Job 14:7

Authorized King James Version

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For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.

Original Language Analysis

כִּ֤י H3588
כִּ֤י
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 11
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יֵ֥שׁ For there is H3426
יֵ֥שׁ For there is
Strong's: H3426
Word #: 2 of 11
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
לָעֵ֗ץ of a tree H6086
לָעֵ֗ץ of a tree
Strong's: H6086
Word #: 3 of 11
a tree (from its firmness); hence, wood (plural sticks)
תִּ֫קְוָ֥ה hope H8615
תִּ֫קְוָ֥ה hope
Strong's: H8615
Word #: 4 of 11
literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy
אִֽם H518
אִֽם
Strong's: H518
Word #: 5 of 11
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
יִ֭כָּרֵת if it be cut down H3772
יִ֭כָּרֵת if it be cut down
Strong's: H3772
Word #: 6 of 11
to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant (i.e., make an alliance or bargain, originally by cutt
וְע֣וֹד H5750
וְע֣וֹד
Strong's: H5750
Word #: 7 of 11
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
יַחֲלִ֑יף that it will sprout again H2498
יַחֲלִ֑יף that it will sprout again
Strong's: H2498
Word #: 8 of 11
properly, to slide by, i.e., (by implication) to hasten away, pass on, spring up, pierce or change
וְ֝יֹֽנַקְתּ֗וֹ and that the tender branch H3127
וְ֝יֹֽנַקְתּ֗וֹ and that the tender branch
Strong's: H3127
Word #: 9 of 11
a sprout
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 10 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תֶחְדָּֽל׃ thereof will not cease H2308
תֶחְדָּֽל׃ thereof will not cease
Strong's: H2308
Word #: 11 of 11
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle

Analysis & Commentary

Job's famous hope: 'For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again' contrasts vegetative regeneration with human mortality. Trees can revive; humans die permanently. Yet this observation prepares for Job's greater hope in resurrection (14:14).

Historical Context

Ancient agricultural societies observed seasonal death and renewal in plant life. Job uses this natural observation to highlight humanity's different fate - or does he?

Questions for Reflection