Job 22:10 — Word Study
WLCעַל־ כֵּ֭ן סְבִיבוֹתֶ֣יךָ פַחִ֑ים וִֽ֝יבַהֶלְךָ פַּ֣חַד פִּתְאֹֽם׃
BSAThereforeʻal [as a result, thus] snarespach [nets, traps to catch you] surround youçâbîyb [are round about, encompass] and suddenpithʼôwm [unexpected] perilpachad [fear, dread] terrifies youbâhal▸ [troubles, alarms]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| עַל־ | there- | Preposition |
| כֵּ֭ן | -fore | Adverb |
| סְבִיבוֹתֶ֣יךָ | [are] around you | Noun common feminine plural construct, suffix |
| פַחִ֑ים | snares | Noun common, masculine plural absolute |
| וִֽ֝יבַהֶלְךָ | and it terrifies you | Conjunction, verb piel third person masculine singular, suffix |
| פַּ֣חַד | dread | Noun common, masculine singular absolute |
| פִּתְאֹֽם׃ | suddenly | Adverb |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | Therefore snares surround you, and sudden peril terrifies you; |
| KJV | Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee; |
| ASV | Therefore snares are round about thee, And sudden fear troubleth thee, |
| YLT | Therefore round about thee [are] snares, And trouble thee doth fear suddenly. |
| WEB | Therefore snares are around you. Sudden fear troubles you, |
| BBE | For this cause nets are round your feet, and you are overcome with sudden fear. |
Where they part company is עַל־ — see How Translations Differ.
The main clause presents the immediate danger, followed by a subordinate clause that describes the emotional response.
8 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Poole, Trapp & more — read them ›
clause
subjectפַּח
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 22:10
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 — Eliphaz's Accusation Against Jobgenerated
Job 22:10 is part of a larger speech by Eliphaz, where he accuses Job of sin and suggests that the troubles he faces are a result of his actions. Eliphaz asserts that Job's misdeeds have led to his current predicament, surrounded by traps and engulfed by fear. This passage reflects the broader theme of suffering and divine justice in the Book of Job, as seen in the preceding and following verses.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Job 18:8–10 | For his own feet lead him into a net, and he wanders into its mesh. |
| 2 | Job 19:6 | then understand that it is God who has wronged me and drawn His net around me. |
| 3 | Psalm 11:6 | On the wicked He will rain down fiery coals and sulfur; a scorching wind will be their portion. |
| 4 | Job 6:4 | For the arrows of the Almighty have pierced me; my spirit drinks in their poison; the terrors of God are arrayed against me. |
| 5 | Job 13:21 | Withdraw Your hand from me, and do not let Your terror frighten me. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — פַּחִ֑ים, paḥimgenerated
The noun פַּח (*paḥ*) refers to snares or traps, typically used for catching animals. Its root indicates a sense of entrapment or danger, suggesting that Job is ensnared by his circumstances.
In this verse, the plural form פַּחִ֑ים emphasizes the multitude of traps surrounding Job, indicating a pervasive threat. The word evokes a sense of imminent danger and the precariousness of Job's situation.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
This study reads the verse in the Berean Standard Bible, so the BSB is the wording every comparison below is made against.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The finite verb יבַהֶלְךָ, it terrifies you, governs the sentence, with two phrases attached: a prepositional phrase indicating what surrounds Job and a noun phrase describing the snares. The structure emphasizes the immediate threats Job faces.
The word order places the snares at the forefront, highlighting the danger surrounding Job before introducing the sudden terror that follows.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates פַּחִ֑ים as παγίδες, meaning 'traps.' This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew meaning, reinforcing the idea of entrapment.
The Greek word τοιγαροῦν for כֵּ֭ן indicates a direct translation of 'therefore,' maintaining the causal relationship present in the Hebrew.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Job 22:10 shows Eliphaz warning Job that he is surrounded by snares and that sudden fear terrifies him. This reflects the belief that Job's troubles are a result of his own actions, emphasizing the themes of accountability and divine justice.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
It suggests that Job is in a precarious situation, facing multiple dangers that threaten him.
