Job 14:8

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Job 14:7-15

We have seen what Job has to say concerning life; let us now see what he has to say concerning death, which his thoughts were very much conversant with, now that he was sick and sore. It is not unseasonable, when we are in health, to think of dying; but it is an inexcusable incogitancy if, when we are already taken into the custody of death's messengers, we look upon it as a thing at a distance. Job had already shown that death will come, and that its hour is already fixed. Now here he shows,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Job 14:8

Though the root thereof wax old in the earth ,.... Lies long there, and is become dry, and seems to be consumed, on which account there may be the less hope of its flourishing: and the stock thereof die in the ground ; which may make it still more improbable; for this is not to be understood with some interpreters F25 So Piscator and Cocceius. of the stock or trunk of the tree cut down, and lying along on the earth, and in the dust of it; though it may be observed, that even such a... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 14:1-12

1. Self-defence before God: 2. Plaint of the weakness and vanity of mankind. Job's troubles are typical of the common doom of mankind—the "subjection, to vanity." And again (comp. Job 3:7 ; Job 7:1-5 ) he bursts forth into lamentation over the universal doom of sorrow. I. HIS NATURAL WEAKNESS . (Verses 1-2.) His origin is in frailty; he is "born of woman." His course is brief, and full of unrest. He sees himself mirrored in all natural things that fleet and pass: II. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 14:1-22

This chapter, in which Job concludes the fourth of his addresses, is characterized by a tone of mild and gentle expostulation, which contrasts with the comparative vehemence and passion of the two preceding chapters. It would seem that the patriarch, having vented his feelings, experiences a certain relief, an interval of calm, in which, his own woes pressing less heavily upon him, he is content to moralize on the general condition of humanity. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 14:7-10

Sad views of life. If the tree be cut down, it springs again; but if man dieth, he wasteth away. Certainly, then, man's hope is not in this life. The dismal views given in these few verses demand the full assurance of the resurrection. This is a feature of the Book of Job. It presents a negative view of human life. There is always a demand to be met. Only the fuller teachings of the New Testament meet it. Consider this aspect of human life with its demand for supplementary views in order to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 14:7-14

Is there a life beyond the grave? We have here one of the dim Old Testament speculations on the life beyond, that stand out in startling contrast to the prevalent obscurity and apparent indifference of ancient Hebrew thought in regard to the great future. This serves as a good starting-point from which to approach the more full Christian light on the resurrection. I. THE CRAVING FOR IMMORTALITY IS INSTINCTIVE . The craving may be hidden by more pressing desires of the moment;... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 14:7-15

Job to God: 3. A glimpse into the life beyond. I. " IF A MAN DIE , SHALL HE LIVE AGAIN ?" No! 1 . The voice of nature is against it. "For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again," etc. (verses 7-9). But nothing like this occurs in the case of man, of whom rather the cheerless proverb holds that, as the tree falls, so shall it lie ( Ecclesiastes 11:3 ). Hewn down by the axe of death, or laid prostrate by age beneath the sod, there is in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Job 14:8-9

Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth boughs like a plant . After the stump is actually dead, suckers may be thrown up from the roots, if sufficient water be supplied to them; and these will put forth branches luxuriantly. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Job 14:8

Though the root thereof wax old - Though life becomes almost extinct. The idea is, though the root of the tree be very old, yet it does not become wholly lifeless. It is not like an old man, when life goes out altogether. In the very aged root there will be vitality still; but not so in man.Though the stock thereof - The stump - literally that which is cut off - גזעוּ geza‛ô. The meaning is, that when the trunk of the tree is cut down and dies altogether, life remains in the root; but when man... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Job 14:7-10

Job 14:7-10. For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down If the body of a tree be cut down, and only the stem or stump be left in the ground, yet there is hope; that it will sprout again Hebrew, יחלי Š, jachalip, will yet renew itself, will revive and flourish as the spring comes on. Though the root wax old Begin to wither and decay; and the stock thereof die Namely, in outward appearance; yet, through the scent of water By means of water; scent or smell being here... read more

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