King James Version

What Does Job 21:23 Mean?

Job 21:23 in the King James Version says “One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet. his: Heb. his very, or, the strength of, his perfection — study this verse from Job chapter 21 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet. his: Heb. his very, or, the strength of, his perfection

Job 21:23 · KJV


Context

21

For what pleasure hath he in his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off in the midst?

22

Shall any teach God knowledge? seeing he judgeth those that are high.

23

One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet. his: Heb. his very, or, the strength of, his perfection

24

His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow. breasts: or, milk pails

25

And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Death comes to all conditions: 'One dieth in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet.' Job observes that death doesn't discriminate based on righteousness—the comfortable and prosperous die just like the suffering. The Hebrew 'tom' (full/perfect) describes peak condition. Physical health doesn't guarantee long life or indicate divine favor. Death's universality relativizes the friends' use of suffering as evidence.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient observation confirmed that death comes to all regardless of condition (Ecclesiastes 9:2-3). The righteous and wicked, healthy and sick, all face mortality. This challenged theological systems that saw death's manner or timing as primary evidence of divine judgment or favor.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does death's universality humble human pretensions to discern divine favor by circumstances?
  2. What does it mean that the 'same thing happens to all' temporally while ultimate destinies differ?
  3. How does resurrection hope transform death from ending to transition?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 7 words
זֶ֗ה1 of 7
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

יָ֭מוּת2 of 7

One dieth

H4191

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

בְּעֶ֣צֶם3 of 7

strength

H6106

a bone (as strong); by extension, the body; figuratively, the substance, i.e., (as pron.) selfsame

תֻּמּ֑וֹ4 of 7

in his full

H8537

completeness; figuratively, prosperity; usually (morally) innocence

כֻּ֝לּ֗וֹ5 of 7
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

שַׁלְאֲנַ֥ן6 of 7

being wholly at ease

H7946

tranquil

וְשָׁלֵֽיו׃7 of 7

and quiet

H7961

tranquil; (in a bad sense) careless; abstractly, security


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 21:23 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 21:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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