Sudden peril refers to unexpected dangers that can cause panic and fear, reflecting Job's emotional state amidst his suffering.
Eliphaz implies that Job's suffering is a direct consequence of his sins, reinforcing the idea that wrongdoing leads to divine retribution.
The word 'dread' emphasizes the intense fear that Job experiences, highlighting the severity of his emotional turmoil.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- In what ways can I identify traps or dangers in my own life that may be a result of my actions?
- How do I respond to sudden fears or challenges that arise unexpectedly?
- What lessons can I learn from Job's experience about accountability and facing consequences?
- How can I find peace in the midst of overwhelming situations, like Job?
The early church on this verse — how the Fathers read it
Early commentators like Julian of Eclanum and Gregory the Dialogist reference this verse to discuss themes of sin and divine judgment, illustrating the moral implications of Job's suffering.
Since [Eliphaz] had said that [Job] had sinned not mildly or, so to speak, with feeble strength but greatly and with much force, he now fervently invokes revenge against him,Early Church Fathers on Job 22 →
Therefore snares are round about thee; and sudden fear troubleth thee. That man 'sudden fear doth trouble,' who neglects to consider what there is hanging over his head from the severity of the Judge, when He comes.Early Church Fathers on Job 22 →
Commentators on this verse — 8 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Job 22:10 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleTherefore snares [are] round about thee,.... Not what occasion sin, draw into it, and issue in it, as inward corruptions, the temptations of Satan, and the things of this world, but punishments;
Read John Gill on Job 22 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryTherefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee; Snares - alluding to Job's admission (Job 19:6; cf. Job 18:10; Proverbs 22:5, "Snares are in the way of the froward").
Read Robert Jamieson on Job 22 →Matthew Poole1624–1679Matthew Poole's Commentary on the Holy BibleFor these and the like crimes. The cause of thy ruin is not secret from God’ s sovereign power, and unsearchable judgments, (as thou pretendest,) but plain and manifest, even thy own crying sins. Snares are round about thee; thou art encompassed with dangers and calamities. Sudden fear: beside thy present miseries, thou art tormented with the dread and expectation of further and sorer judgments.
Read Matthew Poole on Job 22 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsJob 22:10 Therefore snares [are] round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee;Ver. 10. Therefore snares are round about thee] Flagitium et flagellum sunt sicut acus et filum, Sin and punishment are tied together with chains of adamant. Eliphaz having with more earnestness than truth set forth Job’ s sins, now discourseth about his snares. Four punishments he assureth him of, and every one worse than the other. 1. He shall be ensnared; 2. Frightened; 3. Benighted; 4. Overwhelmed, if repentance step not in and take up the matter, as Job 22:22. And it is as if he should say, Seek not after any other cause of thy calamities than thy before mentioned wickedness; neither seek any other way to…
Read John Trapp on Job 22 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(10, 11) Snares . . . about thee.—That is, Fear troubleth thee, or darkness, &c. “If darkness and abundance of waters cover thee so that thou canst not see, is not God in the high heavens, though thou canst not see Him. God is too great to take note of the affairs of men, their sin or their good deeds. He is so far off that He cannot see what goes on in the earth, for His dwelling-place is in heaven.” Eliphaz attributes to Job the kind of sentiments that he had himself attributed to the wicked man in the last chapter, Job 22:14, &c.
