Job 7:21

Authorized King James Version

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And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.

Original Language Analysis

וּמֶ֤ה׀ H4100
וּמֶ֤ה׀
Strong's: H4100
Word #: 1 of 13
properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and
לֹא H3808
לֹא
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 2 of 13
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תִשָּׂ֣א And why dost thou not pardon H5375
תִשָּׂ֣א And why dost thou not pardon
Strong's: H5375
Word #: 3 of 13
to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative
פִשְׁעִי֮ my transgression H6588
פִשְׁעִי֮ my transgression
Strong's: H6588
Word #: 4 of 13
a revolt (national, moral or religious)
וְתַעֲבִ֪יר and take away H5674
וְתַעֲבִ֪יר and take away
Strong's: H5674
Word #: 5 of 13
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
אֶת H853
אֶת
Strong's: H853
Word #: 6 of 13
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
עֲוֺ֫נִ֥י mine iniquity H5771
עֲוֺ֫נִ֥י mine iniquity
Strong's: H5771
Word #: 7 of 13
perversity, i.e., (moral) evil
כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 8 of 13
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עַ֭תָּה H6258
עַ֭תָּה
Strong's: H6258
Word #: 9 of 13
at this time, whether adverb, conjunction or expletive
לֶעָפָ֣ר in the dust H6083
לֶעָפָ֣ר in the dust
Strong's: H6083
Word #: 10 of 13
dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud
אֶשְׁכָּ֑ב for now shall I sleep H7901
אֶשְׁכָּ֑ב for now shall I sleep
Strong's: H7901
Word #: 11 of 13
to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose)
וְשִׁ֖חֲרְתַּ֣נִי and thou shalt seek me in the morning H7836
וְשִׁ֖חֲרְתַּ֣נִי and thou shalt seek me in the morning
Strong's: H7836
Word #: 12 of 13
properly, to dawn, i.e., (figuratively) be (up) early at any task (with the implication of earnestness); by extension, to search for (with painstaking
וְאֵינֶֽנִּי׃ H369
וְאֵינֶֽנִּי׃
Strong's: H369
Word #: 13 of 13
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

Analysis & Commentary

Job concludes his lament questioning why God doesn't forgive: 'Why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity?' The verbs 'pardon' (nasa, נָשָׂא) and 'take away' (avar, עָבַר) both involve removal or carrying away. Job acknowledges the possibility of sin ('my transgression,' pesha, פֶּשַׁע, rebellion; 'mine iniquity,' avon, עָוֹן, perversity) but questions why God doesn't simply forgive rather than inflict such suffering.

The final line is haunting: 'for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.' Job anticipates imminent death—soon he'll sleep permanently in the grave, and when God finally seeks him, it will be too late. This creates urgency: if God's purpose is reconciliation, why delay? The irony is profound—Job will indeed 'sleep in the dust' (chapter 42), but will awaken to restoration.

Job's question finds its answer in the gospel: God doesn't merely pardon—He sends His Son to bear our iniquity (Isaiah 53:6). The delay Job protests serves redemptive purposes he cannot yet fathom. When God finally 'seeks him in the morning,' it won't be too late but perfectly timed for vindication and blessing.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern religion understood divine forgiveness as capricious—gods might or might not relent from punishment. Job's question assumes God should forgive, revealing his understanding of divine character as essentially merciful. This theological conviction sustains him even when experience suggests otherwise.

Questions for Reflection