King James Version

What Does Job 18:11 Mean?

Job 18:11 in the King James Version says “Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet. drive: Heb. scatter” — study this verse from Job chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet. drive: Heb. scatter”

Job 18:11 · KJV

Fear & Courage

Context

9

The gin shall take him by the heel, and the robber shall prevail against him.

10

The snare is laid for him in the ground, and a trap for him in the way. laid: Heb. hidden

11

Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet. drive: Heb. scatter

12

His strength shall be hungerbitten, and destruction shall be ready at his side.

13

It shall devour the strength of his skin: even the firstborn of death shall devour his strength. strength: Heb. bars

Read Job 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Terrors pursue the wicked: 'Terrors shall make him afraid on every side, and shall drive him to his feet.' Fear becomes the wicked's constant companion—terrors on every side, no rest or safety. Being driven suggests forced movement without control. While guilty conscience does produce such fear (Proverbs 28:1), righteous sufferers also experience terror. Job's fears arose from suffering, not guilty conscience. Bildad conflates all fear with guilt.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient warfare and life involved real terrors—enemies, wild beasts, drought, disease. Bildad appropriates these fears as divine judgment indicators, assuming fear proves guilt. Scripture presents more complex picture—even faithful people experience fear (Psalms).

Reflection Questions

  1. How do we distinguish fear from guilty conscience versus other legitimate sources of fear?
  2. What comfort does perfect love casting out fear (1 John 4:18) offer to those terrorized by circumstances?
  3. How do we help those whose fear arises from trauma rather than guilt?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
סָ֭בִיב1 of 5

“on every side”

H5439

(as noun) a circle, neighbour, or environs; but chiefly (as adverb, with or without preposition) around

בִּֽעֲתֻ֣הוּ2 of 5

“shall make him afraid”

H1204

to fear

בַלָּה֑וֹת3 of 5

“Terrors”

H1091

alarm; hence, destruction

וֶהֱפִיצֻ֥הוּ4 of 5

“and shall drive”

H6327

to dash in pieces, literally or figuratively (especially to disperse)

לְרַגְלָֽיו׃5 of 5

“him to his feet”

H7272

a foot (as used in walking); by implication, a step; by euphemistically the pudenda

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 18:11 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 18:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 15:21Jeremiah 6:25Jeremiah 46:5Job 20:25Jeremiah 49:29Leviticus 26:36

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