Job 18:21

KJV

Surely such [are] the dwellings of the wicked, and this [is] the place [of him that] knoweth not God.

KJV (with Strong's)

Surely such are the dwellings {H4908} of the wicked {H5767}, and this is the place {H4725} of him that knoweth {H3045} not God {H410}.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Bildad the Shuhite concludes his second discourse in Job 18:21 with a stark, unwavering declaration concerning the inevitable and complete ruin awaiting the wicked. This verse encapsulates his rigid theology of immediate retributive justice, asserting that the desolate state he has meticulously described throughout his address is the undeniable dwelling and ultimate destiny of those who are estranged from God, lacking a true, relational knowledge of Him. It serves as a definitive, albeit simplistic, pronouncement of divine judgment against the unrighteous, implicitly accusing Job of wickedness due to his profound suffering.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 18:21 serves as the climactic and concluding declaration of Bildad's second speech to Job, found in [Job chapter 18](/job/18 "Job 18 - Bildad's Second Speech"). Following Job's lament in [Job 17](/job/17 "Job 17 - Job's Despair and Plea"), where Job expresses his profound despair and the perceived injustice of his suffering, Bildad responds with a harsh, unyielding condemnation rather than comfort. Throughout [Job 18:5-20](/job/18-5-20 "Job 18:5-20 - Bildad's Description of the Wicked"), Bildad paints a vivid and gruesome picture of the wicked person's demise: their light is extinguished, their prosperity vanishes, their children are cut off, their memory perishes, and terrors consume them. Verse 21 is the emphatic summary of this detailed portrayal, presenting the described desolation as the universal and inescapable fate of those who do not know God, thereby implicitly accusing Job of wickedness due to his calamitous circumstances, suggesting his suffering is a just consequence of his presumed sin.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job belongs to the wisdom literature of the ancient Near East, a genre that often explored the profound problem of suffering and divine justice. In this cultural milieu, a prevalent theological framework, often termed "retribution theology," posited a direct and immediate correlation between one's moral conduct and one's temporal prosperity or suffering. Righteousness was believed to lead to blessings and well-being, while wickedness inevitably resulted in curses and calamity. Bildad, like Job's other friends, operates firmly within this traditional understanding, viewing Job's severe suffering as irrefutable proof of his sin. The concept of "dwellings" (Hebrew: `mishkan`) and "place" (Hebrew: `maqom`) carried significant weight, representing security, legacy, and well-being. To describe these as utterly desolate for the wicked underscored a complete and irreversible ruin, a fate worse than death in a society where one's name, lineage, and social standing were paramount.
* **Key Themes:** Job 18:21 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Primarily, it highlights the theme of **Retributive Justice**, albeit from Bildad's flawed perspective, which posits that God's justice is always immediate, visible, and perfectly aligned with human suffering. This verse encapsulates his conviction that the "dwellings of the wicked" are destined for destruction as a direct consequence of their actions. Secondly, it addresses the **Consequences of Rejecting God**, emphasizing that a fundamental lack of relationship and reverence, expressed by the phrase "knoweth not God," leads to utter desolation. This stands in stark contrast to the blessings promised to the righteous, as seen in passages like [Psalm 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "Psalm 1:6 - The Way of the Righteous and the Wicked"). Finally, the verse underscores the **Futility of a Godless Life**, suggesting that a life lived apart from divine knowledge and obedience ultimately results in emptiness, insecurity, and ruin, regardless of any temporary prosperity. The entire book of Job, however, serves to challenge and refine this simplistic view of divine justice, demonstrating God's sovereignty and wisdom beyond human comprehension, as articulated in [God's speeches to Job in chapters 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech to Job").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Dwellings (Hebrew, _mishkân'_ H4908):** This term (מִשְׁכָּן) primarily refers to a residence, habitation, or dwelling place, often implying a place of security, rest, and established presence. It is notably used for the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God among His people. In this context, its application to the wicked's fate highlights the complete reversal of their expected security and stability. Their "dwellings" are not places of peace or prosperity but of desolation and emptiness, reflecting their inner spiritual emptiness and external ruin. Bildad uses it to signify the comprehensive destruction of their entire existence and legacy.
* **Wicked (Hebrew, _ʻavvâl'_ H5767):** Derived from a root meaning "to act perversely" or "to be unjust," this intensive adjective (עַוָּל) describes someone who is morally evil, unjust, or unrighteous. It denotes a character marked by deliberate wrongdoing and a deviation from God's righteous standards. Bildad applies this label to Job's perceived state, asserting that Job's suffering is a direct result of his presumed wickedness, which he equates with a lack of true knowledge of God.
* **Knoweth (Hebrew, _yâdaʻ'_ H3045):** This Hebrew verb (יָדַע) signifies far more than mere intellectual acquaintance or factual knowledge. It denotes a deep, intimate, experiential, and relational knowing, often implying a covenantal relationship. In biblical usage, to "know" God means to acknowledge His sovereignty, to obey His commands, to live in a personal, committed relationship with Him, and to experience His presence. Therefore, "he that knoweth not God" refers not simply to someone ignorant of God's existence, but to one who lacks a saving, transformative relationship with Him, and thus lives without acknowledging His authority or moral demands. This spiritual alienation is presented as the root cause of their wickedness and subsequent downfall.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Surely such [are] the dwellings of the wicked":** Bildad asserts with absolute certainty that the horrific conditions he has just described throughout [Job 18](/job/18 "Job 18 - Bildad's Second Speech") are the inevitable and characteristic state of the wicked. The term "dwellings" (mishkan) here is used metaphorically to encompass their entire existence, including their home, family, prosperity, and legacy. It implies a total and inescapable desolation, a divine judgment manifest in their physical, social, and spiritual ruin. This declaration is presented as an undeniable truth, foundational to Bildad's understanding of divine justice, and is meant to be a direct, albeit harsh, word to Job.
* **"and this [is] the place [of him that] knoweth not God":** This clause provides the theological rationale for the wicked's fate, equating "the wicked" with "him that knoweth not God." The "place" (maqom) reinforces the idea of a fixed, unavoidable destiny or condition. The crucial phrase "knoweth not God" (yada' elohim) underscores that the ultimate problem is not merely a lack of information about God, but a profound, relational estrangement. It speaks of a life lived without acknowledging, revering, or having a personal covenantal relationship with the Creator. This spiritual alienation, rather than specific transgressions alone, is presented as the foundational sin leading to their ultimate ruin and desolation.

