Job 7:16

Authorized King James Version

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I loathe it; I would not live alway: let me alone; for my days are vanity.

Original Language Analysis

מָ֭אַסְתִּי I loathe H3988
מָ֭אַסְתִּי I loathe
Strong's: H3988
Word #: 1 of 9
to spurn; also (intransitively) to disappear
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 2 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
לְעֹלָ֣ם alway H5769
לְעֹלָ֣ם alway
Strong's: H5769
Word #: 3 of 9
properly, concealed, i.e., the vanishing point; generally, time out of mind (past or future), i.e., (practically) eternity; frequentatively, adverbial
אֶֽחְיֶ֑ה it I would not live H2421
אֶֽחְיֶ֑ה it I would not live
Strong's: H2421
Word #: 4 of 9
to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive
חֲדַ֥ל let me alone H2308
חֲדַ֥ל let me alone
Strong's: H2308
Word #: 5 of 9
properly, to be flabby, i.e., (by implication) desist; (figuratively) be lacking or idle
מִ֝מֶּ֗נִּי H4480
מִ֝מֶּ֗נִּי
Strong's: H4480
Word #: 6 of 9
properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses
כִּי H3588
כִּי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 7 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
הֶ֥בֶל are vanity H1892
הֶ֥בֶל are vanity
Strong's: H1892
Word #: 8 of 9
emptiness or vanity; figuratively, something transitory and unsatisfactory; often used as an adverb
יָמָֽי׃ for my days H3117
יָמָֽי׃ for my days
Strong's: H3117
Word #: 9 of 9
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

Analysis & Commentary

Job rejects continued existence: 'I loathe it' (ma'as, מָאַס, to reject, despise, refuse). The same verb described his loathsome skin (verse 5); now he applies it to life itself. 'I would not live alway' (olam, עוֹלָם) uses the Hebrew word typically translated 'forever' or 'eternal'—Job refuses immortality in his current state. He pleads 'let me alone' (chadal, חָדַל, cease, desist) because his 'days are vanity' (hebel, הֶבֶל), the same word used repeatedly in Ecclesiastes for meaninglessness and futility.

Job's rejection of eternal life under current conditions illuminates a profound truth: mere existence isn't inherently valuable—quality of existence matters. Eternal life in suffering would be hell, not heaven. This anticipates the biblical distinction between mere immortality and resurrected life in God's presence. Hell is eternal existence without God; heaven is eternal life in joyful communion with Him.

The plea 'let me alone' echoes throughout Scripture from sufferers who want divine attention withdrawn (Psalm 39:13). But the gospel reveals that God's refusal to leave us alone constitutes grace—He pursues us even in our desire to be left to die (Psalm 139:7-12). Job will learn that God's attention, though presently painful, serves redemptive purposes.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern perspectives on eternal life varied. Some cultures sought immortality through legacy and offspring; others envisioned shadowy afterlife in Sheol. Job's rejection of 'living always' in his current state highlights that without hope of transformation, immortality becomes curse rather than blessing.

Questions for Reflection