Job 14:11
As the waters fail from the sea, and the flood decayeth and drieth up:
Job 14:11 · King James Version
Meaning
This verse from the book of Job describes the natural phenomenon of water evaporation and its impact on the environment. The verse likens the disappearance of water from the sea and the drying up of floods to illustrate the transient and impermanent nature of life. It emphasizes the idea that just as water naturally evaporates and diminishes over time, so too do the challenges and difficulties we face in life. This verse serves as a reminder that nothing lasts forever, and that even the most overwhelming obstacles will eventually fade away. It encourages readers to find solace in the fact that just as the sea replenishes itself with new water, so too can they overcome their struggles and move forward with renewed strength and resilience. Overall, this verse offers a message of hope and reassurance in the face of adversity.
Theological Overview
In this verse, the image of waters failing from the sea and floods decaying and drying up can be seen as a metaphor for the transient nature of earthly things. The sea and floods represent abundance and overflow, but even they eventually diminish and disappear. This imagery can be interpreted theologically as a reminder of the impermanence of material possessions and worldly pleasures. It serves as a warning against placing too much importance on temporary things that will ultimately fade away. By focusing on eternal truths and spiritual wealth, individuals can find lasting fulfillment that transcends the passing of time. The word study of "fail" in this context can be understood as a gradual decrease or diminishing, emphasizing the gradual decline of the sea and floods. This verse invites readers to reflect on the fleeting nature of worldly pursuits and to seek deeper meaning and fulfillment in the eternal.
Job 14:11 in other translations
American Standard Version
[ As] the waters fail from the sea, And the river wasteth and drieth up;
World English Bible
As the waters fail from the sea, and the river wastes and dries up,
Douay-Rheims
As if the waters should depart out of the sea, and an emptied river should be dried up;
Geneva Bible (1599)
As the waters passe from the sea, and as the flood decayeth and dryeth vp,