Job 7:6

KJV

My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.

KJV (with Strong's)

My days {H3117} are swifter {H7043} than a weaver's shuttle {H708}, and are spent {H3615} without {H657} hope {H8615}.

Complete Jewish Bible

My days pass more swiftly than a weaver's shuttle and come to their end without hope.

Berean Standard Bible

My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle; they come to an end without hope.

American Standard Version

My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, And are spent without hope.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 7:6 captures the raw anguish of Job's suffering, portraying his life as fleeting and utterly devoid of hope. Through a poignant simile, Job articulates the crushing weight of his physical and emotional torment, observing that his days are passing with an alarming, uncontrollable swiftness, leading him to a state of profound despair where any prospect of relief or future betterment has vanished. This verse encapsulates his immediate, overwhelming experience of life as a brief, painful existence culminating in a desolate end.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Job’s second, intensely personal lament (Job 6-7), which serves as a passionate and desperate counter-argument to the judgmental, albeit well-intentioned, counsel of Eliphaz in [Job 4-5](/job/4 "Job 4-5 - Eliphaz's First Speech"). Having been wrongly accused of hidden sin as the cause of his unprecedented afflictions, Job vehemently defends his innocence and pours out his heart in a torrent of sorrow and complaint. Chapter 7 specifically amplifies Job’s cry of existential despair, detailing his sleepless nights, relentless bodily pain, and the overwhelming sense that God Himself has become his relentless adversary, pursuing him without cause. His earlier declarations in [Job 7:1-5](/job/7-1-5 "Job 7:1-5 - Job's Weariness and Longing for Death") establish the bleak backdrop for verse 6, where he views human life as a burdensome, fleeting existence, marked by toil, sorrow, and an absence of any comforting prospect. The vivid image of the weaver’s shuttle therefore powerfully reinforces his earlier expressions of weariness and longing for death, underscoring his perception of life’s rapid, painful, and seemingly futile decline.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set in the ancient land of Uz, a region generally understood to be east of Palestine, and reflects the societal structures and theological understandings of a patriarchal era. Weaving was not merely a craft but a foundational and ubiquitous industry in the ancient Near East, essential for producing textiles for clothing, tents, and various household items. The weaver’s shuttle, a small, boat-shaped tool designed to carry the weft thread swiftly and repetitively across the warp threads on a loom, was a common and instantly recognizable implement. Its rapid, back-and-forth motion made it a highly effective and relatable metaphor for the swift passage of time. Culturally, the prevailing theological framework of this period often linked suffering directly to divine retribution for sin, a rigid doctrine that Job’s friends staunchly uphold. This cultural backdrop intensifies Job’s despair, as he endures not only immense physical agony but also profound social ostracization and theological isolation, being condemned by those who should offer comfort.
* **Key Themes:** Job 7:6 profoundly contributes to several overarching themes woven throughout the Book of Job and broader wisdom literature. Firstly, it starkly illuminates the **brevity and transience of human life**, a recurring motif that emphasizes the fragile and temporary nature of human existence (e.g., [Job 8:9](/job/8-9 "Job 8:9 - Our Days are a Shadow") and [Job 14:1-2](/job/14-1-2 "Job 14:1-2 - Man's Frailty")). Job’s lament powerfully underscores how quickly life can pass, particularly when consumed by overwhelming suffering. Secondly, the verse serves as a vivid portrayal of **profound suffering and despair**. Job’s relentless physical ailments (e.g., [Job 2:7-8](/job/2-7-8 "Job 2:7-8 - Job's Afflictions")) coupled with his emotional and spiritual torment drive him to a state of utter hopelessness, where he perceives no light at the end of his agonizing tunnel of pain. This theme of despair is central to understanding the depth of Job’s struggle with both his circumstances and his perception of God. Finally, the verse touches upon **mortality and the unknown future**, as Job grapples with the seemingly predetermined and swift end of his days, devoid of any positive expectation or redemptive purpose. This existential crisis is a core element of the book’s exploration of divine justice, human suffering, and the nature of faith.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Swifter (Hebrew, _qâlal'_):** The Hebrew verb קָלַל (_qâlal_) primarily means "to be light" or "to make light." In this context, it conveys the sense of being "swift" or "quick," as something light moves easily and rapidly. However, the root also carries connotations of being "trifling," "vile," or "cursed." While "swifter" is the direct meaning here, the underlying semantic range of _qâlal_ subtly hints at the diminished value or perceived cursedness of Job's life, which is not only passing quickly but also feels insignificant and burdened. This dual sense deepens the pathos of Job's statement, implying his days are not just fast, but also light in value, perhaps even contemptible in their rapid, painful conclusion.
* **Spent (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** The Hebrew root כָּלָה (_kâlâh_) is a primitive root meaning "to end," "to cease," "to be finished," or "to consume." It can be intransitive (to perish) or transitive (to complete, prepare, destroy). In Job 7:6, the verb is in the passive form, "are spent," conveying that his days are being consumed, finished, or brought to an end. This word emphasizes the finality and exhaustion of his life's energy. It's not just that his days are swift, but that they are being utterly used up, brought to a conclusion, or even destroyed by his suffering, leaving nothing remaining. The sense is one of depletion and an irreversible termination of his vital existence.
* **Hope (Hebrew, _tiqvâh'_):** The Hebrew word תִּקְוָה (_tiqvâh_) literally refers to a "cord" or "line," often used in the sense of a lifeline or something that provides connection and support. Figuratively, it denotes "expectancy" or "hope"—a positive anticipation for the future, a sense of looking forward to relief, restoration, or betterment. Job's declaration that his days are "spent without hope" signifies a profound and absolute despair. It means he perceives no future possibility of his situation improving, no light at the end of his dark tunnel, and no reason to believe that his suffering will ever cease or be redeemed. This absence of _tiqvâh_ is not merely a transient feeling but a deep-seated conviction that his future holds nothing but continued affliction and an inglorious end.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle":** This clause employs a powerful and culturally resonant **simile** to articulate the rapid, almost imperceptible passage of Job's life. The weaver's shuttle, a familiar tool that moves with incredible speed and regularity across the loom to interlace threads into fabric, becomes a potent metaphor for the swiftness with which Job perceives his days slipping away. This imagery conveys not only rapidity but also a profound sense of inevitability and a distressing lack of control, as if his life is being woven to its completion by an external force, without his agency or ability to intervene. The comparison implies that his life is finite, like a piece of cloth, and is quickly reaching its predetermined end, consumed and defined by his suffering.
* **"and are spent without hope."**: This second clause plunges into the profound emotional and spiritual desolation that grips Job. His days are not merely passing quickly; they are being "spent" or "consumed" (from the Hebrew verb _kâlâh_, "to finish, consume, perish") in a state utterly devoid of hope. This is not a fleeting moment of sadness but a deep, pervasive, and existential despair. It signifies that Job sees no future prospect of relief, no possibility of restoration, and no reason to believe that his suffering will ever cease or be vindicated. His life, as he experiences it, is a relentless journey towards a desolate, hopeless conclusion, with no light, no purpose, and no positive expectation for what lies ahead.

