King James Version

What Does Job 15:33 Mean?

Job 15:33 in the King James Version says “He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine, and shall cast off his flower as the olive.” — study this verse from Job chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine, and shall cast off his flower as the olive.”

Job 15:33 · KJV

Context

31

Let not him that is deceived trust in vanity: for vanity shall be his recompence.

32

It shall be accomplished before his time, and his branch shall not be green. accomplished: or, cut off

33

He shall shake off his unripe grape as the vine, and shall cast off his flower as the olive.

34

For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery.

35

They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit. vanity: or, iniquity

Read Job 15 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The wicked's labor is futile: 'For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery.' Eliphaz promises judgment on hypocrites and the corrupt. Their assemblies will be destroyed, their dwellings consumed. While Scripture affirms God judges hypocrisy and corruption, Eliphaz wrongly assumes Job fits these categories. The accusation of hypocrisy is particularly cruel—Job's integrity is his whole defense.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Bribery corrupted ancient justice systems, with officials taking bribes to pervert judgment (Exodus 23:8, Isaiah 1:23). Fire consuming dwellings represented total divine judgment (Sodom and Gomorrah, prophetic judgments on nations).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we identify genuine hypocrisy versus inconsistency or failure in our spiritual walk?
  2. What distinguishes the imperfection all believers experience from the hypocrisy Jesus condemned?
  3. How does grace transform our response to others' spiritual inconsistencies?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יַחְמֹ֣ס1 of 6

“He shall shake off”

H2554

to be violent; by implication, to maltreat

כַּגֶּ֣פֶן2 of 6

“as the vine”

H1612

a vine (as twining), especially the grape

בִּסְר֑וֹ3 of 6

“his unripe grape”

H1154

an immature grape

וְיַשְׁלֵ֥ךְ4 of 6

“and shall cast off”

H7993

to throw out, down or away (literally or figuratively)

כַּ֝זַּ֗יִת5 of 6

“as the olive”

H2132

an olive (as yielding illuminating oil), the tree, the branch or the berry

נִצָּתֽוֹ׃6 of 6

“his flower”

H5328

a blossom

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Job. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Job 15:33 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Job 15:33 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 33:9Revelation 6:13Deuteronomy 28:39-40

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