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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Job 36:12 But if they do not obey, then they perish by the sword and die without knowledge.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/36-12.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/17/18_Job_36_12.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 36:12 - Elihu Declares God's Justice and Power" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But if they do not obey, then they perish by the sword and die without knowledge." /><script type="application/javascript" 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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/job/36-11.htm" title="Job 36:11">◄</a> Job 36:12 <a href="/job/36-13.htm" title="Job 36:13">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/job/36.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/job/36.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />But if they do not listen, they will perish by the sword and die without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/36.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But if they refuse to listen to him, they will cross over the river of death, dying from lack of understanding.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/36.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But if they do not listen, they perish by the sword and die without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/36.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if they do not obey, then they perish by the sword and die without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/36.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/36.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But if they do not obey, They shall perish by the sword, And they shall die without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/36.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“But if they do not listen, they will perish by the sword, And die without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/36.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220But if they do not hear, they shall perish by the sword And they will die without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/36.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“But if they do not hear, they shall perish by the sword, And they shall die without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/36.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But if they do not hear, they shall pass away by a weapon And they will breathe their last without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/36.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“But if they do not hear <i>and</i> obey, they will die by the sword [of God’s destructive judgments] And they will die [in ignorance] without [true] knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/36.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if they do not listen, they will cross the river of death and die without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/36.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if they do not obey, they will cross the river of death and die without knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/36.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But if they hearken not, they shall perish by the sword, And they shall die without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/36.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But if they foolishly refuse, they will be rewarded with a violent death. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/36.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But if they hearken not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/36.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />But if they don't listen, they will cross the River [of Death] and die like those who have no knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/36.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But if not, they will die in ignorance and cross the stream into the world of the dead. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/36.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />"But if they won't listen, they'll perish by the sword and die in their ignorance.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/36.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But if they refuse to listen, they pass over the river of death, and expire without knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/36.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But if they do not listen, they shall perish by the sword; they shall die without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/36.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/36.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />But if they do not obey, then they perish by the sword and die without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/36.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But if they don’t listen, they will perish by the sword; they will die without knowledge. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/36.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And if they do not listen, "" They pass away by the dart, "" And expire without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/36.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And if they do not hearken, By the dart they pass away, And expire without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/36.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And if they will not hear, they shall pass away by the spear, and they shall expire without knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/36.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But if they hear not, they shall pass by the sword, and shall be consumed in folly. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/36.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But if they will not listen, they will pass away by the sword and will be consumed by foolishness.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/36.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />But if they do not listen, they pass to the grave, they perish for lack of knowledge. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/36.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But if they do not listen, they shall perish by the sword, and die without knowledge.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/36.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But if they do not obey, they shall perish by destruction, and they shall perish without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/36.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And if they will not hear, they shall depart into destruction and they will come to an end without knowledge<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/36.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />But if they hearken not, they shall perish by the sword, And they shall die without knowledge.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/36.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />But he preserves not the ungodly; because they are not willing to know the Lord, and because when reproved they were disobedient.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/36-12.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XAwuD5NuZq0?start=5574" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/job/36.htm">Elihu Declares God's Justice and Power</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">11</span>If they obey and serve Him, then they end their days in prosperity and their years in happiness. <span class="reftext">12</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">But if</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">they do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: yiš·mə·‘ū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">obey,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ya·‘ă·ḇō·rū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">then they perish</a> <a href="/hebrew/7973.htm" title="7973: bə·še·laḥ (Prep-b:: N-ms) -- A missile, weapon, sprout. From shalach; a missile of attack, i.e. Spear; also a shoot of growth; i.e. Branch.">by the sword</a> <a href="/hebrew/1478.htm" title="1478: wə·yiḡ·wə·‘ū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjImperf-3mp) -- To expire, perish, die. A primitive root; to breathe out, i.e. expire.">and die</a> <a href="/hebrew/1097.htm" title="1097: kiḇ·lî- (Prep-k:: Adv) -- From balah; properly, failure, i.e. Nothing or destruction; usually without, not yet, because not, as long as, etc.">without</a> <a href="/hebrew/1847.htm" title="1847: ḏå̄·ʿaṯ (N-fs) -- Knowledge. From yada'; knowledge.">knowledge.