Job 7:9

Authorized King James Version

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As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more.

Original Language Analysis

כָּלָ֣ה is consumed H3615
כָּלָ֣ה is consumed
Strong's: H3615
Word #: 1 of 8
to end, whether intransitive (to cease, be finished, perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, consume)
עָ֭נָן As the cloud H6051
עָ֭נָן As the cloud
Strong's: H6051
Word #: 2 of 8
a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e., the nimbus or thunder-cloud
וַיֵּלַ֑ךְ H1980
וַיֵּלַ֑ךְ
Strong's: H1980
Word #: 3 of 8
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
כֵּ֥ן H3651
כֵּ֥ן
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 4 of 8
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
יוֹרֵ֥ד so he that goeth down H3381
יוֹרֵ֥ד so he that goeth down
Strong's: H3381
Word #: 5 of 8
to descend (literally, to go downwards; or conventionally to a lower region, as the shore, a boundary, the enemy, etc.; or figuratively, to fall); cau
שְׁ֝א֗וֹל to the grave H7585
שְׁ֝א֗וֹל to the grave
Strong's: H7585
Word #: 6 of 8
hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates
לֹ֣א H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's: H3808
Word #: 7 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַֽעֲלֶֽה׃ shall come up H5927
יַֽעֲלֶֽה׃ shall come up
Strong's: H5927
Word #: 8 of 8
to ascend, intransitively (be high) or actively (mount); used in a great variety of senses, primary and secondary, literal and figurative

Analysis & Commentary

Job employs natural imagery to illustrate death's finality: the cloud that dissipates never reconstitutes. The verb 'consumed' (kalah, כָּלָה) means to complete, finish, or bring to end. The cloud 'vanisheth away' (halak, הָלַךְ) using the common verb for going or walking—it departs permanently. Job applies this to human mortality: 'he that goeth down to the grave' (Sheol, שְׁאוֹל) 'shall come up no more' (lo ya'aleh, לֹא יַעֲלֶה).

This verse reflects Old Testament revelation's limited understanding of resurrection. Job speaks truth about natural human destiny apart from divine intervention—death is final, and the grave doesn't release its captives. However, Scripture's progressive revelation will clarify that resurrection isn't natural but supernatural, accomplished through divine power. Job himself will later declare faith in a living Redeemer who will raise him (19:25-27).

The cloud metaphor appears throughout Scripture (Isaiah 44:22, Hosea 6:4, 13:3) representing transience. Yet God subverts this imagery in the New Testament: Christ ascended in clouds and will return in clouds (Acts 1:9-11, Revelation 1:7). The seemingly permanent dissipation Job describes isn't final for those in Christ. The Reformed tradition affirms that natural observation (clouds don't return) requires supernatural intervention (resurrection) for hope.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern burial practices included elaborate tombs and grave goods, suggesting belief in some form of afterlife. However, theological understanding of resurrection remained undeveloped in Job's era. The concept emerged more clearly in later prophets (Isaiah 26:19, Daniel 12:2) and reached full revelation in Christ's resurrection.

Questions for Reflection