Job 7:17
Job 7:17 in Multiple Translations
What is man that You should exalt him, that You should set Your heart upon him,
What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?
What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him, And that thou shouldest set thy mind upon him,
What is man, that you have made him great, and that your attention is fixed on him,
Why are human beings so important to you; why are you so concerned about them
What is man, that thou doest magnifie him, and that thou settest thine heart vpon him?
What [is] man that Thou dost magnify him? And that Thou settest unto him Thy heart?
What is man, that you should magnify him, that you should set your mind on him,
What is man, that thou shouldst magnify him? and that thou shouldst set thy heart upon him?
What is a man that thou shouldst magnify him? or why dost thou set thy heart upon him?
“We human beings are not very important; so, why do you pay a lot of attention to us [DOU]?
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 7:17
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 7:17 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מָֽה
אֱ֭נוֹשׁ
כִּ֣י
תְגַדְּלֶ֑/נּוּ
וְ/כִי
תָשִׁ֖ית
אֵלָ֣י/ו
לִבֶּֽ/ךָ
מָֽה
mâh
H4100
what?
Part
אֱ֭נוֹשׁ
ʼĕnôwsh
H582
human
N-ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
תְגַדְּלֶ֑/נּוּ
gâdal
H1431
to magnify
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms | Suff
וְ/כִי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj | Conj
תָשִׁ֖ית
shîyth
H7896
to set
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
אֵלָ֣י/ו
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
לִבֶּֽ/ךָ
lêb
H3820
heart
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 7:17
מָֽה
mâh
H4100
"what?"
Part
This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.
Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may
Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.
אֱ֭נוֹשׁ
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.
כִּ֣י
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.
תְגַדְּלֶ֑/נּוּ
gâdal
H1431
"to magnify"
V-Piel-Imperf-2ms | Suff
To make something or someone great, important, or powerful. This Hebrew word means to magnify or grow, and is used in the Bible to describe God's power and greatness. The KJV translates it as 'magnify' or 'great'.
Definition: 1) to grow, become great or important, promote, make powerful, praise, magnify, do great things 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to grow up 1a2) to become great 1a3) to be magnified 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to cause to grow 1b2) to make great, powerful 1b3) to magnify 1c) (Pual) to be brought up 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to make great 1d2) to magnify 1d3) to do great things 1e) (Hithpael) to magnify oneself
Usage: Occurs in 112 OT verses. KJV: advance, boast, bring up, exceed, excellent, be(-come, do, give, make, wax), great(-er, come to... estate, [phrase] things), grow(up), increase, lift up, magnify(-ifical), be much set by, nourish (up), pass, promote, proudly (spoken), tower. See also: Genesis 12:2; Psalms 35:27; Psalms 18:51.
וְ/כִי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj | 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.
תָשִׁ֖ית
shîyth
H7896
"to set"
V-Qal-Imperf-2ms
This Hebrew word means to place or set something, and it's used in many different ways, like appointing someone to a job or setting your mind to do something. It appears in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to lay hands on someone or make something happen.
Definition: : make/establish 1) to put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to put, lay (hand upon) 1a2) to set, station, appoint, fix, set mind to 1a3) to constitute, make (one something), make like, perform 1a4) to take one's stand 1a5) to lay waste 1b) (Hophal) to be imposed, be set upon
Usage: Occurs in 80 OT verses. KJV: apply, appoint, array, bring, consider, lay (up), let alone, [idiom] look, make, mark, put (on), [phrase] regard, set, shew, be stayed, [idiom] take. See also: Genesis 3:15; Psalms 21:7; Psalms 3:7.
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.
לִבֶּֽ/ךָ
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.
Study Notes — Job 7:17
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 7:17 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 7:17
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 7:17
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 7:17
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 7:17
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 7:17
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 7:17
- Cambridge Bible on Job 7:17
- Barnes' Notes on Job 7:17
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 7:17
- Sermons on Job 7:17
Context — Job Continues: Life Seems Futile
15so that I would prefer strangling and death over my life in this body.
16I loathe my life! I would not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are but a breath.
17What is man that You should exalt him, that You should set Your heart upon him,
18that You attend to him every morning, and test him every moment? 19Will You never look away from me, or leave me alone to swallow my spittle?Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hebrews 2:6 | But somewhere it is testified in these words: “What is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? |
| 2 | Psalms 8:4 | what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? |
| 3 | Psalms 144:3 | O LORD, what is man, that You regard him, the son of man that You think of him? |
| 4 | Job 34:14–15 | If He were to set His heart to it and withdraw His Spirit and breath, all flesh would perish together and mankind would return to the dust. |
| 5 | Job 7:12 | Am I the sea, or the monster of the deep, that You must keep me under guard? |
| 6 | 1 Samuel 24:14 | Against whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom are you pursuing? A dead dog? A flea? |
Job 7:17 Summary
[This verse is a question that Job is asking God, wondering why He would bother with humanity, given how small and weak we are, as noted in Psalm 8:3-4. Job is feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with his life, and is questioning God's ways, but even in his doubts, he is acknowledging God's power and care, as seen in Jeremiah 31:3. In a way, Job is expressing a sense of wonder and awe at the fact that God would even notice us, let alone 'set His heart' on us, as seen in Psalm 139:17-18. This verse reminds us that God is a personal and loving God, who is deeply invested in our lives, as seen in John 3:16.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the context of Job's question in Job 7:17?
Job is expressing his feelings of despair and frustration with his life, feeling that God has forsaken him, as seen in the preceding verses, Job 7:15-16, and is questioning why God would even bother with humanity, given our frailty and sinfulness, as noted in Psalm 8:3-4.
Is Job being disrespectful to God in this verse?
