Job 8:13

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

So are the paths {H734} of all that forget {H7911} God {H410}; and the hypocrite's {H2611} hope {H8615} shall perish {H6}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Such are the paths of all who forget God; the hope of a hypocrite will perish -

Berean Standard Bible

Such is the destiny of all who forget God; so the hope of the godless will perish.

American Standard Version

So are the paths of all that forget God; And the hope of the godless man shall perish:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 8:13, spoken by Bildad, delivers a stark warning about the inevitable ruin awaiting those who practically disregard God and the ultimate futility of the hope held by the insincere or godless. It asserts that a life lived without genuine reverence for the Divine leads to paths that ultimately perish, emphasizing the ephemeral nature of any security or expectation not rooted in true piety and a right relationship with the Creator.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 8:13 is a pivotal statement within Bildad the Shuhite's first speech (Job 8), which immediately follows Job's lament in [Job 7](/job/7 "Job 7 - Job's Lament"). Bildad, one of Job's three friends, attempts to explain Job's immense suffering through the lens of traditional retribution theology. His argument posits that God is inherently just and does not pervert righteousness ([Job 8:3](/job/8-3 "Job 8:3 - God's Justice")). He suggests that if Job were truly pure, God would restore him, implying Job's suffering must stem from his or his children's sin ([Job 8:4-6](/job/8-4 "Job 8:4-6 - Bildad's Accusation")). Verse 13 serves as a concluding summary of his broader point, asserting the inevitable ruin of those who disregard God, likened to the fragile hope of a plant without water, which he elaborates on in [Job 8:14-19](/job/8-14 "Job 8:14-19 - The Futility of the Wicked's Hope"). This verse thus functions as a direct, albeit misapplied, accusation against Job, urging him to repent.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Job is set in the ancient Near East, likely during a patriarchal period, and reflects the prevalent wisdom tradition of the time. A cornerstone of this tradition, particularly among Job's friends, was the doctrine of divine retribution: the belief that God directly blesses the righteous with prosperity and punishes the wicked with suffering. This theological framework, while containing elements of truth, is presented by Bildad as an absolute, deterministic system. The concept of "forgetting God" (Hebrew: *shakach*) in this context does not imply a mere lapse of memory, but rather a practical, willful disregard for God's presence, commands, and covenant in one's daily life, a spiritual apathy that leads to ungodly actions. The "hypocrite" (Hebrew: *chanef*) refers to someone who is godless, impious, or profane, whose outward religious observance, if any, does not align with their inward corruption or lack of genuine reverence for God.

