Job 15:33
He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine, and shall cast off his flower as the olive.
Original Language Analysis
יַחְמֹ֣ס
He shall shake off
H2554
יַחְמֹ֣ס
He shall shake off
Strong's:
H2554
Word #:
1 of 6
to be violent; by implication, to maltreat
וְיַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ
and shall cast off
H7993
וְיַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ
and shall cast off
Strong's:
H7993
Word #:
4 of 6
to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)
Historical Context
Bribery corrupted ancient justice systems, with officials taking bribes to pervert judgment (Exodus 23:8, Isaiah 1:23). Fire consuming dwellings represented total divine judgment (Sodom and Gomorrah, prophetic judgments on nations).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we identify genuine hypocrisy versus inconsistency or failure in our spiritual walk?
- What distinguishes the imperfection all believers experience from the hypocrisy Jesus condemned?
- How does grace transform our response to others' spiritual inconsistencies?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked's labor is futile: 'For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery.' Eliphaz promises judgment on hypocrites and the corrupt. Their assemblies will be destroyed, their dwellings consumed. While Scripture affirms God judges hypocrisy and corruption, Eliphaz wrongly assumes Job fits these categories. The accusation of hypocrisy is particularly cruel—Job's integrity is his whole defense.