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Job 18:9

Job 18:9 in Multiple Translations

A trap seizes his heel; a snare grips him.

The gin shall take him by the heel, and the robber shall prevail against him.

A gin shall take him by the heel, And a snare shall lay hold on him.

His foot is taken in the net; he comes into its grip.

A trap grabs them by the heel; a snare tightens around them.

The grenne shall take him by the heele, and the theefe shall come vpon him.

Seize on the heel doth a gin, Prevail over him do the designing.

A snare will take him by the heel. A trap will catch him.

The gin shall take him by the heel, and the robber shall prevail against him.

The sole of his foot shall be held in a snare, and thirst shall burn against him.

It was as though a trap grabbed their heels and held them fast [DOU],

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Berean Amplified Bible — Job 18:9

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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 18:9 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB יֹאחֵ֣ז בְּ/עָקֵ֣ב פָּ֑ח יַחֲזֵ֖ק עָלָ֣י/ו צַמִּֽים
יֹאחֵ֣ז ʼâchaz H270 to grasp V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
בְּ/עָקֵ֣ב ʻâqêb H6119 heel Prep | N-ms
פָּ֑ח pach H6341 snare N-ms
יַחֲזֵ֖ק châzaq H2388 to strengthen V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
עָלָ֣י/ו ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff
צַמִּֽים tsammîym H6782 snare N-mp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 18:9

יֹאחֵ֣ז ʼâchaz H270 "to grasp" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
The Hebrew word means to grasp or take hold of something, often holding it in possession. It can also mean to be caught or settled. This verb is used in various forms throughout the Bible, including in the books of Exodus and Psalms.
Definition: 1) grasp, take hold, seize, take possession 1a) (Qal) to grasp, take hold of 1b) (Niphal) to be caught, grasped, be settled 1c) (Piel) to enclose, overlay 1d) (Hophal) fastened
Usage: Occurs in 63 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be affrighted, bar, (catch, lay, take) hold (back), come upon, fasten, handle, portion, (get, have or take) possess(-ion). See also: Genesis 22:13; Nehemiah 7:3; Psalms 48:7.
בְּ/עָקֵ֣ב ʻâqêb H6119 "heel" Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to the heel of the foot or a footprint. It is used in Genesis 3:15 to describe the serpent's punishment, where it will bruise the heel of the seed of the woman. The word can also describe the rear of an army.
Definition: 1) heel, rear, footprint, hinder part, hoof, rear of a troop, footstep 1a) heel 1b) mark of heel, footprint 1c) hinder part, rear
Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: heel, (horse-) hoof, last, lier in wait (by mistake for H6120 (עָקֵב)), (foot-) step. See also: Genesis 3:15; Job 18:9; Psalms 41:10.
פָּ֑ח pach H6341 "snare" N-ms
This word refers to a thin, flat piece of metal, like a plate. It can also describe a net used for catching animals, spread out like a thin sheet of metal.
Definition: 1) bird trap, trap, snare 1a) bird trap (literal) 1b) of calamities, plots, source or agent of calamity (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: gin, (thin) plate, snare. See also: Exodus 39:3; Psalms 142:4; Psalms 11:6.
יַחֲזֵ֖ק châzaq H2388 "to strengthen" V-Hiphil-Imperf-3ms
To strengthen means to be strong or courageous, and can also mean to seize or conquer, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: : strengthen/support/encourage 1) to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, be sore 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be strong, grow strong 1a1a) to prevail, prevail upon 1a1b) to be firm, be caught fast, be secure 1a1c) to press, be urgent 1a1d) to grow stout, grow rigid, grow hard (bad sense) 1a1e) to be severe, be grievous 1a2) to strengthen 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to make strong 1b2) to restore to strength, give strength 1b3) to strengthen, sustain, encourage 1b4) to make strong, make bold, encourage 1b5) to make firm 1b6) to make rigid, make hard 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to make strong, strengthen 1c2) to make firm 1c3) to display strength 1c4) to make severe 1c5) to support 1c6) to repair 1c7) to prevail, prevail upon 1c8) to have or take or keep hold of, retain, hold up, sustain, support 1c9) to hold, contain 1d) (Hithpael) 1d1) to strengthen oneself 1d2) to put forth strength, use one's strength 1d3) to withstand 1d4) to hold strongly with
Usage: Occurs in 266 OT verses. KJV: aid, amend, [idiom] calker, catch, cleave, confirm, be constant, constrain, continue, be of good (take) courage(-ous, -ly), encourage (self), be established, fasten, force, fortify, make hard, harden, help, (lay) hold (fast), lean, maintain, play the man, mend, become (wax) mighty, prevail, be recovered, repair, retain, seize, be (wax) sore, strengthen (self), be stout, be (make, shew, wax) strong(-er), be sure, take (hold), be urgent, behave self valiantly, withstand. See also: Genesis 19:16; 1 Chronicles 22:13; Psalms 27:14.
עָלָ֣י/ו ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
צַמִּֽים tsammîym H6782 "snare" N-mp
This word means a snare or trap, used to catch or destroy something. It can also mean destruction or a noose. The KJV translates it as robber, although the meaning is somewhat uncertain.
Definition: 1) snare, trap, noose 1a) meaning doubtful
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: robber. See also: Job 5:5; Job 18:9.

