Job 6:18

KJV

The paths of their way are turned aside; they go to nothing, and perish.

KJV (with Strong's)

The paths {H734} of their way {H1870} are turned aside {H3943}; they go {H5927} to nothing {H8414}, and perish {H6}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their courses turn this way and that; they go up into the confusing waste and are lost.

Berean Standard Bible

Caravans turn aside from their routes; they go into the wasteland and perish.

American Standard Version

The caravansthat travelby the way of them turn aside; They go up into the waste, and perish.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 6:18 encapsulates the bitter outcome of misplaced trust and the futility of relying on unreliable sources of comfort and support, a poignant lament from Job in response to his friends. Drawing on the imagery of deceitful wadis that betray parched travelers, the verse vividly portrays the devastating consequences for those who depend on such fleeting hope: their intended paths are disrupted, they encounter utter emptiness, and ultimately, they perish in their desperation. It highlights the profound disappointment and existential threat faced when expected aid vanishes, leaving one stranded and hopeless.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 6:18 forms a crucial part of Job's impassioned and despairing response to Eliphaz's initial, unhelpful counsel (Job 4-5). Having been accused of hidden sin and urged to repent, Job shifts his focus in chapter 6 to articulate the depth of his suffering and his profound disappointment in his friends. Verses 15-17 immediately precede this verse, where Job employs a powerful metaphor, comparing his friends to "deceitful brooks" or "wadis" that swell with ice and melting snow in winter but vanish completely in the summer heat. This imagery sets the stage for verse 18, which describes the dire fate of travelers who, relying on these seemingly abundant water sources, find themselves utterly abandoned and lost when the wadis dry up. The verse thus serves as the devastating conclusion to Job's analogy, directly linking the unreliability of the wadis to the perceived betrayal of his friends, who, in his eyes, have failed to offer true comfort or understanding in his time of dire need. This deep sense of betrayal is a recurring theme throughout [Job's lament](/job/6 "Job 6 - Job's Lament and Complaint").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the arid and semi-arid regions of the ancient Near East, wadis (seasonal riverbeds) were critical, yet notoriously unreliable, sources of water. Travelers, particularly merchants and caravans traversing the desert, depended heavily on these water sources, often planning their routes around them. The sudden disappearance of water in a wadi during the dry season, or its transformation into a treacherous flash flood, could mean the difference between life and death. Culturally, hospitality and steadfast friendship were highly valued virtues. Friends were expected to offer unwavering support, especially in times of distress. Job's comparison of his friends to deceitful wadis would have resonated deeply with his audience, evoking the profound sense of betrayal and existential danger associated with such a natural phenomenon. The despair of a traveler whose hope for water turns to dust mirrors Job's own despair as his friends, whom he expected to be a source of solace, instead offer condemnation and empty words, leaving him feeling utterly abandoned and vulnerable, much like a traveler in a parched land, as described in [Job 6:15-17](/job/6-15 "Job 6:15-17 - Job Compares Friends to Deceitful Brooks").