#### Literary Devices
Bildad's concluding statement in Job 18:21 employs several potent literary devices to convey his rigid theological conviction. **Parallelism** is evident in the two clauses, where "the dwellings of the wicked" are equated with "the place of him that knoweth not God." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the idea that wickedness is fundamentally synonymous with a lack of true, relational knowledge of God, creating a sense of definitive and inescapable judgment. **Irony** is subtly present, as Bildad, in his attempt to "comfort" Job by explaining his suffering, instead delivers a harsh condemnation, ironically misapplying the very wisdom he purports to uphold. Furthermore, the verse uses powerful **Imagery** of desolation and lack, contrasting sharply with the typical ancient Near Eastern desire for security, legacy, and a flourishing household. The phrase "knoweth not God" functions as a form of **Metonymy**, where the absence of intimate, relational knowledge stands in for a life of active rebellion, spiritual indifference, or practical atheism towards God, leading directly to the described consequences.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 18:21, though spoken from a perspective the book of Job ultimately critiques as simplistic and incomplete, nonetheless touches upon profound biblical truths regarding humanity's relationship with God and the consequences of spiritual alienation. Bildad's assertion that the wicked's ruin stems from their not "knowing God" resonates with the broader biblical emphasis on the vital importance of a true, relational knowledge of the Creator as the foundation for life, wisdom, and blessing. While the book challenges the direct, immediate, and simplistic cause-and-effect retribution theology of Job's friends, it does not negate the ultimate reality of divine judgment or the inherent futility of a life lived apart from God. The verse highlights the stark contrast between those who acknowledge God's sovereignty and those who live in rebellion or indifference, foreshadowing the ultimate eschatological divide between the righteous and the unrighteous. It underscores that true security and flourishing are found not in worldly possessions or status, but in a right relationship with the Almighty.

