Job 13:14

Why ¹  do I put myself in peril, ²  and take my life in my hands?

Why do I put myself in jeopardy and take my life in my hands?

"Why should I take my flesh in my teeth And put my life in my hands?

Yes, I will take my life in my hands and say what I really think.

Why do I go out on a limb like this and take my life in my hands?

I will take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand.

I will take my flesh in my teeth, and put my life in my hand.

Why do I take my flesh in my teeth, And put my life in my hands?

Why ¹  do I put myself in peril, ²  and take my life in my hands?

¹ tc Most editors reject עַל־מָה (’al mah) as dittography from the last verse.

² tn Heb “why do I take my flesh in my teeth?” This expression occurs nowhere else. It seems to be drawn from animal imagery in which the wild beast seizes the prey and carries it off to a place of security. The idea would then be that Job may be destroying himself. An animal that fights with its flesh (prey) in its mouth risks losing it. Other commentators do not think this is satisfactory, but they are unable to suggest anything better.