Job 14:20
Job 14:20 in Multiple Translations
You forever overpower him, and he passes on; You change his countenance and send him away.
Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.
Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth; Thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.
You overcome him for ever, and he is gone; his face is changed in death, and you send him away.
You continually overpower them and they pass away; you distort their faces in death and send them away.
Thou preuailest alway against him, so that he passeth away: he changeth his face when thou castest him away.
Thou prevailest [over] him for ever, and he goeth, He is changing his countenance, And Thou sendest him away.
You forever prevail against him, and he departs. You change his face, and send him away.
Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.
Thou hast strengthened him for a little while, that he may pass away for ever: thou shalt change his face, and shalt send him away.
You always defeat us, and then we die [EUP]. You cause our faces to look ugly after we die, and you send us away.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 14:20
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 14:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
תִּתְקְפֵ֣/הוּ
לָ֭/נֶצַח
וַֽ/יַּהֲלֹ֑ךְ
מְשַׁנֶּ֥ה
פָ֝נָ֗י/ו
וַֽ/תְּשַׁלְּחֵֽ/הוּ
תִּתְקְפֵ֣/הוּ
tâqaph
H8630
to prevail
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
לָ֭/נֶצַח
netsach
H5331
perpetuity
Prep | N-ms
וַֽ/יַּהֲלֹ֑ךְ
hâlak
H1980
to go
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
מְשַׁנֶּ֥ה
shânâh
H8138
to change
V-Piel
פָ֝נָ֗י/ו
pânîym
H6440
face
N-cp | Suff
וַֽ/תְּשַׁלְּחֵֽ/הוּ
shâlach
H7971
to send
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 14:20
תִּתְקְפֵ֣/הוּ
tâqaph
H8630
"to prevail"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms | Suff
This verb means to overpower or overcome someone or something. It's used to describe a situation where one person or group gains control over another. In the Bible, it often describes military victories or struggles.
Definition: (Qal) to prevail over or against, overcome, overpower
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: prevail (against). See also: Job 14:20; Ecclesiastes 4:12; Ecclesiastes 6:10.
לָ֭/נֶצַח
netsach
H5331
"perpetuity"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for perpetuity or everlastingness, often used to describe God's nature. It appears in Psalm 9:7, where the psalmist praises God's enduring presence. This word conveys the idea of something lasting forever.
Definition: 1) eminence, perpetuity, strength, victory, enduring, everlastingness 1a) eminence 1b) enduring of life 1c) endurance in time, perpetual, continual, unto the end 1d) everlastingness, ever
Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: alway(-s), constantly, end, ([phrase] n-) ever(more), perpetual, strength, victory. See also: 1 Samuel 15:29; Psalms 74:10; Psalms 9:7.
וַֽ/יַּהֲלֹ֑ךְ
hâlak
H1980
"to go"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
מְשַׁנֶּ֥ה
shânâh
H8138
"to change"
V-Piel
This Hebrew word means to repeat or do something again, as seen in Exodus when God repeats his command to Moses. It can also imply changing or altering something. In the Bible, it is used to describe actions like repeating a task or changing one's behavior.
Definition: 1) change, alter 1a) (Qal) to change 1b) (Piel) to change, alter 1c) (Pual) to be changed, mollified 1d) (Hithpael) to disguise oneself
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: do (speak, strike) again, alter, double, (be given to) change, disguise, (be) diverse, pervert, prefer, repeat, return, do the second time. See also: Genesis 41:32; Job 14:20; Psalms 34:1.
פָ֝נָ֗י/ו
pânîym
H6440
"face"
N-cp | Suff
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
וַֽ/תְּשַׁלְּחֵֽ/הוּ
shâlach
H7971
"to send"
Conj | V-Piel-ConsecImperf-2ms | Suff
To send or depart is the meaning of this Hebrew word, which has various applications in the Bible. It can describe sending someone or something away, or letting something go.
