👉 It shall devour the strength of his skin: [even] the firstborn of death shall devour his strength.
Explanation: Okay, letās break down this verse from Job 18:13. It's a really powerful and slightly unsettling image! Hereās what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that a powerful, swift animal (often interpreted as a lion or eagle) will completely destroy the strength ā the vitality, life force, and energy ā of a personās skin. Let's unpack that a little further: āIt shall devourā¦ā : This is a strong verb. It means it will actively take something away. āā¦the firstborn of deathā : This is the key part. "Firstborn of death" isn't just any death; it refers to the end of life, the finality of death. Itās a metaphor for the inevitable end of everything. Think of it like a very swift and powerful devourer ā it doesnāt give up trying to take something. āā¦shall evenā¦ā : This emphasizes the severity of the action. Itās absolutely consuming, not just partially taking. ā[even]ā : This intensifies the statement, making it a particularly frightening image. What does this imagery suggest? It's often interpreted as a metaphor for the finality of death. It suggests that death isnāt a slow fading away; itās an immediate and complete destruction. The animal is so powerful that it completely takes away the personās strength, their ability to live, and even their life itself. It's a stark reminder of our vulnerability. Important Note: Itās important to remember this is a metaphorical image. Job didnāt literally mean an animal would devour someoneās skin in the way we might imagine. It's a symbolic representation of the pain and finality of death. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in more detail? Talk about its symbolism beyond just death? Discuss how this verse relates to themes in the Bible (like suffering, resilience, or faith)?