Job 18:5

KJV

¶ Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine.

KJV (with Strong's)

Yea, the light {H216} of the wicked {H7563} shall be put out {H1846}, and the spark {H7632} of his fire {H784} shall not shine {H5050}.

Complete Jewish Bible

"The light of the wicked will flicker and die, not a spark from his fire will shine,

Berean Standard Bible

Indeed, the lamp of the wicked is extinguished; the flame of his fire does not glow.

American Standard Version

Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out, And the spark of his fire shall not shine.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 18:5 delivers a stark and definitive declaration from Bildad the Shuhite, one of Job's friends, concerning the inevitable and complete downfall of the wicked. Through the potent imagery of light and fire, the verse asserts that the prosperity, influence, and very existence of the ungodly are inherently fleeting and will ultimately be extinguished, leaving no lasting trace, hope, or legacy. It functions as a pronouncement of divine judgment, reflecting a rigid interpretation of the retribution principle prevalent in ancient wisdom traditions.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is deeply embedded within Bildad's second speech to Job, forming a critical part of the ongoing dialogue in the Book of Job, specifically in [Job chapter 18](/job/18 "Job 18 - Bildad's Second Speech"). Bildad's address is a direct and forceful rebuttal to Job's lamentations and assertions of innocence found in [Job chapter 17](/job/17 "Job 17 - Job's Despair and Plea"). Throughout their exchanges, Job's friends consistently operate under the traditional wisdom theology of their era, which posited a direct, unyielding correlation between righteousness and prosperity, and wickedness and suffering. Bildad, like Eliphaz and Zophar, firmly believes that Job's unprecedented suffering must be a direct consequence of hidden sin. In this chapter, Bildad systematically and relentlessly outlines the various calamities and misfortunes that he insists inevitably befall the wicked, using Job's dire situation as circumstantial evidence to buttress his argument. He paints a grim, detailed picture of the wicked's end, contrasting it with his perceived justice of God and subtly, yet powerfully, implying Job's guilt.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The cultural backdrop for the Book of Job is the ancient Near East, a region where wisdom literature flourished, often emphasizing a clear retribution principle: good deeds are rewarded, and evil deeds are punished. This theological framework, while having roots in biblical truth, was frequently applied simplistically and rigidly by Job's friends, failing to account for the complexities of suffering, the mystery of God's sovereignty, or the reality of righteous suffering. The imagery of "light" and "fire" held profound symbolic weight in ancient cultures. Light commonly represented life, prosperity, joy, divine favor, and knowledge, while darkness symbolized death, judgment, chaos, and ignorance. The extinguishing of light or fire, therefore, was a powerful and universally understood metaphor for utter destruction, the cessation of life or influence, and the loss of all hope and legacy, making Bildad's pronouncement particularly impactful.
* **Key Themes:** Job 18:5 contributes to several pivotal themes within the Book of Job and broader biblical theology, even as Bildad misapplies them to Job's specific situation. One central theme is **The Transience of Wicked Prosperity**: The verse emphatically declares that any "light" or "fire" (symbolizing success, joy, influence, or even life itself) enjoyed by the wicked is temporary and will be extinguished. Their seemingly bright existence is ultimately fleeting and without lasting foundation, a concept powerfully echoed in [Psalm 73](/psalms/73 "Psalm 73 - The Prosperity of the Wicked") where the psalmist grapples with the same apparent injustice. Another theme is **Divine Justice (as perceived by Bildad)**: While Job's friends misapply this principle to Job, the underlying conviction is that God's justice will ultimately prevail, and the unrighteous will face consequences. This aligns with broader biblical teachings about the ultimate fate of the wicked, as seen in [Psalm 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "Psalm 1:6 - The Way of the Wicked Perishes"), which contrasts the blessed with the perishing wicked. Finally, the verse highlights the **Consequences of Ungodliness**: The vivid imagery serves as a stark warning about the ultimate outcome of a life lived apart from God's ways. The "spark of his fire" represents even the smallest glimmer of hope, a potential legacy, or future influence, emphasizing that nothing of the wicked's impact or memory will endure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Light (Hebrew, _ʼôwr'_):** From H216, this term (`אֹור`) frequently signifies illumination, life, prosperity, joy, understanding, divine favor, or success in biblical contexts. It stands in direct opposition to darkness, which often symbolizes judgment, death, confusion, or evil. Here, "the light of the wicked" refers to their apparent success, influence, or period of prosperity, which Bildad asserts will be definitively extinguished by divine decree.
* **Put out (Hebrew, _dâʻak'_):** From H1846, this primitive root (`דָּעַךְ`) means "to be extinguished," "to expire," or "to be dried up." It implies a definitive and irreversible cessation, often by an external force. In this context, it suggests a divine act of judgment or intervention that brings an abrupt and final end to the wicked's flourishing, leaving no possibility of rekindling.
* **Spark (Hebrew, _shâbîyb'_):** From H7632, this word (`שָׁבִיב`) refers to a flame, a flicker, or a spark, often implying something small, transient, or easily extinguished. Its use here emphasizes the absolute totality of the wicked's destruction and the complete cessation of their influence. Not even the smallest, most insignificant remnant of their "fire" or hope will remain; it will entirely cease to shine, signifying a total and irrecoverable demise of their legacy and prosperity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Yea, the light of the wicked shall be put out,"**: This opening clause declares with unwavering certainty that the prosperity, joy, influence, or even the very life of the ungodly will inevitably come to an end. The powerful imagery of "light" being "put out" conveys a definitive and irreversible cessation of their flourishing, implying a divine judgment that extinguishes their temporary success and brings their season of apparent triumph to an abrupt close.
* **"and the spark of his fire shall not shine."**: This second clause amplifies and reinforces the meaning of the first, employing a strong sense of synonymous parallelism. It emphasizes the absolute totality of the wicked's downfall. "The spark of his fire" represents even the smallest glimmer of hope, a potential legacy, or the last vestige of their influence or memory. The declaration that it "shall not shine" signifies that absolutely nothing of their former glory, presence, or impact will remain; their existence will be utterly obliterated, leaving no lasting mark or enduring memory.

