Job 17:14

and say to corruption, 'You are my father,' and to the worm, 'My mother,' or 'My sister,'

Study Bible

and say to corruption, ‘You are my father,’
In this phrase, Job is expressing a deep sense of despair and resignation to his fate. The term "corruption" here refers to decay and death, symbolizing the grave. In the ancient Near Eastern context, familial terms like "father" were used to denote origin or source. Job is acknowledging that death and decay are now his closest kin, highlighting his feeling of abandonment and the inevitability of death. This reflects the broader theme of mortality found in Ecclesiastes 3:20, where all return to dust, and Genesis 3:19, which speaks of humanity's return to the ground.

and to the worm, ‘My mother,’
The "worm" is often associated with decay and the process of decomposition, as seen in Isaiah 14:11 and Mark 9:48. By calling the worm "my mother," Job is poetically illustrating his intimate connection with death, as a mother is a source of life and nurture. This stark contrast emphasizes the reversal of life’s natural order due to his suffering. It also reflects the cultural understanding of the grave as a place where the body returns to the earth, a theme echoed in Psalm 22:6, where the psalmist feels like a worm, despised and lowly.

or ‘My sister,’
The use of "sister" further personalizes Job's relationship with death, suggesting a close, familial bond. In biblical times, siblings were often seen as companions and confidants. By referring to the worm as his sister, Job underscores his isolation from human relationships and his acceptance of death as his only companion. This can be connected to the broader biblical narrative of human frailty and the transient nature of life, as seen in James 4:14, which describes life as a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Job
The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and integrity who undergoes severe trials and suffering. His lament in this verse reflects his deep despair and sense of abandonment.

2. Corruption
In this context, "corruption" refers to decay or the grave, symbolizing death and the inevitable return to dust. It is personified as a familial figure, indicating Job's acceptance of his mortality.

3. The Worm
Represents decay and the process of decomposition after death. By calling the worm his "mother" or "sister," Job emphasizes his intimate relationship with death and decay.

4. The Grave
Implicit in the imagery of corruption and the worm, the grave is the place where Job feels he is headed, highlighting his hopelessness.

5. Job's Friends
Though not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Job's dialogue with his friends is crucial. Their failure to provide comfort or understanding exacerbates Job's sense of isolation.

Teaching Points

Acknowledging Mortality
Job's words remind us of the reality of death and the importance of living with an eternal perspective. Reflect on how this awareness can shape our daily lives and priorities.

Expressing Despair
Job's candid expression of despair teaches us that it's okay to bring our deepest feelings to God. We can be honest in our prayers, trusting that God understands our struggles.

The Need for Comfort
Job's experience highlights the importance of providing genuine comfort and empathy to those who are suffering. Consider how we can be better friends and supporters to those in distress.

Hope Beyond the Grave
While Job's words are filled with despair, the broader biblical account offers hope through the resurrection and eternal life in Christ. Reflect on how this hope can transform our view of suffering and death.

Family in Christ
Job's use of familial terms for corruption and the worm contrasts with the New Testament concept of being part of God's family. Consider how our identity in Christ redefines our relationships and sense of belonging.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Job's description of corruption and the worm as family members reflect his state of mind and spiritual condition?

2. In what ways can acknowledging our mortality influence our daily decisions and spiritual priorities?

3. How can we provide meaningful support to friends or family members who are experiencing deep despair or suffering?

4. What are some biblical promises or truths that can offer hope and comfort in the face of death and decay?

5. How does our identity as members of God's family through Christ contrast with Job's depiction of his relationship with death? How can this identity impact our lives and relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 3:19
This verse connects to the theme of returning to dust, as God tells Adam that he will return to the ground from which he was taken, highlighting the inevitability of death.

Psalm 22:6
The psalmist's expression of being a "worm" and not a man resonates with Job's feeling of insignificance and despair.

Ecclesiastes 12:7
This verse speaks of the spirit returning to God and the body returning to dust, echoing Job's acknowledgment of mortality.

Isaiah 41:14
God's reassurance to "fear not, you worm Jacob" contrasts with Job's despair, offering hope and divine intervention.