Job 27:18
Job 27:18 in Multiple Translations
The house he built is like a moth’s cocoon, like a hut set up by a watchman.
He buildeth his house as a moth, and as a booth that the keeper maketh.
He buildeth his house as the moth, And as a booth which the keeper maketh.
His house has no more strength than a spider's thread, or a watchman's tent.
They build their houses like a moth; like some flimsy shelter made by a watchman.
He buildeth his house as the moth, and as a lodge that the watchman maketh.
He hath built as a moth his house, And as a booth a watchman hath made.
He builds his house as the moth, as a booth which the watchman makes.
He buildeth his house as a moth, and as a booth that the keeper maketh.
He hath built his house as a moth, and as a keeper he hath made a booth.
The houses that they build are as frail/fragile as [SIM] spider webs, or they are like flimsy huts that watchmen live in while they guard people’s fields.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 27:18
BAB
Word Study
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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 27:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בָּנָ֣ה
כָ/עָ֣שׁ
בֵּית֑/וֹ
וּ֝/כְ/סֻכָּ֗ה
עָשָׂ֥ה
נֹצֵֽר
בָּנָ֣ה
bânâh
H1129
to build
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
כָ/עָ֣שׁ
ʻâsh
H6211
moth
Prep | N-ms
בֵּית֑/וֹ
bayith
H1004
place
N-ms | Suff
וּ֝/כְ/סֻכָּ֗ה
çukkâh
H5521
booth
Conj | Prep | N-fs
עָשָׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
נֹצֵֽר
nâtsar
H5341
to watch
V-Qal
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 27:18
בָּנָ֣ה
bânâh
H1129
"to build"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word bânâh means to build something, like a house or a family. It can also mean to establish or repair something, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: 1) to build, rebuild, establish, cause to continue 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to build, rebuild 1a2) to build a house (ie, establish a family) 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be built 1b2) to be rebuilt 1b3) established (of restored exiles) (fig.) 1b4) established (made permanent) 1b5) to be built up (of childless wife becoming the mother of a family through the children of a concubine) Aramaic equivalent: be.nah (בְּנָה "to build" H1124)
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: (begin to) build(-er), obtain children, make, repair, set (up), [idiom] surely. See also: Genesis 2:22; 1 Kings 8:48; 2 Chronicles 20:8.
כָ/עָ֣שׁ
ʻâsh
H6211
"moth"
Prep | N-ms
In the Bible, this word refers to a moth or grass, symbolizing something that is fragile or easily destroyed. It is first used in Job 4:19 to describe the fragility of human life. The word is also related to vegetation and herbage.
Definition: moth
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: moth. See also H5906 (עַיִשׁ). See also: Job 4:19; Daniel 4:12; Psalms 39:12.
בֵּית֑/וֹ
bayith
H1004
"place"
N-ms | Suff
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
וּ֝/כְ/סֻכָּ֗ה
çukkâh
H5521
"booth"
Conj | Prep | N-fs
This word describes a small, temporary shelter or booth. It is used to describe a thicket or covert, as seen in the KJV translations. In the Bible, it is used to describe the tabernacles or tents of the Israelites.
Definition: 1) thicket, covert, booth 1a) thicket 1b) booth (rude or temporary shelter)
Usage: Occurs in 29 OT verses. KJV: booth, cottage, covert, pavilion, tabernacle, tent. See also: Genesis 33:17; Nehemiah 8:15; Psalms 18:12.
עָשָׂ֥ה
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
נֹצֵֽר
nâtsar
H5341
"to watch"
V-Qal
This word means to watch or guard something, like the Israelites watching over the Passover in Exodus 12:42 or God watching over his people in Psalm 121:4.
Definition: 1) to guard, watch, watch over, keep 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to watch, guard, keep 1a2) to preserve, guard from dangers 1a3) to keep, observe, guard with fidelity 1a4) to guard, keep secret 1a5) to be kept close, be blockaded 1a6) watchman (participle)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: besieged, hidden thing, keep(-er, -ing), monument, observe, preserve(-r), subtil, watcher(-man). See also: Exodus 34:7; Proverbs 2:8; Psalms 12:8.
