Job 15:34

Authorized King James Version

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For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery.

Original Language Analysis

כִּֽי H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's: H3588
Word #: 1 of 8
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
עֲדַ֣ת For the congregation H5712
עֲדַ֣ת For the congregation
Strong's: H5712
Word #: 2 of 8
a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)
חָנֵ֣ף of hypocrites H2611
חָנֵ֣ף of hypocrites
Strong's: H2611
Word #: 3 of 8
soiled (i.e., with sin), impious
גַּלְמ֑וּד shall be desolate H1565
גַּלְמ֑וּד shall be desolate
Strong's: H1565
Word #: 4 of 8
sterile (as wrapped up too hard); figuratively, desolate
וְ֝אֵ֗שׁ and fire H784
וְ֝אֵ֗שׁ and fire
Strong's: H784
Word #: 5 of 8
fire (literally or figuratively)
אָכְלָ֥ה shall consume H398
אָכְלָ֥ה shall consume
Strong's: H398
Word #: 6 of 8
to eat (literally or figuratively)
אָֽהֳלֵי the tabernacles H168
אָֽהֳלֵי the tabernacles
Strong's: H168
Word #: 7 of 8
a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)
שֹֽׁחַד׃ of bribery H7810
שֹֽׁחַד׃ of bribery
Strong's: H7810
Word #: 8 of 8
a donation (venal or redemptive)

Analysis & Commentary

The wicked's hope perishes: 'Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web.' The spider's web imagery is brilliant—it appears substantial but can't bear weight. The wicked's confidence seems secure but proves fragile when tested. This truth about false securities becomes cruel accusation when wrongly applied to Job, whose trust remains in God despite everything. His trust isn't a spider's web—it endures the ultimate test.

Historical Context

Spider webs were proverbial for fragility in ancient wisdom (Isaiah 59:5-6). Ancient Israelites observed spiders creating elaborate structures that couldn't support substantial weight—perfect metaphor for false securities.

Questions for Reflection