CINXE.COM

<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 42:6 Therefore I retract my words, and I repent in dust and ashes."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/42-6.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/18_Job_42_06.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 42:6 - Job Submits Himself to the LORD" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Therefore I retract my words, and I repent in dust and ashes." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/42-6.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/42-6.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/42.htm">Chapter 42</a> > Verse 6</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/42-5.htm" title="Job 42:5">◄</a> Job 42:6 <a href="/job/42-7.htm" title="Job 42:7">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/42.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/42.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Therefore I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/42.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />I take back everything I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show my repentance.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/42.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/42.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I despise myself, and I repent in dust and ashes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/42.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Wherefore I abhor <i>myself</i>, and repent in dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/42.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Therefore I abhor <i>myself,</i> And repent in dust and ashes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/42.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I retract, And I repent, <i>sitting</i> on dust and ashes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/42.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Therefore I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/42.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Therefore I retract, And I repent in dust and ashes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/42.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Therefore I reject <i>myself</i>, And I repent in dust and ashes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/42.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Therefore I retract [my words and hate myself] And I repent in dust and ashes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/42.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, I reject my words and am sorry for them; I am dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/42.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I take back my words and repent in dust and ashes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/42.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Wherefore I abhor myself, And repent in dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/42.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />That's why I hate myself and sit here in dust and ashes to show my sorrow. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/42.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/42.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />That is why I take back what I said, and I sit in dust and ashes to show that I am sorry."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/42.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />So I am ashamed of all I have said and repent in dust and ashes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/42.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />As a result, I despise myself and repent in dust and ashes."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/42.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I despise myself, and I repent in dust and ashes.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/42.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I despise myself, and I repent in dust and ashes! <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/42.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/42.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/42.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/42.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />Therefore I loathe [it], "" And I have sighed on dust and ashes.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/42.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> Therefore do I loathe it, And I have repented on dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/42.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For this, I shall melt away, and I lamented in dust and ashes.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/42.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I reprehend myself, and do penance in dust and ashes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/42.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />Therefore, I find myself reprehensible, and I will do penance in embers and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/42.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Therefore I disown what I have said, and repent in dust and ashes. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/42.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />therefore I despise myself, and repent in dust and ashes.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/42.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Therefore, I will keep silent, and repent in dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/42.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />Because of this I shall be silent and I shall be revived on the dust and on the ashes<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/42.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Wherefore I abhor my words, and repent, Seeing I am dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/42.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Wherefore I have counted myself vile, and have fainted: and I esteem myself dust and ashes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/42-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=6621" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/42.htm">Job Submits Himself to the LORD</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">5</span>My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You. <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">Therefore</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3988.htm" title="3988: ’em·’as (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To spurn, to disappear. A primitive root; to spurn; also to disappear.">I retract my words,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5162.htm" title="5162: wə·ni·ḥam·tî (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjPerf-1cs) -- A primitive root; properly, to sigh, i.e. Breathe strongly; by implication, to be sorry, i.e. to pity, console or rue; or to avenge.">and I repent</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">in</a> <a href="/hebrew/6083.htm" title="6083: ‘ā·p̄ār (N-ms) -- Dry earth, dust. From aphar; dust; hence, clay, earth, mud.">dust</a> <a href="/hebrew/665.htm" title="665: wā·’ê·p̄er (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Ashes. From an unused root meaning to bestrew; ashes.">and ashes.”