KJV ORIGINAL
Behold, I go forward, but he is not there; and backward, but I cannot perceive him:
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
Look, I search ahead of me, but God is not there; I look behind me, but I cannot see him.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Job is expressing his frustration that no matter where he looks or searches, he cannot find God or sense God's presence during his time of suffering.
📚 Historical Context
Job spoke these words during his intense suffering after losing his family, wealth, and health. He was desperately seeking an audience with God to understand why these tragedies had happened to him. In ancient times, people often believed they could find God in specific places or through certain rituals, but Job felt completely cut off from God's presence.
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