Job 15:34

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

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

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 15:34, spoken by Eliphaz the Temanite, serves as a stark pronouncement of divine judgment against those who practice deceit and corruption. It asserts that communities or individuals characterized by hypocrisy will ultimately face utter desolation, and any wealth or security gained through bribery and dishonest means will be consumed by destructive judgment, highlighting the inevitable ruin that awaits the wicked in contrast to the righteous.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 15:34 is embedded within Eliphaz's second discourse (Job 15:1-35), which is a response to Job's lament in [Job 13](/job/13 "Job 13 - Job's Plea for Justice") and [Job 14](/job/14 "Job 14 - Job's Reflection on Mortality"). Eliphaz, speaking from a position of conventional wisdom, reiterates the traditional doctrine of divine retribution: suffering is a direct consequence of sin. He accuses Job of speaking "empty words" ([Job 15:3](/job/15-3 "Job 15:3 - Eliphaz Accuses Job")) and implicitly suggests Job's suffering is due to his own wickedness, despite Job's protestations of innocence. This verse, therefore, functions as a general principle about the fate of the wicked, which Eliphaz intends to apply to Job's situation, though his application is ultimately flawed. It contributes to Eliphaz's broader argument that God is just and always punishes the wicked, painting a grim picture of their inevitable downfall.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wisdom literature, like the book of Job, often explored the relationship between righteousness, suffering, and divine justice. The prevailing cultural belief, particularly among Job's friends, was that God's justice operated on a strict quid pro quo basis: the righteous prosper, and the wicked suffer. This perspective is deeply rooted in Deuteronomic theology, where obedience brings blessing and disobedience brings curses (e.g., [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses")). "Hypocrisy" (feigning piety) and "bribery" (perverting justice through gifts) were significant social and moral transgressions in ancient Israelite society, frequently condemned in the Law and Prophets (e.g., [Exodus 23:8](/exodus/23-8 "Exodus 23:8 - Prohibition Against Bribery"), [Isaiah 1:23](/isaiah/1-23 "Isaiah 1:23 - Corrupt Leaders")). The "tabernacle" (אֹהֶל, *ohel*) often referred to a dwelling or tent, emphasizing the temporary nature of human life and possessions, especially those acquired through illicit means.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of Job and biblical theology more broadly. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment on Wickedness**, asserting God's active opposition to those who live deceptively and unjustly. Eliphaz believes God will inevitably bring ruin upon the "congregation of hypocrites." Secondly, it highlights the **Consequences of Corruption**, specifically linking "bribery" to destruction. This speaks to the biblical principle that ill-gotten gains do not provide lasting security and are ultimately consumed by God's righteous wrath, a truth echoed in [Proverbs 10:2](/proverbs/10-2 "Proverbs 10:2 - Ill-Gotten Treasures Gain Nothing") and [Jeremiah 17:11](/jeremiah/17-11 "Jeremiah 17:11 - The Deceitful Heart"). Finally, the verse touches on the theme of **Authenticity vs. Pretense**. While Eliphaz misapplies this to Job, the underlying theological truth remains: God values sincerity and integrity, and He will expose and judge those who present a false front of piety while engaging in corrupt practices.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hypocrites (חָנֵף, _chanef_):** This Hebrew term, often translated as "godless," "profane," or "impious," describes someone who is morally corrupt and defiled. It carries the strong connotation of outward show without inner reality, suggesting a person estranged from God who practices deceit and lives a life of moral compromise. It points to a deep-seated spiritual insincerity rather than a mere outward pretense.
* **Desolate (יֵעָזֵב, _ye'azev_):** Derived from the root `עזב` (*'azav*), meaning "to abandon" or "to forsake," this Nifal imperfect verb implies being left empty, ruined, or laid waste. It signifies a complete and utter destruction, abandonment, or cessation of existence, indicating that the "congregation" will be utterly forsaken and brought to nothing.
* **Bribery (שֹׁחַד, _shochad_):** This noun refers to a gift or bribe, often given to pervert justice, gain an unfair advantage, or influence decisions dishonestly. It points to practices of corruption, illicit gain, and the subversion of righteousness, highlighting the moral depravity associated with such dealings in ancient society.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For the congregation of hypocrites [shall be] desolate":** This clause declares the inevitable fate of a collective of individuals characterized by spiritual insincerity and moral corruption. The term "congregation" (קָהָל, *qahal*) implies a community or assembly, suggesting that not just individuals but entire groups built on pretense and godlessness will face complete abandonment and ruin. Their outward show of piety or integrity will not protect them from divine judgment.
* **"and fire shall consume the tabernacles of bribery":** This second clause describes the destructive end of wealth, security, or homes acquired through dishonest means, specifically through "bribery." "Tabernacles" (אֹהֶל, *ohel*), literally "tents" or "dwellings," metaphorically represent the temporary nature of earthly possessions and the foundations of one's life. The "fire" symbolizes God's purifying and destructive judgment, indicating that anything built on corruption will not endure but will be utterly destroyed, leaving nothing behind.

