“Man, who is born of woman, Is short-lived and full of turmoil.” (v.1) This verse underscores the fragility and brevity of human existence. In the Book of Job, a text believed by many scholars to date back to the era of the patriarchs (roughly 2100 BC to 1900 BC), Job laments the fleeting nature of life and the inherent hardships that accompany it. The phrase, “short-lived and full of turmoil,” conveys that from birth to death, people face trials that feel destabilizing, reminding us that human life is both precious and vulnerable.
“Man, who is born of woman, Is short-lived and full of turmoil.” (v.1) also highlights the universality of suffering. Job’s words reach across time and geography to illustrate that no one is exempt from struggles. Although set in the land of Uz—likely somewhere in the southeastern region neighboring ancient Israel—this statement applies to human existence at large. It expresses a longing for relief, and this desire for comfort is later addressed throughout scripture, culminating in the Christian New Testament where Jesus offers hope for eternal life (John 3:16).
In addition to describing life’s trials, the verse points toward a perspective that moves individuals to seek spiritual meaning. The brevity of earthly life mentioned here resonates with James 4:14, which compares life to a vapor. That sense of impermanence can be understood as both a warning and a motivation to cling to God, trusting that temporary pain does not nullify the possibility of divine purpose and eternal hope.
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Job 14:1 meaning
“Man, who is born of woman, Is short-lived and full of turmoil.” (v.1) This verse underscores the fragility and brevity of human existence. In the Book of Job, a text believed by many scholars to date back to the era of the patriarchs (roughly 2100 BC to 1900 BC), Job laments the fleeting nature of life and the inherent hardships that accompany it. The phrase, “short-lived and full of turmoil,” conveys that from birth to death, people face trials that feel destabilizing, reminding us that human life is both precious and vulnerable.
“Man, who is born of woman, Is short-lived and full of turmoil.” (v.1) also highlights the universality of suffering. Job’s words reach across time and geography to illustrate that no one is exempt from struggles. Although set in the land of Uz—likely somewhere in the southeastern region neighboring ancient Israel—this statement applies to human existence at large. It expresses a longing for relief, and this desire for comfort is later addressed throughout scripture, culminating in the Christian New Testament where Jesus offers hope for eternal life (John 3:16).
In addition to describing life’s trials, the verse points toward a perspective that moves individuals to seek spiritual meaning. The brevity of earthly life mentioned here resonates with James 4:14, which compares life to a vapor. That sense of impermanence can be understood as both a warning and a motivation to cling to God, trusting that temporary pain does not nullify the possibility of divine purpose and eternal hope.