Job 36:14

They die in youth, and their life [is] among the unclean.

They {H5315} die {H4191} in youth {H5290}, and their life {H2416} is among the unclean {H6945}.

Their soul perishes in their youth, and their life becomes depraved.

They die in their youth, among the male shrine prostitutes.

They die in youth, And their lifeperisheth among the unclean.

Commentary

Context of Job 36:14

Job 36:14 is part of Elihu's final discourse to Job and his friends, spanning chapters 32-37. In this section, Elihu, the youngest of Job's companions, presents his argument for God's justice and sovereignty, asserting that God uses affliction not merely as punishment, but often as a means of instruction and discipline. He contends that if individuals respond to God's warnings and repent, they will prosper, but if they persist in wickedness, they will face severe consequences. This particular verse describes the grim fate of those who refuse to heed God's instruction and remain hardened in their sin, contrasting them with those who humble themselves before God (Job 36:11).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Consequences of Unrepentance: The verse highlights the tragic outcome for those who stubbornly refuse to turn from their wicked ways. Elihu portrays a divine judgment that can lead to a premature and shameful end.
  • Premature Death: "They die in youth" emphasizes an untimely demise, suggesting that a life alienated from God's wisdom often results in a shortened existence, cut off before its natural course.
  • Moral and Spiritual Impurity: The phrase "their life is among the unclean" points to a profound moral degradation. This isn't just about general sin but often specifically refers to association with cultic impurity or sexual immorality, signifying a life dedicated to practices abhorrent to God.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "among the unclean" translates the Hebrew word qedeshiym (ืงึฐื“ึตืฉืึดื™ื), which literally means "consecrated ones" or "holy ones," but is used ironically or euphemistically in the Old Testament to refer to male cult prostitutes associated with pagan worship (e.g., 1 Kings 14:24, 2 Kings 23:7). This specific term paints a picture of extreme moral depravity and religious apostasy, indicating that their lives are spent in the midst of spiritual defilement, often linked to idolatrous practices and sexual perversion. This nuance underscores the severity of the sin Elihu is describing, leading to a shameful death.

Practical Application and Reflection

Job 36:14 serves as a sobering warning about the long-term consequences of persistent rebellion against God and a life lived in moral impurity. While not every untimely death is a direct result of specific sin, Elihu's words remind us that choices have consequences, and a life dedicated to spiritual and moral uncleanness can lead to a destructive path. It encourages introspection: are we heeding God's instructions and seeking purity, or are we allowing ourselves to be drawn into practices or associations that are spiritually defiling? The verse implicitly calls for a turning away from evil and a pursuit of righteousness, emphasizing that a life aligned with God's will leads to true flourishing, while a life of unrepentant sin can lead to profound regret and a tragic end.

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Cross-References

  • Deuteronomy 23:17 (4 votes)

    There shall be no whore of the daughters of Israel, nor a sodomite of the sons of Israel.

  • Psalms 55:23 (3 votes)

    But thou, O God, shalt bring them down into the pit of destruction: bloody and deceitful men shall not live out half their days; but I will trust in thee.

  • Job 15:32 (3 votes)

    It shall be accomplished before his time, and his branch shall not be green.

  • Job 22:16 (3 votes)

    Which were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood:

  • Genesis 38:7 (2 votes)

    And Er, Judah's firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the LORD; and the LORD slew him.

  • Genesis 38:10 (2 votes)

    And the thing which he did displeased the LORD: wherefore he slew him also.

  • Genesis 19:24 (2 votes)

    ยถ Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the LORD out of heaven;