Study Notes — Job 27:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 27:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 27:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 27:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 27:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 27:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 27:18
- Cambridge Bible on Job 27:18
- Barnes' Notes on Job 27:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 27:18
- Sermons on Job 27:18
Context — The Wicked Man’s Portion
16Though he heaps up silver like dust and piles up a wardrobe like clay,
17what he lays up, the righteous will wear, and his silver will be divided by the innocent.
18The house he built is like a moth’s cocoon, like a hut set up by a watchman.
19He lies down wealthy, but will do so no more; when he opens his eyes, all is gone. 20Terrors overtake him like a flood; a tempest sweeps him away in the night.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Isaiah 1:8 | And the Daughter of Zion is abandoned like a shelter in a vineyard, like a shack in a cucumber field, like a city besieged. |
| 2 | Job 8:14–15 | His confidence is fragile; his security is in a spider’s web. He leans on his web, but it gives way; he holds fast, but it does not endure. |
| 3 | Isaiah 51:8 | For the moth will devour them like a garment, and the worm will eat them like wool. But My righteousness will last forever, My salvation through all generations.” |
| 4 | Lamentations 2:6 | He has laid waste His tabernacle like a garden booth; He has destroyed His place of meeting. The LORD has made Zion forget her appointed feasts and Sabbaths. In His fierce anger He has despised both king and priest. |
| 5 | Isaiah 38:12 | My dwelling has been picked up and removed from me like a shepherd’s tent. I have rolled up my life like a weaver; He cuts me off from the loom; from day until night You make an end of me. |
Job 27:18 Summary
The house that the wealthy person builds is like a fragile cocoon that a moth makes, or a temporary hut that a watchman sets up. This means that no matter how rich or powerful someone is, their security is not as strong as they think it is. Just like a moth's cocoon can be easily destroyed, or a watchman's hut can be quickly taken down, the things that we think make us safe can disappear quickly, as seen in Job 27:19-20. This reminds us that true security comes from God, not from our possessions or wealth, as stated in Psalm 20:7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the comparison of a house to a moth's cocoon mean in Job 27:18?
This comparison suggests that the wealthy and powerful, despite their outward appearance of security, are actually fragile and vulnerable to loss, as seen in Job 27:19-20 where the wealthy person loses everything.
How does this verse relate to the concept of wealth and materialism?
This verse highlights the fleeting nature of wealth and material possessions, echoing the teachings of Proverbs 23:5, which warns that wealth can vanish in an instant.
What is the significance of the watchman's hut in this verse?
The watchman's hut, being a temporary and flimsy structure, reinforces the idea that the house built by the wealthy is also temporary and lacks true security, much like the fragile nature of human life described in James 4:14.
How does this verse apply to our lives today?
This verse reminds us that true security and stability come from God, not from our possessions or wealth, as stated in Psalm 20:7, which contrasts the trust in chariots and horses with trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Reflection Questions
- What are the things in my life that I consider to be my 'house' or source of security, and how might they be like a moth's cocoon or a watchman's hut?
- In what ways do I prioritize wealth and material possessions over my relationship with God, and how can I shift my focus to what truly brings security and fulfillment?
- How can I apply the lesson of Job 27:18 to my own life, recognizing the fleeting nature of earthly possessions and the importance of investing in eternal things?
- What does this verse reveal about God's perspective on wealth and materialism, and how can I align my values with His?
Gill's Exposition on Job 27:18
He buildeth his house as a moth,.... Which builds its house in a garment by eating into it, and so destroying it, and in time eats itself out of house and home, and however does not continue long in
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 27:18
I will teach you by the hand of God: that which is with the Almighty will I not conceal. These words are contrary to Job's previous sentiments (notes, Job 21:22-33; Job 24:22-25).
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 27:18
As a moth; which settleth itself in a garment, but is quickly and unexpectedly brushed off, and dispossessed of its dwelling, and crushed to death. That the keeper maketh; which the keeper of a garden or vineyard suddenly rears up in fruit time, and as quickly and easily pulls it down again. See .
