Job 7:1

KJV

¶ [Is there] not an appointed time to man upon earth? [are not] his days also like the days of an hireling?

KJV (with Strong's)

Is there not an appointed time {H6635} to man {H582} upon earth {H776}? are not his days {H3117} also like the days {H3117} of an hireling {H7916}?

Complete Jewish Bible

"Human life on earth is like serving in the army; yes, we drudge through our days like a hired worker,

Berean Standard Bible

“Is not man consigned to labor on earth? Are not his days like those of a hired hand?

American Standard Version

Is there not a warfare to man upon earth? And are not his days like the days of a hireling?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Job 7:1, amidst his profound and relentless suffering, Job articulates a deeply despairing view of human existence. He poses rhetorical questions that underscore his conviction that life on earth is a fixed, burdensome period, analogous to the demanding, temporary service of a hired laborer whose sole anticipation is the conclusion of their arduous day. This verse encapsulates his overwhelming weariness, sense of entrapment, and longing for an end to his misery, framing human life as a predetermined span of toil.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 7:1 marks the opening of Job’s second major lament, serving as his direct response to the initial speech of Eliphaz in [Job chapters 4-5](/job/4 "Job Chapters 4-5 - Eliphaz's First Speech"). Following Eliphaz's attempt to counsel Job by suggesting that suffering is a consequence of sin, Job vehemently rejects this simplistic theological framework. His lament in [Job 6-7](/job/6 "Job Chapters 6-7 - Job's Response to Eliphaz") is not merely a complaint but a raw, unfiltered outpouring of his soul's anguish, directed both at his friends' unhelpful platitudes and, implicitly, at God Himself. This particular verse sets the tone for Job's desperate plea for relief, revealing his perception of life as a grueling, finite "tour of duty" from which he longs to be discharged. It foreshadows his continued arguments for his innocence and his yearning for death as the ultimate escape from his unbearable pain, as seen in his earlier lament in [Job 3](/job/3 "Job Chapter 3 - Job's Initial Lament").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery employed by Job in this verse resonates deeply with the socio-economic realities of the ancient Near East. The concept of an "appointed time" (*tsāḇāʾ*) often referred to a period of military conscription, forced labor, or a fixed term of service, implying a time of hardship and duty with a definite end. Similarly, a "hireling" (*śāḵîr*) was a common figure—a day laborer or seasonal worker who had no permanent stake in the land or enterprise. Such individuals worked for wages, often under harsh conditions, and eagerly anticipated the end of their workday or contract to receive their pay and, crucially, to rest. Their life was defined by the demands of their employer and the finite nature of their engagement. Job's use of these terms reflects a cultural understanding of life as a period of prescribed toil, a reality that would have been immediately comprehensible to his audience. This context highlights the universality of human labor and the desire for rest, a theme pervasive throughout biblical literature, from the creation account's rhythm of work and rest in [Genesis 2:2-3](/genesis/2-2 "Genesis 2:2-3 - God Rests on the Seventh Day") to the call for Sabbath observance in [Exodus 20:8-11](/exodus/20-8 "Exodus 20:8-11 - Remember the Sabbath Day").

