Job 11:18
And thou shalt be secure, because there is hope; yea, thou shalt dig about thee, and thou shalt take thy rest in safety.
Original Language Analysis
וּֽ֭בָטַחְתָּ
And thou shalt be secure
H982
וּֽ֭בָטַחְתָּ
And thou shalt be secure
Strong's:
H982
Word #:
1 of 7
properly, to hie for refuge (but not so precipitately as h2620); figuratively, to trust, be confident or sure
כִּי
H3588
כִּי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
2 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
יֵ֣שׁ
because there is
H3426
יֵ֣שׁ
because there is
Strong's:
H3426
Word #:
3 of 7
there is or are (or any other form of the verb to be, as may suit the connection)
תִּקְוָ֑ה
hope
H8615
תִּקְוָ֑ה
hope
Strong's:
H8615
Word #:
4 of 7
literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy
וְ֝חָפַרְתָּ֗
yea thou shalt dig
H2658
וְ֝חָפַרְתָּ֗
yea thou shalt dig
Strong's:
H2658
Word #:
5 of 7
properly, to pry into; by implication, to delve, to explore
Cross References
Psalms 4:8I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep: for thou, LORD, only makest me dwell in safety.Psalms 3:5I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the LORD sustained me.Psalms 43:5Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.
Historical Context
Security and rest were precious in the ancient world of constant threat. Zophar promises the shalom that was Israel's covenant blessing—comprehensive peace and flourishing under divine protection.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we maintain confident hope while acknowledging that God's timing differs from ours?
- What does genuine security rest upon in a fallen world where suffering continues?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The promise continues: 'thou shalt be secure' (וּבָטַחְתָּ, u-vatachta), 'there is hope' (תִקְוָה, tiqvah), you'll 'dig about' (חָפַרְתָּ, chafarta—search, explore), and 'rest in safety' (שָׁכַבְתָּ לָבֶטַח, shakhavta labetach). The verbs describe active confidence—searching territory, resting securely. The Hebrew word for hope (tiqvah) appears throughout Scripture as confident expectation based on God's faithfulness (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 5:5). Zophar's theology of hope is orthodox—true security comes from God. His application is flawed—he promises these blessings mechanically follow repentance. Biblical hope is certain regarding God's ultimate purposes but not presumptuous about specific timing or means.