Job 18:14

KJV

His confidence shall be rooted out of his tabernacle, and it shall bring him to the king of terrors.

KJV (with Strong's)

His confidence {H4009} shall be rooted out {H5423} of his tabernacle {H168}, and it shall bring {H6805} him to the king {H4428} of terrors {H1091}.

Complete Jewish Bible

What he relied on will be torn from his tent, and he will be marched before the king of terrors.

Berean Standard Bible

He is torn from the shelter of his tent and is marched off to the king of terrors.

American Standard Version

He shall be rooted out of his tent wherein he trusteth; And he shall be brought to the king of terrors.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 18:14, spoken by Bildad the Shuhite, stands as a chilling declaration of the inevitable and terrifying demise of the wicked, according to traditional wisdom theology. This verse vividly portrays the complete and violent stripping away of a wicked person's confidence and security, culminating in an inescapable confrontation with death, personified as a fearsome monarch. It serves as a climactic assertion within Bildad's argument that Job's profound suffering must be a direct consequence of unrighteousness, leading to such a dreadful end.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 18:14 is situated within Bildad's second speech (Job 18), which follows Job's despairing lament in [Job 17](/job/17 "Job 17 - Job's Despair and Plea"). Bildad, one of Job's three friends, consistently adheres to the rigid retribution theology prevalent in his time: the righteous prosper, and the wicked suffer. In this chapter, Bildad paints a grim and detailed picture of the wicked man's downfall, describing how his "light" will be extinguished, his family destroyed, and his memory vanish. Verse 14 serves as a dramatic and terrifying climax to this description, emphasizing the complete loss of security and the ultimate, fearsome encounter with death. Bildad's aim throughout his discourse is to convince Job that his immense suffering unequivocally proves his wickedness, as it perfectly aligns with the pattern of divine judgment he espouses. This verse, therefore, is a rhetorical weapon in his theological assault on Job's innocence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Job is set within the broader context of ancient Near Eastern (ANE) wisdom literature, which often explored themes of justice, suffering, and the fate of the righteous and wicked. A common tenet in this wisdom tradition, and particularly emphasized by Job's friends, was the principle of divine retribution (often referred to as *lex talionis* in a broader sense of "measure for measure"): good deeds are rewarded, and evil deeds are punished, often directly and visibly in this life. The concept of "tabernacle" (אֹהֶל, *’ōhel*) refers to a tent or dwelling, a common form of habitation in the ancient world, symbolizing one's home, stability, and secure place. The vivid personification of death as a "king of terrors" reflects the profound dread and mystery associated with death and the underworld in ANE cultures, where death was often seen as a powerful, inescapable entity.
* **Key Themes:** Job 18:14 contributes significantly to several key themes within the Book of Job and ancient wisdom literature. First, it underscores the **Retribution Theology** rigidly held by Bildad and the friends, which posits that suffering is always a direct consequence of sin. This verse exemplifies their belief in the inevitable and severe punishment awaiting the wicked. Second, it highlights the **Fragility of Human Security**, demonstrating how quickly and violently any confidence rooted solely in worldly possessions, status, or self-reliance can be dismantled. The "uprooting" of one's "confidence" from their "tabernacle" is a powerful image of existential undoing. Third, the verse powerfully confronts the **Sovereignty and Terrifying Nature of Death**. By personifying death as a "king of terrors," Bildad emphasizes its ultimate power and the universal dread it inspires, particularly for those he deems without divine protection. This theme of death's inescapable reality is a profound undercurrent throughout the book, even as Job grapples with its meaning in his own suffering. Bildad had previously articulated a similar sentiment regarding the fate of the ungodly, stating that the "hope of the hypocrite shall perish" in [Job 8:13](/job/8-13 "Job 8:13 - Bildad on the Fate of the Godless").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Confidence (מִבְטַח, _mivṭaḥ_):** This Hebrew noun signifies "trust," "security," or "refuge." In this context, it refers to the wicked person's perceived stability, their foundation of reliance, whether in wealth, power, or self-sufficiency. The imagery of it being "rooted out" (from the verb נָתַק, _nāthaq_, meaning to tear away, pull up, or break off) vividly portrays a violent and complete dismantling of all that provides a sense of safety. It's not merely a loss, but a forceful extraction, leaving the individual utterly exposed and destabilized.
* **Tabernacle (אֹהֶל, _’ōhel_):** While literally meaning "tent" or "dwelling," here it functions as a metaphor for the wicked person's home, sphere of influence, or even their very existence and perceived secure place in the world. The phrase "rooted out of his tabernacle" thus depicts the utter destruction of their dwelling, their stability, and the very ground upon which they stand. It encompasses both their physical abode and their existential foundation.
* **King of terrors (מֶלֶךְ בַּלָּהוֹת, _meleḵ ballāhōṯ_):** This profound and unique Hebrew phrase is a striking personification of death. The word `meleḵ` means "king," and `ballāhōṯ` refers to "terrors," "horrors," or "dreadful things." This powerful imagery elevates death from a mere biological cessation to a sovereign entity, a monarch ruling over all that humanity fears. It underscores the absolute dread and finality associated with death, particularly for those who, in Bildad's rigid worldview, face it without divine protection. This phrase is unparalleled in the Old Testament, making its impact even more potent.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"His confidence shall be rooted out of his tabernacle":** This clause describes a violent and complete dismantling of the wicked person's perceived security. "His confidence" (מִבְטַח֙וֹ, *mivṭaḥōw*) refers to everything they rely upon for stability and safety—their wealth, status, family, or self-sufficiency. This confidence is not merely diminished but "rooted out" (יִנָּתֵ֣ק, *yinnāṯēq*), a strong verb implying a forceful, tearing away, as if a plant is ripped from the ground. This uprooting occurs "out of his tabernacle" (מֵֽאָהֳלֹ֑ו, *mē’āhŏlōw*), which signifies their home, their established place, their very sphere of existence. The image is one of utter destabilization, where the very foundation of their being is violently torn away, leaving them exposed and vulnerable.
* **"and it shall bring him to the king of terrors":** This clause presents the ultimate and inescapable consequence of the preceding action. The "it" refers to the process of being uprooted or the resulting state of vulnerability. This state of utter insecurity and exposure inevitably leads the wicked person to a confrontation with death. Death is not merely an end but is personified as the "king of terrors" (מֶלֶךְ בַּלָּהוֹת, *meleḵ ballāhōṯ*). This powerful metaphor portrays death as a sovereign ruler, a monarch presiding over all fears and horrors. For Bildad, this is the terrifying and unavoidable destination for the wicked, emphasizing the absolute dread and finality of their end, devoid of any hope or divine protection.

