Job 7:10

Authorized King James Version

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He shall return no more to his house, neither shall his place know him any more.

Original Language Analysis

לֹֽא H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 1 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יָשׁ֣וּב He shall return H7725
יָשׁ֣וּב He shall return
Strong's: H7725
Word #: 2 of 8
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
ע֣וֹד H5750
ע֣וֹד
Strong's: H5750
Word #: 3 of 8
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
לְבֵית֑וֹ no more to his house H1004
לְבֵית֑וֹ no more to his house
Strong's: H1004
Word #: 4 of 8
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְלֹֽא H3808
וְלֹֽא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 5 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַכִּירֶ֖נּוּ know H5234
יַכִּירֶ֖נּוּ know
Strong's: H5234
Word #: 6 of 8
properly, to scrutinize, i.e., look intently at; hence (with recognition implied), to acknowledge, be acquainted with, care for, respect, revere, or (
ע֣וֹד H5750
ע֣וֹד
Strong's: H5750
Word #: 7 of 8
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
מְקֹמֽוֹ׃ neither shall his place H4725
מְקֹמֽוֹ׃ neither shall his place
Strong's: H4725
Word #: 8 of 8
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

Analysis & Commentary

Job intensifies his meditation on death's irreversibility: 'He shall return no more to his house' employs the verb shuv (שׁוּב), meaning to return or turn back—the same verb used in repentance theology. Death represents an irreversible departure from earthly dwelling. 'Neither shall his place know him any more' uses the verb nakar (נָכַר), meaning to recognize, acknowledge, or regard. The deceased becomes unrecognized, forgotten by the very places that once knew him intimately.

This verse articulates the existential terror of being forgotten, of leaving no lasting trace. Job's concern isn't merely ceasing to exist but being erased from memory and significance. The phrase anticipates Psalm 103:16, 'the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.' Yet Scripture elsewhere promises that God remembers His people perpetually—their names are written in the Lamb's book of life (Revelation 21:27).

The Reformed doctrine of eternal security provides the answer Job lacks: believers' places are prepared in the Father's house (John 14:2), and their names are permanently known to God (2 Timothy 2:19). Job speaks from beneath the veil of incomplete revelation, articulating legitimate fear that fuller revelation addresses. His earthly house may forget him, but his heavenly mansion awaits.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern cultures emphasized maintaining family continuity and memory through offspring and lasting reputation. The greatest tragedy was dying without descendants or being forgotten by future generations. Job's loss of all ten children (1:18-19) compounds this fear—no one remains to remember him or continue his legacy.

Questions for Reflection