#### Literary Devices
Job 7:6 is masterfully crafted, primarily employing a vivid **Simile**. The comparison of "My days" to "a weaver's shuttle" is a striking and universally relatable image that immediately conveys the rapid, relentless, and seemingly uncontrollable passage of time. This simile evokes a sense of both speed and finality, as the shuttle's work culminates in a finished product, implying Job's life is swiftly reaching its end. The verse also functions as a profound **Lament**, a common and significant genre in biblical literature where an individual expresses deep sorrow, pain, and often a direct complaint to God. Job's cry is an outpouring of his soul's anguish, characteristic of the lament psalms, providing a raw and honest expression of human suffering. Furthermore, there is an element of **Hyperbole** in Job's absolute declaration of being "spent without hope." While deeply felt and reflective of his extreme emotional state, this absolute statement magnifies his despair to emphasize the totality of his hopelessness rather than suggesting a literal, complete absence of any future possibility, which would contradict the very act of his continued lament and dialogue with God throughout the book.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 7:6, in its stark portrayal of life's brevity and the crushing weight of despair, resonates deeply with biblical themes of human transience and the nature of hope. Job’s lament reflects a universal human experience of mortality and the fleeting nature of earthly existence, a truth frequently acknowledged in wisdom literature and prophetic writings. However, his declaration of being "without hope" highlights a critical theological tension: the human tendency to despair in the face of overwhelming suffering, contrasted with the divine promise of enduring hope. While Job’s immediate experience is one of desolation and perceived abandonment, the broader biblical narrative consistently points to God as the ultimate source of hope, even in the darkest valleys. Job’s raw honesty in expressing his suffering, even to the point of questioning God's justice, ultimately paves the way for a deeper, more resilient faith that transcends immediate circumstances, culminating in his profound confession and restoration in [Job 42:5-6](/job/42-5-6 "Job 42:5-6 - Job's Repentance and Restoration"). This verse thus serves as a powerful reminder that while despair is a real human experience, it is not the final word in God's redemptive plan.

