Old Testament
Job 14:14
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
If a man dies, shall he live again? All the days of my appointed time I will wait, until my change comes.
Compare translations
If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come.
What Job 14:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job expresses a profound question about life after death. He wonders if a person can truly live again after dying, reflecting his deep sorrow and confusion about mortality. Job acknowledges that he has a set time on earth, which he refers to as his 'appointed time.' Despite his suffering, he resolves to wait patiently for a change, possibly referring to hope for restoration or resurrection. This verse captures the essence of human longing for understanding and hope in the face of death, emphasizing the struggle between despair and faith. Job's question resonates with many who seek answers about life beyond the grave, highlighting the universal human experience of grappling with mortality and the desire for eternal life. His commitment to wait signifies trust in a future change, suggesting that he believes in a divine plan beyond his current suffering.
How to apply Job 14:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own beliefs about life after death and the hope we hold in difficult times. It reminds us to be patient and trust in a greater purpose, even when facing suffering or uncertainty. Waiting for change can strengthen our faith and resilience.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Esther's story: Esther Becomes Queen (Esther 2:1–18)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Esther
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 14:14
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 14:14
Related Bible verses
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 14:14 mean?
Job 14:14 expresses Job's deep question about the possibility of life after death. He wonders if a person can truly live again after dying, reflecting his sorrow and confusion about mortality.
What is the significance of 'appointed time' in Job 14:14?
The 'appointed time' in Job 14:14 refers to the specific period that Job believes he has on earth. It highlights the idea that life is temporary and emphasizes the importance of waiting patiently for change or hope.
What does Job mean by 'my change comes' in Job 14:14?
When Job mentions 'my change comes,' he is likely referring to a hope for restoration or resurrection. It signifies his belief in a future transformation, despite his current suffering.
How does Job 14:14 relate to the theme of hope?
Job 14:14 relates to hope by illustrating Job's desire for understanding and his trust in a divine plan beyond his suffering. His commitment to wait for change reflects a deep-seated belief in a future beyond death.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.