Job 14:4

KJV

Who can bring a clean [thing] out of an unclean? not one.

KJV (with Strong's)

Who can bring {H5414} a clean {H2889} thing out of an unclean {H2931}? not one {H259}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Who can bring what is pure from something impure? No one!

Berean Standard Bible

Who can bring out clean from unclean? No one!

American Standard Version

Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? not one.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 14:4 presents a profound rhetorical question, "Who can bring a clean [thing] out of an unclean? not one," encapsulating humanity's deep lament over its inherent impurity and the absolute impossibility of self-redemption. This verse articulates a universal truth about the pervasive nature of sin and the fundamental limitations of human effort in achieving genuine spiritual cleanliness, setting the stage for a theological understanding that points beyond human capacity to a divine solution.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 14:4 is situated within Job's extended soliloquy (chapters 3-14), a period of intense lament and theological wrestling as he grapples with the profound questions of human suffering, mortality, and the nature of divine justice. Specifically, chapter 14 is a poignant meditation on the brevity and frailty of human life, contrasting it sharply with the cyclical renewal observed in nature. Job opens this chapter by reflecting on the transient existence of "man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble" [Job 14:1](/job/14-1 "Job 14:1 - The Brevity of Human Life"). He observes that humans, like flowers, "cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down" [Job 14:2](/job/14-2 "Job 14:2 - Man's Frailty"). Against this backdrop of ephemeral existence and inevitable decay, Job's rhetorical question in verse 4 underscores his conviction that humanity is not only short-lived but also inherently flawed and impure from its very origin, making any self-initiated purification impossible. This verse serves as a foundational premise for his subsequent despair and his yearning for a means of escape from this cycle of sin and death.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In ancient Near Eastern cultures, and particularly within Israelite society, concepts of "clean" (טָהוֹר, _tahor_) and "unclean" (טָמֵא, _tame_) were deeply embedded in religious, social, and even medical practices. The Mosaic Law, as detailed in books like [Leviticus](/leviticus/1 "The Book of Leviticus") and [Numbers](/numbers/1 "The Book of Numbers"), meticulously outlined various forms of ritual impurity (e.g., contact with dead bodies, certain skin diseases, bodily discharges) and the prescribed means of purification. While the book of Job predates the full codification of the Mosaic Law, the underlying understanding of purity and defilement was ancient and widespread. Job's use of "unclean" here transcends mere ritual defilement, pointing to a deeper, inherent moral or spiritual impurity of human nature itself. His lament reflects a universal human experience of fallenness, resonating with the understanding that humans are born into a state of sin, a concept found in various ancient wisdom traditions and later articulated in biblical theology.

* **Key Themes:** Job 14:4 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. The most prominent is the **Inherent Human Impurity and Frailty**, positing that humanity, by its very nature, is tainted by sin and subject to decay. This echoes the broader biblical narrative of the Fall and its consequences, where humanity's moral corruption is a pervasive reality, as seen in [Psalm 51:5](/psalms/51-5 "Psalm 51:5 - Conceived in Sin") where David confesses, "Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me." Secondly, the verse highlights **Human Inability and Limitations**, with the rhetorical question "Who can...?" emphasizing the absolute impossibility of self-purification or self-salvation. No human effort, ritual, or lineage can fundamentally alter this inherent condition. This theme is further developed throughout the Old Testament, pointing to the need for divine intervention, as seen in passages like [Jeremiah 13:23](/jeremiah/13-23 "Jeremiah 13:23 - Can the Ethiopian Change His Skin?"). Finally, while not explicitly stated, the implied answer "not one" (meaning no human) subtly introduces the theme of the **Necessity of Divine Intervention**. True cleansing, transformation, and redemption must originate from a source outside of humanity, foreshadowing the divine solution that only God can provide.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **bring (Hebrew, _nâthan'_):** This word (H5414, נָתַן) is a versatile primitive root meaning "to give," but used with a wide latitude of application, including "to put," "to make," or "to bestow." In Job 14:4, it signifies the act of producing or causing something to come forth. Job's question implies that no human can _produce_ or _generate_ purity from their own inherent state of impurity. The word underscores the active agency required, which humanity utterly lacks in this spiritual context.
* **clean (Hebrew, _ṭâhôwr'_):** This word (H2889, טָהוֹר) denotes purity in a comprehensive sense—physical, chemical, ceremonial, and moral. While often used in the Mosaic Law for ritual purity, here Job extends its meaning to encompass an intrinsic moral or spiritual blamelessness. The rhetorical question implies that humanity, in its fallen state, lacks this fundamental purity from its very origin, making it impossible to produce a "clean thing" from itself.
* **unclean (Hebrew, _ṭâmêʼ'_):** The Hebrew word (H2931, טָמֵא) refers to a state of defilement, primarily in a religious sense, rendering a person or object unfit for sacred use or contact with the holy. It could result from various sources like disease, death, or certain bodily emissions. In Job 14:4, _ṭâmêʼ_ is used metaphorically to describe the inherent, pervasive moral and spiritual defilement of humanity from birth. It suggests that the very source of human life is tainted, making any self-generated purity impossible.
* **not one (Hebrew, _ʼechâd'_):** This phrase (H259, לֹא אֶחָד, literally "no one") serves as the emphatic, definitive answer to Job's rhetorical question. The word _ʼechâd_ means "one" or "united." When combined with the negative particle "lo" (not), it creates an absolute negation, underscoring the universal impossibility of any human being achieving true cleanliness or purity from their own inherent "unclean" nature. It leaves no room for exceptions or human solutions, powerfully reinforcing the depth of human depravity and the futility of self-effort.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who can bring a clean [thing] out of an unclean?":** This is a profound **rhetorical question**, the very structure of which implies an impossible answer. Job posits a fundamental incompatibility: a pure outcome cannot originate from an inherently impure source. The "unclean" here refers to the fallen, sinful nature of humanity, inherited from birth. The "clean [thing]" represents spiritual purity, righteousness, or a state of blamelessness before God. The question highlights the paradox and the futility of expecting spiritual purity to emerge from a spiritually defiled origin through human agency. It challenges the notion that humanity possesses any innate capacity for self-purification or moral perfection.
* **"not one.":** This is the stark, definitive, and universal answer to the rhetorical question. It is an emphatic declaration that no human being, through any effort, ritual, or inherent quality, can reverse their fundamental state of impurity or generate true spiritual cleanliness from within themselves. This terse phrase underscores the complete and utter inability of humanity to self-redeem or self-purify, setting the stage for the necessity of a divine intervention. It serves as a theological dead-end for human capability, forcing the reader to look beyond humanity for a solution.

