Job 34:14

KJV

If he set his heart upon man, [if] he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;

KJV (with Strong's)

If he set {H7760} his heart {H3820} upon man, if he gather {H622} unto himself his spirit {H7307} and his breath {H5397};

Complete Jewish Bible

If he were to take back man's heart to himself, if he gathered to himself his spirit and breath;

Berean Standard Bible

If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath,

American Standard Version

If he set his heart upon himself, Ifhe gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 34:14, spoken by Elihu, powerfully asserts God's absolute and unchallengeable sovereignty over all life. It posits a hypothetical scenario where, should God choose to withdraw the very essence of life—His spirit and breath—from humanity, all flesh would instantly perish and return to dust. This verse serves as a profound declaration of human utter dependence on the divine Sustainer, emphasizing that life is not an inherent quality of creation but a continuous, moment-by-moment gift sustained by God's active will.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within Elihu's first discourse, specifically in Job 34, where he addresses Job's complaints and the shortcomings of the three friends' arguments. Elihu, presented as a younger, more zealous, and perhaps more insightful commentator, aims to vindicate God's justice and sovereignty. His speeches (chapters 32-37) precede God's direct intervention in chapters 38-41. In this particular chapter, Elihu directly refutes Job's implicit accusations of divine injustice, arguing that God is too mighty and righteous to act wickedly. Verse 14 serves as a foundational premise for Elihu's argument, demonstrating God's ultimate power over life and death as a basis for His unquestionable righteousness and control over all affairs, including human suffering. It reinforces the idea that God's actions are beyond human scrutiny or challenge, given His absolute power.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, the concept of a divine breath or spirit as the source of life was widespread. The Hebrew Bible frequently portrays God as the active giver and sustainer of life, not merely a distant creator. For instance, the creation account in [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathes Life into Adam") depicts God breathing the "breath of life" into Adam, making him a living being. This understanding underscores a worldview where human existence is not autonomous but is entirely contingent upon the divine. Life itself is seen as a continuous act of divine grace and power. Elihu's statement taps into this foundational theological understanding, reminding Job and the audience that the very breath in their lungs is a direct, ongoing gift from God. This perspective would have resonated deeply with a culture that recognized the fragility of life and the pervasive presence of the divine in all aspects of existence.
* **Key Themes:** Job 34:14 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book of Job and biblical theology. Firstly, it powerfully reinforces **God's Absolute Sovereignty over Life and Death**. The verse articulates that God is not only the Creator but also the continuous Sustainer of all existence. His power is so immense that a mere "gathering" of His spirit and breath would result in universal cessation of life. Secondly, it highlights **Human Fragility and Dependence**. In stark contrast to God's omnipotence, humanity is depicted as utterly reliant on God's sustaining power. Without His continuous impartation of life, humans are nothing but dust, destined to return to the earth, as seen in [Psalm 104:29](/psalms/104-29 "Psalm 104:29 - God Sustains All Life"). This theme encourages profound humility before the Creator. Thirdly, it underscores **Divine Power and Control**, asserting that the preservation of life on earth is not an inherent property of creation but an active, ongoing act of God's will, demonstrating His complete authority over the created order. This absolute control is central to Elihu's defense of God's justice, even in the face of inexplicable suffering like Job's.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Heart (Hebrew, _lev_):** In Hebrew thought, the "heart" (לֵב, _lev_) is not merely the organ of emotion but the seat of intellect, will, and intention. When Elihu says "If he set his heart upon man," it implies God's focused attention, deliberate intention, or decisive action. It suggests a conscious, purposeful engagement rather than an accidental or passive occurrence. This emphasizes the intentionality behind God's sustaining (or withdrawing) of life.
* **Spirit (Hebrew, _ruach_):** The word "spirit" (רוּחַ, _ruach_) is multifaceted, meaning "wind," "breath," or "spirit." In this context, it refers to the divine life-giving essence or principle that animates all living beings. It is the vital force imparted by God, often associated with His creative and sustaining power, as seen in [Genesis 6:17](/genesis/6-17 "Genesis 6:17 - God's Spirit Sustains Life"). Its withdrawal signifies the cessation of life.
* **Breath (Hebrew, _neshamah_):** The term "breath" (נְשָׁמָה, _neshamah_) specifically denotes the "breath of life" or "soul" that resides within living creatures. While _ruach_ can be a broader concept, _neshamah_ often refers to the specific vital breath that enters and leaves the body. Together with _ruach_, it forms a comprehensive expression for the very essence of life that God imparts and sustains in humanity. The pairing emphasizes the totality of the life principle.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"If he set his heart upon man":** This clause introduces a hypothetical condition, emphasizing God's deliberate and intentional focus on humanity. It is not an arbitrary act but one born of divine will and purpose. The phrase underscores God's active engagement with His creation, suggesting that even the withdrawal of life would be a conscious decision, not a passive oversight.
* **"[if] he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath":** This continuation of the hypothetical condition describes the action God would take. "Gather unto himself" implies a reclamation or withdrawal of the vital life force—the "spirit and breath"—that He originally imparted. This signifies the immediate and universal cessation of life, as all humanity is dependent on this divine sustenance. The repetition of "if" in the KJV (implied in Hebrew) reinforces the conditional nature of the statement, highlighting the immense power God possesses but does not capriciously wield.

