◄ Job 14 ►
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Job Laments the Finality of Death 1“Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. 2Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure. 3Do You open Your eyes to one like this? Will You bring him into judgment before You? 4Who can bring out clean from unclean? No one! 5Since his days are determined and the number of his months is with You, and since You have set limits that he cannot exceed, 6look away from him and let him rest, so he can enjoy his day as a hired hand. 7For there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its tender shoots will not fail. 8If its roots grow old in the ground and its stump dies in the soil, 9at the scent of water it will bud and put forth twigs like a sapling. 10But a man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last, and where is he? 11As water disappears from the sea and a river becomes parched and dry, 12so a man lies down and does not rise. Until the heavens are no more, he will not be awakened or roused from sleep. 13If only You would hide me in Sheol and conceal me until Your anger has passed! If only You would appoint a time for me and then remember me! 14When a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, until my renewala comes. 15You will call, and I will answer; You will desire the work of Your hands. 16For then You would count my steps, but would not keep track of my sin. 17My transgression would be sealed in a bag, and You would cover over my iniquity. 18But as a mountain erodes and crumbles and a rock is dislodged from its place, 19as water wears away the stones and torrents wash away the soil, so You destroy a man’s hope. 20You forever overpower him, and he passes on; You change his countenance and send him away. 21If his sons receive honor, he does not know it; if they are brought low, he is unaware. 22He feels only the pain of his own body and mourns only for himself.” Footnotes: 14 a Or my change or my relief Berean Standard Bible (BSB) printed 2016, 2020, 2022, 2025 by Bible Hub and Berean.Bible. Produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, unfoldingWord, Bible Aquifer, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee. This text of God's Word has been dedicated to the public domain. Free downloads and unlimited usage available. See also the Berean Literal Bible and Berean Interlinear Bible. Bible Hub Job 14 Summary Job Laments the Finality of Death Verses 1–6 – The Frailty of Human Life Job mourns humankind’s brief, troubled existence: “Man born of woman is short of days and full of turmoil” (Job 14:1). Our days are like a flower that blooms and withers, a fleeing shadow that does not endure. Job pleads with God to “look away from him and let him rest, till he can enjoy his day like a hired servant” (v. 6). Verses 7–12 – The Finality of Death Unlike trees that may sprout again, “man lies down and does not rise. Until the heavens are no more, he will not be awakened” (v. 12). Job contrasts nature’s cycles with human mortality, emphasizing that once a person dies, earthly hope is extinguished. Verses 13–17 – A Flicker of Hope Job entertains a daring wish: if only God would “hide me in Sheol” until His wrath passes and then “remember me” (v. 13). He imagines resurrection: “If a man dies, will he live again? … You would call, and I would answer” (vv. 14–15). He envisions God counting his steps yet no longer watching for sin. Verses 18–22 – The Crushing Reality Hope fades as Job returns to present suffering. Mountains erode, rocks move, water wears away stones; so God destroys man’s hope and separates him from his accomplishments. The dead do not perceive their children’s honor or disgrace; they simply “feel only the pain of their own bodies” (v. 22). Job 14 is a profound and introspective chapter in the Book of Job, wherein Job himself contemplates the fleeting nature of human life and the inevitability of death. Yet, amidst his lamentations, he also looks beyond his circumstances and towards the hope of life after death. Background and Setting • Job speaks after the second cycle of dialogue with his friends, answering accusations that his suffering is due to hidden sin. • The chapter is a poetic lament, reflecting ancient Near Eastern views of mortality yet infused with unique Hebrew insight into God’s sovereignty. • Written in vivid Hebrew poetry, it belongs to the Wisdom literature alongside Psalms and Proverbs. Key Themes and Lessons 1. Brevity of Life: Echoes Psalm 90:10—“The length of our days is seventy years… yet their pride is but labor and sorrow.” 2. Human Helplessness: Mirrors Genesis 3:19—“for dust you are, and to dust you shall return.” 3. God’s Sovereignty over Time and Death: Job recognizes God sets boundaries for every person (Job 14:5), anticipating Psalm 139:16. 