Old Testament
Job 5:26
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You shall come to your grave at a ripe old age, like a bundle of grain gathered in its season.
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Thou shalt come to thy grave in a full age, like as a shock of corn cometh in in his season.
What Job 5:26 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 5:26, the speaker conveys a message of hope and assurance regarding the end of life. The verse compares a person's death to a bundle of grain that is harvested at the right time, suggesting that just as grain is gathered when it is fully ripe, a person will reach their end at a natural and fulfilling age. This imagery emphasizes the idea of a life well-lived, where one can expect to die peacefully and at the appropriate time, rather than prematurely or in suffering. The verse reassures the listener that there is a divine order to life and death, and that reaching an old age is a blessing that comes from living in accordance with wisdom and righteousness. It encourages individuals to trust in God's timing and plan for their lives, reinforcing the belief that life has a purpose and that death can be a natural conclusion to a life well spent.
How to apply Job 5:26 to your life
This verse encourages us to live wisely and righteously, trusting that God has a plan for our lives. It reminds us to appreciate the time we have and to seek fulfillment in our daily actions, knowing that a well-lived life leads to a peaceful end.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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Illustrated scene from Job's story: Eliphaz Speaks First (Job 4:1–5:27)
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Job
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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Ur
The city Abram's family left to travel toward Canaan.
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Keep studying Job 5:26
Related Bible verses
Key themes
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 5:26 mean?
Job 5:26 conveys a message of hope about dying at a natural and fulfilling age. It compares death to a bundle of grain harvested at the right time, suggesting that a well-lived life leads to a peaceful end.
What is the significance of the imagery in Job 5:26?
The imagery in Job 5:26 highlights the idea of divine timing and order in life and death. Just as grain is gathered when it is ripe, the verse suggests that people will reach their end at the appropriate time, emphasizing a life well-lived.
What does 'full age' mean in Job 5:26?
In Job 5:26, 'full age' refers to reaching an old age that is natural and fulfilling. It implies living a life that is complete and rich in experiences, leading to a peaceful death.
How does Job 5:26 relate to the themes of life and death?
Job 5:26 relates to the themes of life and death by reassuring that there is a divine order to when we die. It emphasizes that a life lived wisely and righteously leads to a peaceful conclusion.
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