</a> </span><span class="reftext">13</span>The godless in heart harbor resentment; even when He binds them, they do not cry for help.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-1.htm">Proverbs 29:1</a></span><br />A man who remains stiff-necked after much reproof will suddenly be shattered beyond recovery.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/1-19.htm">Isaiah 1:19-20</a></span><br />If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. / But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the LORD has spoken.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/1-24.htm">Proverbs 1:24-31</a></span><br />Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, / because you neglected all my counsel, and wanted none of my correction, / in turn I will mock your calamity; I will sneer when terror strikes you, ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/6-16.htm">Jeremiah 6:16-19</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says: “Stand at the crossroads and look. Ask for the ancient paths: ‘Where is the good way?’ Then walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it!’ / I appointed watchmen over you and said, ‘Listen for the sound of the ram’s horn.’ But they answered, ‘We will not listen!’ / Therefore hear, O nations, and learn, O congregations, what will happen to them. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-10.htm">Proverbs 15:10</a></span><br />Discipline is harsh for him who leaves the path; he who hates correction will die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_thessalonians/1-8.htm">2 Thessalonians 1:8-9</a></span><br />in blazing fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. / They will suffer the penalty of eternal destruction, separated from the presence of the Lord and the glory of His might,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-8.htm">Romans 2:8-9</a></span><br />But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger. / There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil, first for the Jew, then for the Greek;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/2-1.htm">Hebrews 2:1-3</a></span><br />We must pay closer attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away. / For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every transgression and disobedience received its just punishment, / how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? This salvation was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-26.htm">Matthew 7:26-27</a></span><br />But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/13-3.htm">Luke 13:3</a></span><br />No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/12-15.htm">1 Samuel 12:15</a></span><br />But if you disobey the LORD and rebel against His command, then the hand of the LORD will be against you as it was against your fathers.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/28-15.htm">Deuteronomy 28:15</a></span><br />If, however, you do not obey the LORD your God by carefully following all His commandments and statutes I am giving you today, all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-9.htm">Isaiah 30:9-14</a></span><br />These are rebellious people, deceitful children, children unwilling to obey the LORD’s instruction. / They say to the seers, “Stop seeing visions!” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy to us the truth! Speak to us pleasant words; prophesy illusions. / Get out of the way; turn off the road. Rid us of the Holy One of Israel!” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/18-24.htm">Ezekiel 18:24</a></span><br />But if a righteous man turns from his righteousness and practices iniquity, committing the same abominations as the wicked, will he live? None of the righteous acts he did will be remembered. Because of the unfaithfulness and sin he has committed, he will die.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/4-6.htm">Hosea 4:6</a></span><br />My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I will also reject you as My priests. Since you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But if they obey not, they shall perish by the sword, and they shall die without knowledge.</p><p class="hdg">if</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/18-15.htm">Deuteronomy 18:15</a></b></br> The LORD thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me; unto him ye shall hearken;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/29-15.htm">Deuteronomy 29:15-20</a></b></br> But with <i>him</i> that standeth here with us this day before the LORD our God, and also with <i>him</i> that <i>is</i> not here with us this day: … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/1-20.htm">Isaiah 1:20</a></b></br> But if ye refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured with the sword: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken <i>it</i>.</p><p class="hdg">perish.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/job/4-21.htm">Job 4:21</a></b></br> Doth not their excellency <i>which is</i> in them go away? they die, even without wisdom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/john/8-21.htm">John 8:21-24</a></b></br> Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/job/34-14.htm">Breath</a> <a href="/job/33-18.htm">Dart</a> <a href="/job/34-20.htm">Die</a> <a href="/job/36-11.htm">End</a> <a href="/job/34-15.htm">Expire</a> <a href="/job/36-11.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/job/36-11.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/job/36-11.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/job/34-15.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/job/33-18.htm">Sword</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/37-10.htm">Breath</a> <a href="/job/41-19.htm">Dart</a> <a href="/job/36-14.htm">Die</a> <a href="/job/36-14.htm">End</a> <a href="/psalms/104-29.htm">Expire</a> <a href="/job/37-2.htm">Hear</a> <a href="/job/37-2.htm">Hearken</a> <a href="/psalms/18-44.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/psalms/1-6.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/job/39-22.htm">Sword</a><div class="vheading2">Job 36</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/36-1.htm">Elihu shows how God is just in his ways</a></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/36-16.htm">How Job's sins hinder God's blessings</a></span><br><span class="reftext">24. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/36-24.htm">God's works are to be magnified</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/36.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/job/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/job/36.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>But if they do not obey</b><br>This phrase highlights the conditional nature of divine blessings and consequences. In the context of the Book of Job, Elihu is speaking about God's justice and the importance of obedience to His commands. The concept of obedience is central throughout the Bible, as seen in <a href="/deuteronomy/28.htm">Deuteronomy 28</a>, where blessings and curses are outlined based on Israel's obedience or disobedience. Obedience to God is a recurring theme, emphasizing the covenant relationship between God and His people.