Job 14:5
Job 14:5 in Multiple Translations
Since his days are determined and the number of his months is with You, and since You have set limits that he cannot exceed,
Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;
Seeing his days are determined, The number of his months is with thee, And thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;
If his days are ordered, and you have knowledge of the number of his months, having given him a fixed limit past which he may not go;
You have determined how long we shall live—the number of months, a time limit on our lives.
Are not his dayes determined? the nober of his moneths are with thee: thou hast appointed his boundes, which he can not passe.
If determined are his days, The number of his months [are] with Thee, His limit Thou hast made, And he passeth not over;
Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his bounds that he can’t pass.
Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months is with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;
The days of man are short, and the number of his months is with thee: thou hast appointed his bounds which cannot be passed.
You have decided how long our lives will be. You have decided how many months we will live, and we cannot live more months than the ◄limit/number of months► that you have decided.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 14:5
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 14:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אִ֥ם
חֲרוּצִ֨ים
יָמָ֗י/ו
מִֽסְפַּר
חֳדָשָׁ֥י/ו
אִתָּ֑/ךְ
חק/ו
חֻקָּ֥י/ו
עָ֝שִׂ֗יתָ
וְ/לֹ֣א
יַעֲבֽוֹר
אִ֥ם
ʼim
H518
if
Conj
חֲרוּצִ֨ים
chârats
H2782
to decide
V-Qal-Inf-c
יָמָ֗י/ו
yôwm
H3117
day
N-mp | Suff
מִֽסְפַּר
miçpâr
H4557
number
N-ms
חֳדָשָׁ֥י/ו
chôdesh
H2320
month
N-mp | Suff
אִתָּ֑/ךְ
ʼêth
H854
with
Prep | Suff
חק/ו
chôq
H2706
statute
N-ms | Suff
חֻקָּ֥י/ו
chôq
H2706
statute
N-mp | Suff
עָ֝שִׂ֗יתָ
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
יַעֲבֽוֹר
ʻâbar
H5674
to pass
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 14:5
אִ֥ם
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.
חֲרוּצִ֨ים
chârats
H2782
"to decide"
V-Qal-Inf-c
Charats means to decide or determine something, often implying a sense of sharpness or clarity. In the Bible, it is used to describe making a decision or taking action.
Definition: 1) to cut, sharpen, decide, decree, determine, maim, move, be decisive, be mutilated 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to cut, mutilate 1a2) to sharpen 1a3) to decide 1b) (Niphal) to be decisive
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: bestir self, decide, decree, determine, maim, move. See also: Exodus 11:7; Isaiah 10:22; Isaiah 10:23.
יָמָ֗י/ו
yôwm
H3117
"day"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : 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
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
מִֽסְפַּר
miçpâr
H4557
"number"
N-ms
This word refers to a number or quantity, whether large or small, and can also mean a narrative or story. It is used in many biblical contexts to describe counting or recounting events. In the Bible, it appears in passages about census and genealogy.
Definition: 1) number, tale 1a) number 1a1) number 1a2) innumerable (with negative) 1a3) few, numerable (alone) 1a4) by count, in number, according to number (with prep) 1b) recounting, relation
Usage: Occurs in 129 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] abundance, account, [idiom] all, [idiom] few, (in-) finite, (certain) number(-ed), tale, telling, [phrase] time. See also: Genesis 34:30; 1 Chronicles 12:24; Psalms 40:13.
חֳדָשָׁ֥י/ו
chôdesh
H2320
"month"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.
Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.
אִתָּ֑/ךְ
ʼêth
H854
"with"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.
Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)
Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.
חק/ו
chôq
H2706
"statute"
N-ms | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a decree or law given by God, like the Ten Commandments. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, guiding the Israelites' actions. This concept is essential to understanding God's expectations.
Definition: : decree 1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due 1a) prescribed task 1b) prescribed portion 1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve 1d) prescribed due 1e) prescribed limit, boundary 1f) enactment, decree, ordinance 1f1) specific decree 1f2) law in general 1g) enactments, statutes 1g1) conditions 1g2) enactments 1g3) decrees 1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. See also: Genesis 47:22; Nehemiah 1:7; Psalms 2:7.
