Job 14:4
Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.
Original Language Analysis
מִֽי
H4310
מִֽי
Strong's:
H4310
Word #:
1 of 6
who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix
יִתֵּ֣ן
Who can bring
H5414
יִתֵּ֣ן
Who can bring
Strong's:
H5414
Word #:
2 of 6
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
טָ֭הוֹר
a clean
H2889
טָ֭הוֹר
a clean
Strong's:
H2889
Word #:
3 of 6
pure (in a physical, chemical, ceremonial or moral sense)
Cross References
John 3:6That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.Job 15:14What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?Psalms 51:5Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.Ephesians 2:3Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.Romans 5:12Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:
Historical Context
Ancient purity codes recognized ritual uncleanness, but Job speaks metaphysically about moral inability. This anticipates Christ as the only clean one who can cleanse others (Hebrews 7:26).
Questions for Reflection
- How does recognition of inherent uncleanness drive you toward grace?
- What hope exists if no one can bring clean from unclean?
Analysis & Commentary
Job asks 'Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.' This recognition of inherited depravity predates full biblical revelation yet captures the doctrine of original sin. The rhetorical question expects no answer - human effort cannot overcome fundamental corruption.