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Book of Job - Chapter 7 - Verse 9

7:9
As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more.

Meaning

This verse from the book of Job reflects the transient and temporary nature of life. The comparison between a cloud that dissipates and a person who goes down to the grave emphasizes the idea of mortality and the finality of death. Just as a cloud disappears and is no more, so too will a person who dies and descends into the grave. The verse serves as a reminder of the inevitability of death and the belief that once a person passes away, they will not return to this world. It speaks to the brevity of life and the understanding that death is a natural part of the human experience. This verse can serve as a contemplation on the fleeting nature of existence and the importance of cherishing every moment we have on this earth.

Theological Overview

When examining the theological interpretation of the verse "As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: so he that goeth down to the grave shall come up no more," it is important to consider the imagery used by the author. The comparison between a cloud dissipating and a person descending to the grave suggests a sense of finality and permanence. Just as a cloud disappears into nothingness, so too does the person who enters the grave cease to exist in this world. This can be interpreted as a reflection of the author's belief in the finality of death and the idea that there is no return from the grave.

Furthermore, a word study of the verse reveals interesting insights into the original Hebrew text. The word "cloud," for example, can symbolize fleetingness and impermanence, highlighting the transient nature of life. Similarly, the mention of coming up "no more" from the grave emphasizes the finality of death and underscores the author's belief in the afterlife or lack thereof. Overall, this verse serves as a poignant reminder of the inevitability of death and the unknown that lies beyond the grave.

American Standard Version

As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away, So he that goeth down to Sheol shall come up no more.
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