Job 30:15
Terrors are turned upon me: they pursue my soul as the wind: and my welfare passeth away as a cloud.
Job 30:15 · King James Version
Meaning
This passage from the book of Job in the Bible describes the feeling of overwhelming distress and despair that the speaker is experiencing. The imagery used in the verse conveys a sense of helplessness and vulnerability, as the terrors that are pursuing the speaker are likened to the relentless force of the wind. The comparison to a cloud passing by highlights the fleeting nature of the speaker's sense of well-being, as it is easily and swiftly taken away. The verse captures the feeling of being pursued by unseen forces that threaten to consume the speaker's soul. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant reflection on the fragility of human existence and the transient nature of happiness and security.
Theological Overview
Within this verse from the book of Job, the idea of terrors being turned upon the speaker is a powerful image that evokes a sense of fear and anxiety. The pursuit of the soul as the wind suggests a relentless and swift attack, emphasizing the intensity of the distress faced by the speaker. The comparison of welfare passing away as a cloud further emphasizes the fleeting nature of comfort and security in the face of overwhelming challenges. The theological interpretation of this verse can be seen as a reflection of the unpredictable and often harsh realities of life, where troubles can come suddenly and unexpectedly, leaving individuals feeling vulnerable and exposed. This verse serves as a reminder of the impermanence of worldly comforts and the need for faith and resilience in times of trouble.
Job 30:15 in other translations
American Standard Version
Terrors are turned upon me; They chase mine honor as the wind; And my welfare is passed away as a cloud.
World English Bible
Terrors have turned on me. They chase my honor as the wind. My welfare has passed away as a cloud.
Douay-Rheims
I am brought to nothing: as a wind thou hast taken away my desire: and my prosperity hath passed away like a cloud.
Geneva Bible (1599)
Feare is turned vpon mee: and they pursue my soule as the winde, and mine health passeth away as a cloude.