Job 14:15

KJV

Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.

KJV (with Strong's)

Thou shalt call {H7121}, and I will answer {H6030} thee: thou wilt have a desire {H3700} to the work {H4639} of thine hands {H3027}.

Complete Jewish Bible

You will call, and I will answer you; you will long to see what you made again.

Berean Standard Bible

You will call, and I will answer; You will desire the work of Your hands.

American Standard Version

Thou wouldest call, and I would answer thee: Thou wouldest have a desire to the work of thy hands.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 14:15 encapsulates a profound and audacious expression of hope amidst Job's deep despair, envisioning a future where God, far from abandoning His suffering creation, actively seeks and responds to humanity. This verse reveals a core aspect of divine character: God's enduring and affectionate desire for humanity, whom He meticulously fashioned as "the work of thine hands," suggesting an unbreakable, covenantal bond that transcends even death and the most severe trials of life. It is a powerful declaration of God's vested interest in His creation, promising a restoration of communication and relationship.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 14:15 is situated within a lengthy lament (Job 14:1-22) where Job grapples with the inherent brevity, fragility, and pervasive suffering of human existence. He contrasts the cyclical renewal observed in nature—such as a tree that, though cut down, can sprout again—with the apparent finality of human death, from which there seems to be no return. Job expresses a desperate longing for respite, even wishing to be hidden in Sheol until God’s wrath passes, as articulated in [Job 14:13](/job/14-13 "Job's plea to be hidden in the grave"). Within this profound context of existential despair and a yearning for an end to his earthly torment, verse 15 emerges as a startling and poignant shift. It represents a moment of audacious faith, a glimmer of hope that despite his present abandonment and the seemingly insurmountable barrier of death, God will ultimately initiate a loving reconnection with His human creation. This verse provides a crucial pivot, foreshadowing the greater theological breakthroughs and Job's eventual restoration that will unfold later in the book.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the prevailing understanding of the afterlife was often vague and shadowy, typically involving a descent to Sheol—a realm characterized by silence, inactivity, and from which there was generally no return. Job's contemporaries would have largely shared this somber view of mortality, making his expressions of hope for future divine interaction particularly radical and counter-cultural. The concept of God "calling" and "answering" would resonate deeply with the established covenant relationship between deity and worshiper, where communication was expected, though often perceived as one-sided, with humans petitioning God. The phrase "work of thine hands" is a common biblical idiom emphasizing divine craftsmanship, ownership, and the personal investment of the Creator in His creation. It underscores that humanity is not a product of chance but a deliberate, cherished creation, a concept deeply rooted in the foundational narratives of creation, such as those found in [Genesis 1:26-27](/genesis/1-26-27 "Humanity created in God's image").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes present throughout the Book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it highlights **God's Enduring Desire for Humanity**, positing that the Creator's affection for His creation is fundamental to His character and is not extinguished by suffering or even death. This speaks profoundly to the inherent value God places on human life, even when it seems worthless to the sufferer. Secondly, it introduces a nascent **Hope for Future Interaction and Restoration**, suggesting a divine initiative that extends beyond this life's trials, perhaps even hinting at a form of resurrection or renewed relationship. This anticipation of God actively seeking out and responding to His creation transforms the present silence into a promise of future communication, laying crucial groundwork for Job's later, more explicit declaration of faith in a living Redeemer, as seen in [Job 19:25-27](/job/19-25-27 "Job's declaration of faith in his Redeemer"). Thirdly, the theme of **Divine Ownership and Craftsmanship** is prominent, with "work of thine hands" emphasizing humanity as a deliberate, cherished masterpiece, aligning with the biblical understanding of humanity being created in God's image and for His purposes, as described in [Psalm 139:13-16](/psalms/139-13-16 "Psalm 139:13-16 - God's intimate creation of humanity").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **desire (Hebrew, _kâçaph'_):** The Hebrew word כָּסַף (*kâçaph*) carries a strong connotation of longing, yearning, or pining for something. It is not a casual wish but a deep, heartfelt desire, often implying an emotional attachment or a strong inclination. When applied to God, as Job does here, it suggests a profound, active affection and an intrinsic inclination towards His creation, not merely a passive interest. This emphasizes the depth of God's anticipated affection for His human creation, even when they are in the grave, highlighting a divine yearning for communion.
* **work (Hebrew, _maʻăseh'_):** The Hebrew word מַעֲשֶׂה (*maʻăseh*) refers to an action, deed, or product of labor. In the context of divine activity, it denotes God's creative acts and the things He has made. Here, it specifically points to humanity as God's deliberate and intricate creation, emphasizing that humans are not accidental but are the result of God's purposeful design and craftsmanship, bearing the imprint of His divine artistry.
* **hands (Hebrew, _yâd'_):** The Hebrew word יָד (*yâd*) literally means "hand" but is frequently used idiomatically to signify power, agency, skill, or ownership. When referring to God's "hands," it powerfully conveys His direct involvement, creative power, and personal investment in the making of humanity. It underscores the intimate and deliberate nature of creation, implying a profound connection and a sense of divine possessiveness and care for what He has fashioned.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee":** This clause expresses Job's audacious and hopeful anticipation of a future divine initiative. Despite his current experience of God's silence and apparent absence in his suffering, Job envisions a time when God will take the lead, actively calling out to him from heaven. The reciprocal "I will answer thee" implies a restoration of communication and relationship, a breaking of the silence that has plagued Job's torment. It is a profound statement of faith that God desires interaction and will not abandon His creation to permanent oblivion, suggesting a future re-engagement beyond the grave.
* **"thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands":** This second clause provides the theological basis for the first, explaining *why* God would call and answer. Job believes that God's inherent nature includes a deep, yearning desire for humanity, His own creation. The phrase "the work of thine hands" emphasizes the personal, deliberate, and cherished nature of humanity's origin. This suggests that God's affection for His creation is fundamental to His character, implying that even death cannot sever this intrinsic bond or extinguish God's desire to reclaim, restore, and ultimately commune with what He has made.

