Job 14:14

KJV

If a man die, shall he live [again]? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.

KJV (with Strong's)

If a man {H1397} die {H4191}, shall he live {H2421} again? all the days {H3117} of my appointed time {H6635} will I wait {H3176}, till my change {H2487} come {H935}.

Complete Jewish Bible

If a man dies, will he live again? I will wait all the days of my life for my change to come.

Berean Standard Bible

When a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, until my renewal comes.

American Standard Version

If a man die, shall he liveagain? All the days of my warfare would I wait, Till my release should come.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 14:14 presents a profound and poignant inquiry into the ultimate human condition, encapsulating the universal question of mortality and the possibility of existence beyond the grave. It captures Job's deep despair over the apparent finality of death, contrasting human frailty with the resilience of nature, yet simultaneously introduces a flickering, tenacious hope for a future transformation or release. This "appointed time" of change transcends his present suffering and the perceived permanence of the grave, revealing a nascent yearning for something more than earthly cessation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 14:14 is situated within a deeply melancholic soliloquy by Job, spanning [Job 14:1-22](/job/14 "Job 14 - Job's Lament on the Brevity of Life"). In this section, Job laments the brevity, hardship, and apparent finality of human life. This particular verse forms the climax of a striking contrast Job draws between the cyclical renewal of a tree and the perceived irreversible finality of human death. In [Job 14:7-9](/job/14-7-9 "Job 14:7-9 - The Hope of a Tree"), Job observes that a cut-down tree can sprout again from its stump, revitalized by water. However, he immediately contrasts this with humanity in [Job 14:10-12](/job/14-10-12 "Job 14:10-12 - The Finality of Human Death"), asserting that "man dies and is laid low; man breathes his last, and where is he?" This rhetorical question underscores his despair regarding death's apparent permanence. Verse 14:14 then directly poses the ultimate question, "If a man die, shall he live [again]?" This question, born of his intense suffering and perceived abandonment by God, is not merely philosophical but deeply personal, arising from his desperate longing for an end to his torment and a possible future beyond the grave.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, while there were diverse beliefs about an afterlife, the concept of a bodily resurrection as understood in later biblical revelation was not yet fully developed or widely articulated. The common understanding often involved a shadowy existence in Sheol, a realm of the dead, from which return was generally considered impossible. Job's question, therefore, reflects the prevailing human uncertainty and limited revelation concerning the afterlife during his time. His lament is characteristic of wisdom literature, which grapples with life's profound mysteries, suffering, and the justice of God within the framework of human experience. Job's unique situation, enduring inexplicable suffering while maintaining his integrity, pushes him to the very edge of theological inquiry, forcing him to confront the limits of human understanding regarding divine sovereignty and the ultimate destiny of humanity.
* **Key Themes:** Job 14:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights the **Mortality and Frailty of Humanity**, a recurring motif in wisdom literature (cf. [Psalm 90:10](/psalm/90-10 "Psalm 90:10 - The Brevity of Life")). Job vividly portrays human life as fleeting and vulnerable, contrasting it with the enduring cycles of nature. Secondly, it introduces the profound **Question of Afterlife and Resurrection**, a nascent inquiry that anticipates later, clearer revelation. While Job's initial question in [Job 14:10](/job/14-10 "Job 14:10 - Man Breathes His Last") seems to imply finality, the second half of verse 14:14, with its expectation of a "change," hints at a deeper yearning. Thirdly, the verse subtly weaves in **Hope Amidst Despair**. Despite the initial rhetorical question implying no return, Job's resolve to "wait" for his "change" introduces an element of patient endurance and expectation, suggesting a future transformation or release, however dimly understood. This foreshadows his later, more explicit declaration of faith in a Redeemer and future resurrection in [Job 19:25-27](/job/19-25-27 "Job 19:25-27 - Job's Declaration of His Redeemer"). Finally, the phrase "my appointed time" underscores the theme of **Divine Sovereignty and Appointment**, acknowledging that both life's span and its ultimate end are under God's control (cf. [Psalm 39:4](/psalm/39-4 "Psalm 39:4 - Lord, Make Me Know My End")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Die (Hebrew, _mûwth'_):** From the primitive root H4191, meaning "to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill." In Job 14:14, the verb `mûwth` (מוּת) emphasizes the cessation of earthly life, the physical act of expiring. Job's use of this word underscores the stark reality of human mortality, setting the stage for his profound question about what, if anything, lies beyond this finality. It highlights the perceived irreversible nature of death, especially when contrasted with the regenerative power seen in nature.
* **Live (Hebrew, _châyâh'_):** From the primitive root H2421, meaning "to live, whether literally or figuratively; causatively, to revive." The Hebrew verb `yichyeh` (יִחְיֶה), the Qal imperfect form of `châyâh`, is central to Job's rhetorical question, "shall he live?" The KJV's addition of "[again]" is an interpretive gloss; the Hebrew simply asks, "shall he live?" This unadorned question makes Job's inquiry even more stark and open-ended, reflecting the profound uncertainty about the afterlife in the Old Testament period. It highlights the raw human yearning for life beyond the grave, not necessarily a return to earthly life, but any form of continued existence.
* **Change (Hebrew, _chălîyphâh'_):** From the lemma H2487, meaning "alternation; change, course." The Hebrew noun `chălîyphâh` (חֲלִיפָה) carries a rich ambiguity in this verse. It can imply a "change" in Job's immediate suffering (a release from his physical torment or a shift in his circumstances), a "succession" or "replacement" of his current state (perhaps through death), or a more profound, eschatological "renewal" or "transformation." This ambiguity allows for a seed of hope to be present even in Job's darkest moments, hinting at a future state that transcends his present misery and the finality of death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If a man die, shall he live [again]?"**: This is a profound rhetorical question, initially expressing Job's despair and the apparent finality of human death, especially when contrasted with the regenerative capacity of a tree ([Job 14:7-9](/job/14-7-9 "Job 14:7-9 - The Hope of a Tree")). The question is born from his intense suffering and the limited understanding of the afterlife in his time, reflecting the universal human struggle with mortality. While appearing to imply a negative answer (no, he will not live again in the same earthly sense), it simultaneously voices a deep, innate human yearning for an existence beyond the grave, an echo of the divine image within humanity that longs for eternity.
* **"all the days of my appointed time will I wait,"**: Despite the despair inherent in the first clause, this phrase introduces a powerful element of patient endurance and submission to divine sovereignty. "My appointed time" (צָבָא, _tsâbâʼ_, H6635, often refers to military service or a fixed period of labor) suggests a divinely ordained span of life or a period of suffering, acknowledging that his existence and its end are under God's sovereign hand. Job resolves to wait (`yâchal`, H3176), indicating a profound, if fragile, trust that his suffering is not endless and that God has a determined end for him.
* **"till my change come."**: This concluding phrase embodies the flickering hope that permeates Job's lament. The "change" (חֲלִיפָה, _chălîyphâh_, H2487) is deliberately ambiguous, allowing for multiple interpretations: it could refer to a transformation from his suffering, a release from his physical existence through death, or, most profoundly, a future, eschatological renewal or resurrection. This "change" represents Job's ultimate expectation of deliverance, a divinely orchestrated alteration of his state, whether in this life or beyond, that will bring an end to his current plight.

