Job 36:18
Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke: then a great ransom cannot deliver thee.
Original Language Analysis
כִּֽי
H3588
כִּֽי
Strong's:
H3588
Word #:
1 of 9
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
חֵ֭מָה
Because there is wrath
H2534
חֵ֭מָה
Because there is wrath
Strong's:
H2534
Word #:
2 of 9
heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)
פֶּן
H6435
פֶּן
Strong's:
H6435
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, removal; used only (in the construction) adverb as conjunction, lest
יְסִֽיתְךָ֣
beware lest he take thee away
H5496
יְסִֽיתְךָ֣
beware lest he take thee away
Strong's:
H5496
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, to prick, i.e., (figuratively) stimulate; by implication, to seduce
וְרָב
H7227
כֹּ֝֗פֶר
ransom
H3724
כֹּ֝֗פֶר
ransom
Strong's:
H3724
Word #:
7 of 9
properly, a cover, i.e., (literally) a village (as covered in)
Cross References
Job 33:24Then he is gracious unto him, and saith, Deliver him from going down to the pit: I have found a ransom.Romans 1:18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;Ephesians 5:6Let no man deceive you with vain words: for because of these things cometh the wrath of God upon the children of disobedience.Isaiah 14:6He who smote the people in wrath with a continual stroke, he that ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted, and none hindereth.Psalms 2:5Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.Psalms 2:12Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.Psalms 110:5The Lord at thy right hand shall strike through kings in the day of his wrath.Psalms 39:10Remove thy stroke away from me: I am consumed by the blow of thine hand.Romans 2:5But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;Matthew 3:7But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
Historical Context
The concept of ransom was central to ancient Near Eastern justice. Offenders could sometimes pay compensation to avoid punishment. Exodus 21:30 allowed ransom for accidental manslaughter. However, some offenses—particularly those against God—admitted no monetary compensation. The prophets repeatedly warned that Israel's sin had reached the point where no sacrifice could avert judgment (Jeremiah 14:12, Ezekiel 7:19).
Questions for Reflection
- How does understanding that no human ransom can save us drive us to Christ, our only sufficient ransom?
- What warnings in your life might God be using to call you to repentance before judgment becomes inevitable?
- How do we balance healthy fear of divine judgment with confidence in Christ's completed atonement?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Because there is wrath, beware lest he take thee away with his stroke (כִּי־חֵמָה פֶּן־יְסִיתְךָ בְסָפֶק, ki-chemah pen y'sit'kha v'safek)—Elihu warns of divine chemah (burning anger, wrath), using safek (a stroke, blow, clapping) to describe sudden judgment. The verb suit (to entice away, remove) suggests being swept away irresistibly. This parallels verse 16's promise—God can either entice Job toward blessing or remove him in judgment. The choice depends on Job's response.
Then a great ransom cannot deliver thee (וְלֹא־יַצִּילְךָ בְרָב־כֹּפֶר, v'lo yatsil'kha v'rav kofer)—The word kofer (ransom price, atonement money) appears in Exodus 30:12 for the census tax and in Proverbs 6:35 where no ransom satisfies an offended husband. Elihu argues that once divine wrath falls fully, no amount of wealth can purchase deliverance. This anticipates the New Testament truth that we cannot ransom ourselves from God's judgment (Psalm 49:7-8, Mark 8:37). Only Christ provides the ransom (1 Timothy 2:6, 1 Peter 1:18-19). Elihu's warning, though misdirected toward Job, contains sober truth: there comes a point where opportunity for repentance closes.