“For there is hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will sprout again, and that the tender branch thereof will not cease.”
"For there is hope for a tree, if it is cut down, that it will sprout again, and that its shoots will not cease." Job turns to nature, observing that trees can regenerate after cutting. This comparison will set up the contrast with human death—nature permits renewal; humanity does not. The verse acknowledges that some creation enjoys restoration, which makes the absence of such restoration for humans more tragic.
Church Fathers on Job 14:7
For there is a hope of a tree, if it be cut down, that it will be green again; and that the tender branches thereof will sprout forth. Though the root thereof wax old in the earth, and the stock thereof die in the ground; yet through the scent of water it will bud, and bring forth foliage as when it was planted. But man, when he is dead, and stripped, and consumed, where is he? 5. Now because this is self-evident according to the letter, we must refer the sense to the things…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS
Publish a reflection on this verse
No reflections on this verse yet. Be the first to write one!