KJV ORIGINAL
Wilt thou break a leaf driven to and fro? and wilt thou pursue the dry stubble?
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Will you crush a leaf that's being blown around by the wind? Will you chase after dry, worthless stalks?
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Job is asking God why He would continue to torment someone who is already fragile and powerless, like a leaf blown by the wind.
📚 Historical Context
Job is speaking during his intense suffering, having lost his family, wealth, and health. In this chapter, he's defending himself before God and his accusatory friends, arguing that his punishment seems excessive for his supposed sins. The imagery of leaves and stubble was familiar to ancient audiences who lived in agricultural societies where dried plant matter was easily scattered by wind.
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