#### Literary Devices
Job 18:5 is profoundly rich in **Imagery**, primarily employing the powerful and contrasting symbols of light and darkness, and fire and its absence. "Light" and "fire" vividly represent the prosperity, life, influence, and joy of the wicked, while their extinguishing symbolizes judgment, ruin, death, and the complete loss of legacy. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause ("and the spark of his fire shall not shine") reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first clause ("the light of the wicked shall be put out"). This repetition serves to emphasize the certainty, totality, and finality of the wicked's downfall. Furthermore, the verse employs **Metaphor** and **Symbolism**, where "light" and "spark of fire" are not literal but stand in for the transient and ultimately doomed success and existence of those who live apart from God's ways. The masterful use of these devices creates a stark, memorable, and impactful statement about divine retribution.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
While Bildad's application of the retribution principle to Job was profoundly flawed and insensitive, the underlying truth that wickedness ultimately leads to ruin is a consistent and foundational theme throughout Scripture. Job 18:5 articulates a profound theological reality: worldly success or temporary freedom from immediate consequences does not equate to divine approval or lasting security. The "light" of the wicked is inherently temporary because it is self-generated or derived from fleeting earthly sources, rather than from the eternal source of all light, God Himself. This verse reminds us that true and lasting prosperity, joy, and influence emanate from a righteous relationship with God, contrasting sharply with the ephemeral nature of ungodly gain. It points to a future where God's justice will be fully manifest, and every unrighteous path will ultimately lead to darkness and oblivion, affirming God's ultimate sovereignty over all human endeavors.

* [Psalm 1:6](/psalms/1-6 "Psalm 1:6 - The Way of the Wicked Perishes")
* [Proverbs 4:18-19](/proverbs/4-18-19 "Proverbs 4:18-19 - The Path of the Righteous and the Wicked")
* [Matthew 25:41](/matthew/25-41 "Matthew 25:41 - Eternal Fire Prepared for the Devil and His Angels")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 18:5, though spoken by a flawed human instrument, carries a timeless and potent truth that challenges our perceptions of success, justice, and lasting legacy. In a world often captivated by outward appearances, fleeting achievements, and the allure of instant gratification, this verse serves as a potent reminder that true and lasting light does not come from worldly accumulation, self-serving ambition, or unrighteous gain. It compels us to critically examine the source of our own "light" and "fire"—is it from God, the eternal source of all goodness and truth, or is it merely a temporary spark generated by human effort, fleeting circumstances, or even unrighteous compromise? For believers, it calls for a steadfast focus on eternal values, a life lived in unwavering righteousness, and a deep, abiding trust in God's ultimate justice, even when its manifestation seems delayed or inscrutable in the present. It warns against the seductive allure of temporary prosperity that compromises spiritual integrity, urging us instead to pursue a path whose light shines ever brighter, rooted in God's eternal truth and grace, a light that will never be extinguished.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do we discern between true biblical principles of justice and their misapplication, as vividly illustrated in Bildad's speech?**
* **What does "light" or "fire" symbolize in your own life, and are you pursuing a light that is temporary and self-generated, or one that is eternal and divinely sourced?**
* **How does this verse challenge the modern pursuit of worldly success and influence when it comes at the expense of righteousness and spiritual integrity?**

