Job 18:16
Job 18:16 in Multiple Translations
The roots beneath him dry up, and the branches above him wither away.
His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off.
His roots shall be dried up beneath, And above shall his branch be cut off.
Under the earth his roots are dry, and over it his branch is cut off.
They wither away, roots below and branches above;
His rootes shalbe dryed vp beneath, and aboue shall his branche be cut downe.
From beneath his roots are dried up, And from above cut off is his crop.
His roots will be dried up beneath. His branch will be cut off above.
His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off.
Let his roots be dried up beneath, and his harvest destroyed above.
Because those who died had no descendants, they were like trees whose roots have dried up and whose branches have all withered [MET].
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 18:16
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 18:16 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
מִ֭/תַּחַת
שָֽׁרָשָׁ֣י/ו
יִבָ֑שׁוּ
וּ֝/מִ/מַּ֗עַל
יִמַּ֥ל
קְצִירֽ/וֹ
מִ֭/תַּחַת
tachath
H8478
underneath
Prep | Prep
שָֽׁרָשָׁ֣י/ו
sheresh
H8328
root
N-mp | Suff
יִבָ֑שׁוּ
yâbêsh
H3001
to wither
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
וּ֝/מִ/מַּ֗עַל
maʻal
H4605
above
Conj | Prep | Adv
יִמַּ֥ל
nâmal
H5243
to languish
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
קְצִירֽ/וֹ
qâtsîyr
H7105
harvest
N-ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 18:16
מִ֭/תַּחַת
tachath
H8478
"underneath"
Prep | Prep
This Hebrew word means underneath or below, often used to describe physical locations or positions. It appears in various books, including Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to indicate something is under or beneath something else. The word has several related meanings.
Definition: : under/below 1) the under part, beneath, instead of, as, for, for the sake of, flat, unto, where, whereas n m 1a) the under part adv accus 1b) beneath prep 1c) under, beneath 1c1) at the foot of (idiom) 1c2) sweetness, subjection, woman, being burdened or oppressed (fig) 1c3) of subjection or conquest 1d) what is under one, the place in which one stands 1d1) in one's place, the place in which one stands (idiom with reflexive pronoun) 1d2) in place of, instead of (in transferred sense) 1d3) in place of, in exchange or return for (of things mutually interchanged) conj 1e) instead of, instead of that 1f) in return for that, because that in compounds 1g) in, under, into the place of (after verbs of motion) 1h) from under, from beneath, from under the hand of, from his place, under, beneath
Usage: Occurs in 450 OT verses. KJV: as, beneath, [idiom] flat, in(-stead), (same) place (where...is), room, for...sake, stead of, under, [idiom] unto, [idiom] when...was mine, whereas, (where-) fore, with. See also: Genesis 1:7; Deuteronomy 7:24; 1 Kings 20:42.
שָֽׁרָשָׁ֣י/ו
sheresh
H8328
"root"
N-mp | Suff
A root is the underground part of a plant. In the Bible, it can also mean a source or foundation, like in the book of Job.
Definition: 1) root 1a) root (literal) 1b) root (of people involving firmness or permanence) (fig) 1c) root, bottom (as lowest stratum) (fig) Aramaic equivalent: sho.resh (שֹׁ֫רֶשׁ "root" H8330)
Usage: Occurs in 32 OT verses. KJV: bottom, deep, heel, root. See also: Deuteronomy 29:17; Isaiah 11:1; Psalms 80:10.
יִבָ֑שׁוּ
yâbêsh
H3001
"to wither"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This Hebrew word means to wither or dry up, like a plant without water. It can also mean to be ashamed or disappointed. The Bible uses it to describe things that have lost their freshness or vitality.
Definition: 1) to make dry, wither, be dry, become dry, be dried up, be withered 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be dry, be dried up, be without moisture 1a2) to be dried up 1b) (Piel) to make dry, dry up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to dry up, make dry 1c1a) to dry up (water) 1c1b) to make dry, wither 1c1c) to exhibit dryness
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: be ashamed, clean, be confounded, (make) dry (up), (do) shame(-fully), [idiom] utterly, wither (away). See also: Genesis 8:7; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 22:16.
