Job 14:22
But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn.
Original Language Analysis
אַךְ
H389
בְּ֭שָׂרוֹ
But his flesh
H1320
בְּ֭שָׂרוֹ
But his flesh
Strong's:
H1320
Word #:
2 of 7
flesh (from its freshness); by extension, body, person; also (by euphemistically) the pudenda of a man
עָלָ֣יו
H5921
עָלָ֣יו
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
3 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יִכְאָ֑ב
upon him shall have pain
H3510
יִכְאָ֑ב
upon him shall have pain
Strong's:
H3510
Word #:
4 of 7
properly, to feel pain; by implication, to grieve; figuratively, to spoil
וְ֝נַפְשׁ֗וֹ
and his soul
H5315
וְ֝נַפְשׁ֗וֹ
and his soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Historical Context
Ancient understanding recognized pain's personal nature—while community provided support, the sufferer alone experienced the suffering. This individual focus balances communal emphases in ancient Near Eastern culture.
Questions for Reflection
- How does the individual nature of suffering help us understand Christ's substitutionary atonement?
- What is the role of community when suffering remains intensely personal?
- How do we balance acknowledging suffering's isolating nature with seeking connection in pain?
Analysis & Commentary
Job concludes with focus on personal suffering: 'But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn.' Despite death's separation from family, the suffering person remains keenly aware of personal pain. The body aches ('flesh'), and the inner person grieves ('soul'). Job emphasizes the individualized nature of suffering—it's experienced personally and cannot be shared or diluted. This prepares for Christ's substitutionary suffering, where one bears pain for others.