What does Job 12:14 mean?
"Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening." - Job 12:14

Job 12:14 in the King James Version of the Bible reads, "Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening." This verse is part of a larger discourse given by Job in response to his friends' attempts to explain the suffering he is enduring. The book of Job is a complex and profound exploration of the nature of suffering and the human experience, and this particular verse contains deep themes and complex symbolism.
To understand the full meaning of this verse, it is important to consider the context in which it appears. Job, a man who was righteous and blameless, is suddenly afflicted with unimaginable suffering. His friends come to comfort him, but their attempts at explaining Job's suffering only serve to deepen his anguish. In this verse, Job is speaking about the power and sovereignty of God. He acknowledges that God has the power to break down and destroy, and that once God has acted in this way, it is impossible for humans to reverse it. This speaks to the ultimate authority and control of God over all aspects of creation.
One of the key themes of this verse is the concept of divine power and sovereignty. Job is grappling with the idea that God has the power to do as He pleases, and that His actions are beyond human comprehension. The verse reflects the idea that God's actions are final and cannot be undone by mankind. This theme is central to the broader theological discourse of the book of Job, as it examines the nature of God's justice and the limitations of human understanding.
In addition to the theme of divine power, the verse also contains symbolism related to the human experience. The imagery of being "shutteth up" and "there can be no opening" conveys a sense of finality and hopelessness. This can be interpreted as a reflection of the despair that Job is feeling in the midst of his suffering. It also serves as a reminder of the limitations and frailty of human existence in the face of God's ultimate authority.
Furthermore, this verse can be viewed in the larger context of the book of Job as a whole. Job's suffering is a central focus of the narrative, and his discussions with his friends raise important questions about the nature of suffering and the justice of God. This verse serves as a poignant reflection of the overarching themes of the book, as it speaks to the profound and sometimes incomprehensible nature of God's actions in the world.
Overall, Job 12:14 is a rich and complex verse that speaks to the deep theological and existential questions at the heart of the book of Job. It grapples with the nature of suffering, the sovereignty of God, and the limitations of human understanding. The verse's themes and symbolism contribute to the larger theological and philosophical discourse of the book, making it a poignant and thought-provoking reflection on the human experience and the nature of divine power.
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Job 12:14 Artwork
Job 12:14 - "Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening."
"Behold, he breaketh down, and it cannot be built again: he shutteth up a man, and there can be no opening." - Job 12:14
Job 14:12 - "So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep."
Job 12:1 - "And Job answered and said,"
Job 12:12 - "With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding."
"And Job answered and said," - Job 12:1
Job 37:14 - "Hearken unto this, O Job: stand still, and consider the wondrous works of God."
Job 14:2
"So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens be no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep." - Job 14:12
Job 1:14 - "And there came a messenger unto Job, and said, The oxen were plowing, and the asses feeding beside them:"
Job 32:12 - "Yea, I attended unto you, and, behold, there was none of you that convinced Job, or that answered his words:"
Job 38:14 - "It is turned as clay to the seal; and they stand as a garment."
Job 36:14 - "They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean."
"With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding." - Job 12:12
Job 5:14 - "They meet with darkness in the daytime, and grope in the noonday as in the night."
Job 28:14 - "The depth saith, It is not in me: and the sea saith, It is not with me."
Ezekiel 14:14 - "Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD."
Job 12:16 - "With him is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his."
Job 14:1 - "Man that is born of a woman is of few days, and full of trouble."
Job 21:12 - "They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ."
Job 14:14 - "If a man die, shall he live again? all the days of my appointed time will I wait, till my change come."
Job 39:14 - "Which leaveth her eggs in the earth, and warmeth them in dust,"
Job 23:14 - "For he performeth the thing that is appointed for me: and many such things are with him."
Job 7:14 - "Then thou scarest me with dreams, and terrifiest me through visions:"
Job 24:14 - "The murderer rising with the light killeth the poor and needy, and in the night is as a thief."
Job 12:2 - "No doubt but ye are the people, and wisdom shall die with you."
Job 12:13 - "With him is wisdom and strength, he hath counsel and understanding."
Job 12:19 - "He leadeth princes away spoiled, and overthroweth the mighty."
Job 28:12 - "But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?"
Job 12:9 - "Who knoweth not in all these that the hand of the LORD hath wrought this?"