Albert Barnes Commentary Job 14:9

"Yet through the scent of water it will bud, And put forth boughs like a plant." — Job 14:9 (ASV)

Yet through the scent of water - The word here rendered “scent” (ריח rêyach) means properly the odor or fragrance which anything exhales or emits (Song of Solomon 2:13; Song of Solomon 7:13; Genesis 27:27). The idea is very delicate and poetic. It is designed to denote a gentle and pleasant contact—not a rush of water—by which the tree is made to live. It inhales, so to speak, the vital influence from the water—as we are refreshed and revived by grateful fragrances when we are ready to faint.

It will bud - Or, rather, it will germinate, or spring up again—יפרח yapârach; see the notes at Isaiah 55:10.

And bring forth boughs - קציר qâtsı̂yr. This word usually means a harvest (Genesis 8:22; Genesis 30:14; Genesis 45:6). It also means, as here, a bough, or branch (Job 18:16; Job 29:19).

Like a plant - Like a young plant—as fresh and vigorous as a plant that is set out.