4. Question of Afterlife: Job’s tentative hope foreshadows clearer revelation in Isaiah 26:19 and 1 Corinthians 15:20–22. Language and Imagery • Flower and Shadow (v. 2): Common biblical metaphors for transience (Psalm 103:15–16; James 1:10–11). • Tree Sprouting (vv. 7–9): Contrasts with Isaiah 11:1 where the shoot of Jesse signifies Messiah; Job’s tree imagery underlines his yearning for renewal. • Worn Stones (v. 19): Geological imagery underlines certainty of decay, similar to Proverbs 27:20—“Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied.” Connections to Other Scriptures • Hebrews 9:27 affirms Job’s sense of finality: “it is appointed for man to die once, and after that to face judgment.” • Psalm 62:9—“Lowborn men are but a breath”—reinforces Job’s view of human frailty. • John 11:25 answers Job’s question with Christ’s promise: “I am the resurrection and the life.” Archaeological and Historical Insights • Ancient Near Eastern funeral texts (e.g., Egyptian Book of the Dead) sought elaborate paths to the afterlife, yet Job’s simple plea shows reliance on God alone. • Clay tablets from Ugarit include laments comparing human life to vegetation, demonstrating shared regional motifs. • Burial customs in Uz (probable Arabian location) involved family tombs; Job’s anxiety about being “hidden in Sheol” reflects fear of isolation from kin burial grounds. Practical Application for Today • Recognize life’s brevity and invest in what endures (Matthew 6:19–20). • Bring honest questions to God—Job’s candor models faithful wrestling. • Hold tension between present suffering and future hope; Christ’s resurrection answers the longing voiced in Job 14:14. • Offer comfort, not condemnation, to the afflicted, avoiding the mistakes of Job’s friends (2 Corinthians 1:3–4). Summary Takeaway Job 14 captures the stark reality of mortality yet plants a seed of resurrection hope fulfilled in Christ, encouraging believers to face life’s fragility with faith anchored in God’s unshakable promises. Connections to Additional Scriptures Psalm 90:12 So teach us to number our days, that we may present a heart of wisdom. This verse echoes the theme of life’s brevity and the need for wisdom. 1 Corinthians 15:22 For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. This New Testament promise answers Job’s question about life after death. James 4:14 You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. This reinforces the transient nature of life. Teaching Points The Brevity of Life Job begins by acknowledging the shortness and trouble of human life. Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble (Job 14:1). This sets the stage for a discussion on the transient nature of our earthly existence. The Inevitability of Death Job reflects on the certainty of death, comparing human life to a flower that withers and a shadow that does not remain (Job 14:2). This imagery underscores the inevitability of our mortality. The Hope for Renewal Despite his despair, Job expresses a hope for renewal, asking, If a man dies, will he live again? (Job 14:14). This question hints at a longing for resurrection and restoration. God’s Sovereignty and Judgment Job acknowledges God's control over life and death, recognizing that God has set boundaries for human life (Job 14:5). This highlights the theme of divine sovereignty and justice. The Cry for Mercy Job pleads for God to look away from him so he might have a moment of relief (Job 14:6). This reflects a deep yearning for divine mercy amidst suffering. Practical Applications Reflect on Life’s Transience Consider how the brevity of life should influence your priorities and decisions. Are you living with eternity in mind? Find Comfort in God’s Sovereignty In times of uncertainty and suffering, take solace in the fact that God is in control and has a purpose for your life. Seek Hope in Christ’s Resurrection Let Job’s question about life after death lead you to the hope found in Jesus Christ, who conquered death and offers eternal life. Pray for God’s Mercy In your struggles, don’t hesitate to cry out to God for mercy and relief, trusting in His compassion and grace. People 1. Job The central figure in this chapter, Job is a man of deep faith who is enduring immense suffering. In Job 14, he reflects on the transient nature of human life and the inevitability of death. He questions the possibility of life after death and expresses a longing for renewal. Job's discourse is a poignant meditation on human mortality and the hope for divine intervention. 2. Man (Humanity) Throughout Job 14, Job speaks about "man" in a general sense, referring to humanity as a whole. He describes human life as fleeting and full of trouble, using metaphors such as a flower that withers and a shadow that does not endure. The Hebrew word used here is "אִישׁ" (ish), which can mean man or person, emphasizing the universal nature of Job's reflections on the human condition. In this chapter, Job's reflections are deeply personal yet universally applicable, as he contemplates the limitations and struggles inherent in human existence. The chapter does not introduce other specific individuals, but rather focuses on the broader human experience in relation to divine sovereignty and the hope for redemption. Places In Job 14, there are no specific geographical places mentioned. The chapter primarily deals with themes of human mortality, the brevity of life, and the hope for renewal. It uses metaphorical language rather than referring to specific locations. Therefore, there are no places to list from this chapter in the Berean Standard Bible. Events 1. The Frailty of Human Life Job begins by acknowledging the brevity and trouble of human life. He states, "Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble" (Job 14:1). The Hebrew word for "trouble" here is "רֹגֶז" (rogez), indicating turmoil or agitation. 