Read Charles John Ellicott on Job 22 →AdamClarkeAdam Clarke's Commentary on the BibleVerse 10. Therefore snares] As thou hast dealt with others, so has God, in his retributive providence, dealt with thee. As thou hast spoiled, so art thou spoiled. Thou art taken in a net from which thou canst not escape. There is an allusion here to the hunting of the elephant: he is driven into an inclosure in the woods, passing from strait to strait, till brought into a narrow point, from which he cannot escape; and then his consternation is great, and his roaring terrible. God hath hunted thee down, as men hunt down those wild and dangerous beasts. See on Job 18:21
Read AdamClarke on Job 22 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges10, 11. The consequence of this inhumanity and injustice is seen in the snares and terrors from God that surround Job. 11. This verse should probably be read, Or seest thou not the darkness, And the floods of waters that cover thee? i. e. dost thou not perceive the true meaning of the darkness and the overwhelming calamities that have come on thee? On the figures comp. ch. Job 18:18; Job 11:16; Job 27:20. See Job’s reply, ch. Job 23:16-17.
Read Cambridge on Job 22 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleTherefore snares are round about thee - “Snares” were used for catching wild animals and birds, and the word then came to denote any sudden calamity; see Job 18:8-10.
Read Albert Barnes on Job 22 →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
Therefore snares surround you, and sudden peril terrifies you;
Therefore snares are around you. Sudden fear troubles you,
Therefore snares surround you, and sudden peril terrifies you;
That is why snares surround you, and why sudden fear terrifies you,
Tyndale line
Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee;
Therefore snares are round about thee, And sudden fear troubleth thee,
Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee,
Therefore snares are around thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee;
Therefore snares are round about thee, and feare shall suddenly trouble thee:
Strictly literal
Therefore snares are round about thee, and sudden fear troubleth thee;
Therefore round about thee [are] snares, And trouble thee doth fear suddenly.
Therefore snares [are] all around you, || And sudden fear troubles you.
Therefore are snares round about thee, and sudden dread terrifieth thee.
Therefore, snares are all around you, and sudden fear troubles you.
From the Latin
Therefore art thou surrounded with snares, and sudden fear troubleth thee.
Simplified
That's why you're surrounded by traps to catch you, and why you suddenly panic in terror.
For this cause nets are round your feet, and you are overcome with sudden fear.
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 on the wording of this verse, with six of the seven words matching. The Septuagint's word order differs, reflecting its own style while preserving the essential meaning.
עַל־ כֵּ֭ן סְבִיבוֹתֶ֣יךָ פַחִ֑ים וִֽ֝יבַהֶלְךָ פַּ֣חַד פִּתְאֹֽם׃
6 of the 7 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 22:10
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 עַל (*al*) is a preposition meaning 'upon' and encompasses a wide range of meanings, including 'on account of,' 'beside,' 'above,' and 'against.' It can indicate physical placement, emotional burdens, or duties imposed on a person. The entries also note its use in idiomatic expressions and with verbs of motion. There is a mention of its function as a conjunction in certain contexts.
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
עַל, עָ֑ל
subst. height
As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed
—
of clothing, etc., which any one wears
With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
H5921a עַל, עָ֑ל . As prep. upon, and hence on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against . Upon, of the substratum upon which an object in any way rests, or on which an action is performed . — . of clothing, etc., which any one wears
. With verbs of covering or protecting, even though the cover or veil be not over or above the thing covered, but around or before it
. Of what rests heavily upon a person, or is a burden to him
. Of a duty, payment, care, etc., imposed upon a person, or devolving on him
. על is used idiom. to give pathos to the expression of an emotion, by emphasizing the person who is its subject, and who, as it were, feels it acting upon him
. חָיָה עַל to live upon (as upon a foundation or support)
5921 `al al
properly, the same as 5920 used as a preposition (in the
singular or plural often with prefix, or as conjunction with a
particle following); above, over, upon, or against (yet always
in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great
variety of applications (as follow):--above, according
to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, X as, at, because
of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, X both
and, by (reason of), X had the charge of, concerning for, in
(that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-)on, over, than,
through(-out), to, touching, X with.
see HEBREW for 05920
עַל (al) — upon.
prep
1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against
1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards
1b) above, beyond, over (of excess)
1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence)
1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition)
1e) over (of suspension or extension)
1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity)
1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion)
1h) to (as a dative)
[כִּי] עַל [כֵּן] ([ki] al [ken]) — as.
conj
Prep — PrepositionHR
The Hebrew word כֵּן (*ken*) is built from the root meaning 'set upright.' It functions as an adjective meaning 'right,' 'veritable,' or 'honest,' and as an adverb meaning 'so,' 'therefore,' or 'thus.' It appears in various contexts, often indicating manner or relation, and is used in phrases like 'forasmuch as.'