</a> </span><div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/51-1.htm">Psalm 51:1-4</a></span><br />For the choirmaster. A Psalm of David. When Nathan the prophet came to him after his adultery with Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving devotion; according to Your great compassion, blot out my transgressions. / Wash me clean of my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. / For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm">Isaiah 6:5</a></span><br />Then I said: “Woe is me, for I am ruined, because I am a man of unclean lips dwelling among a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of Hosts.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/18-13.htm">Luke 18:13</a></span><br />But the tax collector stood at a distance, unwilling even to lift up his eyes to heaven. Instead, he beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner!’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-9.htm">James 4:9-10</a></span><br />Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. / Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">1 John 1:9</a></span><br />If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/9-4.htm">Daniel 9:4-5</a></span><br />And I prayed to the LORD my God and confessed, “O, Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps His covenant of loving devotion to those who love Him and keep His commandments, / we have sinned and done wrong. We have acted wickedly and rebelled. We have turned away from Your commandments and ordinances.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/3-2.htm">Matthew 3:2</a></span><br />and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/36-31.htm">Ezekiel 36:31</a></span><br />Then you will remember your evil ways and wicked deeds, and you will loathe yourselves for your iniquities and abominations.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/7-10.htm">2 Corinthians 7:10</a></span><br />Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation without regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/31-19.htm">Jeremiah 31:19</a></span><br />After I returned, I repented; and after I was instructed, I struck my thigh in grief. I was ashamed and humiliated because I bore the disgrace of my youth.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a></span><br />Repent, then, and turn back, so that your sins may be wiped away,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-4.htm">Romans 2:4</a></span><br />Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-13</a></span><br />“Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/4-17.htm">Matthew 4:17</a></span><br />From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/14-1.htm">Hosea 14:1-2</a></span><br />Return, O Israel, to the LORD your God, for you have stumbled by your iniquity. / Bring your confessions and return to the LORD. Say to Him: “Take away all our iniquity and receive us graciously, that we may present the fruit of our lips.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Why I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.</p><p class="hdg">I</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/9-31.htm">Job 9:31</a></b></br> Yet shalt thou plunge me in the ditch, and mine own clothes shall abhor me.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/40-3.htm">Job 40:3,4</a></b></br> Then Job answered the LORD, and said, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/9-6.htm">Ezra 9:6</a></b></br> And said, O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to thee, my God: for our iniquities are increased over <i>our</i> head, and our trespass is grown up unto the heavens.</p><p class="hdg">repent</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/2-8.htm">Job 2:8</a></b></br> And he took him a potsherd to scrape himself withal; and he sat down among the ashes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/30-19.htm">Job 30:19</a></b></br> He hath cast me into the mire, and I am become like dust and ashes.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_kings/21-27.htm">1 Kings 21:27</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when Ahab heard those words, that he rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his flesh, and fasted, and lay in sackcloth, and went softly.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/33-20.htm">Abhor</a> <a href="/job/30-19.htm">Ashes</a> <a href="/job/42-4.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/job/36-5.htm">Despise</a> <a href="/job/40-13.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/job/7-16.htm">Loathe</a> <a href="/job/36-10.htm">Repent</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-26.htm">Repented</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-2.htm">Retract</a> <a href="/job/36-7.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/job/41-22.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/job/33-1.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/job/29-11.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/job/42-3.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/5-6.htm">Abhor</a> <a href="/psalms/20-3.htm">Ashes</a> <a href="/psalms/1-5.htm">Cause</a> <a href="/psalms/36-4.htm">Despise</a> <a href="/psalms/1-4.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/psalms/139-21.htm">Loathe</a> <a href="/psalms/7-12.htm">Repent</a> <a href="/psalms/78-34.htm">Repented</a> <a href="/isaiah/31-2.htm">Retract</a> <a href="/psalms/1-1.htm">Seat</a> <a href="/psalms/6-6.htm">Sorrow</a> <a href="/psalms/10-13.htm">Wherefore</a> <a href="/psalms/19-7.htm">Witness</a> <a href="/job/42-7.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Job 42</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/42-1.htm">Job submits himself unto God</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/42-7.htm">God, preferring Job's cause, makes his friends submit themselves, and accepts him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">10. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/42-10.htm">He magnifies and blesses Job</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/42-16.htm">Job's age and death</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/42.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/42.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Therefore I despise myself</b><br>This phrase reflects Job's deep humility and recognition of his own limitations and sinfulness in the presence of God's majesty. Throughout the book, Job has been questioning God's justice and his own suffering. However, after God's response from the whirlwind, Job realizes his lack of understanding and the greatness of God's wisdom. This moment of self-despise is not about self-hatred but an acknowledgment of his human frailty and the need for divine grace. It echoes the sentiments found in <a href="/isaiah/6-5.htm">Isaiah 6:5</a>, where Isaiah, upon seeing the Lord, declares himself "ruined" due to his unclean lips. This is a common biblical theme where encountering God's holiness leads to a profound sense of personal inadequacy.