Job 18:7 — Word Study
WLCיֵֽ֭צְרוּ צַעֲדֵ֣י אוֹנ֑וֹ וְֽתַשְׁלִיכֵ֥הוּ עֲצָתֽוֹ׃
BSAHis vigorousʼôwn [strong, powerful] stridetsaʻad [steps of his strength, pace of life] is shortenedyâtsar▸ [straitened, restricted] and his own schemesʻêtsâh [personal, self-devised, counsel, advice, plan] trip him upshâlak▸ [cast, throw, down, headlong]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| יֵֽ֭צְרוּ | they are restricted | Verb, Qal, imperfect third person masculine plural |
| צַעֲדֵ֣י | [the] steps of | Noun common, masculine plural construct |
| אוֹנ֑וֹ | vigor his | Noun common masculine singular construct, suffix |
| וְֽתַשְׁלִיכֵ֥הוּ | and it throws down him | Conjunction, verb hiphil third person feminine singular, suffix |
| עֲצָתֽוֹ׃ | own plan[s] his | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | His vigorous stride is shortened, and his own schemes trip him up. |
| KJV | The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down. |
| ASV | The steps of his strength shall be straitened, And his own counsel shall cast him down. |
| YLT | Straitened are the steps of his strength, And cast him down doth his own counsel. |
| WEB | The steps of his strength will be shortened. His own counsel will cast him down. |
| BBE | The steps of his strength become short, and by his design destruction overtakes him. |
The translations agree on the meaning of the verse, emphasizing the consequences of the wicked's actions.
The structure is straightforward, with a main clause followed by a subordinate clause that elaborates on the consequences of the subject's actions.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
verbצרר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Job 18:7
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The Consequences of Wickednessgenerated
Job 18:7 is part of a larger discourse where Bildad explains the fate of the wicked, emphasizing that their own actions and plans lead to their destruction. This reflects a common theme in the Book of Job, where the consequences of one's actions are highlighted in the context of divine justice. The surrounding verses illustrate how the wicked are ensnared by their own schemes, leading to their ultimate downfall.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 20:22 | In the midst of his plenty, he will be distressed; the full force of misery will come upon him. |
| 2 | Job 36:16 | Indeed, He drew you from the jaws of distress to a spacious and broad place, to a table full of richness. |
| 3 | Psalm 18:36 | You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not give way. |
| 4 | Proverbs 4:12 | When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble. |
| 5 | Job 5:12–13 | He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 11 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — יֵֽ֭צְרוּ, Ye.tze.rugenerated
The verb יֵֽ֭צְרוּ (Ye.tze.ru) is a Qal imperfect form meaning 'they are restricted' or 'they are distressed.' It conveys a sense of being in a tight or difficult position, suggesting that the wicked are not only physically hindered but also spiritually and morally constrained by their own actions.
This word is derived from the root צרר (tsarar), which relates to binding or pressing, indicating that the wicked are caught in their own plans, unable to escape the consequences of their choices.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
In the Berean Standard Bible, the phrase reads 'is shortened,' which aligns with the KJV and ASV, both of which also emphasize the restriction of the wicked's strength.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb is יֵֽ֭צְרוּ (Ye.tze.ru), which governs the subject and describes the state of the wicked's strength. Following this, a compound clause elaborates on the consequences of their own plans, with the structure emphasizing the cause-and-effect relationship between their actions and their downfall.
The syntax indicates that the subject's strength is diminished, and the action of throwing down is directly linked to their own schemes, illustrating how their plans ultimately lead to their ruin.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
In the Septuagint, the Hebrew word יֵֽ֭צְרוּ is rendered as θηρεύσαισαν, which suggests a sense of being captured or ensnared, aligning with the theme of the wicked being caught by their own schemes.
This translation choice highlights a broader interpretation of the Hebrew, emphasizing not just restriction but also the idea of being trapped by one's own actions.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 18:7 shows how the wicked's strength is diminished by their own plans. Bildad explains that their schemes lead to their downfall, illustrating a key theme of divine justice in the Book of Job.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It signifies that their strength and ability to act are diminished due to their own wrongdoings and plans.
Their self-devised plans ultimately ensnare them, illustrating the principle that one's actions have consequences.
It emphasizes the idea that the wicked are caught off guard by their own actions, leading to their destruction.
It reflects the theme of divine justice, showing that the wicked cannot escape the consequences of their actions.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways have I seen my own plans lead to unexpected consequences?