2. The Transience of Life Job compares human life to a flower and a shadow, emphasizing its fleeting nature. He says, "He springs up like a flower and withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure" (Job 14:2). The imagery of a flower and shadow highlights the temporary and insubstantial nature of life. 3. God's Observation and Judgment Job questions why God would focus on such a transient being, asking, "Do You fix Your eye on such a one? Will You bring him into judgment before You?" (Job 14:3). This reflects Job's struggle with understanding God's attention to human frailty. 4. The Inevitability of Sin Job acknowledges human sinfulness, stating, "Who can bring what is pure from the impure? No one!" (Job 14:4). This reflects the Hebrew concept of "טָמֵא" (tamei), meaning unclean or impure, emphasizing the inherent sinfulness of humanity. 5. The Fixed Lifespan of Man Job recognizes that human life is predetermined by God, saying, "Since his days are determined and the number of his months is with You, and You have set limits that he cannot exceed" (Job 14:5). This underscores the sovereignty of God over human life. 6. A Plea for Rest Job requests relief from his suffering, asking God to "look away from him and let him rest, till he fulfills his days like a hired worker" (Job 14:6). This plea reflects a desire for respite from life's burdens. 7. Hope for a Tree, but Not for Man Job contrasts the hope of a tree with the hopelessness of man, stating, "At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its tender shoots will not fail" (Job 14:7). The Hebrew word "תִּקְוָה" (tikvah) for hope signifies expectation or waiting. 8. The Finality of Death Job laments the finality of death for humans, saying, "But a man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last, and where is he?" (Job 14:10). This reflects the Hebrew understanding of death as a return to dust. 9. The Absence of Resurrection Job expresses doubt about life after death, stating, "As water disappears from the sea and a river becomes parched and dry, so a man lies down and does not rise" (Job 14:11-12). This highlights the ancient Hebrew view of Sheol as a place of no return. 10. A Desire for Concealment in Sheol Job wishes for God to hide him in Sheol until His wrath passes, saying, "If only You would hide me in Sheol and conceal me until Your anger has passed!" (Job 14:13). This reflects a hope for eventual restoration. 11. A Question of Renewal Job questions if a man can live again after death, pondering, "If a man dies, will he live again?" (Job 14:14). This question underscores the uncertainty of resurrection in Job's context. 12. Hope for Divine Remembrance Despite his despair, Job expresses hope that God will remember him, saying, "You will call, and I will answer You; You will desire the work of Your hands" (Job 14:15). This reflects a belief in God's ultimate justice and mercy. 13. The Reality of Sin and Suffering Job acknowledges that God counts his steps and observes his sin, stating, "For now You number my steps; do You not watch over my sin?" (Job 14:16). This highlights the Hebrew concept of divine scrutiny. 14. The Erosion of Hope Job concludes with a sense of hopelessness, lamenting that his hope is eroded like a mountain crumbling away, saying, "But as a mountain erodes and crumbles and a rock is dislodged from its place" (Job 14:18). This imagery conveys the relentless nature of suffering. Lessons from Job 14 1. Life is Fleeting and Precious In Job 14:1, we read, "Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble." This verse reminds us of the brevity of life. Our time on earth is limited, and each day is a gift from God. Embrace every moment with gratitude and purpose, knowing that our days are numbered. This perspective encourages us to live intentionally, focusing on what truly matters. 2. The Reality of Human Frailty Job 14:2 states, "He springs up like a flower and withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure." This imagery highlights our human frailty. Recognizing our limitations can be humbling, but it also points us to rely on God's strength. In our weakness, His power is made perfect, reminding us to lean on Him in all circumstances. 3. The Hope of Renewal In Job 14:7, we find hope: "For there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its tender shoots will not fail." Just as a tree can regrow after being cut down, we too can experience renewal and restoration through faith. No matter how dire our situation, God offers us new beginnings and the promise of His unfailing love. 4. The Inevitability of Death Job 14:10 tells us, "But a man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last, and where is he?" This verse confronts us with the reality of death, a certainty for all. However, as believers, we have the assurance of eternal life through Jesus Christ. This knowledge transforms our perspective on death, turning it from an end into a transition to eternal glory. 5. The Longing for Redemption In Job 14:14, Job asks, "If a man dies, will he live again?" This question reflects a deep longing for redemption and resurrection. Through Christ's resurrection, we have the answer: yes, we will live again. This hope of eternal life empowers us to face life's challenges with courage and confidence. 