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Book of Job - Chapter 14 - Verse 17

14:17
My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and thou sewest up mine iniquity.

Meaning

In this verse, the speaker is acknowledging that their sins and transgressions have been collected and sealed up in a bag by God. The imagery of sealing up transgressions in a bag signifies that these sins are being contained and kept separate from the individual. By sewing up the iniquities, God is metaphorically closing off and hiding away all the wrongdoings committed by the speaker. This can be seen as a form of divine forgiveness and mercy, as the sins are being removed and hidden from sight, allowing the individual to move forward without the burden of their transgressions weighing them down. The act of sealing up the transgressions in a bag also symbolizes the finality and completeness of God's forgiveness, as once the sins are sealed up, they are no longer accessible or able to harm the individual. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the power of God's forgiveness and the ability to leave behind past wrongs in order to start anew.

Theological Overview

In this verse from the book of Job, the speaker expresses their acknowledgment of their sin and guilt before God. The concept of a transgression being sealed up in a bag and iniquity being sewn up speaks to the idea of these sins being securely stored away, out of sight and presumably out of mind. This imagery could symbolize the way in which our sins are hidden from view, but are still present and accounted for by God. The mention of a bag being sealed implies finality and a sense of closure, suggesting that once our sins are acknowledged and dealt with, they are no longer a burden or a barrier between us and God. Through repentance and seeking forgiveness, we can trust that God will seal up our transgressions and sew up our iniquities, allowing us to move forward in grace and redemption.

American Standard Version

My transgression is sealed up in a bag, And thou fastenest up mine iniquity.
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