Job 15:34

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

For the congregation of hypocrites [shall be] desolate, and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery.

Complete Jewish Bible:

"For the community of the ungodly is sterile; fire consumes the tents of bribery.

Berean Standard Bible:

For the company of the godless will be barren, and fire will consume the tents of bribery.

American Standard Version:

For the company of the godless shall be barren, And fire shall consume the tents of bribery.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

For the congregation^{H5712} of hypocrites^{H2611} shall be desolate^{H1565}, and fire^{H784} shall consume^{H398} the tabernacles^{H168} of bribery^{H7810}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Job 15:34

Job 15:34 is a part of the dialogue in the Book of Job, a poignant piece of wisdom literature that grapples with the age-old question of why the righteous suffer. The verse is found within the speech of Eliphaz, one of Job's three friends who come to comfort him after he loses everything—his wealth, children, and health. Eliphaz, along with Bildad and Zophar, represents traditional wisdom, which often equates suffering with sin and proposes that calamity is a consequence of wrongdoing.

In Job 15:34, Eliphaz is likely emphasizing the theme of divine retribution, suggesting that those who are hypocritical and engage in corrupt practices, such as bribery, will face judgment. The "congregation of hypocrites" refers to a group of individuals who outwardly present themselves as pious or righteous but are inwardly corrupt or insincere. The verse warns that such a congregation is doomed to become desolate, implying that their assembly will be abandoned or destroyed, possibly by the very God they pretend to honor. The mention of "fire" consuming "the tabernacles of bribery" symbolizes divine judgment, a common biblical motif where fire is associated with God's purifying wrath. It suggests that the temporary shelters or dwellings (tabernacles) where corrupt dealings take place will be utterly destroyed.

Historically, this verse reflects the ancient Near Eastern context where religious and moral integrity was highly valued, and where the community's welfare was thought to be directly linked to its moral fabric. The Book of Job, while wrestling with the complexities of suffering and the nature of God's justice, also critiques the simplistic retributive theology of the time, which Job's friends embody. The verse serves as a stark warning against hypocrisy and corruption, emphasizing that such sins will not go unpunished, and it resonates with other biblical passages that speak against false worship and injustice.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H5712
   There are 140 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: עֵדָה
   Transliteration: ʻêdâh
   Pronunciation: ay-daw'
   Description: feminine of עֵד in the original sense of fixture; a stated assemblage (specifically, a concourse, or generally, a family or crowd); assembly, company, congregation, multitude, people, swarm. Compare עֵדָה.
   
2. Strong's Number: H2611
   There are 13 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: חָנֵף
   Transliteration: chânêph
   Pronunciation: khaw-nafe'
   Description: from חָנֵף; soiled (i.e. with sin), impious; hypocrite(-ical).
   
3. Strong's Number: H1565
   There are 4 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גַּלְמוּד
   Transliteration: galmûwd
   Pronunciation: gal-mood'
   Description: probably by prolonged from גָּלַם; sterile (as wrapped up too hard); figuratively, desolate; desolate, solitary.
   
4. Strong's Number: H784
   There are 549 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֵשׁ
   Transliteration: ʼêsh
   Pronunciation: aysh
   Description: a primitive word; fire (literally or figuratively); burning, fiery, fire, flaming, hot.
   
5. Strong's Number: H398
   There are 825 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אָכַל
   Transliteration: ʼâkal
   Pronunciation: aw-kal'
   Description: a primitive root; to eat (literally or figuratively); [idiom] at all, burn up, consume, devour(-er, up), dine, eat(-er, up), feed (with), food, [idiom] freely, [idiom] in...wise(-deed, plenty), (lay) meat, [idiom] quite.
   
6. Strong's Number: H168
   There are 369 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֹהֶל
   Transliteration: ʼôhel
   Pronunciation: o'-hel
   Description: from אָהַל; a tent (as clearly conspicuous from a distance); covering, (dwelling) (place), home, tabernacle, tent.
   
7. Strong's Number: H7810
   There are 21 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שַׁחַד
   Transliteration: shachad
   Pronunciation: shakh'-ad
   Description: from שָׁחַד; a donation (venal or redemptive); bribe(-ry), gift, present, reward.