Job 14:20
Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.
Original Language Analysis
לָ֭נֶצַח
for ever
H5331
לָ֭נֶצַח
for ever
Strong's:
H5331
Word #:
2 of 6
properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti
וַֽיַּהֲלֹ֑ךְ
against him and he passeth
H1980
וַֽיַּהֲלֹ֑ךְ
against him and he passeth
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
3 of 6
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
מְשַׁנֶּ֥ה
thou changest
H8138
מְשַׁנֶּ֥ה
thou changest
Strong's:
H8138
Word #:
4 of 6
to fold, i.e., duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern texts often depicted divine-human conflict with gods triumphing through superior power. Scripture agrees God always prevails but uniquely emphasizes that divine triumph serves redemptive purposes, not arbitrary dominance.
Questions for Reflection
- How does honest acknowledgment of God's overpowering strength lead to worship rather than despair?
- What comfort comes from knowing that the God who always prevails is the God who loves us?
- How does Christ's incarnation and suffering reveal God's power serving redemptive love?
Analysis & Commentary
God's power overwhelms human resistance: 'Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.' The Hebrew 'takeph' (prevail) suggests overpowering strength—humans cannot resist divine power. The changed countenance may refer to death's effects or the shame of defeat. Humans 'pass away'—they're transient before eternal God. This stark realism about human powerlessness before God prepares for later hope in divine mercy.