King James Version
What Does Job 21:25 Mean?
“And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure.”
Job 21:25 · KJV
Context
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.
26
They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.
27
Behold, I know your thoughts, and the devices which ye wrongfully imagine against me.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryOthers die in bitterness: 'And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure.' The contrast is stark—one dies in prosperity and ease, another in bitterness never having enjoyed life. Both experience death. Life's circumstances vary radically, but death comes to all. This observation should humble interpretive certainty about suffering indicating divine displeasure.
KJV Study — Public Domain
Historical & Cultural Context
Ancient Near Eastern wisdom recognized life's inequities—some prosper, others suffer. Job's observation that both meet the same end (death) anticipates Ecclesiastes' reflections on life's apparent meaninglessness apart from God's ultimate judgment.
Reflection Questions
- How does death's universality relativize the importance of temporal circumstances?
- What comfort does eternal perspective provide to those who 'never eat with pleasure' in this life?
- How do we maintain that circumstances matter while recognizing they're not ultimate?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 7 wordsבְּנֶ֣פֶשׁ3 of 7
“of his soul”
H5315properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment
מָרָ֑ה4 of 7
“in the bitterness”
H4751bitter (literally or figuratively); also (as noun) bitterness, or (adverbially) bitterly
וְלֹֽא5 of 7
H3808not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
בַּטּוֹבָֽה׃7 of 7
“with pleasure”
H2896good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good
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 21:25 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 21:25 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge