Job 3:14

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

معَ مُلوكِ الأَرضِ ومُشيريها الَّذينَ ٱبتَنَوا لأَنفُسِهم خَرائِب،

What Does This Mean?

Job is speaking about the fate of the dead, saying that they are with kings and counselors who have built desolate places for themselves. This verse reflects on the equal state of the dead, regardless of their earthly status.

Explained for Children

Imagine if all the important people in the world, like kings and advisors, were just as quiet and still as everyone else after they die. Job is saying that even though they built big, empty places for themselves, now they're all in the same place.

Historical Background

The Book of Job was likely written during the period of the United Kingdom of Israel, around 1000-900 BCE. It is part of the wisdom literature in the Old Testament. The story of Job is set in the land of Uz and focuses on Job's trials and his search for understanding from God.

Living It Out Today

Today, this verse reminds us that no matter how powerful or influential we are in life, death levels the playing field for everyone. It encourages us to consider what we build for ourselves beyond this life.

Topics

• death
• equality
• wisdom
• afterlife
• fate
• status

Related Verses

• Ecclesiastes 9:2
• Matthew 22:30
• Isaiah 14:4-20
• Psalms 49:16
• Psalms 82:1

Frequently Asked Questions

Who wrote the Book of Job?

The author of the Book of Job is not definitively known, but it is believed to be one of the oldest books in the Bible, possibly written by Moses or another early Israelite sage.

What does Job mean by 'build desolate places for themselves'?

Job is referring to the grand tombs or monuments built for the dead, which become desolate after the person's death, emphasizing the emptiness of earthly accomplishments.

How does this verse reflect on the theme of equality?

The verse suggests that in death, all people, whether kings or commoners, face the same fate, highlighting the equalizing nature of death.

What can we learn about the afterlife from this verse?

While Job doesn't provide a detailed view of the afterlife, he implies that there is a shared state for the dead, suggesting a unified destination regardless of earthly status.