Job 21:14

Authorized King James Version

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Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.

Original Language Analysis

וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ Therefore they say H559
וַיֹּאמְר֣וּ Therefore they say
Strong's: H559
Word #: 1 of 8
to say (used with great latitude)
לָ֭אֵל unto God H410
לָ֭אֵל unto God
Strong's: H410
Word #: 2 of 8
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
ס֣וּר Depart H5493
ס֣וּר Depart
Strong's: H5493
Word #: 3 of 8
to turn off (literally or figuratively)
מִמֶּ֑נּוּ H4480
מִמֶּ֑נּוּ
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 4 of 8
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
וְדַ֥עַת not the knowledge H1847
וְדַ֥עַת not the knowledge
Strong's: H1847
Word #: 5 of 8
knowledge
דְּ֝רָכֶ֗יךָ of thy ways H1870
דְּ֝רָכֶ֗יךָ of thy ways
Strong's: H1870
Word #: 6 of 8
a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
חָפָֽצְנוּ׃ from us for we desire H2654
חָפָֽצְנוּ׃ from us for we desire
Strong's: H2654
Word #: 8 of 8
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

Analysis & Commentary

Job quotes the wicked: 'Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.' This reveals the mystery: those who reject God often prosper. Job isn't endorsing this attitude but acknowledging the reality that challenges simplistic retribution theology.

Historical Context

Ancient wisdom assumed godliness brought blessing and wickedness brought curse. Job's observation of wicked prosperity challenges this comfortable equation.

Questions for Reflection