#### Literary Devices
Job 14:15 employs several powerful literary devices that amplify its theological weight. **Anticipation** is central, as Job projects a future scenario of divine interaction, contrasting sharply with his present despair and the grim realities of mortality he has just described. This creates a profound sense of **hope** that defies the immediate circumstances. The verse also utilizes **Personification** by attributing "desire"—a deeply human emotion—to God, thereby emphasizing His relational, affectionate, and deeply invested nature towards His creation. The phrase "work of thine hands" functions as a rich **Metaphor** for humanity, highlighting God's role as the divine artisan and humanity as His cherished masterpiece, a product of His deliberate skill and care. Furthermore, the verse stands in stark **Contrast** to the preceding verses in Job 14, which dwell on the brevity, fragility, and apparent finality of human life and the grave. This sudden, audacious shift from lament to a declaration of God's enduring desire for His creation creates a powerful moment of light and theological breakthrough within Job's dark monologue, underscoring the enduring nature of divine love against the backdrop of human mortality.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 14:15 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of God and His relationship with humanity. It speaks to God's enduring faithfulness and His intrinsic desire for communion with His creation, even beyond the veil of death. This verse anticipates the broader biblical narrative of God's redemptive plan, where His love for "the work of His hands" culminates in a desire to restore and resurrect. It underscores that humanity's value is not derived from its earthly achievements, health, or even its physical existence, but from its intrinsic identity as God's deliberate and cherished creation. This divine desire provides the ultimate ground for hope in the face of mortality and suffering, assuring believers that they are never truly forgotten or abandoned by their Creator, but are destined for a renewed relationship with Him.

