Definition: So man lieth down, and riseth not: till the heavens [be] no more, they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly powerful verse from Job 14:12. It's a really thought-provoking passage about life, suffering, and our ultimate fate. Here’s a simplified explanation: The Core Idea: This verse speaks about the potential for something to never happen – that we can simply cease existing forever. It’s a bit of a dramatic statement about the nature of time and existence. Let's unpack it piece by piece: “So man lieth down, and riseth not…” - This is setting up a comparison. It’s about a person currently resting (lying down) but not moving forward. It suggests a state of inactivity and stillness. “…till the heavens [be] no more…” – This is the crucial part! “The heavens” refers to God, or perhaps the universe itself. The word "be" here is very important - it means “to become” or “to exist.” So, “the heavens be no more” means everything – all of creation, everything that exists – will cease to exist. It’s the end of time as we know it. “…they shall not awake, nor be raised out of their sleep.” - This is the consequence of this cessation of existence. “Awake” means to become conscious, to realize something or someone. “Be raised out of their sleep” means to return to life, to experience a new beginning. Since everything stops existing, there’s no possibility for rebirth or returning to life. What does it mean in terms of our lives? The verse suggests that we are all temporary. We are here, and then… well, it just ends. There's no guarantee of a future beyond this point. It emphasizes the inevitability of death, but also highlights our limited perspective on time. Symbolic Meaning: It’s often interpreted as: The End of Life: A stark reminder that life is finite and eventually comes to an end. Our Dependence on God: It can be a humbling thought – we are created by God, and our lives are ultimately subject to His will. We don't have control over our own fate. In short, the verse speaks of the ultimate cessation of existence, emphasizing our temporary nature and the insignificance of human life in the grand scheme of things. --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse further with a specific example? Discuss the theological significance of this passage? Explore different interpretations of the verse?