#### Literary Devices
Job 18:14 is rich in literary devices that amplify its chilling message. The most prominent is **Personification**, where death is given human-like attributes and elevated to the status of a "king." This transforms an abstract concept into a formidable, active agent, making its power and dread more tangible. The phrase "king of terrors" itself is a powerful **Metaphor**, equating death with a reigning monarch who commands ultimate fear and destruction. The verb "rooted out" employs vivid **Imagery**, suggesting a violent, irreversible tearing away, akin to a plant being ripped from its life source, effectively conveying the complete destruction of security. The entire verse functions as a form of **Hyperbole**, using extreme language to emphasize the severity and inevitability of the wicked's downfall according to Bildad's theology, aiming to shock and persuade Job of his supposed guilt.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While Bildad's specific application of this severe retribution theology to Job was ultimately flawed and challenged by the broader narrative of the book, Job 18:14 nonetheless touches upon profound theological truths regarding human fragility, the nature of true security, and the universal reality of death. The verse serves as a stark reminder that all earthly confidence, when rooted solely in temporal possessions, status, or self-reliance, is inherently fleeting and vulnerable to being "rooted out." It compels us to consider the ultimate source of our security and to confront the inescapable reality of mortality. From a broader biblical perspective, while death is indeed a terrifying consequence of the Fall, the Bible also reveals that for those who trust in God, the "king of terrors" does not hold ultimate dominion.

