Job 25:6
Job 25:6 in Multiple Translations
how much less man, who is but a maggot, and the son of man, who is but a worm!”
How much less man, that is a worm? and the son of man, which is a worm?
How much less man, that is a worm! And the son of man, that is a worm!
How much less man who is an insect, and the son of man who is a worm!
how much less a human being—who by comparison is like a maggot or a worm!”
How much more man, a worme, euen the sonne of man, which is but a worme?
How much less man — a grub, And the son of man — a worm!
How much less man, who is a worm, and the son of man, who is a worm!”
How much less man, that is a worm; and the son of man, who is a worm?
How much less man that is rottenness and the son of man who is a worm?
So, ◄what about humans?/he does not consider humans to be important.► [RHQ] They are as insignificant as [MET] maggots. God does not think more highly of people than he thinks of worms.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 25:6
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 25:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַ֭ף
כִּֽי
אֱנ֣וֹשׁ
רִמָּ֑ה
וּ/בֶן
אָ֝דָ֗ם
תּוֹלֵעָֽה
אַ֭ף
ʼaph
H637
also
DirObjM
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֱנ֣וֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
human
N-ms
רִמָּ֑ה
rimmâh
H7415
worm
N-fs
וּ/בֶן
bên
H1121
son
Conj | N-ms
אָ֝דָ֗ם
ʼâdâm
H120
the man (Adam)
N-ms
תּוֹלֵעָֽה
tôwlâʻ
H8438
worm
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Job 25:6
אַ֭ף
ʼaph
H637
"also"
DirObjM
The Hebrew word for 'also' or 'addition', used to connect ideas or show a relationship between them, as seen in Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean 'though' or 'yet', indicating a contrast. This word is often used to add emphasis or provide more information.
Definition: conj (denoting addition, esp of something greater) 1) also, yea, though, so much the more adv 2) furthermore, indeed Aramaic equivalent: aph (אַף "also" H0638)
Usage: Occurs in 123 OT verses. KJV: also, [phrase] although, and (furthermore, yet), but, even, [phrase] how much less (more, rather than), moreover, with, yea. See also: Genesis 3:1; Psalms 16:6; Psalms 16:7.
כִּֽי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֱנ֣וֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
"human"
N-ms
Enosh refers to a human or mankind in general, used to describe individuals or people as a whole in the Bible.
Definition: 1) man, mortal man, person, mankind 1a) of an individual 1b) men (collective) 1c) man, mankind Aramaic equivalent: e.nash (אֱנָשׁ "man" H0606)
Usage: Occurs in 41 OT verses. KJV: another, [idiom] (blood-) thirsty, certain, chap(-man); divers, fellow, [idiom] in the flower of their age, husband, (certain, mortal) man, people, person, servant, some ([idiom] of them), [phrase] stranger, those, [phrase] their trade. It is often unexpressed in the English versions, especially when used in apposition with another word. Compare H376 (אִישׁ). See also: Deuteronomy 32:26; Psalms 8:5; Psalms 9:20.
רִמָּ֑ה
rimmâh
H7415
"worm"
N-fs
A worm or maggot, symbolizing decay, is described in the Bible as a sign of corruption.
Definition: maggot, worm (as cause and sign of decay)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: worm. See also: Exodus 16:24; Job 21:26; Isaiah 14:11.
וּ/בֶן
bên
H1121
"son"
Conj | N-ms
In the Bible, this word means a son or descendant, and can also refer to a grandson, nation, or quality. It appears in 1 Chronicles 24, describing a Levite named Beno. The word is used to show family relationships and inheritance.
Definition: : child/son
Usage: Occurs in 3653 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] afflicted, age, (Ahoh-) (Ammon-) (Hachmon-) (Lev-) ite, (anoint-) ed one, appointed to, ([phrase]) arrow, (Assyr-) (Babylon-) (Egypt-) (Grec-) ian, one born, bough, branch, breed, [phrase] (young) bullock, [phrase] (young) calf, [idiom] came up in, child, colt, [idiom] common, [idiom] corn, daughter, [idiom] of first, [phrase] firstborn, foal, [phrase] very fruitful, [phrase] postage, [idiom] in, [phrase] kid, [phrase] lamb, ([phrase]) man, meet, [phrase] mighty, [phrase] nephew, old, ([phrase]) people, [phrase] rebel, [phrase] robber, [idiom] servant born, [idiom] soldier, son, [phrase] spark, [phrase] steward, [phrase] stranger, [idiom] surely, them of, [phrase] tumultuous one, [phrase] valiant(-est), whelp, worthy, young (one), youth. See also: Genesis 3:16; Genesis 23:3; Genesis 34:18.
