Job 14:20

Commentary on Job 14:20 (KJV)

Job 14:20 is a poignant expression of Job's despair regarding the brevity and fragility of human life in the face of God's overwhelming power. In this verse, Job laments that humanity stands no chance against the divine decree of mortality.

Context

Chapter 14 is part of Job's extended discourse where he contrasts the transient nature of human life with the resilience of nature, specifically a cut tree that can sprout again (Job 14:7-9). He argues that unlike a tree, when a person dies, there is no such earthly renewal; they "waste away" and "give up the ghost" (Job 14:10). This verse, Job 14:20, serves as a bleak summary of his argument, emphasizing God's unchallenged authority over human existence and the inevitable march towards death.

Key Themes

• God's Absolute Sovereignty: The verse highlights God's eternal and irresistible power over humanity. "Thou prevailest for ever against him" underscores that no human effort or plea can alter God's will regarding life and death. This divine control is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, as seen in Daniel 4:35, which speaks of God's dominion over all.
• Human Mortality and Frailty: Job clearly articulates the transient nature of human life. "And he passeth" speaks to the fleeting existence of every person. This theme is echoed across scripture, reminding us that our days are numbered and our life is but a vapor (James 4:14).
• The Inevitability of Death: The imagery of God changing one's "countenance" and "sending him away" powerfully depicts the physical decay and ultimate departure that death brings. It conveys a sense of finality from Job's perspective, without hope of return to earthly life.

Linguistic Insights

• The word "prevailest" comes from the Hebrew taqîp (תָּקֵף), meaning to be strong, mighty, or superior. It emphasizes God's irresistible power and dominion.
• "Passeth" is from `abar (עָבַר), meaning to pass over, cross over, or cease to be. It vividly portrays the transient nature of human life, like something that simply moves on and disappears.
• "Changest his countenance" (Hebrew: shinnêtâ pānāw) literally means "you change his face." This refers to the visible alterations brought by aging, sickness, and ultimately, the profound and irreversible change brought by death.
• "Sendest him away" (Hebrew: shālah) implies a dismissal or sending forth, highlighting God's direct involvement in ushering a person out of life and into the grave or beyond.

Practical Application

While Job's words in this verse reflect a deep sense of despair, for the believer, Job 14:20 can serve as a profound reminder of several truths:

• Humility Before God: It calls us to acknowledge God's supreme authority over all creation, including our own lives and destinies. His power is absolute, and our existence is entirely dependent on Him.
• Value of Time: Understanding the brevity of life should motivate us to live wisely, making the most of the time we have been given (Ephesians 5:16).
• Hope Beyond Mortality: Although Job himself did not yet fully grasp it, the Christian perspective finds hope beyond the grave through the resurrection of Christ. While God "sends us away" from this earthly life, for believers, it is into an eternal presence with Him (2 Corinthians 5:8). This verse, therefore, implicitly points to the need for a redeemer who can conquer death's sting.