Old Testament
Job 21:25
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
And another dies in the bitterness of his soul, and never eats with pleasure.
Compare translations
And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure.
What Job 21:25 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Job reflects on the harsh realities of life and death. He points out that some people die in deep sorrow and despair, indicating that their lives were filled with suffering. The phrase 'never eats with pleasure' suggests that despite having the basic necessities, they were unable to enjoy life due to their emotional pain. This highlights the idea that material wealth or physical sustenance does not guarantee happiness or fulfillment. Job's observation serves as a reminder that life can be unfair, and not everyone experiences joy, even when they have what they need to survive. It challenges the notion that a good life is solely defined by external circumstances, emphasizing the importance of inner peace and emotional well-being.
How to apply Job 21:25 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize the struggles of others who may be suffering silently. It reminds us to be compassionate and supportive, understanding that not everyone experiences joy in life. We should strive to create an environment where people feel valued and cared for, helping to alleviate their pain.
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 Joseph, Jacob's son's story: Joseph Is Born (Genesis 30:22–24)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Joseph, Jacob's son
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.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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 21:25
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 21:25
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 21:25 mean?
Job 21:25 highlights the reality that some individuals die in deep sorrow, indicating that their lives were filled with suffering. It suggests that having basic needs met does not equate to happiness, emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being.
What is the meaning of 'bitterness of his soul' in Job 21:25?
The phrase 'bitterness of his soul' refers to deep emotional pain and despair that a person experiences. It signifies that despite external circumstances, such as material wealth, a person can still feel profound sorrow.
How does Job 21:25 relate to suffering?
Job 21:25 connects to the theme of suffering by showing that some people endure significant emotional pain throughout their lives. It emphasizes that suffering can exist alongside basic survival, challenging the idea that material wealth guarantees happiness.
What lessons can we learn from Job 21:25?
From Job 21:25, we learn the importance of compassion and understanding towards those who may be suffering silently. It encourages us to recognize that emotional pain can overshadow external circumstances, prompting us to support those in need.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.