Old Testament
Job 8:14
The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English
At a Glance
In Job 8:14, the speaker, Bildad, is emphasizing the fragility of the hope and trust of those who are not righteous.
- Author
- Author unknown; events likely in the patriarchal era
- Written
- Date debated
- Genre
- Wisdom literature
- Original Audience
- All who suffer or question God
whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web.
Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider’s web.
Verse Analysis
Plain-English insight for readers
In Job 8:14, the speaker, Bildad, is emphasizing the fragility of the hope and trust of those who are not righteous. He compares their hope to a spider's web, which is delicate and easily destroyed. This metaphor suggests that relying on anything other than God for security and assurance is ultimately futile. Just as a spider's web can be torn apart with a simple touch, so too can the hopes of the wicked be shattered. Bildad is arguing that true stability and hope come from a right relationship with God, and without that, one’s trust is as unreliable as a web spun by a spider. This verse serves as a warning about the consequences of misplaced trust and the importance of grounding one’s hope in something solid and enduring, namely faith in God. Explore related righteousness.
Related Bible verses
How to apply Job 8:14 to your life
This verse encourages us to examine where we place our hope and trust. Are we relying on temporary things that can easily fail, like wealth or relationships? Instead, we should focus on building our faith in God, who provides a firm foundation that will not be easily shaken.
Curated for this public verse page. Job Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Job 8:14 mean?
Job 8:14 highlights the fragility of hope and trust for those who are not righteous, comparing it to a spider's web that is easily destroyed. It suggests that relying on anything other than God for security is ultimately futile.
What is the metaphor in Job 8:14?
In Job 8:14, the metaphor of a spider's web illustrates how delicate and unreliable the hopes of the wicked are. Just as a spider's web can be easily torn apart, so too can the trust of those who do not have a right relationship with God.
How does Job 8:14 relate to trust?
Job 8:14 relates to trust by emphasizing that those who do not live righteously have a trust that is as unreliable as a spider's web. It serves as a reminder to place trust in something enduring, like faith in God.
What themes are present in Job 8:14?
The themes present in Job 8:14 include hope, trust, righteousness, futility, and divine justice. The verse underscores the importance of having a solid foundation for hope, which is found in a relationship with God.
The Book of Job
Job 1: Job's Integrity and First Test
Job lives in the land of Uz and is known for fearing God and turning away from evil. He has seven sons, three daughters, and great wealth. His sons hold feasts in their homes, and Job regularly sends for them and offers burnt offerings in case any of them sins in their hearts.
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