Job 17:11
My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart.
Original Language Analysis
יָמַ֣י
My days
H3117
יָמַ֣י
My days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
1 of 6
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
עָ֭בְרוּ
are past
H5674
עָ֭בְרוּ
are past
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
2 of 6
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
Cross References
Job 7:6My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.Isaiah 38:10I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave: I am deprived of the residue of my years.Proverbs 16:9A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.Isaiah 8:10Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us.Lamentations 3:37Who is he that saith, and it cometh to pass, when the Lord commandeth it not?
Historical Context
Ancient peoples found identity and meaning in continuing family lines, building legacy, and seeing plans fulfilled. Job's loss of future, including dead children and shattered plans, would be profoundly disorienting.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we grieve lost dreams and broken purposes while maintaining hope?
- What does it mean to mourn what's been lost without despairing of God's future?
Analysis & Commentary
'My days are past, my purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart.' Job mourns lost future: 'days' (יָמַי, yamay) are 'past' (עָבְרוּ, avru), 'purposes' (זִמֹּתַי, zimmotay—plans, schemes) are 'broken off' (נִתְּקוּ, nittequ—torn away), and 'thoughts of heart' (מוֹרָשֵׁי לְבָבִי, morashey levavi—possessions of heart) shattered. This describes the grief of lost dreams. Job had plans, hopes, and heart-desires now impossible. Proverbs 13:12 says 'hope deferred maketh the heart sick.' Job's heart is sick with lost possibilities. This grief is legitimate—we're made for purpose and future. The Gospel doesn't diminish this loss but promises better resurrection hope. Job's lament makes room for mourning what's lost while not staying there permanently.