Job 8:13

Authorized King James Version

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So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish:

Original Language Analysis

כֵּ֗ן H3651
כֵּ֗ן
Strong's: H3651
Word #: 1 of 8
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
אָ֭רְחוֹת So are the paths H734
אָ֭רְחוֹת So are the paths
Strong's: H734
Word #: 2 of 8
a well-trodden road (literally or figuratively); also a caravan
כָּל H3605
כָּל
Strong's: H3605
Word #: 3 of 8
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
שֹׁ֣כְחֵי of all that forget H7911
שֹׁ֣כְחֵי of all that forget
Strong's: H7911
Word #: 4 of 8
to mislay, i.e., to be oblivious of, from want of memory or attention
אֵ֑ל God H410
אֵ֑ל God
Strong's: H410
Word #: 5 of 8
strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the almighty (but used also of any deity)
וְתִקְוַ֖ת hope H8615
וְתִקְוַ֖ת hope
Strong's: H8615
Word #: 6 of 8
literally a cord (as an attachment); figuratively, expectancy
חָנֵ֣ף and the hypocrite's H2611
חָנֵ֣ף and the hypocrite's
Strong's: H2611
Word #: 7 of 8
soiled (i.e., with sin), impious
תֹּאבֵֽד׃ shall perish H6
תֹּאבֵֽד׃ shall perish
Strong's: H6
Word #: 8 of 8
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

Analysis & Commentary

Bildad applies his imagery: 'So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish.' The verb 'forget' (shakach, שָׁכַח) doesn't merely mean memory lapse but willful neglect or abandonment. The 'hypocrite' (chaneph, חָנֵף) literally means 'profane' or 'godless'—one who appears religious but lacks genuine piety. Their 'hope' (tiqvah, תִּקְוָה) shall 'perish' (abad, אָבַד), be destroyed or lost.

Bildad's theology is orthodox: false profession cannot endure, and those who abandon God face destruction (Psalm 9:17, Proverbs 10:28). However, his application is slanderous—he implies Job is the hypocrite whose hope perishes. This illustrates the danger of using sound theology as diagnostic tool for others' suffering. Only God knows hearts (1 Samuel 16:7); we must apply doctrine to ourselves while extending charity toward others.

The New Testament develops the theme of false profession (Matthew 7:21-23, 1 John 2:19). Those who depart 'went out from us, but they were not of us'—their departure reveals what was always true. But Bildad's error is timing: Job hasn't departed, and God's final verdict will vindicate him. Premature judgment reveals more about the judge than the judged.

Historical Context

Ancient Near Eastern wisdom distinguished between the wise/righteous and the fool/wicked, often emphasizing the latter's ultimate doom. Bildad operates within this framework, correctly identifying the category (godless hypocrite) but wrongly assigning Job to it. The book of Job complicates these categories by presenting righteous suffering.

Questions for Reflection

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