אָ֝דָ֗ם
ʼâdâm
H120
"the man (Adam)"
N-ms
Adam was the first human, created by God and mentioned in Genesis 2:19, who married Eve and had sons including Cain, Abel, and Seth.
Definition: The first named man living at the time before the Flood, first mentioned at Gen.2.19; married to Eve (H2332); father of: Cain (H7014B), Abel (H1893) and Seth (H8352); also translated "man" at Gen.2.19,21,23; 3.8,9,20; 5.2; "mankind" at Deu.32.8; "others" at Job.31.33; Another spelling of a.dam (אָדָם "Adam" H0121) man, human being
Usage: Occurs in 526 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] another, [phrase] hypocrite, [phrase] common sort, [idiom] low, man (mean, of low degree), person. See also: Genesis 1:26; Judges 18:7; Psalms 8:5.
תּוֹלֵעָֽה
tôwlâʻ
H8438
"worm"
N-fs
The Hebrew word for worm or maggot, this term is also used to describe a deep red or crimson color. It's associated with a specific type of worm that produces a vibrant dye. In the Bible, it's used to describe the color of cloth or other materials.
Definition: 1) worm, scarlet stuff, crimson 1a) worm-the female 'coccus ilicis' 1b) scarlet stuff, crimson, scarlet 1b1) the dye made from the dried body of the female of the worm "coccus ilicis" Also means: to.le.ah (תּוֹלֵעָה "worm" H8438B)
Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: crimson, scarlet, worm. See also: Exodus 16:20; Exodus 39:2; Psalms 22:7.
Study Notes — Job 25:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 25:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 25:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 25:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 25:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 25:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 25:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 25:6
- Barnes' Notes on Job 25:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 25:6
- Sermons on Job 25:6
Context — Bildad: Man Cannot Be Righteous
4How then can a man be just before God? How can one born of woman be pure?
5If even the moon does not shine, and the stars are not pure in His sight,
6how much less man, who is but a maggot, and the son of man, who is but a worm!”
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 22:6 | But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by men and despised by the people. |
| 2 | Isaiah 41:14 | Do not fear, O worm of Jacob, O few men of Israel. I will help you,” declares the LORD. “Your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. |
| 3 | Genesis 18:27 | Then Abraham answered, “Now that I have ventured to speak to the Lord—though I am but dust and ashes— |
| 4 | Job 4:19 | how much more those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundations are in the dust, who can be crushed like a moth! |
| 5 | Job 7:17 | What is man that You should exalt him, that You should set Your heart upon him, |
Job 25:6 Summary
This verse is saying that if even the moon and stars are not pure in God's sight, then humans, who are like maggots and worms, are certainly not pure either. This means we need to be humble and recognize our sinfulness before God, as it says in 1 John 1:8-9. We can't make ourselves pure or righteous, but we can come to God and ask for forgiveness, and He will cleanse us from our sins, as promised in Psalm 51:7. By acknowledging our lowly state, we can begin to understand our need for God's mercy and love, as seen in Ephesians 2:4-5.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the Bible describe man as a maggot and a worm in Job 25:6?
This description emphasizes the humble and lowly state of humanity in comparison to God's greatness, as seen in Psalm 8:3-8, where humanity is described as a little lower than the angels, yet crowned with glory and honor.
Is this verse saying that humans are worthless or without value?
No, this verse is highlighting the vast difference between God's holiness and humanity's sinfulness, as stated in Romans 3:23, where it says all have sinned and fall short of God's glory.
How does this verse relate to the concept of sin and purity in the Bible?
This verse underscores the idea that even the most righteous among us are still sinful and impure in God's sight, as expressed in Job 4:17-19, where it asks if even the angels are pure in God's sight, and in Isaiah 64:6, which describes our righteous deeds as filthy rags.
What is the significance of using a maggot and a worm to describe humanity?
These creatures are small, weak, and often considered insignificant or even repulsive, illustrating the Bible's teaching that apart from God, we are nothing, as stated in John 15:5, where Jesus says apart from Him, we can do nothing.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways do I try to present myself as more righteous or pure than I truly am, and how can I humble myself before God?
- How does the realization of my own sinfulness and lowliness before God affect my relationships with others and my daily life?
- What are some ways I can cultivate a deeper sense of humility and recognition of my dependence on God, as described in Proverbs 3:5-6?