* **Key Themes:** Job 8:13 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Job and broader wisdom literature. It highlights the theme of **Divine Justice**, asserting God's unwavering righteousness in dealing with humanity, though Bildad's application of this justice is flawed. It underscores the **Consequences of Ungodliness**, portraying a direct link between spiritual forgetfulness and ultimate ruin, a common tenet of ancient Near Eastern wisdom as seen in [Proverbs 1:32](/proverbs/1-32 "Proverbs 1:32 - The Ruin of the Simple"). The verse also introduces the critical theme of the **Futility of False Hope**, contrasting genuine, God-centered hope with the superficial and ultimately perishing expectations of the godless or insincere, a concept echoed in [Proverbs 10:28](/proverbs/10-28 "Proverbs 10:28 - The Hope of the Righteous vs. Wicked"). Furthermore, it implicitly touches upon the **Nature of True Piety vs. Hypocrisy**, challenging the listener to consider the integrity of their faith, a contrast explored more fully in passages like [Isaiah 29:13](/isaiah/29-13 "Isaiah 29:13 - Lip Service vs. Heart Worship").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forget (Hebrew, _shakach'_):** The Hebrew verb שָׁכַח (*shakach*) means "to forget, neglect, cease to care for, ignore." In biblical usage, particularly in wisdom literature, "forgetting God" does not imply a mere cognitive lapse or amnesia, but rather a practical and willful disregard for God's commands, covenant, and very presence in one's life. It signifies a profound spiritual apathy or turning away, where one lives as if God does not exist or as if His ways are irrelevant. This active neglect leads to paths that deviate from righteousness.
* **Hypocrite (Hebrew, _chanef'_):** The Hebrew noun חָנֵף (*chanef*) is often translated as "hypocrite" in the KJV, but its root meaning is closer to "godless," "profane," "impious," or "defiled." It describes someone whose character is corrupt and whose life is marked by a lack of genuine reverence for God, regardless of any outward religious performance. This term emphasizes an inward state of spiritual impurity and moral corruption, rather than merely pretense. Thus, "the hope of the godless" or "the hope of the profane" captures a more accurate sense of the individual whose life is not truly oriented towards God.
* **Perish (Hebrew, _abad'_):** The Hebrew verb אָבַד (*abad*) means "to perish, vanish, be lost, be destroyed." When applied to "hope," it signifies its complete and utter failure, its dissolution into nothingness. It's not merely a disappointment but a total collapse, indicating that the foundation upon which this hope was built was inherently flawed and unsustainable. This word underscores the ultimate futility and emptiness of any hope not grounded in divine truth and genuine relationship with God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"So [are] the paths of all that forget God":** This clause establishes a direct consequence for a specific spiritual condition. The phrase "the paths" refers to one's way of life, one's conduct, or the course of one's actions. It implies the trajectory and ultimate destination of a life lived. "All that forget God" refers to those who, as explored in the key word analysis, practically disregard God, His commands, and His presence. Bildad asserts that the outcome or destiny of such a life is inherently flawed, leading to ruin, echoing the natural consequences of straying from divine wisdom and order.
* **"and the hypocrite's hope shall perish":** This second clause functions as a parallel statement, clarifying and intensifying the fate described in the first. The "hypocrite" (or more accurately, "the godless/profane person") is one whose life lacks genuine reverence for God. Their "hope" refers to their expectations, their security, their confidence, or what they rely upon for future well-being. The verb "shall perish" (from *abad*) signifies that this hope will utterly vanish, be destroyed, or prove to be completely futile. It highlights the ephemeral and baseless nature of any security or expectation not founded on a true, sincere relationship with God, implying that such a hope will inevitably fail when tested by life's realities or divine judgment.

#### Literary Devices
Job 8:13 employs several literary devices to convey its stark message. The verse primarily utilizes **Synonymous Parallelism**, where the second clause, "and the hypocrite's hope shall perish," reiterates and intensifies the meaning of the first, "So [are] the paths of all that forget God." Both clauses speak to the ultimate ruin and futility awaiting those who disregard God, with "the hypocrite's hope" serving as a specific manifestation of the "paths" of those who "forget God." This parallelism reinforces the inevitability of the stated outcome. The phrase "the paths" functions as a **Metonymy** or **Symbolism**, representing one's entire life course, conduct, and destiny. The "perishing" of hope evokes vivid **Imagery** of something dissolving or vanishing, underscoring its ephemeral and baseless nature. Furthermore, the verse functions as an **Aphorism** or **Proverbial Statement**, presenting a concise, memorable truth about divine justice and the consequences of ungodliness, characteristic of wisdom literature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse, while spoken by Bildad within a flawed theological framework, nevertheless articulates a profound truth about the nature of God's moral order and the consequences of human conduct. Theologically, it underscores the principle that a genuine relationship with God is foundational for true hope and stability. To "forget God" is to live outside the reality of His sovereignty and moral law, leading to paths that are ultimately unsustainable. The perishing of the "hypocrite's hope" reveals God's ultimate discernment between outward appearance and inward reality, affirming that He cannot be deceived by superficial piety. This aligns with the broader biblical emphasis on integrity of heart over mere ritual or profession. The verse implicitly teaches that true security and lasting hope are found only in God, not in self-deception, worldly achievements, or a false sense of righteousness.

* [Psalm 9:17](/psalms/9-17 "Psalm 9:17 - The Wicked and Those Who Forget God")
* [Job 27:8](/job/27-8 "Job 27:8 - The Hope of the Hypocrite")
* [Proverbs 10:28](/proverbs/10-28 "Proverbs 10:28 - The Hope of the Righteous vs. Wicked")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 8:13, though part of a dialogue where human wisdom falls short, serves as a powerful and enduring warning for all believers. It compels us to deeply examine the foundation of our own hope and the authenticity of our walk with God. Do we genuinely remember God in all our ways, acknowledging His sovereignty and seeking His will, or do we, like those who "forget God," live as if He is irrelevant to our daily decisions and aspirations? Is our hope truly anchored in His unchanging character and unfailing promises, or is it a fragile construct built on fleeting worldly successes, self-righteousness, or a superficial religiosity? This verse challenges us to move beyond mere outward conformity to a faith that permeates our innermost being, ensuring that our hope is not a "hypocrite's hope" destined to perish, but a living, enduring expectation rooted in a sincere and active relationship with the living God. It calls us to cultivate a heart of integrity, knowing that God sees beyond our appearances and that true blessedness flows from genuine devotion.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways might I be "forgetting God" in my daily life, and how can I cultivate a more constant awareness of His presence and commands?**
* **What is the true foundation of my hope? Is it based on my own efforts, worldly achievements, or a genuine, active relationship with God?**
* **How can I ensure that my faith is characterized by integrity and sincerity, rather than outward show or "hypocrisy"?**

