Job 12:6
Job 12:6 in Multiple Translations
The tents of robbers are safe, and those who provoke God are secure— those who carry their god in their hands.
The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.
The tents of robbers prosper, And they that provoke God are secure; Into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.
There is wealth in the tents of those who make destruction, and those by whom God is moved to wrath are safe; even those whose god is their strength.
Robbers live in peace, and those who make God angry live in safety, trusting their own strength as their ‘god.’
The tabernacles of robbers doe prosper, and they are in safetie, that prouoke God, whome God hath enriched with his hand.
At peace are the tents of spoilers, And those provoking God have confidence, He into whose hand God hath brought.
The tents of robbers prosper. Those who provoke God are secure, who carry their god in their hands.
The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly .
The tabernacles of robbers abound, and they provoke God boldly; whereas it is he that hath given all into their hands:
Bandits live peacefully, and no one threatens those who cause God to become angry; their own strength is the god that they worship.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 12:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
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Job 12:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִשְׁלָ֤יוּ
אֹֽהָלִ֨ים
לְ/שֹׁ֥דְדִ֗ים
וּֽ֭/בַטֻּחוֹת
לְ/מַרְגִּ֣יזֵי
אֵ֑ל
לַ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר
הֵבִ֖יא
אֱל֣וֹהַּ
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
יִשְׁלָ֤יוּ
shâlâh
H7951
to prosper
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
אֹֽהָלִ֨ים
ʼôhel
H168
tent
N-mp
לְ/שֹׁ֥דְדִ֗ים
shâdad
H7703
to ruin
Prep | V-Qal
וּֽ֭/בַטֻּחוֹת
baṭṭuchôwth
H987
security
Conj | N-fp
לְ/מַרְגִּ֣יזֵי
râgaz
H7264
to tremble
Prep | V-Hiphil
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
god
N-ms
לַ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Prep | Rel
הֵבִ֖יא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
אֱל֣וֹהַּ
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
god
N-ms
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
yâd
H3027
hand
Prep | N-cs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 12:6
יִשְׁלָ֤יוּ
shâlâh
H7951
"to prosper"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
Shalâh means to be at rest or secure, often translated as to prosper or be happy. It is about being at ease or safe.
Definition: 1) to be at rest, prosper, be quiet, be at ease 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be or have quiet 1a2) to be at ease, prosper Aramaic equivalent: she.lah (שְׁלֵה "safe" H7954)
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: be happy, prosper, be in safety. See also: Job 3:26; Psalms 122:6; Jeremiah 12:1.
אֹֽהָלִ֨ים
ʼôhel
H168
"tent"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for a tent, often used to describe the tabernacle or a nomad's home. In Exodus 33:7-11, it refers to the sacred tent where God meets with Moses.
Definition: : tent 1) tent 1a) nomad's tent, and thus symbolic of wilderness life, transience 1b) dwelling, home, habitation 1c) the sacred tent of Jehovah (the tabernacle) Also means: o.hel (אֹ֫הֶל ": home" H0168H)
Usage: Occurs in 314 OT verses. KJV: covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 4:20; Leviticus 14:23; Joshua 22:4.
לְ/שֹׁ֥דְדִ֗ים
shâdad
H7703
"to ruin"
Prep | V-Qal
To ruin or devastate is the meaning of this word, often used to describe the powerful and destructive actions of God or human enemies, as seen in the conquest of Canaan. It can also mean to be powerful or impregnable, as in the case of the strongholds of David. This concept is explored in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin, destroy, spoil 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to violently destroy, devastate, despoil, assail 1a2) devastator, despoiler (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be utterly ruined 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to assault 1c2) to devastate 1d) (Pual) to be devastated 1e) (Poel) to violently destroy 1f) (Hophal) to be devastated Also means: shud (שׁוּד "to waste" H7736)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: dead, destroy(-er), oppress, robber, spoil(-er), [idiom] utterly, (lay) waste. See also: Judges 5:27; Jeremiah 25:36; Psalms 17:9.
