Job 29:18 — Word Study
WLCוָ֭אֹמַר עִם־ קִנִּ֣י אֶגְוָ֑ע וְ֝כַח֗וֹל אַרְבֶּ֥ה יָמִֽים׃
BSASo I thoughtʼâmar▸ I will diegâvaʻ▸ [expire, come to my end] inʻim my nestqên [with my children round me, at home] and multiplyrâbâh▸ [increase, grow] my daysyôwm [lifespan, time on earth] as the sandchôwl [innumerable, countless]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וָ֭אֹמַר | and I said | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect first person common singular |
| עִם־ | with | Preposition |
| קִנִּ֣י | nest my | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| אֶגְוָ֑ע | I will expire | Verb, Qal, imperfect first person common singular |
| וְ֝כַח֗וֹל | and like sand | Conjunction, preposition, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| אַרְבֶּ֥ה | I will increase | Verb, Hiphil, imperfect first person common singular |
| יָמִֽים׃ | days | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | So I thought: ‘I will die in my nest and multiply my days as the sand. |
| KJV | Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand. |
| ASV | Then I said, I shall die in my nest, And I shall multiply my days as the sand: |
| YLT | And I say, 'With my nest I expire, And as the sand I multiply days.' |
| WEB | Then I said, ‘I will die in my own house, I will count my days as the sand. |
| BBE | Then I said, I will come to my end with my children round me, my days will be as the sand in number; |
The translations agree on the essential meaning of Job's desire to die peacefully and multiply his days, with slight variations in wording.
The sentence consists of a main thought followed by a subordinate clause, reflecting Job's inner contemplation.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbאָמַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Job 29:18
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — Job's Reflections on His Pastgenerated
Job 29:18 captures Job's thoughts on his life and aspirations. He reminisces about a time of security and abundance, expressing a wish to die peacefully in his nest, surrounded by his family. This verse is part of a larger reflection on his past glory and the comfort he once experienced, contrasting sharply with his current suffering.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalm 30:6–7 | In prosperity I said, “I will never be shaken.” |
| 2 | Jeremiah 22:23 | O inhabitant of Lebanon, nestled in the cedars, how you will groan when pangs of anguish come upon you, agony like a woman in labor.” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 49:16 | The terror you cause and the pride of your heart have deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks, O occupiers of the mountain summit. Though you elevate your nest like the eagle, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD. |
| 4 | Obadiah 1:4 | Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD. |
| 5 | Habakkuk 2:9 | Woe to him who builds his house by unjust gain, to place his nest on high and escape the hand of disaster! |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 10 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — אֶגְוָ֑ע, 'eg.Va'generated
The verb גָּוַע (gava') means to die or expire, indicating a complete cessation of life. Its usage here emphasizes Job's desire for a peaceful end, suggesting a finality that is both personal and intimate.
This verb is in the imperfect tense, indicating a future action, which highlights Job's contemplation of his mortality. The choice of this word evokes a sense of resignation and acceptance of life's inevitable conclusion.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
The translations generally agree on the meaning of the verse, with all versions reflecting Job's desire to die in his nest and multiply his days like sand.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The verse includes a main clause introduced by the verb אֹמַר (o.mar), 'I said', which governs the subsequent phrases. This structure emphasizes Job's reflective thought process.
Following the main verb, there are two clauses: one expressing his desire to die and another indicating the manner in which he wishes to multiply his days, creating a vivid imagery of his longing for peace and continuity.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates אֶגְוָ֑ע as γηράσει, which means 'to grow old' or 'to age'. This choice suggests a focus not just on dying but on the process of aging gracefully, which aligns with Job's desire for a long and peaceful life.
This rendering introduces a nuance that emphasizes the natural progression of life, contrasting with the more immediate sense of death conveyed in the Hebrew.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 29:18 shows Job thinking about his life and how he wishes to die peacefully at home, surrounded by his family. He hopes for a long life, comparing his days to the countless grains of sand.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
Job expresses a desire to die peacefully at home, surrounded by his loved ones, indicating a longing for comfort and security.
The comparison to sand suggests that Job wishes for a long and abundant life, as sand is numerous and seemingly endless.
This verse highlights Job's longing for the peace and prosperity he once enjoyed, contrasting sharply with his current suffering.
Job's reflections on his past prosperity serve to underscore the depth of his current trials and the loss of his former security.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What does it mean to me to find peace in my life, as Job desires in this verse?
- In what ways can I cultivate a sense of security and comfort in my own life?
- How do I view the concept of mortality, and what reflections do I have about my own life and legacy?
- What lessons can I learn from Job's longing for peace and abundance in the face of suffering?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early interpretations of this verse explore themes of peace and security in the face of life's trials. Quotations from Gregory the Dialogist and Ishodad of Merv are presented here.
Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as a palm. What else is set forth in this place by the title of a 'nest,' but the tranquil rest of the faith whereby every infirm soul is nourished? For that multitude of…Early Church Fathers on Job 29 →
The words “I shall be perfected like the reeds,” that is, I will end my days [by becoming full] of riches, by germinating and growing like the palm tree and the reeds and the [vegetables] planted along the edge of water.Early Church Fathers on Job 29 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 29:18 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThen I said, I shall die in my nest,.... Job, amidst all his prosperity, knew he should die, death and the grave being appointed for all men; and he often thought of it, and of the manner of it; but
Read John Gill on Job 29 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThen I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand. I said - in my heart (Psalms 30:6). In - rather, 'with my nest:' as the second clause refers to long life.
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 29 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThen I said, i.e. I persuaded myself, being thus strongly fortified with the conscience of my own universal integrity, and with the singular favour of God, and of all men. But although this was sometimes Job’ s opinion, yet at other times he was subject to fears, and expectation of changes, as appears from ,26. I shall die in my nest; not a violent or untimely, but a natural, and peaceable, and seasonable death, sweetly expiring in my own bed and habitation, in the midst of my children and friends, leaving the precious perfume of a good name behind me, and a plentiful inheritance to all my posterity. As the sand; which is innumerable. See 41:49.
Read Matthew Poole on Job 29 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 29:18 Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply [my] days as the sand.Ver. 18. Then I said, I shall die in my nest] Heb. I shall expire and breathe out my last, by a natural death, in my house, and amidst my people; as a bird dieth in his nest when he hath lived his utmost. Pollicebar mihi securitatem, I promised myself a prosperous and long life, all health and happiness (Brent.). This some make to be a fault in Job, as it was likewise in David, when in his prosperity he said, "I shall never be moved," Psalms 30:6. And indeed the holiest hearts are apt in such a strait to grow proud and secure; like as worms and wasps eat the sweetest apples and fruits. But others are…
Read John Trapp on Job 29 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(18) I shall die in my nest.—Very touching is this spontaneous expression of his almost unconscious hope when in prosperity. Some have suggested the transposition of these three verses to the end of the chapter. Though this is obviously their natural position in one sense, yet in another it is less natural. The same thing is to be seen in the last four verses of chapter 31. They carry on the previous vindication from Job 31:34, which had been broken by the parenthesis in Job 31:35-37.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Job 29 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 18. I shall die in my nest] As I endeavoured to live soberly and temperately, fearing God, and departing from evil, endeavouring to promote the welfare of all around me, it was natural for me to conclude that I should live long, be very prosperous, and see my posterity multiply as the sands on the seashore.
Read AdamClarke on Job 29 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges18–20. Job’s outlook on the future, amidst this benevolent and active life. He anticipated length of days and continued prosperity.
Read Cambridge on Job 29 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThen I said - So prosperous was I, and so permanent seemed my sources of happiness. I saw no reason why all this should not continue, and why the same respect and honor should not attend me to the grave.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 29 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
So I thought: ‘I will die in my nest and multiply my days as the sand.
Then I said, ‘I will die in my own house, I will count my days as the sand.
So I thought: ‘I will die in my nest and multiply my days as the sand.
“Then I thought, ‘I will die in my own home, my days as numerous as the grains of sand.
Tyndale line
Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand.
Then I said, I shall die in my nest, And I shall multiply my days as the sand:
Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand:
Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand.
Then I sayde, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiplie my dayes as the sand.
Strictly literal
And I said, I shall die in my nest, and multiply my days as the sand;
And I say, 'With my nest I expire, And as the sand I multiply days.'
And I say, I expire with my nest, || And I multiply days as the sand.
And I said then, “In the midst of my nest shall I depart hence, and like the sand shall I have many days.
Then I said, 'I will die in my nest; I will multiply my days like the grains of sand.
From the Latin
And I said: I shall die in my nest, and as a palm tree shall multiply my days.
Simplified
I thought I would die at home, after many years.
Then I said, I will come to my end with my children round me, my days will be as the sand in number;
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording, with six of the seven words matched. The differences lie in the word order and specific expressions, but the core message remains intact.
וָ֭אֹמַר עִם־ קִנִּ֣י אֶגְוָ֑ע וְ֝כַח֗וֹל אַרְבֶּ֥ה יָמִֽים׃
6 of the 7 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Job 29:18
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.
אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say
Qal
Say
Say in the heart (= think)
Promise
Command (esp. late)
Niph. be said, told
Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
Hithp. act proudly, boast
base
H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say
. Say in the heart (= think)
. Promise
. Command (esp. late)
. be said, told
. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
. act proudly, boast
559 'amar aw-mar'
a primitive root; to say (used with great
latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,
certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),
commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X
expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,
publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X
suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),
utter, X verily, X yet.
אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.
1) to say, speak, utter
1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called
1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly
1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch
Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-1cs — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect first person common singularHc/Vqw1cs
עִם (im) is a preposition meaning 'with' and covers a range of relationships, including companionship, locality, and possession. It can imply actions done jointly, equality, or even opposition in contexts like combat. The related form מֵעִם (me.im) means 'from with' or 'beside.' The entries reflect various nuances but do not present significant disagreement.
עִם prep. with
of fellowship and companionship
of aid
Of actions done jointly with another
If the common action be of the nature of a contest or combat, with in the sense of against
Of dealing with a person, or of the relation in which one stands with, or towards, another
Of a common lot together with the wicked
Of equality or resemblance generally aid
Of time, as long as
Of a locality, close to, beside
Of persons, עִם is spec.
in the house or family or service of
In possession of
In the custody or care of
Beside = except
With = friendly with
Idiom. of a thought or purpose present with one
Metaph. together with = in spite of, notwithstanding
base
מֵעִם 72 from with or beside
base
H5973a עִם with . of fellowship and companionship
. Of a locality, close to, beside
. Of persons, עִם is spec. . in the house or family or service of
. In possession of
. In the custody or care of
. Beside = except
. With = friendly with
. Idiom. of a thought or purpose present with one
. Metaph. together with = in spite of, notwithstanding
H5973b מֵעִם from with, beside
5973 `im eem
from 6004; adverb or preposition, with (i.e. in conjunction
with), in varied applications; specifically, equally with;
often with prepositional prefix (and then usually
unrepresented in English):--accompanying, against, and, as (X
long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from
(among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-)to,
with(-al).
see HEBREW for 06004
עִם (im) — with.
1) with
1a) with
1b) against
1c) toward
1d) as long as
מֵעִם (me.im) — from with.
1a) beside, except
1b) in spite of
Prep — PrepositionHR
קֵן (qen) means 'nest' in Hebrew, specifically referring to a bird's nest. It can also denote cells resembling nests, as seen in Noah's ark. The word is derived from a root meaning to be fixed, and it can figuratively refer to a dwelling or chamber.
קֵן n.m. nest
nest, of bird
cells, like nests, in Noah’s ark
base
H7064 קֵן nest . nest, of bird
. cells, like nests, in Noah’s ark
7064 qen kane
contracted from 7077; a nest (as fixed), sometimes including
the nestlings; figuratively, a chamber or dwelling:--nest,
room.
see HEBREW for 07077
קֵן (qen) — nest.
1) nest
1a) nest (of bird)
1b) cells (like nests in Noah's ark)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp1bs
גָּוַע (gava') is a primitive root meaning to breathe out, which implies dying or perishing. It covers various aspects of death, including to expire, give up the ghost, or be ready to die. The entries consistently emphasize its connection to death without any noted disagreements.
גָּוַע vb. expire, perish, die
base
H1478 גָּוַע expire, perish, die
1478 gava` gaw-vah'
a primitive root; to breathe out, i.e. (by implication)
expire:--die, be dead, give up the ghost, perish.
גָּוַע (ga.va) — to die.
1) to expire, die, perish, give up the ghost, yield up the ghost, be dead, be ready to die
1a) (Qal) to expire, die, be about to die
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs — Verb · Qal · imperfect first person common singularHVqi1cs
חוֹל (chol) means 'sand,' possibly derived from the idea of turning or whirling particles. The entries consistently define it as sand, with no significant disagreement among the lexicons.
חוֹל n.m. sand (perh. as turning or whirling)
base
H2344 חוֹל sand (perh. as turning or whirling)
2344 chowl khole
from 2342; sand (as round or whirling particles):--sand.
see HEBREW for 02342
חוֹל (chol) — sand.
sand
Conj | Prep | N-ms — Conjunction · preposition · noun common masculine singular absoluteHC/Rd/Ncmsa
(chol; ammos; a variant of the more usual psammos; compare amathos, psamathos): Sand is principally produced by the grinding action of waves. This is accompanied by chemical solution, with the result that the more soluble constituents of the rock diminish in amount or disappear and the sands tend to become more or less purely silicious, silica or quartz being a common constituent of rocks and very Insoluble. The rocks of Palestine are so largely composed of limestone that the shore and dune sands are unusually calcareous, containing from 10 to 20 per cent of calcium carbonate. This is subject to solution and redeposition as a cement between the sand grains, binding them together to form the porous sandstone of the seashore, which is easily worked and is much used in building.
See Rock, III, (2).
