enveloped by worms and clods of dust, as if they are his very garments. This vivid imagery emphasizes the pervasive and inescapable nature of his affliction, suggesting that decay has become an intrinsic part of his being.
* **worms (Hebrew, _rimmâh'_):** From H7415, this term refers to "a maggot (as rapidly bred), literally or figuratively; worm." This is not merely a poetic embellishment but a graphic, almost literal, description of the advanced state of Job's skin condition. It strongly suggests festering, open sores that have become infested with larvae, underscoring the horrific, repulsive, and putrefying nature of his physical deterioration. The presence of maggots evokes images of death and corruption, even while Job is still agonizingly alive.
* **loathsome (Hebrew, _mâʼaç'_):** From the primitive root H3988, meaning "to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear; abhor, cast away (off), contemn, despise, disdain, (become) loathe(some), melt away, refuse, reject, reprobate, [idiom] utterly, vile person." When Job states his skin has "become loathsome," he is expressing not only that it is physically repulsive to others, leading to social rejection, but, more profoundly, that he himself finds it abhorrent. This conveys a deep sense of self-rejection, disgust, and the crushing psychological torment of his physical condition, contributing significantly to his profound isolation and despair.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My flesh is clothed with worms":** This opening clause presents a horrifying and deeply visceral metaphor. Job's diseased skin is not merely affected by his illness but is literally covered or infested with living organisms typically associated with decay. It paints a gruesome picture of advanced putrefaction, likely referring to open, festering sores that have become maggot-ridden, a truly repulsive and agonizing state that signifies a body in the process of decomposition even while alive.
* **"and clods of dust":** This phrase extends the imagery of decay, lowliness, and mortality. It implies that his diseased and festering skin is caked with dirt, ashes (from sitting in them), or perhaps the dried, crusty exudations from his sores, resembling lumps of earth. This further emphasizes his abject physical state, his profound connection to the dust from which humanity was formed, and foreshadows his impending return to the grave, signifying his near-death condition and utter degradation.
* **"my skin is broken":** This describes the direct physical manifestation of his illness—his skin is not intact but ruptured, cracked, and likely covered in open wounds, lesions, or scabs. This "brokenness" is the literal condition that allows for the infestation and putrefaction, and it is the immediate cause of the subsequent "loathsomeness." It conveys the utter destruction of his body's protective barrier.
* **"and become loathsome":** This final clause articulates the devastating psychological, emotional, and social impact of his physical condition. It signifies that his appearance has become utterly repulsive, not only to those around him (leading to social rejection and isolation) but also, crucially, to himself. This results in a profound sense of self-disgust, despair, and a feeling of being utterly vile, highlighting the comprehensive nature of his suffering.

#### Literary Devices
Job 7:5 employs several potent **literary devices** to convey the overwhelming depth of Job's suffering and the horrific reality of his condition. The phrase "My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust" is a powerful and disturbing **metaphor**, where his diseased skin and the agents of its decay are likened to garments, vividly illustrating how completely his body is enveloped and consumed by putrefaction and filth. This imagery is intensely **visceral**, appealing directly to the senses of sight, touch, and even evoking a sense of revulsion, making Job's suffering palpably real and deeply disturbing to the reader. The description itself borders on **hyperbole**, an exaggeration used to emphasize the extreme and unbearable nature of his affliction, though given the context of severe ancient skin diseases, it may have been a stark reality. The raw, unfiltered expression of his physical state and the resulting self-loathing evoke strong **pathos**, eliciting profound sympathy, pity, and even a sense of horror for Job's desperate plight.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 7:5 is a poignant and unsettling reminder of the radical brokenness of the human condition in a fallen world. It challenges any simplistic notion that physical health is always a sign of divine favor or that suffering is solely a direct consequence of personal sin. Instead, it forces us to confront the profound reality of inexplicable pain, the inherent fragility and corruptibility of the human body, and the existential despair that can accompany severe affliction. The verse underscores the biblical truth of human mortality and our ultimate return to dust, yet within Job's agonizing lament, it also highlights the profound human need for divine presence, understanding, and intervention amidst suffering, even when that suffering feels like divine abandonment. It positions Job as a prototype of the suffering righteous, whose integrity is tested not by his sin, but by the very fabric of existence and the mysterious workings of God's sovereign plan.

* [Genesis 3:19](/genesis/3-19 "Genesis 3:19 - Return to Dust")
* [Psalm 22:6](/psalms/22-6 "Psalm 22:6 - I Am a Worm")
* [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 7:5 compels us to confront the raw and often uncomfortable reality of suffering, particularly chronic physical affliction, disfigurement, and the profound psychological and social isolation that can accompany it. It teaches us the critical importance of radical empathy and compassionate presence for those whose bodies are broken, whose appearances may be "loathsome" to themselves or others, and who grapple with a deep sense of vulnerability, self-disgust, and despair. Job's lament, though agonizing and at times seemingly blasphemous, is a legitimate and biblically affirmed expression of anguish, reminding us that authentic faith does not require a stoic denial of pain or a forced cheerfulness, but rather an honest pouring out of our hearts to God, even when we feel abandoned, misunderstood, or utterly broken. This verse also serves as a poignant *memento mori*, prompting us to reflect on the transient and fragile nature of our physical bodies and to anchor our ultimate hope not in earthly perfection or temporal well-being, but in that which transcends decay, suffering, and death—the eternal God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job's raw and graphic expression of suffering challenge our own comfort with lament and honest questioning in the face of profound pain and injustice?**
* **In what ways might we, or those we know, experience "loathsomeness" (whether physical, emotional, or spiritual) and how can we cultivate a more compassionate, non-judgmental, and redemptive response to such experiences?**
* **What does this verse teach us about the ultimate vulnerability of the human body, and how does this understanding shape our perspective on life, death, and the nature of enduring hope in a fallen world?**

