Job 15:31
Job 15:31 in Multiple Translations
Let him not deceive himself with trust in emptiness, for emptiness will be his reward.
Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompence.
Let him not trust in vanity, deceiving himself; For vanity shall be his recompense.
Let him not put his hope in what is false, falling into error: for he will get deceit as his reward.
They should not trust in things that are worthless, for their reward will be worthless.
He beleeueth not that he erreth in vanitie: therefore vanitie shalbe his change.
Let him not put credence in vanity, He hath been deceived, For vanity is his recompence.
Let him not trust in emptiness, deceiving himself, for emptiness will be his reward.
Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompense.
He shall not believe, being vainly deceived by error, that he may be redeemed with any price.
Since they are very foolish, with the result that they trust in things that are really worthless, then things that are worthless will be all that they get.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 15:31
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Job 15:31 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
אַל
יַאֲמֵ֣ן
ב/שו
בַּ/שָּׁ֣יו
נִתְעָ֑ה
כִּי
שָׁ֝֗וְא
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
תְמוּרָתֽ/וֹ
אַל
ʼal
H408
not
Part
יַאֲמֵ֣ן
ʼâman
H539
be faithful
V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
ב/שו
shâvᵉʼ
H7723
vanity
Prep | N-ms
בַּ/שָּׁ֣יו
shâvᵉʼ
H7723
vanity
Prep | N-ms
נִתְעָ֑ה
tâʻâh
H8582
to go astray
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
כִּי
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
שָׁ֝֗וְא
shâvᵉʼ
H7723
vanity
N-ms
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
תְמוּרָתֽ/וֹ
tᵉmûwrâh
H8545
exchange
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Job 15:31
אַל
ʼal
H408
"not"
Part
Means not or nothing, used to express negation, as in the phrase do not or let not be.
Definition: 1) not, no, nor, neither, nothing (as wish or preference) 1a) do not, let not (with a verb) 1b) let there not be (with a verb understood) 1c) not, no (with substantive) 1d) nothing (as substantive) Aramaic equivalent: al (אַל "not" H0409)
Usage: Occurs in 572 OT verses. KJV: nay, neither, [phrase] never, no, nor, not, nothing (worth), rather than. See also: Genesis 13:8; Joshua 11:6; 1 Chronicles 22:13.
יַאֲמֵ֣ן
ʼâman
H539
"be faithful"
V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms
This Hebrew word means to be faithful or trustworthy, as seen in the KJV translations. It can also mean to support or confirm something, and is used in passages like Psalm 37:3 to describe trusting in God. The concept of faithfulness is central to the book of Proverbs.
Definition: 1) to support, confirm, be faithful 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to support, confirm, be faithful, uphold, nourish 1a1a) foster-father (subst.) 1a1b) foster-mother, nurse 1a1c) pillars, supporters of the door 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be established, be faithful, be carried, make firm 1b1a) to be carried by a nurse 1b1b) made firm, sure, lasting 1b1c) confirmed, established, sure 1b1d) verified, confirmed 1b1e) reliable, faithful, trusty 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to stand firm, to trust, to be certain, to believe in 1c1a) stand firm 1c1b) trust, believe Aramaic equivalent: a.man (אֲמַן "to trust" H0540)
Usage: Occurs in 102 OT verses. KJV: hence, assurance, believe, bring up, establish, [phrase] fail, be faithful (of long continuance, stedfast, sure, surely, trusty, verified), nurse, (-ing father), (put), trust, turn to the right. See also: Genesis 15:6; Job 24:22; Psalms 12:2.
ב/שו
shâvᵉʼ
H7723
"vanity"
Prep | N-ms
Vanity or falsehood, this word describes something empty, useless, or deceitful, like the idols worshipped by the Israelites in Isaiah 41:29, or the lies and false promises spoken by false prophets in Jeremiah 23:25.
Definition: : false 1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood 1a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity 1b) emptiness of speech, lying 1c) worthlessness (of conduct) Also means: shav (שָׁוְא ": vain" H7723H)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: false(-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity. See also: Exodus 20:7; Isaiah 1:13; Psalms 12:3.
בַּ/שָּׁ֣יו
shâvᵉʼ
H7723
"vanity"
Prep | N-ms
Vanity or falsehood, this word describes something empty, useless, or deceitful, like the idols worshipped by the Israelites in Isaiah 41:29, or the lies and false promises spoken by false prophets in Jeremiah 23:25.
Definition: : false 1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood 1a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity 1b) emptiness of speech, lying 1c) worthlessness (of conduct) Also means: shav (שָׁוְא ": vain" H7723H)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: false(-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity. See also: Exodus 20:7; Isaiah 1:13; Psalms 12:3.
נִתְעָ֑ה
tâʻâh
H8582
"to go astray"
V-Niphal-Perf-3ms
This word means to go astray or wander, and can be used physically or morally. It can also mean to cause someone to err or stumble.
