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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 14:2 Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/14-2.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/18_Job_14_02.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 14:2 - Job Laments the Finality of Death" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/14-2.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/14-2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/14.htm">Chapter 14</a> > Verse 2</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/14-1.htm" title="Job 14:1">◄</a> Job 14:2 <a href="/job/14-3.htm" title="Job 14:3">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/14.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/14.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />They spring up like flowers and wither away; like fleeting shadows, they do not endure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/14.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />We blossom like a flower and then wither. Like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/14.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He comes out like a flower and withers; he flees like a shadow and continues not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/14.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/14.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/14.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He comes forth like a flower and fades away; He flees like a shadow and does not continue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/14.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“Like a flower he comes out and withers. He also flees like a shadow and does not remain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/14.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220Like a flower he comes forth and withers. He also flees like a shadow and does not remain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/14.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“Like a flower he comes forth and withers. He also flees like a shadow and does not remain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/14.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Like a flower he comes forth and withers. He also flees like a shadow and does not stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/14.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“Like a flower he comes forth and withers; He also flees like a shadow and does not remain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/14.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He blossoms like a flower, then withers; he flees like a shadow and does not last.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/14.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He blossoms like a flower, then withers; he flees like a shadow and does not last. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/14.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: He fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/14.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />We are flowers that fade and shadows that vanish. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/14.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/14.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He comes up like a flower; then he withers. He is like a fleeting shadow; he doesn't stay long.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/14.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />We grow and wither as quickly as flowers; we disappear like shadows. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/14.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He springs up like a flower and then withers. Like a shadow, he disappears and doesn't last.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/14.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Like a flower, he comes forth, then withers away; like a fleeting shadow, he does not endure.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/14.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He grows up like a flower and then withers away; he flees like a shadow, and does not remain. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/14.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He comes forth like a flower, and is cut down. He also flees like a shadow, and doesn't continue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/14.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/14.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He grows up like a flower, and is cut down. He also flees like a shadow, and doesn’t continue. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/14.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />As a flower he has gone forth, and is cut off, "" And he flees as a shadow and does not stand.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/14.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> As a flower he hath gone forth, and is cut off, And he fleeth as a shadow and standeth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/14.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And as a flower he will come forth, and will be cut down: and he will flee as a shadow, and shall not stand.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/14.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Who cometh forth like a flower, and is destroyed, and fleeth as a shadow, and never continueth in the same state. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/14.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He comes forth like a flower, and is crushed, and he flees, as if a shadow, and never remains in the same state.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/14.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Like a flower that springs up and fades, swift as a shadow that does not abide. