Job 16:13

his archers ¹  surround me. Without pity ²  he pierces ³  my kidneys and pours out my gall ⁴  on the ground.

Ge 49:23; De 29:20; Job 6:4; Job 6:10; Job 19:27; Job 20:25; Ps 7:12,13; La 2:11; La 3:13; Eze 5:11; Ro 8:32; 2Pe 2:5

¹ tn The meaning of “his archers” is supported for רַבָּיו (rabbayv) in view of Jer 50:29. The LXX, Syriac, Vulgate, Targum Job, followed by several translations and commentators prefer “arrows.” They see this as a more appropriate figure without raising the question of who the archers might be (see 6:4). The point is an unnecessary distinction, for the figure is an illustration of the affliction that God has brought on him.

² tn Heb “and he does not pity,” but the clause is functioning adverbially in the line.

³ tn The verb פָּלַח (palakh) in the Piel means “to pierce” (see Prov 7:23). A fuller comparison should be made with Lam 3:12-13.

⁴ tn This word מְרֵרָתִי (mÿrerati, “my gall”) is found only here. It is close to the form in Job 13:26, “bitter things.” In Job 20:14 it may mean “poison.” The thought is also found in Lam 2:11.