Job 17:14

and say to corruption, 'You are my father,' and to the worm, 'My mother,' or 'My sister,'

Study Bible

I call
The phrase "I call" indicates an intentional declaration or acknowledgment by Job. In the Hebrew text, the verb used here is "קָרָא" (qara), which means to call out, proclaim, or name. This reflects Job's conscious decision to confront his dire circumstances. In the context of Job's suffering, this calling is not just a passive acceptance but an active recognition of his reality. It shows Job's willingness to face the harshness of his situation head-on, a testament to his enduring faith and honesty before God.

corruption
The word "corruption" in Hebrew is "שַׁחַת" (shachat), which can mean pit, destruction, or decay. This term is often associated with the grave or the process of decay after death. Job's use of this word highlights his perception of his own mortality and the inevitability of death. In the broader biblical context, corruption is often contrasted with the incorruptible nature of God, emphasizing the transient nature of human life and the hope of resurrection and eternal life through faith.

my father
By referring to corruption as "my father," Job is expressing a profound sense of belonging or kinship with death and decay. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the father was a figure of authority and origin. Job's metaphorical language here suggests that he sees death as the source or inevitable end of his current suffering. This reflects the depth of his despair but also his understanding of the human condition, which is ultimately subject to the sovereignty of God.

and the worm
The "worm" is a symbol of decay and the process of decomposition. In Hebrew, the word is "רִמָּה" (rimmah), which is often used in the context of the grave. The imagery of worms consuming the body is a stark reminder of the physical reality of death. For Job, the worm represents the natural progression of life towards death, reinforcing the theme of human frailty and the need for divine intervention and redemption.

my mother and sister
By calling the worm "my mother and sister," Job uses familial terms to describe his relationship with death and decay. In Hebrew culture, the mother is a nurturing figure, while a sister is a close companion. This language suggests an intimate and unavoidable connection with the grave. Job's use of these terms underscores his isolation and the depth of his suffering, yet it also points to the hope that even in death, there is a familial bond that can be transformed by God's grace and power.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering. His lament in this verse reflects his deep despair and sense of abandonment.

2. Corruption
In this context, "corruption" refers to decay or the grave, symbolizing death and the inevitable return to dust. It is personified as a familial figure, indicating Job's acceptance of his mortality.

3. The Worm
Represents decay and the process of decomposition after death. By calling the worm his "mother" or "sister," Job emphasizes his intimate relationship with death and decay.

4. The Grave
Implicit in the imagery of corruption and the worm, the grave is the place where Job feels he is headed, highlighting his hopelessness.

5. Job's Friends
Though not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Job's dialogue with his friends is crucial. Their failure to provide comfort or understanding exacerbates Job's sense of isolation.

Teaching Points

Acknowledging Mortality
Job's words remind us of the reality of death and the importance of living with an eternal perspective. Reflect on how this awareness can shape our daily lives and priorities.

Expressing Despair
Job's candid expression of despair teaches us that it's okay to bring our deepest feelings to God. We can be honest in our prayers, trusting that God understands our struggles.

The Need for Comfort
Job's experience highlights the importance of providing genuine comfort and empathy to those who are suffering. Consider how we can be better friends and supporters to those in distress.

Hope Beyond the Grave
While Job's words are filled with despair, the broader biblical account offers hope through the resurrection and eternal life in Christ. Reflect on how this hope can transform our view of suffering and death.

Family in Christ
Job's use of familial terms for corruption and the worm contrasts with the New Testament concept of being part of God's family. Consider how our identity in Christ redefines our relationships and sense of belonging.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Job's description of corruption and the worm as family members reflect his state of mind and spiritual condition?

2. In what ways can acknowledging our mortality influence our daily decisions and spiritual priorities?

3. How can we provide meaningful support to friends or family members who are experiencing deep despair or suffering?

4. What are some biblical promises or truths that can offer hope and comfort in the face of death and decay?

5. How does our identity as members of God's family through Christ contrast with Job's depiction of his relationship with death? How can this identity impact our lives and relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 3:19
This verse connects to the theme of returning to dust, as God tells Adam that he will return to the ground from which he was taken, highlighting the inevitability of death.

Psalm 22:6
The psalmist's expression of being a "worm" and not a man resonates with Job's feeling of insignificance and despair.

Ecclesiastes 12:7
This verse speaks of the spirit returning to God and the body returning to dust, echoing Job's acknowledgment of mortality.

Isaiah 41:14
God's reassurance to "fear not, you worm Jacob" contrasts with Job's despair, offering hope and divine intervention.