Job – Chapter 7

Old Testament • 21 Verses

Chapter Summary

Job 7 opens with the words: "The life of man upon earth is a warfare, and his days are like the days of a hireling." Across its 21 verses, two threads run through the text: suffering and trial and sin and divine judgment. The Church invites us to read this chapter within the whole sweep of salvation history, where every page points toward Christ.

1The life of man upon earth is a warfare, and his days are like the days of a hireling.

2As a servant longeth for the shade, as the hireling looketh for the end of his work;

3So I also have had empty months, and have numbered to myself wearisome nights.

4If I lie down to sleep, I shall say: When shall I rise? and again, I shall look for the evening, and shall be filled with sorrows even till darkness.

5My flesh is clothed with rottenness and the filth of dust; my skin is withered and drawn together.

6My days have passed more swiftly than the web is cut by the weaver, and are consumed without any hope.

7Remember that my life is but wind, and my eye shall not return to see good things.

8Nor shall the sight of man behold me: thy eyes are upon me, and I shall be no more.

9As a cloud is consumed, and passeth away: so he that shall go down to hell shall not come up.

10Nor shall he return any more into his house, neither shall his place know him any more

11Wherefore, I will not spare my mouth, I will speak in the affliction of my spirit: I will talk with the bitterness of my soul.

12Am I a sea, or a whale, that thou hast enclosed me in a prison?

13If I say: My bed shall comfort me, and I shall be relieved, speaking with myself on my couch:

14Thou wilt frighten me with dreams, and terrify me with visions.

15So that my soul rather chooseth hanging, and my bones death.

16I have done with hope, I shall now live no longer: spare me, for my days are nothing.

17What is a man, that thou shouldst magnify him or why dost thou set thy heart upon him?

18Thou visitest him early in the morning, and thou provest him suddenly.

19How long wilt thou not spare me, nor suffer me to swallow down my spittle?

20I have sinned: what shall I do to thee, O keeper of men? why hast thou set me opposite to thee. and am I become burdensome to myself?

21Why dost thou not remove my sin, and why dost thou not take away my iniquity? Behold now I shall sleep in the dust: and if thou seek me in the morning, I shall not be.

Important Verses in Job 7

“The life of man upon earth is a warfare, and his days are like the days of a hireling.”

Job 7:1

“My days have passed more swiftly than the web is cut by the weaver, and are consumed without any hope.”

Job 7:6

“Wherefore, I will not spare my mouth, I will speak in the affliction of my spirit: I will talk with the bitterness of my soul.”

Job 7:11

“So that my soul rather chooseth hanging, and my bones death.”

Job 7:15

Historical Context

Job belongs to the Old Testament and was composed for all who wrestle with the mystery of suffering and God's justice. Chapter 7 of 42 belongs to the early movement of the book, where the narrative or argument is still unfolding. It is a wisdom instruction on how to live before God in ordinary circumstances with 21 verses in the Douay-Rheims translation. It opens with the line: "The life of man upon earth is a warfare, and his days are like the days of a hireling." The final verse reads: "Why dost thou not remove my sin, and why dost thou not take away my iniquity? Behold now I shall sleep in the dust: and…" The wider setting of Job is this: Job confronts the deepest human question: why do the innocent suffer? Catholic tradition dates the book to the period described in its introduction: Uncertain; commonly dated between the 7th and 4th centuries BC.

Who Wrote It

Unknown inspired poet of Israel

When It Was Written

Uncertain; commonly dated between the 7th and 4th centuries BC

Catholic Commentary

The literal sense presents maxims, observations, or arguments meant to form character and discernment. A pivotal line is verse 1: "The life of man upon earth is a warfare, and his days are like the days of a hireling." The passage repeatedly touches on suffering and trial.

According to Catholic interpretation, this chapter contributes to the book's portrait of suffering, faith, and divine mystery. the Church sees Job as prefiguring Christ in innocent suffering (CIC 1502). The Catechism and the liturgy frequently draw on such passages to nourish faith and moral life (CIC 265).

The moral and spiritual import remains timely: Suffering, united to Christ, becomes a path of purification and deeper trust in God.. St. Jerome insisted that ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ; this chapter offers material for meditation, examination of conscience, and deeper love of God.

Main Teachings

  • ✓Suffering, united to Christ, becomes a path of purification and deeper trust in God.
  • ✓Sin has real consequences, but God's judgment always aims at conversion and restoration.
  • ✓Christian hope rests not on circumstances but on the unfailing promises of God.

Reflection for Today

Catholic exegesis approaches Job Chapter 7 with reverence, seeking both the literal sense and the spiritual meaning ordered to Christ.

Catholic theology recognizes that suffering, faith, and divine mystery is not an abstract idea but a reality encountered in prayer, sacraments, and charity. This chapter contributes to that vision by stressing justice, charity, and the common good.

Let Job Chapter 7 deepen your love for the Eucharist, where the Word made flesh continues to feed His people. The same Christ who speaks in Scripture offers Himself sacramentally on the altar.

💡Catholic Reflection • Church Teachings

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Job Chapter 7 about?

Job 7 contains 21 verses. It opens with "The life of man upon earth is a warfare, and his days are like the days of a hireling." and closes with "Why dost thou not remove my sin, and why dost thou not take away my iniquity? Behold now I shall sleep in the dust: and…". The book as a whole is wisdom literature in poetic dialogue.

What is a key verse in Job 7?

One of the most significant verses is verse 1: "The life of man upon earth is a warfare, and his days are like the days of a hireling." It is often cited in Catholic teaching and preaching.

Who wrote Job and when?

Unknown inspired poet of Israel. Uncertain; commonly dated between the 7th and 4th centuries BC.

Prayers Related to This Chapter

🙏Prayer in Time of Suffering🙏Anima Christi🙏Act of Contrition🙏Kyrie Eleison

📚 Continue Your Faith Journey

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