חֻקָּ֥י/ו
chôq
H2706
"statute"
N-mp | Suff
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a decree or law given by God, like the Ten Commandments. It appears in books like Exodus and Deuteronomy, guiding the Israelites' actions. This concept is essential to understanding God's expectations.
Definition: : decree 1) statute, ordinance, limit, something prescribed, due 1a) prescribed task 1b) prescribed portion 1c) action prescribed (for oneself), resolve 1d) prescribed due 1e) prescribed limit, boundary 1f) enactment, decree, ordinance 1f1) specific decree 1f2) law in general 1g) enactments, statutes 1g1) conditions 1g2) enactments 1g3) decrees 1g4) civil enactments prescribed by God
Usage: Occurs in 124 OT verses. KJV: appointed, bound, commandment, convenient, custom, decree(-d), due, law, measure, [idiom] necessary, ordinance(-nary), portion, set time, statute, task. See also: Genesis 47:22; Nehemiah 1:7; Psalms 2:7.
עָ֝שִׂ֗יתָ
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-2ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
וְ/לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Conj | 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.
יַעֲבֽוֹר
ʻâbar
H5674
"to pass"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This verb can mean to cross over or transition from one thing to another, and is sometimes used to describe being arrogant or crossing a boundary.
Definition: 1) to pass over or by or through, alienate, bring, carry, do away, take, take away, transgress 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pass over, cross, cross over, pass over, march over, overflow, go over 1a2) to pass beyond 1a3) to pass through, traverse 1a3a) passers-through (participle) 1a3b) to pass through (the parts of victim in covenant) 1a4) to pass along, pass by, overtake and pass, sweep by 1a4a) passer-by (participle) 1a4b) to be past, be over 1a5) to pass on, go on, pass on before, go in advance of, pass along, travel, advance 1a6) to pass away 1a6a) to emigrate, leave (one's territory) 1a6b) to vanish 1a6c) to perish, cease to exist 1a6d) to become invalid, become obsolete (of law, decree) 1a6e) to be alienated, pass into other hands 1b) (Niphal) to be crossed 1c) (Piel) to impregnate, cause to cross 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to pass over, cause to bring over, cause to cross over, make over to, dedicate, devote 1d2) to cause to pass through 1d3) to cause to pass by or beyond or under, let pass by 1d4) to cause to pass away, cause to take away 1e) (Hithpael) to pass over
Usage: Occurs in 493 OT verses. KJV: alienate, alter, [idiom] at all, beyond, bring (over, through), carry over, (over-) come (on, over), conduct (over), convey over, current, deliver, do away, enter, escape, fail, gender, get over, (make) go (away, beyond, by, forth, his way, in, on, over, through), have away (more), lay, meddle, overrun, make partition, (cause to, give, make to, over) pass(-age, along, away, beyond, by, -enger, on, out, over, through), (cause to, make) [phrase] proclaim(-amation), perish, provoke to anger, put away, rage, [phrase] raiser of taxes, remove, send over, set apart, [phrase] shave, cause to (make) sound, [idiom] speedily, [idiom] sweet smelling, take (away), (make to) transgress(-or), translate, turn away, (way-) faring man, be wrath. See also: Genesis 8:1; Deuteronomy 27:2; 1 Samuel 25:19.
Study Notes — Job 14:5
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 14:5 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 14:5
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 14:5
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 14:5
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 14:5
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 14:5
- Cambridge Bible on Job 14:5
- Barnes' Notes on Job 14:5
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 14:5
- Sermons on Job 14:5
Context — Job Laments the Finality of Death
3Do You open Your eyes to one like this? Will You bring him into judgment before You?
4Who can bring out clean from unclean? No one!