וּֽ֭/בַטֻּחוֹת
baṭṭuchôwth
H987
"security"
Conj | N-fp
This word means security or safety, like being protected from harm. It's about feeling safe and sound. The Bible uses it to describe a sense of well-being.
Definition: security, safety
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: secure. See also: Job 12:6.
לְ/מַרְגִּ֣יזֵי
râgaz
H7264
"to tremble"
Prep | V-Hiphil
In the Bible, this word means to shake or tremble with strong emotions like fear, anger, or excitement. It can also mean to provoke or disturb someone, causing them to become agitated. The KJV Bible translates it in various ways, including 'tremble', 'quake', and 'rage'.
Definition: 1) tremble, quake, rage, quiver, be agitated, be excited, be perturbed 1a)(Qal) to quake, be disquieted, be excited, be perturbed 1b) (Hiphil) to cause to quake, disquiet, enrage, disturb 1c) (Hithpael) to excite oneself
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: be afraid, stand in awe, disquiet, fall out, fret, move, provoke, quake, rage, shake, tremble, trouble, be wroth. See also: Genesis 45:24; Isaiah 5:25; Psalms 4:5.
אֵ֑ל
ʼêl
H410
"god"
N-ms
In the Bible, 'el means strength or power, and is often used to refer to God or false gods. It describes something or someone as mighty or powerful, like the Almighty. This concept is central to understanding the Bible's view of God.
Definition: : god 1) god, god-like one, mighty one 1a) mighty men, men of rank, mighty heroes 1b) angels 1c) god, false god, (demons, imaginations) 1d) God, the one true God, Jehovah 2) mighty things in nature 3) strength, power Also means: ": power" (el אֵל H0410L)
Usage: Occurs in 235 OT verses. KJV: God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.' See also: Genesis 14:18; Job 33:14; Psalms 5:5.
לַ/אֲשֶׁ֤ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Prep | Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הֵבִ֖יא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֱל֣וֹהַּ
ʼĕlôwahh
H433
"god"
N-ms
Eloah refers to God or a deity, and is used to describe the one true God or false gods. It is often translated as God in the KJV, and is related to the word Elohim, which also refers to God.
Definition: 1) God 2) false god Aramaic equivalent: e.lah (אֱלָהּ "god" H0426)
Usage: Occurs in 59 OT verses. KJV: God, god. See H430 (אֱלֹהִים). See also: Deuteronomy 32:15; Job 22:26; Psalms 18:32.
בְּ/יָדֽ/וֹ
yâd
H3027
"hand"
Prep | N-cs | Suff
In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.
Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists
Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.
Study Notes — Job 12:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 12:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 12:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 12:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 12:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 12:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 12:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 12:6
- Cambridge Bible on Job 12:6
- Barnes' Notes on Job 12:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 12:6
- Sermons on Job 12:6
Context — Job Presents His Case
4I am a laughingstock to my friends, though I called on God, and He answered. The righteous and upright man is a laughingstock.
5The one at ease scorns misfortune as the fate of those whose feet are slipping.
6The tents of robbers are safe, and those who provoke God are secure— those who carry their god in their hands.
