Job 7:15

KJV

So that my soul chooseth strangling, [and] death rather than my life.

KJV (with Strong's)

So that my soul {H5315} chooseth {H977} strangling {H4267}, and death {H4194} rather than my life {H6106}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I would rather be strangled; death would be better than these bones of mine.

Berean Standard Bible

so that I would prefer strangling and death over my life in this body.

American Standard Version

So that my soul chooseth strangling, And death rather than these my bones.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In Job 7:15, Job plunges into the profound depths of despair, articulating a harrowing preference for a swift, violent death over the relentless agony of his continued existence. This verse serves as a raw, unfiltered cry from a soul pushed to the absolute brink of human endurance, revealing a desire for immediate cessation of suffering, even if it means choosing the most abrupt and forceful end to his life.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is embedded within Job's first extensive lament, a passionate and direct address to God found in [Job 6-7](/job/6 "Job 6-7 - Job's First Lament"). Having endured the catastrophic loss of his children, wealth, and health, Job is overwhelmed by inexplicable pain. His friends, Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, have arrived to comfort him, but their initial silence has given way to theological pronouncements that attribute his suffering to hidden sin. Job vehemently denies this accusation, maintaining his innocence. In [Job 7](/job/7 "Job 7 - Job's Complaint to God"), Job pours out his heart, describing his weariness, restlessness, and the feeling of being relentlessly pursued by divine affliction. His complaint escalates from wishing he had never been born in [Job 3](/job/3 "Job 3 - Job Curses His Birth") to actively desiring death as an escape from his torment, culminating in the stark choice expressed in [Job 7:15](/job/7-15 "Job 7:15 - Job's Preference for Death"). This statement underscores the utter hopelessness he feels, where life itself has become an unbearable burden, leading him to wish for an end to his torment.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a long life, often accompanied by prosperity and children, was generally considered a sign of divine blessing. Conversely, premature or agonizing death could be seen as a curse or punishment. Job's suffering, therefore, was not merely physical but also deeply culturally stigmatizing, as it suggested he was under divine judgment despite his righteousness. The concept of "strangling" (or choking) as a chosen form of death is particularly striking. While suicide was not explicitly condemned in Mosaic Law, it was generally viewed negatively, and a "good death" was typically associated with old age and peace. Job's preference for such a violent, immediate end highlights the extremity of his anguish, suggesting that the prolonged, humiliating suffering he endured was far worse than any quick, decisive cessation of life, regardless of its manner. His lament reflects a universal human struggle against inexplicable pain that transcends cultural boundaries.
* **Key Themes:** Job 7:15 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Extreme Despair and Anguish**, revealing a soul pushed to its breaking point where life itself has become an unbearable burden. This is not merely sadness but a profound, existential weariness that seeks ultimate relief. Secondly, it highlights the **Preference for Death Over Life**, a stark reversal of the natural human instinct for self-preservation, emphasizing the intensity of Job's torment. This echoes his earlier lament in [Job 3:20-21](/job/3-20 "Job 3:20-21 - Why is Light Given to the Miserable?"), where he questioned why life is given to those in bitterness of soul. Thirdly, the verse speaks to the **Limits of Human Endurance and Vulnerability**, showcasing how physical and emotional pain can drive an individual to the very edge of their capacity to cope, regardless of their righteousness. Finally, it contributes to the broader **Problem of Suffering**, particularly innocent suffering, and the human right to **Lament** honestly before God, even when expressing profound despair and questioning divine justice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Soul (Hebrew, _nephesh'_):** The Hebrew word נֶפֶשׁ (_nephesh_), often translated as "soul," refers not merely to the spiritual or emotional part of a person, but to the entire being, the very essence of life, breath, and personhood. When Job states "my soul chooseth," it signifies that his entire being, his very life force, is making this desperate, active choice. It is a holistic expression of his profound and pervasive suffering, affecting every fiber of his existence.
* **Chooseth (Hebrew, _bachar'_):** The verb בָּחַר (_bachar_) means "to choose," "to select," or "to prefer." This is a crucial word, as it implies a deliberate, active decision on Job's part, not a passive resignation or a mere wish. It indicates that in his state of extreme torment, Job actively weighs his options and consciously selects death, even a violent one, as the preferred alternative to his current life. This active choice underscores the severity of his suffering and the depth of his desire for its cessation.
* **Strangling (Hebrew, _kheneq'_):** The noun חֶנֶק (_kheneq_) refers to "strangling," "choking," or "suffocation." This specific choice of death is highly significant. It implies a swift, decisive, and perhaps self-inflicted end to his torment, in stark contrast to the drawn-out, agonizing pain he is enduring from his physical ailments. The use of _kheneq_ powerfully conveys Job's desperate yearning for immediate cessation of pain, even if it comes through a violent means, rather than continuing to suffer a slow, agonizing decline.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So that my soul chooseth strangling":** This clause reveals the profound and active nature of Job's despair. His entire being, his very life force (_nephesh_), is not merely wishing for death, but actively making a choice, a preference for a specific, violent form of death—strangling. This indicates that the pain and suffering he endures are so overwhelming that a quick, decisive, and perhaps self-administered end is deemed preferable to his current existence. The choice of "strangling" suggests a desire for immediate, definitive relief from his torment, rather than a slow, agonizing decline.
* **"and death rather than my life":** This second clause clarifies and intensifies the first. It presents a stark dichotomy: death is explicitly chosen over life. This is the ultimate expression of despair, where the natural human instinct for self-preservation is completely inverted. Job's "life" in its current state—marked by inexplicable suffering, loss, and isolation—has become an unbearable burden. For him, any form of death, even a violent one like strangling, is a welcome alternative to the continuation of his agonizing existence. It is a complete rejection of his present reality and a desperate plea for ultimate release.

