If he should set his heart to it and gather to himself his spirit and his breath, all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse hints at something profound: God isn't bound by human standards because He is the source of life itself. If God were to simply recall the "spirit and breath" He gives to every living thing, humanity would instantly vanish, revealing our utter dependence on His constant, benevolent action.
If he should set his heart to it and gather to himself his spirit and his breath, all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Elihu is arguing that God, in His absolute power, has the right to take back the life He gives. He emphasizes that God could easily end all human existence by simply withdrawing the breath and spirit He originally bestowed. Therefore, Job cannot accuse God of injustice when He allows suffering, because God is the ultimate sovereign over life and death.
Have you ever considered that your very breath is a gift from God? This verse points to a profound truth about our existence.
This verse highlights the intimate connection between God's sovereignty and human life.
The Source of Life
Elihu is arguing for God's absolute justice and power. He posits a hypothetical: what if God were to "gather to himself his spirit and his breath"? This isn't just about exhaling; it refers to the very life-giving essence that God imparts.
Complete Dependence
When God "gathers" this spirit and breath back, it means life ceases. All flesh would perish together. This isn't a harsh accusation, but a reminder of our utter dependence on God for every moment of existence. Our lives are not self-sustaining; they are continuously upheld by the One who gives and sustains life.
Elihu is defending God against Job's accusations. How does this verse serve as evidence of God's justice?
Elihu uses the concept of God's ultimate power over life to argue for His inherent justice.
Absolute Authority
The phrase 'if he set his heart upon it' can be interpreted in a few ways, but a core idea is God's ability and right to act. Whether He 'sets his heart upon man' to judge him, or 'sets his heart upon himself' (His own interests), the consequence of Him withdrawing life is the same.
The Basis for Trust
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If God has the absolute power to end all life instantly, then any suffering Job experiences cannot be seen as God being unjust or wicked. It underscores that God is the sovereign Lord of all creation. He is not bound by human standards of fairness because He is the source of life itself. Therefore, His actions, even those we don't understand, are ultimately rooted in His perfect, albeit mysterious, justice.
Understand the original words
ruach · Hebrew Noun
The vital life-force or living power given by God to human beings; it is the animating presence that sustains physical life.
neshamah · Hebrew Noun
The breath of life provided by God, signifying that life is a gift and existence is entirely dependent upon His will.
basar · Hebrew Noun
A collective term referring to all mortal human beings, highlighting their frailty and dependence upon God for continued existence.
‘aphar · Hebrew Noun
The material from which humanity was created; it symbolizes human mortality, humility, and the inevitable end of physical life apart from God's sustaining power.
This passage describes God breathing life into man, directly paralleling the 'spirit and his breath' that God can gather back to himself in Job.
Psalm 104:29This psalm speaks of God taking away breath and spirit, causing creatures to die and return to dust, which vividly illustrates the concept of God gathering life back to Himself.
Ecclesiastes 12:7This verse provides a poetic and profound image of the spirit returning to God who gave it at death, reinforcing the idea of God's ultimate ownership and authority over life.
Romans 14:12This New Testament passage echoes the Old Testament principle that ultimately, each person will give an account to God, highlighting God's sovereign oversight of every life.
clarkeJob 34:14: "If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;"
If he set his heart upon man - I think this and the following verse should be read thus: - "If he set his heart upon man, he will gather his soul and breath to himself; for all flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again unto dust." On whomsoever God sets his heart, that is, his love, though his body shall perish and turn to dust, like the rest of men, yet his soul will God gather to himsel…
ellicottJob 34:14: "If he set his heart upon man, if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;"
(14) If he set his heart upon man. —Or, upon himself. It is ambiguous: and so, likewise, the next clause is. We must either regard it as the consequence of the former one—“If He set His heart upon Himself, had regard to His own interest, then He would gather unto Himself His own spirit and His own breath”—or we must do as some do: supply the “if” at the beginning of it, and read it as in the Authoris…
This verse hints at something profound: God isn't bound by human standards because He is the source of life itself. If God were to simply recall the "spirit and breath" He gives to every living thing, humanity would instantly vanish, revealing our utter dependence on His constant, benevolent action.
Elihu is arguing that God, in His absolute power, has the right to take back the life He gives. He emphasizes that God could easily end all human existence by simply withdrawing the breath and spirit He originally bestowed. Therefore, Job cannot accuse God of injustice when He allows suffering, because God is the ultimate sovereign over life and death.
Elihu is arguing that God, in His absolute power, has the right to take back the life He gives. He emphasizes that God could easily end all human existence by simply withdrawing the breath and spirit He originally bestowed. Therefore, Job cannot accuse God of injustice when He allows suffering, because God is the ultimate sovereign over life and death.
"If he should set his heart to it and gather to himself his spirit and his breath, all flesh would perish together, and man would return to dust." — This verse hints at something profound: God isn't bound by human standards because He is the source of life itself. If God were to simply recall the "spirit and breath" He gives to every living thi…
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Last reviewed October 2026