Job 21:26
Job 21:26 in Multiple Translations
But together they lie down in the dust, and worms cover them both.
They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.
They lie down alike in the dust, And the worm covereth them.
Together they go down to the dust, and are covered by the worm.
Yet they are both buried in the same dust; they are treated alike in death, eaten by maggots.
They shall sleepe both in the dust, and the wormes shall couer them.
Together — on the dust they lie down, And the worm doth cover them over.
They lie down alike in the dust. The worm covers them.
They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.
And yet they shall sleep together in the dust, and worms shall cover them.
But both rich and poor people die and are buried, and maggots eat their bodies. Everyone dies, so it is clear that dying is not always the punishment for being wicked.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 21:26
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 21:26 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יַ֭חַד
עַל
עָפָ֣ר
יִשְׁכָּ֑בוּ
וְ֝/רִמָּ֗ה
תְּכַסֶּ֥ה
עֲלֵי/הֶֽם
יַ֭חַד
yachad
H3162
unitedness
Adv
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
עָפָ֣ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
dust
N-ms
יִשְׁכָּ֑בוּ
shâkab
H7901
to lie down
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וְ֝/רִמָּ֗ה
rimmâh
H7415
worm
Conj | N-fs
תְּכַסֶּ֥ה
kâçâh
H3680
to cover
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
עֲלֵי/הֶֽם
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 21:26
יַ֭חַד
yachad
H3162
"unitedness"
Adv
This adverb means together, describing people doing something in unity, like in Psalm 133:1.
Definition: 1) union, unitedness
Usage: Occurs in 139 OT verses. KJV: alike, at all (once), both, likewise, only, (al-) together, withal. See also: Genesis 13:6; Psalms 62:10; Psalms 2:2.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
עָפָ֣ר
ʻâphâr
H6083
"dust"
N-ms
Aphar means dust or dry earth, and is also used to describe clay, earth, or mortar. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) dry earth, dust, powder, ashes, earth, ground, mortar, rubbish 1a) dry or loose earth 1b) debris 1c) mortar 1d) ore
Usage: Occurs in 103 OT verses. KJV: ashes, dust, earth, ground, morter, powder, rubbish. See also: Genesis 2:7; Job 28:6; Psalms 7:6.
יִשְׁכָּ֑בוּ
shâkab
H7901
"to lie down"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To lie down can mean to rest, sleep, or have sexual relations, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible. It can also mean to relax or be at rest.
Definition: : lay_down/lie_with 1) to lie down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to lie, lie down, lie on 1a2) to lodge 1a3) to lie (of sexual relations) 1a4) to lie down (in death) 1a5) to rest, relax (fig) 1b) (Niphal) to be lain with (sexually) 1c) (Pual) to be lain with (sexually) 1d) (Hiphil) to make to lie down 1e) (Hophal) to be laid
Usage: Occurs in 194 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, cast down, (lover-)lay (self) (down), (make to) lie (down, down to sleep, still with), lodge, ravish, take rest, sleep, stay. See also: Genesis 19:4; 1 Kings 11:43; Psalms 3:6.
וְ֝/רִמָּ֗ה
rimmâh
H7415
"worm"
Conj | N-fs
A worm or maggot, symbolizing decay, is described in the Bible as a sign of corruption.
Definition: maggot, worm (as cause and sign of decay)
Usage: Occurs in 7 OT verses. KJV: worm. See also: Exodus 16:24; Job 21:26; Isaiah 14:11.
תְּכַסֶּ֥ה
kâçâh
H3680
"to cover"
V-Piel-Imperf-3fs
To cover something means to fill up hollows or hide something from view, as seen in many biblical stories. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, such as to cover oneself with clothing or to conceal something for protection. It can also mean to overwhelm or spread over something.
Definition: 1) to cover, conceal, hide 1a) (Qal) conceal, covered (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be covered 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to cover, clothe 1c2) to cover, conceal 1c3) to cover (for protection) 1c4) to cover over, spread over 1c5) to cover, overwhelm 1d) (Pual) 1d1) to be covered 1d2) to be clothed 1e) (Hithpael) to cover oneself, clothe oneself
Usage: Occurs in 149 OT verses. KJV: clad self, close, clothe, conceal, cover (self), (flee to) hide, overwhelm. Compare H3780 (כָּשָׂה). See also: Genesis 7:19; Psalms 32:1; Psalms 32:5.
עֲלֵי/הֶֽם
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
Study Notes — Job 21:26
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 21:26 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 21:26
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:26
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:26
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:26
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 21:26
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:26
- Cambridge Bible on Job 21:26
- Barnes' Notes on Job 21:26
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:26
- Sermons on Job 21:26
Context — Job: God Will Punish the Wicked
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. 28For you say, ‘Where now is the nobleman’s house, and where are the tents in which the wicked dwell?’Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ecclesiastes 9:2 | It is the same for all: There is a common fate for the righteous and the wicked, for the good and the bad, for the clean and the unclean, for the one who sacrifices and the one who does not. As it is for the good, so it is for the sinner; as it is for the one who makes a vow, so it is for the one who refuses to take a vow. |
| 2 | Isaiah 14:11 | Your pomp has been brought down to Sheol, along with the music of your harps. Maggots are your bed and worms your blanket. |
| 3 | Job 20:11 | The youthful vigor that fills his bones will lie down with him in the dust. |
| 4 | Job 3:18–19 | The captives enjoy their ease; they do not hear the voice of the oppressor. Both small and great are there, and the slave is freed from his master. |
| 5 | Psalms 49:14 | Like sheep they are destined for Sheol. Death will be their shepherd. The upright will rule them in the morning, and their form will decay in Sheol, far from their lofty abode. |
| 6 | Job 24:20 | The womb forgets them; the worm feeds on them; they are remembered no more. So injustice is like a broken tree. |
| 7 | Job 17:14 | and say to corruption, ‘You are my father,’ and to the worm, ‘My mother,’ or ‘My sister,’ |
| 8 | Job 19:26 | Even after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God. |
Job 21:26 Summary
This verse, Job 21:26, reminds us that no matter how good or bad we are, we will all die one day and our bodies will return to the dust. As it says in Genesis 3:19, 'for dust you are and to dust you will return.' But even in death, God is still in control and has a plan for our lives, as seen in Philippians 1:6 and Romans 8:28. This truth should encourage us to live each day with purpose and to trust in God's goodness, even when we don't understand what is happening, as noted in Proverbs 3:5-6 and Isaiah 40:28-31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for both the righteous and the wicked to lie down in the dust?
