Job 14:1
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 14:1
1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.
Chapter Context
Job 14 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of hope, grace, judgment. Written during the patriarchal period (literary composition later), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Ancient wisdom traditions often wrestled with the problem of suffering and divine justice.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it establishes important theological principles that resonate throughout Scripture. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Job and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Job 14:1
1 Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.
Analysis
Job laments: 'Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.' The phrase 'born of a woman' (yelud ishah, יְלוּד אִשָּׁה) emphasizes human frailty and mortality. 'Few days' (qetsar yamim, קְצַר יָמִים) stresses life's brevity. 'Full of trouble' (seva rogez, שְׂבַע־רֹגֶז) uses rogez (רֹגֶז), meaning turmoil, agitation, or distress. Job's description of human existence as brief and troubled reflects the curse's effects (Genesis 3:16-19). Christ echoes this phrase when calling Himself 'the Son of Man' (bar enash, בַּר אֱנָשׁ), identifying with human frailty.
Historical Context
The patriarchal period saw lifespans of 100-200 years (Job likely lived 200+), yet Job still considers life brief compared to eternity. Ancient Near Eastern literature frequently lamented mortality's brevity and suffering's prevalence. The Epic of Gilgamesh explores similar themes. Job's lament is both universal (all humans face death and trouble) and personal (his suffering intensifies awareness of human frailty).
Reflection
- How does recognizing life's brevity and trouble affect our priorities and perspective?
- What comfort does Christ's identification as 'Son of Man' bring to our experience of human frailty?