כֵּן adj. right, veritable, honest
right
veritable, true
pl. concr. honest (men)
base
כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as
base
כֵּן adv. so
base
H3651a כֵּן adj. right, veritable, honest H3651b כִּי עַל כֵּן forasmuch as H3651c כֵּן so
3651 ken kane
from 3559; properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as
adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction)
rightly or so (in various applications to manner, time and
relation; often with other particles):--+ after that
(this, -ward, -wards), as ... as, + (for-)asmuch as yet, + be
(for which) cause, + following, howbeit, in (the) like
(manner, -wise), X the more, right, (even) so, state,
straightway, such (thing), surely, + there (where)-fore, this,
thus, true, well, X you.
see HEBREW for 03559
כֵּן (ken) — right.
adv
adj
1) right, just, honest, true, veritable
1a) right, just, honest
1b) correct
1c) true, veritable
[כִּי עַל] כֵּן ([ki al] ken) — as.
adv
forasmuch as, since
כֵּן (ken) — so.
adv
1) so, therefore, thus
1a) thus, so
1b) just so
1c) therefore
1d) so...as (paired with adv)
1e) then
1f) forasmuch as (in phrase)
1g) (with prep)
1g1) therefore, this being so (specific)
1g2) hitherto
1g3) therefore, on this ground (general)
1g4) afterwards
1g5) in such case
Aramaic equivalent: ken (כֵּן "thus" H3652)
HD — AdverbHD
סָבִיב (cabiyb) primarily means 'around' and is used as a noun, adverb, and preposition. It denotes a circle, neighbors, or the surrounding area, often implying a sense of being on every side or in a circuit. The entries consistently emphasize its usage in contexts of proximity and encirclement.
סָבִיב 336 subst., used mostly as adv. and prep., circuit, round about
base
H5439 סָבִיב subst., used mostly as adv. and prep., circuit, round about
5439 cabiyb saw-beeb'
or (feminine) cbiybah {seb-ee-baw'}; from 5437; (as noun) a
circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with
or without preposition) around:--(place, round) about,
circuit, compass, on every side.
see HEBREW for 05437
סָבִיב (sa.viv) — around.
: around/border
subst
1) places round about, circuit, round about
adv
2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about
prep
3) in the circuit, from every side
סָבִיב (sa.viv) — around: side.
: side
subst
1) places round about, circuit, round about
adv
2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about
prep
3) in the circuit, from every side
סָבִיב (sa.viv) — around: whole.
: whole
subst
1) places round about, circuit, round about
adv
2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about
prep
3) in the circuit, from every side
סָבִיב (sa.viv) — around: neighours.
: neighours
subst
1) places round about, circuit, round about
adv
2) in a circuit, a circuit, round about
prep
3) in the circuit, from every side
N-cp | Suff — Noun common feminine plural construct · suffixHNcfpc/Sp2ms
פַּח (pach) refers to both a bird trap and a metal plate. It is derived from a root meaning to spread out or pound thin, indicating its use as a snare or a thin sheet of metal. The word can also figuratively represent calamities or plots. The entries consistently highlight these two primary meanings without significant disagreement.
פַּח n.m. bird-trap
base
[פַּח] n.[m.] plate of metal
base
H6341a פַּח bird-trap H6341b פַּח plate of metal
6341 pach pakh
from 6351; a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin); also a
spring net (as spread out like a lamina):--gin, (thin) plate,
snare.
see HEBREW for 06351
פַּח (pach) — snare.
