1 If a Man Dies, Will He Live Again? “Man, who is born of woman,Is 14:1Lit short of days short-lived and full of turmoil.
2 “Like a flower he comes forth and withers.He also flees like a shadow and does not stand.
3 “You also open Your eyes on himAnd bring 14:3Some ancient versions him me into judgment with Yourself.
4 “Who can make the clean out of the unclean?No one!
5 “Since his days are determined,The number of his months is with You;And his limits You have 14:5Lit made set so that he cannot pass.
6 “Turn Your gaze from him that he may ceasefrom toil,Until he accepts his day like a hired man.
7 ¶“For there is hope for a tree,When it is cut down, that it will change backsproutingagain,And its shoots will not cease.
8 “Though its roots grow old in the groundAnd its stump dies in the dry soil,
9 At the scent of water it will flourishAnd put forth sprigs like a plant.
10 “But man dies and lies prostrate.Man breathes his last, and where is he?
11 “Aswater 14:11 Lit disappears evaporates from the sea,And a river becomes parched and dried up,
12 So man lies down and does not rise.Until the heavens are no longer, 14:12 Lit They He will not awake nor be aroused out of 14:12 Lit their his sleep.
13 ¶“Oh that You would conceal me in Sheol,That You would hide me until Your anger returnsto You,That You would set a limit for me and remember me!
14 “If a man dies, will he liveagain?All the days of my labor I will waitUntil my change comes.
15 “You will call, and I will answer You;You will long for the work of Your hands.
16 “For now You number my steps,You do not keep watch over my sin.
17 “My transgression is sealed up in a bag,And You 14:17Lit smear, cf. Job 13:14 cover up my iniquity.
18 ¶“But the falling mountain 14:18Lit withers crumbles away,And the rock moves from its place;
19 Water wears away stones;Its torrents wash away the dust of the earth;So You make man’s hope perish.
20 “You forever overpower him and he goesaway;Youalter his appearance and send him away.
21 “His sons achieve honor, but he does not knowit;Or they become insignificant, but he does not perceive it.
22 “But his flesh pains him,And he mourns only for himself.”