What does Job 4:21 mean?
"Doth not their excellency which is in them go away? they die, even without wisdom." - Job 4:21

Job 4:21 from the King James Version of the Bible reads: "Doth not their excellency which is in them go away? they die, even without wisdom." This verse is part of a longer passage in the book of Job, where Eliphaz the Temanite is speaking to Job in response to his suffering and despair. Eliphaz is trying to explain to Job that human beings are not inherently righteous or deserving of God's favor, and that suffering is often a result of sin and folly.
In this particular verse, Eliphaz is suggesting that even those who are considered excellent or great among men are still subject to death and are not immune to the lack of wisdom. The verse is part of a larger argument that Eliphaz is making, using the concept of the transient nature of human life to emphasize the point that all people, no matter how great or wise they may seem, are ultimately subject to death and the limitations of their own understanding.
One of the key themes in this passage is the concept of human mortality and the limitations of human wisdom in the face of suffering and loss. Eliphaz is trying to comfort Job by reminding him of the natural order of life and death, and to encourage him to seek wisdom and understanding in the midst of his suffering.
The context of this passage is important to understanding its deeper meaning. The book of Job is a complex and profound exploration of the nature of suffering and the human experience, and the dialogue between Job and his friends reveals a variety of perspectives on the reasons for suffering and the nature of God's justice. Eliphaz's response to Job's suffering is to emphasize the fallen nature of humanity and to suggest that suffering is a result of sin and folly.
The symbolism of this verse lies in the contrast between human excellence and mortality. Eliphaz is using the concept of human excellence to underscore the fact that even those who are considered great and wise are subject to the same limitations and vulnerabilities as everyone else. The idea of "excellency" going away suggests a loss of vitality or strength, and the reference to dying "even without wisdom" implies that even those who appear to have everything going for them are ultimately unable to escape the inevitability of death.
In a broader sense, this verse can be seen as a reminder of the transient nature of life and the importance of seeking wisdom and understanding in the face of suffering and loss. It is a call to humility and a recognition of the limitations of human strength and wisdom in the grand scheme of things.
Overall, Job 4:21 is a poignant and thought-provoking verse that is part of a larger dialogue about the nature of suffering and the human experience. It emphasizes the transient nature of human life and the limitations of human wisdom, and encourages the reader to seek deeper understanding and humility in the face of life's challenges.
Have questions about Job 4:21?
Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.
Get Our Apps
Job 4:21 Artwork
Job 4:21 - "Doth not their excellency which is in them go away? they die, even without wisdom."
"Doth not their excellency which is in them go away? they die, even without wisdom." - Job 4:21
Job 21:4 - "As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?"
Job 21:1 - "But Job answered and said,"
"But Job answered and said," - Job 21:1
"As for me, is my complaint to man? and if it were so, why should not my spirit be troubled?" - Job 21:4
Job 1:21
Job 1:21
Job 3:20-21 - "Job 3:20-21: Why is light given to those in misery, and life to the bitter of soul, to those who long for death that does not come, who search for it more than for hidden treasure?"
Eliphaz speaks to Job in Job 4.
Job 21:21 - "For what pleasure hath he in his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off in the midst?"
Job 21:12 - "They take the timbrel and harp, and rejoice at the sound of the organ."
Job 21:8 - "Their seed is established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes."
Job 21:2 - "Hear diligently my speech, and let this be your consolations."
Job 21:13 - "They spend their days in wealth, and in a moment go down to the grave."
Job 21:18 - "They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away."
Job 18:21 - "Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him that knoweth not God."
Job 21:24 - "His breasts are full of milk, and his bones are moistened with marrow."
Job 12:21 - "He poureth contempt upon princes, and weakeneth the strength of the mighty."
Job 21:11 - "They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance."
Job 21:10 - "Their bull gendereth, and faileth not; their cow calveth, and casteth not her calf."
Job 21:16 - "Lo, their good is not in their hand: the counsel of the wicked is far from me."
Job 40:21 - "He lieth under the shady trees, in the covert of the reed, and fens."
Job 21:25 - "And another dieth in the bitterness of his soul, and never eateth with pleasure."
Job 21:32 - "Yet shall he be brought to the grave, and shall remain in the tomb."
Job 24:21 - "He evil entreateth the barren that beareth not: and doeth not good to the widow."
Job 21:7 - "Wherefore do the wicked live, become old, yea, are mighty in power?"
Job 3:21 - "Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures;"
Job 41:21 - "His breath kindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth."
Job 8:21 - "Till he fill thy mouth with laughing, and thy lips with rejoicing."