Job 8:12
Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb.
Original Language Analysis
עֹדֶ֣נּוּ
H5750
עֹדֶ֣נּוּ
Strong's:
H5750
Word #:
1 of 8
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
לֹ֣א
H3808
לֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
3 of 8
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
וְלִפְנֵ֖י
before
H6440
וְלִפְנֵ֖י
before
Strong's:
H6440
Word #:
5 of 8
the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi
כָל
H3605
כָל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
6 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern agriculture observed how different plants respond to water scarcity. Shallow-rooted plants die first when drought comes, while deep-rooted vegetation endures. This agricultural knowledge becomes theological metaphor throughout Scripture (Psalm 1:3, Jeremiah 17:7-8).
Questions for Reflection
- How do we practice discernment about spiritual fruit without wrongly judging others' hearts?
- What does the imagery of withering 'in his greenness' teach about the difference between apparent and genuine spiritual vitality?
- In what ways should we examine our own roots rather than others' apparent withering?
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Analysis & Commentary
Bildad continues: 'Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb.' The phrase 'in his greenness' (be-ibboh, בְּאִבּוֹ) refers to the plant's prime, still vigorous and apparently healthy. 'Not cut down' emphasizes that external destruction isn't required—the plant dies from internal deficiency despite outward appearance of health. It 'withereth' (yabesh, יָבֵשׁ) before other herbs that have deeper roots and genuine vitality.
Bildad's observation about premature withering despite apparent health cuts both ways. He means: hypocrites appear healthy but quickly perish when tested. However, his imagery could equally describe the righteous who suffer despite genuine faith—external appearance doesn't always reveal internal reality. Job appears withered (godless), but actually possesses deep roots (genuine faith). Bildad judges by sight rather than by God's verdict.
The parable of the sower develops this theme: some seed produces quick growth without depth, withering when tribulation comes (Mark 4:16-17). But the interpretation differs: Jesus warns disciples about shallow reception, while Bildad pronounces judgment on Job. The same imagery serves warning for self-examination versus condemnation of others—vastly different pastoral applications.