Job 18:13
Job 18:13 in Multiple Translations
It devours patches of his skin; the firstborn of death devours his limbs.
It shall devour the strength of his skin: even the firstborn of death shall devour his strength.
The members of his body shall be devoured, Yea, the first-born of death shall devour his members.
His skin is wasted by disease, and his body is food for the worst of diseases.
Disease devours their skin; deadly disease consumes their limbs.
It shall deuoure the inner partes of his skinne, and the first borne of death shall deuoure his strength.
It consumeth the parts of his skin, Consume his parts doth death's first-born.
The members of his body will be devoured. The firstborn of death will devour his members.
It shall devour the strength of his skin: even the first-born of death shall devour his strength.
Let it devour the beauty of his skin, let the firstborn death consume his arms.
Diseases spread all over their skin/bodies; diseases that ◄caused their bodies to decay/destroyed their arms and legs►.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 18:13
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 18:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֹ֭אכַל
בַּדֵּ֣י
עוֹר֑/וֹ
יֹאכַ֥ל
בַּ֝דָּ֗י/ו
בְּכ֣וֹר
מָֽוֶת
יֹ֭אכַל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בַּדֵּ֣י
bad
H905
alone
N-mp
עוֹר֑/וֹ
ʻôwr
H5785
skin
N-ms | Suff
יֹאכַ֥ל
ʼâkal
H398
to eat
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בַּ֝דָּ֗י/ו
bad
H905
alone
N-mp | Suff
בְּכ֣וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
firstborn
N-ms
מָֽוֶת
mâveth
H4194
death
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 18:13
יֹ֭אכַל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
בַּדֵּ֣י
bad
H905
"alone"
N-mp
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
עוֹר֑/וֹ
ʻôwr
H5785
"skin"
N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means skin, like human skin or animal hide, and is used in the Bible to describe leather. It appears in Exodus 25:5 to describe the materials used to build the tabernacle. The word is also used in Genesis 3:21 to describe the clothing God made for Adam and Eve.
Definition: 1) skin, hide 1a) skin (of men) 1b) hide (of animals)
Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: hide, leather, skin. See also: Genesis 3:21; Leviticus 13:35; Jeremiah 13:23.
יֹאכַ֥ל
ʼâkal
H398
"to eat"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This word means to eat or devour, and it's used in many stories, including when Jesus fed the 5000 with fish and bread in the book of Matthew. It's about taking in nourishment and being satisfied.
Definition: 1) to eat, devour, burn up, feed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to eat (human subject) 1a2) to eat, devour (of beasts and birds) 1a3) to devour, consume (of fire) 1a4) to devour, slay (of sword) 1a5) to devour, consume, destroy (inanimate subjects - ie, pestilence, drought) 1a6) to devour (of oppression) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be eaten (by men) 1b2) to be devoured, consumed (of fire) 1b3) to be wasted, destroyed (of flesh) 1c) (Pual) 1c1) to cause to eat, feed with 1c2) to cause to devour 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to feed 1d2) to cause to eat 1e) (Piel) 1e1) consume Aramaic equivalent: a.khal (אֲכַל "to devour" H0399)
Usage: Occurs in 703 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 6:9; Numbers 24:8.
בַּ֝דָּ֗י/ו
bad
H905
"alone"
N-mp | Suff
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
בְּכ֣וֹר
bᵉkôwr
H1060
"firstborn"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the firstborn child or animal, often holding a special status or responsibility. It appears in stories like Genesis and Exodus, highlighting the importance of birth order. The KJV translates it as 'eldest' or 'firstborn'.
Definition: 1) firstborn, firstling 1a) of men and women 1b) of animals 1c) noun of relation (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 96 OT verses. KJV: eldest (son), firstborn(-ling). See also: Genesis 10:15; Deuteronomy 21:17; Psalms 78:51.
מָֽוֶת
mâveth
H4194
"death"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to death, whether natural or violent, and is used in books like Genesis and Isaiah. It can also mean the place of the dead, or a state of ruin. This concept is seen in the story of Moses, where death is a punishment for disobedience.