Trapp's Commentary on Job 27:18
Job 27:18 He buildeth his house as a moth, and as a booth [that] the keeper maketh.Ver. 18. He buildeth his house as a moth] Which lodgeth itself in some stately garment, and thinks there to die in his nest, which he hath feathered (as the silkworm endeth his life in his long wrought clew), but is soon bruised or brushed out; so shall the oppressor be cast out of his sumptuous buildings, which he hath with much cost and care erected, rather for a moth than a man to dwell in. It is not unlawful to build houses; only men must not build them, as the moth doth, with loss and hurt to others. Tremellius reads the text thus, He shall build his house at Arcturus (so this word is translated, Job 9:9), that is, a heavenly house, and as it were a second paradise. But God did not cast man out of one paradise that he should build him another. Haec sunt quae nos invitos faciunt mori, said Charles V to the duke of Venice (who had showed him his palace, which was very magnificent and majestic), These be the things that make us loth to die. The Turks’ private houses in Constantinople are for the most part low and base; they, after their homely manner (by long custom received), never build anything sumptuously for their own private use; but content themselves with their simple cottages, how mean soever; commonly saying, that they are good enough for the short time of their pilgrimage. And as a booth that the keeper maketh] i.e. The keeper of the field, orchard, or vineyard, who setteth him up a booth, cabin, or cottage, to defend him from the parching heat of the sun, which lasteth only for one summer at utmost; so here, the experience whereof we have had abundantly in these late desolating wars; for how many gallant houses have been utterly ruined, Ut praeter nomen solum, nihil amplius extet?
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 27:18
Verse 18. He buildeth his house as a moth] With great skill, great pains, and great industry; but the structure, however skilful, shall be dissolved; and the materials, however costly, shall be brought to corruption. To its owner it shall be only a temporary habitation, like that which the moth makes in its larve or caterpillar state, during its change from a chrysalis to a winged insect. As a booth that the keeper maketh.] A shed which the watchman or keeper of a vineyard erects to cover him from the scorching sun, while watching the ripening grapes, that they may be preserved from depredation. Travellers in the East have observed that such booths or sheds are made of the lightest and most worthless materials; and after the harvest or vintage is in, they are quite neglected, and by the winter rains, &c., are soon dissolved and destroyed.
Cambridge Bible on Job 27:18
18. The “booth” of the “keeper” referred to is the flimsy hut erected in the vineyard or other gardens as a post for the watchman, who protects the fruit from theft or destruction by wild beasts. As described by Wetzstein (Del. Comm. on Job, Trans, ii. p. 74, 2nd ed. p. 348), it is built of four poles struck into the ground in the form of a square. About eight feet from the ground cross sticks are tied to these poles, over which boards are laid, and thus a couch is formed for the keeper. Some feet higher up other cross pieces of wood are fixed, and over these boughs or matting is thrown to form a roof. Such a booth is called a “lodge” Isaiah 1:8, and its unsubstantial character is indicated when it is said to “swing to and fro,” Isaiah 24:20.
Barnes' Notes on Job 27:18
He buildeth his house as a moth - The house which the moth builds is the slight fabric which it makes for its own dwelling in the garment which it consumes. On this verse compare Job 8:14.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 27:18
18. His house as a moth — The house that the moth builds rises on the ruin of the garment where it dwells.
Sermons on Job 27:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
God's Grace in Revival by Don Simmons | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the state of the nation and how it has turned away from God's law. He emphasizes the need for fearless preachers who are driven by the love |
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An Appeal to Sinners by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the benevolence of God and His desire to save sinners. He describes how Jesus, out of love and sorrow, willingly went to the grave in mortal |
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Wonders Shown to the Dead by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the lamentation of Heman in Psalms 88, highlighting the deep soul struggles and the rare absence of hope in this particular Psalm. Unlike other Psalms, Hem |
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God's Holiness - Part 4 by Richard Owen Roberts | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of holiness and the hatred of sin in the eyes of God. He quotes various Bible verses to support his message, including Luke 1 |