Job 14:8

8 If its roots grow old in the ground and its stump starts to die in the soil,

Job 14:8 Meaning and Commentary

Job 14:8

Though the root thereof wax old in the earth
Lies long there, and is become dry, and seems to be consumed, on which account there may be the less hope of its flourishing:

and the stock thereof die in the ground;
which may make it still more improbable; for this is not to be understood with some interpreters ^F25 of the stock or trunk of the tree cut down, and lying along on the earth, and in the dust of it; though it may be observed, that even such a stock or trunk, separated from the root, and as it lies along, will sprout again, as particularly in elms: but it may rather mean, since it is said to be "in the ground", that part of the stock or stump left in the ground, from whence the roots part and spread in the earth; and even though this dies, or at least so seems, yet there being still life and vigour in the roots, they send forth suckers.

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FOOTNOTES:

F25 So Piscator and Cocceius.

Job 14:8 In-Context

6 look away from him and let him rest so that he can enjoy his day like a hired hand.

7 There is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its shoots will not die.

8 If its roots grow old in the ground and its stump starts to die in the soil,

9 the smell of water makes it thrive and produce twigs like a sapling.

10 But a man dies and fades away; he breathes his last-where is he?