Job 8:9
7 Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase.
8 For enquire, I pray thee, of the former age, and prepare thyself to the search of their fathers:
(For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:)
10 Shall not they teach thee, and tell thee, and utter words out of their heart?
11 Can the rush grow up without mire? can the flag grow without water?
This was said to Israel at a particular time, so it is wise to read it together with the surrounding text. Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- For we were born yesterday and know nothing; our days on earth are but a shadow.
- KJV
- (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days upon earth are a shadow:)
- WEB
- (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days on earth are a shadow.)
- ASV
- (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, Because our days upon earth are a shadow);
- DARBY
- For we are [but] of yesterday, and know nothing, for our days upon earth are a shadow.
- BLB
- For we [are] of yesterday, and we do not know; indeed, our days [are] a shadow upon the earth.
- ÅB
- - for vi er fra igår og vet intet; for en skygge er våre dager på jorden -
- OTB
- for vi er bare av i går og vet ingenting,
da våre dager på jorden er som en skygge. - B1930
- - for vi er fra igår og vet intet; for en skygge er våre dager på jorden -
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
1 Chronicles 29:15
For we are strangers before thee, and sojourners, as were all our fathers: our days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is none abiding.
Read in contextPsalms 144:4
Man is like to vanity: his days are as a shadow that passeth away.
Read in contextJob 14:2
He cometh forth like a flower, and is cut down: he fleeth also as a shadow, and continueth not.
Read in contextPsalms 102:11
My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.
Read in contextGenesis 47:9
And Jacob said unto Pharaoh, The days of the years of my pilgrimage are an hundred and thirty years: few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained unto the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.
Read in contextJob 7:6
My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle, and are spent without hope.
Read in contextPsalms 90:4
For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.
Read in contextPsalms 39:5
Behold, thou hast made my days as an handbreadth; and mine age is as nothing before thee: verily every man at his best state is altogether vanity. Selah.
Read in context