Job 14:8

8 though its root grows old in the earth, and its stump dies in the dust,

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 desist until he enjoys his days like a laborer.

7 "Indeed, there is hope for a tree: if it is cut down, then it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not cease;

8 though its root grows old in the earth, and its stump dies in the dust,

9 at the scent of water it will bud, and it will put forth branches like a young plant.

10 "But a man dies, and he dwindles away; thus a human being passes away, and where is he?