- How can I ensure that my actions align with wisdom and righteousness?
- What steps can I take to avoid the pitfalls of self-devised schemes?
- How does understanding the consequences of wickedness affect my daily choices?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentators like Gregory and Olympiodorus draw from this verse to illustrate the consequences of wickedness and the nature of divine justice.
The steps of his strength shalt be straitened. For now as it were he puts forth 'the steps of his strength,' as often as he executes the violent acts of his power.Early Church Fathers on Job 18 →
Bildad says these things using the metaphor of the birds or the animals that are captured in the hunt. In fact, as they can no longer escape after falling into snares and nets,Early Church Fathers on Job 18 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 18:7 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThe steps of his strength shall be straitened,.... As a man in health can take large and strong steps, and travel in the greatness of his strength; so in prosperity he can and does take large steps
Read John Gill on Job 18 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThe steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down. Steps of ... strength - Hebrew for his strong steps. A firm step marks health.
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 18 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleThe steps of his strength, i.e. his strong steps, by a vulgar Hebraism. By steps he means his counsels, as the next branch explains it, his attempts and actions; and by steps of strength, such of them as seem to be most firm and settled, contrived with greatest strength of understanding, and carried on with great resolution and might. Shall be straitened, i. e shall be hindered and entangled. He shall be cast into great difficulties, and troubles, and perplexities, so that he shall not be able to proceed and to accomplish his enterprises, but shall find himself insnared by his own devices, as the next words declare it. This phrase is used also ,12, and it is opposed to the enlarging of a…
Read Matthew Poole on Job 18 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 18:7 The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.Ver. 7. The steps of his strength shall be straitened] That is, saith Vatablus, he shall not do what he would and was wont. He shall lose his courage in the midst of his enterprises, and not be able to effect his attempts. And his own counsel shall cast him down] His cunning shall fail him, his counsel, whereby once he rose, shall serve but to advance his overthrow, and to precipitate him into misery. We use to say of a cunning pated fellow, that he never lacked a trick wherewith to help himself; but there is neither power nor policy against the Lord and his judgments. Of the Athenians it is…
Read John Trapp on Job 18 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(7) The steps of his strength.—i.e., his giant strides. He shall be the victim of his own devices, and when they seem to hold out the hope of prosperity shall lead him to destruction. (Comp. Ps. 141:11.)
Read Charles John Ellicott on Job 18 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 7. The steps of his strength] Even in his greatest prosperity he shall be in straits and difficulties. His own counsel] He shall be the dupe and the victim of his own airy, ambitious, and impious schemes.
Read AdamClarke on Job 18 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges7. Another figure for the same thought. His firm, wide steps of prosperity and security, when he walked in a wide place (Psalms 4:1), become narrowed and hampered. Widening of the steps is a usual Oriental figure for the bold and free movements of one in prosperity, as straitening of them is for the constrained and timid action of one in adversity, cf. Proverbs 4:12 and Psalms 18:36. The figure hardly describes the consequences of the sinner’s light going out, it is rather independent and parallel to that figure. Cf. ch. Job 13:27. his own counsel] The evil principles that guide his conduct, ch. Job 10:3, Psalms 1:1. These inevitably lead him into calamity, cf. ch. Job 4:8.
Read Cambridge on Job 18 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleThe steps of his strength - Strong steps. “Steps of strength” is a Hebraism, to denote firm or vigorous steps. Shall be straitened - Shall be compressed, embarrassed, hindered.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 18 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
His vigorous stride is shortened, and his own schemes trip him up.
The steps of his strength will be shortened. His own counsel will cast him down.
His vigorous stride is shortened, and his own schemes trip him up.
His vigorous steps are restricted, and his own counsel throws him down.
Tyndale line
The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.
The steps of his strength shall be straitened, And his own counsel shall cast him down.
The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.
The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.
The steps of his strength shalbe restrained, and his owne counsell shall cast him downe.
Strictly literal
The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.
Straitened are the steps of his strength, And cast him down doth his own counsel.
The steps of his strength are restricted, || And his own counsel casts him down.
His powerful steps will be narrowed, and his own counsel will cast him down.
The steps of his strength will be made short; his own plans will cast him down.
From the Latin
The step of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down headlong.
Simplified
Instead of taking strong strides they stumble, and their own plans cause them to fall.
The steps of his strength become short, and by his design destruction overtakes him.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in content, with four out of five words matched. The Septuagint's translation reflects a similar understanding of the verse, although its word order differs from the Hebrew.
