King James Version

What Does Job 14:21 Mean?

Job 14:21 in the King James Version says “His sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them.” — study this verse from Job chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“His sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them.”

Job 14:21 · KJV

Context

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
The dead know nothing of their descendants: 'His sons come to honour, and he knoweth it not; and they are brought low, but he perceiveth it not of them.' Death severs earthly connections—the deceased don't experience their family's fortunes. This counters pagan practices of ancestor veneration and intercession. It emphasizes death's finality apart from resurrection hope. Only divine intervention can overcome this separation.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Many ancient cultures practiced ancestor veneration, believing the dead influenced or observed the living (widespread in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Canaan). Job's statement counters this—the dead are cut off from earthly events unless God acts.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this truth counter both ancestor veneration and presuming the dead watch over us?
  2. What does this separation teach about the importance of resurrection for reuniting with loved ones?
  3. How should the dead's ignorance of earthly affairs shape how we think about those who have passed?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
יִכְבְּד֣וּ1 of 8

“come to honour”

H3513

to be heavy, i.e., in a bad sense (burdensome, severe, dull) or in a good sense (numerous, rich, honorable); causatively, to make weighty (in the same

בָ֭נָיו2 of 8

“His sons”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְלֹ֣א3 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יֵדָ֑ע4 of 8

“and he knoweth”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

וְ֝יִצְעֲר֗וּ5 of 8

“it not and they are brought low”

H6819

to be small, i.e., (figuratively) ignoble

וְֽלֹא6 of 8
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

יָבִ֥ין7 of 8

“but he perceiveth”

H995

to separate mentally (or distinguish), i.e., (generally) understand

לָֽמוֹ׃8 of 8
H3926

to or for

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 14:21 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 14:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 9:5Ecclesiastes 2:18-19Isaiah 63:16Isaiah 39:7-81 Samuel 4:20Psalms 39:6

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