Definition: : depart/send 1) to send, send away, let go, stretch out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to send 1a2) to stretch out, extend, direct 1a3) to send away 1a4) to let loose 1b) (Niphal) to be sent 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to send off or away or out or forth, dismiss, give over, cast out 1c2) to let go, set free 1c3) to shoot forth (of branches) 1c4) to let down 1c5) to shoot 1d) (Pual) to be sent off, be put away, be divorced, be impelled 1e) (Hiphil) to send
Usage: Occurs in 790 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring (on the way), cast (away, out), conduct, [idiom] earnestly, forsake, give (up), grow long, lay, leave, let depart (down, go, loose), push away, put (away, forth, in, out), reach forth, send (away, forth, out), set, shoot (forth, out), sow, spread, stretch forth (out). See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 9:27; Joshua 14:11.
Study Notes — Job 14:20
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 14:20 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 14:20
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 14:20
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 14:20
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 14:20
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 14:20
- Cambridge Bible on Job 14:20
- Barnes' Notes on Job 14:20
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 14:20
- Sermons on Job 14:20
Context — Job Laments the Finality of Death
18But as a mountain erodes and crumbles and a rock is dislodged from its place,
19as water wears away the stones and torrents wash away the soil, so You destroy a man’s hope.
20You forever overpower him, and he passes on; You change his countenance and send him away.
21If his sons receive honor, he does not know it; if they are brought low, he is unaware. 22He feels only the pain of his own body and mourns only for himself.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 14:14 | When a man dies, will he live again? All the days of my hard service I will wait, until my renewal comes. |
| 2 | Job 2:12 | When they lifted up their eyes from afar, they could barely recognize Job. They began to weep aloud, and each man tore his robe and threw dust in the air over his head. |
| 3 | Ecclesiastes 8:8 | As no man has power over the wind to contain it, so no one has authority over his day of death. As no one can be discharged in wartime, so wickedness will not release those who practice it. |
| 4 | Lamentations 4:8 | But now their appearance is blacker than soot; they are not recognized in the streets. Their skin has shriveled on their bones; it has become as dry as a stick. |
Job 14:20 Summary
This verse is saying that God is all-powerful and can do whatever He wants, and that includes overpowering us as humans. Sometimes, this can feel overwhelming or even scary, but it's also a reminder of God's love and care for us, as seen in Jeremiah 29:11, which says that God has plans to prosper us, not to harm us. When God 'sends us away', it can be a difficult experience, but it can also be a chance for us to trust in His sovereignty and goodness, as seen in Romans 8:28, which says that all things work together for our good.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to be 'overpowered' by God in Job 14:20?
In this context, being overpowered by God means that He is all-powerful and sovereign, and His power can be overwhelming to humans, as seen in Psalm 115:3, which says that God does whatever He pleases.
How does God 'change his countenance' in this verse?
Changing someone's countenance refers to altering their appearance or expression, often in a way that reflects their emotional or spiritual state, similar to how God changed the heart of the king in Exodus 34:34-35.
What does it mean to be 'sent away' by God in this verse?
Being sent away by God can mean being removed from a particular place or situation, or even being taken from this life, as seen in Genesis 35:18, where Rachel was taken away in childbirth.
Is this verse saying that God is cruel or heartless?
No, this verse is not saying that God is cruel or heartless, but rather that He is all-powerful and sovereign, and His ways are often mysterious and beyond human understanding, as seen in Isaiah 55:8-9, which says that God's thoughts and ways are higher than ours.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond when I feel overpowered by God's sovereignty in my life?
- What are some ways that God has 'changed my countenance' in the past, and how have I responded to those changes?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty, even when I don't understand what He is doing in my life?
- How can I balance the idea of God's power and sovereignty with the idea of His love and care for me as an individual?