7But ask the animals, and they will instruct you; ask the birds of the air, and they will tell you. 8Or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; let the fish of the sea inform you.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 9:24 | The earth is given into the hand of the wicked; He blindfolds its judges. If it is not He, then who is it? |
| 2 | Psalms 73:11–12 | The wicked say, “How can God know? Does the Most High have knowledge?” Behold, these are the wicked— always carefree as they increase their wealth. |
| 3 | Psalms 17:14 | from such men, O LORD, by Your hand— from men of the world whose portion is in this life. May You fill the bellies of Your treasured ones and satisfy their sons, so they leave their abundance to their children. |
| 4 | Psalms 37:1 | Do not fret over those who do evil; do not envy those who do wrong. |
| 5 | Psalms 37:35 | I have seen a wicked, ruthless man flourishing like a well-rooted native tree, |
| 6 | Job 21:7–15 | Why do the wicked live on, growing old and increasing in power? Their descendants are established around them, and their offspring before their eyes. Their homes are safe from fear; no rod of punishment from God is upon them. Their bulls breed without fail; their cows bear calves and do not miscarry. They send forth their little ones like a flock; their children skip about, singing to the tambourine and lyre and making merry at the sound of the flute. They spend their days in prosperity and go down to Sheol in peace. Yet they say to God: ‘Leave us alone! For we have no desire to know Your ways. Who is the Almighty, that we should serve Him, and what would we gain if we pray to Him?’ |
| 7 | Job 22:18 | But it was He who filled their houses with good things; so I stay far from the counsel of the wicked. |
| 8 | Jeremiah 5:27 | Like cages full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore they have become powerful and rich. |
Job 12:6 Summary
This verse in Job 12:6 is saying that sometimes it can seem like the bad people are getting away with everything and are safe, while the good people are struggling. But this is not because God is not fair or just, as we see in Psalm 37:1-7, where we are reminded not to fret because of evildoers. Instead, it's because God's timing and ways are different from ours, and He is working everything out for our good, as promised in Romans 8:28. We can trust that God is always in control, even when things seem unfair or unsure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does it seem like the wicked are prospering while the righteous suffer?
This is a common theme throughout the Bible, as seen in Psalm 73:3 and Habakkuk 1:13, where the prophets also questioned God's justice in the face of evil's prosperity.
What does it mean to 'carry their god in their hands'?
This phrase suggests that those who provoke God have created their own idols or false gods, which they control and worship, much like the idolatry condemned in Isaiah 44:9-20 and Romans 1:21-23.
Is God fair if He allows the wicked to feel secure?
God's ways are not our ways, and His justice is not always immediate, as seen in Ecclesiastes 8:11 and 2 Peter 3:9, where it is clear that God's timing and judgment are perfect, even if they do not align with our expectations.
How can I trust God when it seems like the wicked are winning?
We must trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, as declared in Psalm 100:5 and Romans 8:28, where we are reminded that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some areas in my life where I may be trying to 'carry my own god in my hands', and how can I surrender those to the true God?
- How do I respond when I see the wicked prospering, and what can I do to trust God's justice in those moments?
- In what ways can I be a light in the darkness, pointing others to the one true God, especially when it seems like the wicked are secure?
- What are some ways I can 'ask the animals' or learn from creation, as Job suggests in the surrounding verses, to gain a deeper understanding of God's character and ways?
Gill's Exposition on Job 12:6
The tabernacles of robbers prosper,.... Such as the Chaldeans and Sabeans, who had robbed Job of his substance, and filled their houses with the spoils of others, and lived in the greatest fulness
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 12:6
The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth abundantly. The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 12:6
The tabernacles of robbers prosper: thy opinion, delivered , &c, is confuted by daily experience; which shows that the most wicked, and injurious, and impudent oppressors, tyrants, and robbers, are so far from meeting with those disappointments and miseries wherewith thou didst threaten them, that they commonly succeed in their cursed enterprises, and flourish in wealth and glory, and fill their houses with the goods of others which they violently took away; whereof the Chaldeans and Sabeans, ,17, are a present and pregnant evidence. They that provoke God are secure; they whose common practice it is to despise and provoke God are confident and secure, live without danger or fear. Into whose hand God bringeth abundantly; so far is God from crushing such persons, that he seems to favour them with wonderful success, and by his special and more than common providence puts into their hands the opportunities which they seek, and the persons and goods of other more righteous men, which they lie in wait for.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 12:6
Job 12:6 The tabernacles of robbers prosper, and they that provoke God are secure; into whose hand God bringeth [abundantly].Ver. 6. The tabernacles of robbers prosper] By robbers here understand all such as sin against the second table, but especially oppressors and wrong dealers, whether by force or fraud. As by those that provoke God ( qui res Dei interturbant, so the Tigurines translate), that irritate and disquiet him, attempting to put him out of temper, are meant sinners against the first table. See the like 1 Timothy 1:13 : I was against God a blasphemer, against man a persecutor, against both injurious; but I obtained mercy, special mercy. So do not these robbers and God-provokers in the text: thrive they may, and be in a peaceable condition; yea, they may be secure and confident of the continuance of their prosperity. Confidences are to them, saith the Hebrew, verity; for they trust in uncertain riches, while God bringeth into their hands, viz. whatsoever they wish, yet not as love tokens, but as wrath tokens; these fatting beasts are but fitting for the slaughter. God oft giveth in wrath to some which he withholdeth from others in great mercy. Meanwhile Zophar’ s twofold assertion in the former chapter, Job 12:17; Job 12:20, that good men prosper here, and bad men suffer, falls to the ground, while Job disproves it, 1. By experience in this verse and the former. 2. By the testimony of the creatures, those catholic preachers, Job 12:7-25.
