Job 34:14

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Job 34:14 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath,

King James Version KJV

If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;

American Standard Version ASV

If he set his heart upon himself, If he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;

Bible in Basic English BBE

If he made his spirit come back to him, taking his breath into himself again,

Free Bible Version FBV

If he were to withdraw his spirit, if he were to take back his breath,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

If he set his heart vpon man, and gather vnto him selfe his spirit and his breath,

Young's Literal Translation YLT

If He doth set on him His heart, His spirit and his breath unto Him He gathereth.

World English Bible WEB

If he set his heart on himself, if he gathered to himself his spirit and his breath,

Noah Webster Bible WBS

If he should set his heart upon man, if he should gather to himself his spirit and his breath;

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

If he turn his heart to him, he shall draw his spirit and breath unto himself.

Translation for Translators T4T

If he would take his spirit back to himself,

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Job 34:14

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 34:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אִם יָשִׂ֣ים אֵלָ֣י/ו לִבּ֑/וֹ רוּח֥/וֹ וְ֝/נִשְׁמָת֗/וֹ אֵלָ֥י/ו יֶאֱסֹֽף

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

יָשִׂ֣ים sûwm H7760 to set V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

אֵלָ֣י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

לִבּ֑/וֹ lêb H3820 heart N-ms | Suff

רוּח֥/וֹ rûwach H7307 spirit N-cs | Suff

וְ֝/נִשְׁמָת֗/וֹ nᵉshâmâh H5397 breath Conj | N-fs | Suff

אֵלָ֥י/ו ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep | Suff

יֶאֱסֹֽף ʼâçaph H622 to gather V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 34:14

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

יָשִׂ֣ים sûwm H7760 "to set" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

This Hebrew word means to put or place something, and is used in many different ways in the Bible, such as to appoint or determine something. It is first used in Genesis to describe God's creation. In the KJV, it is translated as 'appoint' or 'set' in various contexts.

Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, place, set, appoint, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, set, lay, put or lay upon, lay (violent) hands on 1a2) to set, direct, direct toward 1a2a) to extend (compassion) (fig) 1a3) to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, fix 1a4) to set, station, put, set in place, plant, fix 1a5) to make, make for, transform into, constitute, fashion, work, bring to pass, appoint, give 1b) (Hiphil) to set or make for a sign 1c) (Hophal) to be set

Usage: Occurs in 550 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] any wise, appoint, bring, call (a name), care, cast in, change, charge, commit, consider, convey, determine, [phrase] disguise, dispose, do, get, give, heap up, hold, impute, lay (down, up), leave, look, make (out), mark, [phrase] name, [idiom] on, ordain, order, [phrase] paint, place, preserve, purpose, put (on), [phrase] regard, rehearse, reward, (cause to) set (on, up), shew, [phrase] stedfastly, take, [idiom] tell, [phrase] tread down, (over-)turn, [idiom] wholly, work. See also: Genesis 2:8; Leviticus 20:5; 1 Samuel 21:13.

אֵלָ֣י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

לִבּ֑/וֹ lêb H3820 "heart" N-ms | Suff

Leb refers to the heart, but also represents feelings, will, and intellect in the Bible. It is used figuratively to describe the center of something, and is often translated as heart or mind. Leb is a complex concept that encompasses emotions and thoughts.

Definition: 1) inner man, mind, will, heart, understanding 1a) inner part, midst 1a1) midst (of things) 1a2) heart (of man) 1a3) soul, heart (of man) 1a4) mind, knowledge, thinking, reflection, memory 1a5) inclination, resolution, determination (of will) 1a6) conscience 1a7) heart (of moral character) 1a8) as seat of appetites 1a9) as seat of emotions and passions 1a10) as seat of courage

Usage: Occurs in 552 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] care for, comfortably, consent, [idiom] considered, courag(-eous), friend(-ly), ((broken-), (hard-), (merry-), (stiff-), (stout-), double) heart(-ed), [idiom] heed, [idiom] I, kindly, midst, mind(-ed), [idiom] regard(-ed), [idiom] themselves, [idiom] unawares, understanding, [idiom] well, willingly, wisdom. See also: Genesis 6:5; 2 Samuel 13:33; Psalms 4:8.

רוּח֥/וֹ rûwach H7307 "spirit" N-cs | Suff

In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.

Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force

Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.

וְ֝/נִשְׁמָת֗/וֹ nᵉshâmâh H5397 "breath" Conj | N-fs | Suff

This word means breath, spirit, or wind, and is used in Genesis and other Old Testament books to describe God's breath and the breath of living things. It is related to the idea of divine inspiration and intellect, and is used in various contexts in the Bible.

