Job 7:7
Job 7:7 in Multiple Translations
Remember that my life is but a breath. My eyes will never again see happiness.
O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good.
Oh remember that my life is a breath: Mine eye shall no more see good.
O, keep in mind that my life is wind: my eye will never again see good.
Remember that my life is just a breath; I will not see happiness again.
Remember that my life is but a wind, and that mine eye shall not returne to see pleasure.
Remember Thou that my life [is] a breath, Mine eye turneth not back to see good.
Oh remember that my life is a breath. My eye will no more see good.
O remember that my life is wind: my eye will no more see good.
Remember that my life is but wind, and my eyes shall not return to see good things.
God, do not forget that my life is as short as a breath [MET]; I think that I [SYN] will never again be happy.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 7:7
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 7:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
זְ֭כֹר
כִּי
ר֣וּחַ
חַיָּ֑/י
לֹא
תָשׁ֥וּב
עֵ֝ינִ֗/י
לִ/רְא֥וֹת
טֽוֹב
זְ֭כֹר
zâkar
H2142
to remember
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
חַיָּ֑/י
chay
H2416
alive
N-mp | Suff
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
תָשׁ֥וּב
shûwb
H7725
to return
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
עֵ֝ינִ֗/י
ʻayin
H5869
eye
N-cs | Suff
לִ/רְא֥וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 7:7
זְ֭כֹר
zâkar
H2142
"to remember"
V-Qal-Impv-2ms
To remember means to recall or mark something, like God remembering his covenant with Abraham in Genesis 9:1 and Exodus 2:24.
Definition: 1) to remember, recall, call to mind 1a) (Qal) to remember, recall 1b) (Niphal) to be brought to remembrance, be remembered, be thought of, be brought to mind 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to remember, remind 1c2) to cause to be remembered, keep in remembrance 1c3) to mention 1c4) to record 1c5) to make a memorial, make remembrance
Usage: Occurs in 223 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] burn (incense), [idiom] earnestly, be male, (make) mention (of), be mindful, recount, record(-er), remember, make to be remembered, bring (call, come, keep, put) to (in) remembrance, [idiom] still, think on, [idiom] well. See also: Genesis 8:1; Psalms 74:2; Psalms 8:5.
כִּי
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.
ר֣וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
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.
חַיָּ֑/י
chay
H2416
"alive"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this word means life or being alive. It can refer to physical life, like in Genesis 1:20, or spiritual life, like in Psalm 30:5.
Definition: adj 1) living, alive 1a) green (of vegetation) 1b) flowing, fresh (of water) 1c) lively, active (of man) 1d) reviving (of the springtime) Aramaic equivalent: chay (חַי "living" H2417)
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] age, alive, appetite, (wild) beast, company, congregation, life(-time), live(-ly), living (creature, thing), maintenance, [phrase] merry, multitude, [phrase] (be) old, quick, raw, running, springing, troop. See also: Genesis 1:20; Deuteronomy 4:9; 2 Kings 5:16.
לֹא
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
תָשׁ֥וּב
shûwb
H7725
"to return"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
This Hebrew word means to return or turn back, and can be used literally or figuratively. It is often used to describe someone returning to God or repenting from sin, as seen in the book of Psalms and the prophets.
Definition: : return 1) to return, turn back 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to turn back, return 1a1a) to turn back 1a1b) to return, come or go back 1a1c) to return unto, go back, come back 1a1d) of dying 1a1e) of human relations (fig) 1a1f) of spiritual relations (fig) 1a1f1) to turn back (from God), apostatise 1a1f2) to turn away (of God) 1a1f3) to turn back (to God), repent 1a1f4) turn back (from evil) 1a1g) of inanimate things 1a1h) in repetition 1b) (Polel) 1b1) to bring back 1b2) to restore, refresh, repair (fig) 1b3) to lead away (enticingly) 1b4) to show turning, apostatise 1c) (Pual) restored (participle) 1d) (Hiphil) to cause to return, bring back 1d1) to bring back, allow to return, put back, draw back, give back, restore, relinquish, give in payment 1d2) to bring back, refresh, restore 1d3) to bring back, report to, answer 1d4) to bring back, make requital, pay (as recompense) 1d5) to turn back or backward, repel, defeat, repulse, hinder, reject, refuse 1d6) to turn away (face), turn toward 1d7) to turn against 1d8) to bring back to mind 1d9) to show a turning away 1d10) to reverse, revoke 1e) (Hophal) to be returned, be restored, be brought back 1f) (Pulal) brought back
Usage: Occurs in 953 OT verses. KJV: ((break, build, circumcise, dig, do anything, do evil, feed, lay down, lie down, lodge, make, rejoice, send, take, weep)) [idiom] again, (cause to) answer ([phrase] again), [idiom] in any case (wise), [idiom] at all, averse, bring (again, back, home again), call (to mind), carry again (back), cease, [idiom] certainly, come again (back), [idiom] consider, [phrase] continually, convert, deliver (again), [phrase] deny, draw back, fetch home again, [idiom] fro, get (oneself) (back) again, [idiom] give (again), go again (back, home), (go) out, hinder, let, (see) more, [idiom] needs, be past, [idiom] pay, pervert, pull in again, put (again, up again), recall, recompense, recover, refresh, relieve, render (again), requite, rescue, restore, retrieve, (cause to, make to) return, reverse, reward, [phrase] say nay, send back, set again, slide back, still, [idiom] surely, take back (off), (cause to, make to) turn (again, self again, away, back, back again, backward, from, off), withdraw. See also: Genesis 3:19; Numbers 8:25; Judges 8:13.