<p><b>then they perish by the sword</b><br>The imagery of perishing by the sword is a common biblical metaphor for judgment and destruction. In ancient times, the sword was a primary instrument of warfare and execution, symbolizing divine retribution. This phrase can be connected to the broader biblical narrative where disobedience leads to physical and spiritual consequences, as seen in the fall of Jerusalem (<a href="/jeremiah/21-7.htm">Jeremiah 21:7</a>) and other instances where nations faced judgment for their rebellion against God.<p><b>and die without knowledge</b><br>Dying without knowledge implies a lack of understanding or awareness of God's ways and purposes. In the wisdom literature, knowledge is often equated with the fear of the Lord (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). This phrase suggests that those who reject God's instruction not only face physical death but also spiritual ignorance. The New Testament echoes this idea, where Jesus speaks of the importance of knowing Him and His teachings (<a href="/john/17-3.htm">John 17:3</a>). The absence of knowledge is a tragic end, as it signifies a life lived apart from the wisdom and truth found in God.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/elihu.htm">Elihu</a></b><br>A young man who speaks to Job and his friends, offering his perspective on Job's suffering. Elihu is portrayed as a passionate and somewhat brash speaker who believes he has insight into God's ways.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>The central figure of the Book of Job, a man who experiences immense suffering and seeks to understand the reasons behind it. Job is known for his patience and faithfulness, despite his trials.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_friends_of_job.htm">The Friends of Job</a></b><br>Eliphaz, Bildad, and Zophar, who attempt to explain Job's suffering through traditional wisdom, often suggesting that it is a result of sin.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate authority and sovereign being, whose wisdom and plans are beyond human understanding. God eventually speaks to Job, providing a divine perspective on his suffering.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_sword.htm">The Sword</a></b><br>A metaphor for judgment or destruction, often used in the Bible to signify divine retribution or the consequences of disobedience.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/o/obedience_to_god.htm">Obedience to God</a></b><br>The verse underscores the importance of obedience to God's commands. Disobedience leads to dire consequences, both spiritually and physically.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_consequences_of_ignorance.htm">The Consequences of Ignorance</a></b><br>Ignorance of God's ways and commands can lead to destruction. It is crucial to seek knowledge and understanding of God's will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_divine_judgment.htm">The Role of Divine Judgment</a></b><br>The "sword" symbolizes divine judgment. Understanding that God is just and His judgments are righteous can help believers live in a way that honors Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_wisdom.htm">The Importance of Wisdom</a></b><br>Pursuing wisdom and knowledge is vital for a life that pleases God. This involves studying Scripture and applying its truths to daily life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/r/repentance_and_redemption.htm">Repentance and Redemption</a></b><br>While the verse warns of perishing due to disobedience, it also implies the possibility of redemption through repentance and turning back to God.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_36.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 36</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_job_42_contradict_divine_justice.htm">Why does the final chapter (Job 42) seemingly contradict earlier statements about divine justice and fairness, hinting that God's blessing can be won through passive endurance?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_job_36_11-12_fit_real_hardships.htm">In Job 36:11-12, obedience supposedly leads to prosperity while disobedience brings destruction; how does this align with the real-world experiences of faithful people in hardship?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_is_god_both_merciful_and_vengeful.htm">What explains the apparent inconsistency between God's merciful nature elsewhere and the violent retribution depicted in Ezekiel 23:22-27?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_hasn't_isaiah_2_4's_peace_happened.htm">Isaiah 2:4 predicts nations will cease to wage war; why has this peace not materialized across the globe?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/36.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 12.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">But if they obey not, they shall</span> <span class="cmt_word">perish by the sword</span>. Not, necessarily, by a material sword, but by the sword of God's vengeance, which slays in a thousand different manners, piercing through all obstacles, and reaching to the heart and spirit. And they shall die without knowledge. Either without knowing that they are about to die, or in their wilful ignorance of God's intentions in chastising them. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/36-12.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">But if</span><br /><span class="heb">וְאִם־</span> <span class="translit">(wə·’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they do not</span><br /><span class="heb">לֹ֣א</span> <span class="translit">(lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">obey,</span><br /><span class="heb">יִ֭שְׁמְעוּ</span> <span class="translit">(yiš·mə·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they will perish</span><br /><span class="heb">יַעֲבֹ֑רוּ</span> <span class="translit">(ya·‘ă·ḇō·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pass over, through, or by, pass on</span><br /><br /><span class="word">by the sword</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּשֶׁ֣לַח</span> <span class="translit">(bə·še·laḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7973.htm">Strong's 7973: </a> </span><span class="str2">A missile of attack, spear, a shoot of growth, branch</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and die</span><br /><span class="heb">וְ֝יִגְוְע֗וּ</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yiḡ·wə·‘ū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1478.htm">Strong's 1478: </a> </span><span class="str2">To breathe out, expire</span><br /><br /><span class="word">without</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּבְלִי־</span> <span class="translit">(kiḇ·lî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> </span><span class="str2">Failure, nothing, destruction, without, not yet, because not, as long as</span><br /><br /><span class="word">knowledge.</span><br /><span class="heb">דָֽעַת׃‪‬</span> <span class="translit">(ḏā·‘aṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1847.htm">Strong's 1847: </a> </span><span class="str2">Knowledge</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/36-12.htm">Job 36:12 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/36-12.htm">Job 36:12 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/36-12.htm">Job 36:12 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/36-12.htm">Job 36:12 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/36-12.htm">Job 36:12 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/36-12.htm">Job 36:12 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/36-12.htm">Job 36:12 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/36-12.htm">Job 36:12 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/36-12.htm">Job 36:12 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/36-12.htm">Job 36:12 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/36-12.htm">OT Poetry: Job 36:12 But if they don't listen they shall (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/36-11.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 36:11"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 36:11" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/36-13.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 36:13"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 36:13" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>