CINXE.COM

<!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 12:18 He loosens the bonds placed by kings and fastens a belt around their waists.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/job/12-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/8/18_Job_12_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Job 12:18 - Job Responds to Zophar" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He loosens the bonds placed by kings and fastens a belt around their waists." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/job/12-18.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/job/12-18.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/job/">Job</a> > <a href="/job/12.htm">Chapter 12</a> > Verse 18</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" 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="/ad18.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/12-17.htm" title="Job 12:17">◄</a> Job 12:18 <a href="/job/12-19.htm" title="Job 12:19">►</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/12.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/12.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />He takes off the shackles put on by kings and ties a loincloth around their waist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/job/12.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />He removes the royal robe of kings. They are led away with ropes around their waist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/job/12.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />He looses the bonds of kings and binds a waistcloth on their hips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/job/12.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />He loosens the bonds placed by kings and fastens a belt around their waists.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/job/12.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/job/12.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />He loosens the bonds of kings, And binds their waist with a belt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/job/12.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />“He undoes the binding of kings, And ties a loincloth around their waist.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/job/12.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220He loosens the bond of kings And binds their loins with a girdle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/job/12.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“He loosens the bond of kings, And binds their loins with a girdle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/job/12.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />He opens the bond of kings And binds their loins with a belt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/job/12.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />“He loosens the bond of kings And binds their loins with a loincloth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/job/12.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He releases the bonds put on by kings and fastens a belt around their waists.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/job/12.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />He releases the bonds put on by kings and fastens a belt around their waists. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/job/12.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />He looseth the bond of kings, And he bindeth their loins with a girdle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/job/12.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and makes slaves of kings. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/job/12.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />He looseth the bond of kings, and bindeth their loins with a girdle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/job/12.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />He loosens kings' belts and strips them of their pants.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/job/12.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He dethrones kings and makes them prisoners; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/job/12.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />He strips away the authority of kings to punish and puts them in prison clothes instead.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/job/12.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />He loosens the bonds placed by kings and fastens a belt around their waists.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/job/12.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />He loosens the bonds of kings and binds a loincloth around their waist. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/job/12.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />He loosens the bond of kings. He binds their waist with a belt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/job/12.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/job/12.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />He loosens the bond of kings. He binds their waist with a belt. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/job/12.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />He has opened the bands of kings, "" And He binds a girdle on their loins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/job/12.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> The bands of kings He hath opened, And He bindeth a girdle on their loins.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/job/12.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />He loosed the bonds of kings, and he will gird upon their loins a girdle.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/job/12.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />He looseth the belt of kings, and girdeth their loins with a cord. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/job/12.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />He removes the belt of kings and encircles their waist with a rope.