Definition: For what pleasure [hath] he in his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off in the midst?

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this difficult passage from Job 21:21. It's a really poetic and philosophical question, and it’s designed to be challenging! Here’s an explanation in simpler terms: The Core of the Verse: “For what pleasure [hath] he in his house after him, when the number of his months is cut off in the midst?” What It Means (Simplified): This verse is asking a profound question about how someone’s life – their happiness and fulfillment – can continue to provide benefit even after they are gone . Let's unpack it: “Months”: This refers to a person’s life, or the periods of time they spend. It’s not just about age; it’s about the flow of their life. “Number is cut off in the midst”: This is where it gets really interesting and symbolic. The word "midst" means 'in the middle' or 'at the heart'. It suggests that someone's life has a natural beginning and end, like a river flowing towards an ocean. The “number being cut off” implies that there’s a limit to how much good can come from their existence – a point where it stops providing benefit. Putting It All Together - The Interpretation: This verse is essentially a meditation on the purpose of life and the potential for lasting impact. Here's what it suggests: The Source of Happiness: The person in question isn’t simply accumulating pleasures – they are enjoying them. But, after they are gone, how can their enjoyment continue? A Legacy: The verse implies that even after someone's death, their existence has a lasting impact, and their experiences contribute to something larger than themselves. Their life, in its essence, continues to have value, even if it doesn’t directly benefit them. Possible Interpretations (Different Views): God’s Perspective: Some theologians interpret this as a reflection of God's perspective – that while the world is full of pleasure and comfort, God's purpose is not solely about satisfying human desires. It suggests that God wants to see how people live , what they do , and the impact they have on others, even after they are gone. The Cycle of Life: It can be seen as a reminder that life isn’t just about individual happiness but is part of a larger cycle – birth, growth, death, and renewal. Important Note: This verse is incredibly complex and open to interpretation. There's no single "correct" answer. It's a beautiful, philosophical question meant to provoke thought. --- To help me tailor this explanation further, could you tell me: What are you hoping to get out of understanding this passage? (e.g., Are you looking for a simple explanation, or are you interested in a specific theological angle?)