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/14.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />comes up like a flower and withers, flees like a shadow and does not last.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/14.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He comes forth like a flower, and withers and fades away; he flees like a shadow, and continues not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/14.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And like a flower he comes forth and dries up and fades and flees as a shadow and does not remain<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/14.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He cometh forth like a flower, and withereth; He fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/14.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />Or he falls like a flower that has bloomed; and he departs like a shadow, and cannot continue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/14-2.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=2100" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/14.htm">Job Laments the Finality of Death</a></span><br><span class="reftext">1</span>“Man, who is born of woman, is short of days and full of trouble. <span class="reftext">2</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6731.htm" title="6731: kə·ṣîṣ (Prep-k:: N-ms) -- Or tsits; from tsuwts; properly, glistening, i.e. A burnished plate; also a flower; a wing.">Like a flower,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: yā·ṣā (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">he comes forth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5243.htm" title="5243: way·yim·māl (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- Branch to be cut down off, circumcise. A primitive root; to become clipped or circumcised.">then withers away;</a> <a href="/hebrew/6738.htm" title="6738: kaṣ·ṣêl (Prep-k, Art:: N-ms) -- A shadow. From tsalal; shade, whether literal or figurative.">like a fleeting shadow,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1272.htm" title="1272: way·yiḇ·raḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To go through, flee. A primitive root; to bolt, i.e. Figuratively, to flee suddenly."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">he does not</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: ya·‘ă·mō·wḏ (V-Qal-Imperf-3ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">endure.</a> </span><span class="reftext">3</span>Do You open Your eyes to one like this? Will You bring him into judgment before You?…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/103-15.htm">Psalm 103:15-16</a></span><br />As for man, his days are like grass—he blooms like a flower of the field; / when the wind passes over, it vanishes, and its place remembers it no more.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/40-6.htm">Isaiah 40:6-8</a></span><br />A voice says, “Cry out!” And I asked, “What should I cry out?” “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field. / The grass withers and the flowers fall when the breath of the LORD blows on them; indeed, the people are grass. / The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a></span><br />You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</a></span><br />For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/90-5.htm">Psalm 90:5-6</a></span><br />You sweep them away in their sleep; they are like the new grass of the morning— / in the morning it springs up new, but by evening it fades and withers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:12</a></span><br />For who knows what is good for a man during the few days in which he passes through his fleeting life like a shadow? Who can tell a man what will come after him under the sun?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/102-11.htm">Psalm 102:11</a></span><br />My days are like lengthening shadows, and I wither away like grass.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/64-6.htm">Isaiah 64:6</a></span><br />Each of us has become like something unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all wither like a leaf, and our iniquities carry us away like the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_chronicles/29-15.htm">1 Chronicles 29:15</a></span><br />For we are foreigners and strangers in Your presence, as were all our forefathers. Our days on earth are like a shadow, without hope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/144-4.htm">Psalm 144:4</a></span><br />Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/6-30.htm">Matthew 6:30</a></span><br />If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">1 Corinthians 7:31</a></span><br />and those who use the things of this world, as if not dependent on them. For this world in its present form is passing away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/4-18.htm">2 Corinthians 4:18</a></span><br />So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/39-5.htm">Psalm 39:5</a></span><br />You, indeed, have made my days as handbreadths, and my lifetime as nothing before You. Truly each man at his best exists as but a breath. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/51-12.htm">Isaiah 51:12</a></span><br />“I, even I, am He who comforts you. Why should you be afraid of mortal man, of a son of man who withers like grass?</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He comes forth like a flower, and is cut down: he flees also as a shadow, and continues not.