Job 14:8 - Though its root grows old in the earth, and its stock dies in the ground,

Generated Verse: Job 14:8

What does "Job 14:8" mean?


This verse from Job 14:8, "Though its root grows old in the earth, and its stock dies in the ground," is part of Job's lament about the fleeting nature of human life and the seeming finality of death. He's contrasting the renewal of nature with the perceived lack of such renewal for humans.

Here's a breakdown of what the verse means in its context:

"Though its root grows old in the earth..." This refers to a tree or plant whose roots, over time, become worn and feeble. They are no longer vibrant and new.

"...and its stock dies in the ground..." The "stock" is the trunk or stump of the tree. It's dying, decaying, and returning to the earth.

The overall meaning:

The verse depicts a tree that has reached the end of its life cycle. Its roots are weak, and its trunk is decaying. In short, it appears completely dead. Yet, in the following verses (Job 14:9-10), Job suggests that even such a seemingly dead tree can sprout again if it detects water. This becomes a hopeful analogy, although Job questions if there's the same hope for mankind.

The significance in Job's lament:

Job is using this image to contrast the potential for renewal in nature with the apparent lack of renewal for humans after death. He questions whether there's any possibility of resurrection or a renewed life for mankind, given the finality of death. This is central to Job's struggle and his questioning of God's justice.

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