* [Psalm 139:13-16](/psalms/139-13-16 "Psalm 139:13-16 - God's intimate creation of humanity")
* [Romans 8:38-39](/romans/8-38-39 "Romans 8:38-39 - God's inseparable love")
* [1 Corinthians 15:54-55](/1_corinthians/15-54-55 "1 Corinthians 15:54-55 - Victory over death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 14:15 provides immense comfort and a powerful reorientation of perspective for those grappling with suffering, loss, and the inevitability of death. It serves as a profound reminder that our worth is not contingent on our circumstances, our perceived usefulness, or even our physical existence, but is deeply rooted in our identity as the "work of His hands." This truth can be an extraordinary source of dignity, reassurance, and resilience when we feel insignificant, broken, or forgotten by the world or even by God. The verse also instills a vibrant hope in the face of mortality, suggesting that death is not the final word in God's relationship with His people. Job's audacious hope for God to "call" and "answer" encourages us to maintain a living, active faith, even when God seems silent, distant, or His ways inscrutable. It invites us to persist in prayer, trusting that the God who possesses such a profound desire for His creation will indeed hear and respond, extending His relationship with us beyond the confines of this earthly life, pointing towards resurrection and eternal communion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job 14:15 challenge or affirm your understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity, especially in times of profound suffering or loss?**
* **In what specific ways does the phrase "the work of thine hands" impact your sense of self-worth, purpose, and inherent value, particularly when facing personal struggles?**
* **How does this verse shape your hope for the future, especially concerning mortality, the afterlife, and the ultimate destiny of believers?**
* **How might Job's anticipation of God's call and answer encourage and transform your own prayer life and your expectation of divine communication, even in periods of silence?**

### FAQ
**Does Job 14:15 explicitly teach resurrection from the dead?**

Answer: While Job 14:15 does not explicitly articulate the full New Testament doctrine of resurrection, it represents a profound and significant step towards that understanding within the Old Testament. Job expresses a deep longing and hope for future divine interaction and restoration beyond the grave, implying that death is not the absolute end of God's relationship with His creation. This verse, particularly "Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands," suggests a re-engagement and re-animation, a divine initiative to reclaim what is His. This concept lays crucial theological groundwork for later, more explicit declarations of resurrection hope, such as Job's own powerful confession in [Job 19:25-27](/job/19-25-27 "Job's declaration of faith in his Redeemer"), where he states his belief in a living Redeemer who will stand upon the earth and that he himself will see God. Thus, while not a full theological exposition of resurrection, it is a powerful anticipation and a seed of that glorious truth that blossoms fully in the New Testament.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 14:15 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Job’s yearning for God to “call” and for God to “desire the work of His hands” is answered definitively through the Son. The incarnation of Jesus is the supreme demonstration of God’s profound desire for humanity; in Christ, God Himself entered into the "work of His hands," taking on human flesh to dwell among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word became flesh")). Jesus’s death and resurrection are the climactic fulfillment of Job’s hope for a future beyond the grave. He is the one who possesses the authority to call the dead forth from their tombs ([John 5:28-29](/john/5-28-29 "John 5:28-29 - The voice of the Son of Man")), and in His own resurrection, He decisively conquered death, becoming 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")). Through Christ, God’s desire for His creation is not merely a longing but a realized salvation, offering eternal life and communion to all who believe. The "work of thine hands" is redeemed, restored, and perfected in Christ, who reconciles humanity to its intended relationship with the Father, ensuring that those who are His sheep hear His voice and will never perish ([John 10:27-28](/john/10-27-28 "John 10:27-28 - Jesus' sheep hear His voice")).

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

Job 13:22

Then call thou, and I will answer: or let me speak, and answer thou me.

Psalms 138:8

The LORD will perfect [that which] concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, [endureth] for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.

Job 10:3

[Is it] good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?

Job 7:21

And why dost thou not pardon my transgression, and take away mine iniquity? for now shall I sleep in the dust; and thou shalt seek me in the morning, but I [shall] not [be].

Job 10:8

¶ Thine hands have made me and fashioned me together round about; yet thou dost destroy me.

1 Thessalonians 4:17

Then we which are alive [and] remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

1 Peter 4:19

Wherefore let them that suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls [to him] in well doing, as unto a faithful Creator.