#### Literary Devices
Job 7:15 is rich in literary devices that amplify its emotional and theological impact. The most prominent is **Hyperbole**, where Job's extreme preference for a violent death over his life is an exaggeration meant to convey the immeasurable depth of his suffering and despair. It is not necessarily a literal suicidal intent but a rhetorical expression of his overwhelming anguish. **Juxtaposition** is also powerfully employed, setting "strangling and death" in stark contrast to "my life," highlighting the tragic reversal of natural human desire. This contrast underscores the unbearable nature of his current existence. Furthermore, the phrase "my soul chooseth" can be seen as a form of **Personification**, attributing a conscious, active decision-making capacity to his soul, emphasizing that his despair pervades his entire being. Finally, the verse is a quintessential example of **Lament**, a genre of biblical literature where individuals express deep sorrow, pain, and complaint directly to God, often questioning divine justice or action in the face of suffering.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 7:15 stands as a powerful testament to the biblical acknowledgment of profound human suffering and the legitimacy of honest lament before God. It challenges simplistic notions of divine justice and prosperity theology, forcing us to grapple with the reality that even the righteous can experience inexplicable and overwhelming pain that drives them to the brink of despair. Theologically, it underscores the fragility of human life and endurance, while simultaneously affirming God's capacity to hear and bear the rawest expressions of human anguish. It reminds us that faith is not the absence of doubt or despair, but often the courage to voice such feelings directly to the Divine, trusting that even in the darkest valleys, God is present. This verse is a crucial piece in the larger narrative of Job, which ultimately explores the nature of suffering, the sovereignty of God beyond human comprehension, and the true foundation of faith.

