Since his days are determined, and the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass,
English Standard Version (ESV)
It's easy to skim over Job's words about life's limits, but notice how he repeats the same idea with slight variations: "days are determined," "number of his months is with you," and "appointed his bounds." This isn't just poetic repetition; Job is emphasizing that every moment of our existence, from the grand span of years to the ticking seconds, is precisely known and held within God's sovereign hand. This isn't a comfort of randomness, but a profound security in a Father who meticulously orders every breath.
Since his days are determined, and the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Job is lamenting his suffering and the brevity of human life, arguing that God should ease his troubles given how short and difficult life is. He's emphasizing that life's limits are divinely set and unchangeable, which he'll use in the following verses to plead for rest from his afflictions until death arrives.
Ever wonder if your life's span is just a cosmic accident? Job offers a profound perspective.
Job 14:5 challenges the idea that our lives are simply subject to random chance. He declares, 'Since his days are determined, and the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his bounds that he cannot pass.'
Divine Appointment
This isn't about fate in a cold, impersonal sense. The Hebrew implies a precise, allotted period. It means that the duration of human life, down to the specifics of months and limits, isn't accidental. It's known by God and, more importantly, determined by Him.
God's Knowledge and Power
The phrase 'is with you' emphasizes that this knowledge and control rest solely with God. He isn't surprised by our lifespan; He has set it. Even the 'bounds' or limits are divinely appointed, indicating that no one can extend their life beyond what God has decreed. This doesn't negate human choices that might shorten life, but it affirms God's ultimate sovereign control over the appointed end.
In the face of suffering, Job finds a surprising source of comfort in God's sovereign control over life's end.
While it might seem stark, Job's declaration that God has appointed our bounds can be a source of incredible comfort, especially when facing intense suffering.
Relief from Endless Suffering
Job is pleading with God not to add more affliction to his already overwhelming troubles. He argues that life itself has a set limit, and he is already struggling to endure it. The idea that his suffering will eventually end, because his life has an appointed end, offers a crucial respite.
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Rest from Toil
The comparison to a hired laborer finishing their day ('as a hireling, his day') highlights this. A laborer anticipates the end of their work, their rest, and their wages. Similarly, for the suffering, the appointed end of life brings the promise of rest from their painful toil and a transition to God's presence, which is implied to be a welcome release.
Understand the original words
charats · Hebrew Verb
Refers to God’s sovereign decree or ordination of time; it implies that human existence is not accidental but is under the control and foresight of the Creator.
choq · Hebrew Noun
Statutes, boundaries, or fixed tasks assigned to an individual; it denotes the sovereignly ordained limits set by God on human life and circumstances.
This passage directly echoes Job's sentiment, asking God to 'make me know the end of my life and the number of my days' and acknowledging that all of human time is 'in your hands.' It emphasizes the divine appointment of our lifespans, just as Job is contemplating.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-2These verses speak of 'a time for everything' and 'a time to be born and a time to die,' highlighting God's sovereign control over the timing of all life events, including birth and death. This aligns with Job's assertion that the number of months and appointed bounds are with God.
Acts 17:26Paul tells the Athenians that God 'made from one man every nation of mankind to live over the whole earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.' This is a New Testament parallel, showing God's overarching authority in setting the time and place for humanity's existence.
Genesis 50:20Joseph reassures his brothers, stating, 'As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good to bring about that many people should be kept alive, as he is this day.' This demonstrates that even human actions, with their implied timing and outcomes, fall under God's predetermined plan and purpose for life and death.
jfbJob 14:5: "Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;"
- determined—(Job 7:1; Isa 10:23; Da 9:27; 11:36).
clarkeJob 14:5: "Seeing his days are determined, the number of his months are with thee, thou hast appointed his bounds that he cannot pass;"
Seeing his days are determined - The general term of human life is fixed by God himself; in vain are all attempts to prolong it beyond this term. Several attempts have been made in all nations to find an elixir that would expel all the seeds of disease, and keep men in continual health; but all these attempts have failed. Basil, Valentine, Norton, Dastin, Riple…
It's easy to skim over Job's words about life's limits, but notice how he repeats the same idea with slight variations: "days are determined," "number of his months is with you," and "appointed his bounds." This isn't just poetic repetition; Job is emphasizing that every moment of our existence, from the grand span of years to the ticking seconds, is precisely known and held within God's sovereign hand. This isn't a comfort of randomness, but a profound security in a Father who meticulously orders every breath.
Job is lamenting his suffering and the brevity of human life, arguing that God should ease his troubles given how short and difficult life is. He's emphasizing that life's limits are divinely set and unchangeable, which he'll use in the following verses to plead for rest from his afflictions until death arrives.
Job is lamenting his suffering and the brevity of human life, arguing that God should ease his troubles given how short and difficult life is. He's emphasizing that life's limits are divinely set and unchangeable, which he'll use in the following verses to plead for rest from his afflictions until death arrives.
"Since his days are determined, and the number of his months is with you, and you have appointed his limits that he cannot pass," — It's easy to skim over Job's words about life's limits, but notice how he repeats the same idea with slight variations: "days are determined," "number of his months is with you," and "appointed his b…
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Last reviewed October 2026