By the testimony of the senses, and of ancient men, Job 12:11-12.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 12:6
(6) Into whose hand God bringeth abundantly.—Some understand these words, to him that bringeth his god in his hand (comp. Habakkuk 1:11; Habakkuk 1:16); but the other seems more in accordance with the usage. (Comp., e.g., Proverbs 3:27, &c.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 12:6
Verse 6. The tabernacles of robbers prosper.] Those who live by the plunder of their neighbours are often found in great secular prosperity; and they that provoke God by impiety and blasphemy live in a state of security and affluence. These are administrations of Providence which cannot be accounted for; yet the Judge of all the earth does right. Therefore prosperity and adversity are no evidences of a man's spiritual state, nor of the place he holds in the approbation or disapprobation of God.
Cambridge Bible on Job 12:6
6. The other side of the picture, the peace of the wicked. into whose hand God bringeth abundantly] The words might also mean: they who carry (their) god in their hand, the idea being that their god is their own strong hand or the weapon in it; cf. what the prophet says of the Chaldeans, This their power is their god, Habakkuk 1:11 with Job 12:16. The commentators quote from Vergil the words of the contemptor deorum, dextra mihi deus, and Hitzig refers to Ammianus, 17. 12, who says of some Scythian tribes, mucrones pro numinibus colunt. In Job 12:5 Job said that the afflicted righteous were despised; the strict antithesis would have been that the prosperous wicked received respect; but Job, with the keen eye which he has at present for the anomalies of the Divine government, attributes the peace of the wicked to God, though they recognise no God but their own strong arm. Cf. ch. Job 5:24.
Barnes' Notes on Job 12:6
The tabernacles of robbers prosper - The tents or dwellings of robbers are safe and secure. This is Job’s original proposition, to which he all along adheres.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 12:6
6. Tabernacles of robbers prosper — Literally, Are at peace. Zophar had spoken of the security of the tabernacle where virtue dwelt; (Job 11:14-19;) Job adduces other matters of fact — vice has also
Sermons on Job 12:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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God Works Through His Son by George Warnock | In this sermon transcript, the speaker invites a pastor named Rodney Hart to share his testimony. Rodney explains that he had been preaching holiness with a dry heart and harboring |
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Discipline and Blessing Part 1 by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the desperate times we are living in and the need for people to turn to God. He highlights the serious social and moral problems we are faci |
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Who Sees Us? Who Will Know? by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks addresses the prevalence of atheism in the hearts of sinners, illustrating how various forms of idolatry replace God in their lives, such as wealth, pleasure, and amb |
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Practical Atheism, in Denying the Agency of Divine Providence, Exposed by Samuel Davies | Samuel Davies preaches about the prevalence of practical atheism in denying the agency of divine providence, exposing the consequences of settling on one's own understanding and ne |
|
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What a Pitiful Perishing Portion Is That! by Thomas Brooks | Thomas Brooks emphasizes the futility of placing one's hope and satisfaction in worldly things, describing how those who are worldly-minded have only the transient pleasures of thi |
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(Belarus) God Has Risen to Defend His Name by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes God's promises of provision and protection for his people. He highlights that God has promised that his people will never have to beg for br |
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An Old Doctor's Spiritual Prescription by Jim Cymbala | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the fear and worry that people experience in a world filled with tension and uncertainty. He emphasizes the importance of trusting in God's pr |