King James Version

What Does Job 6:17 Mean?

Job 6:17 in the King James Version says “What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place. vanish: Heb. are cut off whe...” — study this verse from Job chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place. vanish: Heb. are cut off when: Heb. in the heat thereof consumed: Heb. extinguished”

Job 6:17 · KJV

Context

15

My brethren have dealt deceitfully as a brook, and as the stream of brooks they pass away;

16

Which are blackish by reason of the ice, and wherein the snow is hid:

17

What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place. vanish: Heb. are cut off when: Heb. in the heat thereof consumed: Heb. extinguished

18

The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish.

19

The troops of Tema looked, the companies of Sheba waited for them.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Job continues: 'What time they wax warm, they vanish: when it is hot, they are consumed out of their place.' Summer heat dries the streams—exactly when travelers need water most. Similarly, the heat of Job's trials has evaporated his friends' support. The Hebrew 'chamam' (wax warm/hot) and 'tsamath' (vanish/are consumed) describe complete disappearance. This models the failure of human comfort when divine comfort is needed—friends can sit with us, but ultimately only God can sustain through fire (Isaiah 43:2).

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Historical & Cultural Context

The deadly danger of trusting wadis that dried up was well-known to ancient Near Eastern travelers. Caravans could perish when expected water sources proved dry, making Job's metaphor vivid and powerful.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you respond when human comfort fails and only God remains?
  2. What does the failure of Job's friends teach us about the limits of human help in suffering?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
בְּעֵ֣ת1 of 6

“What time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

יְזֹֽרְב֣וּ2 of 6

“they wax warm”

H2215

to flow away

נִצְמָ֑תוּ3 of 6

“they vanish”

H6789

to extirpate (literally or figuratively)

בְּ֝חֻמּ֗וֹ4 of 6

“when it is hot”

H2527

heat

נִדְעֲכ֥וּ5 of 6

“they are consumed out”

H1846

to be extinguished; figuratively, to expire or be dried up

מִמְּקוֹמָֽם׃6 of 6

“of their place”

H4725

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

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 6:17 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 6:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Job 24:191 Kings 17:1

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