#### Literary Devices
Job 15:34 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message of impending judgment. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "fire" representing the destructive and purifying judgment of God, consuming that which is corrupt. The "tabernacles" (tents) are symbolic of temporary dwellings or foundations, emphasizing the transient and unstable nature of wealth or security gained through illicit means. The phrase "congregation of hypocrites" uses **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "hypocrites" stands for the entire group of people characterized by hypocrisy, and their "congregation" represents their collective existence or community. The verse also exhibits a form of **Parallelism**, though not strictly synonymous or antithetical, where the two clauses reinforce the same overarching idea: that both the deceptive person and their ill-gotten gains will face destruction. The desolation of the "congregation" and the consumption of "tabernacles" both point to utter ruin as a consequence of wickedness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Eliphaz's pronouncement in Job 15:34, while misapplied to Job's situation, articulates a fundamental biblical truth about God's character and justice. God is inherently righteous and cannot tolerate hypocrisy or corruption. This verse underscores the principle that outward appearances and ill-gotten gains offer no lasting security in the face of divine scrutiny. It reveals that God's judgment is not merely punitive but also revelatory, exposing the true nature of hearts and the instability of foundations built on deceit. The ultimate desolation and consumption by fire speak to the comprehensive nature of God's justice, which will eventually bring all hidden wickedness into the light and annihilate its fruits. This serves as a timeless warning against spiritual insincerity and unethical practices, affirming that true security and blessing come only from genuine righteousness and integrity before God.

* [Proverbs 11:4](/proverbs/11-4 "Proverbs 11:4 - Riches Profit Not in the Day of Wrath")
* [Psalm 73:18-19](/psalm/73-18-19 "Psalm 73:18-19 - The Slippery Slope of the Wicked")
* [Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27-28 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Woes Against Hypocrisy")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 15:34, despite its original misapplication by Eliphaz, holds profound and enduring relevance for believers today. It calls us to a radical self-examination, urging us to ensure that our faith is not merely an outward performance but a genuine transformation of the heart. In a world often driven by appearances and the pursuit of wealth, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that God sees beyond the façade. It challenges us to live with unwavering integrity in all our dealings, rejecting any temptation to gain advantage through dishonesty, bribery, or manipulation. True spiritual health and lasting security are found not in outward displays or ill-gotten gains, but in sincere devotion to God and righteous living. We are reminded that while divine justice may not always manifest immediately in human timelines, it is ultimately certain, and every foundation built on deceit will crumble.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life might I be tempted to present a false front, either spiritually or professionally?**
* **How does the pursuit of integrity in all my dealings reflect my trust in God's ultimate justice and provision?**
* **What "tabernacles" (sources of security or comfort) in my life might be built on shaky, unrighteous foundations, and how can I align them with God's will?**

### FAQ
**Is Eliphaz's statement in Job 15:34 true, given that he misapplied it to Job?**

Answer: While Eliphaz's application of this principle to Job was incorrect and unjust, the statement itself reflects a fundamental biblical truth about God's character and the consequences of sin. The Bible consistently teaches that God opposes the proud and gives grace to the humble ([James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Opposes the Proud")), and that ill-gotten gain does not prosper in the long run ([Proverbs 21:6](/proverbs/21-6 "Proverbs 21:6 - The Folly of Ill-Gotten Wealth")). The error of Job's friends was not in the general theological principles they espoused, but in their rigid, simplistic application of those principles to Job's unique and complex suffering, failing to understand God's deeper purposes. Thus, Job 15:34 serves as a valid warning against hypocrisy and corruption, even if Eliphaz's immediate target was mistaken.

**What does "tabernacles of bribery" specifically refer to, and why are they consumed by fire?**

Answer: "Tabernacles of bribery" (אֹהֶל שֹׁחַד, *ohel shochad*) refers to any dwelling, household, or even one's entire life and possessions that have been established or maintained through dishonest means, particularly through the practice of bribery. The word "tabernacles" (tents) emphasizes the temporary and unstable nature of such foundations. They are "consumed by fire" as a powerful symbol of divine judgment and destruction. Fire in biblical imagery often represents God's purifying wrath and the complete annihilation of that which is unholy or corrupt. It signifies that any security, comfort, or wealth built upon injustice and deceit will not endure but will be utterly destroyed by God's righteous indignation, leaving nothing behind. This highlights the futility of seeking lasting gain through unrighteousness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 15:34, with its pronouncement of judgment against hypocrisy and corruption, finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While Eliphaz's words were a flawed human attempt to explain divine justice, Christ perfectly embodies that justice and reveals its true nature. Jesus vehemently condemned hypocrisy, particularly among the religious leaders of His day, exposing their outward show of piety that masked inner corruption (e.g., [Matthew 23:13-36](/Matthew/23 "Matthew 23 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). He declared that true righteousness comes from the heart, not from external observance ([Matthew 5:20](/Matthew/5-20 "Matthew 5:20 - Righteousness Exceeding the Scribes and Pharisees")). Furthermore, Christ is the ultimate Judge who will bring every hidden thing to light, ensuring that all forms of deceit and corruption, symbolized by the "tabernacles of bribery," will face His righteous judgment ([John 5:22](/John/5-22 "John 5:22 - The Father Judges No One"), [2 Timothy 4:1](/2_Timothy/4-1 "2 Timothy 4:1 - Christ the Judge")). Yet, in a profound paradox, Christ also became the one consumed by the "fire" of divine wrath on the cross, taking upon Himself the desolation due to humanity's sin, including our hypocrisy and corruption, so that those who believe in Him might be spared from judgment and receive true and lasting righteousness ([2 Corinthians 5:21](/2_Corinthians/5-21 "2 Corinthians 5:21 - Christ Became Sin for Us")). Thus, the warning of Job 15:34 points to the inescapable reality of God's justice, a justice perfectly executed and ultimately satisfied in Christ, offering both a stern warning to the unrepentant and a profound hope for the redeemed.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Job 8:13

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

Job 8:22

They that hate thee shall be clothed with shame; and the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nought.

Job 27:8

For what [is] the hope of the hypocrite, though he hath gained, when God taketh away his soul?

Micah 7:2

The good [man] is perished out of the earth: and [there is] none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.

Job 20:1

¶ Then answered Zophar the Naamathite, and said,

Job 36:13

But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath: they cry not when he bindeth them.

Job 29:12

Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and [him that had] none to help him.