King James Version

What Does Job 8:14 Mean?

Job 8:14 in the King James Version says “Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web. web: Heb. house” — study this verse from Job chapter 8 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web. web: Heb. house”

Job 8:14 · KJV

Hope

Context

12

Whilst it is yet in his greenness, and not cut down, it withereth before any other herb.

13

So are the paths of all that forget God; and the hypocrite's hope shall perish:

14

Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web. web: Heb. house

15

He shall lean upon his house, but it shall not stand: he shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure.

16

He is green before the sun, and his branch shooteth forth in his garden.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Bildad describes the hypocrite's false security: 'Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust shall be a spider's web.' The verb 'cut off' (qut, קוּט) means to sever or loathe—the hypocrite's hope is both severed and contemptible. The comparison to 'spider's web' (bayit akkabish, בַּיִת עַכָּבִישׁ, literally 'spider's house') is vivid: intricate, impressive-looking, but utterly fragile and unable to bear weight. Touch it, and it collapses.

The spider's web metaphor appears elsewhere in Scripture (Isaiah 59:5-6) representing works that cannot save. The web may appear substantial, carefully constructed through the spider's effort, but provides no real security. Similarly, trust in anything besides God—ritual, morality, heritage, wealth—resembles the spider's web: impressive but insubstantial when testing comes.

The Reformed doctrine of sola fide (faith alone) finds illustration here: trust in works, tradition, or self-righteousness cannot support us before God. Only Christ's finished work provides security that endures. Bildad correctly identifies false trust's inadequacy but tragically assumes Job's trust is the spider's web rather than recognizing Job's genuine faith in God despite suffering.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Spiders and their webs were common in ancient Near Eastern dwellings. The web's combination of intricate construction and extreme fragility made it natural metaphor for false security. Ancient builders would clear webs from corners, illustrating how easily impressive-appearing structures collapse.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern equivalents to the spider's web—impressive but insubstantial securities—tempt Christians to trust?
  2. How does the spider's web metaphor illustrate the difference between trusting our faith (the web) versus trusting God (the solid rock)?
  3. In what ways can we examine whether our hope rests on Christ alone or includes spider's web additions?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 6 words
אֲשֶׁר1 of 6
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

יָק֥וֹט2 of 6

“shall be cut off”

H6990

to clip off, i.e., (figuratively) destroy

כִּסְל֑וֹ3 of 6

“Whose hope”

H3689

properly, fatness, i.e., by implication (literally) the loin (as the seat of the leaf fat) or (generally) the viscera; also (figuratively) silliness o

וּבֵ֥ית4 of 6

“web”

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

עַ֝כָּבִ֗ישׁ5 of 6

“shall be a spider's”

H5908

a spider (as weaving a network)

מִבְטַחֽוֹ׃6 of 6

“and whose trust”

H4009

properly, a refuge, i.e., (objective) security, or (subjective) assurance

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 8:14 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 8:14 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 59:5-6

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