What does Job 21:5 mean?

Job 21:5 highlights themes such as astonishment, human response, suffering when read in context.

How should I apply Job 21:5 today?

Read the surrounding passage, compare related cross references, and turn the verse into a short prayer and concrete action.

Mark me, and be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth.

3Suffer me that I may speak; and after that I have spoken, mock on.

4As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?

5Mark me, and be astonished, and lay your hand upon your mouth.

6Even when I remember I am afraid, and trembling taketh hold on my flesh.

7Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?

astonishmenthuman responsesuffering

Job 13:13
Job calls for silence, similar to his previous statements about his plight.
Habakkuk 1:5
Habakkuk calls for astonishment at God's works, reflecting Job's call for attention.
Matthew 5:8
Jesus teaches about the pure in heart, contrasting with Job's troubled spirit.