<p><b>and I repent</b><br>Repentance here signifies a change of mind and heart. Job's repentance is not necessarily for specific sins that caused his suffering, as God had already declared him righteous (<a href="/job/1-8.htm">Job 1:8</a>). Instead, it is a turning away from his previous misconceptions about God and his justice. This repentance is a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's understanding with God's revealed truth. It connects with New Testament teachings on repentance, such as in <a href="/acts/3-19.htm">Acts 3:19</a>, where Peter calls for repentance and turning to God for the forgiveness of sins.<p><b>in dust and ashes.</b><br>The use of "dust and ashes" is a cultural expression of mourning and humility in the ancient Near East. It symbolizes mortality and the transient nature of human life, as seen in <a href="/genesis/18-27.htm">Genesis 18:27</a>, where Abraham refers to himself as "dust and ashes" when speaking to God. This imagery is also a physical act of repentance, showing Job's contrition and submission to God's will. The phrase underscores the biblical theme of humility before God, as seen in <a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a>, which encourages believers to humble themselves before the Lord. Dust and ashes serve as a reminder of human frailty and the need for divine mercy and grace.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>A man described as blameless and upright, who feared God and shunned evil. He underwent severe trials, losing his wealth, children, and health, yet remained faithful to God.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The Almighty Creator who allowed Job's testing and ultimately restored him. God speaks to Job out of the whirlwind, challenging his understanding and perspective.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_friends.htm">Job's Friends</a></b><br>Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who visited Job to comfort him but ended up accusing him of sin, believing his suffering was a punishment from God.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_whirlwind.htm">The Whirlwind</a></b><br>The medium through which God speaks to Job, signifying His power and majesty.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/r/repentance.htm">Repentance</a></b><br>The act of Job acknowledging his limited understanding and humbling himself before God, signifying a turning point in his spiritual journey.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_our_limitations.htm">Understanding Our Limitations</a></b><br>Job's repentance highlights the importance of recognizing our limited understanding compared to God's infinite wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_nature_of_true_repentance.htm">The Nature of True Repentance</a></b><br>True repentance involves a change of heart and mind, acknowledging our wrongs and turning back to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_before_god.htm">Humility Before God</a></b><br>Job's response teaches us the value of humility, especially when confronted with God's majesty and our own shortcomings.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_our_trust.htm">God's Sovereignty and Our Trust</a></b><br>Even in suffering, we are called to trust in God's sovereign plan, knowing that He is just and good.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/restoration_through_repentance.htm">Restoration Through Repentance</a></b><br>Job's account assures us that God is willing to restore and bless those who come to Him with a repentant heart.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_42.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 42</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_42_contradict_divine_justice.htm">Why does the final chapter (Job 42) seemingly contradict earlier statements about divine justice and fairness, hinting that God's blessing can be won through passive endurance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_ash_wednesday_important.htm">What is the significance of Ash Wednesday?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/meaning_of_'ashes_to_ashes,_dust_to_dust'.htm">What does "Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_do_sackcloth_and_ashes_symbolize.htm">What do sackcloth and ashes symbolize?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/42.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Wherefore I abhor myself</span>; or, <span class="accented">I</span> <span class="accented">loathe my</span> <span class="accented">words</span> (see the Revised Version). And repent in dust and ashes. Job was still sitting on the ash-heap on which he had thrown himself when his disease first smote him (<a href="/job/2-8.htm">Job 2:8</a>). He had thrown himself on it in grief and de, pair; he will remain seated on it in compunction and penitence. His self-humiliation is now complete. He does not retract what he has said concerning his essential integrity, but he admits that his words have been overbold, and his attitude towards God one unbefitting a creature. God accepts his submission, and proceeds to vindicate him to his "friends," and to visit them with condemnation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/42-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Therefore</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">I retract [my words],</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶמְאַ֣ס</span> <span class="translit">(’em·’as)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3988.htm">Strong's 3988: </a> </span><span class="str2">To spurn, to disappear</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and I repent</span><br /><span class="heb">וְנִחַ֑מְתִּי</span> <span class="translit">(wə·ni·ḥam·tî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive perfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5162.htm">Strong's 5162: </a> </span><span class="str2">To sigh, breathe strongly, to be sorry, to pity, console, rue, to avenge</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">dust</span><br /><span class="heb">עָפָ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(‘ā·p̄ār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6083.htm">Strong's 6083: </a> </span><span class="str2">Dust, clay, earth, mud</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and ashes.”</span><br /><span class="heb">וָאֵֽפֶר׃</span> <span class="translit">(wā·’ê·p̄er)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_665.htm">Strong's 665: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ashes</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/42-6.htm">Job 42:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/42-6.htm">OT Poetry: Job 42:6 Therefore I abhor myself and repent (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/42-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 42:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 42:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/42-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 42:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 42:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>