Old Testament
Job 21:14
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Therefore they say to God, 'Depart from us, for we do not desire the knowledge of your ways.
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Therefore they say unto God, Depart from us; for we desire not the knowledge of thy ways.
What Job 21:14 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 21:14, Job expresses the attitude of the wicked who reject God and His ways. They openly tell God to leave them alone because they have no interest in understanding His teachings or following His guidance. This verse highlights a common human tendency to resist divine authority, especially when it conflicts with personal desires or lifestyles. Job is defending his integrity and questioning the belief that suffering is always a punishment for sin. He points out that many who disregard God seem to prosper, which raises profound questions about justice and the nature of God. This rejection of God’s ways reflects a deeper spiritual blindness and a desire for autonomy, illustrating the struggle between human pride and divine wisdom. Job’s words challenge readers to consider their own relationship with God and the importance of seeking His knowledge and guidance in life.
How to apply Job 21:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes toward God. Are we open to His guidance, or do we sometimes wish to distance ourselves from His teachings? Embracing God's ways can lead to a more fulfilling and purposeful life, while rejecting them may lead to emptiness.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Photo: U.S. Army photo by Spc. Samantha R. Ciaramitaro, via DVIDS and Wikimedia Commons. License: Public domain in the United States — U.S. federal-government work. Source. Location: Great Ziggurat, Ur Archaeological City (Tell el-Mukayyar), Dhi Qar Governorate, Iraq. Resized for the web.
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Keep studying Job 21:14
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
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 21:14 mean?
Job 21:14 reveals the mindset of those who reject God, expressing their desire to be left alone and their lack of interest in His teachings. It highlights a common human tendency to resist divine authority when it conflicts with personal desires.
What is the significance of rejecting God's ways in Job 21:14?
Rejecting God's ways, as mentioned in Job 21:14, signifies a deeper spiritual blindness and a desire for autonomy. It illustrates the struggle between human pride and the need for divine guidance.
What does Job 21:14 say about human attitudes toward God?
Job 21:14 shows that some people openly tell God to depart from them, indicating a refusal to acknowledge His authority or seek His wisdom. This reflects a broader theme of resistance to divine influence.
How does Job 21:14 relate to the theme of justice?
In Job 21:14, the rejection of God’s ways raises questions about justice, especially as Job points out that the wicked often prosper despite their disregard for God. This challenges the belief that suffering is always a punishment for sin.
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