Job 8:14

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Whose hope {H3689} shall be cut off {H6990}, and whose trust {H4009} shall be a spider's {H5908} web {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

his confidence is mere gossamer, his trust a spider's web.

Berean Standard Bible

His confidence is fragile; his security is in a spider’s web.

American Standard Version

Whose confidence shall break in sunder, And whose trust is a spider’s web.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Job 8:14, delivered by Bildad the Shuhite, offers a stark and potent illustration of the inherent fragility and ultimate futility of any hope or trust that is not firmly anchored in divine truth. Through the vivid, perishable imagery of something "cut off" and likened to an insubstantial "spider's web," the verse powerfully communicates the impermanence and profound lack of substance in any security or expectation built upon a foundation other than God, serving as a solemn warning about the inevitable collapse of misplaced confidence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Job 8:14 is embedded within Bildad's first discourse (Job 8:1-22), which directly follows Job's lament in [Job 7](/job/7 "Job 7 - Job's Lament"). Bildad, one of Job's three companions, staunchly upholds the traditional retribution theology prevalent in ancient Near Eastern wisdom traditions: righteousness leads to prosperity, while wickedness inevitably results in suffering. He contends that Job's profound suffering must, therefore, be a direct consequence of his own sin, or perhaps the transgressions of his children, who Bildad suggests "sinned against him" ([Job 8:4](/job/8-4 "Job 8:4 - Bildad's Accusation")). This particular verse functions as a proverbial statement, reinforcing Bildad's argument by illustrating the certain downfall of the ungodly. It follows his declaration that "those who forget God" will perish, and their hope will be as transient as "a spider's web" ([Job 8:13](/job/8-13 "Job 8:13 - The Hope of the Godless")). The imagery serves to underscore the superficiality and ultimate collapse of any security not rooted in God, thereby strengthening Bildad's assertion that Job's calamity is a just divine punishment.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The narrative of the Book of Job is set in the land of Uz, a region generally understood to be east of Palestine, and reflects a patriarchal society where the pursuit and dissemination of wisdom were highly esteemed. Bildad and Job's other friends represent the prevailing conventional wisdom of their era, which frequently drew a direct correlation between material prosperity and divine favor, and between suffering and divine judgment. This theological framework was a common understanding, although the Book of Job itself ultimately presents a profound challenge to its simplistic application. The imagery of a "spider's web" would have been universally comprehended as something exceedingly delicate, easily destroyed, and utterly incapable of providing true shelter, protection, or stability. Spiders themselves were often regarded with a mixture of revulsion and fascination, associated with cunning, fragility, and the ephemeral nature of their constructions, making the comparison particularly potent in conveying worthlessness and vulnerability.

* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several profound themes within the Book of Job and the broader corpus of biblical wisdom literature. Firstly, it powerfully illuminates the **fragility of false hope**, emphasizing that any expectation, assurance, or future prospect not grounded in God's eternal truth and unwavering faithfulness is inherently unstable and destined for ruin. This theme resonates throughout wisdom literature, standing in stark contrast to the enduring and certain hope found exclusively in the Lord, as echoed in passages like [Proverbs 23:18](/proverbs/23-18 "Proverbs 23:18 - Hope for the Future") which promises a future and a hope for the righteous. Secondly, the verse underscores the **futility of misplaced trust**, an idea powerfully conveyed by the vivid "spider's web" imagery. Trusting in anything other than God—whether it be wealth, social status, human wisdom, or self-reliance—provides no genuine defense or lasting security. This concept is frequently addressed in the Psalms and Proverbs, such as in [Psalm 20:7](/psalms/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Lord"), which contrasts reliance on chariots and horses with trust in the name of the Lord. Thirdly, from Bildad's perspective, the verse speaks to the principle of **divine justice**, serving as a severe warning about the inevitable consequences of ungodliness, where God's righteous judgment will ultimately expose and dismantle the superficial foundations upon which the wicked build their lives. While the overarching narrative of Job ultimately challenges the simplistic application of this retribution principle to all suffering, the profound image of false trust remains a timeless truth about the nature of true security.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hope (Hebrew, _keçel'_ H3689):** Derived from a root meaning "fatness," this word can denote the loin or viscera, but figuratively it refers to confidence, trust, or expectation. In this context, it signifies the object of one's expectation, the foundation of one's future prospects, or the security upon which one relies. When such "hope" is misplaced, it is inherently flimsy and destined for collapse.
* **Cut off (Hebrew, _qâṭaṭ'_ H6990):** This primitive verb signifies to "clip off" or "destroy." It conveys a sense of sudden, decisive, and complete termination. Applied to hope, it implies an abrupt and irreversible severance, leaving no remaining possibility of recovery or fulfillment. It emphasizes the absolute finality of the downfall for those whose hope is not divinely anchored.
* **Spider's web (Hebrew, _ʻakkâbîysh_ H5908; _bayith_ H1004):** The word _ʻakkâbîysh_ refers to a "spider," likely from an unused root meaning "to entangle." The word _bayith_ primarily means "house," but can also refer to a "web" in this context (as a "spider's house" or "framework"). Together, "spider's web" vividly describes an intricate but incredibly fragile structure. This imagery powerfully evokes something that appears carefully constructed, perhaps even deceptive in its complexity, but is fundamentally insubstantial, easily broken, and utterly incapable of providing true protection, stability, or refuge. It is built for trapping, not for enduring, perfectly symbolizing a false sense of security that offers no defense against adversity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Whose hope shall be cut off":** This clause refers to the individual whose life is not founded upon God, specifically the "godless" or "hypocrite" alluded to in the preceding verse ([Job 8:13](/job/8-13 "Job 8:13 - The Hope of the Godless")). Their "hope," representing their expectations, future prospects, and sense of security, is destined for a sudden, violent, and complete termination. It is not merely diminished or disappointed but utterly severed, indicating a catastrophic and irreversible loss of all that they relied upon for their future well-being and stability.
* **"and whose trust [shall be] a spider's web":** This parallel clause serves to elaborate and intensify the nature of the "hope" that is "cut off." The term "trust" denotes that which one relies upon for confidence, security, or refuge. By likening it to a "spider's web," the verse powerfully emphasizes its utter lack of substance, inherent strength, or lasting durability. A spider's web, though perhaps intricate in its design, is notoriously delicate and easily destroyed by the slightest disturbance—a mere breath or touch. This imagery signifies that the foundation of the wicked's security is flimsy, unreliable, and offers no true or lasting protection against the inevitable trials of life or the ultimate judgment of God.

#### Literary Devices
Job 8:14 masterfully employs powerful **imagery** and **simile** to convey its profound message. The opening phrase, "Whose hope shall be cut off," utilizes a vivid, almost violent image of severance, emphasizing the abrupt, decisive, and complete destruction of false expectations. This powerful verb paints a picture of something being decisively severed from its source, leaving nothing behind. The subsequent comparison of "trust" to a "spider's web" is a striking **simile**, directly equating the insubstantiality and fragility of human-centered reliance with the delicate, easily shattered construction of a spider's intricate net. This **metaphorical language** not only paints a clear and memorable picture but also evokes a visceral sense of futility, vulnerability, and impending collapse. Furthermore, the verse exhibits clear **parallelism**, where the two clauses—"Whose hope shall be cut off" and "whose trust [shall be] a spider's web"—reinforce, elaborate upon, and intensify the same core theological idea: the ultimate and inevitable collapse of any security or expectation not firmly rooted in the eternal and steadfast character of God. This skillful literary craftsmanship renders the proverb both memorable and deeply impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Job 8:14 stands as a profound theological statement concerning the nature of true security and the grave peril of misplaced confidence. While spoken by Bildad within a theological framework that, in Job's case, misapplies the principle of retribution to suffering, the inherent and timeless truth of the proverb remains: any hope or trust not grounded in the unshakeable character, unwavering promises, and sovereign power of God is ultimately ephemeral and destined to fail. It starkly highlights the contrast between the fleeting, perishable nature of worldly security and the enduring, steadfast faithfulness of divine provision. The verse implicitly calls for a radical reorientation of our trust, urging us to turn away from the flimsy constructs of human achievement, material wealth, social status, or self-reliance, and instead to anchor our lives firmly upon the eternal Rock of God's unchanging presence and unfailing provision.

