Job 15:21
Job 15:21 in Multiple Translations
Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him.
A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.
A sound of terrors is in his ears; In prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.
A sound of fear is in his ears; in time of peace destruction will come on him:
Terrifying sounds fill their ears; even when they think they're safe, the destroyer will attack them.
A sounde of feare is in his eares, and in his prosperitie the destroyer shall come vpon him.
A fearful voice [is] in his ears, In peace doth a destroyer come to him.
A sound of terrors is in his ears. In prosperity the destroyer will come on him.
A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.
The sound of dread is always in his ears: and when there is peace, he always suspecteth treason.
They constantly hear sounds that terrify them; while they are prospering, bandits attack them.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 15:21
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 15:21 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
קוֹל
פְּחָדִ֥ים
בְּ/אָזְנָ֑י/ו
בַּ֝/שָּׁל֗וֹם
שׁוֹדֵ֥ד
יְבוֹאֶֽ/נּוּ
קוֹל
qôwl
H6963
voice
N-ms
פְּחָדִ֥ים
pachad
H6343
dread
N-mp
בְּ/אָזְנָ֑י/ו
ʼôzen
H241
ear
Prep | N-fd | Suff
בַּ֝/שָּׁל֗וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
Peace
Prep | N-ms
שׁוֹדֵ֥ד
shâdad
H7703
to ruin
V-Qal
יְבוֹאֶֽ/נּוּ
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 15:21
קוֹל
qôwl
H6963
"voice"
N-ms
A voice or sound, it can refer to the sound of a person speaking, an animal, or a musical instrument. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's voice or the sound of praise and worship.
Definition: : sound/noise 1) voice, sound, noise 1a) voice 1b) sound (of instrument)
Usage: Occurs in 436 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, bleating, crackling, cry ([phrase] out), fame, lightness, lowing, noise, [phrase] hold peace, (pro-) claim, proclamation, [phrase] sing, sound, [phrase] spark, thunder(-ing), voice, [phrase] yell. See also: Genesis 3:8; Judges 5:11; Job 4:10.
פְּחָדִ֥ים
pachad
H6343
"dread"
N-mp
This word refers to a feeling of terror or dread, often caused by something sudden or frightening. In the Bible, it describes the fear of God or the dread of His judgment. The prophet Isaiah used it to describe the terror of God's wrath.
Definition: 1) terror, dread 1a) dread 1b) object of dread
Usage: Occurs in 48 OT verses. KJV: dread(-ful), fear, (thing) great (fear, -ly feared), terror. See also: Genesis 31:42; Job 39:22; Psalms 14:5.
בְּ/אָזְנָ֑י/ו
ʼôzen
H241
"ear"
Prep | N-fd | Suff
The Hebrew word for ear, referring to the body part or the ability to hear, is used in various contexts, including listening to God's voice in Psalm 40:6. It can also mean to uncover or reveal something, as in 1 Samuel 20:2.
Definition: : ear 1) ear, as part of the body 2) ear, as organ of hearing 3) (subjective) to uncover the ear to reveal; the receiver of divine revelation
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] advertise, audience, [phrase] displease, ear, hearing, [phrase] show. See also: Genesis 20:8; Psalms 40:7; Psalms 10:17.
בַּ֝/שָּׁל֗וֹם
shâlôwm
H7965
"Peace"
Prep | N-ms
This Hebrew word for peace, shalom, means completeness, wellness, and friendship, and is often used to describe God's relationship with humanity, as seen in the covenant with the Israelites. It encompasses physical and spiritual health, prosperity, and harmony.
Definition: This name means completeness, peace Another name of ye.ho.vah (יהוה "LORD" H3068G)
Usage: Occurs in 209 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] do, familiar, [idiom] fare, favour, [phrase] friend, [idiom] great, (good) health, ([idiom] perfect, such as be at) peace(-able, -ably), prosper(-ity, -ous), rest, safe(-ty), salute, welfare, ([idiom] all is, be) well, [idiom] wholly. See also: Genesis 15:15; Esther 2:11; Psalms 4:9.
שׁוֹדֵ֥ד
shâdad
H7703
"to ruin"
V-Qal
To ruin or devastate is the meaning of this word, often used to describe the powerful and destructive actions of God or human enemies, as seen in the conquest of Canaan. It can also mean to be powerful or impregnable, as in the case of the strongholds of David. This concept is explored in the book of Psalms.
Definition: 1) to deal violently with, despoil, devastate, ruin, destroy, spoil 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to violently destroy, devastate, despoil, assail 1a2) devastator, despoiler (participle) (subst) 1b) (Niphal) to be utterly ruined 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to assault 1c2) to devastate 1d) (Pual) to be devastated 1e) (Poel) to violently destroy 1f) (Hophal) to be devastated Also means: shud (שׁוּד "to waste" H7736)
Usage: Occurs in 47 OT verses. KJV: dead, destroy(-er), oppress, robber, spoil(-er), [idiom] utterly, (lay) waste. See also: Judges 5:27; Jeremiah 25:36; Psalms 17:9.
