Job 6:21

Nothing. This is a translation of the marginal reading of the Hebrew Bible. The text as it stands reads “to him,” or “to it,” the meaning of which is uncertain. The LXX has “to me,” in this context: “but ye have come to me without pity.” Job makes sure that his friends understand his illustration. He is disappointed when he comes to them for comfort and finds none. They are like the dry beds where refreshing streams should have flowed.

Casting down. Literally, “terror.” Job penetrates to the motives of his friends. They had come with good intentions, meaning to comfort and console him, but when they saw his condition, they feared to show too much friendliness. They regarded him as an object of divine vengeance and were afraid lest, if they showed him sympathy, they might incur punishment.