King James Version

What Does Job 18:7 Mean?

Job 18:7 in the King James Version says “The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.” — study this verse from Job chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down.”

Job 18:7 · KJV

Strength

Context

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.

9

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

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The steps of his strength shall be straitened, and his own counsel shall cast him down—Bildad describes the wicked's self-destruction using legal and martial language. Tsa'adei (צַעֲדֵי, 'steps') suggests both military march and life journey; ono (אוֹנוֹ, 'his strength') implies vigor and capability. The verb yetsar (יֵצַר, 'shall be straitened/confined') pictures space collapsing, options disappearing—life's possibilities shrinking to nothing.

'Atzato (עֲצָתוֹ, 'his own counsel') throwing him down (tashlichehu, תַּשְׁלִיכֵהוּ) invokes Proverbs' warnings that the wicked's schemes backfire (Proverbs 1:18-19, 5:22). This is true—sin does destroy the sinner. But Bildad's logic fails: not all destruction proves sin. Job's confined steps result from Satan's attack, not moral failure. True theology wrongly applied produces false witness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient wisdom literature emphasized that evil schemes ultimately destroy their perpetrators—a principle visible in stories of Haman (Esther 7:10) and Absalom (2 Samuel 18:9-15). Bildad correctly identifies the pattern but wrongly diagnoses Job's case, showing that knowing true principles doesn't guarantee right application.

Reflection Questions

  1. When have you seen someone's genuine suffering wrongly interpreted as divine punishment for their 'counsel'?
  2. How do you avoid Bildad's error of making suffering itself proof of sin?
  3. What's the difference between acknowledging that sin destroys and claiming all destruction proves sin?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 5 words
יֵֽ֭צְרוּ1 of 5

“shall be straitened”

H3334

to press (intransitive), i.e., be narrow; figuratively, be in distress

צַעֲדֵ֣י2 of 5

“The steps”

H6806

a pace or regular step

אוֹנ֑וֹ3 of 5

“of his strength”

H202

ability, power, (figuratively) wealth

וְֽתַשְׁלִיכֵ֥הוּ4 of 5

“shall cast him down”

H7993

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

עֲצָתֽוֹ׃5 of 5

“and his own counsel”

H6098

advice; by implication, plan; also prudence

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 18:7 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 18:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Proverbs 4:12Psalms 18:36Psalms 33:102 Samuel 15:31Job 15:61 Corinthians 3:19

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