Job 14:18

And surely the mountain falling cometh to nought, and the rock is removed out of his place.

And surely {H199} the mountain {H2022} falling {H5307} cometh to nought {H5034}, and the rock {H6697} is removed {H6275} out of his place {H4725}.

"Just as a mountain erodes and falls away, its rock is removed from its place,

But as a mountain erodes and crumbles and a rock is dislodged from its place,

But the mountain falling cometh to nought; And the rock is removed out of its place;

Commentary

Job 14:18 presents a powerful, albeit despairing, image from Job's lament about the fragility of human existence. In this verse, Job uses vivid natural metaphors to illustrate the relentless and destructive power of time and natural forces, arguing that even the most seemingly permanent elements of the earth are subject to change and decay.

Context

This verse is part of a longer monologue by Job in Chapter 14, where he reflects on the brevity and misery of human life. He contrasts man's fleeting existence with the cycles of nature, where a cut-down tree can sprout again (Job 14:7), but man, once dead, does not return. Here, Job shifts his perspective, suggesting that even the seemingly immutable features of creation—mountains and rocks—are ultimately vulnerable to forces that can utterly dismantle them, further emphasizing the overwhelming sense of impermanence he feels.

Key Themes

  • The Impermanence of Creation: Job highlights that even the most enduring features of the natural world, such as mountains and solid rock, are not eternal or unyielding. They can be worn down, displaced, or destroyed by immense forces, whether natural erosion or divine intervention. This underscores a universal truth: everything in the physical realm is subject to change and decay.
  • Human Fragility and Despair: By drawing this parallel, Job intensifies his argument about human vulnerability. If mighty mountains can be "removed out of his place," how much more fleeting and vulnerable is humanity? This imagery deepens Job's despair, as he sees no lasting hope or possibility of renewal for himself in this life, mirroring his earlier laments about the swift passing of his days.
  • Overwhelming Power: The verse implicitly speaks to an overwhelming power—whether it be the forces of nature over vast periods, or ultimately, the sovereign power of God—that can alter the very foundations of the earth. This power is seen as relentless and unstoppable, leaving no room for human resistance or permanence.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "removed" (יֶעְתַּק, ye'attaq) carries the sense of being torn away, displaced, or utterly taken from its foundation. It's not just erosion, but a forceful, definitive removal. Similarly, "cometh to nought" (יִבּוֹל, yibbol) implies withering, decaying, or falling away, emphasizing complete dissolution. These terms paint a picture of total destruction and disappearance, reinforcing Job's profound sense of hopelessness regarding his own mortality.

Practical Application

While born out of Job's profound suffering and despair, this verse offers a timeless reminder of the temporary nature of all earthly things. It encourages us to:

  • Acknowledge Earthly Impermanence: All physical things, including our current circumstances, possessions, and even our bodies, are subject to change and decay. This perspective can help us detach from over-reliance on transient things.
  • Seek Enduring Hope: In contrast to the shifting mountains and removed rocks, God alone is eternal and unchanging. This verse implicitly points us toward placing our ultimate hope and trust not in the fleeting world, but in the Creator who remains steadfast through all generations (Psalm 90:2).
  • Reflect on Mortality: Understanding the fragility of life and creation prompts us to consider what truly matters and to live with an eternal perspective, focusing on spiritual truths that transcend earthly decay.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Revelation 6:14 (7 votes)

    And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

  • Job 18:4 (4 votes)

    He teareth himself in his anger: shall the earth be forsaken for thee? and shall the rock be removed out of his place?

  • Jeremiah 4:24 (3 votes)

    I beheld the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly.

  • Revelation 20:11 (2 votes)

    ¶ And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.

  • Revelation 8:8 (2 votes)

    And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;

  • Isaiah 64:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Oh that thou wouldest rend the heavens, that thou wouldest come down, that the mountains might flow down at thy presence,

  • Isaiah 40:12 (2 votes)

    ¶ Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span, and comprehended the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales, and the hills in a balance?