וּ֝/מִ/מַּ֗עַל
maʻal
H4605
"above"
Conj | Prep | Adv
Means above or higher, used to describe something's location or position. In the Bible, it appears in passages like Genesis 1:7, where God separates the waters above from the waters below. This word helps us understand God's creation.
Definition: subst 1) higher part, upper part adv 1a) above prep 1b) on the top of, above, on higher ground than with locative 1c) upwards, higher, above
Usage: Occurs in 134 OT verses. KJV: above, exceeding(-ly), forward, on ([idiom] very) high, over, up(-on, -ward), very. See also: Genesis 6:16; 1 Samuel 30:25; Psalms 74:5.
יִמַּ֥ל
nâmal
H5243
"to languish"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to cut or circumcise, as seen in the context of religious rituals. It means to become clipped or specifically circumcised, and is used in various biblical passages.
Definition: 1) to languish, wither, fade 1a) (Qal) to hang down, wither
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: (branch to) be cut down (off), circumcise. See also: Genesis 17:11; Job 18:16; Psalms 37:2.
קְצִירֽ/וֹ
qâtsîyr
H7105
"harvest"
N-ms | Suff
This word refers to the harvest or the time of harvest, as well as the reaper or the crop itself. It can also mean a limb or foliage of a tree, emphasizing the idea of growth and abundance. The concept of harvest is central to the biblical narrative, particularly in the book of Ruth.
Definition: 1) harvest, harvesting 1a) process of harvesting 1b) crop, what is harvested or reaped 1c) time of harvest
Usage: Occurs in 49 OT verses. KJV: bough, branch, harvest (man). See also: Genesis 8:22; Job 18:16; Psalms 80:12.
Study Notes — Job 18:16
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 18:16 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 18:16
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 18:16
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 18:16
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 18:16
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 18:16
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 18:16
- Cambridge Bible on Job 18:16
- Barnes' Notes on Job 18:16
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 18:16
- Sermons on Job 18:16
Context — Bildad: God Punishes the Wicked
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.
16The roots beneath him dry up, and the branches above him wither away.
17The memory of him perishes from the earth, and he has no name in the land. 18He is driven from light into darkness and is chased from the inhabited world.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 9:16 | Ephraim is struck down; their root is withered; they cannot bear fruit. Even if they bear children, I will slay the darlings of their wombs. |
| 2 | Isaiah 5:24 | Therefore, as a tongue of fire consumes the straw, and as dry grass shrivels in the flame, so their roots will decay and their blossoms will blow away like dust; for they have rejected the instruction of the LORD of Hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. |
| 3 | Job 15:30 | He will not escape from the darkness; the flame will wither his shoots, and the breath of God’s mouth will carry him away. |
| 4 | Malachi 4:1 | “For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble; the day is coming when I will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of Hosts. “Not a root or branch will be left to them.” |
| 5 | Amos 2:9 | Yet it was I who destroyed the Amorite before them, though his height was like that of the cedars, and he was as strong as the oaks. Yet I destroyed his fruit above and his roots below. |
| 6 | Job 29:19 | My roots will spread out to the waters, and the dew will rest nightly on my branches. |
| 7 | Job 5:3–4 | I have seen a fool taking root, but suddenly his house was cursed. His sons are far from safety, crushed in court without a defender. |
Job 18:16 Summary
This verse is saying that when someone is living in sin and rebellion against God, their whole life will eventually wither away and die, like a tree that has been cut down. This is a warning to us to make sure we are living in obedience to God and seeking His forgiveness, as seen in 1 John 1:9. Just like a tree needs water and sunlight to grow, we need to be nourished by God's Word and Spirit to thrive, as described in Psalm 1:3 and John 15:1-17. By seeking God and following His ways, we can avoid the kind of destruction described in this verse and instead bear fruit that will last, as seen in John 15:16 and Galatians 5:22-23.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for someone's roots to dry up and their branches to wither away?
This is a metaphor for the complete destruction of a person's life and legacy, as seen in Job 18:16, where the roots beneath him dry up, and the branches above him wither away, much like a tree that has been cut down, as described in Psalm 37:35-36.
Is this verse talking about a literal tree or a person?
