Old Testament
Job 18:12
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His strength shall be weakened by hunger, and destruction shall be ready at his side.
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His strength shall be hungerbitten, and destruction shall be ready at his side.
What Job 18:12 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 18:12, the verse highlights the dire consequences of a life lived in opposition to God. It suggests that a person who turns away from righteousness will face weakness and destruction. The imagery of being 'hungerbitten' conveys a sense of desperation and lack of sustenance, both physically and spiritually. This reflects the idea that without a strong foundation in faith, one becomes vulnerable to various forms of destruction. The phrase 'destruction shall be ready at his side' implies that calamity is always close to those who reject divine guidance. This verse serves as a warning about the dangers of straying from a righteous path, emphasizing that neglecting spiritual nourishment leads to inevitable downfall. It encourages readers to seek strength and sustenance from God to avoid such dire outcomes.
How to apply Job 18:12 to your life
This verse reminds us to stay close to our faith and seek spiritual nourishment through prayer and scripture. By doing so, we can avoid the pitfalls of weakness and destruction that come from turning away from God. Regularly reflecting on our spiritual health can help us remain strong in our beliefs.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
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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.
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Keep studying Job 18:12
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Key themes
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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 18:12 mean?
Job 18:12 conveys that a person who lives in opposition to God will experience weakness and destruction. It emphasizes the consequences of turning away from righteousness, highlighting that neglecting spiritual nourishment leads to vulnerability.
What is the meaning of 'hungerbitten' in Job 18:12?
'Hungerbitten' in Job 18:12 refers to a state of being weakened by lack of sustenance. It symbolizes both physical and spiritual deprivation, indicating that without faith, one becomes susceptible to destruction.
How does Job 18:12 relate to spiritual health?
Job 18:12 highlights the importance of spiritual health by showing that neglecting one's faith can lead to weakness and destruction. It serves as a reminder to seek strength and nourishment from God to avoid negative consequences.
What themes are present in Job 18:12?
Job 18:12 presents themes such as the consequences of sin, spiritual weakness, divine judgment, and the importance of faith. It underscores the vulnerability to destruction that comes from turning away from God.
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