Job 7:15
So that my soul chooseth strangling, and death rather than my life.
Original Language Analysis
נַפְשִׁ֑י
So that my soul
H5315
נַפְשִׁ֑י
So that my soul
Strong's:
H5315
Word #:
3 of 5
properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom literature occasionally expressed despair over life's burdens (Egyptian 'Dispute Between a Man and His Ba'), but Job's expression is notable for its directness and theological context. He maintains integrity while questioning whether existence itself is worthwhile—a profound philosophical and existential crisis.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we pastor those who honestly wish for death while preventing them from acting on those wishes?
- What does Job's death wish teach about the legitimacy of expressing our darkest thoughts to God in prayer?
- In what ways does the gospel's call to 'die to self' transform and fulfill Job's longing for death?
Analysis & Commentary
Job reaches the depths of despair: 'My soul chooseth strangling' (cheneq, חֶנֶק) 'and death rather than my life' (atsamot, עֲצָמוֹת, literally 'my bones' or 'my frame'). The verb 'chooseth' (bachar, בָּחַר) is the same used for God's election—Job 'elects' death over continued existence. This isn't mere death wish but considered preference for non-existence over unbearable suffering.
The honesty is shocking yet biblical. Scripture doesn't sanitize the depths of righteous suffering. Job joins other saints who wished for death: Moses (Numbers 11:15), Elijah (1 Kings 19:4), Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:14-18), Jonah (Jonah 4:3). God doesn't condemn their honesty but meets them in their despair. The Reformed tradition distinguishes between expressing death wishes in prayer versus pursuing suicide—one is honest lament, the other is sinful presumption.
Job's death wish anticipates the gospel paradox: we must die to self to truly live (Galatians 2:20). Job wants literal death; Christ calls us to death of the old man and resurrection of the new. Job's words, though spoken in ignorance of resurrection hope, point toward Christian mortification—choosing death to sin rather than continuation in it.