* [Psalm 90:9-10](/psalms/90-9-10 "Psalm 90:9-10 - The Brevity of Life")
* [James 4:13-14](/james/4-13-14 "James 4:13-14 - Life is a Vapor")
* [Romans 15:13](/romans/15-13 "Romans 15:13 - The God of Hope")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job's poignant cry in Job 7:6 serves as a powerful mirror for the human condition, inviting us to reflect on our own perceptions of time, suffering, and the foundation of our hope. His experience reminds us that life, indeed, passes with astonishing speed, often filled with unexpected trials and profound sorrows that can threaten to overwhelm our spirit. While we may not face suffering as extreme as Job's, moments of pain, loss, or uncertainty can lead us to similar feelings of despair, causing our "days" to feel "spent without hope." This verse challenges us to confront our mortality and the transient nature of earthly existence, prompting us to consider what truly gives our lives meaning and where we place our ultimate hope. It encourages us to live intentionally, recognizing the preciousness and brevity of each day, and to cultivate a hope that transcends fleeting circumstances, anchoring itself in something enduring and eternal—a hope that is not contingent on our immediate comfort but on the steadfast character and promises of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Job’s description of his days as "swifter than a weaver's shuttle" resonate with your own experience of time, especially during difficult seasons of life?**
* **In what ways might suffering lead an individual to feel "spent without hope," and what are the spiritual dangers of remaining in such a state?**
* **Where do you tend to place your hope when faced with life's trials, and how might Job's lament challenge you to re-evaluate its foundation?**
* **How can we cultivate a sense of purpose and intentionality in our lives, even when confronted with the brevity of our days or the weight of despair?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "weaver's shuttle" imagery in Job 7:6?**

Answer: The "weaver's shuttle" is a powerful and deeply relatable simile that underscores the swift, relentless, and seemingly uncontrollable passage of time. In ancient times, weaving was a common and essential craft, and the shuttle, a small device, moves rapidly back and forth across the loom, laying down threads to create fabric. This imagery conveys several layers of meaning relevant to Job's despair:
* **Speed:** The primary emphasis is on how quickly Job perceives his days are flying by, almost imperceptibly, like the blur of a shuttle in motion.
* **Finiteness:** Just as a piece of cloth woven by a shuttle has a definite beginning and end, Job feels his life is rapidly approaching its conclusion. It's a process that is being completed, leaving no room for change or improvement.
* **Lack of Control:** The shuttle moves according to the weaver's will; Job feels his life is being "woven" and consumed by forces beyond his control, leading to an inevitable, desolate end.
It's a vivid picture of life's brevity and fragility, intensified by Job's profound suffering and sense of powerlessness.

**Does Job's declaration of being "spent without hope" contradict the biblical emphasis on hope?**

Answer: Job's declaration in [Job 7:6](/job/7-6 "Job 7:6 - Job's Lament") reflects his immediate, raw, and overwhelming experience of suffering. It is a deeply personal expression of despair from a man who feels abandoned by God and tormented by his circumstances. While the Bible consistently presents God as the ultimate source of hope (e.g., [Psalm 62:5](/psalms/62-5 "Psalm 62:5 - My Hope is from Him") or [Romans 15:13](/romans/15-13 "Romans 15:13 - The God of Hope")), Job's lament does not necessarily contradict this, but rather highlights the reality of human struggle and the profound depths of despair that even the righteous can experience. His honesty serves to validate the human experience of pain and doubt, demonstrating that faith does not preclude profound sorrow. Ultimately, Job's journey, though marked by intense despair, culminates in a renewed and deeper hope in God, demonstrating that even when human hope fails, divine hope can prevail (see [Job 42:5-6](/job/42-5-6 "Job 42:5-6 - Job's Confession and Restoration")). His despair is a temporary, albeit intense, state within a larger narrative of faith's perseverance and God's ultimate sovereignty.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job's lament in Job 7:6, with its profound expression of life's brevity and the crushing weight of despair, finds its ultimate answer and transformation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Job, trapped in a cycle of suffering and a perceived absence of hope, powerfully foreshadows the universal human condition under the curse of sin, where life is fleeting, often marked by sorrow, and ultimately leads to death. However, Christ enters this very human experience, taking on flesh and enduring suffering far beyond Job's, culminating in His crucifixion. On the cross, Jesus fully embraced the desolation of being "spent without hope," crying out, "[My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" This moment of ultimate despair and abandonment was not the end, but the necessary prelude to the triumph of the resurrection. Through His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection, Christ conquered death and the power of sin, offering a living hope that transcends the brevity of earthly days and the deepest human despair. For those who believe in Him, life is no longer merely a swift journey towards a hopeless end, but a pilgrimage towards eternal life and the promise of a future 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 - No More Tears or Death")". In Christ, the fleeting "weaver's shuttle" of our days is imbued with eternal purpose, and the "without hope" is replaced by an "[abundant life](/john/10-10 "John 10:10 - Life Abundant")" and an "[unfading inheritance](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope")" secured by His victory over sin and death.

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

Job 9:25

¶ Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good.

Job 17:15

And where [is] now my hope? as for my hope, who shall see it?

Isaiah 40:6

The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh [is] grass, and all the goodliness thereof [is] as the flower of the field:

Isaiah 40:7

The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the LORD bloweth upon it: surely the people [is] grass.

Psalms 103:15

[As for] man, his days [are] as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.

Psalms 103:16

For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.

Psalms 144:4

Man is like to vanity: his days [are] as a shadow that passeth away.