- How can I balance the truth of my own sinfulness with the assurance of God's love and forgiveness, as expressed in Romans 5:8 and 1 John 3:1-3?
Gill's Exposition on Job 25:6
How much less man, [that is] a worm?.... Whose original is of the earth, dwells in it, and is supported by it, and creeps into it again; who is impure by nature and by practice, weak and impotent to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 25:6
Then answered Bildad the Shuhite, and said, He tries to show Job's rashness (Job 23:3), by arguments borrowed from Eliphaz (Job 15:15), with which cf. Job 11:17. Verse 2. Power and terror - i:e., terror-inspiring power.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 25:6
A worm, to wit, mean, and vile, and impotent; proceeding from corruption, and returning to it; and withal filthy and loathsome, and so every way a very unfit person to appear before the high and holy God, and much more to contend with him. The same thing is repeated in other words; only for miserable man in the last branch he here puts the son of any man, of what degree or quality soever, to show that this is true even of the greatest and best of men.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 25:6
Job 25:6 How much less man, [that is] a worm? and the son of man, [which is] a worm?Ver. 6. How much less man, that is a worm?] He saith not, as a worm, but a worm itself, so Psalms 22:6, "I am a worm, and no man"; nullificamen hominis, as Tertullian somewhere phraseth it. David in the Arabic signifieth a worm, saith one, to which he may seem in that psalm to allude. The word here rendered a worm, signifieth a small worm bred in cheese or flesh, a mite, a maggot, Vermis parvus in carne aut caseo nascens, Exodus 16:24. Others say, it signifieth rottenness, which hath no strength. Hereby man, convinced of his infirmity, vanity, and impurity, should learn Virium suarum ουδενειαν agnoscere, to give glory to God, and to take shame to himself. And the son of man, which is a worm?] Lumbricus, quo vix quidquam contemptius nominari potest, So vile and abject a creature is man. The greater is God’ s mercy to look upon such a walking dunghill: learn hereby to know God and thyself, which is the highest point of heavenly wisdom.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 25:6
(6) How much less man . . .—Comp. Psalms 8:4; Psalms 22:6; Isaiah 41:14, &c.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 25:6
Verse 6. How much less man, that is a worm?] Or as the Targum. - "How much more man, who in his life is a reptile; and the son of man, who in his death is a worm." Almost all the versions read, "Truly man is corruption, and the son of man a worm." The original is degradingly expressive: "Even because אנוש enosh, miserable man, is רמה rimmah, a crawling worm; and the son of Adam, who is תולעה toleah, a worm, or rather maggot, from its eating into and dividing certain substances." - Parkhurst. Thus endeth Bildad the Shuhite, who endeavoured to speak on a subject which he did not understand; and, having got on bad ground, was soon confounded in his own mind, spoke incoherently, argued inconclusively, and came abruptly and suddenly to an end. Thus, his three friends being confounded, Job was left to pursue his own way; they trouble him no more; and he proceeds in triumph to the end of the thirty-first chapter.
Barnes' Notes on Job 25:6
How much less man - See Job 4:19. Man is mentioned here as a worm; in Job 4:19 he is said to dwell in a house of clay and to be crushed before the moth.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 25:6
6. Worm… worm — Two distinct Hebrew words. The worms were both kinds bred in putridity.
Sermons on Job 25:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Holiness of God - Part 1 by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the holiness of God and the need for reverence and sanctification in His presence. He refers to the story of Moses encountering God at the b |
|
What Kind of Being Is Man - Part 1 by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the nature of God and highlights several characteristics of God mentioned in the scripture. He emphasizes that God is right, truth, light, li |
|
Fear Not, You Worm Jacob! by John Piper | John Piper preaches on Isaiah 41:14, emphasizing that God's people should not be fearful but have contrite courageous confidence in Him. The text reveals that God's people are in t |
|
Psalms - Part 1 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of filling one's heart with the Word of God rather than simply avoiding evil. He references the story of a demon being cast ou |
|
Job #2: The Soul's Searching by Stephen Kaung | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Job and his friends in the Bible. He suggests that the conversations between Job and his friends can be seen as an allegory or p |
|
Righteousness Is a Gift - Godliness Is Not by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan emphasizes that while righteousness is a gift from God, godliness requires a personal commitment to brokenness and humility. He illustrates that true New Testament Ch |
|
From Worm to Butterfly by George Warnock | George Warnock emphasizes the transformative journey from being 'a worm' to becoming a butterfly, illustrating humanity's helplessness and the need for divine intervention. He expl |