Job 15:14
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Job 15:14
14 What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?
Chapter Context
Job 15 is a wisdom dialogue chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of redemption, love, sacrifice. 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 21-35: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 15:14
14 What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?
Analysis
Eliphaz asks: 'What is man, that he should be clean? and he which is born of a woman, that he should be righteous?' The question echoes Eliphaz's earlier speech (4:17) and anticipates Bildad (25:4). Tahor (טָהוֹר, clean) means pure or undefiled. Tsadaq (צָדַק, righteous) means just or vindicated. Eliphaz correctly identifies universal sinfulness but wrongly applies it—affirming general human depravity doesn't prove Job's specific guilt. The doctrine of original sin is true but doesn't require confessing imaginary particular sins.
Historical Context
The question reflects biblical teaching about universal sinfulness (Psalm 51:5, Romans 3:23). Ancient wisdom recognized human moral corruption. Eliphaz's theology is orthodox but his application is flawed—he uses the doctrine of universal sin to silence Job's specific protests of innocence regarding his friends' accusations. This demonstrates how sound doctrine can be weaponized against individuals.
Reflection
- How do we affirm universal human sinfulness without falsely accusing individuals of specific sins?
- What is the difference between acknowledging our general unworthiness and confessing particular transgressions we haven't committed?
Word Studies
- Justify: צָדַק (Tsadaq) H6663 - To be righteous, declare righteous
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Ecclesiastes 7:20
- Parallel theme: Job 14:4, 1 Kings 8:46, Psalms 14:3, Proverbs 20:9, Romans 7:18