יֵֽ֭צְרוּ צַעֲדֵ֣י אוֹנ֑וֹ וְֽתַשְׁלִיכֵ֥הוּ עֲצָתֽוֹ׃
4 of the 5 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Job 18:7
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
The Hebrew word צָרַר (tsarar) encompasses meanings related to binding, being restricted, and experiencing distress. It is derived from a primitive root that suggests pressing or narrowing, and can describe both physical and emotional states of being cramped or in straits. The entries highlight its usage in various forms, including Qal and Hiphil, but do not indicate any significant disagreement among lexicons.
צָרַר vb. bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, cramped
trans.
Qal bind or tie up
Pu. tied up (mended by tying)
intrans.
Qal be scant, cramped, in straits
Hiph. make narrow for, press hard upon, cause distress to
base
H3334 צָרַר bind, tie up, be restricted, narrow, scant, cramped
3334 yatsar yaw-tsar'
a primitive root; to press (intransitive), i.e. be narrow;
figuratively, be in distress:--be distressed, be narrow, be
straitened (in straits), be vexed.
יָצַר (ya.tsar) — be distressed.
1) to bind, be distressed, be in distress, be cramped, be narrow, be scant, be in straits, make narrow, cause distress, beseige
1a) (Qal) to suffer distress
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp — Verb · Qal · imperfect third person masculine pluralHVqi3mp
צַ֫עַד (tsa`ad) refers to a step or pace, indicating a regular movement or stride. It can also metaphorically represent the steps one takes in life. The word is derived from a related term, צָעַד (tsa`ad), which emphasizes the concept of movement.
[צַ֫עַד] n.m. step, pace
base
H6806 צַ֫עַד
6806 tsa`ad tsah'-ad
from 6804; a pace or regular step:--pace, step.
see HEBREW for 06804
צַ֫עַד (tsa.ad) — step.
1) step, pace, stride
1a) step, pace
1b) step, steps (of course of life) (fig)
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural constructHNcmpc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
אוֹן (on) encompasses concepts of strength, vigor, and wealth. It is built from the idea of effort leading to success, indicating not just physical might but also generative power and material wealth. The term appears in contexts relating to both human strength and resources.
אוֹן n.m. vigour, wealth
manly vigor
strength
wealth
base
H202 אוֹן vigour, wealth . manly vigor
. strength
. wealth
202 'own one
probably from the same as 205 (in the sense of effort, but
successful); ability, power, (figuratively) wealth:--force,
goods, might, strength, substance.
see HEBREW for 0205
אוֹן (on) — strength.
1) vigour, generative power
2) wealth
3) physical strength (of men and behemoth)
N-ms | Suff — Noun common masculine singular construct · suffixHNcmsc/Sp3ms
שָׁלַךְ (shalak) is a Hebrew verb meaning to throw, cast, or fling. It can be used literally or figuratively, covering actions like throwing away or casting lots. The Hiphil form indicates an active throwing, while the Hophal form suggests being thrown or cast. The entries collectively emphasize various nuances of throwing and casting.
[שָׁלַךְ] 125 vb. Hiph. 112 throw, fling, cast
Hoph.
be thrown, cast
be cast forth, out
be cast down
metaph., be cast
base
H7993 שָׁלַךְ Hiph. throw, fling, cast
7993 shalak shaw-lak
a primitive root; to throw out, down or away (literally or
figuratively):--adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off,
out), hurl, pluck, throw.
שָׁלַךְ (sha.lakh) — to throw.
1) to throw, cast, hurl, fling
1a) (Hiphil)
1a1) to throw, cast, throw away, cast off, shed, cast down
1a2) to cast (lots) (fig)
1b) (Hophal)
1b1) to be thrown, be cast
1b2) to be cast forth or out
1b3) to be cast down
1b4) to be cast (metaph)
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff — Conjunction · verb hiphil third person feminine singular · suffixHC/Vhu3fs/Sp3ms
עֵצָה (`etsah) refers to counsel or advice, and can also imply a plan or purpose. It is derived from a root meaning to advise or provide guidance. The entries consistently emphasize its use in contexts related to providing counsel or making decisions.
עֵצָה n.f. counsel, advice
base
H6098 עֵצָה counsel, advice
6098 `etsah ay-tsaw'
from 3289; advice; by implication, plan; also
prudence:--advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose.
see HEBREW for 03289
עֵצָה (e.tsah) — counsel.
counsel, advice, purpose
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp3ms