6. The Sovereignty of God Job 14:5 reminds us, "Since his days are determined, and the number of his months is with You, and You have set limits he cannot exceed." God's sovereignty over our lives is a comforting truth. He knows the number of our days and has a plan for each one. Trusting in His divine wisdom allows us to rest in His perfect timing and purpose. 7. The Call to Righteous Living In Job 14:16, we read, "For then You would count my steps, but would not keep track of my sin." This verse encourages us to live righteously, knowing that God sees our every step. While we are not perfect, we strive to walk in His ways, seeking forgiveness and grace when we fall short. Our lives should reflect His holiness and love. 8. The Power of Prayer Job's dialogue with God throughout this chapter underscores the importance of prayer. In times of distress, Job turns to God, pouring out his heart. Prayer is our lifeline to the Creator, a means to express our deepest fears and hopes. It strengthens our relationship with Him and aligns our will with His. 9. The Comfort of God's Presence Despite his suffering, Job acknowledges God's presence. In Job 14:13, he expresses a desire for God to hide him in the grave until His wrath passes. This longing for divine protection highlights the comfort found in God's presence. Even in our darkest moments, He is with us, offering peace and solace. 10. The Assurance of God's Justice Finally, Job 14:17 speaks of God's justice: "My offenses would be sealed up in a bag; You would cover over my sin." This assurance of divine justice is a cornerstone of our faith. God is just and merciful, and through Christ, our sins are forgiven. We can rest in the knowledge that He will make all things right in His perfect time. Topics 1. The Brevity and Trouble of Life Job begins by acknowledging the short and troubled nature of human life. He states, "Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble" (Job 14:1). The Hebrew word for "trouble" here is "רֹגֶז" (rogez), which conveys a sense of turmoil or agitation. 2. The Inevitability of Death Job reflects on the certainty of death, comparing human life to a flower that withers and a shadow that does not remain. He says, "He springs up like a flower and withers; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure" (Job 14:2). The imagery emphasizes the transient nature of life. 3. The Hope for Renewal Despite the inevitability of death, Job expresses a hope for renewal, akin to a tree that can sprout again after being cut down. He observes, "At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its tender shoots will not fail" (Job 14:7). The Hebrew word "תִּקְוָה" (tiqvah) for "hope" suggests an expectation or longing for restoration. 4. The Finality of Death for Humans Job contrasts the hope for a tree with the finality of death for humans, stating, "But a man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last, and where is he?" (Job 14:10). This reflects the ancient understanding of death as a permanent state, without the immediate hope of resurrection. 5. The Desire for Divine Intervention Job expresses a longing for God to hide him in Sheol until His wrath passes, indicating a desire for divine intervention and eventual restoration. He pleads, "Oh, that You would hide me in Sheol and conceal me until Your anger has passed!" (Job 14:13). The term "Sheol" refers to the abode of the dead, highlighting Job's wish for protection even in death. 6. The Question of Life After Death Job questions the possibility of life after death, pondering, "If a man dies, will he live again?" (Job 14:14). This question reflects the deep existential inquiry into the afterlife, a theme that resonates with the hope of resurrection found in later biblical texts. 7. The Inevitability of Divine Judgment Job acknowledges that God observes all human actions and will ultimately judge them. He states, "For then You would count my steps, but would not keep track of my sin" (Job 14:16). The Hebrew root "צָפָה" (tsaphah) for "count" implies a careful watching or observing, underscoring God's omniscience. 8. The Erosion of Hope Job concludes with a somber reflection on the erosion of hope, as he observes the relentless decay of human aspirations. He laments, "So man wastes away like something rotten, like a garment eaten by moths" (Job 14:19). This imagery of decay emphasizes the futility and despair that can accompany human existence without divine intervention. Themes 1. The Brevity and Frailty of Life Job 14:1-2 highlights the transient nature of human life: "Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure." The Hebrew word for "short" (קָצַר, qatsar) emphasizes the brevity and fleeting nature of life, underscoring human frailty. 2. The Inevitability of Death In verses 5-7, Job acknowledges the certainty of death: "Since his days are determined and the number of his months is with You, and You have set limits that he cannot exceed." The Hebrew root for "determined" (חָקַק, chaqaq) suggests a divine decree, emphasizing God's sovereignty over human lifespan. 