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/job/12.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />He loosens the belt of kings, ties a waistcloth on their loins. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/job/12.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />He looses the sash of kings, and binds a waistcloth on their loins.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/job/12.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />He brings kings down to beg at the gates, and girds their loins with girdles of power.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/job/12.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />He brings down Kings to the gates and binds a belt on their waist<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/job/12.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />He looseth the bond of kings, And bindeth their loins with a girdle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/job/12.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />He seats kings upon thrones, and girds their loins with a girdle.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/job/12-18.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=1874" 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/12.htm">Job Responds to Zophar</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">17</span>He leads counselors away barefoot and makes fools of judges. <span class="reftext">18</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/6605.htm" title="6605: pit·tê·aḥ (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve. A primitive root; to open wide; specifically, to loosen, begin, plough, carve.">He loosens</a> <a href="/hebrew/4148.htm" title="4148: mū·sar (N-msc) -- Discipline, chastening, correction. From yacar; properly, chastisement; figuratively, reproof, warning or instruction; also restraint.">the bonds</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: mə·lā·ḵîm (N-mp) -- King. From malak; a king.">placed by kings</a> <a href="/hebrew/631.htm" title="631: way·ye’·sōr (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To tie, bind, imprison. A primitive root; to yoke or hitch; by analogy, to fasten in any sense, to join battle.">and fastens</a> <a href="/hebrew/232.htm" title="232: ’ê·zō·wr (N-ms) -- A waist cloth. From 'aziqqiym; something girt; a belt, also a band.">a belt</a> <a href="/hebrew/4975.htm" title="4975: bə·mā·ṯə·nê·hem (Prep-b:: N-mdc:: 3mp) -- Loins. From an unused root meaning to be slender; properly, the waist or small of the back; only in plural the loins.">around their waists.</a> </span><span class="reftext">19</span>He leads priests away barefoot and overthrows the established.…<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="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a></span><br />He changes the times and seasons; He removes kings and establishes them. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/107-40.htm">Psalm 107:40</a></span><br />He pours out contempt on the nobles and makes them wander in a trackless wasteland.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/22-21.htm">Isaiah 22:21-22</a></span><br />I will clothe him with your robe and tie your sash around him. I will put your authority in his hand, and he will be a father to the dwellers of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. / I will place on his shoulder the key to the house of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/45-1.htm">Isaiah 45:1</a></span><br />This is what the LORD says to Cyrus His anointed, whose right hand I have grasped to subdue nations before him, to disarm kings, to open the doors before him, so that the gates will not be shut:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/2-7.htm">1 Samuel 2:7-8</a></span><br />The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/8-15.htm">Proverbs 8:15-16</a></span><br />By me kings reign, and rulers enact just laws; / By me princes rule, and all nobles who govern justly.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/4-17.htm">Daniel 4:17</a></span><br />This decision is the decree of the watchers, the verdict declared by the holy ones, so that the living will know that the Most High rules over the kingdom of mankind and gives it to whom He wishes, setting over it the lowliest of men.’<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/5-18.htm">Daniel 5:18-21</a></span><br />As for you, O king, the Most High God gave your father Nebuchadnezzar sovereignty and greatness, glory and honor. / Because of the greatness that He bestowed on him, the people of every nation and language trembled in fear before him. He killed whom he wished and kept alive whom he wished; he exalted whom he wished and humbled whom he wished. / But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/3-1.htm">Isaiah 3:1-3</a></span><br />For behold, the Lord GOD of Hosts is about to remove from Jerusalem and Judah both supply and support: the whole supply of food and water, / the mighty man and the warrior, the judge and the prophet, the soothsayer and the elder, / the commander of fifty and the dignitary, the counselor, the cunning magician, and the clever enchanter.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/21-26.htm">Ezekiel 21:26</a></span><br />This is what the Lord GOD says: ‘Remove the turban, and take off the crown. Things will not remain as they are: Exalt the lowly and bring low the exalted.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52</a></span><br />He has brought down rulers from their thrones, but has exalted the humble.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/1-27.htm">1 Corinthians 1:27-28</a></span><br />But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. / He chose the lowly and despised things of the world, and the things that are not, to nullify the things that are,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/4-10.htm">James 4:10</a></span><br />Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will exalt you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/5-5.htm">1 Peter 5:5-6</a></span><br />Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” / Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">He looses the bond of kings, and girds their loins with a girdle.