עֵ֝ינִ֗/י
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
N-cs | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
לִ/רְא֥וֹת
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
טֽוֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
Study Notes — Job 7:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 7:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 7:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 7:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 7:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 7:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 7:7
- Cambridge Bible on Job 7:7
- Barnes' Notes on Job 7:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 7:7
- Sermons on Job 7:7
Context — Job Continues: Life Seems Futile
5My flesh is clothed with worms and encrusted with dirt; my skin is cracked and festering.
6My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle; they come to an end without hope.
7Remember that my life is but a breath. My eyes will never again see happiness.
8The eye that beholds me will no longer see me. You will look for me, but I will be no more. 9As a cloud vanishes and is gone, so he who goes down to Sheol does not come back up.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | James 4:14 | You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. |
| 2 | Psalms 78:39 | He remembered that they were but flesh, a passing breeze that does not return. |
| 3 | Jeremiah 15:15 | You understand, O LORD; remember me and attend to me. Avenge me against my persecutors. In Your patience, do not take me away. Know that I endure reproach for Your honor. |
| 4 | Psalms 89:47 | Remember the briefness of my lifespan! For what futility You have created all men! |
| 5 | Psalms 89:50 | Remember, O Lord, the reproach of Your servants, which I bear in my heart from so many people— |
| 6 | Job 10:21–22 | before I go—never to return— to a land of darkness and gloom, to a land of utter darkness, of deep shadow and disorder, where even the light is like darkness.” |
| 7 | Psalms 74:18 | Remember how the enemy has mocked You, O LORD, how a foolish people has spurned Your name. |
| 8 | Genesis 42:36 | Their father Jacob said to them, “You have deprived me of my sons. Joseph is gone and Simeon is no more. Now you want to take Benjamin. Everything is going against me!” |
| 9 | Nehemiah 1:8 | Remember, I pray, the word that You commanded Your servant Moses when You said, ‘If you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the nations, |
| 10 | Job 9:25 | My days are swifter than a runner; they flee without seeing good. |
Job 7:7 Summary
Job 7:7 is a heart-wrenching expression of Job's feelings of desperation and hopelessness. He feels like his life is slipping away, and he will never experience happiness again (as also expressed in Lamentations 3:17). This verse reminds us that our lives are short and fleeting, like a breath, as mentioned in Psalm 39:5. We should use this knowledge to make the most of the time we have and to trust in God's sovereignty, even when we don't understand our circumstances, just like the Psalmist in Psalm 23:4, who trusts in God's presence and guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Job mean by saying his life is but a breath?
Job is expressing the fleeting nature of human life, as also mentioned in Psalm 39:5 and Psalm 90:9, where our lives are compared to a brief, whispers of air, reminding us to make the most of the time we have.
Is Job losing hope in God's goodness?
Although Job is experiencing immense suffering and expressing his feelings of despair, he is not denying God's sovereignty or goodness, as seen in his statement in Job 2:10, where he acknowledges God's right to give and take away.
What does Job mean by saying his eyes will never again see happiness?
Job is lamenting the loss of joy and happiness in his life, feeling that his current circumstances will not improve, a sentiment also echoed in Lamentations 3:17, where the prophet expresses a sense of hopeless despair.
How can we relate to Job's feelings of desperation?
We can all identify with feelings of hopelessness and desperation, as expressed in Job 7:7, and it is in these moments that we can turn to God, just like the Psalmist in Psalm 42:11, who pours out his heart to God in his time of need.
Reflection Questions
- What are the things in my life that make me feel like my life is but a breath, and how can I use those feelings to draw closer to God?
- How do I respond to difficult circumstances, and what can I learn from Job's example of honesty and vulnerability before God?
- In what ways can I, like Job, acknowledge the fleeting nature of life and make the most of the time I have to serve and glorify God?
