King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle.
Complete Jewish Bible:
He removes authority from kings, then binds them up [as prisoners].
Berean Standard Bible:
He loosens the bonds placed by kings and fastens a belt around their waists.
American Standard Version:
He looseth the bond of kings, And he bindeth their loins with a girdle.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
He looseth{H6605} the bond{H4148} of kings{H4428}, and girdeth{H631} their loins{H4975} with a girdle{H232}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Daniel 2:21
- And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:
Jeremiah 52:31
- ¶ And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth [day] of the month, [that] Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the [first] year of his reign lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison,
Jeremiah 52:34
- And [for] his diet, there was a continual diet given him of the king of Babylon, every day a portion until the day of his death, all the days of his life.
Psalms 116:16
- O LORD, truly I [am] thy servant; I [am] thy servant, [and] the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.
2 Chronicles 33:11
- ¶ Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon.
2 Chronicles 33:14
- Now after this he built a wall without the city of David, on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entering in at the fish gate, and compassed about Ophel, and raised it up a very great height, and put captains of war in all the fenced cities of Judah.
Revelation 19:16
- And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Explore This Verse Across Other Resources:
Commentary for Job 12:18
Job 12:18 is part of the Book of Job, which is one of the Wisdom Books in the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament. The Book of Job deals with the problem of suffering and the nature of divine justice, as it tells the story of Job, a righteous man who loses everything—his wealth, his children, and his health—as a result of a heavenly wager between God and Satan.
In Job 12:18, the verse reads: "He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle." This verse is part of a larger speech by Job, where he reflects on God's power over all creation, including the mightiest of human rulers. The "He" in this verse refers to God, emphasizing His sovereignty over earthly authorities. The phrase "looseth the bond of kings" suggests that God can remove the power and influence of kings, implying that their authority is not absolute but subject to divine will. The "girdeth their loins with a girdle" metaphorically indicates that God also has the power to establish or reinforce the strength and position of kings, as the girdle or belt was a symbol of readiness and strength in ancient times.
The historical context of the Book of Job is somewhat uncertain, but it is believed to have been written during or after the Babylonian Exile (6th century BCE), a time when the people of Judah were grappling with the loss of their kingdom and the destruction of their temple. This context adds layers of meaning to the text, as the themes of power, divine authority, and human suffering would resonate with a people who had experienced significant political and social upheaval.
In summary, Job 12:18 highlights the theme of God's absolute power over human kings and kingdoms, a fitting message within the broader narrative of the Book of Job, which wrestles with theodicy—the justice of God in the face of human suffering. The verse serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate dependence of human rulers on the divine will.
*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model
Strong's Numbers and Definitions:
Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)
- Strong's Number: H6605
There are 133 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: פָּתַח
Transliteration: pâthach
Pronunciation: paw-thakh'
Description: a primitive root; to open wide (literally or figuratively); specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve; appear, break forth, draw (out), let go free, (en-) grave(-n), loose (self), (be, be set) open(-ing), put off, ungird, unstop, have vent. - Strong's Number: H4148
There are 50 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מוּסָר
Transliteration: mûwçâr
Pronunciation: moo-sawr'
Description: from יָסַר; properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint; bond, chastening(-eth), chastisement, check, correction, discipline, doctrine, instruction, rebuke. - Strong's Number: H4428
There are 1922 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מֶלֶךְ
Transliteration: melek
Pronunciation: meh'-lek
Description: from מָלַךְ; a king; king, royal. - Strong's Number: H631
There are 565 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אָסַר
Transliteration: ʼâçar
Pronunciation: aw-sar'
Description: a primitive root; to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle; bind, fast, gird, harness, hold, keep, make ready, order, prepare, prison(-er), put in bonds, set in array, tie. - Strong's Number: H4975
There are 45 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מֹתֶן
Transliteration: môthen
Pronunciation: mo'-then
Description: from an unused root meaning to be slender; properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins; [phrase] greyhound, loins, side. - Strong's Number: H232
There are 259 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֵזוֹר
Transliteration: ʼêzôwr
Pronunciation: ay-zore'
Description: from אֲזִקִּים; something girt; a belt, also a band; girdle.