Study Notes — Job 18:9

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Isaiah 8:14–15 And He will be a sanctuary— but to both houses of Israel a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense, to the dwellers of Jerusalem a trap and a snare. Many will stumble over these; they will fall and be broken; they will be ensnared and captured.”
2 Job 1:15 the Sabeans swooped down and took them away. They put the servants to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
3 Job 1:17 While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “The Chaldeans formed three bands, raided the camels, and took them away. They put the servants to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!”
4 Job 5:5 The hungry consume his harvest, taking it even from the thorns, and the thirsty pant after his wealth.

Job 18:9 Summary

This verse is saying that the wicked person will be caught in their own traps and snares, and that their own actions will lead to their downfall. This is a warning to us to be careful not to fall into sin, and to trust in God to guide us and protect us (Psalm 37:23-24). Just like a hunter sets a trap to catch an animal, the wicked person's own actions can set a trap for themselves, leading to their own destruction (Proverbs 22:8). By following God's commands and living a righteous life, we can avoid these traps and live a life that is pleasing to God (Job 28:28).

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of trap is being referred to in Job 18:9?

The trap in Job 18:9 is likely a metaphor for the consequences of sin, as seen in Psalm 9:15, where the wicked are caught in their own snares.

Is this verse saying that God sets traps for people?

No, this verse is saying that the wicked person's own actions lead to their downfall, as seen in Proverbs 26:27, where it says that those who dig a pit will fall into it themselves.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the chapter?

This verse is part of a larger description of the fate of the wicked, as described in Job 18:7-11, where it says that the wicked will be caught in their own traps and snares.

What can we learn from this verse about God's justice?

This verse teaches us that God is just and that the wicked will ultimately be punished for their sins, as seen in Deuteronomy 32:4, where it says that God is a God of justice.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I might be caught in my own 'traps' or sinful patterns, and how can I ask God for help to escape them?
  2. How does this verse relate to my own life, and are there any areas where I need to be careful not to fall into sin?
  3. What does this verse teach me about the importance of living a righteous life, and how can I prioritize following God's commands?
  4. How can I use this verse to warn others about the dangers of sin and the importance of following God?

Gill's Exposition on Job 18:9

The gin shall take [him] by the heel,.... And hold him fast, so that he shall not be able to get away, especially out of such as are set by God himself; for God has his nets, and snares, and gins for

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 18:9

The gin shall take him by the heel, and the robber shall prevail against him. Robber , [ tsamiym (H6782); cf. Job 18:5] - rather, answering to 'gin' in the parallel clause, 'the noose shall hold him fast' (Umbreit).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 18:9

Shall take the by the heel, i.e. take fast hold of him, so as to keep him in those distresses; and when he is insnared the robber shall come upon him, and take, and spoil, or kill him. Or, the horrible or terrible man; the huntsman, that laid the snare for him. A metaphor from those who hunt for wild beasts, who first lay snares for them, and then seize upon them in the snares.