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/2_chronicles/33-11.htm">2 Chronicles 33:11-14</a></b></br> Wherefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the host of the king of Assyria, which took Manasseh among the thorns, and bound him with fetters, and carried him to Babylon… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/52-31.htm">Jeremiah 52:31-34</a></b></br> And it came to pass in the seven and thirtieth year of the captivity of Jehoiachin king of Judah, in the twelfth month, in the five and twentieth <i>day</i> of the month, <i>that</i> Evilmerodach king of Babylon in the <i>first</i> year of his reign lifted up the head of Jehoiachin king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/2-21.htm">Daniel 2:21</a></b></br> And he changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings: he giveth wisdom unto the wise, and knowledge to them that know understanding:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/1-3.htm">Band</a> <a href="/job/6-19.htm">Bands</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-8.htm">Belt</a> <a href="/job/5-18.htm">Bindeth</a> <a href="/job/5-18.htm">Binds</a> <a href="/2_kings/14-26.htm">Bond</a> <a href="/ezra/7-26.htm">Bonds</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-6.htm">Chains</a> <a href="/hosea/5-2.htm">Fetter</a> <a href="/1_kings/20-11.htm">Girdeth</a> <a href="/2_kings/1-8.htm">Girdle</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-2.htm">Government</a> <a href="/job/3-14.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/job/12-21.htm">Loosens</a> <a href="/job/12-14.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/job/9-22.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/36-6.htm">Shackles</a> <a href="/judges/16-11.htm">Ties</a> <a href="/psalms/33-10.htm">Undoes</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/10-10.htm">Waist</a> <a href="/jeremiah/13-11.htm">Waistcloth</a> <a href="/exodus/17-13.htm">Weakeneth</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/15-34.htm">Band</a> <a href="/job/38-9.htm">Bands</a> <a href="/job/12-21.htm">Belt</a> <a href="/job/26-8.htm">Bindeth</a> <a href="/job/26-8.htm">Binds</a> <a href="/proverbs/22-2.htm">Bond</a> <a href="/job/39-5.htm">Bonds</a> <a href="/job/13-27.htm">Chains</a> <a href="/proverbs/7-22.htm">Fetter</a> <a href="/psalms/18-32.htm">Girdeth</a> <a href="/job/12-21.htm">Girdle</a> <a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Government</a> <a href="/job/34-18.htm">Kings</a> <a href="/job/12-21.htm">Loosens</a> <a href="/job/14-3.htm">Opened</a> <a href="/job/12-21.htm">Puts</a> <a href="/job/13-27.htm">Shackles</a> <a href="/hosea/11-4.htm">Ties</a> <a href="/psalms/33-10.htm">Undoes</a> <a href="/job/15-27.htm">Waist</a> <a href="/isaiah/5-27.htm">Waistcloth</a> <a href="/job/12-21.htm">Weakeneth</a><div class="vheading2">Job 12</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/12-1.htm">Job maintains himself against his friends that reprove him</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/job/12-7.htm">He acknowledges the doctrine of God's omnipotence</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/12.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/12.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>He loosens the bonds placed by kings</b><br>This phrase highlights God's sovereignty over earthly rulers and their decrees. In the ancient Near East, kings were seen as the ultimate authority, often believed to be divinely appointed. However, this statement emphasizes that God has the power to override human authority. The imagery of "loosening bonds" suggests liberation and the breaking of constraints, which can be seen in biblical narratives such as the Israelites' exodus from Egypt (<a href="/exodus/12-31.htm">Exodus 12:31-32</a>) and the release of Peter from prison (<a href="/acts/12-6.htm">Acts 12:6-11</a>). It underscores the theme that God can free individuals and nations from oppression, regardless of the power of earthly rulers.<p><b>and fastens a belt around their waists.</b><br>The act of fastening a belt signifies preparation and readiness, often associated with girding oneself for action or service. In biblical times, a belt was used to secure garments, allowing for freedom of movement and indicating a state of preparedness. This phrase can be seen as a metaphor for God equipping and empowering individuals for specific tasks or roles. It may also imply a shift in authority or responsibility, as seen in the anointing of new leaders or the rise of unexpected figures in biblical history, such as David's anointing as king (<a href="/1_samuel/16-13.htm">1 Samuel 16:13</a>). The belt can symbolize strength and support, reflecting how God provides what is necessary for His purposes to be fulfilled.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/job.htm">Job</a></b><br>The central figure in the Book of Job, a man of great faith and patience who undergoes severe trials and suffering.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/kings.htm">Kings</a></b><br>Represents earthly rulers and authorities who wield power and influence over nations and people.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a></b><br>The ultimate sovereign who has control over all creation, including the rise and fall of earthly powers.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_over_earthly_powers.htm">God's Sovereignty Over Earthly Powers</a></b><br>God has the ultimate authority over all rulers and kingdoms. No matter how powerful a king or leader may seem, God can loosen their control or strengthen it according to His divine will.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_temporary_nature_of_human_authority.htm">The Temporary Nature of Human Authority</a></b><br>Earthly power is transient and subject to God's will. This should remind us not to place our ultimate trust in human leaders but in God, who is eternal and unchanging.