### FAQ

**Is Job's description of "worms" literal maggots or a metaphor for decay?**

Answer: The Hebrew word _rimmâh_ (רִמָּה), Strong's H7415, primarily refers to maggots or the larvae of insects, particularly those associated with decaying flesh or corpses. While ancient Hebrew poetry often employs vivid metaphors, in the context of Job's severe and graphically described skin affliction, it is highly likely a literal description of the infestation of his open, festering sores. This graphic detail emphasizes the horrific and advanced state of his physical deterioration, making his suffering even more visceral, repulsive, and indicative of a body that is actively decaying even while alive.

**How does Job's physical suffering relate to his spiritual state or sin?**

Answer: In the overarching narrative of the [Book of Job](/job/1 "The Book of Job"), his physical suffering is explicitly *not* a direct consequence of his personal sin. The book opens by establishing Job's unparalleled righteousness and blamelessness in the eyes of God (see [Job 1:1](/job/1-1 "Job 1:1 - Job's Righteousness")), and attributes his affliction to a divine allowance for Satan to test his integrity and faithfulness (as seen in [Job 1:12](/job/1-12 "Job 1:12 - Satan Tests Job")). This foundational premise directly challenges the prevailing retribution theology of Job's friends, who insist that his suffering must be due to some hidden transgression. Job's physical agony, as described in [Job 7:5](/job/7-5 "Job 7:5 - Job's Physical Suffering"), serves as a powerful testament to the mystery of suffering and the profound truth that pain is not always a punitive measure from God, but can be part of a larger, inscrutable divine purpose that transcends human understanding.

**Why does Job use such graphic and self-abhorrent language to describe himself?**

Answer: Job's use of graphic and self-abhorrent language is a deliberate and honest expression of his profound despair, the overwhelming reality of his physical agony, and the comprehensive nature of his suffering. He is not merely describing symptoms but conveying the full psychological, emotional, and social impact of his debilitating disease. By stating his flesh is "clothed with worms and clods of dust" and that his skin has "become loathsome," Job is articulating the depth of his physical degradation, his social ostracism, and the crushing weight of self-disgust and despair. This raw, unfiltered lament is a desperate plea for God and his friends to truly understand the extent of his suffering, to acknowledge that his pain is not merely physical but existential, consuming his very being. It is a cry from the depths of a soul in torment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's agonizing cry in [Job 7:5](/job/7-5 "Job 7:5 - Job's Physical Suffering"), describing a body "clothed with worms and clods of dust," broken and loathsome, finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. While Job's suffering was a consequence of a fallen world and a test of his righteousness, Christ's suffering was a deliberate, sinless act of perfect identification with humanity's deepest brokenness and a substitutionary atonement for its sin. The prophet Isaiah foretold a Messiah who would be "despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain" [Isaiah 53:3](/isaiah/53-3 "Isaiah 53:3 - Despised and Rejected"), echoing Job's experience of being "loathsome" and ostracized. In the incarnation, the eternal Son of God willingly "emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" [Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation"), embracing the very dust and frailty of our humanity. On the cross, Jesus' body was literally broken, enduring unimaginable physical agony, public humiliation, and spiritual abandonment as He bore the full weight of the world's sin, making Him "who knew no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God" [2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us"). He descended into death, returning to the dust of the earth, only to conquer it through His glorious resurrection, offering ultimate hope and healing for our broken, decaying bodies, promising to transform our "humble body to be like his glorious body" [Philippians 3:21](/philippians/3-21 "Philippians 3:21 - Transformation of Our Bodies"). Thus, Job's lament foreshadows the One who would truly become "loathsome" for our sake, taking on our corruption and death, so that we might be made whole, righteous, and eternally alive in Him.

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

Job 17:14

I have said to corruption, Thou [art] my father: to the worm, [Thou art] my mother, and my sister.

Isaiah 14:11

Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, [and] the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.

Job 2:7

¶ So went Satan forth from the presence of the LORD, and smote Job with sore boils from the sole of his foot unto his crown.

Job 2:8

And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.

Isaiah 1:6

From the sole of the foot even unto the head [there is] no soundness in it; [but] wounds, and bruises, and putrifying sores: they have not been closed, neither bound up, neither mollified with ointment.

Acts 12:23

And immediately the angel of the Lord smote him, because he gave not God the glory: and he was eaten of worms, and gave up the ghost.

Job 9:31

Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me.