Definition: 1) death, dying, Death (personified), realm of the dead 1a) death 1b) death by violence (as a penalty) 1c) state of death, place of death Aramaic equivalent: mot (מוֹת "death" H4193)
Usage: Occurs in 153 OT verses. KJV: (be) dead(-ly), death, die(-d). See also: Genesis 21:16; Job 38:17; Psalms 6:6.
Study Notes — Job 18:13
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 18:13 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 18:13
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 18:13
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 18:13
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 18:13
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 18:13
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 18:13
- Cambridge Bible on Job 18:13
- Barnes' Notes on Job 18:13
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 18:13
- Sermons on Job 18:13
Context — Bildad: God Punishes the Wicked
11Terrors frighten him on every side and harass his every step.
12His strength is depleted, and calamity is ready at his side.
13It devours patches of his skin; the firstborn of death devours his limbs.
14He is torn from the shelter of his tent and is marched off to the king of terrors. 15Fire resides in his tent; burning sulfur rains down on his dwelling.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonah 2:6 | To the roots of the mountains I descended; the earth beneath me barred me in forever! But You raised my life from the pit, O LORD my God! |
| 2 | Zechariah 14:12 | And this will be the plague with which the LORD strikes all the peoples who have warred against Jerusalem: Their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongues will rot in their mouths. |
| 3 | Revelation 6:8 | Then I looked and saw a pale green horse. Its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed close behind. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill by sword, by famine, by plague, and by the beasts of the earth. |
| 4 | Job 17:16 | Will it go down to the gates of Sheol? Will we go down together into the dust?” |
| 5 | Genesis 49:3 | Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, excelling in honor, excelling in power. |
| 6 | Isaiah 14:30 | Then the firstborn of the poor will find pasture, and the needy will lie down in safety, but I will kill your root by famine, and your remnant will be slain. |
Job 18:13 Summary
This verse is describing a person who is suffering greatly, and it's like their pain is eating away at them, consuming their whole life. The 'firstborn of death' is like the worst part of death, and it's taking over the person's body and mind, much like what is described in Psalms 116:15. It's a very sad and scary picture, but it reminds us that we can turn to God in our suffering, just like Job did, and trust in His goodness and love, as seen in Romans 8:28 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4. We can also remember that God is our comfort and our strength, as described in Psalms 23:4 and Isaiah 41:10.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meant by 'the firstborn of death' in this verse?
The phrase 'the firstborn of death' refers to the most powerful and terrifying aspect of death, which is consuming the person's limbs, as seen in Job 18:13, and is reminiscent of the power of death described in Psalms 116:15 and Revelation 20:6
Is this verse talking about a physical or spiritual condition?
While the language used is graphic and could describe a physical condition, the context of Job 18 suggests that it is also speaking to the spiritual and emotional anguish that Job is experiencing, similar to what is described in Job 7:14 and Lamentations 3:4
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Job?
This verse is part of Bildad's second speech to Job, where he is describing the consequences of sin and the power of death, which is a major theme throughout the book of Job, as seen in Job 4:7-8 and Job 27:13-23
What does it mean for something to 'devour patches of his skin'?
This phrase is a metaphor for the way that suffering and pain can consume a person's life, leaving them feeling raw and exposed, much like the emotional pain described in Jeremiah 8:18 and Lamentations 1:20
Reflection Questions
- What are the areas of my life where I feel like I am being 'devoured' by suffering or pain, and how can I turn to God in those moments?
- How do I respond when I feel like I am being consumed by difficulties, and what can I learn from Job's example in this verse?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when I am facing intense suffering, as described in Romans 8:28 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?
- What are some ways that I can 'march off to the king of terrors' with confidence, as described in the next verse, Job 18:14, and how can I prepare myself for that journey?
Gill's Exposition on Job 18:13
It shall devour the strength of his skin,.... Or "the bars of his skin" (x), the strength and support of his body, for which his skin may be put, as the bones; or "the branches of his skin" (y), the
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 18:13
It shall devour the strength of his skin: even the firstborn of death shall devour his strength. Umbreit has 'he' for "it" - i:e., in the rage of hunger he shall devour his own body:' or, his own children (Lamentations 4:10).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 18:13
The strength of his skin, Heb. the bars, or rather, the branches of the skin, i.e. either the veins and sinews, which branch out themselves through the skin as well as elsewhere; or the fat and flesh, which like bars support the skin, and adorn and beautify it, as branches do a tree; without which the skirt is shrivelled up and deformed. The first-born of death, i.e. a most remarkable and terrible kind of death. The first-born was the chief of his brethren, and therefore this title is given to things eminent in their kind, as .