יְבוֹאֶֽ/נּוּ
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms | Suff
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
Study Notes — Job 15:21
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 15:21 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 15:21
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 15:21
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 15:21
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 15:21
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 15:21
- Cambridge Bible on Job 15:21
- Barnes' Notes on Job 15:21
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 15:21
- Sermons on Job 15:21
Context — Eliphaz: Job Does Not Fear God
19to whom alone the land was given when no foreigner passed among them.
20A wicked man writhes in pain all his days; only a few years are reserved for the ruthless.
21Sounds of terror fill his ears; in his prosperity the destroyer attacks him.
22He despairs of his return from darkness; he is marked for the sword. 23He wanders about as food for vultures; he knows the day of darkness is at hand.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 18:11 | Terrors frighten him on every side and harass his every step. |
| 2 | 1 Thessalonians 5:3 | While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. |
| 3 | Leviticus 26:36 | As for those of you who survive, I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies, so that even the sound of a windblown leaf will put them to flight. And they will flee as one flees the sword, and fall when no one pursues them. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 10:10 | And do not complain, as some of them did, and were killed by the destroying angel. |
| 5 | Job 20:5–7 | the triumph of the wicked has been brief and the joy of the godless momentary? Though his arrogance reaches the heavens, and his head touches the clouds, he will perish forever, like his own dung; those who had seen him will ask, ‘Where is he?’ |
| 6 | Job 1:13–19 | One day, while Job’s sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, a messenger came and reported to Job: “While the oxen were plowing and the donkeys were grazing nearby, the Sabeans swooped down and took them away. They put the servants to the sword, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “The fire of God fell from heaven. It burned and consumed the sheep and the servants, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” 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!” While he was still speaking, another messenger came and reported: “Your sons and daughters were eating and drinking wine in their oldest brother’s house, when suddenly a mighty wind swept in from the desert and struck the four corners of the house. It collapsed on the young people and they are dead, and I alone have escaped to tell you!” |
| 7 | Revelation 9:11 | They were ruled by a king, the angel of the Abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek it is Apollyon. |
| 8 | Psalms 92:7 | that though the wicked sprout like grass, and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed. |
| 9 | Job 20:22–25 | In the midst of his plenty, he will be distressed; the full force of misery will come upon him. When he has filled his stomach, God will vent His fury upon him, raining it down on him as he eats. Though he flees from an iron weapon, a bronze-tipped arrow will pierce him. It is drawn out of his back, the gleaming point from his liver. Terrors come over him. |
| 10 | Proverbs 1:26–27 | in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you, when your dread comes like a storm, and your destruction like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish overwhelm you. |
Job 15:21 Summary
This verse is warning us that even when we seem to be successful and prosperous, we can still be in danger of spiritual attack and destruction if we are living wickedly. The Bible teaches us that our actions have consequences, and that God will judge us for our sins, as seen in Revelation 20:12-13. But if we turn to God and seek His forgiveness and protection, we can find safety and refuge in Him, as promised in Psalm 91:4. By examining our own hearts and seeking to live righteous lives, we can avoid the attacks of the destroyer and experience the peace and security of God's presence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for the destroyer to attack someone in their prosperity?
This refers to the idea that even when someone is experiencing success and wealth, they can still be vulnerable to spiritual attack and destruction, as warned in 1 Peter 5:8, where Satan is described as a roaring lion seeking to devour believers.
Is this verse saying that all wealthy people will be attacked by the destroyer?
No, this verse is specifically addressing the wicked and ruthless, as described in Job 15:20, and warning them of the consequences of their actions, as also seen in Proverbs 10:2, where it is written that treasures gained by wickedness do not profit.
How can sounds of terror fill someone's ears if they are prosperous and seemingly successful?
This can happen when someone's conscience is haunted by the knowledge of their own wrongdoing, as described in Romans 2:15, where it is written that the law is written on the hearts of all people, and their consciences bear witness to their actions.
What is the purpose of the destroyer attacking the wicked in their prosperity?
The purpose is to bring judgment and correction, as seen in Job 15:22, where it is written that the wicked will despair of their return from darkness, and also in Hebrews 12:6, where it is written that the Lord disciplines those He loves.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I may be ignoring the sounds of terror in my own life, and how can I tune in to the warnings of the Holy Spirit?
- How can I ensure that my prosperity is not based on wickedness or ruthlessness, but rather on a foundation of righteousness and faith in God?