* [Job 3:20-21](/job/3-20 "Job 3:20-21 - Why is Light Given to the Miserable?")
* [Psalm 88:3-4](/psalms/88-3 "Psalm 88:3-4 - My Soul is Full of Trouble")
* [Lamentations 3:1-9](/lamentations/3-1 "Lamentations 3:1-9 - The Man Who Has Seen Affliction")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 7:15 offers profound insights for contemporary understanding of suffering and faith, calling us to deep empathy for those experiencing extreme physical, emotional, or spiritual pain. It reminds us that suffering can lead individuals to depths of despair where life feels unbearable, fostering compassion rather than judgment. Job's raw expression resonates powerfully with the experiences of individuals grappling with severe depression, chronic illness, overwhelming grief, or suicidal ideation. This verse provides a biblical acknowledgment of such profound mental anguish and the desperate yearning for relief, demonstrating that even righteous individuals can experience profound despair. It grants permission to voice deep lament and honest questions before God, even when faith is being severely tested. For the church and individuals, this means creating safe spaces where such raw honesty is welcomed, where suffering is not minimized or spiritualized away, and where practical and spiritual support is offered without condemnation. It challenges us to sit with those who suffer, to listen to their pain, and to point them not to easy answers, but to the God who hears and cares, even when the answers are not readily apparent.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job's raw honesty in this verse challenge or affirm your understanding of expressing despair to God?**
* **In what ways can a community of faith better support individuals experiencing such profound levels of suffering and despair?**
* **What does Job's preference for death over his current life reveal about the nature of human endurance and the impact of prolonged suffering?**
* **How might acknowledging verses like Job 7:15 help us cultivate greater empathy for those struggling with mental health challenges or suicidal thoughts?**

### FAQ
**Is Job's desire for death considered sinful?**

Answer:Job's expression in [Job 7:15](/job/7-15 "Job 7:15 - Job's Preference for Death") is best understood as a lament, a raw and honest outpouring of extreme emotional and physical anguish, rather than a sinful act of rebellion or a definitive statement of suicidal intent. The Bible records many instances of righteous individuals expressing a desire for death in moments of overwhelming despair, such as Elijah after his triumph on Mount Carmel ([1 Kings 19:4](/1_kings/19-4 "1 Kings 19:4 - Elijah's Despair")) or Jonah when his prophetic word was fulfilled in a way he disliked ([Jonah 4:3](/jonah/4-3 "Jonah 4:3 - Jonah's Anger and Desire to Die")). These passages demonstrate that God allows for such expressions of human frailty and suffering. While self-harm is not condoned in Scripture, Job's words here are a desperate cry for relief from torment, voiced directly to God, rather than a calculated act of defiance. The book of Job ultimately vindicates Job's integrity, suggesting that his honest lament, even in its extremity, was acceptable to God, who did not condemn him for it.

**How does Job 7:15 relate to modern mental health struggles like depression or suicidal ideation?**

Answer:Job 7:15 resonates profoundly with modern mental health struggles, particularly severe depression and suicidal ideation, by providing a biblical precedent for the experience of overwhelming despair where life itself feels unbearable. Job's cry for a swift end to his suffering, even a violent one, mirrors the desperate yearning for relief often felt by those in the throes of profound mental anguish. This verse reminds us that such feelings are not new or unique to our age, and that even deeply faithful individuals can experience them. It fosters compassion and understanding, challenging the stigma often associated with mental illness. While Job's context is ancient, his raw emotional state provides a powerful scriptural basis for acknowledging the reality of intense psychological pain. It underscores the importance of empathy, professional help, and spiritual support for those struggling, affirming that their suffering is seen and heard, both by humanity and by God. The book of Job, including this verse, encourages open dialogue about suffering and the need for genuine care and intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's agonizing cry in [Job 7:15](/job/7-15 "Job 7:15 - Job's Preference for Death"), choosing death over a life of unbearable suffering, finds its ultimate and redemptive fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Job longed for an end to his own pain, Christ willingly embraced the ultimate suffering and death, not for His own sin, but for the sin of the world. Jesus, the perfect and innocent one, experienced a depth of abandonment and anguish that far surpassed Job's, culminating in His cry on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" ([Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). Unlike Job, who desired death as an escape, Christ embraced death as a means of conquest, entering into the very abyss of human suffering and death to defeat it. He is the sympathetic High Priest who "in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")), meaning He fully understands the depths of human despair, even the desire for death. Through His resurrection, Christ offers not merely an escape from suffering, but the promise of a new, eternal life where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore" ([Revelation 21:4](/revelation/21-4 "Revelation 21:4 - No More Death or Suffering")). Job's desperate yearning for cessation of pain foreshadows the one who would truly conquer pain and death, offering genuine and lasting life to all who believe.

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

2 Samuel 17:23

And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled [his] ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father.

Matthew 27:5

And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple, and departed, and went and hanged himself.