King James Version

What Does Job 18:9 Mean?

Job 18:9 in the King James Version says “The gin shall take him by the heel, and the robber shall prevail against him.” — study this verse from Job chapter 18 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Job 18:9 · KJV

Context

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.

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

Read Job 18 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Multiple traps await: 'The gin shall take him by the heel, and the robber shall prevail against him.' The gin (trap) catches the heel while robbers attack—multiple dangers converging. Bildad multiplies traps to emphasize the wicked's inescapability. While true that persistent sin creates compounding consequences, this doesn't explain all suffering. Bildad's mechanical application ignores divine purposes beyond punishment—testing, refining, displaying God's glory.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient hunters used multiple trap types—gins (spring traps), nets, pits. Robbers added human threat to natural dangers. Bildad's piling up of dangers emphasizes how the wicked face converging judgment, but wrongly assumes all multi-faceted suffering indicates wickedness.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do sin's consequences compound and converge, making escape increasingly difficult?
  2. What purposes for suffering exist beyond punishment for personal sin?
  3. How does God's sovereign purposes transform how we interpret converging difficulties?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
יֹאחֵ֣ז1 of 6

“shall take”

H270

to seize (often with the accessory idea of holding in possession)

בְּעָקֵ֣ב2 of 6

“him by the heel”

H6119

a heel (as protuberant); hence, a track; figuratively, the rear (of an army)

פָּ֑ח3 of 6

“The gin”

H6341

a (metallic) sheet (as pounded thin)

יַחֲזֵ֖ק4 of 6

“shall prevail”

H2388

to fasten upon; hence, to seize, be strong (figuratively, courageous, causatively strengthen, cure, help, repair, fortify), obstinate; to bind, restra

עָלָ֣יו5 of 6
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

צַמִּֽים׃6 of 6

“and the robber”

H6782

a noose (as fastening); figuratively, destruction

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 18:9 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 18:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 5:5Isaiah 8:14-15Job 1:15Job 1:17

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