Job 34:14

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

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

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

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

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

Job 34:14 is part of Elihu's discourse, where he asserts God's absolute power and justice in response to Job's lamentations. This verse highlights the profound truth that human existence is entirely dependent on God's sustaining power.

Context

This verse is found within Elihu's first speech (Job chapters 32-37), where he presents a younger, more vigorous defense of God's ways than Job's three friends. Elihu emphasizes God's omnipotence and righteousness, arguing that God is too great to be unjust. Here, he is explaining that God's power is so immense that if He were to simply withdraw His life-giving essence from humanity, all life would cease instantly. This serves to underscore God's unquestionable sovereignty over all creation and every living being.

Key Themes

  • God's Absolute Sovereignty over Life and Death: The verse powerfully conveys that God is the ultimate source and sustainer of life. He gives life, and He can take it away at His will. Our very existence is a continuous act of His divine grace and power.
  • Human Fragility and Dependence: It starkly reminds us of humanity's utter dependence on God. Without His "spirit and breath," we are nothing but dust. This theme encourages humility and a recognition of our creaturely status before the Creator.
  • Divine Power and Control: The verse underscores God's immense power, demonstrating that the preservation of life on earth is not inherent to creation but is actively maintained by His ongoing will.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "his spirit and his breath" refers to the vital life force that animates all living things. The Hebrew word for "spirit" here is ruach, which can mean "wind," "spirit," or "breath," often associated with the divine life-giving power, as seen in God breathing into Adam's nostrils in Genesis 2:7. The word for "breath" is neshamah, which specifically denotes the "breath of life" or "soul." Together, they encapsulate the very essence of life that God imparts and sustains. "If he set his heart upon man" implies God's focused intention or decisive action. If God were to *intend* to reclaim this life force, it would be an immediate and universal event.

Practical Application

This verse calls for profound reverence and humility before God. Understanding that our life is a precious, moment-by-moment gift from Him should lead to:

  • Gratitude: A deeper appreciation for every breath and every day we are given.
  • Trust: Even amidst suffering or uncertainty, this truth offers a foundation for trusting in God's ultimate control and wisdom, as Job eventually learned to do.
  • Purposeful Living: Recognizing our dependence can motivate us to live lives that honor the Giver of life, aligning our will with His. It reminds us that our days are numbered and in His hands, prompting us to seek wisdom and eternal perspective.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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.
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