Job 34:14

Old Testament Wisdom/Poetry ASV (1901)

What does Job 34:14 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “If he set his heart upon himself, [If] he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

If he set his heart upon himself, [If] he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;
Job 34:14 — American Standard Version

Context — Job 34

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
14If he set his heart upon himself, [If] he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath;

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“If he set his heart upon man, etc.] Not his love and affections; though there are some he does in this sense set his heart on, and whose souls at death he gathers to himself, but with this sense the next verse will not agree; but to destroy him, as Jarchi adds by way of explanation; if he gives his mind to it, is set upon it and resolved to do it, none can hinder him; or sets himself against him in an hostile way, the issue must be entire ruin and destruction to the race of men; but it is plain this is not the case, or otherwise all must have perished long ago: or if he severely marks the ways and works of men, and deals with them according to the strictness of his justice, which yet he…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“"If He were to set His heart on man," either to injure him, or to take strict account of his sins. The connection supports rather [UMBREIT], "If He had regard to himself (only), and were to gather unto Himself (Psa 104:29) man's spirit, &c. (which he sends forth, Psa 104:30; Ecc 12:7), all flesh must perish together," &c. (Gen 3:19). God's loving preservation of His creatures proves He cannot be selfish, and therefore cannot be unjust.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“If he set his heart upon man - Margin, as in Hebrew “upon him” - meaning “man.” That is, if he fixes his attention particularly on him, or should form a purpose in regard him. The argument seems to be tbis. “If God wished such a thing, and should set his heart upon it, he could easily cut off the whole race. He has power to do it, and no one can deny him the right. Man has no claim to life, but he who gave it has a right to withdraw it, and the race is absolutely dependent on this infinite Sovereign. Being such a Sovereign, therefore, and having such a right, man cannot complain of his Maker as unjust, if he is called to pass through trials.” Rosenmuller, however, supposes this is to be…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“set: Job 7:17, Job 9:4 upon man: Heb. upon him he gather: Psa 104:29; Isa 24:22 Job 34:15”
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Sources and verification