Job 18:7
Job 18:7 in Multiple Translations
His vigorous stride is shortened, and his own schemes trip him up.
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 become short, and by his design destruction overtakes him.
Instead of taking strong strides they stumble, and their own plans cause them to fall.
The steps of his strength shalbe restrained, and his owne counsell shall cast him downe.
Straitened are the steps of his strength, And cast him down doth his own counsel.
The steps of his strength will be shortened. His own counsel will cast him down.
The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.
The step of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down headlong.
For many years they walked confidently, but later in life it was as though they stumbled and fell, because they themselves did not heed the advice that they gave to others.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 18:7
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 18:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֵֽ֭צְרוּ
צַעֲדֵ֣י
אוֹנ֑/וֹ
וְֽ/תַשְׁלִיכֵ֥/הוּ
עֲצָתֽ/וֹ
יֵֽ֭צְרוּ
yâtsar
H3334
be distressed
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
צַעֲדֵ֣י
tsaʻad
H6806
step
N-mp
אוֹנ֑/וֹ
ʼôwn
H202
strength
N-ms | Suff
וְֽ/תַשְׁלִיכֵ֥/הוּ
shâlak
H7993
to throw
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff
עֲצָתֽ/וֹ
ʻêtsâh
H6098
counsel
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.
Hebrew Word Reference — Job 18:7
יֵֽ֭צְרוּ
yâtsar
H3334
"be distressed"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
This word describes being in distress or a tight spot, like being narrow or cramped. It's used in the Bible to describe difficult situations, such as in Psalm 119:143.
Definition: 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
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: be distressed, be narrow, be straitened (in straits), be vexed. See also: Genesis 32:8; Nehemiah 9:27; Proverbs 4:12.
צַעֲדֵ֣י
tsaʻad
H6806
"step"
N-mp
The Hebrew word for step or pace, describing a regular stride or the path of life. It appears in various forms, such as pace or step, in the King James Version. In the Bible, it refers to a person's journey or walk.
Definition: 1) step, pace, stride 1a) step, pace 1b) step, steps (of course of life) (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: pace, step. See also: 2 Samuel 6:13; Psalms 18:37; Proverbs 4:12.
אוֹנ֑/וֹ
ʼôwn
H202
"strength"
N-ms | Suff
In the book of Job, this word refers to physical strength, wealth, or ability, highlighting God's power and might.
Definition: 1) vigour, generative power 2) wealth 3) physical strength (of men and behemoth)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: force, goods, might, strength, substance. See also: Genesis 49:3; Psalms 78:51; Psalms 105:36.
וְֽ/תַשְׁלִיכֵ֥/הוּ
shâlak
H7993
"to throw"
Conj | V-Hiphil-Imperf-3fs | Suff
To throw or cast away is the meaning of this Hebrew verb. It is used in various contexts, including throwing lots or casting out something unwanted. The word appears in stories like Jonah being thrown into the sea.
Definition: 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)
Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: adventure, cast (away, down, forth, off, out), hurl, pluck, throw. See also: Genesis 21:15; Nehemiah 9:11; Psalms 2:3.
עֲצָתֽ/וֹ
ʻêtsâh
H6098
"counsel"
N-fs | Suff
This Hebrew word means counsel or advice, implying a plan or purpose. It is used in the Bible when describing wise decision-making.
Definition: counsel, advice, purpose
Usage: Occurs in 85 OT verses. KJV: advice, advisement, counsel(l-(or)), purpose. See also: Deuteronomy 32:28; Psalms 107:11; Psalms 1:1.
Study Notes — Job 18:7
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 18:7 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 18:7
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 18:7
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 18:7
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 18:7
- Ellicott's Commentary on Job 18:7
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 18:7
- Cambridge Bible on Job 18:7
- Barnes' Notes on Job 18:7
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 18:7
- Sermons on Job 18:7
Context — Bildad: God Punishes the Wicked
5Indeed, the lamp of the wicked is extinguished; the flame of his fire does not glow.
6The light in his tent grows dark, and the lamp beside him goes out.
7His vigorous stride is shortened, and his own schemes trip him up.
