Job 7:15 (KJV)

What does Job 7:15 mean?

Job 7:15 means that Job feels so overwhelmed by his suffering that he would rather die—by strangling or any other means—than continue living in his current misery. Job is expressing a deep despair, saying that death seems preferable to the pain he is enduring in life.

In this verse, Job is speaking directly to God, pouring out his anguish after losing his health, wealth, and family. Job’s words are raw and honest, showing just how crushed he feels by his ongoing suffering. The verse highlights the depth of Job’s distress and his sense that life, as he is experiencing it, has become unbearable.

The Hebrew behind Job 7:15

• soul (נֶפֶשׁ, nephesh): This word often means "life" or "self," not just the inner spirit. Here, Job is saying his whole being would rather face death than keep living in pain.
• chooseth (בָּחַר, bachar): This verb means "to choose" or "prefer." Job is not just wishing for death; he is actively saying he would pick it over his current suffering.
• strangling (מַחֲנָק, machanaq): This word refers to being choked or strangled, a vivid image of a painful death. Job uses it to show just how desperate he feels.
• death (מָוֶת, mavet): The standard word for death, emphasizing that Job sees even the end of life as better than his present misery.
• life (עֶצֶם, etsem): Literally "bones," but often used for "body" or "life" in Hebrew. Job is saying he would rather die than continue in his physical existence as it is.

Why Job 7:15 matters

• Job 7:15 clears up that Job’s despair is not just emotional but physical—he is speaking about his whole self, body and soul, being crushed by suffering.
• The verse shows the honesty of Job’s prayers, as he does not hide his pain from God but speaks openly about his wish for death.
• This verse connects to the wider passage by highlighting the intensity of Job’s suffering and setting up the ongoing dialogue about the meaning of pain and God’s role in it.