Job 18:11
Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.
Original Language Analysis
סָ֭בִיב
on every side
H5439
סָ֭בִיב
on every side
Strong's:
H5439
Word #:
1 of 5
(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around
Cross References
Job 15:21A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.Jeremiah 6:25Go not forth into the field, nor walk by the way; for the sword of the enemy and fear is on every side.Job 20:25It is drawn, and cometh out of the body; yea, the glittering sword cometh out of his gall: terrors are upon him.Jeremiah 46:5Wherefore have I seen them dismayed and turned away back? and their mighty ones are beaten down, and are fled apace, and look not back: for fear was round about, saith the LORD.Jeremiah 49:29Their tents and their flocks shall they take away: they shall take to themselves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels; and they shall cry unto them, Fear is on every side.Leviticus 26:36And upon them that are left alive of you I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies; and the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them; and they shall flee, as fleeing from a sword; and they shall fall when none pursueth.
Historical Context
Ancient warfare and life involved real terrors—enemies, wild beasts, drought, disease. Bildad appropriates these fears as divine judgment indicators, assuming fear proves guilt. Scripture presents more complex picture—even faithful people experience fear (Psalms).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we distinguish fear from guilty conscience versus other legitimate sources of fear?
- What comfort does perfect love casting out fear (1 John 4:18) offer to those terrorized by circumstances?
- How do we help those whose fear arises from trauma rather than guilt?
Analysis & Commentary
Terrors pursue the wicked: 'Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.' Fear becomes the wicked's constant companion—terrors on every side, no rest or safety. Being driven suggests forced movement without control. While guilty conscience does produce such fear (Proverbs 28:1), righteous sufferers also experience terror. Job's fears arose from suffering, not guilty conscience. Bildad conflates all fear with guilt.