KJV ORIGINAL
For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of his highness I could not endure.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
I was terrified of destruction that could come from God, and because of his greatness and power, I couldn't bear to face it.
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
Job is explaining that his deep respect and fear of God's power kept him from doing wrong.
📚 Historical Context
Job is defending his character to his friends who believe his suffering must be punishment for sin. In this chapter, Job lists various sins he could have committed but didn't, explaining that his reverence for God's power motivated him to live righteously. The concept of fearing God was central to ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature and meant having proper respect for God's authority and justice.
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