Gill's Exposition on Job 14:20
Thou prevailest for ever against him,.... God is a more than a match for man, in anything, in everything; there is no contending with him, or standing against him, he is stronger than he, and always
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 14:20
Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away. Prevailest - doest overpower by superior strength. Passeth - dieth.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 14:20
When once thou takest away this life, it is gone for ever; for he speaks not here of man’ s future and eternal life in another world. He passeth, i.e. he dieth, or is about to die. Man’ s death is oft called a passage, or a going, to intimate that it is not an annihilation, but only a translation of him into another place and state. His countenance; either, 1. His visage, which by death and its harbingers is quite transformed in colour and shape, as we see by daily experience. Or, 2. The face and state of his affairs, as to worldly riches, and pleasures, and honours, all which he leaves behind him. Sendest him away to his long home by death.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 14:20
Job 14:20 Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.Ver. 20. Thou prevailest for ever against him] This, and the rest of the words to the end of the chapter, some make to be the application of the similitudes; others an amplification only of what he had said, Thou destroyest the hope of man. Thou must needs, when thou over match and over master him, and art never worsted. Exodus 15:3, the Lord is called, "A man of war"; the Chaldee there hath it, The Lord and Victor of wars. And the word here rendered "ever" cometh from a root that signifieth to finish, conquer, and triumph. And he passeth] sc. Out of the world by a violent or untimely death, Violenta morte aut certe immatura (Merlin), with as ill a will many times as the unjust steward did out of his office, as the Jebusites did out of the fort of Zion, or as the devil out of the demoniac. Sed voluntas Dei necessitas rei; he passeth, because he can neither will nor choose, as they say. Thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away] Eleganter vero mors notatur, immutandi verbo, saith one, Elegantly is death set forth by changing the countenance: for death taketh away the fair and fresh colour of a man, and makes him look wan and withered, pale and ghastly. It is easy to see death, many times, before it come, in the sick man’ s face, Facies Hippocratica, in his sharp nostrils, thin cheeks, hollow eyes, &c., those harbingers of death, whereby God sendeth for him, and so sendeth him away, extrudit et amandat, as once he did Adam out of Paradise.
Lavater’ s note here is, Propone tibi semper horribilem speciem morris, ut eo minus pecces, Set before thyself always the horrid face of death, to restrain thee from sin.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 14:20
Verse 20. Thou prevailest for ever against him] It is impossible for him to withstand thee: every stroke of thine brings him down. Thou changest his countenance] Probably an allusion to the custom of covering the face, when the person was condemned, and sending him away to execution. See the case of Haman, in the note on Esther, See Clarke on Es 7:8.
Cambridge Bible on Job 14:20
20. thou changest his countenance] A graphic and pathetic description of death. The word “prevailest against,” i. e. overpowerest him, refers to the last conflict and the final stroke, cf. ch. Job 15:24.
Barnes' Notes on Job 14:20
Thou prevailest forever against him - Thou dost always show that thou art stronger than he is. He never shows that he is able to contend with God.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 14:20
20. Thou prevailest — Existence is made up of assaults upon the health and life of man.
Sermons on Job 14:20
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
"The Unequal Contest Between God and Man" by A.W. Tozer | A.W. Tozer emphasizes the unequal contest between God and man, illustrating that God always prevails against those who oppose Him. He uses the story of Balaam and the angel of the |
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The Life of David Brainerd - Part. 2 by Jonathan Edwards | In this sermon transcript, the preacher reflects on their own feelings of unworthiness and insufficiency. They express a desire for a close and constant devotion to God and a fear |
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Is There Life After Death by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Job and the questions that Job asked when he was stripped of everything. Job's questions revolve around the basic issues of life, |
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Distress of Job - Part 2 by W.F. Anderson | The video is a sermon on the book of Job in the Bible. It begins by describing the structure of the book, with a prologue and three cycles of speeches between Job and his friends. |
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Early Men Believed in Final Judgment! by Ian Brown | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the individual accountability we all have before God. He uses the example of the precision and advanced technology in the Gulf War to illust |
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Matthew 27:15 by Worth Ellis | In this sermon, the preacher talks about a father and son who went up a mountain together. The obedient son laid himself on a piece of wood, and God extended his hands to nail and |
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Until My Change Comes by Thomas Watson | Thomas Watson preaches on the importance of understanding the brevity and challenges of life, likening it to a day with its shortness, vicissitudes, labor, and irreversibility, urg |