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Job and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **betrayal and disappointment**, particularly from human sources. Job's friends, who should have been a source of unwavering support, instead become a source of further anguish, highlighting the fallibility of human comfort. Secondly, it emphasizes the **futility of false hope** and the danger of misplaced trust. The travelers' "paths... turned aside" and their ultimate "perish[ing]" illustrate the devastating consequences of relying on promises that cannot be kept. This theme implicitly points to the necessity of finding a truly reliable source of hope. Thirdly, the verse, through its negative portrayal of unreliable support, implicitly points to the **nature of true steadfastness and reliability**. While Job's friends fail him, the narrative arc of the book ultimately guides Job (and the reader) toward the unwavering faithfulness of God, even in the midst of incomprehensible suffering. This contrast between human frailty and divine constancy is a central theological concern, echoing the wisdom found in passages like [Psalm 118:8-9](/psalms/118-8 "Psalm 118:8-9 - It is better to trust in the Lord").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **turned aside (Hebrew, _natah'_):** This verb (נָטָה) signifies a deviation, a swerving from a straight course, or a turning away. In this context, it vividly describes the disruption of the travelers' intended journey. Their path, which should have led them to water and safety, is instead diverted, leading them astray into the desolate wilderness. It implies a loss of direction and a forced change of course due to the unreliability of the expected resource.
* **go to nothing (Hebrew, _yitlahăvu'_):** The KJV translation "go to nothing" attempts to capture the sense of vanishing or being confounded. The Hebrew verb (יִתְלַהֲבוּ) comes from the root לָהַב (_lahav_), which can mean "to flame" or "to burn," but in this context, often implies being bewildered, confounded, or lost, like a mirage that disappears. It conveys the idea of reaching a point of utter emptiness and disillusionment where the promised resource simply ceases to exist, leaving the seeker utterly disoriented and without recourse.
* **perish (Hebrew, _'avad'_):** This strong verb (אָבַד) means to be lost, destroyed, ruined, or to die. It signifies the ultimate, dire consequence of the travelers' predicament. Having their paths turned aside and finding nothing where they expected sustenance, they face complete ruin or death. This word underscores the gravity of the betrayal and the existential threat posed by false hope, emphasizing the total loss of life or well-being.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The paths of their way are turned aside":** This clause describes the initial disruption and disorientation experienced by the travelers. Their pre-planned routes, based on the expectation of finding water, become impassable or lead them astray because the wadis have dried up. It signifies a betrayal of expectation, forcing them off their intended course into a more perilous journey.
* **"they go to nothing":** This phrase intensifies the sense of futility and emptiness. After their paths are diverted, they arrive at a place where the anticipated water source is utterly absent. There is no relief, no sustenance, only a void. This speaks to the profound disappointment and the realization that their hope was built on a deceptive foundation.
* **"and perish":** This final clause presents the devastating and ultimate consequence. Without water, in the harsh desert environment, the travelers face death. It is the culmination of the betrayal and the emptiness, signifying complete destruction, loss of life, or the utter collapse of their journey and hope.

#### Literary Devices
Job 6:18 is rich in **Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of parched travelers, deceitful wadis, and the desolation of the desert. This imagery evokes a strong emotional response, allowing the audience to viscerally feel the despair and betrayal Job describes. The verse functions as the culmination of an extended **Metaphor**, where Job's friends are implicitly likened to unreliable wadis (introduced in verses 15-17). This sustained comparison effectively conveys the depth of Job's disappointment and the perceived treachery of his companions. There is also a clear sense of **Parallelism** in the escalating consequences presented: paths turned aside, going to nothing, and perishing. This structure emphasizes the inevitable and dire outcome of misplaced trust. Furthermore, Job's language throughout this section, including this verse, often employs **Hyperbole** to express the extremity of his suffering and his profound sense of abandonment, amplifying the emotional impact of his lament.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 6:18, while rooted in Job's personal lament, resonates with profound theological truths about the nature of trust, the reality of human brokenness, and the ultimate source of true reliability. Job's experience of being betrayed by those he expected to offer comfort serves as a stark reminder that human support, however well-intentioned, is inherently fallible and can ultimately "go to nothing." This verse implicitly challenges the reader to consider where their ultimate trust lies—in fleeting human promises or in the steadfast character of God. It highlights the vulnerability of relying on anything less than the divine for true sustenance and guidance, especially in times of profound suffering. The despair of the perishing traveler mirrors the spiritual and emotional desolation that can result from misplaced hope, prompting a theological reflection on the necessity of a foundation that cannot be turned aside or vanish.

