Job 18:16 - His roots shall be dried up beneath. Above shall his branch be cut off.

Generated Verse: Job 18:16

What does "Job 18:16" mean?


Job 18:16, "His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above shall his branch be cut off," is part of Bildad's second speech in the Book of Job. Bildad is essentially arguing that the wicked will face a terrible and complete end. Let's break down the imagery:

"His roots shall be dried up beneath": This speaks to the destruction of the foundation. Roots are vital for a plant's survival. They draw water and nutrients from the soil. When roots dry up, the plant loses its life source. Figuratively, this suggests the wicked person's legacy, their sources of strength and support, their family line, and their hidden resources will all be destroyed. There will be nothing left to sustain them.

"Above shall his branch be cut off": This emphasizes the visible ruin of the wicked. Branches represent outward growth, flourishing, and the potential for fruitfulness. Cutting off the branch signifies the end of prosperity, influence, and offspring. It means that the wicked person's achievements, reputation, and future prospects will be completely eradicated.

Overall Meaning:

The verse conveys a sense of utter destruction and complete annihilation. The wicked will be cut off from both their past (roots) and their future (branches). They will be left with nothing, a stark contrast to the righteous who are often depicted as flourishing like well-watered trees. It's a powerful image of judgment and the belief that wickedness ultimately leads to ruin.

Context in Job:

It's crucial to remember this is Bildad speaking, offering his (flawed, according to the book's overall message) perspective on the relationship between righteousness and suffering. He, like the other friends, believes Job's suffering is proof of Job's wickedness. This verse is part of his attempt to convince Job to confess his sins. The book of Job challenges this simplistic view of divine justice, suggesting that suffering isn't always a direct consequence of sin.

What categories does "Job 18:16" have?