Job 21:18
Job 21:18 in Multiple Translations
Are they like straw before the wind, like chaff swept away by a storm?
They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.
That they are as stubble before the wind, And as chaff that the storm carrieth away?
How frequently are they as dry stems before the wind, or as grass taken away by the storm-wind?
Are they blown along like straw in the wind? Does a tornado come in and carry them away?
They shall be as stubble before the winde, and as chaffe that the storme carieth away.
They are as straw before wind, And as chaff a hurricane hath stolen away,
How often is it that they are as stubble before the wind, as chaff that the storm carries away?
They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.
They shall be as chaff before the face of the wind, and as ashes which the whirlwind scattereth.
He does not blow them away like wind blows away straw; they are never carried off by a whirlwind.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 21:18
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 21:18 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יִהְי֗וּ
כְּ/תֶ֥בֶן
לִ/פְנֵי
ר֑וּחַ
וּ֝/כְ/מֹ֗ץ
גְּנָבַ֥תּ/וּ
סוּפָֽה
יִהְי֗וּ
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
כְּ/תֶ֥בֶן
teben
H8401
straw
Prep | N-ms
לִ/פְנֵי
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
ר֑וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
spirit
N-cs
וּ֝/כְ/מֹ֗ץ
môts
H4671
chaff
Conj | Prep | N-ms
גְּנָבַ֥תּ/וּ
gânab
H1589
to steal
V-Qal-Perf-3fs | Suff
סוּפָֽה
çûwphâh
H5492
whirlwind
N-fs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 21:18
יִהְי֗וּ
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
כְּ/תֶ֥בֶן
teben
H8401
"straw"
Prep | N-ms
Teben refers to straw or stubble, often used as fodder for animals or building material. It is mentioned in the Bible as a material for constructing houses.
Definition: 1) straw, stubble 1a) as building material 1b) as fodder for livestock
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: chaff, straw, stubble. See also: Genesis 24:25; Exodus 5:18; Isaiah 11:7.
לִ/פְנֵי
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
ר֑וּחַ
rûwach
H7307
"spirit"
N-cs
In the Bible, this word for spirit refers to the breath of life, the wind, or a person's mind and emotions, as seen in the book of Ezekiel.
Definition: : spirit 1) wind, breath, mind, spirit 1a) breath 1b) wind 1b1) of heaven 1b2) quarter (of wind), side 1b3) breath of air 1b4) air, gas 1b5) vain, empty thing 1c) spirit (as that which breathes quickly in animation or agitation) 1c1) spirit, animation, vivacity, vigour 1c2) courage 1c3) temper, anger 1c4) impatience, patience 1c5) spirit, disposition (as troubled, bitter, discontented) 1c6) disposition (of various kinds), unaccountable or uncontrollable impulse 1c7) prophetic spirit 1d) spirit (of the living, breathing being in man and animals) 1d1) as gift, preserved by God, God's spirit, departing at death, disembodied being 1e) spirit (as seat of emotion) 1e1) desire 1e2) sorrow, trouble 1f) spirit 1f1) as seat or organ of mental acts 1f2) rarely of the will 1f3) as seat especially of moral character 1g) Spirit of God, the third person of the triune God, the Holy Spirit, coequal, coeternal with the Father and the Son 1g1) as inspiring ecstatic state of prophecy 1g2) as impelling prophet to utter instruction or warning 1g3) imparting warlike energy and executive and administrative power 1g4) as endowing men with various gifts 1g5) as energy of life 1g6) as manifest in the Shekinah glory 1g7) never referred to as a depersonalised force
Usage: Occurs in 348 OT verses. KJV: air, anger, blast, breath, [idiom] cool, courage, mind, [idiom] quarter, [idiom] side, spirit(-ual), tempest, [idiom] vain, (whirl-) wind(-y). See also: Genesis 1:2; Job 6:26; Psalms 1:4.
וּ֝/כְ/מֹ֗ץ
môts
H4671
"chaff"
Conj | Prep | N-ms
Mots refers to chaff, the loose outer covering of grain that is blown away by the wind, as described in the KJV.
Definition: 1) chaff 1a) always as driven by wind
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: chaff. See also: Job 21:18; Isaiah 29:5; Psalms 1:4.
