King James Version

What Does Job 14:10 Mean?

Job 14:10 in the King James Version says “But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? wasteth: Heb. is weakened, or, cut off” — study this verse from Job chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? wasteth: Heb. is weakened, or, cut off”

Job 14:10 · KJV

Context

8

Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground;

9

Yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant.

10

But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he? wasteth: Heb. is weakened, or, cut off

11

As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up:

12

So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.

Read Job 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
'But man dieth, and wasteth away: yea, man giveth up the ghost, and where is he?' Job contrasts nature's cycles (trees sprouting again) with human death's finality. Man 'dieth' (יָמוּת, yamut), 'wasteth away' (וַיֶּחֱלָשׁ, vayechelash—becomes weak, helpless), 'giveth up the ghost' (וַיִּגְוָע, vayigva—expires), and vanishes—'where is he?' (אַיּוֹ, ayyo). This expresses the horror of death's apparent finality from an earthly perspective. Without clear resurrection hope, death seems ultimate loss. Job's lament reveals humanity's deep need for resurrection—a need Christ fulfills (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). The Reformed doctrine of resurrection addresses this existential despair.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Old Testament resurrection hope was less developed than New Testament revelation. Job here wrestles with death's apparent finality, expressing the despair all humans face without clear hope of bodily resurrection.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Christ's resurrection answer Job's despairing question 'where is he?'
  2. What does our horror at death's finality reveal about how we were created to live?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
וְגֶ֣בֶר1 of 6

“But man”

H1397

properly, a valiant man or warrior; generally, a person simply

יָ֭מוּת2 of 6

“dieth”

H4191

to die (literally or figuratively); causatively, to kill

וַֽיֶּחֱלָ֑שׁ3 of 6

“and wasteth away”

H2522

to prostrate; by implication, to overthrow, decay

וַיִּגְוַ֖ע4 of 6

“giveth up the ghost”

H1478

to breathe out, i.e., (by implication) expire

אָדָ֣ם5 of 6

“yea man”

H120

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

וְאַיּֽוֹ׃6 of 6
H346

where?

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 14:10 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 14:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 19:26Genesis 49:33Proverbs 14:32Job 7:7-10Job 11:20Acts 5:10

Test Your Knowledge

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