Job 14:20

Job 14:20 Meaning and Explanation

Thou prevailest for ever against him, and he passeth: thou changest his countenance, and sendest him away.

King James Version (KJV)

Read this verse in context with translation switching:

Read Full Chapter →

Job describes death as God overpowering a person, changing his face, and sending him away.

What Does Job 14:20 Mean?

Job pictures the moment of death in stark terms. God prevails, and the person passes; the face that once smiled and grieved is changed in death, and the soul is sent away from the world of the living. It is the universal experience of watching the look of a loved one alter as life departs.

Job does not soften the finality, and his grief is real. Yet even this somber verse is addressed to God, who alone holds the power over life and death. To be "sent away" by God is still to be in His hands, not lost beyond His reach. The very God who sends away can also call back, and in Christ the changed countenance of death gives way to faces that shall behold Him and be made like Him.

Frequently Asked Questions About Job 14:20

What does Job 14:20 mean?

Job describes death as God overpowering a person, changing his face, and sending him away.

Keep Studying Job 14

Read the whole chapter in KJV, ASV, or WEB, or go deeper with the chapter study guide and key themes.