Definition: 1) breath, spirit 1a) breath (of God) 1b) breath (of man) 1c) every breathing thing 1d) spirit (of man) Aramaic equivalent: nish.ma (נִשְׁמָא "breath" H5396)

Usage: Occurs in 24 OT verses. KJV: blast, (that) breath(-eth), inspiration, soul, spirit. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 32:8; Psalms 18:16.

אֵלָ֥י/ו ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep | Suff

יֶאֱסֹֽף ʼâçaph H622 "to gather" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

To gather means to bring people or things together, often for a purpose like worship or community. It can also mean to take away or remove something, like gathering a harvest. This word appears in books like Genesis and Psalms.

Definition: 1) to gather, receive, remove, gather in 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to gather, collect 1a2) to gather (an individual into company of others) 1a3) to bring up the rear 1a4) to gather and take away, remove, withdraw 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, be gathered 1b2) (pass of Qal 1a2) 1b2a) to be gathered to one's fathers 1b2b) to be brought in or into (association with others) 1b3) (pass of Qal 1a4) 1b3a) to be taken away, removed, perish 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to gather (harvest) 1c2) to take in, receive into 1c3) rearguard, rearward (subst) 1d) (Pual) to be gathered 1e) (Hithpael) to gather oneself or themselves

Usage: Occurs in 188 OT verses. KJV: assemble, bring, consume, destroy, felch, gather (in, together, up again), [idiom] generally, get (him), lose, put all together, receive, recover (another from leprosy), (be) rereward, [idiom] surely, take (away, into, up), [idiom] utterly, withdraw. See also: Genesis 6:21; 1 Chronicles 11:13; Psalms 26:9.

Study Notes — Job 34:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Job 34:14 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Job 34:14
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:14
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:14
Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:14
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 34:14
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 34:14
Cambridge Bible on Job 34:14
Barnes' Notes on Job 34:14
Whedon's Commentary on Job 34:14
Sermons on Job 34:14

Context — Elihu Confirms God’s Justice

12Indeed, it is true that God does not act wickedly, and the Almighty does not pervert justice. 13Who gave Him charge over the earth? Who appointed Him over the whole world?

14If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath,

15all flesh would perish together and mankind would return to the dust. 16If you have understanding, hear this; listen to my words.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Psalms 104:29	When You hide Your face, they are terrified; when You take away their breath, they die and return to dust.
2	Job 7:17	What is man that You should exalt him, that You should set Your heart upon him,
3	Job 9:4	God is wise in heart and mighty in strength. Who has resisted Him and prospered?
4	Isaiah 24:22	They will be gathered together like prisoners in a pit. They will be confined to a dungeon and punished after many days.

Job 34:14 Summary

[This verse is saying that if God were to decide to stop giving us life and breath, everything would come to an end, because He is the one who sustains all living things, as seen in Acts 17:28, where it says that we live and move and have our being in Him. It's a reminder of God's incredible power and authority over all creation. The phrase 'set His heart to it' means that God would be making a deliberate choice to withdraw His Spirit and breath, and it would have a profound impact on all of life, as stated in Psalm 104:29. This verse helps us understand that our lives are in God's hands, and we are completely dependent on Him for every breath we take, as expressed in Daniel 5:23.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is meant by 'withdraw His Spirit and breath' in this verse?

This phrase suggests that God's Spirit and breath are essential for the sustenance of all life, as seen in Psalm 104:29, where it is written that if God were to hide His face, all creatures would perish.

Is this verse saying that God is capable of being cruel or heartless?

No, this verse is actually emphasizing God's power and authority, while also highlighting His essential role in sustaining all life, as stated in Job 12:10, where it says that God's hands have made and care for all living things.

How does this verse relate to the concept of God's sovereignty?

This verse underscores God's absolute sovereignty over all creation, as seen in Isaiah 46:10, where God declares that His purposes will stand, and His plans will not be thwarted.

What is the significance of the phrase 'set His heart to it' in this verse?

This phrase indicates a deliberate and intentional act of God's will, emphasizing that if God were to choose to withdraw His Spirit and breath, it would be a purposeful decision, as seen in Jeremiah 18:1-10, where God shapes and molds His creation according to His will.

Reflection Questions

What would happen if God were to withdraw His presence from my life, and how would I respond?
In what ways do I see God's Spirit and breath at work in my daily life, sustaining and empowering me?
How does the thought of God's absolute sovereignty and power affect my trust and faith in Him?
What are some ways that I can acknowledge and surrender to God's will in my life, recognizing His authority and control?