* [Psalm 9:17](/psalms/9-17 "The Wicked Shall Be Turned Into Hell")
* [Proverbs 1:7](/proverbs/1-7 "The Fear of the Lord is the Beginning of Knowledge")
* [Jeremiah 9:23-24](/jeremiah/9-23-24 "Knowing the Lord")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
While we must approach Bildad's words with the understanding that the book of Job ultimately refutes his simplistic application of retributive justice to Job's suffering, Job 18:21 still offers a profound truth for our reflection: a life alienated from God is fundamentally devoid of lasting security, true blessing, and ultimate meaning. The "dwellings" of those who do not truly "know" God, in the deep, experiential sense, are ultimately characterized by spiritual emptiness, insecurity, and a lack of divine favor, regardless of outward appearances. This verse serves as a powerful, albeit stark, reminder of the paramount importance of cultivating an authentic, intimate, and obedient relationship with the Creator. For believers, it underscores the value of clinging to God's wisdom and His revealed truth rather than pursuing worldly paths, understanding that true peace, security, and purpose come from genuinely knowing Him and walking in His ways, regardless of immediate circumstances. It prompts us to examine whether our lives reflect a genuine, relational knowledge of God or merely a superficial, intellectual acknowledgment, urging us towards deeper communion and submission to His will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways might my life reflect a "knowing" of God that goes beyond mere intellectual assent to a deep, relational intimacy?**
* **How does the ultimate fate of those who "know not God" in this verse challenge my priorities and pursuits, prompting me to re-evaluate what truly constitutes security and flourishing?**
* **Considering the broader message of Job, how can I avoid applying simplistic cause-and-effect theology to suffering while still acknowledging the biblical truth of consequences for unrighteousness and the importance of a right relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**Does "knoweth not God" imply intellectual ignorance or something deeper?**

Answer: The phrase "knoweth not God" (Hebrew: _yada' elohim_) in Job 18:21 implies far more than mere intellectual ignorance. In biblical Hebrew, the verb `yada'` (יָדַע) signifies a deep, intimate, experiential, and relational knowledge, often implying a covenantal relationship. Therefore, "he that knoweth not God" refers not simply to someone who is unaware of God's existence, but to one who lacks a personal, transformative relationship with Him, and thus lives without acknowledging His sovereignty, obeying His commands, or revering His person. It speaks to a profound spiritual alienation and a life lived in practical disregard of God's claims. This is a common theme in the Old Testament, where "knowing the Lord" is synonymous with obedience and faithfulness, as seen in [Jeremiah 9:24](/jeremiah/9-24 "Jeremiah 9:24 - Knowing the Lord").

**How does Bildad's view of the wicked's fate compare to the overall message of the book of Job?**

Answer: Bildad's view in Job 18:21, which posits a direct and immediate correlation between wickedness and suffering, represents a traditional "retribution theology" prevalent in the ancient Near East. He believes that Job's calamities are proof of his wickedness, and that the wicked inevitably face utter desolation in this life. However, the overall message of the book of Job profoundly challenges and refines this simplistic view. The book demonstrates that suffering is not always a direct consequence of sin, and that God's ways are often inscrutable to human understanding. While the book affirms God's ultimate justice and the eventual judgment of the wicked, it critiques the friends' rigid and uncompassionate application of retribution theology to Job's innocent suffering. The book ultimately points to God's sovereignty and wisdom, which transcend human categories of justice, as revealed in [God's speeches to Job in chapters 38-41](/job/38 "Job 38 - God's First Speech to Job").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Job 18:21, spoken by Bildad, presents a rigid and ultimately incomplete view of divine justice, its core assertion about the fate of those who "know not God" finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is the one who perfectly "knows" God the Father, not merely intellectually, but in an eternal, intimate, and relational union, as declared in [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God") and [John 10:15](/john/10-15 "John 10:15 - The Father Knows Me"). He is the one through whom true knowledge of God is revealed and made possible for humanity. The "place" and "dwellings" of the wicked, characterized by desolation and separation, stand in stark contrast to the eternal "dwellings" Jesus prepares for those who believe in Him, promising to take them to be with Him in [His Father's house](/john/14-2 "John 14:2 - My Father's House"). Furthermore, the "knowing God" that Bildad speaks of as absent in the wicked is precisely what Jesus defines as eternal life: "And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent" ([John 17:3](/john/17-3 "John 17:3 - Eternal Life is Knowing God")). Ultimately, the judgment prophesied for those who reject God is fulfilled in Christ's role as the righteous judge, who will separate the sheep from the goats, consigning those who do not "know" Him (in the sense of a saving relationship) to eternal separation, as described in [Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Depart from Me"). Thus, Job 18:21, through a Christ-centered lens, points to the profound necessity of a saving relationship with God through Jesus, the only way to escape the ultimate desolation of a life lived apart from the Creator and to find true and lasting dwelling with God.

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

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?