Job 14:6 - Look away from him, that he may rest, until he shall accomplish, as a hireling, his day.

Generated Verse: Job 14:6

What does "Job 14:6" mean?


Job 14:6 is a plea from Job to God, expressing his deep suffering and desire for relief. Let's break down the meaning of each part:

"Look away from him..." This is a request for God to stop focusing on Job, to stop afflicting him with suffering. Job feels he is under constant scrutiny and judgment by God.

"...that he may rest..." Job yearns for a respite from his pain and misery. He wants a break, a moment of peace and tranquility. The rest he seeks is not necessarily death (although he considers that as well), but relief from his current torment.

"...until he shall accomplish, as a hireling, his day." This part uses an analogy to illustrate the idea of limited time.

"Hireling" refers to a person hired for a specific task or period, usually a day's work.
"His day" refers to the duration of that agreed-upon work period.

The comparison emphasizes that Job's life, like the working day of a hired worker, is finite and predetermined. Job asks God to leave him alone long enough to simply finish his appointed time on earth. The hireling's day will end whether they are happy or not. Job wishes to not be troubled by God during the remaining days of his life.

In essence, the verse is a desperate plea for temporary relief. Job is asking God to cease his intense focus and allow him to live out the remainder of his days in relative peace, without the overwhelming burden of suffering. He believes that his life, like a hired worker's day, is finite and ordained, so he just wants to get through it without further pain.

Different Interpretations and Nuances:

Some interpretations emphasize Job's sense of being overwhelmed by God's power and presence, feeling constantly scrutinized and found wanting.
Others highlight the idea of a limited lifespan, emphasizing the fleeting nature of human existence and the desire for some respite before death.
The use of "hireling" can also suggest a sense of being used or burdened, as a hireling performs labor for someone else, not for their own benefit.

Overall, Job 14:6 is a powerful expression of suffering, desperation, and a longing for relief, framed within the context of a finite human lifespan. It captures Job's struggle to understand his suffering and his plea for God to grant him some measure of peace before his appointed time is over.

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