</p><p class="hdg">like</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/90-5.htm">Psalm 90:5-9</a></b></br> Thou carriest them away as with a flood; they are <i>as</i> a sleep: in the morning <i>they are</i> like grass <i>which</i> groweth up… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/92-7.htm">Psalm 92:7,12</a></b></br> When the wicked spring as the grass, and when all the workers of iniquity do flourish; <i>it is</i> that they shall be destroyed for ever: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/103-15.htm">Psalm 103:15,16</a></b></br> <i>As for</i> man, his days <i>are</i> as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth… </p><p class="hdg">fleeth</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/8-9.htm">Job 8:9</a></b></br> (For we <i>are but of</i> yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth <i>are</i> a shadow:)</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/9-25.htm">Job 9:25,26</a></b></br> Now my days are swifter than a post: they flee away, they see no good… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/1_chronicles/29-15.htm">1 Chronicles 29:15</a></b></br> For we <i>are</i> strangers before thee, and sojourners, as <i>were</i> all our fathers: our days on the earth <i>are</i> as a shadow, and <i>there is</i> none abiding.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/9-23.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/job/7-4.htm">Continues</a> <a href="/exodus/9-34.htm">Continueth</a> <a href="/job/11-10.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/job/8-15.htm">Endure</a> <a href="/joshua/20-4.htm">Flees</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/25-27.htm">Fleeth</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-25.htm">Fleeting</a> <a href="/job/13-25.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/job/8-12.htm">Flower</a> <a href="/job/12-15.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/job/11-10.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/job/12-22.htm">Shade</a> <a href="/job/12-22.htm">Shadow</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/32-4.htm">Springs</a> <a href="/job/8-15.htm">Standeth</a> <a href="/job/8-12.htm">Withereth</a> <a href="/job/8-19.htm">Withers</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/15-29.htm">Continue</a> <a href="/psalms/68-21.htm">Continues</a> <a href="/isaiah/13-20.htm">Continueth</a> <a href="/job/14-7.htm">Cut</a> <a href="/job/15-29.htm">Endure</a> <a href="/job/20-24.htm">Flees</a> <a href="/job/20-8.htm">Fleeth</a> <a href="/psalms/39-4.htm">Fleeting</a> <a href="/job/20-8.htm">Flight</a> <a href="/job/15-33.htm">Flower</a> <a href="/job/14-9.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/job/14-12.htm">Goes</a> <a href="/job/17-7.htm">Shade</a> <a href="/job/16-16.htm">Shadow</a> <a href="/job/38-16.htm">Springs</a> <a href="/job/41-26.htm">Standeth</a> <a href="/psalms/90-6.htm">Withereth</a> <a href="/psalms/90-6.htm">Withers</a><div class="vheading2">Job 14</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/14-1.htm">Job entreats God for favor, by the shortness of life, and certainty of death</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/14-7.htm">He waits for his change</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/14-16.htm">By sin the creature is subject to corruption</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/14.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/14.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Like a flower, he comes forth</b><br>This phrase highlights the transient nature of human life, comparing it to a flower that blooms briefly. In biblical times, flowers were often used as symbols of beauty and the fleeting nature of life (<a href="/isaiah/40-6.htm">Isaiah 40:6-8</a>). The imagery of a flower suggests both the beauty and the brevity of human existence. In the context of Job, this reflects Job's lament over the shortness and suffering of life. The comparison to a flower can also be seen in <a href="/psalms/103-15.htm">Psalm 103:15-16</a>, where human life is likened to grass and flowers that quickly fade.<p><b>then withers away</b><br>The withering of a flower signifies the inevitable decline and mortality of human life. This reflects the biblical theme of the fall and the consequences of sin, which brought death into the world (<a href="/genesis/3-19.htm">Genesis 3:19</a>). The withering process is a natural part of life, emphasizing the inevitability of death. This imagery is consistent with the wisdom literature's focus on the brevity and challenges of life, as seen in <a href="/ecclesiastes/3.htm">Ecclesiastes 3:1-2</a>, which speaks of a time to be born and a time to die.<p><b>like a fleeting shadow</b><br>The comparison to a shadow underscores the insubstantial and temporary nature of human life. Shadows are intangible and constantly changing, much like the human condition. This metaphor is used elsewhere in Scripture, such as in <a href="/psalms/144-4.htm">Psalm 144:4</a>, which states, "Man is like a breath; his days are like a passing shadow." The fleeting nature of a shadow emphasizes the brevity and uncertainty of life, a common theme in the wisdom literature of the Bible.<p><b>he does not endure</b><br>This phrase concludes the thought by affirming the impermanence of human life. The inability to endure highlights the contrast between the eternal nature of God and the temporal nature of humanity. This is a central theme in the book of Job, where Job grapples with the realities of human suffering and mortality. The idea that man does not endure is echoed in <a href="/james/4-14.htm">James 4:14</a>, which describes life as a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. This serves as a reminder of the need for reliance on God, who alone is eternal and unchanging.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who undergoes severe trials and suffering. His reflections in this chapter are part of his lament about the brevity and suffering of human life.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/u/uz.htm">Uz</a></b><br>The land where Job lived, often associated with the region east of Israel. It serves as the backdrop for the events of the Book of Job.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/job's_friends.htm">Job's Friends</a></b><br>Although not directly mentioned in this verse, they are significant in the context of Job's discourse. They represent the traditional wisdom of the time, often clashing with Job's personal experience and understanding of God.