Job 7:1
Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth? are not his days also like the days of an hireling?
Original Language Analysis
הֲלֹֽא
H3808
הֲלֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
1 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
צָבָ֣א
Is there not an appointed time
H6635
צָבָ֣א
Is there not an appointed time
Strong's:
H6635
Word #:
2 of 8
a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized for war (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (speci
לֶֽאֱנ֣וֹשׁ
to man
H582
לֶֽאֱנ֣וֹשׁ
to man
Strong's:
H582
Word #:
3 of 8
properly, a mortal (and thus differing from the more dignified h0120); hence, a man in general (singly or collectively)
עֲלֵ
H5921
עֲלֵ
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
4 of 8
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
יָמָֽיו׃
also like the days
H3117
יָמָֽיו׃
also like the days
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
6 of 8
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
Cross References
Psalms 39:4LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am.Isaiah 40:2Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the LORD'S hand double for all her sins.Isaiah 21:16For thus hath the Lord said unto me, Within a year, according to the years of an hireling, and all the glory of Kedar shall fail:Job 5:7Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.Ecclesiastes 8:8There is no man that hath power over the spirit to retain the spirit; neither hath he power in the day of death: and there is no discharge in that war; neither shall wickedness deliver those that are given to it.Deuteronomy 15:18It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant to thee, in serving thee six years: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.Leviticus 25:50And he shall reckon with him that bought him from the year that he was sold to him unto the year of jubile: and the price of his sale shall be according unto the number of years, according to the time of an hired servant shall it be with him.
Historical Context
Ancient day laborers lived hand-to-mouth, depending on daily wages. Job uses this imagery to describe life's precariousness, anticipating Paul's teaching that all creation groans under futility (Romans 8:20-22).
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing life as warfare change your perspective on daily struggles?
- What hope exists for those who feel like mere day laborers in God's economy?
Analysis & Commentary
Job compares human existence to 'an appointed time' (warfare) and days like those of a 'hireling' (day laborer). This double metaphor captures life's toilsome, temporary nature under the curse. The military imagery suggests spiritual warfare, while the economic reference highlights human frailty and dependence.