I have said to corruption, Thou art my father: to the worm, Thou art my mother, and my sister.
I have said to decay, 'You are my father,' and to the worm, 'You are my mother and my sister.'
Job is expressing how close he feels to death and decay, as if they were his own family members.
📚 Historical Context
The Book of Job is set in the ancient patriarchal era, likely in the land of Uz, where Job, a prosperous and righteous man, endures severe trials as part of a divine test of his faith. In Job 17:14, amid his laments, Job uses poetic language to personify death and decay, calling corruption his father and worms his mother and sister, reflecting his profound despair and sense of isolation. This imagery draws from ancient Near Eastern cultural views of the grave as a place of inevitable decay and loss.
Explore Similar Verses
Ask the AI Assistant
Have a question about this chapter or verse? Ask below for a clear explanation.