Trapp's Commentary on Job 18:13
Job 18:13 It shall devour the strength of his skin: [even] the firstborn of death shall devour his strength.Ver. 13. It shall devour the strength of his skin] i.e. His bones, which support his skin; these destruction shall devour or swallow up at a bite, as a hungry monster. The firstborn of death shall devour his strength] i.e. The devil, say some, that destroyer, Revelation 9:11, that old manslayer, John 8:44, Prince of death, Hebrews 2:14, as Christ is called Prince of life, Acts 3:15, and firstborn of death, as Christ is the firstborn of the resurrection, Colossians 1:18. Others understand it, De cruentissima ac funestissima morte, to be the most tragic and cruel kind of death, see Isaiah 14:30. Broughton readeth it, A strange death shall eat the branches of his body, judgments shall come upon thee in their perfection, saith God to Babylon, Isaiah 47:9.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 18:13
(13) The strength of his skin.—This verse should probably be rendered, “It shall devour the members of his body, even the firstborn of death shall devour his members;” and by the “firstborn of death” is probably to be understood some wasting disease such as Job’s, the phrase being so used as a euphemism.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 18:13
Verse 13. It shall devour the strength of his skin] This may refer to the elephant, or to the rhinoceros, whose skin scarcely any dart can pierce: but in the case referred to above, the animal is taken in a pitfall, and then the first-born of death - a sudden and overwhelming stroke - deprives him of life. See the account of hunting the elephant in the East at the end of the chapter. See Clarke on Job 18:21. The Chaldee has: "The strength of his skin shall devour his flesh; and the angel of death shall consume his children."
Cambridge Bible on Job 18:13
13. The verse reads, It shall devour the members of his body, Even the firstborn of death shall devour his members. The subject it in clause one is the “firstborn of death” in clause two; cf. a similar construction, Judges 5:20, “they fought from heaven, the stars in their courses fought against Sisera”. “Members of his body” is literally the pieces (“parts” ch. Job 41:12) of his skin. The firstborn of death is the strongest child of death (Genesis 49:3); or else, less naturally, the “deadliest death,” cf. firstborn of the poor (= the very poorest) Isaiah 14:30; in any case the phrase means the most terrible and fatal disease. The Arabs call deadly diseases “daughters of destiny”—destiny, as the bacchanal fatalist sings, Ordained for us and we ordained for it.
Barnes' Notes on Job 18:13
It shall devour the strength of his skin - Margin, bars. The margin is a correct translation of the Hebrew.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 18:13
13. Strength — Hebrew, Baddim. The same word is used twice in this verse, and means parts or members. Skin stands here for body, as in Exodus 22:27.
Sermons on Job 18:13
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Sign of the Prophet Jonah by Dr. A.E. Wilder-Smith | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Jonah from the Bible. Jonah was a Hebrew who feared the Lord and was called by God to go to the city of Nineveh and preach agai |
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Essentials of Mortification: Resting and Conquering by Paul West | Paul West delves into the spiritual battle that believers face, emphasizing the unseen warfare that occurs within and around them. He highlights the importance of understanding tha |
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Glimpses of the Future - Part 6 by Derek Prince | This sermon delves into the theme of God's justice and the importance of waiting on Him, emphasizing the significance of crying out to God in moments of desperation. It explores th |
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Jerusalem Capital of Israel by Hedley G Murphy | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of giving God the glory in both times of victory and times of struggle. He uses the story of David as an example, highlightin |
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The Church & the Nations by Robert B. Thompson | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of speaking positively about others, especially those who are anointed by God. They reference a song from their childhood that |
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Day 252, Revelation 14 by David Servant | David Servant delves into the complexities of interpreting the book of Revelation, emphasizing the themes of God's holiness, mercy, and impending judgment. The chapter explores the |
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How to Face the Last Days Without Fear - Part 3 by Derek Prince | This sermon by Derek Prince delves into the symbolism of the four horses in the book of Revelation, highlighting themes of judgment, ethnic conflict, shortage, and famine. It empha |