King James Version
What Does Job 18:6 Mean?
“The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him. candle: or, lamp”
Job 18:6 · KJV
Context
4
He teareth himself in his anger: shall the earth be forsaken for thee? and shall the rock be removed out of his place? himself: Heb. his soul
5
Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine.
6
The light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him. candle: or, lamp
7
The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.
8
For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walketh upon a snare.
Commentary
KJV Study CommentaryThe light shall be dark in his tabernacle, and his candle shall be put out with him—Bildad's second speech continues with vivid imagery of the wicked's destruction. The Hebrew 'or (אוֹר, 'light') becoming chashak (חָשַׁךְ, 'dark') reverses creation itself (Genesis 1:3). The ner (נֵר, 'lamp/candle') extinguished symbolizes both life ending (Proverbs 20:27—'the spirit of man is the candle of the LORD') and dynasty terminating (1 Kings 11:36).
In 'ohalo (אָהֳלוֹ, 'his tent/tabernacle'), the wicked finds no refuge—domestic space offers no protection from divine judgment. This imagery anticipates Jesus's warnings about outer darkness (Matthew 22:13, 25:30) where the wicked are cast. Yet Bildad applies this to Job, whose 'light' has gone out through no fault of his own—a cruel misapplication of true theology to an innocent sufferer.
In 'ohalo (אָהֳלוֹ, 'his tent/tabernacle'), the wicked finds no refuge—domestic space offers no protection from divine judgment. This imagery anticipates Jesus's warnings about outer darkness (Matthew 22:13, 25:30) where the wicked are cast. Yet Bildad applies this to Job, whose 'light' has gone out through no fault of his own—a cruel misapplication of true theology to an innocent sufferer.
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Historical & Cultural Context
In ancient Near Eastern culture, a continuously burning lamp symbolized ongoing life, prosperity, and dynasty. Letting one's lamp go out brought shame and signaled divine abandonment. Bildad weaponizes this cultural symbol against Job, whose devastation indeed resembles extinguished light—but not for the reasons Bildad claims.
Reflection Questions
- How do you respond when true theology about judgment is misapplied to innocent suffering?
- When have you witnessed someone's darkness being interpreted as proof of their sin rather than occasion for compassion?
- How does Jesus's teaching about outer darkness differ from Bildad's application of light/darkness imagery?
Original Language Analysis
Hebrew · 6 wordsא֭וֹר1 of 6
“The light”
H216illumination or (concrete) luminary (in every sense, including lightning, happiness, etc.)
עָלָ֥יו5 of 6
H5921above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
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 18:6 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 18:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge