Book of Job - Chapter 19 - Verse 20

In this verse, the speaker is describing a situation where they have faced great difficulty and narrowly escaped a disastrous outcome. The phrase "My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh" paints a vivid picture of intense suffering and pain, suggesting that the speaker has endured a significant amount of hardship. The following phrase, "and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth," highlights the fact that the speaker barely made it out alive or unscathed. This expression is often used to convey the idea of a very narrow escape or a close call. It emphasizes the idea that the speaker's survival was unlikely or miraculous. Overall, this verse captures the sense of relief and gratitude that come with emerging from a challenging situation relatively unharmed.

The phrase "the skin of my teeth" is a well-known expression in the English language, originating from the Book of Job in the Old Testament. In Job 19:20, Job uses this phrase to describe his fragile state, having survived a series of calamities with only a narrow margin of escape. The phrase symbolizes a close call or a narrow escape from disaster. Similarly, in the context of the verse "My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh," the speaker is describing a situation of extreme distress and suffering. The imagery of bones cleaving to skin and flesh conveys a sense of emaciation and physical deterioration. The combination of these two metaphors paints a picture of utter despair and vulnerability, highlighting the speaker's dire circumstances. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of human life and the importance of relying on faith and endurance in times of adversity.