#### Literary Devices
Job 14:4 powerfully employs several **literary devices** to convey its profound message. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Who can bring a clean [thing] out of an unclean?" This question is not posed to elicit information but to make a forceful assertion by implying an obvious, negative answer. It compels the listener or reader to confront the universal truth of human impurity. Following this, the immediate and absolute answer, "not one," functions as a form of **Aposiopesis** (a sudden breaking off in speech) and **Emphasis**, dramatically reinforcing the impossibility. There is also an implicit **Antithesis** or **Contrast** between "clean" and "unclean," highlighting the stark opposition between human fallenness and divine purity. The verse also functions as a form of **Lament**, expressing Job's deep despair over the human condition and its inherent limitations. Through these devices, Job effectively communicates the pervasive nature of human sin and the futility of human self-purification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 14:4 serves as a foundational statement regarding the doctrine of original sin and human depravity. It articulates the universal truth that humanity is born into a state of moral and spiritual impurity, rendering self-salvation impossible. This inherent "uncleanliness" is not merely ritualistic but speaks to a deep-seated corruption of human nature, a consequence of the Fall. This verse underscores the absolute necessity of a divine work of cleansing and transformation, as no human effort can rectify this fundamental flaw. It powerfully sets the stage for understanding the need for a Redeemer who can accomplish what humanity cannot do for itself.

* [Psalm 51:5](/psalms/51-5 "Psalm 51:5 - Conceived in Sin")
* [Romans 3:23](/romans/3-23 "Romans 3:23 - All Have Sinned")
* [Ephesians 2:1-3](/ephesians/2-1-3 "Ephesians 2:1-3 - Dead in Sins and Made Alive in Christ")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's poignant question in Job 14:4 forces us to confront the uncomfortable truth of our own inherent spiritual condition. In a world that often champions self-improvement, human potential, and the innate goodness of humanity, this verse serves as a humbling reminder that true spiritual cleanliness cannot be manufactured by human effort, good deeds, or religious rituals. It calls us to acknowledge the pervasive reality of sin that affects every individual from birth, creating an insurmountable chasm between humanity and a holy God. This recognition is not meant to lead to despair but to a profound sense of humility and a desperate longing for a divine solution. It teaches us that our hope for purity and reconciliation must lie entirely outside of ourselves, compelling us to look to the One who alone possesses the power to make the unclean clean. This understanding cultivates a deep dependence on God's grace and a profound appreciation for the supernatural, transformative work of redemption that only He can provide.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job's assertion about human impurity challenge modern notions of self-sufficiency or self-improvement?**
* **If no human can bring a clean thing out of an unclean, what does this imply about the source of true spiritual purity and righteousness?**
* **In what ways might we, consciously or unconsciously, try to "cleanse" ourselves through our own efforts or external rituals rather than relying on God's divine provision?**
* **How does acknowledging our inherent "uncleanliness" deepen our appreciation for God's boundless grace and transformative mercy?**