1) bird trap, trap, snare
1a) bird trap (literal)
1b) of calamities, plots, source or agent of calamity (fig.)
פַּח (pach) — plate.
plate (of metal)
N-mp — Noun common · masculine plural absoluteHNcmpa
בָּהַל (bahal) is a Hebrew verb that conveys a range of meanings related to disturbance and haste. It can mean to be disturbed, terrified, or anxious, as well as to act hastily or make haste. The entries indicate various grammatical forms, including Niph, Pi, Pu, and Hiph, which reflect different nuances of dismay and urgency.
[בָּהַל] vb.
Niph.
be disturbed, dismayed, terrified
be in haste, hasty
Pi.
dismay, terrify
hasten, make haste, act hastily
Pu. hastened; hastily gained
Hiph.
dismay, terrify
(late) hasten, hurry
base
H926 בָּהַל . . be disturbed, dismayed, terrified
. be in haste, hasty
. . dismay, terrify
. hasten, make haste, act hastily
. hastened; hastily gained
. . dismay, terrify
. (late) hasten, hurry
926 bahal baw-hal'
a primitive root; to tremble inwardly (or palpitate), i.e.
(figuratively) be (causative, make) (suddenly) alarmed or
agitated; by implication to hasten anxiously:--be (make)
affrighted (afraid, amazed, dismayed, rash), (be, get, make)
haste(-n, -y, -ily), (give) speedy(-ily), thrust out, trouble,
vex.
בָּהַל (ba.hal) — to dismay.
1) to disturb, alarm, terrify, hurry, be disturbed, be anxious, be afraid, be hurried, be nervous
1a) (Niphal)
1a1) to be disturbed, dismayed, terrified, anxious
1a2) to be in haste, be hasty
1b) (Piel)
1b1) to make haste, act hastily, be hurried, be hastened
1b2) to dismay, terrify
1c) (Pual)
1c1) to hasten
1c2) hastened, hastily gained (part.)
1d) (Hiphil)
1d1) to hasten, hurry, make haste
1d2) to dismay, terrify
Conj | V-Piel-Imperf-3ms | Suff — Conjunction · verb piel third person masculine singular · suffixHC/Vpu3ms/Sp2ms
פַּ֫חַד (pachad) refers to the concept of dread or terror, often indicating both the feeling of fear and the object that inspires it. The word is derived from a root meaning to be alarmed, and it encompasses a range of meanings related to fear and terror.
פַּ֫חַד 49 n.m. dread
dread
= object of dread
as design. dei
base
H6343 פַּ֫חַד dread . dread
. = object of dread
. as design. dei
6343 pachad pakh'-ad
from 6342; a (sudden) alarm (properly, the object feared, by
implication, the feeling):--dread(-ful), fear, (thing) great
(fear, -ly feared), terror.
see HEBREW for 06342
פַּ֫חַד (pa.chad) — dread.
1) terror, dread
1a) dread
1b) object of dread
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular absoluteHNcmsa
פִּתְאֹם (pit'om) means 'suddenly' and can also refer to 'suddenness.' It is primarily used as an adverb to describe an unexpected occurrence. The word is derived from another Hebrew term, but the entries do not provide specific verses where it is used.
פִּתְאֹם, once פֵּתְאוֹם subst. suddenness, usu. as adv. acc. suddenly
base
H6597 פִּתְאֹם, once פֵּתְאוֹם suddenness, usu. as adv. acc. suddenly
6597 pith'owm pith-ome'
or pith.om {pith-ome'}; from 6621; instantly:--straightway,
sudden(-ly).
see HEBREW for 06621
פִּתְאֹם (pit.om) — suddenly.
adv
1) suddenly, surprisingly
subst
2) suddenness
Adv — AdverbHD