### FAQ
**Is Bildad's statement in Job 18:5 entirely wrong, given his flawed theology?**

Answer: Bildad's *application* of the retribution principle to Job was indeed profoundly flawed and insensitive, as he wrongly assumed Job's suffering was direct proof of his wickedness. However, the *principle* itself—that wickedness ultimately leads to ruin and that the prosperity of the ungodly is temporary—is a consistent and foundational theme throughout Scripture. Verses like [Psalm 73:17-20](/psalms/73-17-20 "Psalm 73:17-20 - The End of the Wicked") affirm that the wicked's success is fleeting and their end is destruction. Similarly, [Proverbs 10:25](/proverbs/10-25 "Proverbs 10:25 - The Wicked Are Swept Away") declares that "when the whirlwind passes, the wicked is no more." Bildad's error was not in the truth of the principle, but in his rigid, simplistic, and uncharitable *diagnosis* of Job's specific situation, failing to acknowledge the complexity of God's ways, the reality of righteous suffering, and the mysterious nature of divine providence.

**What does "light" symbolize in this context, and why is its extinguishing so significant?**

Answer: In ancient Near Eastern and biblical thought, "light" often symbolizes prosperity, success, joy, life, influence, divine favor, and wisdom. For the wicked, this "light" represents their temporary flourishing and apparent triumph in the world, their fleeting moments of glory and power. Its extinguishing is profoundly significant because it signifies the complete and utter cessation of all that they valued and pursued apart from God. It means the loss of their influence, their joy, their very life, and any potential legacy or lasting impact. The "spark of his fire" not shining further emphasizes that not even a remnant or a faint memory of their ungodly achievements will endure, highlighting their ultimate desolation, oblivion, and the futility of a life lived without God ([Isaiah 50:11](/isaiah/50-11 "Isaiah 50:11 - Walking in the Sparks of Your Own Fire")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 18:5, while a stark pronouncement of judgment on the wicked from an Old Testament perspective, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the profound contrast between the fleeting "light" of human sin and the eternal, unquenchable light of Jesus Christ. The "light" of the wicked is destined to be "put out" because it is a false light, a self-generated glow that cannot withstand the true, penetrating light of God's holiness and justice. In stark contrast, Jesus declares, "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life" ([John 8:12](/john/8-12 "John 8:12 - Jesus, the Light of the World")). He is the true light that "shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it" ([John 1:4-5](/john/1-4-5 "John 1:4-5 - In Him Was Life, and the Life Was the Light of Men")), demonstrating His eternal triumph over all forms of spiritual darkness. The "spark of his fire" that "shall not shine" for the wicked speaks to their ultimate lack of an enduring inheritance or legacy, their complete spiritual bankruptcy. However, those who are "in Christ" are called "out of darkness into his marvelous light" ([1 Peter 2:9](/1_peter/2-9 "1 Peter 2:9 - Called Out of Darkness into His Marvelous Light")), receiving an imperishable inheritance secured by His perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and glorious resurrection. Christ's kingdom is an eternal kingdom, and His light will shine forever, illuminating the New Jerusalem where "the Lamb is its lamp" ([Revelation 21:23-24](/revelation/21-23-24 "Revelation 21:23-24 - The Lamb Is Its Lamp")), utterly eclipsing the transient glow of human wickedness and establishing a reign of eternal light and righteousness.

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

Proverbs 13:9

¶ The light of the righteous rejoiceth: but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out.

Proverbs 20:20

¶ Whoso curseth his father or his mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness.

Proverbs 24:20

For there shall be no reward to the evil [man]; the candle of the wicked shall be put out.

Job 21:17

¶ How oft is the candle of the wicked put out! and [how oft] cometh their destruction upon them! [God] distributeth sorrows in his anger.

Isaiah 50:11

Behold, all ye that kindle a fire, that compass [yourselves] about with sparks: walk in the light of your fire, and in the sparks [that] ye have kindled. This shall ye have of mine hand; ye shall lie down in sorrow.

Proverbs 4:19

The way of the wicked [is] as darkness: they know not at what they stumble.

Job 20:5

That the triumphing of the wicked [is] short, and the joy of the hypocrite [but] for a moment?