Job 14:10

Authorized King James Version

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But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?

Original Language Analysis

וְגֶ֣בֶר But man H1397
וְגֶ֣בֶר But man
Strong's: H1397
Word #: 1 of 6
properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply
יָ֭מוּת dieth H4191
יָ֭מוּת dieth
Strong's: H4191
Word #: 2 of 6
to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill
וַֽיֶּחֱלָ֑שׁ and wasteth away H2522
וַֽיֶּחֱלָ֑שׁ and wasteth away
Strong's: H2522
Word #: 3 of 6
to prostrate; by implication, to overthrow, decay
וַיִּגְוַ֖ע giveth up the ghost H1478
וַיִּגְוַ֖ע giveth up the ghost
Strong's: H1478
Word #: 4 of 6
to breathe out, i.e., (by implication) expire
אָדָ֣ם yea man H120
אָדָ֣ם yea man
Strong's: H120
Word #: 5 of 6
ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)
וְאַיּֽוֹ׃ H346
וְאַיּֽוֹ׃
Strong's: H346
Word #: 6 of 6
where?

Analysis & Commentary

'But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?' Job contrasts nature's cycles (trees sprouting again) with human death's finality. Man 'dieth' (יָמוּת, yamut), 'wasteth away' (וַיֶּחֱלָשׁ, vayechelash—becomes weak, helpless), 'giveth up the ghost' (וַיִּגְוָע, vayigva—expires), and vanishes—'where is he?' (אַיּוֹ, ayyo). This expresses the horror of death's apparent finality from an earthly perspective. Without clear resurrection hope, death seems ultimate loss. Job's lament reveals humanity's deep need for resurrection—a need Christ fulfills (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). The Reformed doctrine of resurrection addresses this existential despair.

Historical Context

Old Testament resurrection hope was less developed than New Testament revelation. Job here wrestles with death's apparent finality, expressing the despair all humans face without clear hope of bodily resurrection.

Questions for Reflection