King James Version:
(The Lord speaking is red text)
Surely such [are] the dwellings of the wicked, and this [is] the place [of him that] knoweth not God.
Complete Jewish Bible:
"This is how things are in the homes of the wicked, and this is the place of those who don't know God."
Berean Standard Bible:
Surely such is the dwelling of the wicked and the place of one who does not know God.”
American Standard Version:
Surely such are the dwellings of the unrighteous, And this is the place of him that knoweth not God.
KJV with Strong’s Numbers:
Surely such are the dwellings{H4908} of the wicked{H5767}, and this is the place{H4725} of him that knoweth{H3045} not God{H410}.
Cross-References (KJV):
Jeremiah 9:3
- And they bend their tongues [like] their bow [for] lies: but they are not valiant for the truth upon the earth; for they proceed from evil to evil, and they know not me, saith the LORD.
Judges 2:10
- And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.
Titus 1:16
- They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.
1 Thessalonians 4:5
- Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:
2 Thessalonians 1:8
- In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
Jeremiah 10:25
- Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.
Job 21:28
- For ye say, Where [is] the house of the prince? and where [are] the dwelling places of the wicked?
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Commentary for Job 18:21
Job 18:21 is part of the dialogue in the Book of Job, specifically within the speech of Bildad the Shuhite, one of Job's three friends who come to comfort him in his suffering. The verse reads: "Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him that knoweth not God."
In this verse, Bildad is reinforcing the traditional wisdom of his time, which held that the wicked are punished according to their deeds. He describes the "dwellings of the wicked" as places of divine retribution, suggesting that those who do not know God—those who are impious or ignore divine laws—are destined for a grim fate. The historical context of this belief is rooted in the ancient Near Eastern understanding of retributive justice, where prosperity was seen as a reward for righteousness and suffering as a punishment for wickedness.
The theme of the verse reflects a common thread in the wisdom literature of the Bible, emphasizing the moral order of the universe as perceived by human observers. Bildad's words are meant to remind Job of this perceived order and to suggest that Job's suffering must be a result of his own wickedness, a notion that Job vehemently rejects throughout the book. The dialogue between Job and his friends explores the complexities of human suffering, the nature of God's justice, and the limits of human understanding, challenging simplistic explanations for suffering and the prosperity of the wicked.
In summary, Job 18:21 encapsulates the traditional view that the wicked are ultimately punished and that ignorance of God leads to a forsaken existence. This perspective is part of the broader theological debate within the Book of Job, which questions and ultimately transcends the straightforward correlation between righteousness, suffering, and divine retribution.
*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: H4908
There are 129 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מִשְׁכָּן
Transliteration: mishkân
Pronunciation: mish-kawn'
Description: from שָׁכַן; a residence (including a shepherd's hut, the lair of animals, figuratively, the grave; also the Temple); specifically, the Tabernacle (properly, its wooden walls); dwelleth, dwelling (place), habitation, tabernacle, tent. - Strong's Number: H5767
There are 5 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: עַוָּל
Transliteration: ʻavvâl
Pronunciation: av-vawl'
Description: intensive from עֲוַל; evil (morally); unjust, unrighteous, wicked. - Strong's Number: H4725
There are 379 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: מָקוֹם
Transliteration: mâqôwm
Pronunciation: maw-kome'
Description: or מָקֹם; also (feminine) מְקוֹמָה; or מְקֹמָה; from קוּם; 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); country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). - Strong's Number: H3045
There are 873 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: יָדַע
Transliteration: yâdaʻ
Pronunciation: yaw-dah'
Description: a primitive root; to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including observation, care, recognition; and causatively, instruction, designation, punishment, etc.); acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. - Strong's Number: H410
There are 307 instances of this translation in the Bible
Lemma: אֵל
Transliteration: ʼêl
Pronunciation: ale
Description: shortened from אַיִל; strength; as adjective, mighty; especially the Almighty (but used also of any deity); God (god), [idiom] goodly, [idiom] great, idol, might(-y one), power, strong. Compare names in '-el.'