Gill's Exposition on Job 34:14

If he set his heart upon man,.... Not his love and affections; though there are some he does in this sense set his heart on, and whose souls at death he gathers to himself, but with this sense the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 34:14

If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; 'If He were to set His heart on man,' either to injure him, or to take strict account of his sins.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 34:14

Upon man, Heb. upon him, i.e. man, as may seem probable from ,15, where man is expressed; and from the next clause of this verse, where he speaks of that spirit and breath which is in man. If his eye and heart be upon man, if he diligently and exactly observe him, and all his ways, and whatsoever is amiss in him, and, which follows upon it of course, resolve to punish him. Or, if he set his heart against (as this particle el is used, , and elsewhere, as hath been noted before) him, to wit, to cut him off. If he gather unto himself; if it please him to gather to himself, to wit, by death, , whereby God is said to take away men’ s breath, , and to gather men’ s souls, , and the spirit is said to return unto God, . His spirit and his breath, i.e. that spirit and breath, or that living soul, that God breathed into man, , and gives to every man that cometh into the world.

Trapp's Commentary on Job 34:14

Job 34:14 If he set his heart upon man, [if] he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;Ver. 14. If he set his heart upon man] viz. For evil, and not for good, and have a purpose to unmake him again, which he can as easily do as will it to be done. If he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath] If he take away his life, which what is it else but a puff of wind, a vapour, &c., who can say he is unjust? May not the potter do with his pot as he pleaseth? We subsist merely by his manutension; and if he but pull back his hand only we are gone immediately. This is to be seen in those that swoon suddenly away. See Psalms 104:29, and consider how little this is considered by the most. Elihu thought that Job was wanting herein; for he had heard him, Job 12:13-25, disputing concerning the sovereign and absolute power of God almost in the very same words which himself here useth, from Job 34:13-31.

Ellicott's Commentary on Job 34:14

(14) If he set his heart upon man.—Or, upon himself. It is ambiguous: and so, likewise, the next clause is. We must either regard it as the consequence of the former one—“If He set His heart upon Himself, had regard to His own interest, then He would gather unto Himself His own spirit and His own breath”—or we must do as some do: supply the “if” at the beginning of it, and read it as in the Authorised Version. In this sense, the setting His heart upon man would mean in a bad sense—to do him injury. In doing him injury He would, in fact, injure His own. The effect of His setting His heart on man would be that all flesh would perish together, and man would turn again to his dust; but then God would have injured His own, and not another’s, in so doing. It is hardly possible that the writer of this last clause should have been ignorant of Gen 3:19. The speech of Elihu is marked with entire self-confidence.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 34:14

Verse 14. If he set his heart upon man] I think this and the following verse should be read thus: - "If he set his heart upon man, he will gather his soul and breath to himself; for all flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust." On whomsoever God sets his heart, that is, his love, though his body shall perish and turn to dust, like the rest of men, yet his soul will God gather to himself.

Cambridge Bible on Job 34:14

14. if he set his heart upon man] lit. as marg. upon him. The interpretation of the A. V. is possible, the meaning being, if God should set His mind strictly on man, to mark iniquity and the like (ch. Job 7:17). More probably the meaning is: set His mind upon Himself;—if He were the object of His own exclusive regard and consideration. If God thought alone of Himself and ceased to think of all creatures with a benevolent consideration, giving them life and upholding by His spirit, all flesh would perish.

Barnes' Notes on Job 34:14

If he set his heart upon man - Margin, as in Hebrew “upon him” - meaning “man.” That is, if he fixes his attention particularly on him, or should form a purpose in regard him. The argument seems to be tbis.

Whedon's Commentary on Job 34:14

14. Upon man — The marginal reading is now quite generally accepted — upon him, meaning God himself.

Sermons on Job 34:14

	Sermon	Description
	The God of the Bible Kills People by Rolfe Barnard	In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal experience of a young girl who approached him and expressed her desire for her father to get saved. The preacher emphasizes the impor
	The Spirit of Life by A.B. Simpson	A.B. Simpson explores the profound question of life through Romans 8, emphasizing that true life is found in God, who is the source of all vitality. He explains how the Holy Spirit
	He Commanded and They Were Created by John Piper	John Piper preaches on the series of messages that will take the congregation from the creation of the world through God's dealings with Israel to the incarnation of God's Son, emp
	When God Sets His Heart on You by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that although the world may be abusing God's patience, we should not be impatient or solely focused on judgment. Instead, we should seek red
	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
	The Purpose of Trials by Paul West	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of progressing in the school of God and not remaining stagnant in one's faith. He compares spiritual growth to advancing throu
	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.