Figurative:
רָבָה (rabah) is a Hebrew verb meaning to increase or multiply, encompassing ideas of becoming great, numerous, or abundant. It has various forms, including Qal (to become many), Piel (to make large), and Hiphil (to make much). The word also appears in a context related to shooting in Genesis 21:20. There is a noted Aramaic equivalent, רְבָה.
[רָבָה] 225 vb. be, or become, much, many, great
Qal 59
become many, numerous
be great
grow great (Aramaism)
Pi. 4 make large, increase
Hiph. 162
H7235a רָבָה be, or become, much, many, great .. become many, numerous
. . be great
. grow great (Aramaism)
. make large, increase
. . make much or many
. make great, obj. pers.
H7235b רָבָה shoot
7235 rabah raw-baw'
a primitive root; to increase (in whatever respect):--(bring
in) abundance (X -antly), + archer (by mistake for 7232), be
in authority, bring up, X continue, enlarge, excel,
exceeding(-ly), be full of, (be, make) great(-er, -ly,
X -ness), grow up, heap, increase, be long, (be, give, have,
make, use) many (a time), (any, be, give, give the, have) more
(in number), (ask, be, be so, gather, over, take, yield) much
(greater, more), (make to) multiply, nourish, plenty(-eous), X
process (of time), sore, store, thoroughly, very.
see HEBREW for 07232
רָבָה (ra.vah) — to multiply.
1) be or become great, be or become many, be or become much, be or become numerous
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to become many, become numerous, multiply (of people, animals, things)
1a2) to be or grow great
1b) (Piel) to make large, enlarge, increase, become many
1c) (Hiphil)
1c1) to make much, make many, have many
1c1a) to multiply, increase
1c1b) to make much to do, do much in respect of, transgress greatly
1c1c) to increase greatly or exceedingly
1c2) to make great, enlarge, do much
Aramaic equivalent: re.vah (רְבָה "to grow great" H7236)
רָבָה (ra.vah) — to shoot.
(Qal) to shoot
V-Hiphil-Imperf-1cs — Verb · Hiphil · imperfect first person common singularHVhi1cs
in'-kres, (noun), in-kres' (verb): Employed in the English Bible both as verb and as noun, and in both cases to represent a number of different words in the original. As a verb it is used in the ordinary sense of the term. As a noun it is usually used of plant life, or of the herds and flocks, to denote the fruitage or the offspring; more rarely of money, to denote the interest. As examples of the different terms translated by this word, students who read Hebrew or Greek may compare De 7:22; Pr 16:21; Job 10:16 the King James Version; Job 12:23; Nu 18:30; De 7:13…
יוֹם (yowm) means 'day' and refers to a division of time, contrasting with night. It can denote a literal 24-hour period, a general time span, or even a year. The term is used in various contexts, including the 'day of Yahweh,' which signifies a time of divine judgment. It also appears in phrases indicating temporal references like today, yesterday, and tomorrow.
יוֹם 2285 n.m. day
day, opp. night
Day as division of time
יוֹם י׳ day of Yahweh, chiefly as time of his coming in judgment, involving often blessedness for righteous
Pl. days of anyone
Days
יוֹם = time
Phrases
base
H3117 יוֹם day . day, opp. night
. Day as division of time
. יוֹם י׳ day of Yahweh, chiefly as time of his coming in judgment, involving often blessedness for righteous
. Pl. days of anyone
. Days
. יוֹם = time
. Phrases
3117 yowm yome
from an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm
hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one
sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by
an associated term), (often used adverb):--age, + always, +
chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to)
day, (now a, two) days (agone), + elder, X end, + evening, +
(for) ever(-lasting, -more), X full, life, as (so) long as
(... live), (even) now, + old, + outlived, + perpetually,
presently, + remaineth, X required, season, X since, space,
then, (process of) time, + as at other times, + in trouble,
weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), X whole
(+ age), (full) year(-ly), + younger.
יוֹם (yom) — day.
: day/when/time/period
1) day, time, year
1a) day (as opposed to night)
1b) day (24 hour period)
1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1
1b2) as a division of time
1b2a) a working day, a day's journey
1c) days, lifetime (pl.)
1d) time, period (general)
1e) year
1f) temporal references
1f1) today
1f2) yesterday
1f3) tomorrow
יוֹם (yom) — day: old.
: old/(full/many)[days]
1) day, time, year
1a) day (as opposed to night)
1b) day (24 hour period)
1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1
1b2) as a division of time
1b2a) a working day, a day's journey
1c) days, lifetime (pl.)
1d) time, period (general)
1e) year
1f) temporal references
1f1) today
1f2) yesterday
1f3) tomorrow
יוֹם (yom) — day: year.
: year[of_days]
1) day, time, year
1a) day (as opposed to night)
1b) day (24 hour period)
1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1
1b2) as a division of time
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa