Job 33:20

So that his life abhorreth bread, and his soul dainty meat.

Job 33:20 (KJV)

Context

Elihu, one of Job’s companions, speaks here. He is answering Job’s complaints about suffering. In the surrounding verses, Elihu describes a person disciplined through severe pain on a sickbed. Job 33:19 mentions chastening with pain, and Job 33:21 pictures the body wasting away until the bones stick out. This verse sits between those two descriptions, showing how deep the affliction goes.

Meaning

The verse uses two pictures to show total loss of appetite. “His life abhorreth bread” means the person hates even the most basic food needed to stay alive. “His soul dainty meat” refers to choice or luxurious dishes. The Hebrew word for “soul” here points to the whole inner being, not just a part. So the suffering touches both body and spirit. Even food that would normally delight the palate becomes repulsive. This is more than a mild dislike; it is a deep revulsion that signals extreme distress.

Biblical connections

This description of suffering connects with other places in Scripture where affliction causes loathing of food. Psalm 107:18 says that those who are sick abhor all manner of meat. In Job 6:7, Job himself says that what his soul refused to touch became his sorrowful meat. These parallels show that loss of appetite is a common biblical sign of severe trial. They also remind us that physical suffering often affects the whole person, including emotions and desires.

Application

When a believer goes through deep pain, it is normal to lose interest in ordinary comforts. This verse gives language for that experience. It also teaches us to be gentle with those who suffer. We should not pressure them to feel better or to enjoy things they cannot enjoy yet. Instead, we can offer patient presence and practical help, understanding that their revulsion is a sign of real affliction, not a lack of faith.

Reflection

God sees the full weight of human suffering, including the hidden loss of appetite and joy. He does not despise the one whose soul rejects even dainty meat. In times of trial, we can bring our honest revulsion to Him, trusting that He understands and cares.