#### Literary Devices
Elihu's statement in Job 34:14 employs several powerful literary devices. Firstly, it uses a **Hypothetical Statement** ("If he set his heart upon man..."). This is a rhetorical device that posits a theoretical scenario to illustrate a profound truth, in this case, God's absolute power over life and death. The very thought of God withdrawing life is meant to evoke awe and underscore human fragility. Secondly, there is clear **Parallelism** in the phrase "his spirit and his breath." These two terms, while distinct, are used in conjunction to comprehensively describe the life-giving essence from God, reinforcing the idea through semantic repetition. Thirdly, the phrase "set his heart upon man" is an example of **Anthropomorphism**, attributing a human quality (having a "heart" and "setting" it) to God. This makes the divine intention more relatable and understandable to a human audience, even while acknowledging God's transcendence. Finally, the "spirit and breath" can be seen as a **Metonymy**, where these vital elements stand in for life itself. By reclaiming these, God reclaims all life, demonstrating His ultimate authority.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 34:14 stands as a profound theological statement on God's absolute sovereignty as the Creator and Sustainer of life. It challenges any notion of human autonomy, reminding us that every breath is a gift and every moment of existence is sustained by divine will. This truth undergirds the biblical understanding of worship, humility, and trust. If God holds life itself in His hands, then His wisdom and justice, even when inscrutable, must be acknowledged as supreme. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of our creaturely status and the infinite power of our Creator, compelling us to live in reverence and dependence upon Him.

* [Genesis 2:7](/genesis/2-7 "Genesis 2:7 - God Breathes the Breath of Life into Adam")
* [Psalm 104:29-30](/psalms/104-29 "Psalm 104:29-30 - God Sustains All Life by His Spirit")
* [Ecclesiastes 12:7](/ecclesiastes/12-7 "Ecclesiastes 12:7 - The Spirit Returns to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Understanding that our very existence is a continuous, moment-by-moment gift from God, sustained by His "spirit and breath," should profoundly shape our perspective on life. This truth calls us to a deeper reverence for the Giver of life, fostering a spirit of profound gratitude for every breath, every day, and every experience. It humbles us, reminding us of our utter dependence and the fragility of our mortal frame, yet it also invites a radical trust in the One who holds all things together. In moments of suffering, like Job's, this verse can be both a stark reminder of God's power and a foundation for trusting that His ultimate control is always for His wise and just purposes, even when we cannot comprehend them. It compels us to consider how we are stewarding the precious gift of life He has given us, motivating us to live purposefully, aligning our will with His, and seeking to honor Him in all our days, knowing that our time is in His hands.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the truth of God's absolute power over life and death impact your daily sense of gratitude and humility?**
* **In what ways might understanding our complete dependence on God change how you approach challenges or uncertainties in your life?**
* **If our life is a continuous gift from God, how should that influence our priorities and the way we steward our time and resources?**

### FAQ
**Does Elihu's statement imply that God is arbitrary or capricious in His actions?**

Answer: No, Elihu's statement in Job 34:14 does not imply that God is arbitrary or capricious. Instead, it underscores God's ultimate and unchallengeable sovereignty over life and death. The hypothetical nature of the statement ("If he set his heart upon man...") highlights God's *power* and *authority*, not His capriciousness. Elihu's broader argument in Job 34 is actually a defense of God's justice and righteousness, asserting that God is too great to act wickedly. The verse emphasizes that life is a divine gift, continuously sustained by God's will, and therefore, its cessation would also be by His intentional design, not by chance or whim. This reinforces the biblical teaching that God is in complete control, even when His ways are beyond human comprehension, as seen in [Isaiah 55:8-9](/isaiah/55-8 "Isaiah 55:8-9 - God's Thoughts are Higher than Ours").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 34:14 speaks of God's general sovereignty over all life, its profound truth finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is not merely the one through whom God sustains life, but He is life itself. [John 1:4](/john/1-4 "John 1:4 - In Him was Life") declares, "In him was life, and the life was the light of men." Jesus explicitly states, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" in [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Life"). He demonstrated power over life and death, raising the dead (e.g., Lazarus in [John 11:43-44](/john/11-43 "John 11:43-44 - Jesus Raises Lazarus")) and ultimately conquering death through His own resurrection, holding "the keys of hell and of death" as proclaimed in [Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Jesus Holds the Keys of Death and Hades"). Furthermore, the "spirit and breath" that God gives to sustain life is now intimately connected to the Holy Spirit, whom Christ sends. After His resurrection, Jesus "breathed on them and said, 'Receive the Holy Spirit'" in [John 20:22](/john/20-22 "John 20:22 - Jesus Breathes the Holy Spirit on His Disciples"), echoing the life-giving breath of creation. Thus, the life Elihu speaks of, sustained by God's spirit and breath, is ultimately found, secured, and eternally given through the person and work of Jesus Christ, the very source and sustainer of all things, in whom "we live and move and have our being" as Paul states in [Acts 17:28](/acts/17-28 "Acts 17:28 - In Him We Live and Move and Have Our Being").

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

Psalms 104:29

Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.

Job 9:4

[He is] wise in heart, and mighty in strength: who hath hardened [himself] against him, and hath prospered?

Job 7:17

¶ What [is] man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?

Isaiah 24:22

And they shall be gathered together, [as] prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in the prison, and after many days shall they be visited.