King James Version

What Does Job 15:34 Mean?

Job 15:34 in the King James Version says “For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery.” — study this verse from Job chapter 15 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 15:34 · KJV

Context

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 hope perishes: 'Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web.' The spider's web imagery is brilliant—it appears substantial but can't bear weight. The wicked's confidence seems secure but proves fragile when tested. This truth about false securities becomes cruel accusation when wrongly applied to Job, whose trust remains in God despite everything. His trust isn't a spider's web—it endures the ultimate test.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Spider webs were proverbial for fragility in ancient wisdom (Isaiah 59:5-6). Ancient Israelites observed spiders creating elaborate structures that couldn't support substantial weight—perfect metaphor for false securities.

Reflection Questions

  1. What false securities appear substantial but prove fragile when tested?
  2. How do trials reveal whether our trust rests on God or on circumstances?
  3. What distinguishes trust in God that endures testing from false confidence that collapses?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 8 words
כִּֽי1 of 8
H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

עֲדַ֣ת2 of 8

“For the congregation”

H5712

a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd)

חָנֵ֣ף3 of 8

“of hypocrites”

H2611

soiled (i.e., with sin), impious

גַּלְמ֑וּד4 of 8

“shall be desolate”

H1565

sterile (as wrapped up too hard); figuratively, desolate

וְ֝אֵ֗שׁ5 of 8

“and fire”

H784

fire (literally or figuratively)

אָכְלָ֥ה6 of 8

“shall consume”

H398

to eat (literally or figuratively)

אָֽהֳלֵי7 of 8

“the tabernacles”

H168

a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance)

שֹֽׁחַד׃8 of 8

“of bribery”

H7810

a donation (venal or redemptive)

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 15:34 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 15:34 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 8:13Job 27:8Micah 7:2Job 8:22Job 29:12-17Amos 5:11-12

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