### FAQ
**Does "forget God" mean God literally forgets us?**

Answer: No, "forget God" in Job 8:13, and throughout biblical wisdom literature, refers to humanity's action, not God's. It signifies a practical, willful disregard or neglect of God's commands, presence, and covenant. It's not about a lapse in memory, but a spiritual apathy or rebellion where one lives as if God does not exist or is irrelevant. For example, [Psalm 50:22](/psalms/50-22 "Psalm 50:22 - Those Who Forget God") warns those who "forget God" about divine judgment. Conversely, the Bible assures us that God never forgets His people ([Isaiah 49:15](/isaiah/49-15 "Isaiah 49:15 - God Will Not Forget His People")).

**What is the difference between "forgetting God" and being a "hypocrite" in this verse?**

Answer: While closely related and often overlapping in their consequences, "forgetting God" describes a general state of spiritual neglect or disregard for God's ways, leading one to stray from righteous paths. "The hypocrite" (Hebrew: *chanef*, meaning godless or profane) refers to a specific type of person whose inward character is corrupt and whose outward religious expression, if any, is insincere. The verse implies that the "paths of all that forget God" ultimately lead to the same fate as the "hypocrite's hope"—both are unsustainable and will perish because they lack genuine grounding in God. The hypocrite is a prime example of one who forgets God in their heart, even if they outwardly acknowledge Him.

**Is Bildad's statement about Job 8:13 accurate, given the context of the book of Job?**

Answer: Bildad's statement in [Job 8:13](/job/8-13 "Job 8:13 - The Paths of Those Who Forget God") contains a general truth about divine justice and the consequences of sin, which is consistent with biblical wisdom. However, his *application* of this truth to Job's specific situation is flawed and ultimately proven wrong by the larger narrative of the book of Job. Bildad, like the other friends, operates under a rigid retribution theology that assumes all suffering is a direct result of personal sin. The book of Job's primary purpose is to challenge this simplistic view, demonstrating that righteous individuals can suffer, and God's ways are more complex than human understanding. So, the principle itself is sound, but its use as an accusation against Job is incorrect.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Job 8:13, with its stark warning about the perishing hope of those who forget God and the hypocrite, finds its ultimate fulfillment and profound reinterpretation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament highlights the futility of a hope not grounded in God's law and genuine piety, Christ reveals the true nature of the "paths" that lead to life and the "hope" that does not perish. Jesus Himself is the "way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus, The Way, The Truth, The Life")), offering the only path that does not lead to ruin. He exposes the hypocrisy of outward religious observance devoid of inward transformation ([Matthew 23:27-28](/matthew/23-27 "Matthew 23:27-28 - Woes to the Scribes and Pharisees")). The "hypocrite's hope" perishes because it is built on self-righteousness or a false understanding of God, but the hope of the believer in Christ is an "anchor of the soul, firm and secure" ([Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - Hope as an Anchor for the Soul")), grounded in His finished work on the cross and His resurrection. Through Christ, we are given a new heart that remembers God not out of obligation, but out of love ([Ezekiel 36:26-27](/ezekiel/36-26 "Ezekiel 36:26-27 - A New Heart and Spirit")), and our hope is secured in His eternal promises, a hope that "does not put us to shame" ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "Romans 5:5 - Hope Does Not Put Us to Shame")) because it is founded on His unwavering faithfulness and grace, not on our own fragile merits.

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

Psalms 9:17

The wicked shall be turned into hell, [and] all the nations that forget God.

Job 13:16

He also [shall be] my salvation: for an hypocrite shall not come before him.

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.

Job 15:34

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

Proverbs 10:28

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

Psalms 50:22

Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear [you] in pieces, and [there be] none to deliver.

Luke 12:1

¶ In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.