### FAQ

**Does Job 14:4 teach the doctrine of original sin?**

Answer: Yes, Job 14:4 strongly implies and supports the doctrine of original sin, though it doesn't use that specific theological term. Job's rhetorical question, "Who can bring a clean [thing] out of an unclean? not one," points to an inherent, pervasive impurity in humanity from its very origin. This aligns with the biblical understanding that humanity is born into a state of sin and spiritual corruption, inherited from Adam's fall. It suggests that sin is not merely a collection of individual acts but a fundamental condition of human nature, making it impossible for anyone to achieve true spiritual purity through their own efforts. This concept is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as [Psalm 51:5](/psalms/51-5 "Psalm 51:5 - Conceived in Sin") ("Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me") and [Romans 5:12](/romans/5-12 "Romans 5:12 - Sin Entered the World Through One Man"), which states, "Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned."

**How does this verse relate to the concept of ritual purity in the Old Testament?**

Answer: While the terms "clean" (טָהוֹר, _tahor_) and "unclean" (טָמֵא, _tame_) are central to the Old Testament's ritual purity laws (e.g., in [Leviticus 11](/leviticus/11 "Leviticus 11 - Clean and Unclean Animals")), Job 14:4 transcends a purely ceremonial understanding. In the ritual context, impurity was often temporary and could be remedied through specific rites, sacrifices, or periods of separation. However, Job's question points to a deeper, inherent, and pervasive moral or spiritual impurity that cannot be removed by human ritual or effort. It suggests that humanity's fundamental nature is "unclean" at its core, not just temporarily defiled by external contact. This profound statement elevates the concept of "uncleanliness" from a ceremonial status to an existential condition, highlighting the need for a radical, divine intervention rather than mere ritualistic cleansing.

**Does Job 14:4 offer any hope for humanity's impurity?**

Answer: On its own, Job 14:4 offers no human-initiated hope for overcoming impurity; its answer "not one" is unequivocally negative regarding human capability. However, implicitly, by highlighting the absolute impossibility of self-purification, it creates a profound theological vacuum that can only be filled by divine action. The verse, therefore, serves as a powerful setup for the biblical narrative of redemption. It points to the necessity of a source of purity outside of humanity, foreshadowing the divine provision for cleansing and new life. While Job himself may not fully grasp this solution in his lament, the verse lays the groundwork for understanding the profound need for God's grace and the redemptive work of Christ, who alone can make the unclean clean. As [Jeremiah 13:23](/jeremiah/13-23 "Jeremiah 13:23 - Can the Ethiopian Change His Skin?") similarly asks, "Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil." Both verses underscore the human inability and the divine necessity.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 14:4, in its stark declaration of human inability to produce purity from an impure source, powerfully sets the stage for the necessity and glory of Christ's redemptive work. The "unclean" state of humanity, which Job laments as an inescapable birthright, finds its ultimate remedy in Jesus Christ. He is the one who, being perfectly "clean" and without sin, entered into our "unclean" world to accomplish what no human could. Through His sacrificial death on the cross, Jesus became the ultimate purification offering, taking upon Himself the sin and impurity of humanity, as prophesied by Isaiah: "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities" [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Wounded for Our Transgressions"). The New Testament proclaims that in Christ, God makes the unclean clean, not by human effort, but by divine grace. We are "washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God" [1 Corinthians 6:11](/1_corinthians/6-11 "1 Corinthians 6:11 - Washed, Sanctified, Justified"). Furthermore, the new birth, spoken of by Jesus in [John 3:5](/john/3-5 "John 3:5 - Born of Water and Spirit"), is a divine act where the Spirit of God creates a "clean heart" and a "new spirit" within us [Ezekiel 36:26](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26 - New Heart and Spirit"), transforming us from an "unclean" source into a "clean thing" in Christ. Thus, Job's desperate question finds its glorious answer in the person and work of Jesus, who alone has the power to bring purity out of impurity, making us new creations in Him [2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "2 Corinthians 5:17 - New Creation in Christ"), and enabling us to approach a holy God through His perfect righteousness [Hebrews 10:19-22](/hebrews/10-19-22 "Hebrews 10:19-22 - Confidence to Enter the Holy Place").

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

John 3:6

That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.

Job 15:14

What [is] man, that he should be clean? and [he which is] born of a woman, that he should be righteous?

Psalms 51:5

Behold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother conceive me.

Romans 8:8

So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God.

Romans 8:9

But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.

Ephesians 2:3

Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Luke 1:35

And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.