King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.
Complete Jewish Bible:
They lie down alike in the dust, and the worm covers them both.
Berean Standard Bible:
But together they lie down in the dust, and worms cover them both.
American Standard Version:
They lie down alike in the dust, And the worm covereth them.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
They shall lie down{H7901} alike{H3162} in the dust{H6083}, and the worms{H7415} shall cover{H3680} them.
Cross-References (KJV):
Ecclesiastes 9:2
- All [things come] alike to all: [there is] one event to the righteous, and to the wicked; to the good and to the clean, and to the unclean; to him that sacrificeth, and to him that sacrificeth not: as [is] the good, so [is] the sinner; [and] he that sweareth, as [he] that feareth an oath.
Isaiah 14:11
- Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, [and] the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee.
Job 20:11
- His bones are full [of the sin] of his youth, which shall lie down with him in the dust.
Job 3:18
- [There] the prisoners rest together; they hear not the voice of the oppressor.
Job 3:19
- The small and great are there; and the servant [is] free from his master.
Job 17:14
- I have said to corruption, Thou [art] my father: to the worm, [Thou art] my mother, and my sister.
Psalms 49:14
- Like sheep they are laid in the grave; death shall feed on them; and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning; and their beauty shall consume in the grave from their dwelling.
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Commentary for Job 21:26
Job 21:26 is a part of the Book of Job, which is one of the Wisdom Books in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. The Book of Job deals with the theme of theodicy, the question of why a good God permits the suffering of the innocent. It is named after its protagonist, Job, a man known for his righteousness, who undergoes severe trials at the hands of Satan with God's permission, to test his faith.
In the verse, "They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them," Job is speaking during a dialogue with his friends, who have come to comfort him but end up accusing him of wrongdoing, suggesting that his suffering must be a punishment for sin. Job, however, maintains his innocence throughout the book. This verse reflects the idea that despite the differences among people in life—such as wealth, status, or moral character—death is the great equalizer. Both the righteous and the wicked eventually face mortality, and their bodies return to dust, a stark image emphasizing the transience of human existence and achievements.
The historical context of the Book of Job is somewhat uncertain, with scholars suggesting various time periods ranging from the patriarchal era to the time of the Babylonian exile. The language and themes of the book are timeless, addressing questions of suffering and divine justice that are universal to human experience.
In summary, Job 21:26 poignantly captures the theme of human equality in death, contrasting with the disparities of life. It underscores the ephemeral nature of human existence and challenges the simplistic notion that earthly prosperity is a sign of divine favor or that suffering is always a consequence of sin. This verse contributes to the broader discourse in the Book of Job on the inscrutability of God's ways and the mystery of human suffering.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H7901
There are 194 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: שָׁכַב
Transliteration: shâkab
Pronunciation: shaw-kab'
Description: a primitive root; to lie down (for rest, sexual connection, decease or any other purpose); [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. - Strong's Number: H3162
There are 139 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יַחַד
Transliteration: yachad
Pronunciation: yakh'-ad
Description: from יָחַד; properly, a unit, i.e. (adverb) unitedly; alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. - Strong's Number: H6083
There are 103 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עָפָר
Transliteration: ʻâphâr
Pronunciation: aw-fawr'
Description: from עָפַר; dust (as powdered or gray); hence, clay, earth, mud; ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. - Strong's Number: H7415
There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: רִמָּה
Transliteration: rimmâh
Pronunciation: rim-maw'
Description: from רָמַם in the sense of breading (compare רוּם); a maggot (as rapidly bred), literally or figuratively; worm. - Strong's Number: H3680
There are 149 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: כָּסָה
Transliteration: kâçâh
Pronunciation: kaw-saw'
Description: a primitive root; properly, to plump, i.e. fill up hollows; by implication, to cover (for clothing or secrecy); clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare כָּשָׂה.