Verse 1
Man. Hebrew. "adam. App-14. "Man" is to Job 14:1 what Job 14:1 is to the whole paragraph. The Hebrew accent (Dehi) emphasizes the word "man", and divides the verse into two members; viz. (1) man and (2) his characteristics which are three: (1) his origin (born in sin), (2) his brevity of life, and (3) his fullness of sorrow.
Verse 3
dost. ? Figure of speech Erotesis.
me. Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read "him".
Verse 4
Who . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis.
Verse 5
bounds. Four early printed editions read "fixed times".
Verse 7
For there is hope of a tree. This is a positive independent statement, about which there is no doubt. There should be a full stop here. Then the Hebrew accents mark off two hypotheses: (1) if it is cut down (Job 14:7) the Spring will wake its sap; (2) if waxing old (Job 14:8) it may still send forth a new growth. But there is no hope of man"s living again like a tree. If he is to "live again" he must be raised from the dead.
Verse 9
plants = a new plant.
Verse 10
man = strong man. Hebrew. geber. App-14.
wasteth away = will decompose.
giveth up, &c. See note on Job 3:11.
where . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6.
Verse 12
man. Hebrew. "ish. App-14.
Verse 13
O. Figure of speech Ecphonesis. App-6.
the grave = Sheol. App-35.
Verse 14
shall . . . ? Figure of speech Erotesis. App-6.
live again: i.e. in resurrection. Compare John 11:25, John 11:26.
appointed time = service, or warfare.
change = improvement. Hebrew. halaph = a. change for the better. See note on Leviticus 27:10.
Verse 15
desire = a longing.
Verse 16
sin. Hebrew. Chata App-44.
Verse 17
transgression. Hebrew. pasha". App-44.
iniquity. Hebrew. "avah. App-44.
Verse 19
The waters, &c. Figure of speech Paroemia. App-6.
man = a mortal. Hebrew. "en6sh. App-14.
Verse 22
But. This verse describes what happens while he is alive. See below.
his soul = he himself. Hebrew. nephesh. App-13.
within = over.
mourn: i.e. mourn "over himself". Hebrew. "alaiv, as in Hosea 10:5.