5Since his days are determined and the number of his months is with You, and since You have set limits that he cannot exceed,
6look away from him and let him rest, so he can enjoy his day as a hired hand. 7For there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its tender shoots will not fail.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 39:4 | “Show me, O LORD, my end and the measure of my days. Let me know how fleeting my life is. |
| 2 | Acts 17:26 | From one man He made every nation of men, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and He determined their appointed times and the boundaries of their lands. |
| 3 | Hebrews 9:27 | Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment, |
| 4 | Job 12:10 | The life of every living thing is in His hand, as well as the breath of all mankind. |
| 5 | Job 21:21 | For what does he care about his household after him, when the number of his months has run out? |
| 6 | Daniel 5:26 | And this is the interpretation of the message: MENE means that God has numbered the days of your reign and brought it to an end. |
| 7 | Psalms 104:29 | When You hide Your face, they are terrified; when You take away their breath, they die and return to dust. |
| 8 | Luke 12:20 | But God said to him, ‘You fool! This very night your life will be required of you. Then who will own what you have accumulated?’ |
| 9 | Job 23:13–14 | But He is unchangeable, and who can oppose Him? He does what He desires. For He carries out His decree against me, and He has many such plans. |
| 10 | Psalms 104:9 | You set a boundary they cannot cross, that they may never again cover the earth. |
Job 14:5 Summary
This verse, Job 14:5, tells us that God has decided how long we will live and has set limits for our lives that we cannot change. This means our time on earth is short and planned by God, similar to what is said in James 4:14, reminding us to make the most of it. Knowing this should encourage us to live each day with purpose, seeking to follow God's plan for our lives. By trusting in God's sovereignty, as seen in Romans 11:36, we can find peace and live our lives to the fullest within the time He has given us.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that our days are determined?
This means that God has a plan for our lives and has set a specific time for us to be on this earth, as also seen in Psalm 139:16, where it says our days were written in God's book before we were born.
Is it true that we cannot exceed the limits God has set for us?
Yes, according to Job 14:5 and also Psalm 90:12, God has set limits for our lives, and we cannot go beyond what He has ordained, reminding us to make the most of the time He has given us.
How does knowing our days are determined affect our daily lives?
Knowing our days are determined should encourage us to seek God's will and live each day intentionally, using our time wisely, as encouraged in Ephesians 5:16-17, making the most of every opportunity.
Does this mean our choices do not matter since our days are predetermined?
No, our choices do matter, but within the framework of God's sovereignty, as seen in Proverbs 16:9, where it says we can make our plans, but the Lord establishes our steps, indicating a balance between our decisions and God's overall plan.
Reflection Questions
- How does the knowledge that my days are determined by God impact my priorities and decisions?
- In what ways can I trust God's sovereignty over my life, even when I don't understand the limits He has set?
- What are some ways I can 'make the most of every opportunity' as suggested in Ephesians 5:16, given the limitations and determinations of my life?
- How can I find peace in knowing that my time on earth is limited and predetermined by God?
- What does it mean to 'enjoy my day as a hired hand' as mentioned in the next verse, Job 14:6, and how can I apply that to my life?
Gill's Exposition on Job 14:5
Seeing his days [are] determined,.... Or "cut out" (i), exactly and precisely, how many he shall live, and what shall befall him every day of his life; whose life, because of the shortness of it, is
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 14:5
Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass; Determined - (Job 7:1 , "Is there not an appointed time to men upon earth?"
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 14:5
His days; the days or (as it follows) months of his life. Are determined; are by thy sentence and decree limited to a certain period. With thee, i.e. exactly known to thee, or in thy power and disposal. Thou hast appointed a certain end of his days, beyond which he cannot prolong his life; and therefore let this short life and unavoidable death suffice for man’ s punishment, and do not add further and sorer calamities.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 14:5
Job 14:5 Seeing his days [are] determined, the number of his months [are] with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;Ver. 5. Seeing his days are determined, &c.] God hath set every man both his time (whether shorter, called here his days, or longer, the number of his months, they have both their bounds which none can pass) and also his task, Acts 13:25. John fulfilled his course, et in brevi vitae spatio tempora virtutum multa replevit, and he lived long in a little time; he wrought hard, as not willing to be taken with his task undone (Hieron.). So Acts 13:36. David, after he had served his own generation, and had done all the will of God, fell on sleep. See more of this on Job 7:1. Thou hast appointed his bounds] Heb. His statutes. It is appointed for all men once to die, Hebrews 9:27, once for all, and for ever it is appointed, and this statute is irrepealable. Here then we see the cause why some, likely to live long, die soon, and others more infirm live longer.
