King James Version

What Does Job 14:13 Mean?

Job 14:13 in the King James Version says “O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldes... — study this verse from Job chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!

Job 14:13 · KJV


Context

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.

13

O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past, that thou wouldest appoint me a set time, and remember me!

14

If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.

15

Thou shalt call, and I will answer thee: thou wilt have a desire to the work of thine hands.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job's prayer 'O that thou wouldest hide me in the grave, that thou wouldest keep me secret, until thy wrath be past' reveals hope beyond death. The grave becomes a hiding place rather than final destination. Job envisions death as temporary concealment until God's anger subsides.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern death concepts generally emphasized permanence, but Job hints at resurrection hope that will flower in later revelation (Daniel 12:2, John 11:25).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does viewing the grave as temporary hiding place change your view of death?
  2. What does it mean to wait for God's wrath to pass?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 12 words
מִ֤י1 of 12
H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

יִתֵּ֨ן׀2 of 12

O that

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בִּשְׁא֬וֹל3 of 12

me in the grave

H7585

hades or the world of the dead (as if a subterranean retreat), including its accessories and inmates

תַּצְפִּנֵ֗נִי4 of 12

thou wouldest hide

H6845

to hide (by covering over); by implication, to hoard or reserve; figuratively to deny; specifically (favorably) to protect, (unfavorably) to lurk

תַּ֭סְתִּירֵנִי5 of 12

that thou wouldest keep me secret

H5641

to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively

עַד6 of 12
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

שׁ֣וּב7 of 12

be past

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

אַפֶּ֑ךָ8 of 12

until thy wrath

H639

properly, the nose or nostril; hence, the face, and occasionally a person; also (from the rapid breathing in passion) ire

תָּ֤שִׁ֥ית9 of 12

that thou wouldest appoint

H7896

to place (in a very wide application)

לִ֖י10 of 12
H0
חֹ֣ק11 of 12

me a set time

H2706

an enactment; hence, an appointment (of time, space, quantity, labor or usage)

וְתִזְכְּרֵֽנִי׃12 of 12

and remember

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male


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 14:13 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 14:13 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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