Job 21:25
Job 21:25 in Multiple Translations
Yet another man dies in the bitterness of his soul, having never tasted prosperity.
And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure.
And another dieth in bitterness of soul, And never tasteth of good.
And another comes to his end with a bitter soul, without ever tasting good.
Another dies after a miserable life without ever experiencing happiness.
And another dieth in the bitternes of his soule, and neuer eateth with pleasure.
And this [one] dieth with a bitter soul, And have not eaten with gladness.
Another dies in bitterness of soul, and never tastes of good.
And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure.
But another dieth in bitterness of soul without any riches:
Other people die being very miserable; they have never experienced good things happening to them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 21:25
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 21:25 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/זֶ֗ה
יָ֭מוּת
בְּ/נֶ֣פֶשׁ
מָרָ֑ה
וְ/לֹֽא
אָ֝כַ֗ל
בַּ/טּוֹבָֽה
וְ/זֶ֗ה
zeh
H2088
this
Conj | Pron
יָ֭מוּת
mûwth
H4191
to die
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
soul
Prep | N-cs
מָרָ֑ה
mar
H4751
bitter
Adj
וְ/לֹֽא
lôʼ
H3808
not
Conj | Part
אָ֝כַ֗ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בַּ/טּוֹבָֽה
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Prep | Adj
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 21:25
וְ/זֶ֗ה
zeh
H2088
"this"
Conj | Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.
Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how
Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.
יָ֭מוּת
mûwth
H4191
"to die"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means to die, either literally or as a punishment, and is used in books like Genesis and Exodus. It can also mean to perish or be killed. This concept is seen in the story of Adam and Eve, where death enters the world as a result of sin.
Definition: 1) to die, kill, have one executed 1a)(Qal) 1a1) to die 1a2) to die (as penalty), be put to death 1a3) to die, perish (of a nation) 1a4) to die prematurely (by neglect of wise moral conduct) 1b) (Polel) to kill, put to death, dispatch 1c) (Hiphil) to kill, put to death 1d) (Hophal) 1d1) to be killed, be put to death 1d1a) to die prematurely
Usage: Occurs in 695 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, [idiom] crying, (be) dead (body, man, one), (put to, worthy of) death, destroy(-er), (cause to, be like to, must) die, kill, necro(-mancer), [idiom] must needs, slay, [idiom] surely, [idiom] very suddenly, [idiom] in (no) wise. See also: Genesis 2:17; Exodus 21:18; Numbers 35:21.
בְּ/נֶ֣פֶשׁ
nephesh
H5315
"soul"
Prep | N-cs
The Hebrew word for soul or living being, used in the Bible to describe the essence of a person or animal. It encompasses the ideas of life, breath, and vitality, and is translated as 'soul' or 'creature' in the KJV. This word is central to biblical concepts of humanity and existence.
Definition: 1) soul, self, life, creature, person, appetite, mind, living being, desire, emotion, passion 1a) that which breathes, the breathing substance or being, soul, the inner being of man 1b) living being 1c) living being (with life in the blood) 1d) the man himself, self, person or individual 1e) seat of the appetites 1f) seat of emotions and passions 1g) activity of mind 1g1) uncertain 1h) activity of the will 1h1) uncertain 1i) activity of the character 1i1) uncertain
Usage: Occurs in 683 OT verses. KJV: any, appetite, beast, body, breath, creature, [idiom] dead(-ly), desire, [idiom] (dis-) contented, [idiom] fish, ghost, [phrase] greedy, he, heart(-y), (hath, [idiom] jeopardy of) life ([idiom] in jeopardy), lust, man, me, mind, mortally, one, own, person, pleasure, (her-, him-, my-, thy-) self, them (your) -selves, [phrase] slay, soul, [phrase] tablet, they, thing, ([idiom] she) will, [idiom] would have it. See also: Genesis 1:20; Leviticus 26:43; Judges 18:25.
