King James Version

What Does Job 14:20 Mean?

Job 14:20 in the King James Version says “Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.” — study this verse from Job chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.”

Job 14:20 · KJV

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.

Read Job 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
God's power overwhelms human resistance: 'Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.' The Hebrew 'takeph' (prevail) suggests overpowering strength—humans cannot resist divine power. The changed countenance may refer to death's effects or the shame of defeat. Humans 'pass away'—they're transient before eternal God. This stark realism about human powerlessness before God prepares for later hope in divine mercy.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern texts often depicted divine-human conflict with gods triumphing through superior power. Scripture agrees God always prevails but uniquely emphasizes that divine triumph serves redemptive purposes, not arbitrary dominance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does honest acknowledgment of God's overpowering strength lead to worship rather than despair?
  2. What comfort comes from knowing that the God who always prevails is the God who loves us?
  3. How does Christ's incarnation and suffering reveal God's power serving redemptive love?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
תִּתְקְפֵ֣הוּ1 of 6

“Thou prevailest”

H8630

to overpower

לָ֭נֶצַח2 of 6

“for ever”

H5331

properly, a goal, i.e., the bright object at a distance travelled towards; hence (figuratively), splendor, or (subjectively) truthfulness, or (objecti

וַֽיַּהֲלֹ֑ךְ3 of 6

“against him and he passeth”

H1980

to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)

מְשַׁנֶּ֥ה4 of 6

“thou changest”

H8138

to fold, i.e., duplicate (literally or figuratively); by implication, to transmute (transitive or intransitive)

פָ֝נָ֗יו5 of 6

“his countenance”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַֽתְּשַׁלְּחֵֽהוּ׃6 of 6

“and sendest him away”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

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 14:20 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Lamentations 4:8Job 2:12Job 14:14Ecclesiastes 8:8

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