Job 18:16
His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off.
Original Language Analysis
מִ֭תַּחַת
H8478
מִ֭תַּחַת
Strong's:
H8478
Word #:
1 of 6
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
יִבָ֑שׁוּ
shall be dried up
H3001
יִבָ֑שׁוּ
shall be dried up
Strong's:
H3001
Word #:
3 of 6
to be ashamed, confused or disappointed; also (as failing) to dry up (as water) or wither (as herbage)
וּ֝מִמַּ֗עַל
beneath and above
H4605
וּ֝מִמַּ֗עַל
beneath and above
Strong's:
H4605
Word #:
4 of 6
properly,the upper part, used only adverbially with prefix upward, above, overhead, from the top, etc
Cross References
Hosea 9:16Ephraim is smitten, their root is dried up, they shall bear no fruit: yea, though they bring forth, yet will I slay even the beloved fruit of their womb.Isaiah 5:24Therefore as the fire devoureth the stubble, and the flame consumeth the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and their blossom shall go up as dust: because they have cast away the law of the LORD of hosts, and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel.Job 15:30He shall not depart out of darkness; the flame shall dry up his branches, and by the breath of his mouth shall he go away.Amos 2:9Yet destroyed I the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and he was strong as the oaks; yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath.Malachi 4:1For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the LORD of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.Job 29:19My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch.
Historical Context
Ancient Palestinian agriculture made plant death vivid—drought could kill trees completely, roots and branches. The imagery of dried roots and cut branches represented absolute end. Yet even this has gospel dimension—only being grafted into Christ prevents such withering (John 15, Romans 11).
Questions for Reflection
- How does being grafted into Christ prevent the spiritual withering that awaits those outside Him?
- What is the difference between temporary suffering and permanent judgment?
- How does Job's restoration demonstrate that apparent withering need not be final?
Analysis & Commentary
The wicked wither completely: 'His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off.' Both root and branch dying suggests total destruction—no life remains to regenerate. This agricultural imagery depicts complete judgment. While Scripture teaches such comprehensive judgment awaits the finally impenitent, Bildad wrongly applies it to Job. Job's story demonstrates that apparent withering can precede miraculous restoration.