* [Psalm 118:8-9](/psalms/118-8 "Psalm 118:8-9 - It is better to trust in the Lord")
* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5 "Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [Isaiah 28:15-18](/isaiah/28-15-18 "Isaiah 28:15-18 - The Covenant with Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Job 8:14 compels us to engage in a critical and introspective examination of the very foundations upon which we construct our lives, our aspirations, and our deepest sense of security. Are we, perhaps unwittingly, placing our most profound hope and trust in things as insubstantial and easily destroyed as a spider's web? This misplaced reliance can manifest in various forms: an over-dependence on financial stability, an excessive pursuit of professional success, an inflated value placed on social status, an uncritical trust in personal abilities, or even placing ultimate security in human relationships. The verse serves as a sober and timely reminder that such foundations, no matter how intricately woven or seemingly strong they appear in the moment, are inherently fragile and profoundly vulnerable to the unpredictable storms and inevitable vicissitudes of life. They ultimately offer no lasting refuge or true security. True, enduring hope and an unshakeable trust are found exclusively when our lives are firmly rooted in the unchanging character, unfailing promises, and sovereign power of Almighty God. This passage calls us to a radical shift in perspective, urging us to redirect our gaze from the temporary to the eternal, from the created to the Creator, thereby ensuring that our confidence rests not on shifting sands, but on the immutable Rock of Ages.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are the "spider's webs" in my own life—the specific things I tend to rely on for security and hope, apart from God?**
* **How does the vivid imagery of the fragility of a "spider's web" challenge my perspective on worldly achievements, possessions, and temporal securities?**
* **In what practical, tangible ways can I intentionally and consistently shift my hope and trust from fleeting, perishable things to the steadfast, eternal character of God?**
* **How does the sobering concept of "hope being cut off" motivate me to seek a deeper, more authentic, and more fully surrendered relationship with God?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "spider's web" imagery in Job 8:14?**

Answer: The "spider's web" imagery in [Job 8:14](/job/8-14 "Job 8:14 - The Futility of Misplaced Trust") is profoundly significant because it powerfully conveys the extreme fragility, insubstantiality, and ultimate futility of misplaced trust. A spider's web, while intricate and perhaps even beautiful in its delicate construction, is inherently weak and easily destroyed by the slightest disturbance—a mere touch, a breath of wind, or the passage of time. Crucially, it is designed to trap and ensnare, not to provide protection, shelter, or a secure foundation. Thus, likening one's trust to a spider's web symbolizes a foundation that offers no real security, defense, or lasting support against the adversities of life or the inevitable judgment of God. It vividly underscores the futility of relying on anything other than God for true and enduring security, contrasting sharply with the solid, unshakeable foundation offered by faith in Him, as illustrated in Jesus' parable of the wise and foolish builders in [Matthew 7:24-27](/matthew/7-24-27 "Matthew 7:24-27 - The Wise and Foolish Builders").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While spoken by Bildad within the Old Testament framework of retribution theology, Job 8:14 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment by illuminating the ultimate source of true hope and exposing the utter futility of any trust placed apart from Him. The "hope cut off" and the "spider's web" of trust perfectly describe the human condition in its fallen state, alienated from God. Humanity, apart from divine grace, instinctively builds its security on fleeting achievements, self-righteousness, worldly power, or transient relationships—all of which are as fragile and insubstantial as a spider's web, utterly unable to withstand the crushing weight of sin or the righteous judgment of God. However, Jesus Christ is revealed as the only solid, eternal foundation, the true and living hope that can never be cut off. He is the "sure foundation" (cf. [1 Corinthians 3:11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Foundation")) upon whom believers can confidently build their entire lives, a "rock" against which the very gates of hell cannot prevail (cf. [Matthew 16:18](/matthew/16-18 "Matthew 16:18 - Peter's Confession")). His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection provide an "anchor for the soul, firm and secure" (cf. [Hebrews 6:19](/hebrews/6-19 "Hebrews 6:19 - The Certainty of God's Promise")), a living hope that does not disappoint because it is rooted in His finished work and eternal, unbreakable promises. In Christ, our trust is not in a flimsy, perishable web, but in the unshakeable Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), offering not only forgiveness but also eternal life and an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for us (cf. [1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope and Inheritance")).

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

Isaiah 59:5

They hatch cockatrice' eggs, and weave the spider's web: he that eateth of their eggs dieth, and that which is crushed breaketh out into a viper.

Isaiah 59:6

Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works: their works [are] works of iniquity, and the act of violence [is] in their hands.