* **Key Themes:** Job 7:1 introduces and reinforces several profound themes central to the Book of Job and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **The Brevity and Predetermined Nature of Life**, questioning whether human existence is not a fixed, finite period, akin to a military enlistment or a set term of service. The Hebrew word *tsāḇāʾ*, translated "appointed time," carries connotations of a period of hardship or warfare, suggesting that life itself is a battle or a difficult assignment with a predetermined end. This theme echoes other biblical reflections on the transient nature of human life, such as [Psalm 90:10](/psalm/90-10 "Psalm 90:10 - The Brevity of Life") or [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Life as a Vapor"). Secondly, the verse emphasizes **Life as Toil and Labor**, powerfully conveyed by the comparison to a "hireling." A hireling works diligently, often under duress, and longs for the day's end to receive wages and rest. Job sees human existence similarly—a period of unremitting, often unrewarded, effort and suffering, with a profound yearning for its conclusion. This resonates with the post-Fall reality described in [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse of Toil"), where humanity is destined to toil by the sweat of their brow. Implicit in this comparison is the third theme: **Longing for Rest and Relief**. Job's rhetorical question is not merely an observation but a lament, expressing his desperate desire for an end to his suffering, which, in his profound despair, often equates to a longing for death itself, as vividly articulated in [Job 3:11-13](/job/3-11 "Job 3:11-13 - Job's Wish for Death").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tsaba (Hebrew, _tsāḇāʾ_):** This multifaceted Hebrew noun, translated "appointed time" or "term of service," carries a rich semantic range. While it often refers to military service, warfare, or an army (e.g., [Numbers 1:3](/numbers/1-3 "Numbers 1:3 - Census of Fighting Men")), it also denotes a fixed period of labor, hardship, or duty (e.g., [Isaiah 40:2](/isaiah/40-2 "Isaiah 40:2 - Jerusalem's Warfare is Accomplished")). In Job 7:1, it conveys the idea of a prescribed, finite period of suffering or strenuous activity that one must endure. Job perceives his life not as a gift or an open-ended journey, but as a compulsory, burdensome assignment with a defined, though seemingly endless, duration of affliction.
* **sakir (Hebrew, _śāḵîr_):** Translated as "hireling" or "hired hand," this term refers to a laborer who works for daily wages or for a fixed term, typically without permanent employment or ownership (e.g., [Leviticus 19:13](/leviticus/19-13 "Leviticus 19:13 - Wages of a Hired Worker")). The hireling's primary motivation is the completion of their task to receive their pay and, crucially, to escape their labor and find rest. Job's comparison of human days to those of a hireling powerfully illustrates his feeling that life is a period of unremitting, often unrewarded, effort, where the only true relief comes with the end of the "shift"—a metaphor for death or release from suffering.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Is there not an appointed time to man upon earth?":** This rhetorical question, posed by Job, is not seeking information but expressing a deeply held conviction born of his suffering. The phrase "appointed time" (Hebrew *tsāḇāʾ*) signifies a fixed, predetermined period of service or arduous duty. Job is asserting that human life on earth is inherently a period of struggle and hardship, a compulsory assignment that one must endure. He sees his own life as an inescapable "tour of duty" filled with pain, from which he longs for release.
* **"are not his days also like the days of a hireling?":** This second rhetorical question serves as a powerful simile, reinforcing and elaborating on the first clause. The comparison to a "hireling" (Hebrew *śāḵîr*) underscores the laborious, temporary, and often unrewarding nature of life as Job experiences it. A hireling works under obligation, not ownership, and eagerly anticipates the end of their workday or contract to receive their wages and, more importantly, to rest from their toil. Job feels trapped in a similar existence, where his days are filled with relentless effort and suffering, and his deepest desire is for the "shift" to end, bringing him relief and peace, even if that means death.

#### Literary Devices
Job 7:1 employs several potent literary devices to convey Job's profound despair and his perception of human existence. The primary device is the **Rhetorical Question**, used twice in quick succession ("Is there not...?" and "are not...?"). These are not genuine inquiries but emphatic assertions, designed to express Job's certainty about the burdensome and finite nature of life. By posing them as questions, Job invites his listeners (and implicitly, God) to acknowledge the undeniable truth of his experience. Coupled with this is the powerful use of **Simile** (or analogy), specifically in the comparison of human days to "the days of a hireling." This vivid image paints a picture of life as a period of compulsory, arduous labor, where one works not out of joy or fulfillment but out of necessity, with the sole anticipation being the end of the work period and the accompanying rest. This simile effectively communicates Job's feeling of being trapped in unremitting toil, longing for the cessation of his suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job's lament in 7:1, though steeped in personal anguish, touches upon universal theological truths regarding the human condition. It confronts the reality of human finitude, the pervasive presence of toil and suffering in a fallen world, and the deep-seated human longing for rest and deliverance. While Job's perspective is one of despair, his questions implicitly acknowledge a divine ordering of life ("appointed time"), even if he struggles to comprehend its purpose in his suffering. The verse reminds us that life is indeed temporary and often arduous, a reality stemming from the consequences of the Fall (cf. [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse of Toil")). Yet, within this acknowledgment of life's burdens, there is a profound human cry for meaning and an end to suffering, a cry that ultimately points beyond itself to a greater hope.