8For his own feet lead him into a net, and he wanders into its mesh. 9A trap seizes his heel; a snare grips him.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Proverbs 4:12 | When you walk, your steps will not be impeded; when you run, you will not stumble. |
| 2 | Psalms 33:10 | The LORD frustrates the plans of the nations; He thwarts the devices of the peoples. |
| 3 | Psalms 18:36 | You broaden the path beneath me so that my ankles do not give way. |
| 4 | 1 Corinthians 3:19 | For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.” |
| 5 | Proverbs 1:30–32 | They accepted none of my counsel; they despised all my reproof. So they will eat the fruit of their own way, and be filled with their own devices. For the waywardness of the simple will slay them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them. |
| 6 | Job 20:22 | In the midst of his plenty, he will be distressed; the full force of misery will come upon him. |
| 7 | Job 36:16 | Indeed, He drew you from the jaws of distress to a spacious and broad place, to a table full of richness. |
| 8 | Job 15:6 | Your own mouth, not mine, condemns you; your own lips testify against you. |
| 9 | 2 Samuel 17:14 | Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom. |
| 10 | Job 5:12–13 | He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success. He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning. |
Job 18:7 Summary
[This verse is saying that when someone is living a wicked life, their success and progress will be stopped, and their own plans will actually work against them. This is because, as it says in Proverbs 21:7, the violence of the wicked will destroy them, and in Galatians 6:7-8, we reap what we sow. It's like they are walking along and suddenly trip and fall, not because someone pushed them, but because of their own doing. This should remind us to trust in God and live a righteous life, as seen in Psalms 1:1-3, where the righteous will prosper like a tree planted by streams of water.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean that the wicked person's 'vigorous stride is shortened'?
This phrase suggests that the wicked person's progress and success will be hindered, much like the Psalmist writes in Psalms 37:7, where the wicked are cut off, and in Proverbs 21:7, the violence of the wicked will destroy them.
How do the wicked person's 'own schemes' trip him up?
The wicked person's plans and actions will ultimately lead to their downfall, as seen in Proverbs 26:27, where it says that whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and in Galatians 6:7-8, where we reap what we sow.
Is this verse saying that God directly causes the wicked to stumble?
While God is sovereign over all things, this verse highlights the natural consequences of wicked actions, as also seen in Hosea 8:7, where they sow the wind and reap the whirlwind, and in Romans 1:18-32, where God gives them over to their sinful desires.
What can believers learn from this verse about living a righteous life?
Believers can learn that living a righteous life, as seen in Psalms 1:1-3 and Matthew 5:3-12, will ultimately lead to blessings and success, whereas wickedness will lead to destruction and chaos.
Reflection Questions
- How have I seen the consequences of wicked actions play out in my own life or in the lives of those around me?
- In what ways can I apply the principle of reaping what I sow, as seen in Galatians 6:7-8, to my daily life and decisions?
- What are some areas where I may be trying to 'succeed' through my own strength and schemes, rather than trusting in God's plan and provision?
- How can I use this verse as a reminder to trust in God's sovereignty and goodness, even when I see wickedness prospering around me?
Gill's Exposition on Job 18:7
The 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
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 18:7
The 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.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 18:7
The 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 man’ s way or steps, which signifies success and prosperity, as 31:8. His own counsel shall cast him down; he shall be undone by his own contrivances; either because God will give him up to dangerous and destructive mistakes of his way, or because God will oppose him, and turn his own devices against him, which he can easily do by throwing in unexpected accidents.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 18:7
Job 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 said, that Minerva turned all their evil counsel into good unto them. God’ s enemies have no such friend to help them at a dead lift. The stone cut out of the mountain without hands shall bring down the golden image with a powder, and make it like the chaff of the summer floor, Daniel 2:35.
Ellicott's Commentary on Job 18:7
(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.)
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 18:7
Verse 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.
Cambridge Bible on Job 18:7
7. 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.
Barnes' Notes on Job 18:7
The 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.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 18:7
7. The steps of his strength — His strong steps. Schultens gives a trite Arabic phrase illustrative of sudden diminution of power: — “Whoso keepeth not within the bounds of strength, his widest steps
Sermons on Job 18:7
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
(Basics) 22. One Reason for Failure by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker uses an illustration of a child falling into a pit to explain the concept of forgiveness and salvation. He emphasizes that forgiveness and salvation are |
|
The Discipline of Detour by Denis Lyle | Denis Lyle preaches about the destructive emotion of frustration, likening it to a conflict that causes anger and disappointment. He delves into the concept of spiritual detours, c |
|
Step Out Boldly by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the concept of faith as a bridge that is built by God under the feet of those who trust in Him. He emphasizes the importance of moving forward in f |
|
|
The Pathway of Increasing Light by Zac Poonen | Zac Poonen emphasizes the importance of walking in increasing light on the path of God's will, which is illuminated by His Word. He warns against elevating human traditions to the |
|
Does Your Jesus Shine in the Dark by Carter Conlon | The sermon titled 'Does Your Jesus Shine in the Dark?' from Matthew chapter 23 emphasizes the importance of opening our hearts to the true Jesus, not a self-crafted version, to exp |
|
Fear Not by Warren Wiersbe | Warren Wiersbe delivers a sermon on overcoming fear by emphasizing the detrimental effects of fear, such as paralysis and discouragement. He draws parallels from President Franklin |
|
The Man Who Knew Too Much by Gilbert K. Chesterton | Gilbert K. Chesterton preaches about the mysterious and elusive Prince Michael, known for his talent of appearing and disappearing at will, leading to a series of daring escapes an |