King James Version
What Does Job 14:20 Mean?
“Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.”
Context
18
And surely the mountain falling cometh to nought, and the rock is removed out of his place. cometh: Heb. fadeth
19
The waters wear the stones: thou washest away the things which grow out of the dust of the earth; and thou destroyest the hope of man. washest: Heb. overflowest
20
Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.
21
His sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them.
22
But his flesh upon him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn.
Commentary
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary**Verses 16-22**
Job's faith and hope spake, and grace appeared to revive; but depravity again prevailed. He represents God as carrying matters to extremity against him. The Lord must prevail against all who contend with him. God may send disease and pain, we may lose all comfort in those near and dear to us, every hope of earthly happiness may be destroyed, but God will receive the believer into realms of eternal happiness. But what a change awaits the prosperous unbeliever! How will he answer when God shall call him to his tribunal? The Lord is yet upon a mercy-seat, ready to be gracious. Oh that sinners would be wise, that they would consider their latter end! While man's flesh is upon him, that is, the body he is so loth to lay down, it shall have pain; and while his soul is within him, that is, the spirit he is so loth to resign, it shall mourn. Dying work is hard work; dying pangs often are sore pangs. It is folly for men to defer repentance to a death-bed, and to have that to do which is the one thing needful, when unfit to do anything.
Matthew Henry (1662–1714). Public Domain.
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 14:20 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 14:20
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge