Job 8:12
Job 8:12 in Multiple Translations
While the shoots are still uncut, they dry up quicker than grass.
Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb.
Whilst it is yet in its greenness, and not cut down, It withereth before any other herb.
When it is still green, without being cut down, it becomes dry and dead before any other plant.
Even without being cut, while they are still flowering, they wither faster than grass.
Though it were in greene and not cutte downe, yet shall it wither before any other herbe.
While it [is] in its budding — uncropped, Even before any herb it withereth.
While it is yet in its greenness, not cut down, it withers before any other reed.
Whilst it is yet in its greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb.
When it is yet in flower, and is not plucked up with the hand, it withereth before all herbs.
If they do not have enough water, while they are still blossoming, they wither more quickly than other plants wither.
Berean Amplified Bible — Job 8:12
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 8:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
עֹדֶ֣/נּוּ
בְ֭/אִבּ/וֹ
לֹ֣א
יִקָּטֵ֑ף
וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֖י
כָל
חָצִ֣יר
יִיבָֽשׁ
עֹדֶ֣/נּוּ
ʻôwd
H5750
still
Adv | Suff
בְ֭/אִבּ/וֹ
ʼêb
H3
greenery
Prep | N-ms | Suff
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
not
Part
יִקָּטֵ֑ף
qâṭaph
H6998
to pluck
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
face
Conj | Prep | N-cp
כָל
kôl
H3605
all
N-ms
חָצִ֣יר
châtsîyr
H2682
grass
N-ms
יִיבָֽשׁ
yâbêsh
H3001
to wither
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Job 8:12
עֹדֶ֣/נּוּ
ʻôwd
H5750
"still"
Adv | Suff
The word 'still' means something continues or happens again, like in Genesis 29:26 and Isaiah 2:11. It can also mean 'more' or 'additionally'.
Definition: subst 1) a going round, continuance adv 2) still, yet, again, besides 2a) still, yet (of continuance or persistence) 2b) still, yet, more (of addition or repetition) 2c) again 2d) still, moreover, besides Aramaic equivalent: od (עוֹד "still" H5751)
Usage: Occurs in 459 OT verses. KJV: again, [idiom] all life long, at all, besides, but, else, further(-more), henceforth, (any) longer, (any) more(-over), [idiom] once, since, (be) still, when, (good, the) while (having being), (as, because, whether, while) yet (within). See also: Genesis 4:25; Judges 9:37; 2 Chronicles 32:16.
בְ֭/אִבּ/וֹ
ʼêb
H3
"greenery"
Prep | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word means greenery or freshness, like new green shoots growing. It's first used in the Bible to describe the earth's new life. In the KJV, it's translated as greenness or fruit.
Definition: freshness, fresh green, green shoots, or greenery Aramaic equivalent: ev (אֵב "fruit" H0004)
Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: greenness, fruit. See also: Job 8:12; Song of Solomon 6:11.
לֹ֣א
lôʼ
H3808
"not"
Part
The Hebrew word for not or no is used to indicate absence or negation, as when God says no to the Israelites' requests, or when they disobey His commands.
Definition: 1) not, no 1a) not (with verb-absolute prohibition) 1b) not (with modifier-negation) 1c) nothing (subst) 1d) without (with particle) 1e) before (of time) Aramaic equivalent: la (לָא "not" H3809)
Usage: Occurs in 3967 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] before, [phrase] or else, ere, [phrase] except, ig(-norant), much, less, nay, neither, never, no((-ne), -r, (-thing)), ([idiom] as though...,(can-), for) not (out of), of nought, otherwise, out of, [phrase] surely, [phrase] as truly as, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] verily, for want, [phrase] whether, without. See also: Genesis 2:5; Genesis 31:15; Exodus 4:9.
יִקָּטֵ֑ף
qâṭaph
H6998
"to pluck"
V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms
This verb means to pluck or strip something off, like cutting down a plant or removing fruit from a tree. It can also describe being plucked off, and is used in various contexts throughout the Old Testament to convey a sense of removal or separation.
Definition: 1) to pluck off or out, cut off 1a) (Qal) to pluck off 1b) (Niphal) to be plucked off
Usage: Occurs in 5 OT verses. KJV: crop off, cut down (up), pluck. See also: Deuteronomy 23:26; Job 30:4; Ezekiel 17:22.
וְ/לִ/פְנֵ֖י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Conj | 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.
כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
חָצִ֣יר
châtsîyr
H2682
"grass"
N-ms
In the Bible, this word can mean grass or a type of plant, like a leek. It appears in Numbers 5:18, describing a ritual involving holy water and a grain offering.
Definition: 1a) grass 1b) of the quickly perishing (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 20 OT verses. KJV: grass, hay, herb, leek. See also: Numbers 11:5; Psalms 147:8; Psalms 37:2.
יִיבָֽשׁ
yâbêsh
H3001
"to wither"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to wither or dry up, like a plant without water. It can also mean to be ashamed or disappointed. The Bible uses it to describe things that have lost their freshness or vitality.
Definition: 1) to make dry, wither, be dry, become dry, be dried up, be withered 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be dry, be dried up, be without moisture 1a2) to be dried up 1b) (Piel) to make dry, dry up 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to dry up, make dry 1c1a) to dry up (water) 1c1b) to make dry, wither 1c1c) to exhibit dryness
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: be ashamed, clean, be confounded, (make) dry (up), (do) shame(-fully), [idiom] utterly, wither (away). See also: Genesis 8:7; Jeremiah 6:15; Psalms 22:16.
Study Notes — Job 8:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Job 8:12 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Job 8:12
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 8:12
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 8:12
- Trapp's Commentary on Job 8:12
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 8:12
- Cambridge Bible on Job 8:12
- Barnes' Notes on Job 8:12
- Whedon's Commentary on Job 8:12
- Sermons on Job 8:12
Context — Bildad: Job Should Repent
10Will they not teach you and tell you, and speak from their understanding?
11Does papyrus grow where there is no marsh? Do reeds flourish without water?
12While the shoots are still uncut, they dry up more quickly than grass.
13Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so the hope of the godless will perish. 14His confidence is fragile; his security is in a spider’s web.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jeremiah 17:6 | He will be like a shrub in the desert; he will not see when prosperity comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. |
| 2 | Psalms 129:6–7 | May they be like grass on the rooftops, which withers before it can grow, unable to fill the hands of the reaper, or the arms of the binder of sheaves. |
| 3 | Matthew 13:20 | The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. |
| 4 | James 1:10–11 | But the one who is rich should exult in his low position, because he will pass away like a flower of the field. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its flower falls and its beauty is lost. So too, the rich man will fade away in the midst of his pursuits. |
| 5 | 1 Peter 1:24 | For, “All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, |
Job 8:12 Summary
Job 8:12 uses the example of shoots drying up quicker than grass to illustrate how quickly something can lose its vitality when it's not nurtured. This verse is reminding us that our spiritual growth and strength come from God, and without Him, we can quickly wither away, as seen in Isaiah 40:7-8. Just like plants need water to grow, we need to stay connected to God to stay strong and healthy (John 15:4-5). By prioritizing our relationship with God and seeking His nourishment, we can avoid drying up like the shoots and instead flourish like trees planted by streams of water (Psalm 1:3).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for shoots to dry up quicker than grass in Job 8:12?
This phrase is a metaphor that illustrates how quickly something can wither and lose its vitality when it is not nurtured, much like how the shoots of a plant dry up quickly if they are not watered, as seen in Isaiah 40:7-8, where the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of God endures forever.
Is Job 8:12 talking about literal plants or is it a metaphor?
While the verse uses literal plants as an example, the context suggests it is a metaphor for the fleeting nature of human hopes and endeavors when they are not rooted in God, as expressed in Psalm 1:3, where the righteous are like trees planted by streams of water, yielding fruit in season.
How does Job 8:12 relate to the overall message of the book of Job?
This verse is part of Bildad's response to Job, emphasizing the importance of remembering God and living righteously, lest one's hopes perish, as stated in Job 8:13, which serves as a warning to those who forget God, and is reinforced by Proverbs 10:28, where the hope of the righteous is gladness.
What can we learn from the comparison of shoots drying up quicker than grass in Job 8:12?
We can learn that our spiritual vitality and growth are dependent on our connection to God, and without it, we can quickly lose our strength and purpose, much like the shoots of a plant, as taught in John 15:4-5, where Jesus says that apart from Him, we can do nothing.
Reflection Questions
- In what ways can I nurture my spiritual growth to prevent withering like the shoots in Job 8:12?
- How can I ensure that my hopes and endeavors are rooted in God, rather than in fleeting worldly things?
- What are some ways that I can remember God and prioritize my relationship with Him in my daily life?
- In what areas of my life might I be like the shoots that are drying up quicker than grass, and how can I seek God's refreshing and renewal in those areas?
Gill's Exposition on Job 8:12
Whilst it [is] yet in its greenness,.... Before it is come to its full height, or to a proper ripeness; when as yet it has not flowered, or is about it; before the time usual for it to turn and
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Job 8:12
Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb. Not cut down.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Job 8:12
Yet in his greenness; whereby it promiseth long continuance. Not cut down; though no man cut it down, it withereth of itself, and will save a man the labour of cutting or plucking it up. It gives not a man so much warning that he can cut it down in time, as other green herbs do, but suddenly withereth. Before any other herb, i.e. sooner than other herbs, or in their presence, or they surviving; in which sense it seems to be said that Ishmael died in the presence of his brethren, ; the rest of the herbs looking upon it, and admiring this sudden change. For actions of sense and understanding are oft ascribed to lifeless creatures, both in Scripture and other authors.
Trapp's Commentary on Job 8:12
Job 8:12 Whilst it [is] yet in his greenness, [and] not cut down, it withereth before any [other] herb.Ver. 12. Whilst it is yet in his greenness, &c.] And so withereth not through age, as being but in its shooting up. And not cut down] Or, cropped off, either by the hands of men or teeth of beasts. It withereth] For want of water, without store whereof it cannot live. The hypocrite is a sensualist, Judges 18:19 Job 21:11 Hosea 4:11; he liveth in such miry places as cannot be healed by the waters of the sanctuary, Ezekiel 47:11. He saith, as the vine and the olive in Jotham’ s parable, I cannot leave my wine, my fat and sweet sins; take away my liquor, you take away my life. He serveth not the Lord Jesus Christ (whatever he pretendeth), but his own belly, Romans 16:17-18. He followeth Christ for the loaves only. Before any other herb] That is, of less show, but better rooting. These retain their verdure, and look on, as it were, to see the rush wither: so David did by Doeg, Psalms 52:5-6; Psalms 52:8.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Job 8:12
Verse 12. Whilst it is yet in his greenness] We do not know enough of the natural history of this plant to be able to discern the strength of this allusion; but we learn from it that, although this plant be very succulent, and grow to a great size, yet it is short-lived, and speedily withers; and this we may suppose to be in the dry season, or on the retreat of the waters of the Nile. However, Soon RIPE, soon ROTTEN, is a maxim in horticulture.
Cambridge Bible on Job 8:12
12. and not cut down] lit. and not to be cut down (or, plucked, ch. Job 30:4), that is, in its full luxuriance, not ripe nor ready for cutting, and therefore with no trace of withering or decay in it. In this state of full freshness, when water is withdrawn from it, it sinks and collapses, withering sooner than any herb.
Barnes' Notes on Job 8:12
Whilst it is yet in his greenness - That is, while it seems to be in its vigor. And is not cut down - Even when it is not cut down. If suffered to stand by itself, and if undisturbed, it will wither away.
Whedon's Commentary on Job 8:12
12. It withereth — Our translators have disregarded the (in this case) important å: while yet it is in its greenness, it is uncut, (and) THEN, sooner than all (other) grass, it drieth up.
Sermons on Job 8:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Epistle 252 by George Fox | George Fox emphasizes the importance of humility, meekness, and purity for those who minister the gospel. He urges ministers to be examples in their conduct and to avoid ungracious |
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From Babylon to Jerusalem - (Daniel) ch.2:36-3:30 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the sovereignty of God as depicted in the book of Daniel. He highlights God's sovereignty over the physical bodies of Daniel and his friends, |
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Counterfeit Conversion (3 of 6) by Winkie Pratney | Winkie Pratney emphasizes the significance of the Parable of the Sower, particularly focusing on the rocky soil that represents a counterfeit conversion. He warns that many who app |
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The Parable of the Sower - Part 2 by Keith Daniel | In this sermon, the preacher addresses the audience, expressing disappointment that they were unable to receive the messages being preached. He questions why they allowed themselve |
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The Seal of God's Firm Foundation by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of the gospel in raising people up. He shares a personal anecdote about being asked to remove his shoes in a hotel room, which lea |
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(Youth Bible School 2007) the Stony Ground Hearer by Mose Stoltzfus | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of being honest before God and men. He shares a story about a young African man who instructs another person on how to become a |
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Experimental Salvation by A.W. Pink | A.W. Pink emphasizes that true salvation is entirely the work of the Lord, planned by the Father, purchased by the Son, and applied by the Holy Spirit. He warns that many in Christ |