Bible Commentaries

Man. Hebrew. "adam. App-14. "Man" is to Job 14:1 what Job 14:1 is to the whole paragraph. The Hebrew accent (Dehi) emphasizes the word "man", and divides the verse into two members; viz. (1) man and (2) his characteristics which are three: (1) his origin (born in sin), (2) his brevity of life, and (3) his fullness of sorrow.

dost. ? Figure of speech Erotesis.

me. Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read "him".

Who . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis.

bounds. Four early printed editions read "fixed times".

For there is hope of a tree. This is a positive independent statement, about which there is no doubt. There should be a full stop here. Then the Hebrew accents mark off two hypotheses: (1) if it is cut down (Job 14:7) the Spring will wake its sap; (2) if waxing old (Job 14:8) it may still send forth a new growth. But there is no hope of man's living again like a tree. If he is to "live again" he must be raised from the dead.

plants = a new plant.

man = strong man. Hebrew. geber. App-14.

wasteth away = will decompose.

giveth up, &c. See note on Job 3:11.

where . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6.

man. Hebrew. "ish. App-14.

O. Figure of speech Ecphonesis. App-6.

the grave = Sheol. App-35.

shall . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6.

live again: i.e. in resurrection. Compare John 11:25, John 11:26.

appointed time = service, or warfare.

change = improvement. Hebrew. halaph = a. change for the better. See note on Leviticus 27:10.

desire = a longing.

sin. Hebrew. Chata App-44.

transgression. Hebrew. pasha". App-44.

iniquity. Hebrew. "avah. App-44.

The waters, &c. Figure of speech Paroemia. App-6.

man = a mortal. Hebrew. "en6sh. App-14.

But. This verse describes what happens while he is alive. See below.

his soul = he himself. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.

within = over.

mourn: i.e. mourn "over himself". Hebrew. "alaiv, as in Hosea 10:5.