This verse, Job 21:26, highlights the common fate of all humanity, regardless of their moral standing, as seen in Psalms 49:10, where it says that 'fools, despite their wealth, will die like the beasts' and Ecclesiastes 3:19-20, which notes that both the wise and the foolish will meet the same end.
Is Job suggesting that there is no difference between the righteous and the wicked?
No, Job is not suggesting that there is no difference between the righteous and the wicked, but rather that in the end, both will face physical death, as noted in Job 21:26, but their eternal fates will be different, as seen in Daniel 12:2-3 and Matthew 25:46.
What is the significance of worms covering them both?
The image of worms covering both the righteous and the wicked, as seen in Job 21:26, serves as a reminder of the universality of death and decay, as also noted in Psalms 16:10 and Acts 13:35-37, and the need for faith in a God who can deliver us from such a fate.
How does this verse relate to the broader theme of the book of Job?
This verse, Job 21:26, fits into the book of Job's exploration of the nature of suffering and the question of why the righteous suffer, as seen in Job 1:1-3 and Job 42:1-6, highlighting the complexity of God's ways and the limitation of human understanding, as noted in Isaiah 55:8-9 and Romans 11:33-36.
Reflection Questions
- How does the reality of death and decay, as described in Job 21:26, affect my perspective on the importance of living a righteous life?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when faced with the mysteries of suffering and death, as seen in Job 21:26 and other passages like Romans 8:28 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?
- What does this verse, Job 21:26, teach me about the fleeting nature of human life and the importance of prioritizing my relationship with God, as noted in Psalms 90:12 and James 4:14?
- How can I use the truth of Job 21:26 to comfort those who are grieving or facing death, pointing them to the hope of eternal life in Jesus Christ, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:50-57?
Gill's Exposition on Job 21:26
They shall lie down alike in the dust,.... Such as have lived and died in great outward prosperity, or in more unhappy circumstances; these are levelled by death, and brought into the same state and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:26
They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them. his guilt, as if proved by his sufferings.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:26
All these worldly differences are ended by death, and they lie in the grave without any distinction, till the time of general resurrection and judgment comes. So that no man can tell who is good, and who is bad, by any events which befall them in this life.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:26
Job 21:26 They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them.Ver. 26. They shall lie down alike in the dust, and worms, &c.] Death and afflictions are common to them both, as Ecclesiastes 9:2-3 How then do ye pronounce me wicked, because afflicted, and free among the dead, free of that company? &c. And the worms shall cover them] Who haply were once covered with costliest clothing. The best are but worm’ s meat; why then should we pamper and trick up these carcases?
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 21:26
(26) They shall lie down alike in the dust.—Not only, therefore, is the inequality of their life a stumbling-block, but so also is the equality which obliterates all distinction between them in death.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:26
Verse 26. They shall lie down alike in the dust] Death levels all distinctions, and the grave makes all equal. There may be a difference in the grave itself; but the human corpse is the same in all. Splendid monuments enshrine corruption; but the sod must lie close and heavy upon the putrefying carcass, to prevent it from becoming the bane of the living.
Cambridge Bible on Job 21:26
26. Wholly different in life the two are alike in death; cf. Ecclesiastes 2:15 seq. They shall lie down] They lie down. Similarly, the worms cover.
Barnes' Notes on Job 21:26
They shall lie down alike in the dust - The emphasis here is on the word “alike” - יחד yachad.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:26
26. Alike — Together, side by side. Whatever life men live, one common fate awaits all — to lie down together in the dust. What, then, argues Job, becomes of the law of retribution in this present life?
Sermons on Job 21:26
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Basics) 72. God's Plan for Those Who Have Failed by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that God can take a person who has made a mess of their life and turn it into something glorious. He uses the stories of the prodigal son and |
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Satan Has Victims, but Jesus Is the Victor by Ken Pierpont | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the existence of a real enemy that Christians face. He emphasizes that sin is always present and waiting to tempt believers. The preacher use |
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Generations Remade by K.P. Yohannan | K.P. Yohannan explores the theme of creation and the fall, emphasizing that everything God created was initially good, but something went wrong, leading to a state of formlessness |
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Thoughts for Young Men by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the critical need for young men to be self-controlled and spiritually vigilant, as highlighted in Paul's letter to Titus. He reflects on the unique challenges |
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Reasons for Exhorting Young Men by J.C. Ryle | J.C. Ryle emphasizes the urgent need to exhort young men, highlighting their unique vulnerabilities and the spiritual dangers they face. He reflects on the alarming reality that ma |
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(Through the Bible) Psalms 47-50 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher begins by questioning why one should fear in times of evil when their own sins surround them. He emphasizes that wealth and riches cannot save or redee |
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The Resurrection of the Body by Paris Reidhead | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the importance of living in accordance with God's purpose and grace. He emphasizes that the kingdom of God cannot be inherited through flesh |