* [Psalm 146:3](/psalms/146-3 "Psalm 146:3 - Do Not Trust in Princes")
* [Jeremiah 17:5-8](/jeremiah/17-5 "Jeremiah 17:5-8 - Cursed is the Man Who Trusts in Man")
* [Proverbs 25:19](/proverbs/25-19 "Proverbs 25:19 - Trusting in an Unfaithful Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 6:18 offers a timeless and piercing reflection on the nature of trust and the profound disappointment that arises when our expectations of support are unmet. In our own lives, we often place our hope and reliance on various "wadis"—human relationships, financial security, professional success, or even our own strength and wisdom. This verse challenges us to critically evaluate the reliability of these sources, especially when navigating the "deserts" of suffering, uncertainty, or crisis. Are we building our lives and seeking our comfort from sources that are prone to "turn aside," "go to nothing," and leave us feeling lost and perishing? Furthermore, Job's lament calls us to consider our own role as friends and supporters. Are we consistently reliable sources of empathy and steadfastness for others, or do we, like Job's friends, inadvertently contribute to their despair through our insensitivity or failure to truly understand? This verse compels us to cultivate discernment in whom and what we trust, and to strive to be genuinely faithful and empathetic companions on life's often-treacherous journey, ultimately pointing us towards the only truly unfailing source of hope.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "wadis" (sources of comfort or security) do I tend to rely on most in my life, and how reliable have they proven to be in times of distress?**
* **In what ways have I experienced the "paths of my way turned aside" or felt things "go to nothing" when I placed my trust in unreliable sources?**
* **How can I cultivate deeper discernment to identify truly reliable sources of support, both human and divine?**
* **As a friend or supporter, how can I ensure I am a consistent and empathetic presence, avoiding the pitfalls of Job's companions?**

### FAQ
**What does Job's comparison of his friends to deceitful wadis imply about his suffering?**

Answer: Job's comparison of his friends to deceitful wadis in [Job 6:15-17](/job/6-15 "Job 6:15-17 - Job Compares Friends to Deceitful Brooks"), culminating in the consequences described in Job 6:18, profoundly implies that his suffering is not only physical and material but also deeply relational and emotional. He feels utterly betrayed and abandoned by those he expected to offer comfort and understanding. Just as a traveler in the desert relies on a wadi for life-sustaining water, Job relied on his friends for empathy and support. When they failed to provide this, offering condemnation instead, his hope for human solace vanished, leaving him in a state of profound despair and feeling as if his very path was "turned aside" and he was left to "perish" from emotional and spiritual thirst. It underscores that the absence of true compassion can be as devastating as physical deprivation.

**What is the significance of the phrase "go to nothing" in Job 6:18?**

Answer: The phrase "go to nothing" (KJV) is a potent translation of the Hebrew _yitlahăvu_ (יתלהבו), which literally means "they are confounded," "they are lost," or "they vanish." It carries the sense of being led astray, bewildered, or encountering a complete void where something substantial was expected. In the context of the wadi metaphor, it signifies that the anticipated water source has completely disappeared, leaving the traveler stranded in utter emptiness. Theologically and experientially, it speaks to the profound disillusionment and despair that comes when a source of hope or comfort proves to be utterly empty or non-existent. It's not just a lack, but an active experience of being led to a point of nothingness, where all expectations are shattered, and the seeker is left with a devastating void. This concept of emptiness and futility is central to Job's lament about the unreliability of human comfort.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 6:18, with its raw depiction of human unreliability and the devastating consequences of misplaced trust, poignantly foreshadows the ultimate need for a steadfast and unfailing source of hope—a need perfectly fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Job's lament over friends who "go to nothing" and cause one to "perish" highlights the inherent limitations of human comfort and the deep human longing for a reliable deliverer. In contrast to the deceitful wadis and unreliable friends, Jesus presents Himself as the [Living Water](/john/4-10 "John 4:10 - Jesus, the Living Water") who truly satisfies, declaring, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink" ([John 7:37](/john/7-37 "John 7:37 - Jesus Calls to the Thirsty")). He is the ultimate "path" that does not turn aside, but leads directly to life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). While Job's friends failed him, Jesus is the "friend who sticks closer than a brother" ([Proverbs 18:24](/proverbs/18-24 "Proverbs 18:24 - A Friend Who Sticks Closer Than a Brother")), the one who laid down His life for His friends ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "John 15:13 - Greater Love Has No One Than This")). His faithfulness is unwavering, even when we are faithless, for "He cannot deny Himself" ([2_timothy/2-13](/2-timothy/2-13 "2 Timothy 2:13 - He Remains Faithful")). Therefore, the despair of Job 6:18, born from the failure of human support, ultimately directs our gaze to Christ, the one true and reliable source of comfort, sustenance, and eternal life, who never "goes to nothing" but remains faithful yesterday, today, and forever ([Hebrews 13:8](/hebrews/13-8 "Jesus Christ is the Same")).

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.