#### Literary Devices
Job 14:14 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "If a man die, shall he live [again]?" This question, rather than seeking an immediate answer, serves to emphasize Job's deep anguish, the universal human dilemma of mortality, and the seeming finality of death. It draws the reader into Job's existential struggle. Closely related is **Contrast**, as Job has just contrasted the hope of a cut-down tree sprouting again with the apparent hopelessness of human death. This stark comparison highlights humanity's unique vulnerability and the perceived lack of renewal for human life. Finally, the verse utilizes **Ambiguity** in the word "change" (חֲלִיפָה, _chălîyphâh_). This deliberate vagueness allows for multiple layers of meaning, from a simple change in circumstances or the cessation of suffering through death, to a more profound, eschatological transformation or resurrection. This ambiguity injects a crucial element of hope into Job's lament, suggesting that even in the depths of despair, a future, divinely appointed "change" is anticipated.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 14:14, though born from a place of profound suffering and limited revelation, stands as a pivotal verse in the biblical unfolding of humanity's destiny. It articulates a universal human question about death and the afterlife, echoing the deep-seated yearning for immortality that is inherent in God's image-bearers. While Job's understanding of resurrection is still nascent, his resolve to "wait" for his "change" foreshadows the broader biblical narrative of God's ultimate victory over death and the promise of new life. This verse sets the stage for a more complete revelation of resurrection hope, moving from the Old Testament's shadowy Sheol to the New Testament's triumphant declaration of Christ's resurrection as the firstfruits of those who sleep. It underscores divine sovereignty over life and death, even as it reflects humanity's struggle to comprehend God's ways amidst suffering.