Definition: 1) to err, wander, go astray, stagger 1a) (Qal) to err 1a1) to wander about (physically) 1a2) of intoxication 1a3) of sin (ethically) 1a4) wandering (of the mind) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made to wander about, be made to stagger (drunkard) 1b2) to be led astray (ethically) 1c) (Hiphil) to cause to wander 1c1) to cause to wander about (physically) 1c2) to cause to wander (of intoxication) 1c3) to cause to err, mislead (mentally and morally)
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the way. See also: Genesis 20:13; Isaiah 9:15; Psalms 58:4.
כִּי
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
שָׁ֝֗וְא
shâvᵉʼ
H7723
"vanity"
N-ms
Vanity or falsehood, this word describes something empty, useless, or deceitful, like the idols worshipped by the Israelites in Isaiah 41:29, or the lies and false promises spoken by false prophets in Jeremiah 23:25.
Definition: : false 1) emptiness, vanity, falsehood 1a) emptiness, nothingness, vanity 1b) emptiness of speech, lying 1c) worthlessness (of conduct) Also means: shav (שָׁוְא ": vain" H7723H)
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: false(-ly), lie, lying, vain, vanity. See also: Exodus 20:7; Isaiah 1:13; Psalms 12:3.
תִּהְיֶ֥ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3fs
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
תְמוּרָתֽ/וֹ
tᵉmûwrâh
H8545
"exchange"
N-fs | Suff
This term refers to an exchange or barter, like trading one thing for another. In the Bible, it can mean compensation or restitution, as seen in the laws of Exodus. It involves giving something in return for something else.
Definition: that which is exchanged, exchange, substitute, recompense
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: (ex-) change(-ing), recompense, restitution. See also: Leviticus 27:10; Job 15:31; Job 28:17.
Study Notes — Job 15:31
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 15:31 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 15:31
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 15:31
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 15:31
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 15:31
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 15:31
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 15:31
- Cambridge Bible on Job 15:31
- Barnes' Notes on Job 15:31
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 15:31
- Sermons on Job 15:31
Context — Eliphaz: Job Does Not Fear God
29He will no longer be rich; his wealth will not endure. His possessions will not overspread the land.
30He will not escape from the darkness; the flame will wither his shoots, and the breath of God’s mouth will carry him away.
31Let him not deceive himself with trust in emptiness, for emptiness will be his reward.
32It will be paid in full before his time, and his branch will not flourish. 33He will be like a vine stripped of its unripe grapes, like an olive tree that sheds its blossoms.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 59:4 | No one calls for justice; no one pleads his case honestly. They rely on empty pleas; they tell lies; they conceive mischief and give birth to iniquity. |
| 2 | Galatians 6:3 | If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. |
| 3 | Psalms 62:10 | Place no trust in extortion, or false hope in stolen goods. If your riches increase, do not set your heart upon them. |
| 4 | Hosea 8:7 | For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. There is no standing grain; what sprouts fails to yield flour. Even if it should produce, the foreigners would swallow it up. |
| 5 | Galatians 6:7–8 | Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. |
| 6 | Job 4:8 | As I have observed, those who plow iniquity and those who sow trouble reap the same. |
| 7 | Job 12:16 | True wisdom and power belong to Him. The deceived and the deceiver are His. |
| 8 | Jonah 2:8 | Those who cling to worthless idols forsake His loving devotion. |
| 9 | Proverbs 22:8 | He who sows injustice will reap disaster, and the rod of his fury will be destroyed. |
| 10 | Isaiah 44:20 | He feeds on ashes. His deluded heart has led him astray, and he cannot deliver himself or say, “Is not this thing in my right hand a lie?” |
Job 15:31 Summary
This verse is warning us not to put our trust in things that have no true value, like money or power, because they will ultimately leave us empty. Instead, we should seek to trust in God, who is the only one who can truly fulfill us, as seen in Jeremiah 2:13. By trusting in God, we can avoid the emptiness that comes from trusting in empty things and find true joy and fulfillment. We can start by seeking wisdom from God and being mindful of the fleeting nature of earthly things, as warned in 1 Corinthians 7:31.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean to trust in emptiness?
Trusting in emptiness means putting our faith in things that have no true value or substance, such as wealth or power, as seen in Job 31:24-25, where Job warns against trusting in gold or precious stones.
Why is it important not to deceive ourselves with empty trusts?
It's crucial not to deceive ourselves because empty trusts will ultimately lead to emptiness as a reward, as stated in Job 15:31, and can cause us to miss out on the true riches and fulfillment found in God, as seen in Matthew 6:19-21.
How can we avoid deceiving ourselves with empty trusts?
We can avoid deceiving ourselves by seeking wisdom from God, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6, and by being mindful of the fleeting nature of earthly things, as warned in 1 John 2:17.
What is the consequence of trusting in emptiness?
The consequence of trusting in emptiness is that emptiness will be our reward, as stated in Job 15:31, and we will miss out on the true joy and fulfillment that comes from trusting in God, as seen in Psalm 16:11.
Reflection Questions
- What are some empty trusts that I may be putting my faith in, and how can I redirect my trust to God?
- How can I discern the difference between true and empty trusts in my life?
- What are some ways that I can seek wisdom from God to avoid deceiving myself with empty trusts?
