Job 8:15
He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand: he shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure.
Original Language Analysis
עַל
H5921
עַל
Strong's:
H5921
Word #:
2 of 9
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
בֵּ֭יתוֹ
upon his house
H1004
בֵּ֭יתוֹ
upon his house
Strong's:
H1004
Word #:
3 of 9
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
וְלֹ֣א
H3808
וְלֹ֣א
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
4 of 9
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
יַעֲמֹ֑ד
but it shall not stand
H5975
יַעֲמֹ֑ד
but it shall not stand
Strong's:
H5975
Word #:
5 of 9
to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)
יַחֲזִ֥יק
he shall hold
H2388
יַחֲזִ֥יק
he shall hold
Strong's:
H2388
Word #:
6 of 9
to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra
Historical Context
Ancient Near Eastern architecture varied in quality. Wealthy built with stone; poor used mud brick that required constant maintenance. A house's ability to withstand storms revealed its construction quality. Bildad's metaphor would resonate with anyone who'd seen shoddy structures collapse while solid buildings endured.
Questions for Reflection
- What 'houses' do we build—careers, relationships, reputations—that cannot ultimately stand?
- How does union with Christ provide the only foundation that endures when storms come?
- In what ways should awareness of judgment day (1 Corinthians 3:12-15) affect what we build and how we build it?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Bildad continues: 'He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand: he shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure.' The verbs escalate: 'lean' (sha'an, שָׁעַן) suggests initial trust, 'hold fast' (chazaq, חָזַק) implies desperate clinging when the initial trust proves inadequate. The house symbolizes whatever security the hypocrite builds—reputation, wealth, family, religion. Despite attempts to strengthen it, 'it shall not stand' (amad, עָמַד) nor 'endure' (qum, קוּם).
The imagery anticipates Jesus' parable of houses built on rock versus sand (Matthew 7:24-27). The storm reveals foundation quality—one house stands, the other falls spectacularly. Bildad correctly identifies the principle: false foundations cannot bear weight. His error is assuming Job's house is sand-built rather than rock-founded. God's later vindication will prove Job's foundation solid despite the storm's ferocity.
The Reformed understanding of security rests in union with Christ—'built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone' (Ephesians 2:20). No storm can destroy what God builds. Bildad's theology lacks this Christological center, substituting moral performance for covenant security.