* [Job 19:25-27](/job/19-25-27 "Job 19:25-27 - Job's Declaration of His Redeemer and Resurrection")
* [Daniel 12:2](/daniel/12-2 "Daniel 12:2 - The Resurrection of Many")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Hebrews 9:27 - Appointed to Die Once, Then the Judgment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 14:14 invites us to confront the undeniable reality of our own mortality, a truth often suppressed in modern society. It reminds us that our earthly lives are finite and that death is an appointed certainty for all. This confrontation, however, is not meant to lead to despair but to a profound re-evaluation of how we live our "appointed time." For the believer, Job's rhetorical question, "If a man die, shall he live [again]?" is answered with a resounding "Yes!" not through human effort or natural cycles, but through the conquering power of Jesus Christ. We are called to live with purposeful urgency, recognizing the brevity of life, while simultaneously embracing a confident hope in the "change" that awaits us—the resurrection and glorification of our bodies. Job's patient resolve to "wait" models a crucial aspect of faith: enduring suffering with the conviction that God's timing is perfect and His ultimate plan for our transformation is sure. This verse encourages us to trust in God's sovereign hand, even when His ways are mysterious, and to anchor our hope not in fleeting earthly circumstances, but in the eternal promise of life beyond the grave.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the certainty of death, as expressed by Job, impact your perspective on how you live your life today?**
* **In what ways do you find yourself wrestling with questions about suffering, divine timing, or the afterlife, similar to Job?**
* **How does the Christian hope of resurrection transform the despair inherent in Job's initial question into confident expectation?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the KJV's addition of "[again]" to "shall he live?"**

Answer: The KJV's insertion of "[again]" is an interpretive choice that adds a nuance not explicitly present in the original Hebrew text. The Hebrew simply asks, "shall he live?" (יִחְיֶה, _yichyeh_, from H2421 _châyâh_). By adding "[again]," the KJV implies a question about returning to earthly life or a renewed earthly existence. While this is a valid interpretation of one aspect of the question, the unadorned Hebrew is broader, encompassing any form of continued existence beyond death. This makes Job's question even more profound, reflecting the ancient world's limited understanding and deep uncertainty about the afterlife. It highlights humanity's fundamental yearning for life beyond the grave, not necessarily a return to the physical world, but a continuation of being. The KJV's addition, while an interpretation, does not fundamentally alter the verse's core message of Job's wrestling with mortality and hope.

**What "change" is Job referring to in the phrase "till my change come?"**

Answer: The "change" (חֲלִיפָה, _chălîyphâh_, H2487) Job refers to is deliberately ambiguous, allowing for a multifaceted understanding. In its immediate context, it could signify a change in his current state of intense suffering, perhaps a release through death itself, which he often longs for as an escape (cf. [Job 3:20-22](/job/3-20-22 "Job 3:20-22 - Why is Light Given to Him Who Suffers?")). However, the broader theological trajectory of the book and the biblical narrative suggests a deeper meaning. It hints at a profound transformation or renewal that transcends mere cessation of suffering or physical death. This "change" can be understood as a nascent anticipation of resurrection, a future state of being where his body will be transformed and his relationship with God fully restored. This interpretation is strongly supported by Job's later, more explicit declaration in [Job 19:25-27](/job/19-25-27 "Job 19:25-27 - Job's Declaration of His Redeemer"), where he expresses confidence that his Redeemer lives and that in his flesh he will see God. Thus, the "change" is a divinely appointed alteration of his existence, moving from suffering and mortality to a state of ultimate deliverance and life.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 14:14, with its poignant question about life beyond death and its longing for a "change," finds its ultimate and triumphant fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Job's despairing inquiry, "If a man die, shall he live [again]?" is answered with a resounding "Yes!" in the resurrection of Jesus. Christ is not merely one who lived again, but He is "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")), the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep ([1 Corinthians 15:20](/1_corinthians/15-20 "1 Corinthians 15:20 - Christ, the Firstfruits of Resurrection")). Job's "appointed time" and anticipated "change" are fully realized in the Christian hope of a future bodily resurrection, where believers, united with Christ, will receive glorified bodies, transformed from perishable to imperishable, from mortal to immortal ([1 Corinthians 15:52-54](/1_corinthians/15-52-54 "1 Corinthians 15:52-54 - The Transformation at the Last Trumpet")). The "change" Job yearned for is the glorious transformation at Christ's return, when our lowly bodies will be conformed to His glorious body ([Philippians 3:20-21](/philippians/3-20-21 "Philippians 3:20-21 - Our Citizenship is in Heaven")). Through Christ's victory over sin and death, the grave is no longer a finality but a temporary resting place, and the promise of eternal life in the new heaven and new earth, where there will be no more death or suffering, becomes a certain reality for all who believe ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Mourning")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 15:51

¶ Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

1 Corinthians 15:52

In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

Acts 26:8

Why should it be thought a thing incredible with you, that God should raise the dead?

Job 7:1

¶ [Is there] not an appointed time to man upon earth? [are not] his days also like the days of an hireling?

Psalms 27:14

Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Job 13:15

Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him.

Revelation 20:13

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.