Job 14:3

Authorized King James Version

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And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee?

Original Language Analysis

אַף H637
אַף
Strong's: H637
Word #: 1 of 9
meaning accession (used as an adverb or conjunction); also or yea; adversatively though
עַל H5921
עַל
Strong's: H5921
Word #: 2 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
זֶ֭ה upon such an one H2088
זֶ֭ה upon such an one
Strong's: H2088
Word #: 3 of 9
the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that
פָּקַ֣חְתָּ And dost thou open H6491
פָּקַ֣חְתָּ And dost thou open
Strong's: H6491
Word #: 4 of 9
to open (the senses, especially the eyes); figuratively, to be observant
עֵינֶ֑ךָ thine eyes H5869
עֵינֶ֑ךָ thine eyes
Strong's: H5869
Word #: 5 of 9
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
וְאֹ֘תִ֤י H853
וְאֹ֘תִ֤י
Strong's: H853
Word #: 6 of 9
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תָבִ֖יא and bringest H935
תָבִ֖יא and bringest
Strong's: H935
Word #: 7 of 9
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
בְמִשְׁפָּ֣ט me into judgment H4941
בְמִשְׁפָּ֣ט me into judgment
Strong's: H4941
Word #: 8 of 9
properly, a verdict (favorable or unfavorable) pronounced judicially, especially a sentence or formal decree (human or (participant's) divine law, ind
עִמָּֽךְ׃ H5973
עִמָּֽךְ׃
Strong's: H5973
Word #: 9 of 9
adverb or preposition, with (i.e., in conjunction with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with; often with prepositional prefix (and then

Analysis & Commentary

'And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee?' Job marvels that God would fix His 'eyes' (עֵינֶיךָ, eynekha) on frail humanity ('such an one') and bring them into 'judgment' (מִשְׁפָּט, mishpat). The question echoes Psalm 8:4—why does God notice humans? But Job's tone differs—not wonder at divine care but perplexity at divine scrutiny. Why would the infinite God judge finite creatures so strictly? This anticipates the Gospel mystery: God does fix His eyes on us, but in Christ faces judgment in our place. Job's question reveals the scandal of both judgment and grace—that God cares enough to hold us accountable yet merciful enough to provide redemption.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern religions featured distant, unconcerned deities. Job here wrestles with the opposite problem—a God so attentive He notices and judges human frailty. The biblical God's involvement creates both comfort and terror.

Questions for Reflection