Job can do nothing but confess his unworthiness and lack of understanding. But Job’s last words (42:6) are anything but clear. Job may be saying any of the following, and choosing one over the other depends on how one understands God’s speeches and Job’s reaction:

1. I despise myself and repent (sitting) on dust and ashes—an act of humbleness (so NIV);

2. I take back/retract myself (my words) and repent on dust and ashes;

3. I now reject and forswear dust and ashes—Job now rejects his symbols of mourning;

4. I retract my words and have changed my mind about dust and ashes—Job has changed his mind now about the human condition;

5. I retract my words and am comforted about dust and ashes—Job is at peace with the human condition;

6. I recant and relent being but dust and ashes—being hu…