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trust_in_god's_justice.htm">Trust in God's Justice</a></b><br>Even when it seems that unjust rulers prosper, we can trust that God is just and will ultimately bring about His righteous purposes. Our role is to remain faithful and patient, trusting in His timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/humility_in_leadership.htm">Humility in Leadership</a></b><br>For those in positions of authority, this verse serves as a reminder to lead with humility, recognizing that their power is granted by God and can be taken away by Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/encouragement_in_times_of_oppression.htm">Encouragement in Times of Oppression</a></b><br>For those under oppressive rule, this verse offers hope that God can change circumstances and bring liberation, as He is the one who loosens bonds and fastens belts.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_job_12.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Job 12</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_god_truthful_with_deceiver_deceived.htm">In Job 12:16, how can God be responsible for both the deceiver and the deceived without contradicting verses that uphold His truthfulness?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_adoram's_stoning_in_1_kings_12_18_verified.htm">Is there any external record confirming the swift stoning of Adoram in 1 Kings 12:18, or does this raise doubts about the event's historicity?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/michal's_punishment__biblical_marriage_views.htm">2 Samuel 6:20-23 - How does Michal's punishment for her criticism align with other biblical teachings on marriage and respect between spouses?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_findings_confirm_1_samuel_18_events.htm">Are there any historical or archaeological findings that confirm or challenge the events and relationships mentioned in 1 Samuel 18?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/job/12.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) <span class= "bld">He looseth the bond of kings.</span>--He looseth the confederacy of kings, by which they bind themselves together, and girdeth them to fight against each other. Some understand it of the girdle of servitude in contrast to the girdle of state.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/job/12.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 18.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">He looseth the bond of kings, and girdeth their loins with a girdle</span>. This may either mean that God at his pleasure both looses kings from captivity, and also binds them with a cord and causes them to be carried away captive; or that he looses the authority which kings have over their subjects, and then lets them be carried away captive by their enemies. The latter is perhaps the more probable sense. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/job/12-18.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">He loosens</span><br /><span class="heb">פִּתֵּ֑חַ</span> <span class="translit">(pit·tê·aḥ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6605.htm">Strong's 6605: </a> </span><span class="str2">To open wide, to loosen, begin, plough, carve</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the bonds</span><br /><span class="heb">מוּסַ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(mū·sar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4148.htm">Strong's 4148: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chastisement, reproof, warning, instruction, restraint</span><br /><br /><span class="word">placed by kings</span><br /><span class="heb">מְלָכִ֣ים</span> <span class="translit">(mə·lā·ḵîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and fastens</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֶּאְסֹ֥ר</span> <span class="translit">(way·ye’·sōr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_631.htm">Strong's 631: </a> </span><span class="str2">To yoke, hitch, to fasten, to join battle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a belt</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵ֝ז֗וֹר</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·zō·wr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_232.htm">Strong's 232: </a> </span><span class="str2">Something girt, a belt, a band</span><br /><br /><span class="word">around their waists.</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּמָתְנֵיהֶֽם׃</span> <span class="translit">(bə·mā·ṯə·nê·hem)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - mdc | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4975.htm">Strong's 4975: </a> </span><span class="str2">The waist, small of the back, the loins</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/job/12-18.htm">Job 12:18 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/job/12-18.htm">Job 12:18 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/job/12-18.htm">Job 12:18 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/job/12-18.htm">Job 12:18 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/job/12-18.htm">Job 12:18 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/job/12-18.htm">Job 12:18 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/job/12-18.htm">Job 12:18 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/job/12-18.htm">Job 12:18 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/job/12-18.htm">Job 12:18 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/job/12-18.htm">Job 12:18 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/job/12-18.htm">OT Poetry: Job 12:18 He loosens the bond of kings (Jb) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/job/12-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Job 12:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Job 12:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/job/12-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Job 12:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Job 12:19" /></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>