Job 18:21
Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him that knoweth not God.
Original Language Analysis
אַךְ
H389
מִשְׁכְּנ֣וֹת
Surely such are the dwellings
H4908
מִשְׁכְּנ֣וֹת
Surely such are the dwellings
Strong's:
H4908
Word #:
3 of 9
a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the temple); specifically, the tabernacle (properly, its w
וְ֝זֶ֗ה
H2088
מְק֣וֹם
and this is the place
H4725
מְק֣וֹם
and this is the place
Strong's:
H4725
Word #:
6 of 9
properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)
לֹא
H3808
לֹא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
7 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
Cross References
Jeremiah 9:3And they bend their tongues like their bow for lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.Jeremiah 10:25Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.1 Thessalonians 4:5Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:Judges 2:10And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.2 Thessalonians 1:8In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:Titus 1:16They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
Historical Context
Knowing God relationally was central to covenant theology. Bildad's accusation that Job doesn't know God would have been the ultimate condemnation, suggesting Job stands outside the covenant entirely.
Questions for Reflection
- On what basis should we assess someone's relationship with God?
- How do we avoid inferring spiritual state from external circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
'Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him that knoweth not God.' Bildad concludes: 'such are dwellings' (אֵלֶּה מִשְׁכְּנוֹת, eleh mishkenot) of 'the wicked' (עַוָּל, avval), 'the place' (מְקוֹם, meqom) of him 'that knoweth not God' (לֹא־יָדַע אֵל, lo-yada El). 'Knowing God' (יָדַע, yada) implies relational intimacy, not mere intellectual awareness. Bildad equates Job's calamity with not knowing God relationally. This is the ultimate slander—claiming Job lacks saving relationship with God. Yet God Himself calls Job righteous (1:8, 2:3). Bildad's error: inferring spiritual state from circumstances. The Reformed doctrine of assurance warns against founding confidence on providential circumstances rather than Christ's work and the Spirit's witness (Romans 8:16).