- What are some things that bring me happiness, and how can I use those things to bring joy to others, even in the midst of suffering?
Gill's Exposition on Job 7:7
O remember that my life [is] wind,.... Or, "breath" (c); man's life is in his breath, and that breath is in his nostrils, and therefore not to be accounted of, or depended on; man appears by this to
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 7:7
O remember that my life is wind: mine eye shall no more see good. Address to God. Wind, a picture of evanescence. "He remembered that they were but flesh: a wind that passeth away, and cometh not again" (Psalms 78:39).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 7:7
He turneth his speech to God, as appears from ,12,14. Wind, i.e. vain, ; quickly passing away, so as never to come again, as is said, . See good, i.e. enjoy good, to wit, in this world, as my friends flatter me. Compare 19:26,27.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 7:7
Job 7:7 O remember that my life [is] wind: mine eye shall no more see good.Ver. 7. O remember that my life is wind] Before, swifter or lighter than a weaver’ s shuttle (or than a sword or speech, as the Septuagint there render it, ελαφροτεροςλαλιας), now my life is a wind, or as a wind (so the Chaldee paraphraseth), that speedily passeth away, and returneth not. So St James, "What is your life?" saith he; "it is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away," James 4:14. One hath well observed, that the Holy Ghost giveth us very many items of this (and especially in this book), which shows that we are very apt to forget it. A point that is easy to be known, but very hard to be believed; every man assents to it, but few live it, and improve it to reformation. Mine eyes shall no more see good] sc. In this world, for in the world to come he was confident of the beautiful vision, Job 19:27. Hezekiah hath a like expression when sentenced to die: I said in the cutting off of my days, I shall not see the Lord, even the Lord in the land of the living (that is, in this life present, Psalms 27:13; Psalms 52:5; Psalms 142:5; Isaiah 53:8, called also the light of the living, John 9:5 Psalms 56:13); I shall behold man no more with the inhabitants of the world, Isaiah 38:11. And this both sick Job and sick Hezekiah tell the Lord, and both of them begin alike, O remember, Isaiah 38:3. God forgetteth not his people and their condition; howbeit he requireth and expecteth that they should be his remembrancers for their own and others’ good, Isaiah 62:6-7.
See the margin.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 7:7
Verse 7. My life is wind] Mr. Good translates, "O remember that, if my life pass away, mine eye shall turn no more to scenes of goodness;" which he paraphrases thus: "O remember that, if my life pass away, never more shall I witness those scenes of Divine favour, never more adore thee for those proofs of unmerited mercy, which till now have been so perpetually bestowed on me." I think the common translation gives a very good sense.
Cambridge Bible on Job 7:7
7. This feeling of the hopeless brevity of his life overwhelms the sufferer, and he turns in supplication to God, beseeching Him, the Everlasting, to think how swiftly his mortal life passes, cf. Psalms 102:11. see good] i. e. happiness or prosperity. He means in this life; but then the state of the dead, though not extinction, was not to be called life, it was but a dreary, dreamy shadow of life, having no fellowship with the living, whether men or God; cf. ch. Job 10:21 seq.; Psalms 6:5; Ecclesiastes 9:5 seq.; Isaiah 38:18.
Barnes' Notes on Job 7:7
O remember - This is evidently an address to God. In the anguish of his soul Job turns his eye and his heart to his Maker, and urges reasons why he should close his life.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 7:7
b. Job turns supplicatingly to God that he may remember him, the incumbent of so miserable an estate, lest the opportunity to help should soon and forever evanish, Job 7:7-11. 7.
Sermons on Job 7:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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What Is Your Life? (Cd Quality) by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of using our time wisely and seeking a meaningful relationship with God. He encourages the audience to prioritize their spirit |
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What Is Your Life? by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the crucifixion of Jesus and the impact it had on the people who witnessed it. He emphasizes the importance of using our time wisely and not |
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What Is Your Life? by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon titled "What Is Your Life?" Dr. McGee explores the brevity and uncertainty of human life. He emphasizes that life is a place of decision and preparation for eternity |
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Don't Waste Your Life - Part 1 by John Piper | This sermon emphasizes the importance of not wasting our lives and finding significance, power, and meaning in every moment, even in the midst of pain and suffering. It reflects on |
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Life Story of Keith Green - Part 2 by Melody Green | In the sermon transcripts, Keith shares his burden for revival and the need for more people to come forward and experience a true transformation in their faith. He emphasizes the i |
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Here's My Life by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal story about meeting a 94-year-old lady who lived to be 108. He reflects on the brevity of life and asks the audience to consider what |
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Important Questions by Leonard Ravenhill | This sermon delves into the profound question posed in the text about the essence of life, emphasizing the fleeting nature of our existence and the critical personal reflection it |