מָרָ֑ה
mar
H4751
"bitter"
Adj
Mar means bitter, describing something that tastes bad or is unpleasant. It can also describe emotional pain or discontent, like being angry or chafed.
Definition: adj 1) bitter, bitterness 1a) of water or food 1b) of harlot's end, end of wickedness, cry (fig.) 1c) of pain (subst) adv 2) bitterly
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] angry, bitter(-ly, -ness), chafed, discontented, [idiom] great, heavy. See also: Genesis 27:34; Psalms 64:4; Proverbs 5:4.
וְ/לֹֽא
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.
אָ֝כַ֗ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
בַּ/טּוֹבָֽה
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Prep | 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 21:25
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 21:25 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 21:25
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:25
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:25
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:25
- Cambridge Bible on Job 21:25
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:25
- Sermons on Job 21:25
Context — Job: God Will Punish the Wicked
23One man dies full of vigor, completely secure and at ease.
24His body is well nourished, and his bones are rich with marrow.
25Yet another man dies in the bitterness of his soul, having never tasted prosperity.
26But together they lie down in the dust, and worms cover them both. 27Behold, I know your thoughts full well, the schemes by which you would wrong me.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ezekiel 4:16–17 | Then He told me, “Son of man, I am going to cut off the supply of food in Jerusalem. They will anxiously eat bread rationed by weight, and in despair they will drink water by measure. So they will lack food and water; they will be appalled at the sight of one another wasting away in their iniquity. |
| 2 | Job 7:11 | Therefore I will not restrain my mouth; I will speak in the anguish of my spirit; I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. |
| 3 | Proverbs 14:10 | The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares in its joy. |
| 4 | Job 10:1 | “I loathe my own life; I will express my complaint and speak in the bitterness of my soul. |
| 5 | Ecclesiastes 6:2 | God gives a man riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing his heart desires; but God does not allow him to enjoy them. Instead, a stranger will enjoy them. This is futile and a grievous affliction. |
| 6 | Job 20:23 | When he has filled his stomach, God will vent His fury upon him, raining it down on him as he eats. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 12:18 | “Son of man, eat your bread with trembling, and drink your water with quivering and anxiety. |
| 8 | Job 3:20 | Why is light given to the miserable, and life to the bitter of soul, |
| 9 | 1 Kings 17:12 | But she replied, “As surely as the LORD your God lives, I have no bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. Look, I am gathering a couple of sticks to take home and prepare a meal for myself and my son, so that we may eat it and die.” |
| 10 | 2 Samuel 17:8 | He continued, “You know your father and his men. They are mighty men, and as fierce as a wild bear robbed of her cubs. Moreover, your father is a man of war who will not spend the night with the troops. |
Job 21:25 Summary
This verse talks about someone who dies feeling very sad and unhappy because they never experienced any good things in their life. It shows us that having a lot of money or possessions doesn't always mean someone is happy. What's most important is having a relationship with God, which can bring us peace and joy even in difficult times (as seen in Philippians 4:11-13). This reminds us to focus on what truly matters in life, not just on earthly prosperity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to die in the bitterness of one's soul?
To die in bitterness of soul means to pass away with a sense of deep sadness, regret, and unfulfilled longing, as if one's life had been marked by sorrow and disappointment, a state that can be contrasted with the peace that comes from knowing God, as seen in Psalm 23:4.
How can someone never taste prosperity?
Never tasting prosperity implies a life devoid of joy, happiness, or success, a condition that can be a result of various factors including sin, poor choices, or circumstances beyond one's control, highlighting the importance of seeking true prosperity in a relationship with God, as taught in Matthew 6:33.
Is this verse suggesting that wealth or prosperity guarantees happiness?
No, this verse, in contrast with the preceding one, shows that wealth or physical prosperity does not guarantee happiness or fulfillment, a truth also echoed in Ecclesiastes 5:10-12, where it is noted that wealth can sometimes lead to dissatisfaction.
What does this teach us about the nature of life and death?