God hath set the bounds of each one’ s life to a very day. The bounds may be passed which our natural complexion setteth; the bounds cannot be passed which the providence and will of God setteth. Stat sua cuique dies - (Virg.).
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 14:5
Verse 5. Seeing his days are determined] The general term of human life is fixed by God himself; in vain are all attempts to prolong it beyond this term. Several attempts have been made in all nations to find an elixir that would expel all the seeds of disease, and keep men in continual health; but all these attempts have failed. Basil, Valentine, Norton, Dastin, Ripley, Sandivogius, Artephius, Geber, Van Helmont, Paracelsus, Philalethes, and several others, both in Europe and Asia, have written copiously on the subject, and have endeavoured to prove that a tincture might be produced, by which all imperfect metals may be transmuted into perfect; and an elixir by which the human body may be kept in a state of endless repair and health. And these profess to teach the method by which this tincture and this elixir may be made! Yet all these are dead; and dead, for aught we know, comparatively young! Artephius is, indeed, said to have lived ninety years, which is probable; but some of his foolish disciples, to give credit to their thriftless craft, added another cipher, and made his age nine hundred! Man may endeavour to pass the bound; and God may, here and there, produce a Thomas Parr, who died in 1635, aged one hundred and fifty-two; and a Henry Jenkins, who died in 1670, aged one hundred and sixty-nine; but these are rare instances, and do not affect the general term. Nor can death be avoided. Dust thou art, and unto dust thou shalt return, is the law, and that will ever render nugatory all such pretended tinctures and elixirs.
But, although man cannot pass his appointed bounds, yet he may so live as never to reach them; for folly and wickedness abridge the term of human life; and therefore the psalmist says, Bloody and deceitful men shall not live out HALF their days, Psalms 55:23, for by indolence, intemperance, and disorderly passions, the life of man is shortened in cases innumerable. We are not to understand the bounds as applying to individuals, but to the race in general. Perhaps there is no case in which God has determined absolutely that man's age shall be so long, and shall neither be more nor less. The contrary supposition involves innumerable absurdities.
Cambridge Bible on Job 14:5
5, 6. Man being of few days and full of trouble Job pleads that God would not load him with uncommon afflictions, but leave him oppressed with no more than those natural to his short and evil life.
Barnes' Notes on Job 14:5
Seeing his days - are “determined” Since man is so frail, and so short-lived, let him alone, that he may pass his little time with some degree of comfort and then die; see the notes at Job 7:19-21.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 14:5
5. Seeing — Literally, “If his days are determined,” (as is the case.) This entire verse, with its three conditions, the two latter of which spring out of the former, is an hypothesis on which Job rests his touching appeal in ver.
Sermons on Job 14:5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Use of Your Time by Steven J. Lawson | This sermon delves into the life and resolutions of Jonathan Edwards, highlighting his unwavering commitment to glorifying God, his perspective on time and eternity, and his prepar |
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Life or Death (Daniel Kauffman’s Funeral Message by Roman Kauffman | Roman Kauffman preaches about the sobering reality of death and the importance of being prepared for our appointed time to face God's judgment. He emphasizes that just as Daniel ha |
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Of the Death of the Body. by John Gill | John Gill addresses the concept of physical death, distinguishing it from spiritual death and emphasizing that it is a separation of the soul and body. He explores the nature of de |
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God's Bloodhound by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the speaker discusses their plan to distribute 50 sets of 70-hour tapes throughout America to help train young preachers. They express gratitude for the person fina |
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Life Is a Vapor. Live Like It! by Tim Conway | This sermon emphasizes the importance of having a mindset aligned with God's perspective on life and eternity. It contrasts the worldly mindset that views life as forever with the |
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Martyrs Prayer (Compilation) by Compilations | In this sermon, the speaker shares a powerful story of a young girl named Rebecca whose father was killed by lions because he loved Jesus. Rebecca and her brother were later taken |
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Pleasing God - Pt. 1 by Kay Smith | In this sermon, Chris Carlson emphasizes the importance of living with an attitude of pleasing the heart of God. He shares how his own awareness of this began when he witnessed the |