King James Version

What Does Job 14:1 Mean?

Job 14:1 in the King James Version says “Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. few: Heb. short of days” — study this verse from Job chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. few: Heb. short of days”

Job 14:1 · KJV

Context

1

Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble. few: Heb. short of days

2

He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.

3

And dost thou open thine eyes upon such an one, and bringest me into judgment with thee?

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job laments: 'Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble.' The phrase 'born of a woman' (yelud ishah, יְלוּד אִשָּׁה) emphasizes human frailty and mortality. 'Few days' (qetsar yamim, קְצַר יָמִים) stresses life's brevity. 'Full of trouble' (seva rogez, שְׂבַע־רֹגֶז) uses rogez (רֹגֶז), meaning turmoil, agitation, or distress. Job's description of human existence as brief and troubled reflects the curse's effects (Genesis 3:16-19). Christ echoes this phrase when calling Himself 'the Son of Man' (bar enash, בַּר אֱנָשׁ), identifying with human frailty.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The patriarchal period saw lifespans of 100-200 years (Job likely lived 200+), yet Job still considers life brief compared to eternity. Ancient Near Eastern literature frequently lamented mortality's brevity and suffering's prevalence. The Epic of Gilgamesh explores similar themes. Job's lament is both universal (all humans face death and trouble) and personal (his suffering intensifies awareness of human frailty).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does recognizing life's brevity and trouble affect our priorities and perspective?
  2. What comfort does Christ's identification as 'Son of Man' bring to our experience of human frailty?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
אָ֭דָם1 of 7

“Man”

H120

ruddy i.e., a human being (an individual or the species, mankind, etc.)

יְל֣וּד2 of 7

“that is born”

H3205

to bear young; causatively, to beget; medically, to act as midwife; specifically, to show lineage

אִשָּׁ֑ה3 of 7

“of a woman”

H802

a woman

קְצַ֥ר4 of 7

“is of few”

H7116

short (whether in size, number, life, strength or temper)

יָ֝מִ֗ים5 of 7

“days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

וּֽשְׂבַֽע6 of 7

“and full”

H7649

satiated (in a pleasant or disagreeable sense)

רֹֽגֶז׃7 of 7

“of trouble”

H7267

commotion, restlessness (of a horse), crash (of thunder), disquiet, anger

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 14:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 14:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 5:7Job 25:4Ecclesiastes 2:23Job 7:1Matthew 11:11Genesis 47:9

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