King James Version

What Does Job 7:7 Mean?

Job 7:7 in the King James Version says “O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good. shall: Heb. shall not return see: to see, that is, to ... — study this verse from Job chapter 7 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good. shall: Heb. shall not return see: to see, that is, to enjoy

Job 7:7 · KJV


Context

5

My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust; my skin is broken, and become loathsome.

6

My days are swifter than a weaver's shuttle, and are spent without hope.

7

O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good. shall: Heb. shall not return see: to see, that is, to enjoy

8

The eye of him that hath seen me shall see me no more: thine eyes are upon me, and I am not. I am: that is, I can live no longer

9

As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job addresses God directly: 'O remember that my life is wind' - the Hebrew ruach suggests breath, spirit, vanity. This plea for divine remembrance acknowledges God's sovereignty while appealing to His mercy. The transience of life makes present suffering feel disproportionate to any past sin.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Wind/breath imagery appears throughout wisdom literature (Ecclesiastes 1:14, Psalm 144:4) emphasizing human mortality. Job appeals to God's memory, trusting that divine awareness includes compassion.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does life's brevity affect your view of present suffering?
  2. What does it mean to ask God to 'remember' you?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
זְ֭כֹר1 of 9

O remember

H2142

properly, to mark (so as to be recognized), i.e., to remember; by implication, to mention; to be male

כִּי2 of 9
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

ר֣וּחַ3 of 9

is wind

H7307

wind; by resemblance breath, i.e., a sensible (or even violent) exhalation; figuratively, life, anger, unsubstantiality; by extension, a region of the

חַיָּ֑י4 of 9

that my life

H2416

alive; hence, raw (flesh); fresh (plant, water, year), strong; also (as noun, especially in the feminine singular and masculine plural) life (or livin

לֹֽא5 of 9
H3808

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

תָשׁ֥וּב6 of 9

shall no more

H7725

to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);

עֵ֝ינִ֗י7 of 9

mine eye

H5869

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

לִרְא֥וֹת8 of 9

see

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

טֽוֹב׃9 of 9

good

H2896

good (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 7:7 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 7:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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