3. The Hope for Renewal Job expresses a longing for renewal in verses 7-9: "For there is hope for a tree: if it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its tender shoots will not fail." The imagery of a tree sprouting again symbolizes hope for restoration, contrasting with the finality of human death. 4. The Finality of Death for Humans Verses 10-12 contrast human death with the renewal of a tree: "But a man dies and is laid low; he breathes his last, and where is he?" The Hebrew word for "laid low" (חָלַשׁ, chalash) conveys a sense of being weakened or defeated, highlighting the irreversible nature of death for humans. 5. The Desire for Divine Intervention Job expresses a wish for God to hide him in Sheol until His wrath passes, as seen in verse 13: "If only You would hide me in Sheol and conceal me until Your anger has passed!" The Hebrew term "Sheol" (שְׁאוֹל) refers to the realm of the dead, indicating Job's desire for protection and eventual vindication. 6. The Question of Life After Death In verse 14, Job questions the possibility of life after death: "If a man dies, will he live again?" This reflects a deep existential inquiry about resurrection and the afterlife, a theme that resonates with Christian eschatological hope. 7. The Sovereignty and Judgment of God Job acknowledges God's control over human destiny in verses 16-17: "For then You would count my steps, but would not keep track of my sin. My transgression would be sealed in a bag, and You would cover over my iniquity." The imagery of sealing transgressions in a bag suggests God's authority to forgive and forget sins, highlighting divine judgment and mercy. 8. The Inevitability of Human Decline Verses 18-22 describe the inevitable decline and decay of human life: "But as a mountain erodes and crumbles and a rock is dislodged from its place, as water wears away stones and torrents wash away the soil, so You destroy a man's hope." The Hebrew word for "destroy" (תָּשַׁח, tashach) conveys a sense of complete ruin, emphasizing the relentless nature of human mortality. Prayer Points Thank God for the Gift of Life Acknowledge the preciousness of each day and ask for wisdom to use it well. Pray for Strength in Trials Seek God’s strength and comfort in times of suffering, trusting in His sovereign plan. Ask for Assurance of Eternal Life Pray for a deeper understanding and assurance of the hope of resurrection through Jesus Christ. Intercede for Others in Despair Lift up those who are struggling with the fear of death or the pain of loss, asking God to reveal His hope and peace to them. Answering Tough Questions 1. Does Job 14:1–2’s portrayal of life as short and full of trouble conflict with biblical passages that promise long life and blessings? 2. In Job 14:4, how can anyone be made pure from something impure without contradicting other biblical texts about atonement and redemption? 3. When Job 14:12 says the dead “do not rise,” does this contradict later scriptures affirming an immediate afterlife or resurrection? 4. Does Job 14:14’s question “If someone dies, will they live again?” indicate uncertainty about resurrection, challenging other parts of the Bible that teach it? 5. In Job 14:19, is the natural, erosive power of water wearing down stones at odds with the miracles and divine interventions reported elsewhere in scripture? Bible Study Discussion Questions 1. How does Job's description of the brevity and trouble of life in verses 1-6 resonate with your understanding of human existence? 2. In verses 7-12, Job compares and contrasts the life of a tree and a human being. What can this tell us about the biblical view of human mortality? 3. Job wishes for God to hide him in Sheol until His wrath passes. What does this reveal about Job's view of God's character? 4. What does Job's plea in verses 13-17 suggest about his faith amidst his suffering? 5. How does the imagery of erosion and decay in verses 18-22 reflect on the human condition and our ultimate fate? 6. Job holds on to hope despite his suffering. How do you maintain hope during challenging times in your life? 7. What do you learn from Job's perspective on life and death? 8. How can Job's reflection on mortality inspire us to live our lives more meaningfully? 9. How can Job's view of death affect our understanding of life and mortality? 10. How can this chapter influence your views on the finality or continuity of life after death? 11. How can you apply Job's longing for a restored relationship with God to your own spiritual life? 12. What does this chapter teach about dealing with pain and despair? 13. In light of Job's contemplation of death, how can we better cherish life? 14. How does Job's belief in his future vindication inspire your faith? 15. What parallels can you draw between Job's experience and your personal struggles? 16. In the context of your own life, how do you interpret Job's plea for mercy? 17. How does Job's discourse on life's fleetingness affect your perspective on your personal life journey? 18. How can this chapter encourage you to confront your mortality and, in turn, live a more intentional life? 19. What lessons can we take from Job's plea for compassion from God amidst his suffering? 20. In the face of inevitable death and decay, as described by Job, how can you cultivate hope and resilience in your day-to-day life? Bible Hub Chapter Summaries and Bible Study Questions