- In what ways can I be vulnerable to the attacks of the destroyer, and how can I seek protection and refuge in God?
- What are some practical steps I can take to examine my own heart and conscience, and to seek forgiveness and cleansing from God?
Gill's Exposition on Job 15:21
A dreadful sound [is] in his ears,.... Or "a voice", or "sound of fears" (t), of what causes fears; and which are either imaginary; sometimes wicked men, fear when there is no cause or occasion for
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 15:21
A dreadful sound is in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 15:21
Even when he feels no evil, he is tormented with perpetual fears and expectations of it from the sense of his own guilt, and of God’ s all-seeing eye and righteous judgment. See . Shall come upon him; or, shall invade and destroy him suddenly and unexpectedly; which is a great aggravation of it.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 15:21
Job 15:21 A dreadful sound [is] in his ears: in prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him.Ver. 21. A dreadfid sound is in his ears] Heb. A sound of fear and terror. Not one, but many at once, so that he is a Magormissabib, factus a corde sua fugitivus (Tertul.), as Cain, that wretch, and those Hivites, with their hornets of a clamorous conscience, worse to them than if their bodies had been tormented with stings or torn with stripes, Exodus 23:28. What a sound of terror in their ears frighted those Syrians! 2 Kings 7:6; and those Persians and Saracens overcome by Theodosius! Panico terrore incusso, saith the historian, afraid of their own shadows, they desperately cast themselves into the river Euphrates, and there perished above a hundred thousand of them, A.D. 394. The wicked flee when none pursueth, Proverbs 28:1; the sound of a shaken leaf chaseth him, Leviticus 26:36, when the righteous is bold as a lion, and not dismayed at evil tidings, Psalms 112:7. His heart is balanced with the fear of God; and thence it is that he floateth steadily; blow what wind it will, he sails to the port; storms and tempests do but beat him into it. In prosperity the destroyer shall come upon him] Heb. In peace, when he shall say, Peace and safety, 1 Thessalonians 5:3.
When he is at the highest he shall be destroyed, Daniel 4:30-31. In the fulness of his sufficiency he shall be in straits, Job 20:22. His short spring shall have an eternal winter, Psalms 92:7. Ultimus sanitatis gradus est morbo proximus, say physicians, The utmost degree of health is nearest to sickness; so the wicked when nearest misery have greatest prosperity.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 15:21
Verse 21. A dreadful sound is in his ears] If he be an oppressor or tyrant, he can have no rest: he is full of suspicions that the cruelties he has exercised on others shall be one day exercised on himself; for even in his prosperity he may expect the destroyer to rush upon him.
Cambridge Bible on Job 15:21
21. A dreadful sound] A sound of terrors; he continually thinks he hears the sound of coming destruction. in prosperity the destroyer shall come] A picture of the wicked man’s anticipations.
Barnes' Notes on Job 15:21
A dreadful sound is in his ears - Margin, “A sound of fears.” He hears sudden, frightful sounds, and is alarmed. Or when he thinks himself safe, he is suddenly surprised.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 15:21
21. Dreadful sound — Sound of terrors. In prosperity — In (time of) peace. The words of Horace (Odes, Job 3:1) are in place: Post equitem sedet atra cura — Behind the knight sits dark care.
Sermons on Job 15:21
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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Judgement Seat 1-31-91 - Part 1 by Leonard Ravenhill | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the corruption and violence present in the world today. He criticizes the politicians in Washington for their involvement in financial scand |
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Death, and After This, the Judgment by Rolfe Barnard | In this sermon, the preacher reflects on the certainty of death and the judgment that follows. He mentions significant events in recent history, such as the televised funeral servi |
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Daniel as a Type of Godly Remnant by Reggie Kelly | Reggie Kelly delves into the critical and timely revelations found in the book of Daniel, emphasizing the importance of understanding prophetic interpretations and the significance |
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Twelfth Lesson. ‘Have Faith in God;’ Or, the Secret of Believing Prayer by Andrew Murray | Greek Word Studies delves into the meaning of 'asphales,' which signifies security, safety, and certainty, describing something unshakeable and immovable. This term is used in vari |
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The World War and What Followed by Arno Clemens Gaebelein | Arno Clemens Gaebelein preaches about the events leading up to and during World War I, highlighting the divine inspiration behind the pre-written history of world affairs as penned |
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Signs of the Coming of Christ by David Wilkerson | David Wilkerson emphasizes the signs of Christ's imminent return amidst the world's turmoil, reminding believers that while many may cry 'peace and safety,' sudden destruction is c |
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The Manner in Which the Salvation of the Soul Is to Be Sought by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of undertaking great endeavors for our own salvation, using Noah's obedience in building the ark as an example. He emphasizes the tho |