גְּנָבַ֥תּ/וּ
gânab
H1589
"to steal"
V-Qal-Perf-3fs | Suff
To steal means to take something secretly, whether physically or by deceiving someone. This can happen in various ways, as described in different Bible stories.
Definition: 1) to steal, steal away, carry away 1a) (Qal) to steal 1b) (Niphal) to be stolen 1c) (Piel) to steal away 1d)(Pual) to be stolen away, be brought by stealth 1e) (Hithpael) to go by stealth, steal away
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: carry away, [idiom] indeed, secretly bring, steal (away), get by stealth. See also: Genesis 30:33; Joshua 7:11; Proverbs 6:30.
סוּפָֽה
çûwphâh
H5492
"whirlwind"
N-fs
Suphah refers to a hurricane or storm, and is also the name of a place east of the Jordan, translated as Red Sea in the KJV. It is derived from the idea of overflowing. In the Bible, it is used to describe powerful natural events, such as storms and whirlwinds.
Definition: storm-wind
Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: Red Sea, storm, tempest, whirlwind, Red sea. See also: Numbers 21:14; Isaiah 17:13; Psalms 83:16.
Study Notes — Job 21:18
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 21:18 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 21:18
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:18
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:18
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:18
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:18
- Cambridge Bible on Job 21:18
- Barnes' Notes on Job 21:18
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:18
- Sermons on Job 21:18
Context — Job: God Will Punish the Wicked
16Still, their prosperity is not in their own hands, so I stay far from the counsel of the wicked.
17How often is the lamp of the wicked put out? Does disaster come upon them? Does God, in His anger, apportion destruction?
18Are they like straw before the wind, like chaff swept away by a storm?
19It is said that God lays up one’s punishment for his children. Let God repay the man himself, so he will know it. 20Let his eyes see his own destruction; let him drink for himself the wrath of the Almighty.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Psalms 1:4 | Not so the wicked! For they are like chaff driven off by the wind. |
| 2 | Psalms 83:13 | Make them like tumbleweed, O my God, like chaff before the wind. |
| 3 | Job 13:25 | Would You frighten a windblown leaf? Would You chase after dry chaff? |
| 4 | Psalms 35:5 | May they be like chaff in the wind, as the angel of the LORD drives them away. |
| 5 | Isaiah 17:13 | The nations rage like the rush of many waters. He rebukes them, and they flee far away, driven before the wind like chaff on the hills, like tumbleweeds before a gale. |
| 6 | Jeremiah 13:24 | “I will scatter you like chaff driven by the desert wind. |
| 7 | Isaiah 29:5 | But your many foes will be like fine dust, the multitude of the ruthless like blowing chaff. Then suddenly, in an instant, |
| 8 | Isaiah 41:15–16 | Behold, I will make you into a threshing sledge, new and sharp, with many teeth. You will thresh the mountains and crush them, and reduce the hills to chaff. You will winnow them, and a wind will carry them away; a gale will scatter them. But you will rejoice in the LORD; you will glory in the Holy One of Israel. |
| 9 | Matthew 3:12 | His winnowing fork is in His hand to clear His threshing floor and to gather His wheat into the barn; but He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” |
| 10 | Nahum 1:10 | For they will be entangled as with thorns and consumed like the drink of a drunkard— like stubble that is fully dry. |
Job 21:18 Summary
[Job 21:18 uses the powerful image of straw and chaff being swept away by a storm to describe the fragile and temporary nature of the wicked. This comparison reminds us that, no matter how prosperous or successful someone may seem, they can be quickly and easily destroyed by God's judgment, as seen in Psalm 1:4. In simple terms, this verse teaches us that living a life of sin and rebellion against God is like building a house on shifting sand - it may seem solid for a time, but it can be quickly washed away. By trusting in God and living according to His ways, as described in Proverbs 10:25, we can build a strong foundation that will stand firm in the face of life's storms.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the comparison to straw before the wind and chaff swept away by a storm mean in Job 21:18?
This comparison, found in Job 21:18, highlights the fragile and temporary nature of the wicked, emphasizing how they can be quickly and easily destroyed by God's judgment, much like straw or chaff in a storm, as also seen in Psalm 1:4 and Isaiah 40:24.
Is Job suggesting that the wicked are immediately punished by God?
Job 21:18 is not necessarily indicating immediate punishment, but rather illustrating the potential for sudden and complete destruction of the wicked, which is a theme also explored in Proverbs 10:25 and Matthew 7:26-27.
How does this verse relate to the broader context of the book of Job?
This verse is part of Job's response to the counsel of his friends, where he questions the idea that the wicked always suffer and the righteous always prosper, a theme also discussed in Job 4:7-8 and Ecclesiastes 7:15.
What does this verse teach us about God's character?
Job 21:18 teaches us that God is a powerful and just judge, who can swiftly and decisively deal with the wicked, as also seen in Psalm 9:16 and Romans 2:5-6.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I apply the lesson of Job 21:18 to my own life, recognizing the fleeting nature of worldly success and the importance of living righteously?
- How does this verse challenge or affirm my current understanding of God's justice and judgment?
- What are some areas in my life where I may be prioritizing temporary, worldly gains over eternal, spiritual investments, and how can I adjust my priorities in light of Job 21:18?
- In what ways can I trust in God's sovereignty and justice, even when I do not see immediate punishment of the wicked or reward of the righteous, as described in Job 21:18 and other scriptures?
Gill's Exposition on Job 21:18
They are as stubble before the wind,.... Or how oft "are they as stubble?" c.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 21:18
They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away. Job alludes to a like sentiment of Bildad (Job 18:18), using his own previous words (Job 13:25). Chaff - .
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 21:18
i.e. Their destruction shall be speedy, and certain, and irrecoverable.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 21:18
Job 21:18 They are as stubble before the wind, and as chaff that the storm carrieth away.Ver. 18. They are as stubble before the wind] Lest any man should say, How can these things befall those that are so strongly set and firmly built? Well enough, saith Job, since when they are best bottomed or underlaid, they are but as stubble before the wind, &c. Haec consideranda, saith Mercer, these things would be laid to heart, for hereby it appeareth that the wicked shall be destroyed suddenly, and certainly, certo, cito, penitus, Isaiah 17:13. That they can no more stand before a punishing God than thistle down before a whirlwind, or a glass bottle before a cannon shot.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 21:18
Verse 18. They are as stubble before the wind] "His fan is in his hand; he will thoroughly cleanse his floor, and the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire. Therefore the wicked shall not stand in the judgment, but shall be like the chaff which the wind driveth away." Were not this a common thought, I should have supposed that the author of this book borrowed it from Psalms 1:4. The original signifies that they shall be carried away by a furious storm; and borne off as booty is by the swift-riding robbers of the desert, who make a sudden irruption, and then set off at full speed with their prey.
Cambridge Bible on Job 21:18
7–21. This great mystery of the prosperity of the wicked in God’s providence Job now unfolds on both its sides: first, they and all belonging to them prosper, and they die in peace, although in conscious godlessness they bade the Almighty depart from them, Job 21:7-16; and second, negatively, examples of calamity befalling them are few, Job 21:17-21.
Barnes' Notes on Job 21:18
They are as stubble before the wind - According to the interpretation proposed of the previous verse, this may be read as a question, “How often is it that the wicked are made like stubble?
Whedon's Commentary on Job 21:18
18. As stubble — To be read as a question: (how oft) are they as stubble before the wind? etc. (Compare Job 20:8-9.)
Sermons on Job 21:18
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Abide in Christ by Bill McLeod | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of spending time with the Word of God. He highlights how many Christians nowadays spend more time in front of the TV than with |
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The Way of the Righteous and the Way of the Wicked by George Plante | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the topic of entertainment and its impact on Christians. He acknowledges that some people may view entertainment as just a form of enjoyment, |
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Epistle 111 by George Fox | George Fox warns believers to speak plainly and truthfully, allowing their words to reflect the light of Christ within them. He emphasizes that words should be life-giving and root |
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Service and Servanthood of the Lord - Part 7 of 8 by T. Austin-Sparks | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the significance of the sharp threshing instrument in the ministry of Jesus. The instrument represents the dividing line between the false and |
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Psalm 114 by Henry Law | Henry Law preaches on the greatness and glory of God as shown in His dealings with Israel, highlighting their deliverance from Egypt and consecration as a peculiar people, drawing |
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A Bar of Steel by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches on the transformative process of God's refining work in our lives, using the analogy of a bar of steel being shaped into valuable tools through intense d |
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Husbanding by Abner Kauffman | In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of taking care of our homes and families. He uses the analogy of threshing instruments to emphasize that each family is uniqu |