- How can I apply the warning in Job 15:31 to my daily life and decisions?
Gill's Exposition on Job 15:31
Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity,.... Every wicked man is deceived, either by Satan, who deceives the whole world, deceived our first parents, and deceives all their posterity, not only
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 15:31
Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompence. Rather, 'let him not trust in vanity (or) he will be deceived,' etc. Vanity , [ shaaw' (H7723)] - that which is unsubstantial.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 15:31
In vanity, i.e. in the vain and deceitful things of this world, such as power, riches, honour, &c., of which, and of the loss of them, he had been largely discoursing; and now he subjoins a general caution to all men to take heed of running into the same error and mischief with the forementioned persons; and withal he secretly intimates Job’ s great sin, which was the cause of his ruin, to wit, his carnal confidence in those vain things, the wealth, and glory, and children which God had given him; from which crime he therefore vindicates himself hereafter. For vanity, i.e. disappointment and dissatisfaction, and the vanishing or loss of all their imaginary felicity; the same word vanity being elegantly repeated in another sense, as is usual in Scripture and all authors. His recompence, Heb. his exchange; he shall exchange one vanity for another, a pleasing vanity for a vexatious vanity. But this verse is and may be rendered otherwise; the Hebrew particle al being here, as it is elsewhere, taken for a simple negation. Thus, He that is deceived with vanity, (i.e. with the vain things of this world, wherewith most men are deceived and bewitched,) will not believe that vanity (i.e. emptiness, and disappointment, and misery) shall be his recompence. And so this is an aggravation of his calamity, that it surprised him when he was confident and secure from all fears of such an event.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 15:31
Job 15:31 Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompence.Ver. 31. Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity] Let it suffice him that he hath been once already deceived by the uncertainty of riches, which were never true to those which trusted them, nor ever will be, 1 Timothy 6:17. As Charondas was wont to say of going to sea, and another of going to law, That he wondered not at those that go once, but at those who go a second time. So may we at those that having found the deceitfulness of sin, and the instability of creature comforts, that they should again be drawn in and deceived. This folly Eliphaz here forewarneth Job of, and would not have him twice stumble at the same stone, but deliver his soul, if ever God should restore him again, and say, "Is there not a lie in my right hand?" Why feed I upon ashes? &c., Isaiah 44:20. For vanity shall be his recompense] i.e. Poverty and misery shall be his portion, as shame shall be the portion of fools, Proverbs 3:35. As he hath sowed the wind, so he shall reap the whirlwind, whereof he is likely to have a great catch, Hosea 8:7;
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 15:31
(31) Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity.—Or, Let him not trust in vanity deceiving himself. (Comp. James 1:26; 1 Samuel 12:21.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 15:31
Verse 31. Let not him that is deceived] 7. He has many vain imaginations of obtaining wealth, power, pleasure, and happiness; but he is deceived; and he finds that he has trusted בשוא bashshav, in a lie; and this lie is his recompense.
Cambridge Bible on Job 15:31
31. The verse reads, Let him not trust in vanity: he is deceived: For vanity shall be his recompence. Similarly, “they that plow iniquity reap the same,” ch. Job 4:8; Job 5:13. Eliphaz returns as in other passages to his former speech. “Vanity” or evil means both wickedness (first clause) and calamity or trouble (second clause). The word “recompence” means exchange, that received in barter or return.
Barnes' Notes on Job 15:31
Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity - The sense is, “Let him not trust in vanity. He will be deceived. Vanity will be his recompense.” The idea is, that a man should not confide in that which will furnish no support.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 15:31
31. Let him not trust in evil; he is deceived, for evil shall be his reward. (Conant and most moderns.) Recompense — Literally, exchange. The word translated vanity signifies also evil, or sin and destruction.
Sermons on Job 15:31
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Secret of Holiness by Dennis Kinlaw | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding just one person who deals honestly and seeks the truth in order to bring salvation and forgiveness to a city. The s |
|
(2006 Conference) 6.the Need in Our Midst Today by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of raising up godly leaders in churches, highlighting the joy of seeing humble brothers whom God has blessed without becoming proud. It warns |
|
|
What Brokenness Means by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the danger of legalism in churches and individuals, highlighting the need for brokenness, repentance, and humility. It explores the journey from self-righteo |
|
(In the Word) 03 - Who Are the Children of God by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker shares a personal experience of ministering in a foreign country. Despite language barriers, the speaker led a prayer for rain, which hadn't fallen in f |
|
|
God Chooses and Uses Nobodies by Zac Poonen | This sermon emphasizes the importance of being poor in spirit, recognizing that all blessings and abilities come from God. It warns against the dangers of spiritual pride and the n |
|
Why Pride Before Prayer? (Where God Begins in Reviving His People) by Lou Sutera | In this sermon, the speaker shares anecdotes and testimonies to highlight the destructive nature of pride. He tells a story of a father who boasts about his hunting skills, but fai |
|
|
Knowing Satan's Schemes by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the tactics of Satan, focusing on how he deceives through pride, rebellion, accusation, and drawing people to himself. It emphasizes the importance of being |