* [Psalm 49:10-13](/psalms/49-10 "The Folly of Trusting in Riches")
* [Psalm 90:3](/psalms/90-3 "God's Sovereignty Over Life and Death")
* [Hebrews 9:27](/hebrews/9-27 "Appointed to Die Once")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 18:14, though spoken by a misguided friend, offers profound insights for contemporary reflection. It challenges us to critically examine the foundations of our confidence and security. Are we building our lives on transient "tabernacles" that can be violently uprooted by life's storms, or are we anchoring our hope in something eternal and unshakable? The verse starkly confronts us with the universal reality of death, the "king of terrors," prompting us to consider how we truly face this ultimate human experience. For the believer, while death remains a physical reality, its spiritual sting and ultimate power have been disarmed by Christ's victory. This prompts us to live with an eternal perspective, investing in what truly lasts and finding our ultimate security not in earthly provisions but in the unshakeable promises of God. It calls us to live lives of genuine faith, recognizing the fragility of all human endeavors apart from divine grace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I primarily place my confidence and security? Is it in things that can be "rooted out" by unforeseen circumstances or the passage of time?**
* **How does the imagery of "the king of terrors" challenge or comfort my understanding of death? What is my ultimate hope in the face of mortality?**
* **In what ways does my daily life reflect a reliance on God's eternal promises rather than fleeting earthly securities?**

### FAQ
**Is "king of terrors" a literal title for death in the Bible?**

Answer: No, "king of terrors" (מֶלֶךְ בַּלָּהוֹת, _meleḵ ballāhōṯ_) is not a literal title for death found elsewhere in the Bible. It is a unique and powerful metaphorical personification used by Bildad in Job 18:14. It serves to emphasize the profound dread, fear, and ultimate power that death holds over humanity, rather than designating a literal monarch. While other biblical passages speak of death as an enemy (e.g., [1 Corinthians 15:26](/1_corinthians/15-26 "1 Corinthians 15:26 - Death as the Last Enemy")), none use this specific monarchical title.

**Does this verse mean all suffering is a direct result of sin?**

Answer: No, not necessarily. While Bildad's view, as expressed in this verse and throughout his speeches, is that suffering is always a direct and visible consequence of wickedness, this is precisely the flawed theology that the Book of Job as a whole challenges. Job's own suffering is explicitly stated not to be a result of his sin (see [Job 1:8](/job/1-8 "Job 1:8 - God's Assessment of Job")). The book teaches that suffering can have many purposes beyond direct punishment, including testing, refinement, or revealing God's sovereignty, thereby refuting the rigid retribution theology espoused by Job's friends.

**How does this verse relate to the Christian understanding of death?**

Answer: For Christians, Job 18:14 powerfully articulates the fearsome reality of death that all humanity faces due to sin. However, the Christian understanding goes further to proclaim that the "king of terrors" has been dethroned by Jesus Christ. While physical death remains a reality, its ultimate power and spiritual sting have been removed for those who believe. [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death") explains that Christ "destroyed him who had the power of death, that is, the devil, and delivered all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery." Therefore, for the believer, death is not a terrifying end but a passage to eternal life with God, transformed from a "king of terrors" into a conquered foe.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Though spoken from a perspective limited by Old Testament understanding and a flawed theological framework, Job 18:14 powerfully foreshadows the ultimate confrontation humanity faces with death, the "king of terrors." In the person and work of Jesus Christ, this fearsome monarch is decisively conquered. The New Testament reveals that Jesus, through His incarnation, suffering, death, and resurrection, entered the very domain of this "king." [Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Christ's Victory Over Death") declares that Christ "shared in their humanity so that by his death he might break the power of him who holds the power of death—that is, the devil—and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." Our confidence, which would otherwise be "rooted out" by the inevitability of death, is now firmly established in Him, who is "the resurrection and the life" ([John 11:25](/john/11-25 "John 11:25 - Jesus, the Resurrection and the Life")). The "tabernacle" of our earthly security may indeed be uprooted, but our true life is "hidden with Christ in God" ([Colossians 3:3](/colossians/3-3 "Colossians 3:3 - Our Life Hidden with Christ")), securing us beyond the grave. The ultimate victory over the "king of terrors" is proclaimed triumphantly in [1 Corinthians 15:54-57](/1_corinthians/15-54 "1 Corinthians 15:54-57 - Death Swallowed Up in Victory"), where death's sting is removed, and the believer's cry becomes, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? ... Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!"

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

Hebrews 2:15

And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

Job 11:20

But the eyes of the wicked shall fail, and they shall not escape, and their hope [shall be as] the giving up of the ghost.

Proverbs 10:28

The hope of the righteous [shall be] gladness: but the expectation of the wicked shall perish.

Matthew 7:26

And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:

Matthew 7:27

And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.

Job 24:17

For the morning [is] to them even as the shadow of death: if [one] know [them, they are in] the terrors of the shadow of death.

Job 8:14

Whose hope shall be cut off, and whose trust [shall be] a spider's web.