This verse is using a tree as a metaphor to describe the downfall of a wicked person, as seen in the context of Job 18:14-18, where the king of terrors and burning sulfur are mentioned, indicating a spiritual and eternal judgment, similar to what is described in Revelation 20:15.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Job?
This verse is part of Bildad's second speech, where he is warning Job of the dangers of sin and the consequences of God's judgment, as seen in Job 18:1-21, and is similar to the warnings given in Deuteronomy 28:15-68 and Romans 6:23.
What can we learn from this verse about God's judgment?
This verse teaches us that God's judgment is complete and thorough, affecting every aspect of a person's life, from their roots to their branches, as seen in Job 18:16, and is similar to what is described in Matthew 13:49-50 and 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9.
Reflection Questions
- What are the 'roots' and 'branches' in my own life that I need to examine and make sure are healthy and thriving?
- How can I ensure that my own legacy is one that will last and not wither away like the branches in this verse?
- What are some ways that I can 'water' my own roots and nurture my spiritual growth, as described in Psalm 1:3 and Jeremiah 17:7-8?
- How can I use this verse to warn others of the dangers of sin and the importance of seeking God's forgiveness, as seen in 1 John 1:9 and Acts 3:19-20?
Gill's Exposition on Job 18:16
His roots shall be dried up beneath,.... Wicked men are sometimes compared to trees; to trees of the wood, barren, and unfruitful; to trees without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 18:16
His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off. Roots - himself.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 18:16
i.e. He shall be destroyed, both root and branch, i.e. both himself and his posterity. Compare .
Trapp's Commentary on Job 18:16
Job 18:16 His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off.Ver. 16. His roots shall be dried up beneath, &c.] The meaning is, saith Diodati, he shall be deprived of God’ s grace, which is the root of all happiness, and of his blessing, which is the top of it.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 18:16
(16) His roots shall be dried up.—With tacit allusion to what he had said in Job 8:12, and also to the destruction of Job’s own offspring, which had already been accomplished.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 18:16
Verse 16. His roots shall be dried up - his branch be cut off.] He shall be as utterly destroyed, both in himself, his posterity, and his property, as a tree is whose branches are all lopped off, and whose every root is cut away.
Cambridge Bible on Job 18:16
16. shall his branch be cut off] Rather, his branches shall wither, see on ch. Job 14:2. The tree is not a figure for the sinner as a single person, but as the centre of a family, widely ramified and firmly established (his roots), and numerous (his branches). These all perish with him, cf. Bildad’s former plant-life lore, ch. Job 8:11 seq., 16 seq.
Barnes' Notes on Job 18:16
His roots shall be dried up - Another image of complete desolation - where he is compared to a tree that is dead - a figure whose meaning is obvious, and which often occurs; see Job 15:30, note; Job 8:12-13, notes.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 18:16
16. Be cut off — Wither. The sarcophagus of Ashmanasar, king of the Sidonians, discovered in recent times, has inscribed upon it a curse against those who should “disturb him upon his resting place;”
Sermons on Job 18:16
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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K-492 the Holocaust and the Knowledge of God by Art Katz | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of having the right mindset for those who want to walk with God. He starts by sharing a personal experience of finding newly b |
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A Cry Against the Wicked Youth of America by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher talks about a man, a Hebrew, who is running through the streets proclaiming that there are only 40 days left before everyone will die because of their |
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Christless Pentecost - Part 2 by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need for repentance and holiness in the church. He predicts a revival among young people and the downfall of drug abuse, alcoholism, and |
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A Vision of the Latter-Day Glories by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unstoppable growth of the church and the gathering of all nations to worship God. He uses the imagery of a dry riverbed gradually fillin |
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(Saved Through the Fire) 01 - the Path of True Salvation by Milton Green | In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Malachi 3:1, which speaks of the coming of John the Baptist as a messenger to prepare the way for Jesus Christ. The speaker emphas |
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(Through the Bible) Malachi by Chuck Smith | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of giving and receiving in accordance with a divine spiritual law. He compares it to the natural laws that govern our universe, s |
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The Coming of the Elijah Ministry by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the need to turn away from the greed and materialism of society. He urges listeners to live for God and not for money, asking for deliveranc |