While Job's words may seem bold or even irreverent, they are a genuine expression of his emotional pain and confusion, and are not necessarily meant to be disrespectful, as God later acknowledges Job's integrity in Job 42:7-9, and the Bible encourages honest prayer, as seen in Psalm 42:1-2.
What does it mean for God to 'exalt' or 'set His heart' on someone?
In this context, Job is wondering why God would choose to highly esteem or prioritize humanity, given our limitations and weaknesses, as noted in Psalm 144:3-4, and this is a theme that is explored throughout the Bible, including in Jeremiah 31:3, where God says He has loved us with an everlasting love.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Job?
This verse is part of Job's larger lament and questioning of God's ways, and sets the stage for God's eventual response to Job, where He reveals His wisdom, power, and care for humanity, as seen in Job 38-42, and underscores the mystery and wonder of God's relationship with humanity, as noted in Isaiah 55:8-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that God has 'exalted' or 'set His heart' on you in your life, and how can you respond to that with gratitude and worship?
- How do you think Job felt when he realized that God was aware of him and was 'setting His heart' on him, despite his feelings of despair and abandonment?
- In what ways do you struggle with feeling insignificant or unimportant, and how can you apply the truth of God's love and care for you, as expressed in this verse, to those feelings?
- What are some ways that you can 'exalt' or prioritize God in your own life, and make Him the center of your thoughts and affections, as seen in Deuteronomy 6:5?
Gill's Exposition on Job 7:17
What [is] man, that thou shouldest magnify him?.... Man in his best estate, in his original state, was but of the earth, earthly; a mutable creature, and altogether vanity; so that it was wonderful
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 7:17
What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him? What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? (cf. Psalms 8:4; Psalms 144:3).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 7:17
What is there in that poor, mean, contemptible creature called man, miserable man, as this word signifies, which can induce or incline thee to take any notice of him, to show him such respect, or to make such account of him? Man is not worthy of thy favour, and he is below thy anger. It is too great a condescension to thee, and too great an honour for man, that thou wilt contend with him, and draw forth all thy forces against him, as if he were a fit match for thee; whereas men use to neglect and slight mean adversaries, and will not do them the honour to fight with them. Compare . Therefore do not, O Lord, thus dishonour thyself, nor magnify me. I acknowledge that even thy corrections are mercies and honours; but, Lord, let me be no more so honoured. Set thine heart upon him, i.e. have any regard to him, so far as to afflict him, which though it be grievous in itself, especially when it is aggravated as mine is, yet unto thy people it is a great mercy and blessing, as being highly necessary and useful to humble them, and purge them from sin, and prepare them for glory; as, on the contrary, those wicked men whom thou dost despise and hate, and design to destroy, thou dost forbear to punish or afflict them.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 7:17
Job 7:17 What [is] man, that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?Ver. 17. What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him?] i.e. Make so much ado about him, or look upon him as a fit match for the great God to grapple with, Psalms 14:3, or to take care of his affairs? Debile argumentum, saith Vatablus here, a poor argument; but Job maketh use of all kinds of arguments to move God to make an end of him: Domine, fac finem, fac finem, God, make an end, make an end! said dying Erasmus; but what he meant by those words I know not, saith Melancthon, who reporteth it. And that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?] So as to make any account of so mean and miserable a creature, Psalms 144:3, to magnify him whom thou mightest rather vilify, or indeed, nullify; or, that thou shouldest set thy heart against him, sc. to destroy him, as Job 34:14. That is but an ignoble contest, ubi et vincere inglorium est, et atteri sordidum.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 7:17
(17, 18) What is man . . .?—Here is another point of contact with Psalms 8:5; but the spirit of the Psalmist was one of devout adoration, whereas that of Job is one of agony and desperation.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 7:17
Verse. 17. What is man that thou shouldest magnify him? and that thou shouldest set thine heart upon him?] Two different ideas have been drawn from these words: - 1. Man is not worth thy notice; why therefore dost thou contend with him? 2. How astonishing is thy kindness that thou shouldest fix thy heart - thy strongest affections, on such a poor, base, vile, impotent creature as man, (אנוש enosh,) that thou shouldest so highly exalt him beyond all other creatures, and mark him with the most particular notice of thy providence and grace! The paraphrase of Calmet is as follows: "Does man, such as he at present is, merit thy attention! What is man that God should make it his business to examine, try, prove, and afflict him? Is it not doing him too much honour to think thus seriously about him? O Lord! I am not worthy that thou shouldest concern thyself about me!"
Cambridge Bible on Job 7:17
17–19. Second, Job asks, If man be not too mean a thing for God thus to busy Himself with and persecute? cf. ch. Job 14:3. set thine heart] that is, thy mind; as magnify means, to think great, to consider of importance.
Barnes' Notes on Job 7:17
What is man, that thou shouldest magnify him? - That thou shouldst make him great, or that thou shouldst regard him as of so great importance as to fix thine eye attentively upon him.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 7:17
17. Man… magnify him — Hirtzel is hardly justified in thinking that this verse is spoken in bitter irony. “Why shouldest thou break a fly upon a wheel?” — Wordsworth.
Sermons on Job 7:17
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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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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What to Speak When You Suffer by R. Stanley | R. Stanley preaches on the importance of being slow to speak, emphasizing that patience in words is the crown of a perfect life. He highlights how our troubles often stem from care |
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Our Daily Homily - Job by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of Job, emphasizing the importance of vigilance against temptation during times of festivity and the necessity of prayer and intercession for loved |
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The Lord Cherishes His Church by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes that God cherishes His Church and is deeply invested in the salvation of the world. He reflects on the testimonies of biblical figures like Peter and Pau |