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_brevity_of_life.htm">The Brevity of Life</a></b><br>Life is compared to a flower that blooms and then withers, highlighting its temporary nature. This should encourage us to live purposefully and with an eternal perspective.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/human_frailty.htm">Human Frailty</a></b><br>The imagery of a fleeting shadow underscores our vulnerability and dependence on God. Recognizing our limitations can lead us to rely more fully on God's strength and wisdom.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/eternal_perspective.htm">Eternal Perspective</a></b><br>While life is short, our actions and faith have eternal significance. We should focus on what truly matters, investing in our relationship with God and others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/hope_in_god's_sovereignty.htm">Hope in God’s Sovereignty</a></b><br>Despite life's brevity and challenges, we can find hope in God's eternal nature and His promises. Trusting in His sovereignty provides comfort and assurance.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_14.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 14</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_faith_help_in_tough_times.htm">How can faith strengthen you in difficult times?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_psalm_49_12_contradict_soul_immortality.htm">Psalm 49:12 likens humans to animals in their mortality—does this contradict the doctrine of an immortal soul seen elsewhere in Scripture? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_14_1-2_conflict_with_promises.htm">Does Job 14:1-2's portrayal of life as short and full of trouble conflict with biblical passages that promise long life and blessings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_job_3_3_imply_a_day_is_'cursed'.htm">How can Job 3:3 imply that a specific calendar day could be 'cursed,' and what would that logically accomplish?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/14.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 2.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down</span>. Few similes are more frequently used in Scripture (comp. <a href="/psalms/103-15.htm">Psalm 103:15</a>; <a href="/isaiah/28-1.htm">Isaiah 28:1, 4</a>; <a href="/isaiah/40-6.htm">Isaiah 40:6, 7</a>; <a href="/james/1-10.htm">James 1:10, 11</a>; <a href="/1_peter/1-24.htm">1 Peter 1:24</a>), and certainly none could have more poetic beauty. Eastern flowers do not often last much more than a day. <span class="cmt_word">He fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not</span> (comp. <a href="/job/7-2.htm">Job 7:2</a>; <a href="/job/8-9.htm">Job 8:9</a>; <a href="/1_chronicles/29-15.htm">1 Chronicles 29:15</a>; <a href="/psalms/102-11.htm">Psalm 102:11</a>; <a href="/psalms/109-23.htm">Psalm 109:23</a>; <a href="/ecclesiastes/6-12.htm">Ecclesiastes 6:12</a>, etc.). Shadows are always changing; but the shadows which flee away the fastest, and which Job has probably in his mind, are those of clouds, or other moving objects, which seem to chase each other over the earth, and never to continue for a single minute in one stay. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/14-2.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Like a flower,</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּצִ֣יץ</span> <span class="translit">(kə·ṣîṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6731.htm">Strong's 6731: </a> </span><span class="str2">Glistening, a burnished plate, a flower, a wing</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he comes forth,</span><br /><span class="heb">יָ֭צָא</span> <span class="translit">(yā·ṣā)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, bring, out, direct and proxim</span><br /><br /><span class="word">then withers away;</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּמָּ֑ל</span> <span class="translit">(way·yim·māl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5243.htm">Strong's 5243: </a> </span><span class="str2">Branch to be cut down off, circumcise </span><br /><br /><span class="word">like a fleeting shadow,</span><br /><span class="heb">כַּ֝צֵּ֗ל</span> <span class="translit">(kaṣ·ṣêl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6738.htm">Strong's 6738: </a> </span><span class="str2">A shadow</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he does not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">endure.</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲמֽוֹד׃</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·mō·wḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/14-2.htm">Job 14:2 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/14-2.htm">Job 14:2 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/14-2.htm">Job 14:2 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/14-2.htm">Job 14:2 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/14-2.htm">Job 14:2 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/14-2.htm">Job 14:2 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/14-2.htm">Job 14:2 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/14-2.htm">Job 14:2 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/14-2.htm">Job 14:2 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/14-2.htm">Job 14:2 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/14-2.htm">OT Poetry: Job 14:2 He comes forth like a flower (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/14-1.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 14:1"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 14:1" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/14-3.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 14:3"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 14:3" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>