This verse, alongside Job 21:23-26, teaches us that regardless of the circumstances of our life, whether marked by prosperity or adversity, death is a common end for all, emphasizing the importance of preparing for eternity, as encouraged in 1 Timothy 6:7.
Reflection Questions
- How can I ensure that my life is not marked by bitterness but by the joy and peace that come from knowing God?
- What are some ways I can find true prosperity in my relationship with God, even in the midst of life's challenges?
- How can reflecting on the inevitability of death, as mentioned in this verse, motivate me to live a life that honors God?
- In what ways can I help others who may be struggling with feelings of bitterness or who have never known true prosperity?
Gill's Exposition on Job 21:25
And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul,.... Either another wicked man; for there is a difference among wicked men; some are outwardly happy in life, and in the circumstances of their death,
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:25
And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure. (Cf. Job 3:20; Job 9:23.) (Ecclesiastes 9:2.)
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:25
Another; either, 1. Another wicked man. Or, 2. Any other man promiscuously considered, either good or bad. So hereby he shows how indifferently and alike God deals the concerns of this life to one and another, to good and bad. So he shows that there is a great variety in God’ s dispensations; that he distributes great prosperity to one, and great afflictions to another no worse than he, according to his wise but secret counsel. In the bitterness of his soul, i.e. with heart-breaking pains and sorrows. Never eateth with pleasure, i.e. hath no pleasure in his life, no, not so much as at meal-time, when men usually are most free and pleasant.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:25
Job 21:25 And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure.Ver. 25. And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul] Heb. And this dieth with a bitter soul; in a sad and sorrowful condition; having suffered many a little death all his life long (as godly men especially use to do, being destitute, afflicted, tormented, Hebrews 11:37, seldom without a cross on their backs), and then dieth not only in the sorrows of death, but in the sorrows of life which to him hath been a lifeless life, because a joyless life. And never eateth with pleasure] Either because he hath but prisoners’ pittance, which will neither keep him alive nor suffer him to die; or, if he sit at a full table, yet his body is so ill affected by sickness, or his mind with sorrow, that he finds no good relish in what he eateth. That it is better with any of us, see a mercy and be thankful.
Cambridge Bible on Job 21:25
25. A different history; cf. Job’s words of himself, ch. Job 3:20, Job 7:11. never eateth with pleasure] Rather, and hath not tasted (lit. eaten) of good.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:25
25. Another — The good man. Never eateth, etc. — Rather, Has not enjoyed the good: the oft recurring ùׂ ?åáä, that is, the so-called greatest good of life.
Sermons on Job 21:25
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Through the Bible) Ezekiel 1-5 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher describes a vision that the prophet Ezekiel had of four living creatures. These creatures had the appearance of a man but each had four faces and four |
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Pride and Strife by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, Pastor Chuck Smith discusses the importance of understanding and experiencing the love of Christ. He emphasizes the need to share this love with others as witnesses |
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Miracles of Christ - Part 4 by Charles Leiter | This sermon emphasizes the individualized way in which the Lord Jesus deals with people, highlighting the uniqueness of each person's experience and the importance of trusting God' |
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Of the Practice of Covetousness in Spending by William Gouge | William Gouge preaches about the manifestation of covetous practices in spending, highlighting two ways: being too sparing and niggardly in all things, neglecting necessities for o |
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The Great Contradiction and Failure. 6:1-12 by W.J. Erdman | In this sermon by W.J. Erdman, the Preacher reflects on the futility and emptiness of pursuing worldly riches, honor, and pleasures, ultimately finding them to be vanity and a chas |
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Discouragement by Harmon A. Baldwin | Harmon A. Baldwin discusses the misconception that discouragement is inconsistent with holiness, emphasizing that even the most devout individuals can experience heaviness and depr |
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Dying to Self (Part 1 of 2) by Keith Green | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of committing everything to God. He references Luke 12:35-36, where Jesus instructs his followers to be ready and alert for t |