Old Testament
Job 21:33
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
The clods of the valley shall be sweet to him, and every man shall draw after him, as there are innumerable before him.
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The clods of the valley shall be sweet unto him, and every man shall draw after him, as there are innumerable before him.
What Job 21:33 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 21:33, the phrase "the clods of the valley shall be sweet to him" suggests that the grave or death is a peaceful and comforting place for the person being discussed. This reflects a perspective that sees death as a release from the struggles of life. The mention of "every man shall draw after him" indicates that many people will follow this individual, perhaps in death or in the legacy they leave behind. The idea of being "innumerable before him" implies that there have been countless others who have experienced the same fate, highlighting the universality of death. This verse captures the tension between the suffering of the righteous and the apparent prosperity of the wicked, a central theme in the book of Job. It invites readers to reflect on the nature of life, death, and the human condition, emphasizing that death is a common end that can bring a sense of peace, even amidst life's trials.
How to apply Job 21:33 to your life
This verse encourages us to consider our own mortality and the legacies we leave behind. It reminds us that while life can be filled with struggles, there is a peace that can be found in accepting our fate. Embracing this perspective can help us live more meaningfully.
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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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 21:33 mean?
Job 21:33 suggests that death can be a peaceful release from life's struggles, as indicated by the phrase 'the clods of the valley shall be sweet to him.' It reflects on the inevitability of death and the legacy left behind.
What is the meaning of 'the clods of the valley' in Job 21:33?
In Job 21:33, 'the clods of the valley' symbolizes the grave or death, implying that it can be a comforting place for the individual discussed, contrasting life's hardships.
What does 'every man shall draw after him' mean in Job 21:33?
The phrase 'every man shall draw after him' in Job 21:33 indicates that many people will follow this individual, either in death or by being influenced by their legacy.
What themes are present in Job 21:33?
Job 21:33 touches on themes of death, legacy, the human condition, suffering, and finding peace in death, highlighting the universal nature of mortality.
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