* [Psalm 90:10](/psalm/90-10 "Psalm 90:10 - The Brevity of Life")
* [James 4:14](/james/4-14 "James 4:14 - Life as a Vapor")
* [Ecclesiastes 1:3](/ecclesiastes/1-3 "Ecclesiastes 1:3 - What Profit Has a Man From All His Labor?")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 7:1 offers a poignant mirror to the human experience, even for those not in Job's extreme circumstances. It acknowledges the universal reality of life's brevity and the presence of toil, frustration, and suffering that can make existence feel like an inescapable burden. This verse invites us to cultivate empathy for those who, like Job, feel trapped in their afflictions, viewing their days as an endless, unrewarding struggle. It reminds us that acknowledging the difficulty of life is not a sign of weakness but a recognition of a shared human condition. For believers, while we are called to find joy and purpose in our work and days, Job's lament also points us to the ultimate hope of rest that transcends earthly weariness. It encourages us to find meaning and resilience even within our "appointed time" on earth, living for a greater eternal hope that promises an end to all toil and tears.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job's lament in this verse resonate with your own experiences of life's burdens, limitations, or periods of intense struggle?**
* **In what ways can understanding life as a "fixed term" or "toil" shape our perspective on purpose, perseverance, and the value of each day?**
* **How might a Christ-centered perspective transform the "hireling's" longing for the end of the day into a hopeful anticipation of ultimate rest and reward?**

### FAQ
**Is Job's perspective in 7:1 purely pessimistic, or does it contain an element of realism?**

Answer: Job's perspective in [Job 7:1](/job/7-1 "Job 7:1 - Job's Lament on Life's Toil") is undoubtedly steeped in profound despair and pessimism, born from his unimaginable suffering. He is not offering a detached philosophical observation but a raw cry from a broken spirit. However, it also contains a significant element of realism. The Bible itself, particularly in books like [Ecclesiastes](/ecclesiastes/1 "Ecclesiastes 1 - Vanity of Life") and [Psalm 90](/psalm/90 "Psalm 90 - Prayer of Moses"), acknowledges the brevity, toil, and often frustrating nature of human existence in a fallen world. Job's words capture the universal human experience of labor, pain, and the finite nature of life. His pessimism lies in his inability, at this point, to see any redemptive purpose or ultimate hope beyond the immediate suffering, a perspective that the rest of the book of Job, and ultimately the New Testament, seeks to address.

**How does the "hireling" metaphor in Job 7:1 relate to a Christian's view of work and life?**

Answer: While Job uses the "hireling" metaphor to express the burdensome, unrewarding, and temporary nature of his life, a Christian's view of work and life, though acknowledging toil (due to the Fall, [Genesis 3:17-19](/genesis/3-17 "Genesis 3:17-19 - The Curse of Toil")), is fundamentally transformed by the Gospel. For Job, the hireling's longing is for the end of the shift to escape the labor. For a Christian, while we anticipate ultimate rest in Christ, our "appointed time" on earth and our daily labor are imbued with purpose. We are called to work heartily, "as for the Lord and not for men" ([Colossians 3:23](/colossians/3-23 "Colossians 3:23 - Work as for the Lord")). Our work, even in its weariness, can be an act of worship, stewardship, and a means of glorifying God. The "end of the shift" for the believer is not merely escape, but entering into the presence of God and receiving eternal reward for faithful service, transforming the hireling's dread into hopeful anticipation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's lament in [Job 7:1](/job/7-1 "Job 7:1 - Job's Lament on Life's Toil"), with its cry for an end to the "appointed time" of toil and suffering, finds its ultimate and compassionate fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While Job yearned for relief from a life he perceived as a burdensome "hireling's" shift, Christ entered into the full reality of human toil and suffering, bearing its ultimate weight on the cross. He is the one who understands our weariness, inviting all who are "weary and burdened" to "come to me, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28-30](/matthew/11-28 "Matthew 11:28-30 - Come to Me, All Who Are Weary")). The "appointed time" of our earthly struggle, which Job saw as a curse, is transformed by Christ into a period of grace and purpose. Through His finished work, He has secured for us a true and eternal Sabbath rest, a cessation from the futile striving and the curse of sin's toil, as promised in [Hebrews 4:9-10](/hebrews/4-9 "Hebrews 4:9-10 - A Sabbath Rest Remains for the People of God"). The hireling's longing for the end of the day is met in Christ with the promise of a new creation where there will be "no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor any more pain" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Tears")). Our earthly "appointed time," though still marked by challenges, becomes an opportunity for faithful service in light of the glorious rest and reward that await us in Him.

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 39:4

LORD, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it [is; that] I may know how frail I [am].

Job 14:5

Seeing his days [are] determined, the number of his months [are] with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;

Job 14:6

Turn from him, that he may rest, till he shall accomplish, as an hireling, his day.

Job 5:7

Yet man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.

Job 14:13

O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!

Job 14:14

If a man die, shall he live [again]? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.

Deuteronomy 15:18

It shall not seem hard unto thee, when thou sendest him away free from thee; for he hath been worth a double hired servant [to thee], in serving thee six years: and the LORD thy God shall bless thee in all that thou doest.