Old Testament
Job 18:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
"A snare is laid for him in the ground, and a trap for him in the path."
Compare translations
The snare is laid for him in the ground, and a trap for him in the way.
What Job 18:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 18:10, the imagery of a snare and a trap illustrates the dangers and pitfalls that await the wicked. The verse suggests that just as a hunter sets traps to catch animals, so too are the wicked ensnared by their own actions and the consequences that follow. The ground and the path symbolize the places where one walks in life, indicating that the traps are not hidden but are part of the journey. This reflects the idea that those who live unrighteously will ultimately face judgment and suffering. The verse serves as a warning that one’s choices can lead to inevitable downfall, emphasizing the importance of living a life aligned with wisdom and righteousness to avoid such traps.
How to apply Job 18:10 to your life
This verse reminds us to be mindful of our actions and their potential consequences. By choosing to live righteously and making wise decisions, we can avoid the traps that lead to suffering. Reflect on your choices and seek guidance to stay on a path of integrity.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.

Illustrated scene from Noah's story: Noah Is Born (Genesis 5:28–32)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Noah

Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725043). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nablus and Mount Gerizim, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Shechem
Where God promised the land to Abram, and where Joshua led Israel to renew the covenant.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Job 18:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Job 18:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Job
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 18:10 mean?
Job 18:10 uses the imagery of a snare and a trap to illustrate the dangers that await the wicked. It suggests that just as hunters set traps, the wicked are ensnared by their own actions and the consequences that follow.
What is the meaning of 'snare' in Job 18:10?
In Job 18:10, 'snare' refers to a trap set to catch someone, symbolizing the dangers and pitfalls that the wicked face due to their choices. It emphasizes how their actions can lead to inevitable downfall.
How does Job 18:10 relate to life choices?
Job 18:10 highlights the importance of making wise decisions, as the traps mentioned symbolize the negative outcomes that can arise from living a wicked life. It encourages reflection on one's choices to avoid suffering.
What themes are present in Job 18:10?
The themes in Job 18:10 include the consequences of wickedness, judgment, and the importance of making righteous life choices. It contrasts righteousness with wickedness and warns of the traps that come from poor decisions.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.