KJV ORIGINAL
Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Look, when God tears something down, it cannot be rebuilt. When he locks someone up, no one can set them free.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Job is declaring that God has absolute power - when he decides to destroy or imprison, no human force can reverse his actions.
📚 Historical Context
Job is responding to his friends' accusations and shallow advice by describing God's supreme authority over all creation. This comes during Job's intense suffering after losing his children, wealth, and health, as he wrestles with questions about God's justice and power. Job is emphasizing that God's actions are beyond human understanding or control.
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