Job 18:8
For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walketh upon a snare.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 7
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
שֻׁלַּ֣ח
For he is cast
H7971
שֻׁלַּ֣ח
For he is cast
Strong's:
H7971
Word #:
2 of 7
to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)
בְּרַגְלָ֑יו
by his own feet
H7272
בְּרַגְלָ֑יו
by his own feet
Strong's:
H7272
Word #:
4 of 7
a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda
וְעַל
H5921
וְעַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
5 of 7
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
Cross References
Psalms 9:15The heathen are sunk down in the pit that they made: in the net which they hid is their own foot taken.Job 22:10Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee;Psalms 35:8Let destruction come upon him at unawares; and let his net that he hath hid catch himself: into that very destruction let him fall.
Historical Context
Ancient hunting used nets and snares. Bildad employs this imagery to argue the wicked engineer their own downfall through sin, a common wisdom theme he wrongly applies to Job.
Questions for Reflection
- How do we affirm sin's natural consequences without blaming all sufferers for their pain?
- What is the relationship between moral choices and life circumstances?
Analysis & Commentary
'For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walketh upon a snare.' Bildad describes the wicked's self-destruction: 'cast into a net' (בְּרֶשֶׁת, bereshet) by his 'own feet' (בְּרַגְלָיו, beragleyv), walking into 'snare' (שְׂבָכָה, sevakhah). The imagery: the wicked trap themselves. This reflects Proverbs 5:22, 11:5—sin's consequences are self-inflicted. The theology is sound: sin has natural consequences. Applied to Job, it's cruel—suggesting Job's suffering is self-inflicted punishment. This blames victims, assuming all calamity results from personal moral failure. Jesus explicitly rejects this (John 9:3). The Reformed doctrine of depravity and consequences applies generally but shouldn't be weaponized against individuals without evidence.