Book of Job - Chapter 16 - Verse 16

In this verse, the speaker is expressing deep sorrow and despair. The phrase "My face is foul with weeping" suggests that the speaker's face is marred with tears, indicating a state of intense grief and sadness. The imagery of tears staining the face portrays a sense of emotional distress and turmoil. The following phrase, "and on my eyelids is the shadow of death," further emphasizes the extreme anguish of the speaker. The shadow of death symbolizes the darkness and despair that the speaker is experiencing, suggesting that they feel overwhelmed by sorrow and hopelessness. Overall, this verse conveys the depth of the speaker's pain and the heaviness of their heartache, offering a poignant portrayal of grief and mourning.

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "My face is foul with weeping, and on my eyelids is the shadow of death," several key themes come to light. The use of the term "weeping" indicates a deep sorrow or mourning, suggesting a sense of despair or anguish. This can be interpreted as a representation of the hardships and trials that individuals face in life, highlighting the emotional and physical toll that such challenges can take. The reference to the "shadow of death" on the eyelids further emphasizes the darkness and heaviness of the situation, evoking a sense of impending doom or mortality. This phrase is often used in the Bible to signify a state of distress or nearness to death, underscoring the severity of the speaker's suffering. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the human experience of pain and grief, offering a powerful depiction of the struggles that individuals may encounter on their spiritual journey.