Trapp's Commentary on Job 18:9

Job 18:9 The gin shall take [him] by the heel, [and] the robber shall prevail against him.Ver. 9. The gin shall take him by the heel] Or, he shall lay hold on the trap with his heel, so Mercer readeth it; that is, he foolishly runs upon his own ruin, he perisheth by his own oversight. And the robber shall prevail against him] Horridi sitibundi, the shag-haired ruffians, that have wasted their own estates, and now thirst after other men’ s. Broughton readeth it, The savage shall lay hold on him. So that either by secret contrivance or open violence he shall be undone.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 18:9

Verse 9. The gin shall take him] Houbigant reads the tenth before the ninth verse, thus: "The snare is laid for him in the ground, and a trap for him in the way. The gin shall take him by the heel, and the robber shall prevail against him." From the beginning of the seventh verse to the end of the thirteenth there is an allusion to the various arts and methods practiced in hunting. 1. A number of persons extend themselves in a forest, and drive the game before them, still straitening the space from a broad base to a narrow point in form of a triangle, so that the farther they go the less room have they on the right and left, the hunters lining each side, while the drovers with their dogs are coming up behind. "The steps of his strength shall be straitened," Job 18:7. 2. Nets, gins, and pitfalls, are laid or formed in different places, so that many are taken before they come to the point where the two lines close. "He is cast into a net, he walketh upon a snare - the trap is laid for him in the way-the snare in the ground," Job 18:8-10. 3. The howling of the dogs, with the shouts of the huntsmen, fill him with dismay, and cause him to run himself beyond his strength and out of breath. "Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet," Job 18:11. 4. While spent with hunger and fatigue, he is entangled in the spread nets; and the huntsman either pierces him with an arrow or spear, or cuts the sinews of his legs, so that he is easily captured and destroyed. "The robbers shall prevail against him," Job 18:9. "His strength is hunger-bitten, and destruction is ready at his side," Job 18:12. This latter verse is thus paraphrased by the Chaldee: "Let his first-born son be famished; and affliction be prepared for his wife."

Cambridge Bible on Job 18:9

9. the robber shall prevail] Rather, the trap layeth hold of him, as all the verbs in this passage should be put in the present tense. The word is that occurring ch. Job 5:5. The world of God is one network of snares for the wicked man, he walks upon snares, in the field and in the way alike. The idea that the world is a moral constitution is very prominent in the Old Testament, a mere physical constitution of things is an idea unknown to it.

Barnes' Notes on Job 18:9

The gin - Another method of taking wild beasts. It was a snare so made as to spring suddenly on an animal, securing him by the neck or feet. We use a trap for the same purpose.

Whedon's Commentary on Job 18:9

9. The robber — The noose (ch. Job 5:5) shall take fast hold of him. In Job 18:8-10 six different modes of taking wild animals are alluded to. They do not differ much from those still prevailing among barbarous tribes.

Sermons on Job 18:9

SermonDescription
Jim Cymbala One Strange Stone by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept that some good things can have a negative impact on people. He gives examples of how ambulances, which save lives, can also bring
John Gill 1 Peter 2:8 by John Gill John Gill expounds on 1 Peter 2:8, illustrating how Christ serves as a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to those who disbelieve, particularly the Jews who could not accept
T. Austin-Sparks A Ministry of the Significance of Christ by T. Austin-Sparks T. Austin-Sparks preaches about the profound meaning of Christ's presence in our lives, emphasizing that encountering Christ will lead to a deeper understanding of His significance
Samuel Davies Jesus Christ, the Only Foundation by Samuel Davies Samuel Davies preaches about Jesus Christ as the only foundation, emphasizing the importance of building our hopes and eternal happiness on Him alone. He explains how the stone lai
R.A. Torrey John the Baptist's Last Message to Our Lord Luke 7:18-35 by R.A. Torrey R.A. Torrey explores John the Baptist's moment of doubt while imprisoned, questioning whether Jesus is truly the Messiah. Despite his earlier confidence, John's circumstances led h
A.B. Simpson Unto the Measure of the Stature of the Fullness of Christ by A.B. Simpson Greek Word Studies for a sermon on stumbling spiritually, focusing on the literal and figurative meanings of 'proskopto' (to stumble against an obstacle). The preacher delves into
David Wilkerson People's Grace by David Wilkerson In this sermon titled "People Grace," the preacher addresses the topic of enduring hardships and finding comfort in God's grace. The sermon begins with a prayer for all those who a

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