14 if I say to corruption, 'You are my father,' and to the worm, 'My mother' or 'My sister,'

Other Translations of Job 17:14

King James Version

14 I have said said: Heb. cried, or, called to corruption, Thou art my father: to the worm, Thou art my mother, and my sister.

English Standard Version

14 if I say to the pit, 'You are my father,' and to the worm, 'My mother,' or 'My sister,'

The Message

14 If a family reunion means going six feet under, and the only family that shows up is worms,

New King James Version

14 If I say to corruption, 'You are my father,' And to the worm, 'You are my mother and my sister,'

New Living Translation

14 What if I call the grave my father, and the maggot my mother or my sister?

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Job 17:14

Commentary on Job 17:10-16

(Read Job 17:10-16)

Job's friends had pretended to comfort him with the hope of his return to a prosperous estate; he here shows that those do not go wisely about the work of comforting the afflicted, who fetch their comforts from the possibility of recovery in this world. It is our wisdom to comfort ourselves, and others, in distress, with that which will not fail; the promise of God, his love and grace, and a well-grounded hope of eternal life. See how Job reconciles himself to the grave. Let this make believers willing to die; it is but going to bed; they are weary, and it is time that they were in their beds. Why should not they go willingly when their Father calls them? Let us remember our bodies are allied to corruption, the worm and the dust; and let us seek for that lively hope which shall be fulfilled, when the hope of the wicked shall be put out in darkness; that when our bodies are in the grave, our souls may enjoy the rest reserved for the people of God.